In Caitlin K. Murphy's Ponytail: Amanda Greene Novels Book 1, Detective Amanda Greene isn't your regular officer of the law. As the only female detective in the Oakville PD, she's tough, perceptive, and skilled in Marine combat and training. When a report from a female jogger reveals that her ponytail was severed during a terrifying attack perpetrated by a stranger, Amanda goes on an intense journey to catch the culprit behind this bizarre crime. Shockingly, another woman comes forward and discloses that she is also the victim of a similar attack. Amanda concludes that a repeat offender is on the loose, targeting unsuspecting women. She later discovers that these strange attacks aren’t about the victims' hair; essentially, they’re actually about dominance and control. Unfortunately, she isn't immune to the perpetrator's sinister agenda. Can Amanda solve this case before she becomes a victim herself?

Ponytail by Caitlin K. Murphy is a riveting crime novel that paints a picture of the protagonist as she navigates a male-dominated workplace. Amanda's impressive investigative skills and courage when probing into the case are intriguing and exciting to read. The author masterfully captures the way in which women in law enforcement must apprehend dangerous lawbreakers. Yet, they also have to battle sexism from male co-workers just as resiliently. This key narrative element makes Amanda's story relatable and even harder to put down. This fascinating book does a great job of advocating for women supporting one another, especially when it comes to safety issues and social justice. The themes of solidarity, inner strength, empathy, overcoming fear, and empowerment are portrayed well. It reminds me of Jessica Knoll's Bright Young Women. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel to fans of crime novels.

Ponytail by Caitlin K. Murphy follows Detective Amanda Greene as she investigates the case of Elena Card, who is attacked while jogging, with her ponytail cut off and a chemical sedative used. Amanda collects evidence, interviews witnesses, reviews surveillance footage, and looks into potential connections to workplaces, salons, and residents. As the investigation continues, a second attack occurs on Olivia Garcia with similar methods that indicate a pattern. As the attacks increase in method and boldness, including an ambush on Amanda herself, she must move quickly to identify links between the victims, hairstyles, salons, and the attacker’s motives, and track down a perpetrator who targets women, while maneuvering through a force that parallels a culture of the dismissal of women in daily living and work.

Ponytail by Caitlin K. Murphy is an unflinching portrayal of violence and its aftermath. Amanda is immediately likable due to her determination and meticulous detective work, bound by a commitment to justice that is totally unwavering. The author's unique grasp of procedural elements shows the constant attention, courage, and tactical skill required to uncover the truth, presenting Amanda’s work in spectacular detail. I like that we see the convergence of the desperation that some women have in taking back control, which the narrative builds on until it hits a crescendo. The titular hairstyle as a common denominator in each attack follows the direction that the investigation takes, and with tight writing and an ending that is really surprising, the story is intense and respectful of the experiences at its heart. As the first in a series with great promise, I look forward to seeing where we are taken next.