What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hook
A light and humorous romance, with a twist. Impulsive thirty-something, Kate Turner, arrives in New York on a mission to right a wrong. Posing as a reporter she enlists the help of the more grounded New York Times editor, Mike Kelly, a divorcee ten years her senior. Sparks fly as they try to uncover the motives for embezzlement and murder, and they embark on a whirlwind romance that is almost certain to fail. Will she let him break down her defences? Will he still want to when he discovers her lie? What readers are saying about The Hook
"A sparky romantic mystery which keeps you wanting more."
"Pacey and well-written, the suspense is sustained to the end."
"An engaging read with a little bit of everything."
“Couldn’t put it down, loved it.”
“A great romance with some sex thrown into the mix."
"The Hook had me hooked.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon Reviews From the back cover Kate Turner arrives in New York on a mission to right a wrong. Unprepared and ill-equipped, she’s in over her head. During a chance encounter with New York Times editor Mike Kelly, she pretends to be a reporter in pursuit of a story. Sparks fly, and as their relationship intensifies, the stakes get higher. Troubled by past loss, will Kate let Mike get close to her? Will he still want to when he finds out her lie? And as they get close to uncovering the truth behind embezzlement and murder, someone is desperate to stop them. Just how far are they prepared to go? “Boy meets girl with a lot of extra storyline.” 5 ⭐ Amazon Review Other titles by Catherine Morrison Waiting for Saturday - A new friendship turns a woman's life upside down.
"A sparky romantic mystery which keeps you wanting more."
"Pacey and well-written, the suspense is sustained to the end."
"An engaging read with a little bit of everything."
“Couldn’t put it down, loved it.”
“A great romance with some sex thrown into the mix."
"The Hook had me hooked.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon Reviews From the back cover Kate Turner arrives in New York on a mission to right a wrong. Unprepared and ill-equipped, she’s in over her head. During a chance encounter with New York Times editor Mike Kelly, she pretends to be a reporter in pursuit of a story. Sparks fly, and as their relationship intensifies, the stakes get higher. Troubled by past loss, will Kate let Mike get close to her? Will he still want to when he finds out her lie? And as they get close to uncovering the truth behind embezzlement and murder, someone is desperate to stop them. Just how far are they prepared to go? “Boy meets girl with a lot of extra storyline.” 5 ⭐ Amazon Review Other titles by Catherine Morrison Waiting for Saturday - A new friendship turns a woman's life upside down.
- GenresRomance
275 pages, Paperback
Published November 14, 2019
10 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 8, 2020
I'll admit to having been a bit apprehensive about reading this novel as I'm not generally a reader of romance or crime / mystery. However, I realised by the fifth page that my worries had been for nothing - this was a fun and brilliantly-written work, with an apt title, as it really did have me hooked. I read it within two days, which is almost unheard of for me, and am now looking forward to the release of Catherine Morrison's next work!
March 31, 2020
What can I say? I was a little nervous about this book being that I thought it was a little out of my usual genre, but I have to say I'm glad I took the chance.
Catherine Morrison weaves together an amazing plot filled with characters you can genuinely identify with. The mix of tension and flirtation kept me on my heels wondering where the story was headed.
I highly recommend this book to people of all genres and interests. You won't be disappointed.
Catherine Morrison weaves together an amazing plot filled with characters you can genuinely identify with. The mix of tension and flirtation kept me on my heels wondering where the story was headed.
I highly recommend this book to people of all genres and interests. You won't be disappointed.
February 20, 2022
A wonderful surprise!
Truth be told, this isn't at all the genre of book that I normally read. I found myself buying several indie authored books last year, that were pitched to me on Twitter. The author, Catherine Morrison, made an impassioned case for her book, so I went ahead and picked up “The Hook.” I am so delighted that I did! This novel really drew me in from the very beginning, and I found it hard to put down. Yes, the main genre for this work is officially romance. However, there are many more dimensions to the story—there's a central mystery that the MC is frantically trying to resolve—there's also action, comedy, suspense, and plenty of whip-smart dialog. Really, it would be a crime to spoil anything here. Trust me, you want to read this terrific novel, from an author whom I will now be watching closely—I can't wait to read her other works too. This book doesn't disappoint. Bravo Ms. Morrison!
Truth be told, this isn't at all the genre of book that I normally read. I found myself buying several indie authored books last year, that were pitched to me on Twitter. The author, Catherine Morrison, made an impassioned case for her book, so I went ahead and picked up “The Hook.” I am so delighted that I did! This novel really drew me in from the very beginning, and I found it hard to put down. Yes, the main genre for this work is officially romance. However, there are many more dimensions to the story—there's a central mystery that the MC is frantically trying to resolve—there's also action, comedy, suspense, and plenty of whip-smart dialog. Really, it would be a crime to spoil anything here. Trust me, you want to read this terrific novel, from an author whom I will now be watching closely—I can't wait to read her other works too. This book doesn't disappoint. Bravo Ms. Morrison!
August 8, 2021
I am more of a dark crime novels reader, but once in a while, I need something lighter, and this was just perfect! Love, money, and secrets collide in an enthralling novel by Catherine Morrison, “The Hook.” It has the perfect balance of humor, mystery, and romance. The story is addicting, the writing flows easily, and it was difficult to put it down.
The novel “The Hook” starts with the arrival of Kate Turner (Belfast native) to New York. She plans to visit the courthouse to see the embezzlement trial of her prior boss, Jack Hudson, the CEO of an international pharmaceutical company with an office in London. When she (unsuccessfully) tries to get past security at the courthouse doors, she meets a reporter of the New York Times, Mike. He’s immediately drawn to the woman but often unsure about her motives and words because of her lies... I loved the crime angle of this book and, have to admit, did not suspect who was behind it all. Well done!
Also, this is one of those novels where you're interested in the characters and their relationships, not just the main plot. I loved how the author, Catherine Morrison, showed that you could have a romance in development and still gave us those deliciously funny or chilly/mysterious moments too. I genuinely enjoyed it and recommended this novel to anyone looking for a pleasant way to lose themselves for a few hours.
The novel “The Hook” starts with the arrival of Kate Turner (Belfast native) to New York. She plans to visit the courthouse to see the embezzlement trial of her prior boss, Jack Hudson, the CEO of an international pharmaceutical company with an office in London. When she (unsuccessfully) tries to get past security at the courthouse doors, she meets a reporter of the New York Times, Mike. He’s immediately drawn to the woman but often unsure about her motives and words because of her lies... I loved the crime angle of this book and, have to admit, did not suspect who was behind it all. Well done!
Also, this is one of those novels where you're interested in the characters and their relationships, not just the main plot. I loved how the author, Catherine Morrison, showed that you could have a romance in development and still gave us those deliciously funny or chilly/mysterious moments too. I genuinely enjoyed it and recommended this novel to anyone looking for a pleasant way to lose themselves for a few hours.
September 8, 2021
Stop the press
Kate comes to New York to solve a mystery. Newspaper reporter Mike is there to help. Catherine Morrison created this mystery that becomes a romance. You'll fall into the pages trying to solve the mystery then fall for the characters!
Kate comes to New York to solve a mystery. Newspaper reporter Mike is there to help. Catherine Morrison created this mystery that becomes a romance. You'll fall into the pages trying to solve the mystery then fall for the characters!
March 29, 2020
This was a pleasant romance with a sprinkling of a murder mystery. It's fast and easy to read (it took me a couple of hours). It's written in a simple, direct, cinematographic manner. It's fast-paced and rather action-driven. I could easily imagine it as a Julia Roberts movie, with Roberts of course playing the heroine, Kate.
The heroine is a bit of a Mary Sue character (she's stunning, desirable, smart, gets a job at the New York times without having qualifications, she can write wonderfully, is the perfect personal assistant, has lived all around the world, can cook everything from Thai to Mexican food) but she's still likable and you want her to win. The plot, especially the legal-murder mystery plot is interesting but not explored too deeply, which is OK because it shifts the focus more on the romance part of the book.
I had two issues with this book: the conflicts, the resolutions, the relationships, and the interactions were–for me–a little shallow. People are convinced about life-altering things with as little as a couple lines of dialogue, they arrive at profound realizations with equally little nudging, they change their outlook on life and get over psychological handicaps the same way. It felt too easy and sometimes unrealistic.
As far as the language is concerned, I applaud the writer for her good grammar. Nevertheless, I found that the style of the book was lacking. The editor in me gets a little grumpy when I read a whole paragraph of "he did-he felt-he saw" sentences, and this is where a good line editor would help.
The heroine is a bit of a Mary Sue character (she's stunning, desirable, smart, gets a job at the New York times without having qualifications, she can write wonderfully, is the perfect personal assistant, has lived all around the world, can cook everything from Thai to Mexican food) but she's still likable and you want her to win. The plot, especially the legal-murder mystery plot is interesting but not explored too deeply, which is OK because it shifts the focus more on the romance part of the book.
I had two issues with this book: the conflicts, the resolutions, the relationships, and the interactions were–for me–a little shallow. People are convinced about life-altering things with as little as a couple lines of dialogue, they arrive at profound realizations with equally little nudging, they change their outlook on life and get over psychological handicaps the same way. It felt too easy and sometimes unrealistic.
As far as the language is concerned, I applaud the writer for her good grammar. Nevertheless, I found that the style of the book was lacking. The editor in me gets a little grumpy when I read a whole paragraph of "he did-he felt-he saw" sentences, and this is where a good line editor would help.
November 19, 2021
A sweet story
I always enjoy the writing styles of authors from other countries (the words they use and the way they structure a scene). This was a sweet little contemporary romance with an MC that burrows her way into your heart. Well written. Well done.
I always enjoy the writing styles of authors from other countries (the words they use and the way they structure a scene). This was a sweet little contemporary romance with an MC that burrows her way into your heart. Well written. Well done.
April 21, 2022
What a sweet story. It was a love story born out of a mystery. Two people brought together through a moment of deception. They are working as a team to get to the bottom of a few murders and are very attracted to one another. While neither is looking or thinking of a long term relationship, they find that harder than they expected. It kept me entertained and wanting more, finished it super fast! New author for me, I will be reading her other books based on how much I enjoyed this one.
October 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. A good story and very well written. My favourite city is NY so made it all the more enjoyable. Definitely worth a read if you like a good romance with a little bit of suspense.
February 6, 2022
I was all set to start my review of Catherine Morrison’s wonderful book The Hook by revealing that I’d never before read a romance novel. But then I remembered: Nicholas Sparks.
I think at least one of his books are in my paperback collection, so I have read a romance book or two along the way. And after reading The Hook I’m asking myself why I haven’t read more?
I think it might be a case of the stereotypes getting in the way.
Sure, you’ll find plenty of romance (and sex!) in The Hook, but the storyline has so much more. Without giving too much away, the lovers (Mike and Kate) work together to solve a pair of murders, to fight corporate greed and to find justice for a friend of Kate’s. The story is as much about the mystery Kate and Mike are trying to solve as it is about their budding relationship.
Another stereotype that the book avoids involves Kate and Mike themselves. They are not “young” lovers at all — Mike is mid 40s and Kate is about 10 years younger — and both bring their own past full of baggage and drop it at the other’s feet.
We know going in how the story is likely to end, but using strong writing and the right amount of intrigue, Morrison does a masterful job of keeping us “hooked” page after page.
I think at least one of his books are in my paperback collection, so I have read a romance book or two along the way. And after reading The Hook I’m asking myself why I haven’t read more?
I think it might be a case of the stereotypes getting in the way.
Sure, you’ll find plenty of romance (and sex!) in The Hook, but the storyline has so much more. Without giving too much away, the lovers (Mike and Kate) work together to solve a pair of murders, to fight corporate greed and to find justice for a friend of Kate’s. The story is as much about the mystery Kate and Mike are trying to solve as it is about their budding relationship.
Another stereotype that the book avoids involves Kate and Mike themselves. They are not “young” lovers at all — Mike is mid 40s and Kate is about 10 years younger — and both bring their own past full of baggage and drop it at the other’s feet.
We know going in how the story is likely to end, but using strong writing and the right amount of intrigue, Morrison does a masterful job of keeping us “hooked” page after page.
December 19, 2021
A whirlwind of romance and mystery
This book just keeps you gripped, it’s a roller coaster of romance, mystery, intrigue, steaminess and good old fashioned detective work.
I was rooting for the couple and really enjoyed the depth of the storyline behind the romance.
One of my new favourite authors!
This book just keeps you gripped, it’s a roller coaster of romance, mystery, intrigue, steaminess and good old fashioned detective work.
I was rooting for the couple and really enjoyed the depth of the storyline behind the romance.
One of my new favourite authors!
November 19, 2019
Great novel kept me guessing start to finish, looking forward to the next novel by this New author, so many twists
December 30, 2022
Kate's former boss is going on trial in New York for what she thinks is murder, but apparently it's embezzlement. When she tries to get into the courthouse, she's told that she needs a pass, but she fortunately runs right into a good-looking man, her chance to get in. Mike is an investigative journalist for the New York Times and he's covering her boss's trial and she hopes to get information from him. Kate and Mike are attracted to each other from the get go, and it's enjoyable to watch them dance around each other with both lust and fear. Kate lost her mother to a heart attack at a very young age and Mike has been burned a couple of times by women who had wounded his pride. Neither is looking for something permanent, but their mutual lust becomes so much more. The mystery is highly innovative and definitely complicated and there was no way that I guessed who the villain might be. Great narration by Lise Jones. Her dynamic voice, intonation and pace brought the story to life and her ability to use different accents was delightful!
January 16, 2023
I loved the narration of Lise Jones, who brings out the suspense, humour. pace and brings the characters to life in your ears.
Kate' is trying to get into the courthouse, with out a pass to talk to her former boss tail, what she thinks is murder, but it's embezzlement. Lucky she runs right into Mike who is good-looking , and her chance to get in. Mike is an investigative journalist for the New York Times and he's covering her boss's trial. Kate and Mike find themselves attracted to each other. But try and not show it. Kate lost her mother to a heart attack and Mike has been hurt by women, in the past, Both of them want fun and no more. Or do they. We have a mystery, romance, perfect. This mystery kept me guessing.
Kate' is trying to get into the courthouse, with out a pass to talk to her former boss tail, what she thinks is murder, but it's embezzlement. Lucky she runs right into Mike who is good-looking , and her chance to get in. Mike is an investigative journalist for the New York Times and he's covering her boss's trial. Kate and Mike find themselves attracted to each other. But try and not show it. Kate lost her mother to a heart attack and Mike has been hurt by women, in the past, Both of them want fun and no more. Or do they. We have a mystery, romance, perfect. This mystery kept me guessing.
May 11, 2022
The chemistry of this couple just sizzles off the page and I liked seeing their relationship unfold.
A wonderful mix of ensemble characters too. Ones where you doubt who to trust, what their motive might be etc. From some crazy woman in the office to the supportive ex, this has it all.
The start of this caught my attention and the tension doesn't let off throughout.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
June 18, 2022
I love a romance and a mystery, thriller. This book combines both. It is one of the best books I have read this year. The characters are brilliant and you can really identify with them. The story moves along at pace and the way the relationship between the two main characters is built is true to life. Well worth a read.
May 4, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The headstrong female lead character, a mystery to solve, plenty of danger to make it interesting and a little romance bubbling away in the background. It kept me guessing until the end and the characters, especially Kate, were a joy.
February 23, 2022
A great romance story full of action, suspense, and mystery. It had me hooked. I read it in a few days which is fast for me. A great read.
December 29, 2022
I enjoyed this mystery with romance. There were lots of twists and turns. I Iiked Kate and Mike. Narrator Lise Jones did a great job.
January 9, 2023
A great book that kept me engrossed and wanting to know more. Highly recommend!
May 19, 2023
This book wasn’t a favorite, but it was good. It held my attention enough that I wanted to finish it. The mystery who-dun-it element was interesting, but felt rushed in the end. I was also sick of Mike calling Kate “babe” all the time. Overall, good read. Just wanted more.
April 10, 2020
Book review originally posted at https://tinyurl.com/udjcvf6.
Kate travels to New York to see her prior boss get put away for something, even if it wasn't the murder that he completed. Embezzlement will have to do. That is until she is unable to get into the court house so she has to get creative. Getting creative comes in the form of "stumbling" across an investigative journalist for the New York Times, Mike. She knew him from him having written an article about one of the men her boss had murdered.
Mike can't help but be drawn to the beauty that has literally fallen into him. The only thing is is just how much of what she is saying is the truth and how far can he trust this woman? For now he is more than willing to find out. If he gets a great story out of it then so be it.
This is a romance that I don't read nearly as often, not because they are not good but simply because I do not notice them. In this case this book was suggested to me by the author and I purchased it through Amazon after reading the synopsis. Romance's within the older generation are adorable, although it is really weird for someone my age to think of someone my dad's age getting a new girlfriend and all of the sex that entails.
I loved the mystery aspect of the book and in many points did not suspect who was behind it until the car scene. But, as always I will leave the details to you to discover. If you like a woman with a fear of commitment, a workaholic man, a good murder mystery, and a whole lot of romance look no further than the hook.
Kate travels to New York to see her prior boss get put away for something, even if it wasn't the murder that he completed. Embezzlement will have to do. That is until she is unable to get into the court house so she has to get creative. Getting creative comes in the form of "stumbling" across an investigative journalist for the New York Times, Mike. She knew him from him having written an article about one of the men her boss had murdered.
Mike can't help but be drawn to the beauty that has literally fallen into him. The only thing is is just how much of what she is saying is the truth and how far can he trust this woman? For now he is more than willing to find out. If he gets a great story out of it then so be it.
This is a romance that I don't read nearly as often, not because they are not good but simply because I do not notice them. In this case this book was suggested to me by the author and I purchased it through Amazon after reading the synopsis. Romance's within the older generation are adorable, although it is really weird for someone my age to think of someone my dad's age getting a new girlfriend and all of the sex that entails.
I loved the mystery aspect of the book and in many points did not suspect who was behind it until the car scene. But, as always I will leave the details to you to discover. If you like a woman with a fear of commitment, a workaholic man, a good murder mystery, and a whole lot of romance look no further than the hook.
December 11, 2019
I loved this book. It was a fabulous read. From the off, I warmed to the heroine Kate and then, of course, there is Michael. Sparks fly and on top of that, there's a nice crime mystery to solve. I absolutely loved the interaction between Kate and Mike, they played off each other beautifully and completely believably. It's a great romance with some sex thrown into the mix. Overall the book is beautifully written, well-paced, flowing, easily readable, and kept me wanting to read on. I was very happy with the outcome but not giving any spoilers away. If you like a sparky romantic mystery which keeps you wanting more, then this is it. I am looking forward to the next outing from this excellent author, this is a brilliant debut and not to be missed!!
December 5, 2019
Absolutely loved it..
Bit slow in the beginning but I loved how the characters evolved and how the story developed. I really didnt see where it was going so it literally kept me "hooked"....
Bit slow in the beginning but I loved how the characters evolved and how the story developed. I really didnt see where it was going so it literally kept me "hooked"....
January 20, 2021
Fast and funny
Everything that I like in a romance! This book surprised me - I was drawn in immediately, the story was fluid and quick-paced, and the romance was dead. A great read!!
Everything that I like in a romance! This book surprised me - I was drawn in immediately, the story was fluid and quick-paced, and the romance was dead. A great read!!
November 23, 2019
Enjoyed the flow of the story, all the twists and turns, it didn't disappoint, looking forward to their next adventure.
October 30, 2020
Great characters - well defined and very likable. This is a page-turner, that’s hard to put down. A very well crafted plot that leaves you wanting more. Great read.
December 27, 2020
Not my usual fanfare, but everything ebbed and flowed well.
September 11, 2024
THE HOOK is the second book I’ve read by Catherine Morrison and I loved it just as much as the first! I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by Lise Jones, who did an outstanding job performing the characters. The opening leaves the reader questioning a bit as Kate arrives from the UK into NYC and we’re left to wonder exactly why she’s there… but eventually as the plot begins to unfold and there are some twists and turns, you slowly learn more about what’s really going on. A reporter, and a woman posing as a reporter are determined to get to the bottom of several suspicious deaths and prove if something nefarious was going on. And if they happen to fall in love along the way? I loved Kate and liked Mike as well. I always enjoy when we get middle aged romance leads and these two were really well written, and the leads they were investigating were well plotted out as well. Just a very nicely thought-out book! 5/5 stars.
September 3, 2022
Absolutely fantastic.
I loved this book, I couldn't put it down.
There was mystery and suspense with romance thrown in.
Loved the end.
Looking forward to reading your other books.
I loved this book, I couldn't put it down.
There was mystery and suspense with romance thrown in.
Loved the end.
Looking forward to reading your other books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews