Please welcome Sophia Rose to the blog with one of my favorite authors. Little Girl Gone by Amanda Stevens is the first novel in the Procedural Crime series. Grab a cuppa and see what Sophia has to say about it.
by Amanda Stevens
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
Nothing matters more to her when a child's life is at stake.
Special agent Thea Lamb returns to her hometown to search for a child whose disappearance echoes a twenty-eight-year-old cold case—her twin sister's abduction. Working with her former partner, Jake Stillwell, Thea must overcome the pain, doubt and guilt that have tormented her for years and denied her a meaningful relationship. For both Thea and Jake, the job always came first…until now.
Sophia Rose’s Review
An FBI Special Agent dealing in cold cases is called back to her hometown when her mother is desperate after a second child disappears under some of the same eerie circumstances as twenty-eight years before when they lost Thea’s twin. Second chance romance and thrilling suspense from an already familiar author sounded just the thing.
After finishing up the last in a series from the author’s older series, I was almost gleeful when I came across this new release in a new series from her. Little Girl Gone is standalone in the modern day child disappearance and brings Thea back into contact with an estranged mother and her ex- partner at work and romance. She tries to put the past aside as they work to save this second missing child with the clock ticking since the disappearance from the same bedroom her twin sister Maya had 28 years before. Some of the same people are around Reggie, of course, and her newly released boyfriend from the time, a weirdo neighbor, Kylie’s abusive dad, and more, but also a set of bones turns up. Thea is on the trail and it is no longer cold and the danger is close.
There is the complication of Thea’s relationship with her mother, Reggie, and that was woven into the suspense particularly as Thea is starting to recall stuff from the older case now that the new case is being investigated and wants answers.
Thea and Jake had their careers get in their way when Jake took a promotion. They are professional, but uneasy at first. The spark is still there and they iron things out as they work with Jake’s team to find little Kylie. I enjoyed that the romance was in balance with the situation since a poor, scared child was out there missing and that had to be the priority, but there is still progress.
There were lagging moments, but for the most part- especially since the author really lavished the local scene with atmosphere, I enjoyed this one. It ended on a good note though there are unresolved bits about the older cold case that I imagine carries forward into the next book with a new case. Those who enjoy FBI romantic suspense settings and a thriller-tone should definitely try this one.
Little Girl Gone by Amanda Stevens is perfect for those who enjoy FBI romantic suspense and. thriller tone. #bookreview #SophiaRose Share on XAbout Amanda Stevens
Amanda Stevens is the award-winning author of over fifty novels, including the modern gothic series, The Graveyard Queen. Her books have been described as eerie and atmospheric, “a new take on the classic ghost story.” Born and raised in the rural south, she now resides in Houston, Texas, where she enjoys binge-watching, bike riding and the occasional Horror Night with friends.
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About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Katherine
This sounds good and I do enjoy romantic suspense. I typically avoid any child in peril story but this sounds like it was lightly enough done that it would be an interesting read.
Sophia Rose
It was pretty good, Katherine. I should warn you that the child kidnapping is the central issue and the cold case part carries over to the next book. Hope you end up enjoying it if you get the chance. 🙂
Debbie Haupt
I need to read some HQN Intrigue I don’t think I’ve read this author either but you know I love me some Harlequin romance. Thanks Sophia Rose
Sophia Rose
I was really excited when I saw several familiar authors writing for Intrigue these days.
Melliane
I loved some of her books but it’s been a while since I haven’t read one of her books
Sophia Rose
Yeah, I just finished up my old ones last year. 🙂 Her stuff is pretty good.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life
Oh, I have been wanting to read this author for a long time and this sounds excellent!
Sophia Rose
Yes, this was a solid, fast read that will give you a good idea if you like her stuff. I loved her southern gothic Graveyard Queen series and this is also good.
Nadene
How did I miss this one? Glad to know that despite the lagging moments it was an enjoyable read.
Sophia Rose
I was glad it caught my eye when I was looking for a mystery. I enjoyed her Graveyard Queen books and wanted to try a whole new series. It was fun that the slightly creepy was still there. 🙂
Jonetta | Blue Mood Cafe
I enjoyed this one, too, despite that awful cover! Wonderful review, Sophia💜
I plan to read the next book.
Sophia Rose
I stared at that cover for the longest time. LOL, it sure does distract. Good story, though!
Ailyn Koay
I think i saw a similar synopsis in your blog ages ago? missing sister story probably needs a revamp. And the cover looks a little odd in the angle…
Sophia Rose
It is a popular mystery situation. Isn’t that cover interesting? I stared for the longest time to realize the woman is put over the child’s outline. It works for this sort of story.
Ailyn Koay
is that what it is , it does draw attention
Sophia Rose
Yes, odd and different, for sure.