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Romantic Suspense #31
Dead Man's List
Homicide Detective Kit McKittrick's latest case exposes San Diego’s seedy underbelly in this nerve-shattering tale of romantic suspense from New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose.
On a long-anticipated second date with police psychologist Dr. Sam Reeves—right as things are getting steamy—Kit stumbles across the mutilated body of a local San Diego politician. The politician is loved by many of his constituents but is hated and reviled by many more. That the suspect list is long is no surprise to anyone, but exactly who ends up on it stuns Kit and her team.
As the SDPD reveal the victim’s sinister dealings, Kit and Sam are forced to navigate the lawless world of the city’s most rich and powerful citizens to find answers. But time is rapidly running out, with their sources of information dropping like flies as the killer methodically eliminates loose ends—and anyone else who stands in the way.
On a long-anticipated second date with police psychologist Dr. Sam Reeves—right as things are getting steamy—Kit stumbles across the mutilated body of a local San Diego politician. The politician is loved by many of his constituents but is hated and reviled by many more. That the suspect list is long is no surprise to anyone, but exactly who ends up on it stuns Kit and her team.
As the SDPD reveal the victim’s sinister dealings, Kit and Sam are forced to navigate the lawless world of the city’s most rich and powerful citizens to find answers. But time is rapidly running out, with their sources of information dropping like flies as the killer methodically eliminates loose ends—and anyone else who stands in the way.
472 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2025
About the author
Karen Rose
72 books5,624 followersOFFICIAL WEBSITE:
www.karenrosebooks.com
Internationally bestselling, RITA-award winning, author Karen Rose was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. She met her husband, Martin, on a blind date when they were seventeen and after they both graduated from the University of Maryland, (Karen with a degree in Chemical Engineering) they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Karen worked as an engineer for a large consumer goods company, earning two patents, but as Karen says, “scenes were roiling in my head and I couldn't concentrate on my job so I started writing them down. I started out writing for fun, and soon found I was hooked.”
Her debut suspense novel, DON'T TELL, was released in July, 2003. Since then, she has published fifteen more novels and two novellas. Her seventeenth novel, ALONE IN THE DARK, will be released in 2016.
Karen's books have appeared on the bestseller lists of the New York Times, USA Today, London's Sunday Times, and Germany's der Spiegel (#1), and the Irish Times, as well as lists in South Africa (#1) and Australia!
Her novels, I'M WATCHING YOU and SILENT SCREAM, received the Romance Writers of America's RITA award for Best Romantic Suspense for 2005 and 2011. Five of her other books have been RITA finalists. To date, her books have been translated into twenty-four languages.
A former high school teacher of chemistry and physics, Karen lives in Florida with her husband of more than twenty years, her two daughters, two dogs, and a cat.
www.karenrosebooks.com
Internationally bestselling, RITA-award winning, author Karen Rose was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. She met her husband, Martin, on a blind date when they were seventeen and after they both graduated from the University of Maryland, (Karen with a degree in Chemical Engineering) they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Karen worked as an engineer for a large consumer goods company, earning two patents, but as Karen says, “scenes were roiling in my head and I couldn't concentrate on my job so I started writing them down. I started out writing for fun, and soon found I was hooked.”
Her debut suspense novel, DON'T TELL, was released in July, 2003. Since then, she has published fifteen more novels and two novellas. Her seventeenth novel, ALONE IN THE DARK, will be released in 2016.
Karen's books have appeared on the bestseller lists of the New York Times, USA Today, London's Sunday Times, and Germany's der Spiegel (#1), and the Irish Times, as well as lists in South Africa (#1) and Australia!
Her novels, I'M WATCHING YOU and SILENT SCREAM, received the Romance Writers of America's RITA award for Best Romantic Suspense for 2005 and 2011. Five of her other books have been RITA finalists. To date, her books have been translated into twenty-four languages.
A former high school teacher of chemistry and physics, Karen lives in Florida with her husband of more than twenty years, her two daughters, two dogs, and a cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
May 21, 2026
Book 4 of the San Diego series.
I liked this one a lot, I’ve been a fan of Karen Rose’s books for quite a while, now I have them all of hers. If you like a good thriller you should give her books a go..
just remember her books are in a series, so San Diego, Cincinnati etc.
Detective Kit Mckittrict and Sam Reeves are having a walk with there dogs in the desert outside San Diego they find a Mutilated body of a Councillor, This Councillor was a hated figure, After Delving Deeper into the death of the councillor they find he was involved in some very dodgy dealings. They are now on the case to finding the killer,trying to find him before there is more to the body count. After finding out that there’s a list of people that were being Blackmailed by Brooks Monroe for millions of Dollars, they need to find the list and find his Acquaintances that helped with the Extortion and The Murderer out there..!
I liked this one a lot, I’ve been a fan of Karen Rose’s books for quite a while, now I have them all of hers. If you like a good thriller you should give her books a go..
just remember her books are in a series, so San Diego, Cincinnati etc.
Detective Kit Mckittrict and Sam Reeves are having a walk with there dogs in the desert outside San Diego they find a Mutilated body of a Councillor, This Councillor was a hated figure, After Delving Deeper into the death of the councillor they find he was involved in some very dodgy dealings. They are now on the case to finding the killer,trying to find him before there is more to the body count. After finding out that there’s a list of people that were being Blackmailed by Brooks Monroe for millions of Dollars, they need to find the list and find his Acquaintances that helped with the Extortion and The Murderer out there..!
June 9, 2025
This is a fast paced, well-written, entertaining, psychological thriller. It has a likable, intelligent, strong and capable female protagonist, murder, mystery, intrigue, suspense, supportive family, twists and turns, a touch of romance, and a satisfying conclusion. This is the third entry in Ms. Rose's outstanding Sand Diego series, and it can be read as a stand alone, but it is better when read in order for continuity, as there are references to past events and relationships.
December 14, 2024
I have to say right off the bat that this is a wild story! Rose reels us in with multiple murder victims, a twisty brilliant plot, and actual growth with the ultra-slow, maybe in our lifetime, romantic interest.
The characters in these novels are complex and Rose brings in so many dimensions you could swear you know them. Messy backstories make them compassionate humans who excel at their craft, solving murders. This team is amazing and addictive.
What I love the most about this book is we start to see the softness of Kit starting to come through. The cracks are there and she is weakening…Can Sam hang in there? Will it happen that they can build a relationship? Gahhh – you have to read this one. I think Rose is the queen of the slow-burn romance. How long can she make us suffer?
If you love romantic suspense, and crime-riddled police procedural mysteries, you need to read this and any books by this author. So addicting!
~~~
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/dead-mans-li...
The characters in these novels are complex and Rose brings in so many dimensions you could swear you know them. Messy backstories make them compassionate humans who excel at their craft, solving murders. This team is amazing and addictive.
What I love the most about this book is we start to see the softness of Kit starting to come through. The cracks are there and she is weakening…Can Sam hang in there? Will it happen that they can build a relationship? Gahhh – you have to read this one. I think Rose is the queen of the slow-burn romance. How long can she make us suffer?
If you love romantic suspense, and crime-riddled police procedural mysteries, you need to read this and any books by this author. So addicting!
~~~
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/dead-mans-li...
February 26, 2025
DEAD MAN'S LIST is the third book in author Karen Rose’s San Diego Case Files series featuring Detective Kit McKittrick and Dr. Sam Reeves. As always, Rose delivers an intense, complicated, twisted murder mystery that keeps fans guessing right up to the shocking climax.
DEAD MAN'S LIST is a complex, multi-layered thriller featuring a gritty, introverted heroine who keeps her emotions tightly wrapped and others at arm's length as much as possible. Kit's horrific experience bouncing around the foster system left her toting a great deal of baggage but extraordinarily little trust before she hit the lottery with foster parents Harlan and Betsy McKittrick whose unconditional love and security chipped away at her defenses helping form the capable woman and resolute detective she is today. Her keen sense of duty and dedication drive her not only to seek justice for victims, but to also give back to the foster parents who saved her by mentoring other young girls and women.
Dr. Sam Reeves, a police psychologist working with the San Diego Police Department, breathes a sigh of relief when SDPD Detective Kit McKittrick finally agrees to go out with him. Sam understands Kit's emotional state remains precarious when it comes to forming relationships, but he's a patient man willing to invest the time to show her he intends to be part of her future. Wanting to share his love of hiking with her, he takes Kit and their dogs to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for a casual date. Just as he feels he's making progress breaking through her defenses, they stumble over the partially buried body of a well-known city council member named Brooks Munro. Multiple stab wounds indicated a vicious crime of rage and given the unpopularity of the politician, Kit and Sam know the suspect list will be a long one. As Kit and her team begin working on the case, it's clear several powerful and influential people have dark secrets they’re determined to keep hidden. However, there's a missing binder of names and rumors of extortion circulating, and when more bodies surface, Kit’s certain someone is working through a kill list eliminating witnesses one by one. As Kit gets closer to unmasking the killer, she becomes a complication the killer can't ignore.
Author Karen Rose excels at weaving taut, intricate suspense thrillers with detailed characterizations and multiple plotlines that keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Dedicated support characters with their own issues help to steadily drive the pace forward as the action increases through twists and turns, crisis after crisis before exploding in a shocking climax most will never see coming. Multiple red herrings provide readers with several possible villains for consideration, and armchair detectives should watch closely for the bread crumb clues the author sprinkles throughout. A budding, slow burn romance between Kit and Sam adds a human touch, allowing readers to join the couple as they explore new emotions, especially Kit as she struggles with accepting she’s worthy of this man. Like the seasoned expert author she is, Rose maneuvers readers and characters through another fantastic suspense thriller. I recommend DEAD MAN'S LIST to fans of murder mysteries, romance suspense and police procedurals as I look forward to the next one.
Many thanks to Berkley for a complimentary arc of this title scheduled for release on March 4, 2025. Opinions expressed are entirely my own. This review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is now available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
DEAD MAN'S LIST is a complex, multi-layered thriller featuring a gritty, introverted heroine who keeps her emotions tightly wrapped and others at arm's length as much as possible. Kit's horrific experience bouncing around the foster system left her toting a great deal of baggage but extraordinarily little trust before she hit the lottery with foster parents Harlan and Betsy McKittrick whose unconditional love and security chipped away at her defenses helping form the capable woman and resolute detective she is today. Her keen sense of duty and dedication drive her not only to seek justice for victims, but to also give back to the foster parents who saved her by mentoring other young girls and women.
Dr. Sam Reeves, a police psychologist working with the San Diego Police Department, breathes a sigh of relief when SDPD Detective Kit McKittrick finally agrees to go out with him. Sam understands Kit's emotional state remains precarious when it comes to forming relationships, but he's a patient man willing to invest the time to show her he intends to be part of her future. Wanting to share his love of hiking with her, he takes Kit and their dogs to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for a casual date. Just as he feels he's making progress breaking through her defenses, they stumble over the partially buried body of a well-known city council member named Brooks Munro. Multiple stab wounds indicated a vicious crime of rage and given the unpopularity of the politician, Kit and Sam know the suspect list will be a long one. As Kit and her team begin working on the case, it's clear several powerful and influential people have dark secrets they’re determined to keep hidden. However, there's a missing binder of names and rumors of extortion circulating, and when more bodies surface, Kit’s certain someone is working through a kill list eliminating witnesses one by one. As Kit gets closer to unmasking the killer, she becomes a complication the killer can't ignore.
Author Karen Rose excels at weaving taut, intricate suspense thrillers with detailed characterizations and multiple plotlines that keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Dedicated support characters with their own issues help to steadily drive the pace forward as the action increases through twists and turns, crisis after crisis before exploding in a shocking climax most will never see coming. Multiple red herrings provide readers with several possible villains for consideration, and armchair detectives should watch closely for the bread crumb clues the author sprinkles throughout. A budding, slow burn romance between Kit and Sam adds a human touch, allowing readers to join the couple as they explore new emotions, especially Kit as she struggles with accepting she’s worthy of this man. Like the seasoned expert author she is, Rose maneuvers readers and characters through another fantastic suspense thriller. I recommend DEAD MAN'S LIST to fans of murder mysteries, romance suspense and police procedurals as I look forward to the next one.
Many thanks to Berkley for a complimentary arc of this title scheduled for release on March 4, 2025. Opinions expressed are entirely my own. This review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is now available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
March 7, 2025
Sam and Kit resume the dance. Kit has issues and doesn't think she deserves a great guy like Sam. I'm not a fan of this loooong drawn out dance and at over a thousand pages total (three books), they are still dancing. It's very annoying. Even more annoying is that this mystery just didn't live up to the high standard Karen Rose has set in her previous books. There was way too much side stuff going on with Kit and her foster family, and the people directly involved in the case were just despicable.
Kit McKittrick, San Diego Police Detective, and Physiologist Sam Reeve finally have second date. They are hiking in the Anza-Borrego desert east of San Diego when the discover a body and not just any body. This is Sandiego City Councilman Brooks Munroe, a first-class sleaze and blackmailer as Kit and Sam soon find out. The quest soon becomes who out of the legions of people who hated him, killed him.
Kit McKittrick, San Diego Police Detective, and Physiologist Sam Reeve finally have second date. They are hiking in the Anza-Borrego desert east of San Diego when the discover a body and not just any body. This is Sandiego City Councilman Brooks Munroe, a first-class sleaze and blackmailer as Kit and Sam soon find out. The quest soon becomes who out of the legions of people who hated him, killed him.
December 13, 2024
4 stars. This is my first book from Karen Rose, and given how much I love romantic suspense, I have no idea why I waited so long to read her. Dead Man's List is the 3rd book in the Kit McKittrick San Diego series. In so many ways, Kit reminds me a lot of Eve Dallas from JD Robb's In Death series. She's a tenacious, oh so loyal detective, who also happens to be an orphan with a rough past. Kit eventually ends up in a foster family that really changes her life, and are a big presence in this book. Dead Man's List is the 3rd book in the series, and you can absolutely read it as a standalone. It's very clear that the relationships between the characters, including the romantic relationship between Kit and Dr. Sam, have been evolving since book 1, but Rose gives you enough background info to be able to follow along. I was very invested in Kit's ability to solve the crime, so plot/mystery wise, this never lagged. And even though I said that Kit reminds me of Eve Dallas, Sam is in no way Roarke. Instead of being a mysterious, alpha, billionaire, Sam is the sweetest cinnamon rolly-est, gold retriever of a character. He is so gentle with Kit, and you better believe that I am INVESTED in reading more about how their relationship develops.
Thank you so much to Rose, Berkley (Berkley partner), and netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Although I got this one for free, I enjoyed it so much that I purchased the ebook of book 1 in this series, and I'm VERY excited to cycle back and start from the beginning.
Thank you so much to Rose, Berkley (Berkley partner), and netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Although I got this one for free, I enjoyed it so much that I purchased the ebook of book 1 in this series, and I'm VERY excited to cycle back and start from the beginning.
August 8, 2026
4.25 stars
March 4, 2025
Sinister, intricate, and intense!
In this compelling third instalment in the San Diego Case Files, Dead Man’s List, Rose has written a tortuous whodunit that sees homicide detective Kit McKittrick and her partner Connor Robinson working together with psychologist Dr. Sam Reeves on a complicated case involving a serial killer with nothing to lose, a prolific blackmailer with something to hide, and a list of victims who will pay whatever they have to in order to keep their secrets buried for good.
The writing is menacing and tight. The characters are consumed, persistent, and dependable. And the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat as it submerges you, page after page, into a world of blackmail, murder, wealth, arrogance, violence, terror, deception, corruption, suspicious personalities, palpable chemistry, and a sliver of romance.
Overall, Dead Man’s List is an addictive, engrossing, thrilling addition to what has quickly become a must-read series for me with its flawed characters, great pace, and consistent sense of urgency.
In this compelling third instalment in the San Diego Case Files, Dead Man’s List, Rose has written a tortuous whodunit that sees homicide detective Kit McKittrick and her partner Connor Robinson working together with psychologist Dr. Sam Reeves on a complicated case involving a serial killer with nothing to lose, a prolific blackmailer with something to hide, and a list of victims who will pay whatever they have to in order to keep their secrets buried for good.
The writing is menacing and tight. The characters are consumed, persistent, and dependable. And the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat as it submerges you, page after page, into a world of blackmail, murder, wealth, arrogance, violence, terror, deception, corruption, suspicious personalities, palpable chemistry, and a sliver of romance.
Overall, Dead Man’s List is an addictive, engrossing, thrilling addition to what has quickly become a must-read series for me with its flawed characters, great pace, and consistent sense of urgency.
Read
March 31, 2025I don't know why but I could not connect with this story at all.
March 10, 2025
4.5 Stars
Detective Kit McKittrick and Sam’s hiking date ends abruptly when they stumble upon a dead body. The victim ends up being a corrupt councilman and there’s no shortage of suspects. As his deeds are revealed it’s no wonder someone took him out! Sam, as the police department’s consulting psychologist helps Kit and Connor as they methodically hunt for the killer.
Meanwhile, Rita, one of the girls the McKittrick’s are fostering, is set to testify against her mother’s murderer. She receives a veiled threat, putting the whole family on high alert.
Dead Man’s List was a layered mystery that captured and held my attention from beginning to the wild end! Lots of reveals! I loved seeing Kit, Sam and Connor in action, handling the suspects. It was a great crime/police procedural! The personal relationships with family and friends’ factor in heavily and I loved the support they gave each other. The ladies from the senior center always make me laugh, too!
Most of Ms. Rose’s romantic suspense stories could be read as standalones, but Dead Man’s List is the third book in the San Diego Case Files, and I think it’s best to read in order as the relationship between Kit and Sam is a slow going one starting with the first book. There’s also the continuing mystery of who killed Kit’s foster sister when they were teenagers. A bit of information has been revealed in each installment.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
Detective Kit McKittrick and Sam’s hiking date ends abruptly when they stumble upon a dead body. The victim ends up being a corrupt councilman and there’s no shortage of suspects. As his deeds are revealed it’s no wonder someone took him out! Sam, as the police department’s consulting psychologist helps Kit and Connor as they methodically hunt for the killer.
Meanwhile, Rita, one of the girls the McKittrick’s are fostering, is set to testify against her mother’s murderer. She receives a veiled threat, putting the whole family on high alert.
Dead Man’s List was a layered mystery that captured and held my attention from beginning to the wild end! Lots of reveals! I loved seeing Kit, Sam and Connor in action, handling the suspects. It was a great crime/police procedural! The personal relationships with family and friends’ factor in heavily and I loved the support they gave each other. The ladies from the senior center always make me laugh, too!
Most of Ms. Rose’s romantic suspense stories could be read as standalones, but Dead Man’s List is the third book in the San Diego Case Files, and I think it’s best to read in order as the relationship between Kit and Sam is a slow going one starting with the first book. There’s also the continuing mystery of who killed Kit’s foster sister when they were teenagers. A bit of information has been revealed in each installment.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
March 25, 2026
Review to follow
April 3, 2025
I’m all for a slow burn romance but this one is absolute turtle speed. It’s like reading about two middle schoolers. The bright side is that there was an interesting mystery attached full of a lot of thrills. So there was more balance but I don’t understand why I keep reading this series when all I am getting is frustrated and annoyed with Kit. Oh well will probably still read the next one.
July 6, 2025
By 30% I just couldn’t continue so I went straight to the last 2 chapters + epilogue. Still got the whole gist of it. I just couldn’t stomach the mooning between Kit and Sam, too much and too boring to read. Will stop reading this series. Such a shame because I really love Karen Rose, read all her books, the earlier ones were the best.
March 10, 2025
This one was so much fun! We had the romance angle with Kit and Sam, the drama within Kit's family and of course murder. It was interesting to see how all of these started to tangle together, sometimes with connections that weren't so obvious, but more the people.
I love Kit's family and how they all 100% support each other and how welcoming they are to others that come into their orbit. It's sort of like that old Eagles song, you can always enter, but you can't leave and it's a good thing. The parents have such big hearts, you love to see how they are with everyone!
Then there is the role that Kit plays with her sibs. It's a give and take, where they all support each other, knowing that at some time they will need to be the person who needs help. What is so great about this is that the kids see this and start to emulate that behavior too.
The crime in this one is so crazy! Seems fairly cut and dry up front, but the more that Kit and her partner investigate, the more involved and sticky it becomes. When you get down to the bad guy and why, it will break your heart! I'm just glad that so many "bad" people went down besides the bad guy.
All in all, this one was a great read!
I love Kit's family and how they all 100% support each other and how welcoming they are to others that come into their orbit. It's sort of like that old Eagles song, you can always enter, but you can't leave and it's a good thing. The parents have such big hearts, you love to see how they are with everyone!
Then there is the role that Kit plays with her sibs. It's a give and take, where they all support each other, knowing that at some time they will need to be the person who needs help. What is so great about this is that the kids see this and start to emulate that behavior too.
The crime in this one is so crazy! Seems fairly cut and dry up front, but the more that Kit and her partner investigate, the more involved and sticky it becomes. When you get down to the bad guy and why, it will break your heart! I'm just glad that so many "bad" people went down besides the bad guy.
All in all, this one was a great read!
April 7, 2025
A meaty read.
Rose always outs a lot of detail and craft into her novels so readers can settle in for a long read.
The action is good and the details were parsed out in a timely fashion.
My favorite part of the book was the burgeoning relationship between Sam and Kit.
I kept saying it’s about time.
Thanks to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the early read.
Rose always outs a lot of detail and craft into her novels so readers can settle in for a long read.
The action is good and the details were parsed out in a timely fashion.
My favorite part of the book was the burgeoning relationship between Sam and Kit.
I kept saying it’s about time.
Thanks to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the early read.
April 6, 2025
Another great read from Karen Rose. Lots going on and still liking all the characters in this series.
March 5, 2025
My favorite of the San Diego series thus far. Perfect from beginning to end, maintaining the solid and smart plot and characters I’ve come to expect, and adding in even more character development, pushing forward into new layers of relationships. Fantastic build in mystery and plot, stacking each piece of evidence and detective work until it all comes together in a thrilling conclusion.
The pacing is excellent. The characters are amazing. The mystery is killer (pun intended). And the depth and intelligence throughout have elevated this series to the top of the genre. It demands to be read.
* I received a free copy from the publisher
The pacing is excellent. The characters are amazing. The mystery is killer (pun intended). And the depth and intelligence throughout have elevated this series to the top of the genre. It demands to be read.
* I received a free copy from the publisher
March 10, 2026
Am Anfang hatte ich ein paar Schwierigkeiten reinzukommen. Der Einstieg mit dem Tod eines Politikers, der gefühlt unendlich viele Feinde hat, wirkte erstmal etwas vorhersehbar. Außerdem musste ich mich kurz wieder in die San-Diego-Reihe einfinden, vor allem weil zwischen Band zwei und diesem noch ein anderes Buch von ihr erschienen ist.
Ein bisschen irritiert hat mich auch, dass sich ein bestimmter Mordfall durch die ganze Reihe zieht. Da die Reihe ursprünglich als Trilogie angekündigt war, dachte ich eigentlich, dass das hier endlich komplett aufgeklärt wird, passiert aber nur so halb.
Ein bisschen irritiert hat mich auch, dass sich ein bestimmter Mordfall durch die ganze Reihe zieht. Da die Reihe ursprünglich als Trilogie angekündigt war, dachte ich eigentlich, dass das hier endlich komplett aufgeklärt wird, passiert aber nur so halb.
Did Not Finish
September 14, 2025DIDN’T FINISH.
May 24, 2025
I enjoy the characters and the flow of the story. I just found myself rolling my eyes more than once at an unbelievable police procedure.
July 29, 2025
I love Karen Rose books but somehow the San Diego books are my favorite of all of them. Might it be because it differs from the other ones or is it the characters? Can’t exactly tell you the reason except that I really like Kit’s character and that I can relate to her being closed off, not wanting hugs (apparently everyone loves being hugged??) and thinking being not good enough for anyone and not allowing herself to feel all her feelings because she’s afraid of getting hurt.
I literally flew through that book and if I didn’t had to go to work I wouldn’t have put it down. Very compelling written story, like the other two San Diego one’s.
I know many people don’t like the very slow burn of Kit and Sams relationship because it differs from all of the others in Rose’s books but I really like it. Also it’s not one of those very annoying “will they, won’t they” type of relationship. Sam is so respectful towards Kit and gives her the time she needs which I think is rare in todays society and because Sam does all of that Kit is slowly able to open up and is slowly allowing herself to feel all of her feelings.
Sometimes the love relationships in Rose’s other books move too fast for me which might be one of the reasons why I like the San Diego books so much.
Now the waiting starts for the release of the fourth book of this series 🙃
I literally flew through that book and if I didn’t had to go to work I wouldn’t have put it down. Very compelling written story, like the other two San Diego one’s.
I know many people don’t like the very slow burn of Kit and Sams relationship because it differs from all of the others in Rose’s books but I really like it. Also it’s not one of those very annoying “will they, won’t they” type of relationship. Sam is so respectful towards Kit and gives her the time she needs which I think is rare in todays society and because Sam does all of that Kit is slowly able to open up and is slowly allowing herself to feel all of her feelings.
Sometimes the love relationships in Rose’s other books move too fast for me which might be one of the reasons why I like the San Diego books so much.
Now the waiting starts for the release of the fourth book of this series 🙃
June 28, 2026
Dead Man's List is book thirty-one in the Romantic Suspense series by Karen Rose. Homicide Detective Kit McKittrick did not expect to find a body while on a date with the police psychologist, Dr Sam Reeves. However, that's what happens, and it was of a local San Diego politician who had lots of enemies. For Detective Kit McKittrick and Dr Sam Reeves, it was a race to find the killer before the killer strikes again. Will Detective Kit McKittrick and Dr Sam Reeves find the killer, or will this be the case that defeats them? Readers of Dead Man’s List will continue to follow Detective Kit McKittrick and Dr Sam Reeves to discover what happens.
Reading this book, I started learning about San Diego and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. I like the way Karen Rose emphasises that the foster system is important because it relies on good people to be foster carers.
I am pleased to have read another book in this wonderful series by Karen Rose. Dead Man’s List was a wonderful addition to this series, and I engaged with this book from the first page because of the way she portrayed her characters and their interactions. Dead Man’s List was well-written and researched by Karen Rose. I felt part of the book's plot because of the way Karen Rose described its setting.
I recommend this book.
Reading this book, I started learning about San Diego and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. I like the way Karen Rose emphasises that the foster system is important because it relies on good people to be foster carers.
I am pleased to have read another book in this wonderful series by Karen Rose. Dead Man’s List was a wonderful addition to this series, and I engaged with this book from the first page because of the way she portrayed her characters and their interactions. Dead Man’s List was well-written and researched by Karen Rose. I felt part of the book's plot because of the way Karen Rose described its setting.
I recommend this book.
September 19, 2025
Oh the cliffhanger, the plot itself, the scumbags who think being rich makes them entitled to hurting people!! Again woth Karen Rose creating a masterpiece!
We got a corrupt city council found murdered in the desert by Kit and Sam, the body is left in a terrible condition, and because the victim was blackmailing people, we find ourselves with a dead man's list!!
Kit is getting better at opening up to peope especially to Sam who is so cute and lovable, my favourite character though has to be Connor and his family!
The perpetrator later on is one of the worst ever! super smart but horrible nonetheless!
The cliffhanger at the end is incredible! Ever since the first book in the series, i have been wondering about Wren and who killed her!
The family that fostered Kit are perfect! i like how they help everyone!
Favourite scene is when that asshole who killed Rita's mother came to confront Kit!
We got a corrupt city council found murdered in the desert by Kit and Sam, the body is left in a terrible condition, and because the victim was blackmailing people, we find ourselves with a dead man's list!!
Kit is getting better at opening up to peope especially to Sam who is so cute and lovable, my favourite character though has to be Connor and his family!
The perpetrator later on is one of the worst ever! super smart but horrible nonetheless!
The cliffhanger at the end is incredible! Ever since the first book in the series, i have been wondering about Wren and who killed her!
The family that fostered Kit are perfect! i like how they help everyone!
Favourite scene is when that asshole who killed Rita's mother came to confront Kit!
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February 13, 2026
Still having a good time reading this series! I really liked the case investigation here, specially during the first half. Having to deal with the murder of such a disliked public figure added a bit of a twist to Kit’s usual job, and I enjoyed how Sam came to be a part of and help with it. I also really vibed with Connor this time around, for some reason? Favorite new side character.
For other bits and bobs: very interesting to have some information regarding Kit’s family come up. I wasn’t expecting anything of the sort, and now I’m very curious about how the series is going to go. The romance element was also really nice here; the progression worked for me and I was glad to see Kit take things forward. The Rita subplot was a bit underwhelming, but I’m fine with how it was solved.
For other bits and bobs: very interesting to have some information regarding Kit’s family come up. I wasn’t expecting anything of the sort, and now I’m very curious about how the series is going to go. The romance element was also really nice here; the progression worked for me and I was glad to see Kit take things forward. The Rita subplot was a bit underwhelming, but I’m fine with how it was solved.
May 14, 2025
Book#3 in the series…this dance with Detective Kit and Psychologist Sam is still going🤦🏽♀️…but the several plots will take you for a ride. Exciting developments and some good twists and turns.Enjoy
March 17, 2025
I love Karen Rose's books. She never disappoints. I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to finish this one last night because I couldn't put it down.
October 18, 2025
3.5/5 Stars
While definitely an improvement on the last book in this series, Cheater, this book still pales in comparison to the simple synchronicity of Cold Blooded Liar.
Though the overall mystery and twists in this title were, again, far superior to that of Cheater, I found that the characterization of this book didn't reach the mark of either previous series entries. Admittedly, the characterization did pick up towards the end, but I have repeatedly noted that this series lives and dies on it's characters so the slow burn of decent interactions and mental insights was incredibly disappointing. (Not to mention that the insights into the characters thoughts that we were given were so jarringly juvenile and poorly written, particularly with Kit, that it almost made you wish that they had been written out altogether.)
That being said, the parts of this book that were enjoyable hit the mark dead on. I don't think anyone would fault me for saying that they don't come to this series for high drama or intense and beautiful prose; they come for Sam Reeves. The authors pure obsession with this character, that every other character in this series seems to echo, is matched only by my own. You're reading about horrible and torturous murder in one paragraph and giggling and kicking your feet in the next. And as the pieces of the climax fall into place one by one, and you instinctively know what's about to happen, the outcome and Sam's actions (trying to be as vague as possible) are exactly what you would have them be: emotional, romantic, and satisfying.
I eagerly await the next entry in this series, if only so I can read about how Sam Reeves is coping with the aftermath of that climax.
Or how he takes his coffee.
Or what his favorite color is.
Or how he handles being the emotional backbone of the entire police force and also literally everyone else.
While definitely an improvement on the last book in this series, Cheater, this book still pales in comparison to the simple synchronicity of Cold Blooded Liar.
Though the overall mystery and twists in this title were, again, far superior to that of Cheater, I found that the characterization of this book didn't reach the mark of either previous series entries. Admittedly, the characterization did pick up towards the end, but I have repeatedly noted that this series lives and dies on it's characters so the slow burn of decent interactions and mental insights was incredibly disappointing. (Not to mention that the insights into the characters thoughts that we were given were so jarringly juvenile and poorly written, particularly with Kit, that it almost made you wish that they had been written out altogether.)
That being said, the parts of this book that were enjoyable hit the mark dead on. I don't think anyone would fault me for saying that they don't come to this series for high drama or intense and beautiful prose; they come for Sam Reeves. The authors pure obsession with this character, that every other character in this series seems to echo, is matched only by my own. You're reading about horrible and torturous murder in one paragraph and giggling and kicking your feet in the next. And as the pieces of the climax fall into place one by one, and you instinctively know what's about to happen, the outcome and Sam's actions (trying to be as vague as possible) are exactly what you would have them be: emotional, romantic, and satisfying.
I eagerly await the next entry in this series, if only so I can read about how Sam Reeves is coping with the aftermath of that climax.
Or how he takes his coffee.
Or what his favorite color is.
Or how he handles being the emotional backbone of the entire police force and also literally everyone else.
April 1, 2025
Audiobook: 13 hours and 53 minutes
Narrator: Hillary Huber did a nice job.
While this series holds my attention, I have trouble with the characters. Why is Sam smitten with Kit? I keep hearing that he loves her, but I do not see why. Sure, she's got history to deal with, but she acts like a teenager. I could go on about characters who need help coming across as adult characters—characters I'd like to know more about. At this point, they feel flat and immature.
I'm definitely in the minority with this opinion, so don't hesitate to pick up the series and come to your own conclusion.
Will I keep listening to the series? Maybe. But it's lacking the element that makes me wait anxiously for the next book.
June 24, 2025
with a 1/2
For someone who enjoys this genre I am staggered I have never read any by KR.
The reason for my low rating is based on the premise that whilst the story was okay it was WAY TOO LONG.
...opening pages we read about missing digits...PAGE 401 till they were 'discovered'.
Kit's dilemna in dating Sam for a second time was immature and detracted from engaging with her...she catches murderers but cannot deal with a second date ?????? Impausible !
I may read others...if I do I will be checking on its length.
For someone who enjoys this genre I am staggered I have never read any by KR.
The reason for my low rating is based on the premise that whilst the story was okay it was WAY TOO LONG.
...opening pages we read about missing digits...PAGE 401 till they were 'discovered'.
Kit's dilemna in dating Sam for a second time was immature and detracted from engaging with her...she catches murderers but cannot deal with a second date ?????? Impausible !
I may read others...if I do I will be checking on its length.
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