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Seat 11C
What happens when your lover’s past and present collide, and all that’s left is an empty plane seat?
Seat 11C on Drew Tolbert’s flight to Chicago was supposed to contain her new fiancée, Kate Mulligan. Instead, the engagement ring is still burning a hole in Drew’s pocket, the couple is unexpectedly separated on the plane, and a total stranger is in seat 11C when they land.
How does someone disappear from a plane? After a frantic search, Drew turns up nothing but more questions. As the hunt deepens, Drew starts unraveling some of the strange happenings from their trip, and she’s forced to wonder whether she really knew Kate at all.
A lesbian suspense thriller that will keep you guessing about the secrets we keep.
Seat 11C on Drew Tolbert’s flight to Chicago was supposed to contain her new fiancée, Kate Mulligan. Instead, the engagement ring is still burning a hole in Drew’s pocket, the couple is unexpectedly separated on the plane, and a total stranger is in seat 11C when they land.
How does someone disappear from a plane? After a frantic search, Drew turns up nothing but more questions. As the hunt deepens, Drew starts unraveling some of the strange happenings from their trip, and she’s forced to wonder whether she really knew Kate at all.
A lesbian suspense thriller that will keep you guessing about the secrets we keep.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2026
About the author
Rita Potter
20 books150 followersRita Potter has spent most of her life trying to figure out what makes people tick. To that end, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and an MA in Sociology. Her favorite pastime is crawling around inside peoples’ brains. Her loved ones are grateful that she now has characters whose minds she can explore, so maybe she’ll stay out of theirs.
Rita’s writing reflects her belief that in some way we are all damaged and must conquer our demons in order to create a fulfilling life. Being an eternal optimist, she maintains that the human spirit is remarkably resilient and can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. That optimism is the wellspring of her life goal- to provide encouragement and support to help people thrive.
In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors. She is especially drawn to the water, which is ironic since she lives in the middle of a corn field. Her first love has always been reading, which has spurred her writing. She rides a Harley Davidson and has an unnatural obsession with fantasy football. More than anything she detests small talk, but can ramble on for hours given a topic that interests her.
She lives in a small town in Illinois with her wife, Terra, and their cat, Chumley, who actually runs the household.
Rita is a member of American Mensa and the Golden Crown Literary Society. She is currently a student of the GCLS Writing Academy 2021.
Rita’s writing reflects her belief that in some way we are all damaged and must conquer our demons in order to create a fulfilling life. Being an eternal optimist, she maintains that the human spirit is remarkably resilient and can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. That optimism is the wellspring of her life goal- to provide encouragement and support to help people thrive.
In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors. She is especially drawn to the water, which is ironic since she lives in the middle of a corn field. Her first love has always been reading, which has spurred her writing. She rides a Harley Davidson and has an unnatural obsession with fantasy football. More than anything she detests small talk, but can ramble on for hours given a topic that interests her.
She lives in a small town in Illinois with her wife, Terra, and their cat, Chumley, who actually runs the household.
Rita is a member of American Mensa and the Golden Crown Literary Society. She is currently a student of the GCLS Writing Academy 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 22, 2026
If you want a book to keep you on the edge of your seat, with a love so strong it can't break! Drew's love for Kate has her in the mystery of her life!. You need to read this book!! This is definitely a FAVORITE! I LOVE THIS BOOK! It deserves more than 5 stars.
January 15, 2026
Unable to sit together on their flight home from vacation, Drew is alarmed when the plane lands and her girlfriend, Kate is no where to be found.
As she goes through some of the odd events of their vacation, Drew grows more concerned as she determines that the secrets of her past that Kate have hidden from her have put their lives in danger.
This mystery is fast paced and, at times, anxiety inducing and will have you turning the pages to find out what happened to Kate.
As she goes through some of the odd events of their vacation, Drew grows more concerned as she determines that the secrets of her past that Kate have hidden from her have put their lives in danger.
This mystery is fast paced and, at times, anxiety inducing and will have you turning the pages to find out what happened to Kate.
April 9, 2026
Excellent book and really well-written. Rita Potter does it again. Once I started reading, it was so hard to put it down. Frankie is a riot and I love his relationship with Drew. Wonderful story.
January 15, 2026
Another winner!
Rita has done it again. For a first in suspense, ya did good. Love the whole thing, kept me there the whole book. Interesting characters, plot was different so that made it even better. I read alot of mysteries. Well done.
Rita has done it again. For a first in suspense, ya did good. Love the whole thing, kept me there the whole book. Interesting characters, plot was different so that made it even better. I read alot of mysteries. Well done.
March 5, 2026
Gripping story
I absolutely love Rita Potter books for their suspense and action-filled plot. This one was full of both with plot twists I didn't see coming. I love these characters too! Highly recommend!
I absolutely love Rita Potter books for their suspense and action-filled plot. This one was full of both with plot twists I didn't see coming. I love these characters too! Highly recommend!
May 26, 2026
Pretty crazy lore for some lesbians…pretty par for the course…
January 22, 2026
Drew planned to propose on their vacation, but the time never felt right. They boarded the plane home, took their seats in seperare parts of the plane... then Kate vanished. And people on the plane claim she was never there.
(Knowing the plot, Kate's goodbye to Drew sounds odd, like she knew they were going to be parted. )
Flashback to the just finished trip, which Kate was very tense about going on, at first. Also, weird run in with former classmate of Kate's. Also, visited her Granma's grave alone. And run in with creepy professor from Kate's college days.
Kate returns home, calls up her best friend Frankie, and tells him about Kate vanishing and the trip they took. He pledges to help.
They return to San Diego, where they learn there was a murder of a woman resembling Kate, at the restaurant they went to.
They hit up Kate's school, where they discover the Professor Kate encountered had been fired for inappropriate relations with students AND that Kate wasn't her real name... it's Jackie Grayson.
Then the murders come up. Jackie's girlfriend ran a meth lab, there were ODs and people died. She was nearly charged... hence her leaving town and changing her name. And as Drew and Frank investigate, they realize they're being tailed.
Kate's back! "Come with me if you want to live." Pretty much. We find out Kate fled after a text threatening her and Drew. She wanted Drew safe while she tried to find out what was happening and who's behind it.
They talk to her Ex, set a trap, then catch the killers.
(Knowing the plot, Kate's goodbye to Drew sounds odd, like she knew they were going to be parted. )
Flashback to the just finished trip, which Kate was very tense about going on, at first. Also, weird run in with former classmate of Kate's. Also, visited her Granma's grave alone. And run in with creepy professor from Kate's college days.
Kate returns home, calls up her best friend Frankie, and tells him about Kate vanishing and the trip they took. He pledges to help.
They return to San Diego, where they learn there was a murder of a woman resembling Kate, at the restaurant they went to.
They hit up Kate's school, where they discover the Professor Kate encountered had been fired for inappropriate relations with students AND that Kate wasn't her real name... it's Jackie Grayson.
Then the murders come up. Jackie's girlfriend ran a meth lab, there were ODs and people died. She was nearly charged... hence her leaving town and changing her name. And as Drew and Frank investigate, they realize they're being tailed.
Kate's back! "Come with me if you want to live." Pretty much. We find out Kate fled after a text threatening her and Drew. She wanted Drew safe while she tried to find out what was happening and who's behind it.
They talk to her Ex, set a trap, then catch the killers.
June 16, 2026
What Happened to Kate?
I have read many of your books, Rita Potter, and enjoyed each and every one. But I have to say that, since I'm a mystery-suspense reader at heart, with a lesbian romance a wonderful plus, this book is right up there among my favorites, and I hope you'll write more of them.
This story engaged me from the start and held me hostage willingly (reminding me of how much I enjoyed Holiday Hostage), desiring to understand and discover the answers all the way through. Though I finally figured out who I thought the culprit was and why, I didn't expect the final twist.
The characters and the happenings were so well done, it was like hanging out with real life friends and being in the midst of everything going on. Drew's love for Kate and her angst over needing to find her were palpable. The prison scene with Elizabeth was realistic and touching.
I enjoyed the heroics. And I appreciated that you didn't leave loose ends, making me sure that even Elizabeth would experience a real second chance.
I have read many of your books, Rita Potter, and enjoyed each and every one. But I have to say that, since I'm a mystery-suspense reader at heart, with a lesbian romance a wonderful plus, this book is right up there among my favorites, and I hope you'll write more of them.
This story engaged me from the start and held me hostage willingly (reminding me of how much I enjoyed Holiday Hostage), desiring to understand and discover the answers all the way through. Though I finally figured out who I thought the culprit was and why, I didn't expect the final twist.
The characters and the happenings were so well done, it was like hanging out with real life friends and being in the midst of everything going on. Drew's love for Kate and her angst over needing to find her were palpable. The prison scene with Elizabeth was realistic and touching.
I enjoyed the heroics. And I appreciated that you didn't leave loose ends, making me sure that even Elizabeth would experience a real second chance.
July 14, 2026
3.5. I like Potters writing. From the synopsis we know the premise so the red flags are clear early on and the relationship inconsistency is well telegraphed to us. Where I struggled with this is the relationship between the main and best friend as they investigate. It just doesn't have the authenticity Potter’s usual characters have. The buddy is male, I presume a deliberate choice by the writer and although often the buddy is female I have also read plenty where the best buddy is a gay male but to me, he doesn’t live off the page. I don't think the issue is me.... not necessarily a fault of the writer but I am nonetheless not connecting. The blend plot is well done and I am interested in finding out the why. Just after half way the best friend interaction is no longer the main interaction (spoiler free!!). I find the book much better for it. The blend plot is well done and I was quite tense. I particularly appreciated the plot twist after a high tension chapter. If it wasn’t for my dislike of the buddy interactions this would be rounded up from 3.5.
July 12, 2026
Imaginative but complicated
I really wasn't sure what to expect in this book. It ended up being much more complicated than I had imagined. The overall plot made sense, but there were lots of details to keep track of. The characters and the author's imagination are the book's strengths. But some of the plot aspects didn't really appeal to me. The motivations weren't really compelling and I didn't like how Kate hid her past. I loved Frankie, and Drew and Kate had a really good relationship in spite of Kate's secrets. I really didn't like Elizabeth's crimes and the rationalizations seemed weak. The ending was happy. The writing was good. I counted 10 minor errors, some in just plain sentence construction, and one where heals was used when heels was meant. I really appreciate this author's take on the unusual. Her plots are truly diverse.
I really wasn't sure what to expect in this book. It ended up being much more complicated than I had imagined. The overall plot made sense, but there were lots of details to keep track of. The characters and the author's imagination are the book's strengths. But some of the plot aspects didn't really appeal to me. The motivations weren't really compelling and I didn't like how Kate hid her past. I loved Frankie, and Drew and Kate had a really good relationship in spite of Kate's secrets. I really didn't like Elizabeth's crimes and the rationalizations seemed weak. The ending was happy. The writing was good. I counted 10 minor errors, some in just plain sentence construction, and one where heals was used when heels was meant. I really appreciate this author's take on the unusual. Her plots are truly diverse.
August 2, 2026
The premise of the book was very interesting, a couple gets on a plane together, but once they landed in San Diego, one of the women had disappeared. The book drew you in immediately with suspense and mystery. The two reasons why I only gave this book 3 stars were, firstly, the narrator spoke using the third person which, in my opinion, made the book cluttered with pointless repetition by using the names over and over again. I think the book would’ve been easier to follow had it been narrated by Drew and her inner monologue. The second reason, undoubtedly the most important one, was how fast the plot twist and ending were. 75/80% of the book was mystery, suspense and detective work, while the answers were crammed uncomfortably in the last few pages of the book. The pacing of this novel is what ultimately lead me to the rating I have chosen, but it is still a good book nonetheless.
January 28, 2026
Some mystery and drama in this as established couple Drew and Kate take a trip from Chicago to Kate’s old home town of San Diego. Drew intends to propose whilst there but it turns out that Kate’s past (which she hasn’t told Drew much about) intervenes to throw all intentions into the air. When Kate disappears Drew turns detective (with her gay good friend Frankie). I did have a moment where I thought ‘Why didn’t they involve the police?’ but the reasoning why not, did make sense when given. I won’t say more as I don’t want to give spoilers. A good mystery romance with some real danger mixed in.
January 18, 2026
Excellent.
I like everything you write but this touched a nerve. There was a time when my partner went missing. She and our friend, a man, went to pick up pizza. Hours and hours passed with no sign of her. After what seemed like forever, I got a call. They were at a gas station needing a ride home. Seemed he wanted to take his truck 4 wheeling down a big hill. It didn't do what he wanted it to do. I thought she was dead. It was a very bad night. To top it off, there was no pizza. Keep up the good work.
I like everything you write but this touched a nerve. There was a time when my partner went missing. She and our friend, a man, went to pick up pizza. Hours and hours passed with no sign of her. After what seemed like forever, I got a call. They were at a gas station needing a ride home. Seemed he wanted to take his truck 4 wheeling down a big hill. It didn't do what he wanted it to do. I thought she was dead. It was a very bad night. To top it off, there was no pizza. Keep up the good work.
March 2, 2026
An Epic Read!
This was Rita Potter’s first attempt at suspense and what a success it was. I have become a big fan of this author and to add this level of suspense for “Seat 11 C” was absolutely page turning. It had all the body and dialogue, the mystery and the past and the optimism and inspiration with a few moments that captured your heart. It all came together to create the perfect suspense book. Couldn’t put it down.
This was Rita Potter’s first attempt at suspense and what a success it was. I have become a big fan of this author and to add this level of suspense for “Seat 11 C” was absolutely page turning. It had all the body and dialogue, the mystery and the past and the optimism and inspiration with a few moments that captured your heart. It all came together to create the perfect suspense book. Couldn’t put it down.
June 20, 2026
Good book
Drew's surprised trip to San Diego for her girlfriend Kate was nothing but one problem after another. Kate has been hiding her past from Drew she doesn't want Drew getting hurt, so she disappeared on the way but to Chicago. Drew with the of a her friend start investigating to find her. Back in San Diego things get crazy but with some help of Kate's friends things are looking better a good story
Drew's surprised trip to San Diego for her girlfriend Kate was nothing but one problem after another. Kate has been hiding her past from Drew she doesn't want Drew getting hurt, so she disappeared on the way but to Chicago. Drew with the of a her friend start investigating to find her. Back in San Diego things get crazy but with some help of Kate's friends things are looking better a good story
July 4, 2026
I read until about half the book. Then I lost all interest. The book sounded like a story I would like and it started ok. But then it just seemed to fizzle. Drew in particular, irritated me. She's clingy, and at times, I forgot she was actually a woman. I just didn't care what happened to Kate/Jackie or Drew anymore. I didn't finish the book and I didn't even check the end. I've read some of Potter's stories before and they were far better. But this one, not for me.
January 16, 2026
This book was quite different but in a good way. I loved the Breaking Bad references ( they gave me a good laugh). While reading this book it made me think of all those great old Alfred Hitchcock movies filled with suspense and whodunits. The imagination of Rita Potter in this writing is out in full force and I'm loving every bit of it.
February 8, 2026
Seat 11c
As always Rita Potter does an excellent job of grabbing the readers attention from the very beginning and keeping you hooked till the end of the book. The who dunnit mystery gave a perfect cast of characters to keep you wondering throughout the book with a satisfying ending. This will definitely be a reread for me.
As always Rita Potter does an excellent job of grabbing the readers attention from the very beginning and keeping you hooked till the end of the book. The who dunnit mystery gave a perfect cast of characters to keep you wondering throughout the book with a satisfying ending. This will definitely be a reread for me.
February 19, 2026
couldn’t put it down
It’s the rare book that catches my interest enough that I read it in one day. This one did the trick. I actually think this would make a great limited series on Netflix or Hulu; great story, good character development; fantastic chemistry among the friends and enemies; nice love story; just thoroughly enjoyable
It’s the rare book that catches my interest enough that I read it in one day. This one did the trick. I actually think this would make a great limited series on Netflix or Hulu; great story, good character development; fantastic chemistry among the friends and enemies; nice love story; just thoroughly enjoyable
March 17, 2026
I was excited by this one as there are not many LGBT thriller books. The first part of the story was great and held my attention. The middle majority flat-lined and I kept wanting something to happen. The latter part did have some action, but not anything to make it stand out. The characters were really fleshed out.
April 15, 2026
Good read
First let me say I was finding it hard to believe that Drew would want to propose in a town that her girl friend was from when she did not like talking about her past. I thought that was very insensitive from Drew. There was no memories of the two of them there. Any way get the book and leave your review.
First let me say I was finding it hard to believe that Drew would want to propose in a town that her girl friend was from when she did not like talking about her past. I thought that was very insensitive from Drew. There was no memories of the two of them there. Any way get the book and leave your review.
January 19, 2026
Really good read
This is a very good read. I started reading and didn't want to stop. Kept my interest from page one to the very end. Characters are interesting and likable. Suspense, mystery and a sweet romance. Thanks for a great book.
This is a very good read. I started reading and didn't want to stop. Kept my interest from page one to the very end. Characters are interesting and likable. Suspense, mystery and a sweet romance. Thanks for a great book.
April 10, 2026
Okay
The story was not too bad. It was a fairly quick read, and it kept my attention. I started to rush through the end of the book because I did start to get a bit bored of the clinginess of the main character.
The story was not too bad. It was a fairly quick read, and it kept my attention. I started to rush through the end of the book because I did start to get a bit bored of the clinginess of the main character.
June 29, 2026
I so enjoy this book
The storyline was very interesting I couldn't put it down love the characters and the mystery I recommend this book I haven't read this author often but I will now Can't wait to read another 1 of her book
The storyline was very interesting I couldn't put it down love the characters and the mystery I recommend this book I haven't read this author often but I will now Can't wait to read another 1 of her book
January 16, 2026
Exceptional Story!
I really enjoy reading books by Rita Potter but, this story, I think is her best one yet! Awesome job MS Potter!
I really enjoy reading books by Rita Potter but, this story, I think is her best one yet! Awesome job MS Potter!
January 18, 2026
Excellent!!
March 20, 2026
Good book but not my favorite Rita Potter book. Drew just seemed really immature to me, always wanting to smash something or punch.
Thrilling ending though
Thrilling ending though
April 12, 2026
The first half was engaging and well-written, keeping the reader guessing. However, it quickly became cheesy.
May 11, 2026
A nice change of pace
Not the usual sapphic love story. Overall well done. Some twists and turns, good characters and good story telling. Recommend
Not the usual sapphic love story. Overall well done. Some twists and turns, good characters and good story telling. Recommend
May 18, 2026
Totally worth the read and then all the twists! Wow! Think thriller, mystery, and you get an airplane seat number. Huh? That’s what I wondered, and then I read this awesome story that blew my thoughts apart. I loved how Drew brought us on her journey to discover what happened. I was blown away at this seemingly complex telling that I was hooked and flipping as fast as I possibly could to see if Drew would find Kate. What Drew found was previously unknown information that kept guiding her to more clues. I was fascinated as each clue led us to the ultimate confrontation leading to an awesome conclusion. What a journey I was taken on and thoroughly enjoyed!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews