Hooked: A Thriller

Katrina & Goode #1

by Caitlin Rother

In this suspenseful thriller by Caitlin Rother, a journalist and cop fight a sexual attraction as they join forces to expose a layered scheme of dark and dangerous secrets.

When investigative reporter Katrina Chopin and surfing homicide detective Ken Goode lock eyes, there’s an immediate attraction. Sparks fly as they bond over cocktails, sharing their common experiences of being orphans and losing loved ones to suicide.

But the next time they meet, it’s from opposing sides of a high-profile case. Two biotech execs, whose company is developing a groundbreaking sexual enhancement drug, turn up dead in the wealthy seaside enclave of La Jolla Farms, where Goode can readily see that the forensic evidence doesn’t add up.

As they work their own angles, sometimes together and sometimes at odds, their growing attraction threatens to cost them their jobs—and their lives. As Katrina and Goode pursue answers behind these mysterious events, a secret stalker taunts Katrina with details of her tragic past, which takes her to the brink of death. But once the duo rips the mask away from this beautiful paradise, the corrupt underbelly behind all that glitters is revealed.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks, Crime, Thriller Suspense

397 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2026

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother has written or co-authored 14 books, ranging from narrative non-fiction crime to mystery and memoir. Her newest book is DEATH ON OCEAN BOULEVARD: Inside the Coronado Mansion Case (April 27, 2021). Her backlist includes HUNTING CHARLES MANSON; SECRETS, LIES, AND SHOELACES; LOVE GONE WRONG; DEAD RECKONING; THEN NO ONE CAN HAVE HER; I'LL TAKE CARE OF YOU; NAKED ADDICTION; POISONED LOVE; BODY PARTS; TWISTED TRIANGLE; LOST GIRLS; WHERE HOPE BEGINS and MY LIFE, DELETED. A Pulitzer Prize nominee, Rother worked as an investigative reporter at daily newspapers for 19 years before quitting the news biz in 2006 to write books full-time. Her journalism has been published in Cosmopolitan, the Los Angeles Times, The San Diego Union-Tribune, the Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe and The Daily Beast. She has done more than 200 appearances as a crime commentator on TV, radio and podcasts, ranging from "20/20," "People Magazine Investigates," "Nancy Grace," and "Crime Watch Daily," to shows on HLN, Oxygen Network, Investigation Discovery, C-SPAN, XM Radio and PBS affiliates. She also works as a writing-research-promotions coach and consultant.

Reviews

[sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

upgraded to 3.5⭐️

this book was a pretty solid start to the new series. I thought the case was kind of predictable but still had some good moments.

I hope we get more background stories on Ken & Katrina in the next books to come.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the digital eARC.

[Sue Purbrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an intriguing story, that will baffle readers who, like me, will be keen to find out exactly what happened to the wealthy father and daughter murder victims. Unfortunately I found the alternating chapters, initially from Detective Ken Goode’s and journalist Katrina Chopin’s points of view, a little irritating. While they do progress the story, often we hear about certain events from both perspectives, which I found repetitive. I thought Hooked was too long, and would love to have read a much tighter, shorter version.

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme)]

Promising drama, conspiracies, murder, and romance, I had high hopes for Hooked before diving in. After all, while I’m not typically a huge fan of romantic suspense, the few Melinda Leigh novels that I’ve read in the past have been utter home runs. Unfortunately, though, despite a complex plot, likable protagonists, and a twisty premise, this book just didn’t scratch that itch for this thriller lover. You see, the huge cast of characters, stilted dialogue, and sappy feel took away from the underlying murder mystery the entire time I was reading. My biggest issue, however, was the incredibly slow pace. I mean, I didn’t necessarily require a thrill ride that was packed with action from beginning to end, but I figured there’d be a bit more speed to the delivery. That being said, the dual POVs and vivid San Diego setting were a definite plus to this police procedural-ish novel. Perfect for readers who love mysteries and romance, I can definitely see why it’s gotten such high ratings on Goodreads. For some reason, though, it just didn’t do it for me. Maybe I wasn’t in the mood for this kind of read? Perhaps I’ll give it another try at some point in the future. Until then, I’m looking forward to what Ms. Rother comes up with next. After all, there was a well-plotted cover-up and a great introduction to two captivating characters in this first book in a new series. Rating: DNF.

SYNOPSIS:

When investigative reporter Katrina Chopin and surfing homicide detective Ken Goode lock eyes, there’s an immediate attraction. Sparks fly as they bond over cocktails, sharing their common experiences of being orphans and losing loved ones to suicide.

But the next time they meet, it’s from opposing sides of a high-profile case. Two biotech execs, whose company is developing a groundbreaking sexual enhancement drug, turn up dead in the wealthy seaside enclave of La Jolla Farms, where Goode can readily see that the forensic evidence doesn’t add up.

As they work their own angles, sometimes together and sometimes at odds, their growing attraction threatens to cost them their jobs―and their lives. As Katrina and Goode pursue answers behind these mysterious events, a secret stalker taunts Katrina with details of her tragic past, which takes her to the brink of death. But once the duo rips the mask away from this beautiful paradise, the corrupt underbelly behind all that glitters is revealed.

Thank you Caitlin Rother, Thomas & Mercer, and MBC Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: February 1, 2026

Content warning: DNFed

[Sherry Steveson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rarely take 12 days to read a physical book which can be an indication the book isn’t captivating enough. However, it’s simply a case of not enough time set aside each night to keep the story going before the exhaustion of the day creeped in. I frankly felt the story worked very well and kept a good pace with action and intrigue. My only issues were with the characters who ultimately are the villains and their motivations. Seemed a little thin to kill over. I also find myself double checking who was who when there were 4-5 characters at the end who overlapped within the action. I really enjoyed how the writer gave us a strong female character and the romance brewing between the two main characters came across authentically.
It appears this is the start of a series so I look forward to more from this writer. The authors note also was interesting to read. I found it fascinating the backstory and history of this novel and the author who helped refine it. Truly love reading about these peak behind the curtain.

I recommend this book!

[Keeley]

Early access e-arc provided by netgalley.

DNF

This is most likely largely on me because I'm not a standard enjoyer of mysteries and crime books but I was not engaged enough with this to keep going.

It followed a double homicide that I didn't have any investment in, and the direction of it being caused by issues within the business vs relationship issues wasn't very enticing or new to read. Maybe there was a good plot twist at the end, I won't know.

The main characters Goode, the lead detective on the case, and Katrina, the lead reporter on the case, were fine, but didn't have any other interesting aspects other than the little flirtation they had which isn't enough.

I didn't provide a rating because I didn't finish it.

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

So first things first... I don’t think Hooked is a bad book by any means. The concept? Great. The execution? A bit… slooooow.
This definitely could’ve been a few chapters shorter and still packed the same punch. The plot itself sits somewhere between predictable and surprising: a few twists I called early, a few I didn’t.

Now, let’s talk about Mr. Goode (Sighhh)... I have mixed feelings about this man. The whole “ready to jeopardize an active investigation for love” thing, made him look kind of unprofessional, especially considering he apparently made a similar mistake before. It gave me a bit of an eye-roll moment.

Despite finding Goode a bit unprofessional, I did find myself oddly invested in the romance subplot (nvm me!) maybe even more than in solving the actual case at times 😅. The chemistry between Goode and Katrina was definitely there and their push-pull dynamic kept me entertained when the pacing lagged.

Overall, not a bad read, just slower than I expected. But I am still curious enough to want to see where book two goes.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5–3.75★)

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full RTC...

[Bethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Hooked 

​By: Caitlin Rother

​Chapter: 41, Page: 249

Katrina

Thursday

​🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

🌶🌶🌶

​°•. “.. Tell me what you've got on the record that I can put on the budget,” she said referring to the editors’ list of stories for that day.”

Katrina was hesitant to say, knowing it would give them enough time to line up lawyers to insert their sticky fingers into her story..

What if they won't run it?

Turning up the tap water so Charlie couldn't hear, she quietly laid out the timeline of who and what she'd seen.

“Wow,” Joanne said, paying. “Wow.”

“I know, right?”

Then Joanne went quiet.

“Hello?” Katrina asked. °•.

​▪︎Review▪︎

|:: ​How much is a story worth? A dance of lines on a paper that will be tomorrow's door wedge. When is enough? What doesn't kill you makes you stronger... right?

​Detective Goode and Katrina Choplin have something in common. They both live in the fast lane, living their lives moment by moment. Both are seduced by the slight misconception of wanting someone to get close but refusing to take a step into the unknown.

​Being a good detective is all Goode knows. He lives on the adrenaline and the intense, forceful strain the job puts him under. Like Katrina, with new and old friends possibly on the radar of her successful career, she weathers the storm. Despite a new location and the prospect of new wounds being ripped apart, she faces the most terrifying tale of corruption, deception, murder, and scandal. All of this takes place in the little hidden haven of La Jolla Farms, all in the name of the truth.

​However, she is severely underestimated. As figures in top positions fight to control her and the swift, sweet, and intellectual marvel of putting a story together, she is forever one step ahead. She allows her ambition to walk her into a situation where she needs to be saved. Even though she wanted to save herself, the alternative was okay too.

A few steamy experiences with the details obviously written with a woman in mind and to reiterate scenes of the mind.

​My Thoughts

​Ugh! This book crawled inside my brain and really dug deep. I began to read it for an hour each night, but it turned into three or four because I couldn't put it down.

​By the end of the book, there were so many different theories about what would, could, have I tried to predict(by me) to happen. I'm still not sure whether I understand what happened to the beautiful Victoria.

​I don't know many authors who write like Caitlin. Her words and the way she alarmingly allows you to connect with someone so quickly made me put it down after the first chapter. How can you connect with a character and then learn her movements, her triggers, strengths, and weaknesses through the eyes of others, cocooned by hatred and self-preservation?

​Thankfully, I got to know two other characters who blossomed in front of my eyes. They are so similar, and even though this was my first encounter with K&K, I couldn't help but fall in love with them. They, in turn, seemed to grow closer, despite the raging threat of violence, danger, and mysterious movements with suspects making themselves known one at a time.

​I got to the end and just wanted to keep reading. For a little while, I sat looking at the last page and felt a sense of... what now? What happened? Did they give in to their primal desires? Did Slimy McMurphy lose the advantages of his size? Can Darla be trusted? WHO IS ON THE INSIDE???? I would guess, but everything I thought would happen was wildly wrong. Such a good read.

​I need more spice, more answers, more of everything!

​Love, love, love, love, loved this book!::|

​Title: Hooked

​Author: Caitlin Rother

​Publish Date: 13/1/26

​Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

​Review Score: 5/5

S​pice Score: 3/5

​I would like to say a huge thank you to Caitlin Rother for allowing me to read this book. The talent you possess is frightening. Look out world. 

Oh, and I would also like to thank Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and relay my honest feedback.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into Hooked expecting a romantic thriller and got… a lot. Some of it worked really well. Some of it made me groan out loud while listening.

The premise is solid. An investigative reporter and a homicide detective are drawn together by a high-profile biotech case, layered secrets, and mutual attraction. The coastal Southern California setting is glossy and atmospheric, and the procedural elements feel grounded. That makes sense once you learn Caitlin Rother is a former investigative reporter. Her background shows most clearly in the reporting and law-enforcement details, which are a real strength.

Character-wise, the early chapters leaned hard into signaling. Ken Goode arrives with full Point Break Keanu Reeves energy: surfer, traveler, philosophical musings and all. If you pictured him staring thoughtfully at the ocean, you’re not wrong. In audio format, those moments landed especially loudly and felt a bit pretentious at first, though he does become more grounded as the story progresses.

Katrina was more complicated for me. Therapy, trauma, and backstory are introduced early and often, and at times it felt like her character was being defined by accumulation rather than by what she actually does on the page. By Chapter 10, multiple major traumas are summarized in quick succession, all in one place, and the compression dulled the emotional impact instead of deepening it. That said, one moment involving genetic testing and inherited risk felt genuinely human and relatable, and it showed flashes of the depth I wanted more of.

The audiobook narration is solid and kept me listening, even when pacing felt uneven or exposition-heavy. Overall, Hooked held my attention, but I wanted more space for the characters to breathe and earn their complexity rather than having it stacked up front.

A worthwhile listen for fans of romantic suspense and procedurals, especially if you enjoy layered personal histories. Just be prepared for some early eye-rolling before things settle.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced listener copy in exchange for this review

[Timothy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A doctor and his adult daughter are found dead in their home in a ritzy San Diego neighborhood. It ain’t natural causes. But is it a double suicide, a murder-suicide, or a double murder? As Hercule Poirot would say, there are too many clues.
When is a murder conspiracy not a murder conspiracy but an extreme cock-up? Maybe it’s when extreme greed and sexuality, and a dash of Oedipus are involved. No, more than a dash. A tangle of rich sons trying to prove themselves to their daddies, and not in a good way. Too many cooks spoil the murder.
A plot this complex could go swiftly wrong in the wrong hands. Luckily, under Caitlin Rother’s sure guidance, the reader is led methodically through the carnage, as seen through the alternating eyes of her investigators, a San Diego homicide detective and an investigative reporter, who are drawn together like sexual magnets, but kept apart by the strictures of their jobs.
Rother’s research is impeccable, and her prose is spare and muscular. If you like getting into the nuts and bolts of a police procedural, this book is for you. If you want a peek into the fierce politics of a newsroom, ditto. And if you suspect that corruption doesn’t just happen in Washington, this will confirm your suspicions.
That said, our heroes, Ken Goode and Katrina Chopin, are attractive and likeable, so much so that you’ll be hungry for more of them when you’ve finished this story. Good news: I hear a sequel is on the way. Maybe a series. You’ll want to get in on the ground floor.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katrina Chopin meets Ken Goode in a bar and hit it off right away. When Goode is called away for a work matter they plan on going out again. The next day Good and Katrina meet again but under different circumstances when two high power excutives are found murdered in their house. Goode is a homicide detective and Katrina is a jouralnist. Goode gives Katrina updates "off the record" for her to follow up on. Katrina is getting push back from the paper that she works for and they want her to back off since some of the people involved as suspects are also have stakes in the drug that the victims Victoria and Simon were delveloping. As Katrina gets closer to the truth , her life is in danager is it really worth it to uncover the all the lies and expose everyone that is involved. While both Goode and Katrina both feel sparks when they are around each other we will problably have to wait until book two in the series to see where it goes. Hooked was a fast paced audiobook that will have you guessing until the very end. I would like to thank both NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for letting me listen to an advance copy of this audiobook.

[LaShana Royaltey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was luckily to have the opportunity to immersive read this book, prior to publication. I received the e-book from Amazon First Reads and received an ALC from Netgalley. This book had a lot of potential. The plot was there. The story just felt over extended and could have been told in far less words. This book is a thriller that left me with no thrill. The story truly was good. I just found the pacing to be lacking enough suspense to pull me in and keep me "hooked." I found myself to be more interested in the potential romance between the detective and the reporter than solving the murder mystery. The audiobook truly saved this book for me. The narrators did a great job portraying these characters and bringing this story to life. Their performance made this story feel like watching an episode of a binge-able crime show on tv. Had it not been for the great performance from the narrators in the audiobook, I may not have finished this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Brilliance Audio Publishing for this ALC.

[Rachel Schulte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as an Amazon First Reads and overall I have enjoyed most of these books. My issue with this book are some unbelievably glaring plot holes that would never happen.

The biggest offense in this category is that after the detective investigates the murder scene, he sends off for the security cam footage for who came and went from the house that day. He then managed to not get any information back for days and the reason given was that the person who processes the footage was gone with his wife pregnant in the hospital. Note: This is a double murder involving two extremely rich high-profile people in the community.

It wasn't seen until 75 percent of the way in, after wasting time going down multiple dead ends that could have ruled out all the suspects during this time. If they had just managed to look at the footage, the reporter manages to somehow get ahold of the footage.

Generally, I would be okay with some of these errors but this book is billed as a police procedural and is quite detailed in other in aspects, like evidence giving and autopsy reports. So it seems incredibly lazy to put in a scenario that would absolutely never happen. accessing security cam footage is easy, doesn't need an expert, and should have been the absolute first thing he did after canvassing the scene.

The rest of the book is pleasant, not exceptional. The characters were not particularly well drawn out and in the end, I was perfectly happy to not continue with the series.

[Mikayla Wakelam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to choose this book as a first reads book through Amazon. This review and all information in it is my own thoughts and opinions.

Hooked. That’s exactly how this book had me for days. It was such a compelling story with so many twists and turns. Everyone is a suspect & new information brought to light changes your opinion on each one.

The beginning felt a little slow for me as I wasn’t sure where the book was headed, but once I saw a clear path it all made sense and I was literally hooked. I needed to know how it ended & I am already invested in book 2 and hoping to find out what happened to Katrina’s family.

[Alyssa Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️✨

This book was drawn out and slow. It NEVER takes me this long to finish a thriller, which I think is telling of how long it took for any kind of suspense to build.

The ending was pretty predictable IMO - I felt like the nurse was an obvious choice to be involved, though I wasn’t sure who she was involved with. The last 50 or so pages were the only reason I gave this a 2.5 instead of a 2. I wanted to DNF sooooo many times 😬

[Jaimie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with this book. The plot was a good idea and I guess well thought out, but poorly executed. The constant flipping of perspective was very distracting and made the characters involved difficult to keep straight. Goode and Katrina the two main characters, were not given enough character development to make me care about them.

[Don Gorman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice diversion

(2 1/2). This is just what I was looking for. A totally brainless read. A fun whodunit with two pretty cool protagonists. San Diego is a nice setting, and the twisty turny story unravels nicely. The sap level got pretty overwhelming here and there, almost to take it down to two stars, but the steady action and layers unpeeling let me take it up to 3. Fun stuff.

[Margaret Shumaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thriller

The plot is interesting and well developed, there is a lot going on in a short time. There is a double suicide or is it murder? There is a being sex drug in trials, money, politically connected rich men and lots of questions. There are some question left unanswered but there is a sequel.

[Lisa Carta · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ll be hooked; it’s a page turner

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; engaging and fast-paced, it was hard to put down! I hope the next one continues the characters relationship development too.

[Joe Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the characters and atmosphere of this book. My only issue was that lots of facts about the case are repeatedly rehashed by each of the main characters. That being said I pre-ordered the sequel as soon as I finished because I did want more.

[Mary Kay Wooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surfer Cop Meets Reporter

Good book full of murder, mayhem, corrupt politicians & wealthy businessmen set in San Diego. Good storyline keeps you guessing. Good character development. Recommend reading this book. Looking forward to reading book #2 in the series. Good book to read on a long flight, on the beach, or just to relax.

[Hannah Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new crime solving couple

Looking forward to more from Goode and Katrina. They make a good team. I liked her determination and bravery and his protective instincts.

[Phil Oakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caitlin Rother Has Become a Major Crime Fiction Writer!
The action and suspense are superb. "Hooked" will keep you up way past your bedtime. Police procedures are spot on, and San Diego is a great setting for this new detective/reporter series of thrillers. But what brings this book to the pinnacle of crime fiction, is the way that Rother carries her readers into the the lives of her brilliant characters--good guys and villains alike. You know them at once, then you really begin to know them, layer by layer--how they feel, how they act, how they rationalize their choices and how they respond. When Michael Connelly raves about a fellow writer, that's all you need to know.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I began this read there is a chance meeting between the two main characters, Katrina and Goode! A surfer stopping at a surfer bar, he was surfing in Hawaii, and Katrina is sitting at the bar, with sad losses between them.
What they don't know at the time of their meeting is that sure have a lot in common, but coming from different ways to solve a double murder.
We follow these two, sparks fly between them, but with him a Detective and her a reporter, can anything come from their attraction, with conflicts?
Rother offers us a bit of everything here, and she kept me guessing almost to the end as to whom the culprits were.
There are some really tense times here, and whom to trust, as my brain is screaming, "Don't go"!
Answers to come, and surprises along with the finding out a lot of answers, and the reasons why!
Now I am looking forward to the next book in this series that I am now really invested in!
I received this book through the Publisher Thomas & Mercer, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Steve Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the cover, you might think this book is going to feature surfing and beaches prominently but that isn't the case.

One of the main characters is a surfer dude and he does occasionally go to the beach but if you're looking for a fun beachside read, this isn't it. Surfing comes mostly in the beginning and at the end and remains mostly in the background.

Most of the scenes sandwiched between the beachside bookends take place indoors - in bars, restaurants, hotels, houses, police stations or newsrooms.

This schizophrenic novel is a police procedural that reads like it wants to be a steamy romance and almost morphs into one toward the end.

The main characters are Goode, a cop, and Katrina, a journalist. Goode is a surfer dude in his spare time and behaves more like a frat brother than a cop. Katrina has a sharp investigative eye which puts the cops to shame and she probably should have been a cop instead of a reporter.

Katrina does commit occasional acts of complete stupidity, however, especially toward the end when she does something as cringe-worthy as the clueless female lead in a slasher movie walking down a staircase into a dark basement. You will want to holler no, no, no, but like the naive young heroine, Katrina doesn't listen.

Goode meets Katrina in a bar and sparks are immediately kindled as they compare their similar backgrounds - both are orphans, having lost their parents to tragic circumstances.

Their developing relationship is at times well done and at times cheesy. Hard-nosed cops and reporters don't say "effing." If the author feels the need to use the f-word, she should go ahead and use it, especially in dialogue which feels otherwise stilted and childish.

Goode and Katrina work together in an investigation, trading some information and withholding some information in the age-old dance between cops and reporters which is realistic and well-done. The newspaper scenes and interactions between Katrina and her bosses and coworkers also feel realistic and well-done, but the plot occasionally veers too heavily in that direction. As a rule, beaches and crime scenes are much more exciting than anything that goes on inside a newsroom even on the tightest deadline.

Goode and Katrina's investigation centers on the suspicious deaths of a wealthy father and daughter, whose bodies are found inside a hillside mansion overlooking the beach in La Jolla.

Was it a double murder, double suicide or a combination thereof?

The father is a plastic surgeon and the head of a biotech company which is developing a sex drug that is supposed to be better than Viagra. The daughter is the chief financial officer of her father's company.

The book cries out for a sex scene with descriptions of how the experimental sex drug affects a person, how and it's supposed to be better than Viagra and so on, but that doesn't happen and the author misses the opportunity to explore that spicy avenue.

As Goode and Katrina grow more attracted to each other, the reader might expect their relationship to develop naturally and lead to sex but they stop short of that and at times end up behaving more like two immature high school kids on prom night than like two mature adults.

Goode sleeps alone in his van for several nights while guarding Katrina after she receives threats. Really?

Their pining and longing for one another starts out being good but quickly wears thin.

Unfulfilled readers may in frustration end up wishing Goode and Katrina would get over themselves and go to bed already, perhaps trying out some of the experimental sex drug, but of course that doesn't happen.

The spiciest passages involve oblique references to a threesome, but you guessed it, details of said threesome are left to the imagination.

It's almost unfair that the author would choose to craft a story that prominently features a sex drug but treads so lightly with regard to sex scenes.

Overall, there's a lot going on in this book, almost too much to keep up with. The reader may end up wishing they had taken down a few notes to assist with their recall of important facts.

There are many characters - probably too many - in a cast that is laden with assistants, secretaries, nurses and maids. I was waiting for the maid to have an assistant.

The investigation is equally complicated and is difficult to follow. Goode and Katrina proceed in an approach that feels more helter-skelter than logical. The reader will not feel a sense of progress during their investigation which feels all over the board.

If you do keep a notebook, be prepared for some mind-boggling entries which will include corrupt business leaders, corrupt politicians (is there any other kind?), slush funds in the Caribbean, unscrupulous doctors, evil nurses, muscle-bound goons, surprise pregnancies, love triangles, DNA, paternity disputes, suicides, murders, gunshot residue, drug rehab, syringes and needles. Not to be left out is the FBI (can there ever be a crime novel without the feds making at least a token appearance?).

Where will all of this end? If you don't become totally baffled and give up, you will be rewarded with an exciting conclusion that reveals who makes it out alive from this twisting, turning minefield of a plot

Whew! Time for a walk on the beach - and some of you may want to grab a surfboard and crank up some Beach Boys tunes.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚Hooked
✍🏻Caitlin Rother
Blurb:
In this suspenseful thriller by Caitlin Rother, a journalist and cop fight a sexual attraction as they join forces to expose a layered scheme of dark and dangerous secrets.

When investigative reporter Katrina Chopin and surfing homicide detective Ken Goode lock eyes, there’s an immediate attraction. Sparks fly as they bond over cocktails, sharing their common experiences of being orphans and losing loved ones to suicide.

But the next time they meet, it’s from opposing sides of a high-profile case. Two biotech execs, whose company is developing a groundbreaking sexual enhancement drug, turn up dead in the wealthy seaside enclave of La Jolla Farms, where Goode can readily see that the forensic evidence doesn’t add up.

As they work their own angles, sometimes together and sometimes at odds, their growing attraction threatens to cost them their jobs—and their lives. As Katrina and Goode pursue answers behind these mysterious events, a secret stalker taunts Katrina with details of her tragic past, which takes her to the brink of death. But once the duo rips the mask away from this beautiful paradise, the corrupt underbelly behind all that glitters is revealed.
My Thoughts:
Hooked: A Thriller is a classic police procedural with a fun twist,I really enjoyed the dual POV and the steady pacing of the story..Kept me guessing while wanting to know more.
My Thoughts:
This novel appears to be the first in a new mystery/thriller series by Caitlin Rother, and it makes a strong impression from the start. The story follows journalist Katrina Chopin and Detective Ken Goode, who meet by chance one night and connect over cocktails and life experiences—unaware that their paths will soon cross again while investigating the same high-profile case involving employees of a drug/biotech company. The action and suspense are superb. "Hooked" will keep you up way past your bedtime.This is the first book I've read by Caitlin Rother. I enjoyed it very much. I'm looking forward to following the Katrina & Goode characters in the next books.
Thanks NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Author Caitlin Rother for the complimentary copy of "Hooked" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Thomas&Mercer
#CaitlinRother
#Hooked
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Cassie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got as a kindle first read Jan 2026.

Eh, not for me. I almost dnf'd this at various points because it dragged on. No real action happened until about the 87% mark. Personally, I just didn't vibe with the leads at all for reasons listed below, (none of it should be spoilers so I am not marking them as such).

Goode because he was willing the jeopardize a case for a woman he talked to for like 10 minutes all because he wanted to get into her pants. Also, I didn't really think his feelings for Katrina were all that believable considering he admitted to nearly ruining a previous investigation due to inappropriate behavior with a female person of interests/witness. Inappropriate behavior aside, Goode did not seem like at all like a seasoned detective because of how badly he dropped the ball on exploiting the evidence. This story could have been wrapped up much earlier if he just did his freaking job instead of taking excuses from the lab. Also, answer you freaking phone, ughh.

Katrina was supposed to be a brilliant journalist but honestly, she was kind of dumb (sorry) when it came to self preservation. Additionally, I found her "the public has a right to know" and watchdog angle excuse thin at best considering it had to do with the murder of 2 rich people. One could argue the potential political angle is of public interest but none of the information she was trying to get at that time was about that. I am probably biased against reporters (and cops for that matter) so no hate is meant towards the author, who herself is a reporter.

There were a few word choices and phrases that annoyed me. Particularly the words "Gawd" (used twice), "edumacate"(used once) , and "Wattshispants" (used four times), but that is just a me thing so take it with a grain of salt. Lastly, the phrase "Like a woman. ewww" was used by Katrina to describe a handshake she had with a man.

[Jody Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caitlin Rother's "Hooked" is a compelling and deeply insightful exploration of addiction, focusing primarily on the devastating impact of the opioid crisis in America. Through meticulous research and poignant storytelling, Rother brings to life the struggles of individuals ensnared in the grip of substance abuse, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding addiction.

The book centers on various real-life accounts of people battling addiction, illustrating how their lives, relationships, and communities are profoundly affected. Rother's narrative is not just about the individuals but also about the systemic issues that contribute to the opioid epidemic, making it a multifaceted examination of a pressing societal crisis.
Readers witness the emotional turmoil, the fight for recovery, and sometimes, the tragic outcomes of addiction. Beyond individual stories, "Hooked" delves into the broader social landscape of addiction. Rother addresses how factors such as socioeconomic status, mental health issues, and systemic failures in healthcare contribute to the crisis. This contextualization is crucial for understanding the epidemic's roots and challenges.

"Hooked" is a powerful examination of addiction that transcends mere storytelling. Caitlin Rother successfully blends personal narratives with critical social commentary, challenging readers to confront the harsh realities of the opioid crisis. The book urges a deeper understanding of addiction, advocating for compassion and systemic change to address this urgent issue. "Hooked" is a must-read/ listen to the audiobook as it really good!!! Highly recommended!!

[John Walthers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Listener Copy (ALC) of Hooked through NetGalley, shortly after also receiving the Kindle edition via Amazon First Reads. This novel appears to be the first in a new mystery/thriller series by Caitlin Rother, and it makes a strong impression from the start. The story follows journalist Katrina Chopin and Detective Ken Goode, who meet by chance one night and connect over cocktails and life experiences—unaware that their paths will soon cross again while investigating the same high-profile case involving employees of a drug/biotech company.

The investigation unfolds at a steady, engaging pace, with a well-balanced blend of journalistic instincts and police procedure. Rother does a great job developing both main characters, pulling readers into their personal and professional lives in a way reminiscent of authors like James Patterson or Michael Connelly. The subtle flirtation between Katrina and Ken adds tension without overwhelming the plot, especially as Goode must remain cautious to protect his career. The shifting chapter-by-chapter points of view between the two leads was generally effective, though it occasionally led to some repeated information.

Overall, Hooked was an enjoyable and immersive read—and listen. The audiobook narrator brought the characters to life and enhanced the cinematic feel of the story. This book shows a lot of promise as the beginning of a series, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where these characters go next.

[Scott Lovelace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great thriller involving Goode, a homicide detective, and Katrina Chopin, investigative journalist. Katrina has moved back to her hometown to try and reopen her parent’s murder case. One of her first nights in town, she meets a random stranger at the bar and they become very friendly and both of them feel a spark. While at the bar, Goode gets a call that there are two dead rich people and he is needed. Before Katrina can do what she returned to do, she is put on the story about the two deaths by the newspaper she is working for. She also finds out that the stranger from the bar is Detective Goode, the lead detective on the case she is covering. Katrina doing her investigative reporting and Goode doing his job, they continually run into each other. Since they are both working the case, they cannot get involved with one another. The crime scene isn’t lining up and the suspects are not being honest. This is a very fast paced book. Will they be able to figure out what actually happened? Who may have been responsible? Does this case somehow tie to her parents unsolved murders? Check it out and find out for yourself!