What do you think?
Rate this book
Kat Colorado #2
Katapult
KAT COLORADO
A thirty-something California bartender-turned-P.I.a curious lady with nine lives, nerves of iron. . .and a passion for justice.
KATAPULT
A murderer has struck homeand Kat Colorado is taking it personally. Her cousin Johnny has been found stabbed to death in he parking lot of the Homestead Cafe. And now Kat's on the prowltrailing a killer through a dangerous world of shady real estate shenanigans and teenage hookers. And she's about to uncover a closetful of sordid family secrets almost certain to get an overly inquisitive Kat skinned.
Author Biography: Karen Kijewski is the mother of two daughters. She lives in Sacramento, California.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
6 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Karen Kijewski
28 books83 followersKaren J. Kijewski was born in Berkeley, California. Her father taught at the University of California, and she later attended the school, earning a BA and a Masters degree. Karen is a past president of the northern California chapter of the Mystery Writers of America. She has two daughters, and is currently living in Sacramento, California with her husband.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 20, 2020
Kijewski's Kat reminds me of Grafton's Kinsey. In this story, she takes more chances and seems too close to the case. Her emotions did interfere somewhat. I always enjoy the twist when a character turns out not to be who you think he is.
July 5, 2014
Book 2 is not for softies, but domesticated toughies will enjoy it very much. I'm discovering that the Kat Colorado series treads a path between cozies and mean streets, but still maintains a comfortable chic-lit atmosphere. Bullets fly, throats are cut; yet cookies, hot chocolate and grandmothers are sure to be nearby, while the women joke and kid each other around plates of food and cats.
Kat takes on two separate cases which before too long have become entangled by her clients and family and friends all meeting each other. The first begins with the death of John Benson, the grandnephew of Alma Flaherty. Alma is Kat's 'grandmother'. Kat isn't actually related to Alma or John except in sharing a childhood and a house. Alma took Kat in as her own granddaughter when Kat's mother, an alcoholic, died. Emotionally, they are family. Unfortunately the mysterious murder of John means confusion and grief for everyone, especially after the police discover drugs in his car. John was a serious individual of 22 studying to be a veterinarian and he also worked at a laboratory doing animal studies. Investigation by the police and Kat deepens the mystery when there is no sign of John's involvement in drugs, but instead it seems to lead to various people interested in a large inheritance which is supposed to come to John, and to his missing runaway sister Michaela, a talented musician, on their 23rd birthdays. Michaela is two years younger, but she would inherit John's share immediately upon his death, not having to wait for her 23rd birthday. Kat confirms John's father is still a respectable banker who is managing the trust for his children, but Kat dislikes the man, as do his children John and Michaela, before she ran away. There is something wrong about the banker.
Meanwhile, a 15-year-old girl, Lindy, shows up at Kat's office. After she throws a can of soda at Kat's head, Kat learns she is a prostitute who wants to hire Kat to find out who murdered her friend Lisa, also a hooker. Kat is very certain this isn't a case for her but for the police, who are already investigating, but Lindy insists that Kat do an investigation, too. Charity, Kat's best friend and an advice columnist, walks into the office at this delicate juncture, and after a few minutes of strident intense conversation where a lot of issues are aired, Kat finds herself having agreed to talk to her Sacramento police friend, Henley, and begin investigating Lisa's murder, while upper middle-class Charity hires the flighty teenager Lindy to do work around her horse farm for room and board. Everyone is uncomfortable about all of this, but oh well.
As usual, things begin to darken chapter by chapter. The secrets that Kat uncovers are making someone, or several someones, VERY upset. Soon, shots are being fired and more bodies bleed out. Kat has to get to the bottom of these mysteries quickly, or the case will be the end of her.....
Kat takes on two separate cases which before too long have become entangled by her clients and family and friends all meeting each other. The first begins with the death of John Benson, the grandnephew of Alma Flaherty. Alma is Kat's 'grandmother'. Kat isn't actually related to Alma or John except in sharing a childhood and a house. Alma took Kat in as her own granddaughter when Kat's mother, an alcoholic, died. Emotionally, they are family. Unfortunately the mysterious murder of John means confusion and grief for everyone, especially after the police discover drugs in his car. John was a serious individual of 22 studying to be a veterinarian and he also worked at a laboratory doing animal studies. Investigation by the police and Kat deepens the mystery when there is no sign of John's involvement in drugs, but instead it seems to lead to various people interested in a large inheritance which is supposed to come to John, and to his missing runaway sister Michaela, a talented musician, on their 23rd birthdays. Michaela is two years younger, but she would inherit John's share immediately upon his death, not having to wait for her 23rd birthday. Kat confirms John's father is still a respectable banker who is managing the trust for his children, but Kat dislikes the man, as do his children John and Michaela, before she ran away. There is something wrong about the banker.
Meanwhile, a 15-year-old girl, Lindy, shows up at Kat's office. After she throws a can of soda at Kat's head, Kat learns she is a prostitute who wants to hire Kat to find out who murdered her friend Lisa, also a hooker. Kat is very certain this isn't a case for her but for the police, who are already investigating, but Lindy insists that Kat do an investigation, too. Charity, Kat's best friend and an advice columnist, walks into the office at this delicate juncture, and after a few minutes of strident intense conversation where a lot of issues are aired, Kat finds herself having agreed to talk to her Sacramento police friend, Henley, and begin investigating Lisa's murder, while upper middle-class Charity hires the flighty teenager Lindy to do work around her horse farm for room and board. Everyone is uncomfortable about all of this, but oh well.
As usual, things begin to darken chapter by chapter. The secrets that Kat uncovers are making someone, or several someones, VERY upset. Soon, shots are being fired and more bodies bleed out. Kat has to get to the bottom of these mysteries quickly, or the case will be the end of her.....
December 5, 2018
Katapult is the 2nd book in Karen Kijewski's Kat Colorado mystery series. Kat is a PI working out of Sacremento CA. In some ways she reminds me of Kinsey Milhone, but so far I think the stories I've read have been grittier than the Alphabet books. Both series are both entertaining and fun reads though. Both PI's also have a coterie of friends who help make their lives better and safer and who have their backs.
So, enough of comparing the series. What about Katapult? The book definitely involves Kat's extended family. She receives a call from her 'grandmother' Alma (not biological, but the woman who raised her) and discovers that Johnny, her cousin (related through Alma) has been murdered. Alma wants Kat to investigate the murder and also find her other 'cousin', Michaela, Johnny's sister. Lots of familial estrangement, lots to do with the father of the two.
So this is how Kat's investigation begins. She also finds herself involved with a teenage prostitute who wants Kat to look into the murder of one of her friends. So two ongoing cases and lots of interesting characters. Threats to lives, Kat's and Michaela's, are thrown into the mix. It's at times a scary, frightening case and very well described.
Kat is a level-headed, for the most part, individual, a quality she needs in abundance, considering some of the people around her in this story. Lots of shouting and bad feelings that she needs to sort through if she is to solve the case. But she also has excellent friends, her boyfriend (Los Vegas cop Hank), Charity (good willed and able to take control when necessary) and Henley, the cop working the murders, who is gruff but likeable.
The story is, as I said, gritty and at times had me on the edge of my seat as Kat works her way out of scary situations. The case was interesting and even though I had some ideas, there were enough twists to keep me more than satisfied. Enjoyable series so far. (4 stars)
So, enough of comparing the series. What about Katapult? The book definitely involves Kat's extended family. She receives a call from her 'grandmother' Alma (not biological, but the woman who raised her) and discovers that Johnny, her cousin (related through Alma) has been murdered. Alma wants Kat to investigate the murder and also find her other 'cousin', Michaela, Johnny's sister. Lots of familial estrangement, lots to do with the father of the two.
So this is how Kat's investigation begins. She also finds herself involved with a teenage prostitute who wants Kat to look into the murder of one of her friends. So two ongoing cases and lots of interesting characters. Threats to lives, Kat's and Michaela's, are thrown into the mix. It's at times a scary, frightening case and very well described.
Kat is a level-headed, for the most part, individual, a quality she needs in abundance, considering some of the people around her in this story. Lots of shouting and bad feelings that she needs to sort through if she is to solve the case. But she also has excellent friends, her boyfriend (Los Vegas cop Hank), Charity (good willed and able to take control when necessary) and Henley, the cop working the murders, who is gruff but likeable.
The story is, as I said, gritty and at times had me on the edge of my seat as Kat works her way out of scary situations. The case was interesting and even though I had some ideas, there were enough twists to keep me more than satisfied. Enjoyable series so far. (4 stars)
July 5, 2008
KATAPULT - VG
Kijewski, Karen - 2nd in series
Stubbornly independent Sacramento, Calif., P.I. Kat Colorado ( Katwalk ) is working on two crimes this time out: the first is personal, the murder of her "cousin" John; the other concerns the killing of a teenage prostitute. Kat is called into the former case by her informally adopted "grandmother," feisty Alma Flaherty. Kat follows the confusing trail of events leading to Johnny's killer, along the way locating another missing "cousin" (and possible suspect), Micha; withstanding attacks on Alma, herself and her beloved cat; and redeeming a teenage hooker.
This is a very good series.
Kijewski, Karen - 2nd in series
Stubbornly independent Sacramento, Calif., P.I. Kat Colorado ( Katwalk ) is working on two crimes this time out: the first is personal, the murder of her "cousin" John; the other concerns the killing of a teenage prostitute. Kat is called into the former case by her informally adopted "grandmother," feisty Alma Flaherty. Kat follows the confusing trail of events leading to Johnny's killer, along the way locating another missing "cousin" (and possible suspect), Micha; withstanding attacks on Alma, herself and her beloved cat; and redeeming a teenage hooker.
This is a very good series.
October 2, 2013
This is the second in the Kat Colorado series. I enjoyed the first book several years ago. I really don't remember this one well, since it's been a while. I only noted that it's a "likable heroine, not silly".
September 26, 2020
Another entertaining read, albeit a little disjointed. I picked this series up as most of the mysteries are set in the Sacramento region. The MC reminds me of Kinsey Millhone, only this series' Kat Colorado is more believable.
October 19, 2023
Family is important even if you are not a blood relation. When Kat's cousin is found dead she takes it personally. Trying to follow the twisted trail to find the truth of her cousin's murder, she is also dealing with teenage hookers. Gee, what fun Kat is having.
May 27, 2018
I really enjoyed this mystery. I think there are nine books in the series. There were enough characters to keep the two storylines interesting. I will continue to read the series.
October 2, 2019
Always an enjoyable read!
Read
July 27, 2011Kijewski's second Kat Colorado mystery is a tense, slowly unrolloing mystery. Kat's "cousin" is found stabbed to death and Kat's adopted grandmother asks her to find out who did it. This lands Kat deep into the mire of her adopted family's secrets. Add to her problems a teenage hooker who has hired her the PI to find out who killed her co-worker and a long distance relationship with a Los Vegas cop.
The Kat Colorado series is in the vein of the hard-boiled detective like Kinsey Milhone and V.I. Warshawski. Solid story and a plot that unrolls at a pace that seems initially glacial, but eventually reveals itself to be just the right speed.
Characters in this novel are rich and fun to spend time with. Kat's final confrontation with one of the villains is exactly what you wish heroes would to to the villains. A solid mystery with which to spend a winter evening.
The Kat Colorado series is in the vein of the hard-boiled detective like Kinsey Milhone and V.I. Warshawski. Solid story and a plot that unrolls at a pace that seems initially glacial, but eventually reveals itself to be just the right speed.
Characters in this novel are rich and fun to spend time with. Kat's final confrontation with one of the villains is exactly what you wish heroes would to to the villains. A solid mystery with which to spend a winter evening.
December 11, 2010
This is another random mystery I picked up when I needed something undemanding to read. It fit the bill. I hadn't read any others in this series, but this wasn't a deficit as the main character is a pretty stereotypical girl gumshoe (pretty much of a clone of Sue Grafton's main character) and the rest of the characters were adequately introduced. There were a decent handful of overlapping plots and the resolution was satisfying. I didn't end up hating any of the characters I wasn't supposed to hate - unlike the other mystery I read the same week!
I may not seek out additional titles in this series, but I won't actively avoid them either if they turn up on a shelf near me.
I may not seek out additional titles in this series, but I won't actively avoid them either if they turn up on a shelf near me.
December 31, 2008
Given this book by a friend. Had recently read another Kat Colorado book, my first, and was pleasantly surprised. Now, having read this book and also read Katwalk in the series, I am still pleasantly surprised. It's also nice to be filling in some of the background info on the "regular" characters. Kat's adopted grandmother occasionally reminded me of a certain octogenarian in our household. :) I plan to read more of the Kat series when I need a little bit of this sort of reading.
July 13, 2013
This author had written about five books. She was a local Sacramento native basing the books around the region. I live in the area, and enjoyed reading these good mysteries with good characters. I recommend all of them.
uunfortunately, she suddenly stopped writing and disappeared from public eye.
uunfortunately, she suddenly stopped writing and disappeared from public eye.
October 10, 2013
This is the 2nd book in the Kat Colorado series and picks up where the first book ended. It is like the first book in that it is an easy fun read. I think this story was a little better developed than the first, but that could also be due to the fact that I was somewhat familiar with the characters allready.
July 19, 2012
Good, but sort of gory and weirdly edited. The "case" is more of a family crisis: her cousin (?) is murdered and she does find out why but not until she searches out the cousin's sister and rescues a teenaged hooker. Pretty pat plot, but the characters are amusing.
Read
April 6, 2014The principle character in this series is Kat Colorado, a private detective in Sacramento, California.
Kat Colorado is a wise-cracking, thirty-something California bartender-turned-P.I., a curious cat with nine lives.
Kat Colorado is a wise-cracking, thirty-something California bartender-turned-P.I., a curious cat with nine lives.
October 15, 2015
#2 in the Kat Colorado series.
Sacramento PI Kat Colorado - looks into the murder of her "cousin" who was about to inherit a large sum. His heir is his sister who has been estranged from her family. A side issue is the relationship with friend Charity and a teenage hooker.
Sacramento PI Kat Colorado - looks into the murder of her "cousin" who was about to inherit a large sum. His heir is his sister who has been estranged from her family. A side issue is the relationship with friend Charity and a teenage hooker.
May 4, 2018
Enjoyed this 2nd of the series so much more than the first. Better characters, better plot. Now, on to the #3.
August 24, 2009
Very Good; Continuing character: Kat Colorado; Kat's cousin has been murdered and she works to find out who did it and to find his sister to let her know and to collect their inheritance.
April 5, 2010
This is the 2nd book in the author's Kat Colorado series.
The 1st one was a better; but, all in all, it was a quick, fun read.
Nothing deep.
The 1st one was a better; but, all in all, it was a quick, fun read.
Nothing deep.
August 14, 2010
Really enjoyed this fast easy read. The young woman P.I. is a fun character. I'll look for more in this series.
October 9, 2011
Again good book - must reread these one day
December 9, 2013
New Hard-Ass female detective. Kinda...
September 8, 2014
Fun, as it takes place in Sacramento valley region and although it takes place in the 90's many places were familiar.
March 6, 2016
Good thing that Caroline gave me 3 Kat Colorado books to read. I gobbled down the first one and am off to start a second one after I finish my Albomb book.
Read
April 14, 2008Mystery
Read
May 1, 2017Edition: Reissue
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews