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Carolyn Arnold
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Justified: An absolutely addictive gripping mystery thriller (Detective Madison Knight Series Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Carolyn Arnold (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 2,718 ratings
“Outstanding plot, unique twists and turns, and the writing style is superb…Highly recommend for crime and mystery fans.” —Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

She could feel her life draining from her body, but there was nothing she could do except wait until it was all over…and for the darkness to descend upon her.

The brutal murder of Claire Reeves, a successful entrepreneur, darkens Christmas Eve for Detective Madison Knight, who is assigned the case. Claire was found stabbed in her home, and her intimate attire would suggest her killer was someone close to her, but Madison knows things aren’t always as they appear.

As Madison investigates, the lies and secrets pile up and reveal a long list of people who aren’t shedding any tears that Claire’s dead. Friends, lovers, and former business partners—they’re all suspects. After all, Claire’s love was money, and she thought nothing of betraying even those closest to her. No one can be trusted, but if there’s going to be justice, Madison will need to determine who had the most motive to pull off the crime. But just when Madison thinks she’s getting closer to finding the truth, there’s a deadly twist she never saw coming.

An absolutely gripping mystery thriller. Perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Rachel Caine, and Robert Dugoni.

Readers love Justified:

“Awesome book from a fantastic series.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This case was so complicated it kept me reading until the early hours.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Loved the previous one and now I’m officially addicted.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Totally draws you in and captures your attention.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A really good mystery with great characters.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“My highest praise, this is some great story telling!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Arnold kept [me] guessing right to the end.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I honestly consider this series like a favorite show…friendly, dependable characters and an intriguing case.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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  1. Book 2 of 13
    Detective Madison Knight Series
  2. Print length
    290 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    December 7, 2013
  6. File size
    3.5 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Readers love Carolyn Arnold:

"OMG YES. This was an amazing book... I couldn't put it down... Best book I read this year." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"My heart is still beating fast! Wow!! By far, one of the bestthrillers I've read in a long time! The characters were great and no one would everguess the ending! This story knocks it out of the ballpark!!" Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Wow! Could not put this down. So many twists and surprises. Highly recommend!" Goodreadsreviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"If there was a way to give more than 5 stars, I would! This book isamazing!... It'sfast paced and will have you turning pages ever faster! Never a dull moment!Extremely well written as well as thought out!" Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"What a great book! I read it in one day and had so many twists andturns I never saw the ending coming!" Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I have NEVER had my heart pumping as it does in this series." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Wow! Thisbook hooked me from the very beginning and didn't let go." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I fell for this book like a fish takes to water... Made me gasp and feel the absolute fear... Ican without a doubt tell you that I did not see the ending coming." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"From page one I was hooked. It started off at a fast pace and sucked me in...This book was greatand it was full of suspense. I absolutely loved the ending. It was not what orwho I was expecting at all!" Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Wow!Carolyn Arnold has you sitting on the edge of the seat with this book. I never gotclose to solving this mystery." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"This book was fast paced from page one. It had me sucked in andI hated putting it down." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"What a terrific read this was. In the space of an afternoon I read the wholestory, not wanting to put the book down until I knew the outcome." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Moves at breakneck speed from beginning to end. This book kept me on the edge of my seatlate into the night. There are a lot of twists and turns and the story stayssuspenseful throughout. I could not guess what was coming next." Goodreadsreviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I could not put down until the very end. It was a thrilling edge-of-your-seat ride."Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Awesome book. Carolyn Arnold did an extraordinary job keeping me guessingon 'who done it'. It was very difficult to set this book aside." Goodreadsreviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the Author

Detective Madison Knight Series
Murder. Investigation. The pursuit of justice.

Nail-biting police procedurals for those who love their mysteries honest and true to life. These stories are praised and respected by law enforcement for their accuracy and pull readers into the investigations, enticing them to put the clues together and solve the case before the cops. Step behind the crime scene tape, enter the morgue, and get an up-close look at forensics with Detective Madison Knight. She's with Major Crimes for the Stiles Police Department--a fictional US city with authentic cases. She's fiercely independent and tenacious and will stop at nothing to get justice for murder victims.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B006JM6IEU
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc.
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 7, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.5 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 290 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1988064116
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 13 ‏ : ‎ Detective Madison Knight Series
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 2,718 ratings

About the author

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Carolyn Arnold

Carolyn Arnold

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To keep current on author news, sign up for Carolyn Arnold’s newsletter through her website.

Book Series by Carolyn Arnold:

Detective Madison Knight

Brandon Fisher FBI

Detective Amanda Steele

Sandra Vos

Matthew Connor Adventure

Sara and Sean Cozy Mystery Series

CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. Her crime fiction series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining. This led to her adopting the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives near London, Ontario, Canada with her husband and two beagles.

Follow Carolyn Arnold on social media:

Facebook: Author Carolyn Arnold

Twitter: Carolyn_Arnold

Instagram: authorcarolynarnold

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
2,718 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's plot twists, describing it as a steady-paced mystery with well-done plots and subplots. The writing style is well-executed, making it an engaging read, and customers love the series. The character development receives mixed reactions - while some find the characters compelling, others say they're not likeable. The author receives positive feedback, with one customer noting the author's evolution in the book. Some customers find the main character irritating and rude.

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106 customers mention "Plot twists"90 positive16 negative

Customers enjoy the book's plot twists, describing it as a suspenseful story with well-done plots and subplots that keep readers involved.

"...characters and develop them, has a fantastic storyline with plenty of plot twists and it challenges you to figure out the murderer and you won't get..." Read more

"...And there are some interesting and compelling characters in Carolyn Arnolds Madison Knight series - folks you are comfortable with and would call a..." Read more

"...It just shows her determination to catch the killer. She admits she had no domestic skills. But she’s trying!!" Read more

"Story itself is not too bad. Cannot stand the main character. Enough so, that I quite reading the book." Read more

85 customers mention "Readability"85 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and thoroughly enjoyable, with one mentioning it's a good beach or commuting read.

"...So purchase knowing you are in for a fantastic read, by an author who has a fantastic writing style, who knows how to introduce characters and..." Read more

"Awesome! A real page turner, Madison is a good detective and works hard for justice...." Read more

"...A great journey and I couldn't put it down. Well done!" Read more

"This was a very good book and I enjoyed reading it. The murder of a wealthy woman who made software for businesses then took their money...." Read more

27 customers mention "Writing style"22 positive5 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, finding it well-crafted and easy to read.

"...you are in for a fantastic read, by an author who has a fantastic writing style, who knows how to introduce characters and develop them, has a..." Read more

"I love the writing style of popular and prolific author Carolyn Arnold. Each novel is so well written and easy to read...." Read more

"...The novel was largely well written. However, there were a few grammar and spelling errors in the Kindle version that I read...." Read more

"...First time reading this author, but really enjoyed her writing. I have recommended her books to others already. Great reads, keeps you thinking!" Read more

9 customers mention "Author"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the author's work, with one customer noting how Madison Knight's character has evolved in this book.

"I love the writing style of popular and prolific author Carolyn Arnold. Each novel is so well written and easy to read...." Read more

"...I read it quickly and feel like the author really evolved in this book compared to the first in the series! I am very excited to start the next book!" Read more

"A good, well written mystery. Characters that you can relate to. I'll definitely look for more books in this series." Read more

"Great reading ! Love Madison." Read more

9 customers mention "Series content"9 positive0 negative

Customers love the series, with one mentioning it's the second book in the Detective Madison Knight series.

"...I honestly consider this series like a favorite show...." Read more

"This is the second book of the series and I have to say that I liked it better than the first...." Read more

"I have read book 1 and 2 and can't wait to continue on with book 3. Best series I've read in a long time." Read more

"I love the Madison Knight series! Knight thinks outside the box and stays on her toes, which makes me want to keep reading more." Read more

56 customers mention "Character development"29 positive27 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the characters in the book, with some finding them compelling and the lead detective good, while others find them not likeable.

"...by an author who has a fantastic writing style, who knows how to introduce characters and develop them, has a fantastic storyline with plenty of..." Read more

"Story itself is not too bad. Cannot stand the main character. Enough so, that I quite reading the book." Read more

"...And there are some interesting and compelling characters in Carolyn Arnolds Madison Knight series - folks you are comfortable with and would call a..." Read more

"...Many, many characters but all were described well which made it easier for me to keep up as to who's who...." Read more

10 customers mention "Annoyance"0 positive10 negative

Customers find the main character rude and snarky, with one customer specifically mentioning excessive bullying behavior towards her partner.

"...Maddy was always an over the top character but in Justified she was very rude, self centered and at times even cruel...." Read more

"...not like Madison, she is a man hater, who is so hateful and surly to everyone around her, that she needs to be reigned in, before she gets killed by..." Read more

"...But now in book #2 Madison is becoming more annoying. She never stops to live her life and criticizes Terry for wanting to live his...." Read more

"...50 or 60 times through out the book and needless to say, became very annoying...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Sharon Hass
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Who did it?
    Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Loved this gripping tale of who did it! Detective Madison Knight is dedicated to her job to the point that it is a fault as she doesn't allow herself enough down time, but she is a fantastic detective and we get to follow her thought processes throughout this well written, page turning story. You won't want to put this one down until you have finished it as it grabs you from the get go with a brutal murder and you don't a clue to the real killer until the very end of the book! So purchase knowing you are in for a fantastic read, by an author who has a fantastic writing style, who knows how to introduce characters and develop them, has a fantastic storyline with plenty of plot twists and it challenges you to figure out the murderer and you won't get there until the very end of this fantastic story.
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  • Maijaquips2
    4.0 out of 5 stars Kept me interested
    Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This was a very good book and I enjoyed reading it. The murder of a wealthy woman who made software for businesses then took their money. Many, many characters but all were described well which made it easier for me to keep up as to who's who. A little romance by the main character and her boyfriend was a good touch as they couldn't seem to find common ground...until the end.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars "An Exciting Novel From Beginning to End"
    Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I love the writing style of popular and prolific author Carolyn Arnold. Each novel is so well written and easy to read. This is the second novel in the Madison Knight series. I was drawn into it right from the beginning. Detective Knight of the Stiles PD now is standing over a bloody woman's corpse, trying to fight back the bile rising in her throat. This murder is very gruesome with blood totally surrounding the entire body of Clair Reeves, 43 years old, who lives alone. It's Christmas Eve, and there is no sign of forced entry, and it's obviously a crime of passion. The maid who found the body, Allison Minard, had told her Clair had many sexual partners and that Clair was disliked by many people, herself included. As Madison's investigation of the crime scene continues, she sends her partner, Terry Grant, home to be with his wife. Maddy is alone this holiday and wished she could have a normal life of loved ones around her. After the body is removed, a white feather lays on the floor, without any blood on it. It just might be an important clue. But as Madison and Terry scramble to solve this crime, Maddy also has to resolve her romantic issues of her personal life. It's like she's carrying a double backpack on her shoulders. Outstanding plot, unique twists and turns, and writing style is superb. This story is very suspenseful and riveting. Highly recommend for crime and mystery fans.
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  • Georgann M Richard
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not My Favorite
    Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I’ve enjoyed all of the previous novels I read by Carolyn Arnold including Maddy Knight ones but this one I found aggravating and at times upsetting. Maddy was always an over the top character but in Justified she was very rude, self centered and at times even cruel. The thing I found most upsetting revolved around her treatment of the puppy she was given by her partner in an attempt to bring some comfort to her life. As an animal lover who abhors any poor treatment or neglect of animals I found the way the author wrote about Maddy becoming a puppy owner was very irresponsible. Far too many people acquire a puppy or even a grown dog without knowing all the things that go into their care. Ms Arnold could have used this as an opportunity to educate people into what’s required to be a responsible dog owner. Leaving a young puppy for hours then yelling at it because they couldn’t hold their need to go potty was beyond my tolerance level. I sure hope the author never does this again! Instead of being able to enjoy the novel I was distracted by the mistreatment of the poor little puppy throughout the novel.
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  • Mustang Cherokee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Murder, Who done it storyline.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This is the 2nd book in the Madison Knight series. I am giving it a 5 for the storyline of the murder, why she was killed, and how Madison, Terry, and Cynthia solved it.

    But I do not like Madison, she is a man hater, who is so hateful and surly to everyone around her, that she needs to be reigned in, before she gets killed by someone she knows.

    She had a bad relationship, so she whines about men, she treats her friend Cynthia like an imbecile, her male partner Terry, follows her around like a dog. He has no voice or say, she complains if her Sgt. calls and checks on her, well as a Forensic Medical Examiner, my boss calls all the time, and I don’t get upset. Her family hates her, I can see why, she is not likable.

    Too bad, because this Woman can write Murder scenes and who done it’s like a pro.
    14 people found this helpful
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  • Bonnye Reed Fry
    4.0 out of 5 stars A compelling series
    Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The second of a series, Justified is completely stand-alone, but as with all series, the varied characters are richer when the series is read. And there are some interesting and compelling characters in Carolyn Arnolds Madison Knight series - folks you are comfortable with and would call a friend. Madison is definitely friend material, as is her partner Terry, and in Justified they encounter some pretty formidable bad guys - and dolls - who keep them on their toes. I can highly recommend CArolyn Arnold to friends and family - you will find her work will keep you reading into the night.
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  • R. J. Krzak, Award-Winning Author
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hey Ho, Here We Go With Madison!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Carolyn Arnold has done it again! Justified continues the crime adventures of Detective Madison Knight and her partner, Terry.
    It's Christmas time, bit no rest for the detectives of the Major Crimes Division as a dead body is found. Madison, definitely an A-type personality, gives the crime the same attention as she does with every murder. Focused on identifying the culprit, she is at odds with Terry, her boyfriend, and even her police sergeant. Despite this, Madison believes that everyone deserves her undivided attention.

    Who is behind the death of Claire Reeves? There's certainly no lack of potential candidates, but why was she killed? Love, money or blackmail? Madison and Terry take us on a journey through Claire's past. For every person cleared new clues point to someone else. Undeterred, Madison forges forward with Terry's assistance until they find the culprit. A great journey and I couldn't put it down. Well done!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Seb Barrow
    5.0 out of 5 stars Warts and all.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 14, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Madison appears to be one of the most awkward people ever. But she makes for a good detective. And she puts her partner through the wringer whilst working a case.
    One murder and so many suspects and plenty of red herrings. Not an easy one for Madison to work through and then add in her personal life!
    Good enjoyable read as expected of Carolyn Arnold.
    Report
  • audrey
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love the Madison Knight series and the author never disappoints
    Reviewed in Australia on March 26, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I love the Madison Knight series and the author never disappoints.
    Maddy manages to solve the crime & juggle her love life all at the same time.
    A really good read.
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  • Lynne Petherbridge
    5.0 out of 5 stars Justified
    Reviewed in Canada on July 8, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoy this author. I've read quite a few of them and enjoyed everyone. Carolyn Arnold can really puts the twists in at the end.
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  • Toots Sullivan
    4.0 out of 5 stars I don’t know that I was a thriller
    Reviewed in Australia on October 11, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    But I did really enjoy it though. Saying it wasn’t a thriller for me, is because it didn’t make my heart pump, didn’t make me need to put it down to take a break from, with anxieties about what was happening In The book.
    Yet this book is an excellent read. Often sour, angry and uncommunicative characters, mix with liars, cheats and calculated deceivers and murderers, as the crime is solved. There is also a soft and lighthearted side.
    Unfortunate there is some crudeness, coarseness and the rare ‘f’ word. But this is not normal.
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Was good
    Reviewed in Canada on October 16, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed the book. The characters were interesting and amusing at times. Looking forward to reading the next installment
    Report

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