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Hooked: A Thriller
Not yet published
Expected 1 Feb 26In 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.
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.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 1, 2026
2017 people are currently reading
884 people want to read
About the author
Caitlin Rother
25 books319 followersNew 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 2, 2025
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.
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.
December 17, 2025
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!
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!
October 29, 2025
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.
Review of advance copy
Full RTC...
dnf
August 15, 2025Early 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.
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.
September 7, 2025
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
Spice 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.
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
Spice 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.
January 10, 2026
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.
Review of advance copy
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️✨
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 😬
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 😬
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2026
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.
(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.
January 9, 2026
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.
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.
January 10, 2026
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.
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.
January 8, 2026
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.
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.
January 9, 2026
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.
Looking forward to more from Goode and Katrina. They make a good team. I liked her determination and bravery and his protective instincts.
January 5, 2026
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.
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.
September 22, 2025
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's impossible not to get hooked by this book, the story has enough mystery, drama, romance and politics that once you start reading it you just want to understand why and who has done it and the title just nails it!!! Katrina, a journalist now back in San Diego, has a difficult and sad past - her brother allegedly committed suicide and her parents were murdered, she'll meet Detective Goode by chance at a bar on her first night in town and they speak briefly but discover they have a sad event in common his mother also committed suicide, and there's a strong attraction between them. They'll be in opposing corners as he'll be the lead detective in the strange case of father and daughter having been found dead at home and she as the main reporter for the newspaper. They'll uncover a net of lies, bribery, deceit and crimes including the most wealthy and important families in the area. Expertly written, Hooked is a pleasure to read and great entertainment!
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank You to the author for the free book in exchange for my honest review of Hooked. Thank you also to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this free digital read in exchange for my honest review.
This is the first book in the Katrina & Goode series and it does not disappoint! I can't wait to read the second one! The book follows a journalist and a cop who end up joining forces to uncover a scheme of dark, but also dangerous secrets in this page turning read. The author wrote this well and it kept me guessing the entire time. Every character in this one I enjoyed. This is one author that delivered a gripping crime thriller that you don't want to miss. I highly enjoyed this read and would recommend it to any reader who enjoys a good thriller.
This is the first book in the Katrina & Goode series and it does not disappoint! I can't wait to read the second one! The book follows a journalist and a cop who end up joining forces to uncover a scheme of dark, but also dangerous secrets in this page turning read. The author wrote this well and it kept me guessing the entire time. Every character in this one I enjoyed. This is one author that delivered a gripping crime thriller that you don't want to miss. I highly enjoyed this read and would recommend it to any reader who enjoys a good thriller.
Review of advance copy
I got this book on my kindle via Amazon's First Reads offering.
It was a complicated plot with many characters to keep track of but was interesting enough for me to finish it. Katrina is a journalist recently returing to the west coast. She meets Goode a surfer and detective and they end up working on the same case but not together. Neither can be a source for the other but their obvious attraction to each other keeps them in contact 'off the record' a lot. A double death kicked off this story and at it's conclusion the author left the subject of Book 2 obvious to readers.
I gave this a 3 because it wasn't anything special; characters to too many to get a sense of them, nearly everyone in the town was evil, some more than others.
It was a complicated plot with many characters to keep track of but was interesting enough for me to finish it. Katrina is a journalist recently returing to the west coast. She meets Goode a surfer and detective and they end up working on the same case but not together. Neither can be a source for the other but their obvious attraction to each other keeps them in contact 'off the record' a lot. A double death kicked off this story and at it's conclusion the author left the subject of Book 2 obvious to readers.
I gave this a 3 because it wasn't anything special; characters to too many to get a sense of them, nearly everyone in the town was evil, some more than others.
January 11, 2026
Maybe it’s my fault. Maybe I just hate this sub genre. This is the second thriller I’ve read featuring a bland detective x TSTL journalist who is distantly connected to the case. I disliked them both. I found Katrina to be trifling and annoying, continuously messing with the investigation. Goode? Yeah, the only personality he has is he likes to surf and he’s horny for and in love with Katrina within 7 days. The dialogue was so cringe. “Whassup?” “Brotha”
I wasn’t “hooked” by anything and the title of the book had zero to do with the super viagra murder plot.
I wasn’t “hooked” by anything and the title of the book had zero to do with the super viagra murder plot.
January 12, 2026
More of a 3.5 stars! I liked the police and investigative side of it! They characters and setting were excellent but the writing was a little choppy and it didn’t wrap up the story as nicely was I would it have liked! But the plot was interesting and kept me engaged! Fun for an Amazon First Reads book.
January 14, 2026
This book was unfortunately very bland and predictable. I was expecting a twist at the end and was extremely disappointed. I was hoping that the murderer was someone you would never expect but half way through the book you will catch on who committed the murders. I will read the next book in hopes that there is more excitement.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Received an ARC from NetGalley - Hooked is a gripping true‑crime read with strong pacing and thorough research. Caitlin Rother dives deep into the people and motivations behind the case, making it both fascinating and disturbing. Some sections feel a bit dense, but overall it’s a compelling, well‑crafted story that true‑crime fans will appreciate.
July 14, 2025
Rother delivers a gripping, expertly woven crime thriller from the first page. Hooked is a tense, multifaceted plot filled with murder, secrets, and a brilliantly plotted cover-up that keeps the pages flying.
Review of advance copy
Hooked was my January Prime First Read choice and is the first time I've actually enjoyed a "first reads" book in months. It's a good solid start to a new series featuring both a homicide cop, Goode, and a crime reporter, Katrina. I definitely recommend it for those who like crime fiction.
January 11, 2026
Complicated but entertaining
The plot was thick... a little too thick for my puny brain. I lost track of multiple characters and the story got so twisted that by the end, I just wanted it to end. At least the 'goode' guys win!😉
The plot was thick... a little too thick for my puny brain. I lost track of multiple characters and the story got so twisted that by the end, I just wanted it to end. At least the 'goode' guys win!😉
January 11, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ Overall it was an enjoyable read, however I didn’t find myself looking forward to picking it up every day. At times I was bored and felt like I was forcing myself through it and at other times I was completely captivated. I haven’t decided if I will continue the series yet or not.
January 16, 2026
Pretty good for my first full read in 2026. I got hooked in by both the crime/investigation and also Katrina and Goode’s relationship. I did think the ending was kinda abrupt so I’m glad there’s a sequel. I’m looking forward to reading that when it comes out.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This is my main reading genre. I give up on many books, but not this one. Very well-developed characters, never a boring moment. I got this as a Goodreads advanced reader book. I highly recommend Hooked.
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