Book cover for Fatal Testimony by Carolyn Arnold, a Detective Madison Knight prequel. The cover features a stately courthouse illuminated at night, its classical columns and stone façade standing beneath a dark, rain-filled sky. Streaks of rain fall across the scene while blurred red and blue police lights reflect along the street in the foreground, creating an atmosphere of urgency and danger. The author’s name appears prominently at the top, with the title Fatal Testimony displayed in large white lettering at the center. At the bottom, the tagline reads, “A Merciless Crime Thriller and Police Procedural.” The combination of the courthouse, stormy weather, and police lights evokes themes of justice, corruption, high-stakes testimony, and a relentless criminal investigation.

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Fatal Testimony

A Merciless Crime Thriller and Police Procedural

Detective Madison Knight Prequel

From international bestselling author Carolyn Arnold comes a gripping police procedural that introduces Detective Madison Knight as she takes on the city’s most dangerous crime boss.

A witness is dead. A defense attorney has vanished. Justice hangs by a thread.

For years, rookie Detective Madison Knight has pursued Dimitre Petrov, the ruthless head of the Russian Mafia she holds responsible for her grandfather’s death. Now she’s finally brought him to trial for murder, determined to see him pay for his crimes. But when a surprise witness takes the stand, the testimony threatens to unravel the case against him.

When the witness is murdered and defense attorney Bryan Lexan vanishes without a trace, Madison suspects Dimitre is still pulling strings from behind bars. Could he be using his criminal network to control the outcome of his trial?

As Madison digs deeper, she hits one dead end after another. Witnesses are reluctant to talk, and fear keeps those who might help her from coming forward. Refusing to back down, she presses on, even if it puts her own life on the line—and the path to justice is anything but straightforward.

Perfect for fans of gritty police procedurals, courtroom drama, and high-stakes mob intrigue. Readers who enjoy D. K. Hood, J. M. Dalgliesh, and Rachel McLean will love this addictive crime thriller.

What readers are saying about Carolyn Arnold:

“Arnold has written one of the best female cops that I’ve ever read... Madison is just one of those characters that will stay with you.” — Harlie’s Books

“Because of the strong, intelligent, gutsy Madison Knight, this series is my favorite...” — Bixler Reviews

Inspired by Life Sentence, this substantially reimagined prequel to the Detective Madison Knight series tells a new version of the story from Madison’s point of view, transforming the original romantic suspense into a gripping crime thriller and police procedural.

What to Expect in Fatal Testimony

Fatal Testimony is a gripping police procedural featuring rookie Detective Madison Knight as she takes on Russian Mafia boss Dimitre Petrov in a murder trial—and discovers the danger is far from over when a key witness is murdered and the defense attorney disappears.

Readers can expect:

  • Rookie Detective Madison Knight at the beginning of her career
  • A high-stakes murder trial involving Russian Mafia boss Dimitre Petrov
  • Madison taking on one of the city’s most dangerous crime bosses
  • Overwhelming evidence that may not tell the whole story
  • A key witness murdered after the trial
  • Defense attorney Bryan Lexan disappearing without a trace
  • Madison launching a new investigation before more lives are lost
  • Suspicions of Russian Mafia retaliation
  • Evidence leading Madison back toward Petrov’s inner circle
  • A ruthless criminal empire determined to protect itself
  • Hidden connections and unanswered questions
  • Madison working to uncover what she may have missed
  • A dangerous investigation that puts Madison in the crosshairs
  • A rookie detective facing a powerful criminal organization
  • High personal and professional stakes
  • A self-contained prequel to the Detective Madison Knight series
  • Multiple twists and turns

Book Details

Genre: Crime Thriller / Police Procedural
Setting: Stiles, Michigan (Fictional City)
Series: Detective Madison Knight Prequel
Publisher: Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc.
Series Format: Prequel featuring a young Detective Madison Knight
Reading Experience: Fast-paced • Dark • Suspenseful • Twist-filled
Available In: eBook • Paperback • Hardcover • Audiobook
Current Availability: eBook pre-order; other formats available at release
ISBN: 978-1-998095-19-3 (eBook)
ISBN: 978-1-998095-20-9 (Paperback)
ISBN: 978-1-998095-21-6 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 978-1-998095-22-3 (Audiobook)
ASIN: B0H5MQX9R2 (eBook)

"Arnold had me hooked from the very first page of Ties That Bind and the reason for that was Madison Knight. Madison is an unconventional and feisty heroine and from her first appearance, grumpily eating a chocolate bar for breakfast, I adored her."

Goodreads Reviewer

"Madison is a kickass detective who was fearless, strong-willed and tenacious."

Totally Addicted to Reading

“Arnold has written one of the best female cops that I’ve ever read… Madison is just one of those characters that will stay with you.”

Goodreads Review

"Madison's character is extremely well-written and realistic. She encompasses what all women should strive to become--an independent thinker, strong-willed, dedicated, hardworking..."

Lynchberg Mama

"Madison is a detective in the major crimes division; she is an extremely tough no-nonsense cop...her main focus is finding the killer, even if she has so many obstacles along the way, including her own boss."

The Reading Cafe

"Detective Madison Knight is very capable in more ways than one. She is career-orientated and won't let anything or anyone stand in the way of her current case."

2 Girls Who Love Books

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