Nothing like the groom getting arrested to out the kibosh on Madison’s and Troy’s wedding.
I followed along as Madison frantically worked on the fringes to clear her intended’s name. I thought Troy pulled a really stupid stunt that landed him into even more hot water, he should have known better.
The plot was intricate but not so complicated that it cousins be unraveled.
I liked the focus on a few other characters because it deepened the association with them, epically one whom I knew we’d see again.
Madison does finally get her ceremony but in a manner that is much more befitting of her personality and preferences.

What does the rape and murder of a girl 24 years ago have to do with the current day murders of two victims? After all, a man was prosecuted and sent to jail back then. It is even more disturbing in that SWAT leader Troy Matthews is arrested in the current murders.

While it is disturbing to think that there are cops who "phone it in" when there seems to be a clear suspect, it would be unrealistic to think that never happens. Detective Carson Snow has been given orders by his superior and at first, even though there are items about the first murder that don't seem to add up, he does as he's told.

Detective Madison Knight, Troy's fiancé, knows she can't investigate the current murders but there's nothing stopping her from looking into the murder from 24 years ago. Through her doggedness, her and her partner Terry come up with some pertinent clues.

It may have been obvious from early on that Troy was innocent, it was a winding road to finding out who was behind the current murders, and why. This was a fast-paced story that had me turning the pages not only to see who the murderer was but also what may have happened to Troy while locked up.

A high schooler, Emily Kane, was brutally raped and strangled 24 years ago at a beach party. A fellow student was arrested and has served his time, but the story is definitely not over.

Troy Matthews and Detective Madison Knight are finally tying the knot. Before they can even begin their vows, the police arrive to arrest Troy Matthews for murder. You will be scratching your head wondering why would a decorated police officer commit a murder right before his wedding? Troy is just as puzzled, but it is immediately apparent that they are not interested in any further investigation into this murder. They are so sure they have their man that they do not feel the need to look at any other suspects.

Troy and two other friends were character witnesses for the rapist all those years ago. One friend was already dead, and now one has been murdered. They believe that Troy is the murderer because he was, in fact, responsible for the rape and murder all those years ago, so he is cleaning house, at least according to the detectives in charge.

If you know anything about Detective Madison Knight, you know she will not take this lying down. This is outside her department, but that will not stop her from investigating this case. She knows Troy would never kill anyone, and she believes he is being framed. Now, she just has to prove it without losing her job.

This was a great mystery with many moving parts and pieces. I could sense there was more to this story, but I was quite surprised at where we ended up. Carolyn Arnold has a unique talent for pulling the reader into her stories so that you feel as if you are living in the pages of the book. Madison is a strong-willed and highly intelligent, although a little high-strung, detective who is like a dog with a bone once she starts working on a case. She believes in justice. This case is especially personal, but she also has to walk a tightrope while investigating a case that does not belong to her district. Suffice it to say that if I was being accused of a crime that I did not commit, I would definitely want Detective Madison Knight firmly in my corner because she is thorough and definitely a justice seeker.

This was another phenomenal read in the Detective Madison Knight series which was impossible to put down once I started it.

Thank you to Hibbert & Stiles Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Murder at the Lake by Carolyn Arnold is the 13th book in her Madison Knight series. As noted, Carolyn Arnold always gives us exciting suspenseful murder mysteries, led by Detective Madison Knight; and Arnold’s knowledge of police procedurals makes these investigations greaet. This story is a bit different, as Madison and her fiancée, Troy Matthews are in the middle of their wedding ceremony; only to have detectives crash the wedding, and arrest Troy for murder.

Prior to the crashing of the wedding, the story actually opens with a prologue that happened 24 years ago. There was a party on the beach, where a high school senior, Emily Kane was raped and murdered. One of the male friends was arrested, and found guilty and sent to prison. Though the other 3 friends testified that they felt their friend was innocent, but he spent 24 years, and in present time he was just released. Dylan Graham, one of those friends, was found dead in his home, with some evidence (journal entry, and gun) pointing to Troy to be the killer.

While out on bail, and second murder happens, with more evidence pointing again at Troy. When Troy visited the ex-prisoner prior to his death, he actually admits telling Troy that he did kill the girl 24 years ago. Now with this new death, Troy has no idea who is framing him.
Madison is loyal and believes in Troy's innocence, and races to clear his name, going against the orders of her superiors not to investigate the case. Excluded from the official investigation, Madison has to walk a fine line, interviewing the female friends from all those years ago, to try to unravel who could be the real killer. Who is someone in the past that is framing and targeting Troy?

What follows is an exciting, tense, riveting police procedural action filled thriller, as well as surprising developments. I am not a big fan of Madison Knight, but in this book, she was very good, especially determined to find a way to free Troy. Murder at the Lake was a constant guessing game, as there were a number of twists throughout, with lots of suspense and intrigue. Murder on the Lake was so very well written by Carolyn Arnold. If you enjoy mysteries, police procedurals, a tough as nails cop, then you need to be reading this series, as Carolyn Arnold is one of the best in police procedure stories.

This is the thirteenth book in the series. I had a tough time becoming invested in this revenge book.
I couldn’t wait for the story to end. The characters seemed one dimensional to me.

I didn’t like the interruption of the wedding in progress, the total lack of solid evidence against Troy, and the disregard for human decency. The arrest of Troy could have occurred before or after the wedding. There was a total disregard for common courtesy for two dedicated and unblemished police officers. There was no need to publicly humiliate them and disrupt the wedding. Investigate, yes; humiliate – if needed, wait until you have a solid case. It was a 24-year old case.

I was given an advanced e-copy via Netgalley. These are my opinions and may not match your opinion of the story.
I will give this author another try.

I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with a group of high schoolers having a beach party 24 y. A trial was held and an individual was convicted. The story continues with the convicted party getting at of prison.

We next find Troy and Madison getting married, but before that can happen, Troy is arrested for murder. In addition, the evidence at the scene of the murder also implicated Troy in the death that happened at the beach party 24 years earlier. Troy is arraigned and is released on bail. After Troy got back home, he wound up going out to see someone and as reslt of his actions, was charged for an additional murder.

Troy is due to be arraigned once more and this time he would not be getting out on bail. The only way that Troy would be free would be if Madison found the real killer. She began her investigation and unbeknownst to her, someone was stalking her She soon determines that the killings must be associated with the event that happened 24 years earlier. Madison with assistance from Terry begin talking to individuals from that period. Eventually Terry and Madison discovered someone was following their vehicle. Help was called in and a police chase ensued, however the car being chased got away. Soon Terry and Madison with to talk with a suspect and wound up with him being brought to the station.

That same day, Madison was to interview another classmate about information related to the beach party victim. After talking with this person, she then knew who the killer was. After calling it in, she was told to go home. Once she arrived home, she discovered that an unwanted visitor was waiting for her.

To learn who the killer was, what the reason behind the killings, why Troy was being framed and how everything worked out in the end, then you need to read this book.

Love the Madison Knight novels. Great writing and premise. Amazing characters. Page turner. Plenty of suspense to keep me guessing..Definitely looking forward to the next offering. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it

I’d like to thank Hibbert & Styles Publishing Inc and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Murder At The Lake’, a Detective Madison Knight Mystery written by Carolyn Arnold, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Detective Madison Knight and Troy Matthews are minutes away from taking their marriage vows Troy Matthews when detectives from Braybury Police Department storm their home and arrest him on suspicion of the murder of school friend Dylan Graham and also the rape and murder of Emily Kane twenty-four years ago for which Richie Klein has just been released from prison. Madison is told not to get involved but she’s finding it impossible as whoever is framing Troy could now turn their attention to her.

‘Murder At The Lake’ is another excellent story from Carolyn Arnold, an author who can always be relied on to write a gripping and unputdownable thriller. Madison’s partner Detective Terry Grant is again helping to uncover clues as to who from Troy’s past is determined to frame him before time runs out and he’s put behind bars. Carolyn has such an easy way of writing that it’s impossible to stop reading and with the intrigue, suspense and twists and turns, not to mention the highly dramatic conclusion, it’s a novel that keeps grabbing you and won’t let go, and that I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending.

Once again, Carolyn Arnold has penned a strong and impactful tale in the thirteenth book in the Detective Madison Knight mystery series, Murder at the Lake. Twenty-four years ago, Emily Kane was discovered assaulted and strangled at an end of high school beach party. Four friends went their separate ways when one of them was found guilty of her murder. One of those friends is Troy Matthews who plans to marry Detective Madison Knight. However, the wedding is interrupted by the Braybury police arresting Troy for the murder of one of those friends from high school.

Madison is strong, guarded, loyal, intelligent, tenacious, and independent, but her mouth often gets her in trouble; especially with Sergeant Winston. She tends to react first, often jumping to conclusions without fact, and seems to attract confrontation. Madison is not as likeable as many protagonists, but her faults make her feel more realistic than the perfect strong female lead. Driven to solve crimes and seek justice, Madison often goes on instinct, which doesn’t always mean she keeps an open mind. Terry Grant, Madison’s work partner, is a good balance for her. He is fair and balanced, keeps her grounded, and challenges her when it’s needed.

The book has a good mix of suspense and police investigation and has an action-filled ending. Readers are quickly pulled into the story line with a writing style that grabs and holds one’s attention. Fluid writing, great characterization, and a mystery to be solved kept me engaged. I also enjoyed the threads weaving Madison’s person life into the story. Themes include murder, friendship, death, revenge, lack of communication, assault, relationships, and more.

Overall, this was a story that hooked me immediately and pulled me into the lives of the characters. The author did a great job of building suspense throughout the story and weaving the threads together. This novel is fast-paced with a strong female main character. I look forward to seeing what is next for Madison and Terry. Readers of mysteries, crime thrillers, and police procedurals will likely enjoy this series.

Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc. and Carolyn Arnold provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 09, 2024.

Police procedural with strong female Detective who still has compassion. When Troy is arrested in the middle of their wedding and walked out in handcuffs Det Madison knows he is innocent. Sigh, what does that say to you when all this evidence is thrown in your face but you still believe. Det Madison cannot work the case, but that doesn't mean she will stand by. Fast paced page turner, twists, turns surprises. My one holdout that I just can't wrap my head around is Troy not saying anything after he's arrested. Maybe I misconstrued or missed something. Grab the book and put on your detective hat, prepare to be led down a winding road. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review before release date. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #MurderattheLake #DetectiveMadisonKnight #CarolynArnold #Hibbert&Stiles Publishing Inc. #NetGalley

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I really enjoyed this. Haven't read any of her books before but I will now. The story was really gripping. A real page Turner.

I have come to regard Carolyn Arnold as one of my favorite authors, and this latest book is exactly why I do. As always, Carolyn has woven a tale with mystery, action, family/friends, and a great ending.
When Madison and Troy are about to tie the knot, Troy is arrested and accused of murdering a childhood friend he recently had contact with. To outsiders, it is. a clear case of someone setting Troy up. But the evidence appears strong, and the lead detectives feel he is definitely the guilty party. Madison will do everything she can to uncover the truth and set her fiancé free.
While this is part of a series, it is completely able to be read as a standalone. Captivating read from start to finish.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is my first book by the Author in her long running Detective Madison Knight series , and based on this offering won't be my last .

It's Madison's wedding day and just as she sets off up the aisle to her groom , Troy , Police from a neighbouring force
rush in to arrest him .......... he is being charged with the murder of an old childhood friend . Shocked , but determined to find answers and exonerate her fiancé she soon realises that everything is linked to the rape and murder of a teenage girl 24 years ago .
Suspecting the man previously convicted of the crime and recently released from prison is setting up Troy , she soon has
to change her focus for he too soon turns up dead . What is going on ...... what really happened all those years ago ......... who is trying to frame Troy ?
Investigations are hampered by the fact that the force holding Troy is not her own and are quite antagonistic to her , even Troy's sister , a Police Chief , is having to keep a hands off approach - But Madison is determined to find out the truth , whatever the consequences , she will not give up .

This is a well crafted Police procedural , full of twists and turns , with a strong willed female lead character - a real page turner .

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Great thriller 👌 twists and mystery throughout are gripping. Detective Madison is a brilliant character, strong-willed, and very intelligent. I changed my mind regarding killer's identity many times. Fast paced and suspenseful plot. I liked it. First, by the author, but I will read more. Recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

It was hard to put this book down, but I kept finding it necessary just to catch the breath I found I was holding. It was riveting from the start! Madison was a force. She couldn’t be stopped and was constantly hitting roadblocks in her quest to find something to free Troy. I found myself on the edge of my seat numerous times. If you love murder suspense, this is the book for you. Provided by NetGalley.

It's Detective Madison Knight's wedding day. As she walks down the aisle police from a neighboring town burst in and take the groom out in handcuffs. The police have evidence that Troy murdered a former friend from high school. Than another former friend of Troy's is found murdered right after Troy had a confrontation with him. Someone has to be framing him, right? Maddy and the police chief of their town, who is also Troy's sister, are going to do all they can to prove Troy is innocent and find who is framing him. But it's a little difficult for the sister since she is the chief.

I enjoyed this idea of a crime thriller novel, it had everything that I was hoping for and enjoyed the overall suspenseful feel to this book. It had a great overall story going on and thought the atmosphere worked perfectly. Carolyn Arnold has a great writing style and enjoyed the way characters were written perfectly.

Just when Madison and Troy are minutes from saying their "I do's", Troy is arrested for murder. A murder of someone he has never mentioned to Madison. Not only that, but it stems from something that happened when he was in high school, and a classmate was raped and murdered. How could this be possible? Why didn't he say anything to Madison about this? A story you won't want to miss. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

The book opens with the rape and murder of a high school senior, Emily Kane. Although three of his friends, including Troy Matthews, testified that they did not think him capable of the crime, a fourth is arrested, found guilty, and imprisioned.

Skip ahead 24 years and the killer has been set free. It is the day of the wedding between Detective Madison Knight and fellow police officer Troy Matthews. Before the I dos can be said, the ceremony is crashed by a neighboring department’s detectives and Troy is arrested for the murder of Dylan Graham, one of the friends who testified for the defense in the long ago trial. There is concrete evidence of Troy’s guilt, as well as a journal entry by Dylan stating that Troy was Emily’s true killer. Out on bail, a second murder occurs, again with evidence pointing at Troy. As Madison races to clear her fiancee’s name, she uncovers a sinister plot and places her own life in danger.

Although I am a fan of Carolyn Arnold’s writing, Madison Knight is not my favorite of her characters. She is abrasive, impetuous, tenacious. But she is good at her job and has a strong sense of responsibility and justice. Fortunately, her partner, Terry, tempers that impetuousness when necessary. One would have hoped that Troy, as a police officer, even though threatened, would have played the situation a little smarter but who knows how we might respond if we were unjustly accused?

That said, the book is cleverly plotted and another addictive read by Arnold. She always pulls in her reader’s attention. Her police procedurals are engrossing and entertaining.

This can be read as a stand alone. However, there is a lot of history behind the repeating characters and as this is the thirteenth in the series, readers might want to go back and read some of the earlier installments.

Murder at the Lake has us wondering what is going on with Madison and Troy as their wedding gets interrupted by the police arresting Troy.
Can Madison stand back and let the police handle things? It is not in her nature to just stand back especially when this concerns Troy.
Lots of suspense and intrigue!
Will Madison find the truth before Troy is convicted and sent to prison?
You need to read Murder at the Lake to find out!

Carolyn Arnold is a favorite author. I always get excited when I see a new book is coming out that she has written.

Murder at the Lake is the 13th book in the Madison Knight series. I highly encourage you to read the previous books in the series. There is just so much back story you need to know about the main characters.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.