Reasonable

by K.T. Carlisle

When the Williamsburg Police Department arrives at Catheryn “Cat” Clark’s house on the night of Friday, May 13 only to discover her drunk and covered in blood, even she struggles to believe in her own innocence. After all, few people had better reason to want Elaine Reid dead than the woman whose husband she stole after thirty years of friendship.But as the alcohol-induced fog begins to fade, strange questions surrounding the night’s events start to Who else was at the house the night that Elaine was murdered? Why can’t Cat remember anything more than the argument that transpired in the darkened confines of her kitchen? And what might a neighbor’s suicide from her college years have to do with proving Cat’s innocence? As Cat fights to piece together the puzzle of what happened, Detective Rachel McGowen’s fifteen-year hunt for an elusive killer could hold all the answers.Reasonable is the first in a three-part series that explores just how far one might go to clear their name and protect their loved ones. A fast-paced thrill ride packed with suspense, this enthralling tale of two women’s determination will keep you guessing until the very end.

Genres: Mystery

507 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2023

About the author

K.T. Carlisle is the pseudonym for a Vermont-based murder mystery writer. As far back as she can remember, Carlisle has dedicated her life to the written word. Earning her B.A. in Writing Arts with a concentration in Creative Writing in 2015 from Rowan University, Carlisle received the Excellence in Writing Arts Award. Out of more than 3,500 students, Carlisle was selected for the award based on her exceptional skill as a writer and teacher of writing.

After graduating from Rowan University, Carlisle briefly served as an intern for a literary agency in Manhattan where she was responsible for reviewing incoming submissions and passing them on to suitable agents. Later called westward to Salt Lake City, Carlisle was hired as a copywriter and editor, crafting various ghostwritten articles on behalf of prominent executives within Silicon Valley’s tech industry. Her work has appeared in publications such as Forbes, VentureBeat, Entrepreneur, Inc.com, and USA Today, to name a few.

In late 2018, Carlisle started her own marketing agency, specializing in copywriting, website development, and social media management. Since starting the niche agency, she has had the privilege of developing unique voices for small business owners all over the country, publishing thousands of webpages and blog articles each year.

When she is not busy crafting custom content for clients, Carlisle devotes all of her creative energy towards writing her next novel, as well as spending her days enjoying all the natural beauty that the Green Mountain State has to offer alongside her incredible husband, four crazy dogs, and flock of chickens.

Reviews

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! It hooked me immediately. I can definitely see this as a movie! I was entertained, intrigued, and am looking forward to Book 2. This mystery definitely left me anxiously wanting more. Thank you, BookSirens for my copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Eryn McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

That was gripping! I did work out who the killer is fairly quickly which is unusual for me but there you go. Great setting and tension build up. I recommend!

[Saffron Asteria · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I started to read 'Reasonable', I was gripped by the throat. My brain said 'READ THIS OR I WON'T REST!' So I obliged, and oh my f**k I was not disappointed. What a phenomenal writer K.T. Carlisle is. I've not read a book that's captivated my attention like this in such a long time. Before I finished the first chapter, I had already downloaded the next book in a feverish act for fear it would disappear.

There's something really bewitching about the structure of this thrilling mystery that keeps the in-depth and rich story interesting throughout. Every word feel intentional, giving you a real idea of who the characters truly are. Yes, there are twists and turns, but they're not for the sake of it.

Just, do yourself a favour and clear your schedule when this book lands on your Kindle or your doorstep. I promise you'll binge it.

[Lori Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.T. Carlisle if I could high five you right now, I would!

Y’all! Read. This. Book!

𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 is the first book in a three-part thrilling whodunnit murder mystery series, What Happened to Mia Davis?. From page one I literally could not put this book down! And that’s saying something because this book is 500 pages long! (Do not be intimidated by this, it’s so good you are going to be flying through the pages)

Grabbing my sleuth hat, notebook and pen, I stayed up waaay past my bedtime to solve the murder mysteries. Yes, there are two mysteries in this one - Both equally enthralling! Did Cat kill her lifelong best friend? Did Mia commit suicide?

𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 is so well written. The words eloquently flowed off the page and I ultimately felt like I was watching a @Netflix series. I enjoyed the dual timelines within the dual narratives and became completely immersed in both Cat and Rachel’s stories. Multiple times I had goosebumps as twist after twist would shock me! Jaw. On. The. Floor. (When you can give me goosebumps you get allll the stars! ⭐️)

There is even a beautiful love story that unfolds within this eerie tale; you will be rooting for the two characters involved!

Now, 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 does end on a cliffhanger, so be forewarned. I personally cannot wait to get my hands on the second book! I need answers stat!

I 100% recommend this for all the thriller/mystery readers. Heck just all the readers! Is it too soon to have a favorite book of 2024!?

*As always, be mindful to check your trigger warnings as this does contain language, adult situations, and heavy content matter.

Thank you at @ckpublicity and @k.t.carlisle for the gifted copy! This story will haunt me for awhile!

[samspeedreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Cat Clark is arrested, covered in blood, she isn’t sure of her own innocence. She’s drunk and unable to remember almost anything from the timeline of the crime. No one would have had more reason to murder Elaine Reid, either. Cat had recently discovered her best friend having an affair with her husband, and hadn’t taken the revelation well. Cat struggles to figure out what happens until Detective Rachel McGowen steps in with an idea. After chasing an elusive killer for over 15 years, Rachel can’t help but think Cat’s being framed.

I really enjoyed this mystery/thriller! It’s quite the page turner and the cliffhanger it ends on had me cursing that I read it before the next book was available. The two storylines were woven together really well, and I kept myself guessing until the end.

Definitely recommend this to thriller and mystery fans! Book 2, Forget-Me-Not, will be released on May 13.

[Ashlee Tharman · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 words:

I FREAKING KNEW IT!!!

This was such a page turner and I hate I started reading it during a busy time of the year that I was only now finally able to give it the attention it so deserves. This book was a gripper from start to finish. Cat absolutely looks good for the murder of her former best friend Elaine but when Elaine's death becomes related to not only the case of what was deemed a suicide several years earlier but to several other deemed suicides in the following years, Rachel is determined to find this killer. I cannot WAIT to get my hands on book 2 of the What Happened to Mia Davis series!

[Janelle Schiecke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The author did such an incredible job weaving a story of possible suspects and scenarios. Her writing is also very beautiful - the way she uses imagery is a breath of fresh air. Many paragraphs read poetically.

This book did a great job setting up for the next book in the series as well.

I'm not sure who the killer is yet, and I'm not one to read series much, but I definitely look forward to reading the next book in this series!

[Patrick Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

This is a great book that was hard to put down. With the dual-narratives it just helps to build the web of intrigue that this book creates.

The characters are well defined, each with distinctive personalities.

Everything was so well done; I can't wait for the sequel!

[Nicky Shearsby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful novel from an up and coming talented author, this was fluid and easy to read. Love 1st person narrative, and the dual viewpoint didn't disappoint. The only downside was that the ending didn't tie up the plot points. Yes, there is a second book coming, but I wanted to find out who the killer was as I raced towards the last few pages and didnt get that conclusion. Well worth a read, though, purely for the beautiful writing. I'll be waiting for book 2 keenly.

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY MOLY, this book was absolutely amazing. I am super impressed with the author’s attention to detail, making this a super good mystery! I found myself gasping or yelling at the pages multiple times during this read because I was so into it! I love how it ended but I seriously cannot wait to read more!! The book is almost 500 pages but it honestly never felt that long because the author engages you more with every page; whether it be new details needed to solve the mystery or dramatic plot twists you never saw coming! I know this is not a considered a well known book right now but it sure deserves to be!

Thank you so much CK Publicity & K.T Carlisle for sending me this book!! Please keep me updated on a sequel!!! ✨

[Pallavi Sareen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reasonable is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that follows the lives of four friends haunted by a tragic event from their past and a present-day murder that threatens to expose their secrets. It is the first book in the “What Happened to Mia Davis?” series.

One fine day Cat wakes up covered in blood, discovering her best friend, Elaine, dead. All the evidence points to her as the killer. Meanwhile, Tim and Evan, the other friends and business partners, grapple with Elaine’s loss and Cat’s accusation. All the while dealing with the pressure of running their design firm, which is on the verge of losing a huge contract. The stakes are high, and the risk of losing it all is higher.

Delving deeper into the case, they uncover unsettling secrets about Elaine’s life and their own connection to the death of Mia Davis, a college friend who perished under mysterious circumstances a decade ago.

The best thing about this book for me is the alternation between the perspectives of Cat and Rachel McGowen, the detective working on the case. With flashbacks to their college days and some important events, such as the night of Mia’s death, K.T. Carlisle does a great job of creating suspense and tension throughout the book, developing the characters and their complex relationships. Exploring themes of jealousy, addiction, and obsession, this book perfectly depicts how innate and raw feelings affect the choices and actions of the characters.

In a mystery novel, the most important question the reader has is, “Who is the Killer?”. When reading the synopsis of the book, I, too picked it up for the same reason. But this story is much more than just finding the killer and their motive. It dives deep into the way of creating fresh perceptions of past events. How you perceive a tragic event might be very different from another person’s eyes. This realization has been treated well with the narrative change, letting the readers draw their own conclusions.

The book is over 500 pages, making it one of the longest reads for me this year. But I could hardly realize that until I finished. The story and the writing style are just that good! So, don’t be intimidated by the size.

The book is not without flaws, however. Some plot points and coincidences seem contrived and unrealistic, and some characters’ motivations and actions are not fully explained or justified. Although the book tells stories through different eyes that feel fresh, it lacks a personal touch to flesh out the characters and focuses more on story-building. “Who dunnit” styled thrillers are more exciting when we get to understand the characters’ feelings.

The book also ends with a cliffhanger that leaves many questions unanswered, which might frustrate some readers who prefer a more conclusive ending. However, they might be resolved in the next books of the series.

Reasonable is a book that will appeal not just to fans of mystery and thriller genres but also to anyone who enjoys a well-written and captivating story. The book is a page-turner that will keep you hooked from the first chapter. Reasonable is a reasonable choice to add to your TBR list!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reasonable by KT Carlisle delivers a gripping narrative that unfolds like a carefully woven tapestry of suspense, deception, and redemption. The story kicks off on a chilling note when the Williamsburg Police Department stumbles upon Catheryn "Cat" Clark in a state of intense inebriation, cloaked in blood on the ominous Friday the 13th. From this moment, readers are thrust into a compelling mystery that challenges the boundaries of trust, friendship, and the quest for justice.

The novel's strength lies in its well-crafted characters, particularly Cat, whose struggle to believe in her own innocence sets the stage for a relentless pursuit of truth. The author skillfully navigates the complexities of human relationships, introducing us to the tangled web of emotions and motives that surround Cat, Elaine Reid, and the other characters entwined in this suspenseful tale.

The alcohol-induced haze that initially shrouds Cat's memory adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, compelling readers to piece together the puzzle alongside the protagonist. The questions that emerge—Who else was present that fateful night? What crucial details evade Cat's recollection?—act as tantalizing hooks that drive the story forward, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Detective Rachel McGowen's fifteen-year pursuit of an elusive killer introduces a riveting subplot that intertwines seamlessly with Cat's journey. The intricate connection between a neighbor's long-ago suicide and Cat's present predicament adds depth to the plot, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that will leave readers eager for the next installments in the series.

Reasonable is a fast-paced thrill ride that demands attention from the first page to the last. KT Carlisle's storytelling prowess is evident in the way she masterfully crafts an enthralling narrative that kept me guessing and trying to figure out the mystery, weaving a tale of determination, resilience, and the lengths one might go to clear their name and protect their loved ones.

Reasonable is a captivating debut in a promising three-part series. With its well-drawn characters, intricate plot twists, and relentless pace, it is sure to satisfy fans of suspense and mystery. KT Carlisle has skillfully set the stage for a compelling exploration of the human psyche and the pursuit of justice, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next thrilling chapter in this captivating series.

While cliffhangers can effectively generate anticipation and discussion, this reader finds them frustrating. I would much rather sit down with a book 1000 pages long than wait patiently impatiently for the conclusion to this fantastic mystery. I received a review copy via the author through Librarything and finished this in four hours. Now I am eagerly (frustratingly) awaiting the conclusion.

[Leslie Kurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mysteries/thrillers aren’t part of my regular book diet, but I do love a good mystery or something with a few twists, and Reasonable certainly has all the twists to satisfy any mystery reader. We have a rather large story here at over 500 Kindle pages, so I’m going to guess it’s around 120- 130k words. In this book, you get the first-person POVs of two characters who have connections way back to their college years. The connection is Mia Davis, the all-star perfect girl student who supposedly committed suicide. It opens with Cat being accused of murdering her best friend several years after college. She was sh!itface drunk when it happened and doesn’t remember much. You learn quickly that this is more of a side plot. After we get some back story on Cat’s life, it switches POVs. Cat is an unlikable but interesting character, who keeps your attention with her inappropriate alcoholic behavior, which was very accurate (we all know at least one, right?), I might add. The other character, Rachel, who was Mia’s college roommate, believes Mia didn’t off herself, but that she was murdered. The coincidence here is that Rachel becomes a detective and seeks to avenge Mia’s death. A common mystery trope, but it was done in an original way here. The pace was mostly fast with some dips, which kept my interest as the plot kept moving, but I do struggle to find time to read during the week, so I was frustrated that I couldn’t keep reading after starting it two weekends ago. The writing was very clean, flowed well, and wasn’t pretenious purple prose. All of the characters were well-developed, and their flaws were unique and realistic. Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I was expecting more closure after spending all that time with this tale. Reasonable was an excellent debut by Ms. Carlisle. My advice is to make sure your day is clear and that you have nothing to do for several hours, as you’ll want to read this in one sitting.

[Samia | Bookaroundandfindout · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, let me see where to unpack this! First of all, this book really took me by surprise. What starts out as seeming like a predictable "who done it" type of murder mystery slowly turns into a chaotic mess in the best way possible that left me hurrying through the last pages only to find out there are TWO books left and we don't even completely know or have evidence for the REAL killer!! We start with one of the main characters Cat, waking up in a pool of blood with a knife in her hand, her best friend murdered, and no memory of if she did it or not. That in itself sounds crazy but the plot only thickens. The reader is taking back and forth through time and different point of views and honestly for me at first (and this is why I have 4 stars) it was very confusing. I felt like I was having whiplash. But please be patient because towards the first fourth of the book ending you start seeing that there is a bigger picture unraveling. Cat is a pretty annoying FMC and I think that's the point considering she is kind of a mess, which makes her the perfect scapegoat right? Or did she actually black out and lose it? Did she murder more people? We don't know! I enjoyed the different perspectives, especially when we move away from Cat's POV and into the mind of our FMC Detective that I really love. You get to see both sides of a crime being committed- the insightful side of the accused and the law and order side of the case itself. We are left on a serious cliffhanger which made me want to scream, all and all meaning that the book was pretty good for the first one. I look forward to the next one that will be released in May and I hope to see improvement in some of the writing flow and more action now that the backdrop of the story has been established. Give it a read it's a great poolside or vacation novel!

[Joshua Bellin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edgy. Nervy. Twisty. Sneaky.

Those are some of the words I would apply to K.T. Carlisle’s novel.

This murder mystery grabbed me from the first page (which drops the reader right into the middle of the crime scene) to the last. The novel is told in two voices, the first of which belongs to Cat, who awakens from an apparent alcohol-induced blackout to find herself covered in a friend’s blood. She can’t remember what happened, so she assumes she’s the killer. While awaiting trial, her attempts to reconstruct the truth lead to a series of shocking revelations concerning infidelity and the passions simmering among her friend group. I’m intentionally being as vague as possible because I don’t dare give anything away, but trust me, your world will be rocked as much as Cat’s.

The second voice belongs to a detective, Rachel, whose investigation into an (apparently) unrelated suicide intersects with Cat’s story and brings us closer to answers (but not all the way there, since this is Book 1 of a planned trilogy). While I found Cat’s sections the more gripping of the two, I was impressed by Carlisle’s ability to draw intricate connections between the two women’s stories, all while keeping the plot moving along at breakneck speed.

That said, if I have one complaint about this novel, it would be the length—over 500 pages. I’m a slow reader, and I tend to like thrillers in the 300-350 page length because I can finish them in a week without losing too much sleep. Maybe it’s not a complaint to say that Carlisle’s novel kept me up for many nights, but consider yourself warned.

[Alex O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a friend of mine pointed out, I enjoy watching dark dramas. It seemed like anytime I sent her a text about watching a movie, it was a dark drama. I did not realize my enjoyment in these films until she pointed that fact out to me.

When it comes to books, one such as Reasonable is not what I typically read. Science-fiction is my go-to and books of this nature I tend to prefer watching versus reading. This, however, was an absolute page turner! I found myself thinking about this book after a reading session and not being able to wait until I was able to pick it back up again to read.

This book reads exactly how I would expect a dark drama movie or show to play out. I will say, the only downside was that the time jumps could be a little confusing at first, but K.T. Carlisle provides enough detail so that you are able to figure out where on the timeline you are. If you like dark dramas, murder mysteries, or good stories in general, read this book! To all the streaming services out there like Amazon, HBO, Hulu, and Netflix, adapt this to a series and you will have the next hit on your hands!

I am pre-ordering Forget-Me-Not immediately after posting this review as I need the next part of the story in my life!

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from page one, there was an instantaneous mystery of who killed Elaine Reid and why Cat Clark was found at the scene bloody and disorientated. That was a great start to this book! And we get a lot of flashbacks in the chapters to see what happened up to the point of Eliane being murdered to find out what happened and whether Cat Clark did it or not. We go back to high school and her college years and see what happens between friends Cat and Elaine.
We as the readers also get to find out what happened to Mia Davis, another girl that was known by the girls in college and it was thought that she was a suicide at the time. But Cat found out differently. I also loved it when Cat was arrested and booked into jail and then arraigned in court. There was a lot of research done by the author I can tell and that really shows in the writing!
I loved the author’s writing in this book! I am really hoping that the author comes out with more books in the future, so I can read them! She has a great writing style that I am drawn to as a reader. I loved the characters that the author created and also made them realistic and resonate with the readers.
I highly recommend this book to all fans of mystery!

[Stevie Aldrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you read as slowly as I do, finishing a book fast is a sure sign you enjoyed it. I loved the twists and pile of clues that guided me through the story of multiple people, especially when the point of view shifted from one character to another. Occasionally, small details felt forced or disconnected, but they never completely removed me from the story.

My biggest issue was the handling of suicide. The murder mystery involves homicides meant to look like suicides, but I'm referring to the other four characters dealing with suicide. As someone with direct ties to suicides, I didn't appreciate the victim blaming. It wasn't clear if the author was injecting her own bias into each character or if she meant to show character development through their bias, but every time the narrator shamed a suicidal character, I had to put the book down. Again, it might've been the author needs to make a clear distinction between which characters feel the bias strongly so the reader understands it's not her bias, but that and the shocking number of suicides/attempts outside the core mystery felt unnecessary and uncomfortable.

Otherwise, I loved this book!

[Happy Frappy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reasonable by K.T. Carlisle is an ambitious mystery/thriller that, while having some very mysterious parts, is sadly not thrilling. Catheryn "Cat" Clark has been arrested for the murder of her friend, but questions emerge as her mind slowly clears from an alcohol-induced fog. There is so much evidence against her, but did she really murder her longtime friend? As she attempts to unwind from the web that has been weaved, Cat can't help but be reminded of her friend Mia's mysterious death during college years ago.

I really wanted to like this book. The premise sounded promising and I do love a good mystery. However, the story drags on for over 500 pages and the reader is not even rewarded with answers at the end of the long trek. Also, the time jumps between Cat in college and Cat in present day were not always clear cut. The reader is just thrown from past to present and back again with no warning or context. There are two more books that will be included in a trilogy, but I'm not sure why this story needs more than one try to complete.

2 out of 5 stars

I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Scott Haines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed with this book. Once I picked it up, I literally couldn’t put it down. I greatly appreciated the time the author spend developing each character and telling each back story. From the four “main characters of Cat, Elaine, Tim and Ethan to Rachel and others, we see very relatable personal struggles and demons. However, despite these demons Carlisle paints a picture of each, endearing them to us.

As a murder mystery, fan, I expected some twists and turns—and even thought I had figured out who killed Mia Davis. By the end of the book though, I am no longer sure! I very much look forward to more twists and turns in the next 2 installments.

I highly recommend this book as it is VERY well written. So well written that I did not once catch even a grammatical or spelling error! You MUST read this book if you are into mystery and suspense!

[Kale · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written exploration of grief, obsession, and loss, with a paranormal twist.
The writing in this book is pristine, with many lovely passages and intricate descriptions of the inner worlds of the characters. Where Carlisle's writing really shines is in her explorations of the various facets of grief and the way we long for our loved ones beyond bitter betrayal and death.
I had a hunch fairly early on about who did it, and it turned out to be right, but that did not diminish the enjoyment of the read at all. When the writing is crafted so well, you want to keep reading. Plus you have to know if your hunch was right!
I am curious to see how she explores more of the paranormal themes in the second book, as they are only briefly covered in this book. Also curious to see what other twists that I haven't foreseen might be coming my way.

[kenneth m gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reasonable: Book 1 of the What Happened to Mia Davis trilogy by K.T. Carlisle is an absorbing read. At first, I thought that this story would revolve around the various relationships and predicaments of several delightful and well-written characters. Then the suicide (murder?) comes into the story and wow was I engrossed! The author knows how to end a segment and ignite the reader's interest. I was thrown for a second when in book 2 the narrator changed. The different narrator's voices were very distinct and the new perspective drew further into the story. All the characters' backgrounds and reactions to incidents kept me juggling suspects.
This is a fun and involving murder mystery with lots of romantic entanglements that keep you guessing and turning the page or in my case tapping the Kindle. I look forward to reading part two of Forget-Me-Not.

[Sarah Rizk · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Imagine waking up after a night of drinking, covered in blood, next to your dead friend with no recollection of what happened. That's exactly how Reasonable starts off. Such a strong opener had me in a vise grip immediately. So much so, in fact, that I willingly sacrificed some of the already limited amount of sleep my 2.5 year old allows me to get to finish reading this. The story unfolds by flashing back and forth between past and present. The author has masterfully written it, so the time jumps are very clear and easy to read. Reasonable reminded me of the show The Sinner. The ending gives you just enough to leave you satisfied, but at the same time, I'm on my way to download the next book in the series as soon as I hit submit on this review. Needless to say, I HIGHLY recommend this book.

[booksy.tx.ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! Yes! Yes! Fucking Amazing! I went into this book knowing it was a cliffhanger and I wouldn’t get the answers. But damn it, I absolutely need them! That ending! Man, I knew it.

This seriously had me drowning in the mystery so freaking quickly. There are two perspectives that show two sides of what’s happening. It was great to see it from the other side and be able to line up their timelines. The characters are amazing. You enter Cat’s life as she’s being arrested, and you can feel her confusion. By the time you get to Rachel’s point of view (honestly, I was so into the story I forgot about her), you want her to give you answers. The past meets the present through death and a woman who wouldn’t give up.


Come read with me on instagram @booksy.tx.ana

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully layered, twisted mystery. The descriptions transport you right into the heart of the story (although at times that made my stomach twist a bit). The characters are complex, and I really like that we get flashbacks woven in, giving more depth to them, while also filling in pieces of the mystery. It was easy to follow the shifts between past and present, but they didn’t feel abrupt, and melded well into the overall story. I really liked Cat from the start, and I liked her a lot as a narrator. She’s not perfect, or even clearly innocent at the outset, which just drew me in further. If you enjoy dark mysteries with a psychological element, you’re going to love this. I can’t wait for book two!

[Shakib · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reasonable packs a punch!


“Reasonable” hit me hard—in the best way possible. With an emotionally charged cast and a twisty, intricate mystery, it had me hooked. I’ll admit, I usually steer clear of murder mysteries where the investigator is personally tied to the case—too much angst and grief for my taste. But K.T. Carlisle? She’s on another level. Her sharp, fluid prose kept me turning pages like my life depended on it.

The plot twists, sudden revelations, and sheer suspense come together beautifully in this first book of a murder mystery trilogy. A trilogy for a murder mystery? That’s new to me, and I’m loving it. Picking up this series was a win. Can’t wait to dive into the next chapter!

[Alexandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tedious slog

1. The author uses 20 words when one will do. An example being four pages of descriptive prose to describe walking down a corridor.

2. The characters are unrealistic

3. The time jumps are awkward

4. Authors knowledge of police procedures is lacking - law enforcement does not need to set up google alerts for crimes, they have their own system that is more accurate and less public

5. Random fact that are easily googled are incorrect ie The Bellagio is in Las Vegas not Atlantic City

6. She reuses words like “tresses” to describe hair way too often

7. I can’t bear to read the next book pretty sure I know who done it though.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know when I first started this book, I did not really know what to expect. And as the story went on, I found myself getting lost in it. This was a wonderful murder mystery, there was some time where it went slow. But honestly that is because it is world building and creating it. Things do not always just happen, it needs to be built up. And it worked so well for this novel. My husband always laughs since I love listening to murder podcasts, so this fit right up my alley. I had fun creating who done its in my head. And I am excited to be able to read book two of this. If you are a lover of murder mysteries, give this one a shot.

[Julian Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw all the rave reviews this book was getting so I decided to give it a shot, even though it was clear it was a mystery trilogy that would leave me guessing. Fortunately, the pages flew by every time I picked it up. Carlisle's prose is propulsive, even when detailing a character's thought process, and her eye for detail keeps the mystery from being confusing. I felt the police investigative procedures were a little questionable, but usually plausible. The switching of perspectives was a little jarring, and I found the detective narrative to be more enjoyable, but the first character's perspective added a lot of emotional texture to the mystery that kept the detective investigation compelling.

Carlisle is a promising and prolific new author who will probably be topping mystery book charts in a couple years. Keep an eye on her!

[Dana McKenzie]

Reasonable
K. T. Carlisle

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Twisty, murder-mystery, a thrilling who done it.

The FMC Cat, drunk woke up with a knife covered in her BFFs blood. Oh, that same BFF that had an affair with her husband.

Yes, that’s how this thing starts out. So you cannot help but get sucked straight into it page turning, thrilling, what happened and who did it?

K. T. Carlisle pulled me right onto the pages of this book. Her vivid imagery was fantastic and it seemed as if I was right there with the characters.

Cliffhanger though, this is Book. I cannot wait to see what happens next.