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Karin Schaeffer #2
Hide and Seek
Karin Schaeffer's husband is missing presumed dead.
The police are convinced that Mac took his own life after the brutal murder of his parents in what looks like a robbery gone bad...Karin is determined to do all she can to find her husband...alive or dead.
Only she's about to discover how little she knows about the man she married.
But someone else is watching the Schaeffer family. Watching, waiting and biding their time before they reveal the dark secrets of Mac's past - and exact a terrifying revenge.
The police are convinced that Mac took his own life after the brutal murder of his parents in what looks like a robbery gone bad...Karin is determined to do all she can to find her husband...alive or dead.
Only she's about to discover how little she knows about the man she married.
But someone else is watching the Schaeffer family. Watching, waiting and biding their time before they reveal the dark secrets of Mac's past - and exact a terrifying revenge.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Katia Lief
33 books230 followersThe first thing I ever wrote that received any notice was a one page story for my third grade English teacher. I don't recall what the assignment was, but I somehow found myself writing about a woman at a dinner party who suddenly realizes her teeth are invisible. She sits there, wedged between two chattering guests, wondering how she will eat, how she will talk, and generally how she will get out of the situation without having to open her mouth and reveal her dilemma. My teacher showed the story to my parents with a note to this effect: Katia could be a writer.
What if her note had instead encouraged me to be a dentist?
But it didn't. And so here I am.
So far I've published two literary novels (as Katia Spiegelman, the name I was born with), and seven suspense novels--five as Kate Pepper (a pseudonym) and two as Katia Lief (the name I live by). And to complicated things even more, I'm adding a new pen name to my arsenal-Karen Ellis-with my new novel A MAP OF THE DARK, coming January 2, 2018.
I have loved writing every one of my novels, and hope you will enjoy reading them.
What if her note had instead encouraged me to be a dentist?
But it didn't. And so here I am.
So far I've published two literary novels (as Katia Spiegelman, the name I was born with), and seven suspense novels--five as Kate Pepper (a pseudonym) and two as Katia Lief (the name I live by). And to complicated things even more, I'm adding a new pen name to my arsenal-Karen Ellis-with my new novel A MAP OF THE DARK, coming January 2, 2018.
I have loved writing every one of my novels, and hope you will enjoy reading them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
February 28, 2017
This was a hell of a book and this author is a hell of a writer! She's becoming my new fave. She writes a lot like Wendy Corsi Staub and I so enjoy that! Highly recommend this series... start with the first book as this was the second and I'm starting the third right now :)
March 31, 2020
It is amazing how some books can be boring and enjoyable at the same time.
The main problem with this book is that there was no place for boredom, speculation, or thoughtful analysis, mind you, there were so many plot twists that I wished the stream of them would stop.
Katia Lief seemed to prefer being in control, requiring that the reader flips through the pages absent-mindedly, with as little effort as possible.
The element of surprise was indeed nice, but there was too much of it, so much that it seemed as though the author had too many brilliant ideas and she couldn't wait to put them into motion and see how they unfold.
The main problem with this book is that there was no place for boredom, speculation, or thoughtful analysis, mind you, there were so many plot twists that I wished the stream of them would stop.
Katia Lief seemed to prefer being in control, requiring that the reader flips through the pages absent-mindedly, with as little effort as possible.
The element of surprise was indeed nice, but there was too much of it, so much that it seemed as though the author had too many brilliant ideas and she couldn't wait to put them into motion and see how they unfold.
October 20, 2015
Somehow I enjoyed this one both more and at the same time less than I did the first in the series. It’s an odd way to feel about a book, and yet such is the case.
In the end the book was just as gripping as the first, yet I had been hoping for more action. When there was action it was great, but as with the first I felt as though the story stopped and started more than was necessary. It was as though our main character couldn’t quite convince herself to move forward, waiting for things to happen and being more passive than I would have liked.
As with the first book, however, the crime aspect of the book was thrilling. It was interesting to see the way things played out, the way everything was connected, filled with twists and turns. The criminal aspects of these books are certainly high up on my list of enjoyed crime stories yet the other aspects of the books seem to let me down – hence my love-hate relationship with them. As my four stars show I love them more than I hate them but I still find myself wanting something more from them. Whether it is due to the fact that I’m more accustomed to the bulky crime books I cannot say, but I feel as though these pass too quickly.
Still, despite that, I am in love with the developing story and want to see where everything goes.
In the end the book was just as gripping as the first, yet I had been hoping for more action. When there was action it was great, but as with the first I felt as though the story stopped and started more than was necessary. It was as though our main character couldn’t quite convince herself to move forward, waiting for things to happen and being more passive than I would have liked.
As with the first book, however, the crime aspect of the book was thrilling. It was interesting to see the way things played out, the way everything was connected, filled with twists and turns. The criminal aspects of these books are certainly high up on my list of enjoyed crime stories yet the other aspects of the books seem to let me down – hence my love-hate relationship with them. As my four stars show I love them more than I hate them but I still find myself wanting something more from them. Whether it is due to the fact that I’m more accustomed to the bulky crime books I cannot say, but I feel as though these pass too quickly.
Still, despite that, I am in love with the developing story and want to see where everything goes.
September 13, 2022
Difficult one to rate. Once I actually picked this up and started reading it, it was hard to put down. But it felt very disjointed. Within the end chapters multiple good chances to end it. Plenty of good stopping places. But the author has continued to write adding additional and unnecessary last minute twists and turns. Made it a little far fetched in the end. I did like the characters and it was easy enough to follow. I would try other books by this author.
March 18, 2015
Plot was too convoluted. Husband's parents are killed. Husband's brother suspected. Husband goes missing and is presumed to have committed suicide when they find his car submerged in the Sound.
Karin on trip to Miami thinks she sees husband at the airport. Hires PI who snaps photo or him with another woman. Woman turns out to head a drug cartel in Mexico. Knew Mac when she met him during his spring break trip to Mexico.
She killed parents as revenge for him leaving her and stealing her money for ticket back to States. She had been pregnant when he left.
But not enough. Then DEA agents are found to be working in league with Ana's rival, one if which works for Karin's mom.
Too much melodrama.
Karin on trip to Miami thinks she sees husband at the airport. Hires PI who snaps photo or him with another woman. Woman turns out to head a drug cartel in Mexico. Knew Mac when she met him during his spring break trip to Mexico.
She killed parents as revenge for him leaving her and stealing her money for ticket back to States. She had been pregnant when he left.
But not enough. Then DEA agents are found to be working in league with Ana's rival, one if which works for Karin's mom.
Too much melodrama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2012
BORING
August 31, 2010
Lief does it again. Mac MacLeary leaves the Maplewood police department and takes an executive position at a security company. Karen Schaeffer is Mac’s old partner and new wife and they live in New York City with their son Ben. One night, Mac gets the phone call every son fears with an added surprise—his parents, Hugh and Aileen—were found in their home in Bronxville just outside the city dead; murdered. Police say it was a botched home invasion…a blood bath.
After the funeral Mac and Karin’s lives change forever. One morning on his way to work, Mac disappears. Things quickly go from bad to worse when Karin befriends a woman named Jasmine who works with her mother. Jasmine decides she wants to spend her birthday in Miami under a palm tree drinking Blue Devils. Karin doesn’t want her to spend her birthday alone and surprises her by joining her there.
While waiting for Jasmine’s plane to land, Karin can’t believe her eyes…if she hadn’t known better, she would swear her husband Mac was walking across the Miami Airport. He doesn’t respond to her yelling his name so she immediately wonders if she is hallucinating or if he is indeed alive.
After hiring a P.I., she gets a photograph of him with another woman and immediately thinks the worst. Before long, she is thrown waist deep into a drug cartel, a jealous ex, an illegitimate son and countless, hired, drugged-up lackey’s do to the bidding of a bitter woman who wants nothing more than to see Mac and everything he covets, destroyed.
There’s a lot that goes on in this story and every twist and turn brings you closer to the brink of madness and the real story behind the murders of the MacLeary’s and Mac’s “death”. An awesome read, but I expect nothing less of Lief.
Reviewed by Terri Ann Armstrong, author of “Morning Menace” and Executive Editor for Suspense Magazine
After the funeral Mac and Karin’s lives change forever. One morning on his way to work, Mac disappears. Things quickly go from bad to worse when Karin befriends a woman named Jasmine who works with her mother. Jasmine decides she wants to spend her birthday in Miami under a palm tree drinking Blue Devils. Karin doesn’t want her to spend her birthday alone and surprises her by joining her there.
While waiting for Jasmine’s plane to land, Karin can’t believe her eyes…if she hadn’t known better, she would swear her husband Mac was walking across the Miami Airport. He doesn’t respond to her yelling his name so she immediately wonders if she is hallucinating or if he is indeed alive.
After hiring a P.I., she gets a photograph of him with another woman and immediately thinks the worst. Before long, she is thrown waist deep into a drug cartel, a jealous ex, an illegitimate son and countless, hired, drugged-up lackey’s do to the bidding of a bitter woman who wants nothing more than to see Mac and everything he covets, destroyed.
There’s a lot that goes on in this story and every twist and turn brings you closer to the brink of madness and the real story behind the murders of the MacLeary’s and Mac’s “death”. An awesome read, but I expect nothing less of Lief.
Reviewed by Terri Ann Armstrong, author of “Morning Menace” and Executive Editor for Suspense Magazine
May 31, 2022
beginning was good, quite the thrill yes. middle was eh not bad not going to sleep looking forward to waking up and reading either. end I skimmed so that's that. karin or whatever her name is: chiiiiilll sister. mac or whatever his name is: stop chilling so much, you're getting yourself in life-threatening situations every 2-3 working days, it's abnormal.
January 7, 2014
Is this book based on real life events or what? I found it boring and confusing. Karin was just so annoying. A busy body who can't keep her mouth shut. I won't be hurrying to get her next book that's for sure.
April 3, 2012
Poor stuff. The story lacks shape, as well as credibility. The characters are lifeless. I won't be looking for more os Lief's books.
June 25, 2012
rubbish. completely unbelievable storyline. very disapointed as the authors first novel you are next was brill.
June 30, 2015
Another great novel by Katia! I really love her work.
June 9, 2013
Awful. Badly written. Unconvincing and over complex story.
August 23, 2020
This was a 3.5 for me, but I decided to skew up.
Unfortunately, for this whole action-packed novel, the thing I remember most is the main character's xenophobic comment toward the undercover agent (who Karin did not know was an agent at the time, but just a friend of her mother's). I don't think this is the author's point of view; I think this is a flaw of the character and she is put in her place (ironically, her name is Karin, but this was before we all knew about "Karens".) This is, thankfully, not something that keeps recurring, and this Karin seems to have learned her lesson. So we can move on.
It's been a few months since I finished the book, and I don't remember that much about the specifics, so I'll keep it brief: well-paced, well-plotted, a nice twist or two that surprised me, one I guessed and was happy to have done. Readers are kept in a sense of uncertainty that matches well with the protagonist; and just when you think everything is solved and better - BAM! Another twist to keep it going.
I would recommend this with a reservation or warning; but Karin seems to have learned her lesson. Sort of. That character is not good at learning lessons.
Unfortunately, for this whole action-packed novel, the thing I remember most is the main character's xenophobic comment toward the undercover agent (who Karin did not know was an agent at the time, but just a friend of her mother's). I don't think this is the author's point of view; I think this is a flaw of the character and she is put in her place (ironically, her name is Karin, but this was before we all knew about "Karens".) This is, thankfully, not something that keeps recurring, and this Karin seems to have learned her lesson. So we can move on.
It's been a few months since I finished the book, and I don't remember that much about the specifics, so I'll keep it brief: well-paced, well-plotted, a nice twist or two that surprised me, one I guessed and was happy to have done. Readers are kept in a sense of uncertainty that matches well with the protagonist; and just when you think everything is solved and better - BAM! Another twist to keep it going.
I would recommend this with a reservation or warning; but Karin seems to have learned her lesson. Sort of. That character is not good at learning lessons.
June 17, 2022
The author waste no time or pages getting to the heart of the matter. Karin’s husband of two years, Mac, learns from Karin that some murdered his parents in what looks to be a home invasion. The cops think Mac’s constantly drunken brother, Danny, killed them, but Mac and his older sister believe otherwise. When Karin shows up to celebrate their second anniversary, Mac never appears. He’s gone missing, and it’s up to Karin to ferret out his secrets and enter the world where the darkness sometimes takes him.
When someone finds a car Mac rented submerged in water, everyone assumes he has committed suicide. Karin denies that he’s dead, but he never reappears. That changes when Karin sees him in an airport in Miami. She’s sure she’s hallucinating since he doesn’t respond to her. But she doesn’t give up, and she endangers her life because of her tenacity.
This isn’t a top-flight series, but it’s ok. I will at least read the third book perhaps near the end of this year or early next.
When someone finds a car Mac rented submerged in water, everyone assumes he has committed suicide. Karin denies that he’s dead, but he never reappears. That changes when Karin sees him in an airport in Miami. She’s sure she’s hallucinating since he doesn’t respond to her. But she doesn’t give up, and she endangers her life because of her tenacity.
This isn’t a top-flight series, but it’s ok. I will at least read the third book perhaps near the end of this year or early next.
April 9, 2023
This is a difficult book to rate because it wasn't at all what I was expecting and I spent most of it wanting it to end but I also couldn't put it down and read the whole thing in a day.
I was just expecting it to be a run of the mill detective story, but it was absolutely bonkers. Imagine a proper Hollywood drug cartel/thriller/ revenge /over dramatised story with guns and deaths and drama drama drama. It was insane. Every time I rolled my eyes in disbelief it went another step further.
But I could not stop reading it. And now I understand why there are about 39 Fast and Furious Films.
I was just expecting it to be a run of the mill detective story, but it was absolutely bonkers. Imagine a proper Hollywood drug cartel/thriller/ revenge /over dramatised story with guns and deaths and drama drama drama. It was insane. Every time I rolled my eyes in disbelief it went another step further.
But I could not stop reading it. And now I understand why there are about 39 Fast and Furious Films.
February 4, 2025
Got this given to me on a whim by a friend leaving the country, she never read it so I decided to. Honestly a really good read! I don't think this is the first book in the series so I was mildly confused at points, but the author is amazing at describing every scene in such perfect detail, so much so that I started to piece together parts I'd missed in the first book naturally. The story is really engaging to follow. Admittedly there were some parts near the end that felt a bit out of nowhere, but not nearly enough to take me out of the story. A good book, even as a clueless new reader!
June 19, 2019
This book was ridiculous. The twists and turns made it a quick read, but everything was so unbelievable. I also got annoyed at how much the main character talked about her kid and how having a child made her a good person. Seriously one line was, "before Karin had a child, she ignored homeless people, but now she realizes they were all born to someone and gives them five dollars." WTF?! Childless people can have empathy for others too you know.
July 3, 2026
I really wanted to like this book but not a single part of it was relatable. The main character made decisions that no sane person would make, and the twists towards the end got more and more ludicrous. It was like a bad Hollywood blockbuster, that you regret starting. I won't be reading any more in this series it's just not for me.
October 3, 2020
Het is allemaal wat veel, te veel twists en de geloofwaardigheid is een beetje zoek. Leest wel supersnel. Ik vond dit deel wel minder indrukwekkend dan het eerste boek. Ik hoop dat het volgende boek iets minder "over the top" is. Less is more...
February 4, 2022
Good
I like this series okay, but I have to believe a few unbelievable things to read them. A lot of coincidences that set big things in motion, sometimes a little hard to believe. Decent series so far. I’m going to give it one more book and see if I want to continue the series.
I like this series okay, but I have to believe a few unbelievable things to read them. A lot of coincidences that set big things in motion, sometimes a little hard to believe. Decent series so far. I’m going to give it one more book and see if I want to continue the series.
January 7, 2019
So good, a thrilling storyline
April 15, 2020
Good Second Installment
Second book in series and have wider information of the main characters involved good storyline many twists and turns along the way
Second book in series and have wider information of the main characters involved good storyline many twists and turns along the way
April 10, 2022
Good read. Read it in one sitting.
October 2, 2022
Good read
Like the previous books I have read, I have really enjoyed the storyline and Karin is a very strong character.
Like the previous books I have read, I have really enjoyed the storyline and Karin is a very strong character.
December 20, 2023
What a drag
November 18, 2024
Very good book,Second in the Series of books,good follow up to first one 10/10
May 15, 2025
quite boring once Karin had found her husband. too much double agenting and nothing to warm you to the characters. sorry not one for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2026
Really simple story, easy to read
July 23, 2026
Kurzzeitig spannend, am Ende hat mich das Buch durch viele Twists verloren. Die Story hat mich nicht abgeholt.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews