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Detective Kate Rosetti is not a big fan of February 14th. Even worse than gigantic bouquets of roses and buckets of chocolate, however, are the love notes she’s been receiving from the murderer who very nearly stole her life.

Unfortunately, a peaceful Valentine’s Day isn’t in the cards for Kate Rosetti. When she gets the news that the infamous serial killer Ramone Wilkes has escaped from prison, she knows the chances are good that he’s making his way north to the streets of St. Paul to finish the job he started two years ago.

Capturing Ramone “The Dentist” Wilkes during his first killing spree was no breeze, and this time, luck might not be on Kate’s side...

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2020

1150 people are currently reading
330 people want to read

About the author

Gina LaManna

72 books1,465 followers
Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Gina LaManna has also called Italy and Los Angeles home. After studying numbers and equations in college, she realized multiple choice tests were “just not for her” and began writing books instead. She loves cappuccino foam and whipped cream and would subsist solely on sprinkles if possible. She currently lives in St. Paul with her wonderful husband and family.

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5 stars
1,603 (54%)
4 stars
945 (32%)
3 stars
313 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
Profile Image for Nina (ninjasbooks).
1,603 reviews1,700 followers
January 26, 2023
Book two in Kate Rosetti mystery. I liked this one as well as the first book. Rosetti has become a character I care about. When she puts herself in danger I hope someone will help her, but she is very capable when it comes to getting out of tricky situations.
Profile Image for Cindy B. .
3,899 reviews220 followers
November 21, 2023
Complicated and entertaining mystery with an excellent narration. Clean storyline. Like the series. 4-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,579 reviews23 followers
May 3, 2020
Book 2 in the Kate Rosetti series is a home run. Kate's worst nightmare, serial killer Wilkes was put away for life by Kate and it nearly took her life. When she gets called in by her chief suddenly, she knows something is wrong. Seems her worst nghtmare is back! Wilkes has escaped and she knows she is his main target since he has been tormenting her with letters from prison. And she has told no one about that! FBI Detective and a one time love interest asked for her to consult with the FBI in tracking and catching him since she knows so much about him. Although her chief and her partner doesn't want her to take on the case, spunky Kate will definitely take it on! Feeling very awkward with FBI Detective Russo, who she thought she had a nice relationship with didn't help and her independent attitude kept getting in the way between them at times while Wilkes started his killing spree again. Who helped him escape? Why did he brutally kill his prison pen pal? Things are getting too close to home for Kate. Will he finally get Kate or will she and Detective Russo get to him first? And what about billionaire Gem who has taken an interest in Kate while Russo still has feelings for her as well. Will she choose one of them...or none of them? After all, Kate is married to her job or so she keeps telling everyone. And what about her sister Jane and her mother, can she keep them safe? This is a wonderful cozy plus that keeps you guessing and going down the roller coaster along with Kate. I love this series and Kate's spunkiness. Each book of the two books in the series can be read independently, but you don't want to miss this new series! I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Bookgyrl.
1,345 reviews23 followers
May 2, 2020
The second book in the Kate Rosetti-mysteries and I must say I do enjoy this series!

Kate reminds me of Dani in The Hex Files with her tenacity and strong will. But - unfortunately - both also have a bit of the 'I can take care of myself'-brand which does not always work out well :-)
In this book a dangerous serial killer 'The Dentist' has escaped from prison and as Kate was the one putting him away after a scarring experience for her, she is quite clearly upset. She is asked to help the feds (Jack Russo) with the case, in the meantime also finding time to solve a local 'suicide'.

The one thing I do not really like are- as I said before and often in reviews -> love triangles. In this case Jack Russo the FBI-guy and handsome rich guy Gem. Every time I tend to favor one of them the other does something to change my mind! I like stories where one clear love interest is presented, otherwise.. what is the use? You can only fall in love with one guy, right?! So, let's hope this is resolved fast. I am already having a hard time choosing #TeamRusso or #TeamGem as I want both of them to be The One.

Anyway, I had a good time reading this and really look forward to the next! Keep 'em coming!

*** I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest and voluntary review. ***
Profile Image for Jenna.
2,010 reviews20 followers
November 21, 2020
A serial killer who Kate had a close call with but ultimately caught has escaped prison and will probably be coming after her.
My negative is that I felt like i missed a book. The situation picks up as if there'd been a previous book w/that story. (perhaps the writer meant for there to be a prequel novella at some point?)
I was lost for a bit but the writer does her best to sum up events so I was able to find my way.
And we've got an added mystery to solve w/an issue involving Gem which added some depth to the story.
I hate to admit this but b/c of the accent, richie rich & air of mystery surrounding Gem that i prefer him over Jack. I still think the chemistry b/w Kate & Russo or Gem isn't that strong but whatever...
the narrator does a good job so it becomes an entertaining story.
Onto the next one as i do want to see how Kate's relationships develop & the supporting characters are engaging, the stories are ok as well.
Profile Image for Doug Sundseth.
901 reviews9 followers
August 28, 2024
While the first book in this series was a romance with a mystery subplot, this was a mystery/suspense with a romance subplot. The protagonist, while a bit cliched, is entertaining enough. The main mystery plot was nicely handled, with good use of clues and twists. The mystery subplot felt gratuitous and the solution contrived, however.

Kate Rosetti, while written with an interesting personality, does many things that make no sense for a police detective, ignoring some threats and not getting help when there is little reason to avoid aid.

The romance triangle, while probably a great draw for some readers, was mostly an annoyance for me. Dithering is seldom a useful tactic. Both of the love-interest characters were written well as objects of affection, but the story seemed designed just to make the tension continue.

This book is significantly better than the first book in the series, but it's still just inoffensive, not enthralling.
26 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2021
I’m SO disappointed

I must say I generally enjoy reading your books. Either for the lighthearted humour, or the development of your characters, or the strong, yet flawed and human female heroine.

I’ve half read this book and I’m so thoroughly disappointed in the writing of Kate’s character that I swiped to the end to write this review. She is a strong woman, she KNOWS that Infomation is critical yet still she holds back crucial evidence? Why? This is not a flaw... You have made her a stupid and cowardly woman.
1,618 reviews25 followers
May 1, 2020
This is book 2 in the Kate Rosetti Mystery Series. In this one, a serial killer that had previously targeted Kate has escaped from prison and is sending Kate love letters letting her know he is on his way back to her. FBI Agent Russo, potential love interest from book one, is back on the scene to help catch him. Gem is also still in Kate's life, hoping for more than friendship and offering help anytime she needs it. This book was non-stop action from start to finish, with a great mystery, well multiple mysteries actually. If you like mysteries then you will definitely enjoy this one.
Profile Image for Vfields Don't touch my happy! .
3,502 reviews
January 11, 2025
Riddle Me This is much more dark and centered than the first installment of this series. A past killer has escaped and he’s aiming for our good Detective. The secondary characters are the same but our protagonist is haunted, darker and more socially messy. I honestly am not all that thrilled with the bouncing back-and-forth between the two possible love interests. I kind of wish this was just a straightforward detective story with her slowly developing relationship with one possible person. But hey, that’s just me. The bad guy, yeah he was a loon and the resolution was predictable. I don’t know why, but I wanna continue with this series.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,119 reviews50 followers
October 13, 2021
Wasn't quite as enamored with this story as the last. Kate juggles 4 cases and it was just too little of so much and none of it intriguing enough to keep the pages flying. Kate still has two men vying for her attention and no choice yet made. Will it be the uber wealthy businessman Alistair "Gem" or FBI Special Agent Russo? I'm placing my bets that its Russo that she begrudgingly agrees to a relationship with....eventually.

Still intrigued enough to read on....so book 3 it is.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,170 reviews43 followers
May 2, 2020
Kate is back and hunting down an escaped serial killer. Of course, Russo and Gem are there to her help out. The second book in the Kate Rosetti series was even better than the first. I can safely say that this is my favorite Gina LaManna series (that is until she writes another)! Need more Kate!!
Profile Image for Angela.
337 reviews6 followers
July 8, 2020
Getting better!

Still not zany. But the mystery was intense in this novel. Love the character development. Can’t wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Jade.
365 reviews
November 28, 2023
i need a love triangle to happen without any arguments or jealousy THANKS
Profile Image for Kim.
429 reviews
October 21, 2023
These books are ok- I guess it’s like a “cozy” mystery? Like not a lot of police work going on, but a lot of talking about getting coffee and knowing she’s really torn between the FBI agent and the Billionaire, but she just wants to be friends with them, or so she tells herself. They’re clean books, but they’re pretty “fluffy”- sometimes I want a book that I can’t put down, and these books just don’t do that for me. They’ll be good “palette cleansers” though!
Profile Image for Fee.
1,210 reviews8 followers
December 6, 2021
The murder/mystery was fine and I like the characters. But I really don’t like the two love interest-storyline. And the men are treated horribly. For me a reason not to continue with this series
Profile Image for Loretta TheMoodyRedhead.
1,048 reviews4 followers
September 5, 2024
Kate is such a brat! Like I said in my previous review, she’s a cold-hearted beesh! It shouldn’t pain her so much to tell someone thank you, namely Agent Russo for - I don’t know, uh - SAVING HER LIFE! But, no, not Kate. No, she is so scared of letting someone in that she automatically focuses on the complete opposite of what’s in front of her face. She’s so frustrating!

Wilkes… he really got into her head and it seemed for a moment that maybe she got into his heart. Probably because killers don’t quite understand real love. Well, maybe it’s more like they don’t understand people are humans and humans aren’t supposed to kill for sport. But what do I know about killers except what I’ve read about them in books and listened to on TV and podcasts?

Kate really got into a tough situation in this read. She kept her eye on her target, but in doing so she was too focused on what she thought as opposed to looking at the evidence/facts and what she thought she knew. Good thing Russo was in town.

Speaking of Russo, if the readers of this series are like me they’ll wonder if Kate ultimately chooses Russo or Gem to be her special someone or if she’ll just throw up her hands and not choose either one. I can’t decide myself which man I’d want if I was given the choice. Both men care so deeply for her and are both capable of giving her so much. However, despite the fact Gem had a bit of dangerous drama in this book, I’d say Gem may be the safer bet of the two. Then again, Gem has money and people do crazy things to get money. Sigh.

Oh ya, I also think Russo would make for a good choice for a boyfriend because he is in law enforcement like Kate, so he can relate better than Gem to her as far as understanding what it’s like to be so stone hearted. It’s a protection mechanism - building walls. You’ve got to have a different mindset when your career involves catching the most hardened of criminals. Kate is a homicide detective, so she’s seen a lot of heartache in her time. It’s obvious Russo cares deeply for her. And the fact he’s saved her life a few times… that makes for a certain type of connection to a person. A hero. Pretty sexy.

Hey, maybe Kate can just date them both, for now! Lol.

Next is Book 3, “Follow the Money”.
Profile Image for Misty’s Corner Reviews.
263 reviews11 followers
May 13, 2020
Riddle Me This gets you going right from the start between jabs at Detective Kate Rosetti's love triangle and a returned serial killer with dark links to the detective's own past! Gina LaManna has really outdone herself with this series, and I'm excited to see where it goes next!

LaManna artfully takes us down the path of suspense while also sticking to her cozy, relatable style. Fortunately, this time around, we're already familiar with the personalities, which only serves to ease us that much further into thrill set around the return of "The Dentist"! It's no surprise to Kate when she gets the summons for her assistance from the FBI, hours away. After all, her name is all over Ramone Wilkes' original case files. Plus, to top it off, she has a tingling suspicion that Special Agent Jack Russo is the requesting agent! Now she has to decide just how far she's willing to go to apprehend Wilkes, again, and whether it's worth the nightmares and time it will take from the case, she's currently pushing for, which, let's face it, is circumstantial at best! Is there really a choice, though? Increasing, and downright creepy, love letters and evidence pointing towards her as Wilkes' endgame make this predicament all the more impossible to willfully ignore!

The excitement behind the case is enough to keep anyone reading - let's get that straight. I, however, took the most delight in the love triangle and the easy banter between our main characters. They're loveable and relatable in the best ways possible. Relatable, aside from Gem's fortune, of course! Russo and Gem are both interested in Kate in their own way and are painfully aware of the other's interest. Luckily this doesn't stop them from being wholly and utterly themselves: alpha males with a love of shiny toys and a challenge, but above all - the desire to keep their 'love' safe! But what do you do if your 'love' is a fearless detective in her own right? You double down!

Many thanks go to the author Gina LaManna for providing me a complimentary copy of this title in exchange for my honest review! I'd recommend this to fans of her previous works as well as fans of Janet Evanovich! Order now on Amazon or check it out on Kindle Unlimited!
Profile Image for Marsha.
1,234 reviews31 followers
May 1, 2020
And the plot thickens. Well, the romantic plot anyways. She thought she was safe after her temporary FBI agent partner has gone back to DC after they solved the case, but Kate finds herself in a bit of a love triangle, once again. This time she is sent to him, as another murder happens and all signs point to a criminal who was supposed to be spending life in prison thanks to Kate. During the course of this book, there is not only the one crime she is working on, but three. Kate's life is in greater danger and she is finding herself emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted, but she's determined not to let it all stop her from solving these crimes and putting one man back where he belongs. This is book two in what I believe is going to be a three book series, and while technically you can read it as a stand alone, you will enjoy and appreciate the characters a little more if you have read book one first. While the crimes/mysteries are all contained/solved within each book, the characters and their relationships grow with each. The writing is well done. The mystery gets a little more complex than your average 'cozy' but it's not too convoluted. It's kinda like in the middle between a cozy mystery and an all out thriller. It's got some humor, but it's not cutesy. There is sharp wit and smart, strong characters. There is a little suspense and some thrilleresque moments. There is no sexual content, other than some light kissing. It reads quickly and easily. Written from one POV.
Profile Image for ElaineY.
2,450 reviews68 followers
November 15, 2025
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; NOVEMBER 15, 2025
Narrator: Suzie Althens


Well-written and no boring fillers. Not much of Gem at the start but once he came back on the scene the plot did revolve around him. He has a stalker. Good excuse for Kate to hang around him even though he has an army of security personnel.

The escaped serial killer-prisoner provided the suspense and it won't be a spoiler to say he succeeds in getting hold of Kate and I simply sit back and wait for her to be rescued.

As to the love triangle? I'm torn, I confess. Russo is handsome, nice and dependable and dearly wants more than just a working relationship with Kate. So I'm leaning towards Russo. Besides, he's with Kate at every turn whereas Gem isn't always around. There's a lot more opportunity for me to grow fond of the solid, dependable FBI special agent and treat Gem as just an occasional flirtation.

But...I've never had a handsome billionaire in love with me...so I just might want to walk on the wild one.

I'll see what happens in Book 3.
Profile Image for Rachael.
29 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2022
Another fun thriller in the Kate Rosetti series!
It’s February, almost Valentine’s, and St. Paul, MN native gets bad news - the serial killer Wilkes, whom she worked hard to put away, has escaped from prison. He has an unhealthy attachment to Kate, on the side of obsession, and has been sending Kate letters from prison ever since he was incarcerated. Now that he is out, Kate is asked to work on the case with FBI Agent Russo. Apparently her only Valentine this year might come from a killer. Will Kate be lucky enough to find Wilkes before he finds her?
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This was a fun, quick read. It can be read in the series or as a stand alone book. LaManna continues to develop Kate’s character and complicate her love life with a continued love triangle between Billionaire Gem and Agent Russo. This book has not one, not two, but three murders. Lots of twists and turns. I really liked this book and if you’re in the mood for a fun, witty thriller then pick this book for your next read.
3,084 reviews13 followers
June 14, 2022
Detective Kate Rosetti is very much married to the job so her relationships with FBI Agent Russo and billionaire Gem are very much on the back burner, except when they ain't.
But she's got more to worry about than them, there's a serial killer, Ramone 'the Dentist' Wilkes, on the loose and he's heading her way (they are old adversaries from before the series!)
Gem has a stalker and Kate, who is usually willing to use his private plane or borrow from his car collection, offers to pin the person down (this is actually the weakest part of the book).
And there's a separate murder which is, officially, no longer her problem - but Kate doesn't let go.
I thought the first in the series, "Shoot the Breeze", tried to juggle too many things at the same time but in "Riddle Me This" it all comes together nicely.
It's a solid police procedural with a lot of action and plenty of humour.
Great fun.
4 Stars.
24 reviews
May 2, 2020
Riddle me Detective is even better then Shoot the Breeze. Kate finds herself working again with FBI agent Russo he personally ask for her as a consult on the case as she was the one who originally had the murder put in jail. She tries to figure out how Wilkes escaped and what his next move is before he gets to his next victim. She is also working two other cases to keep her self busy and in a love triangle with agent Russo and multimillionaire Gem, both who have concern and look want her safety and just want Kate. Kate can hardly feel safe or her good sleep in her own home. She has her sister Jane staying with their mom until the case is over and she continues to get love/hate notes from Wilkes. Agent Russo personally guards her from outside of her home and it’s still not enough to get rid of the nightmares. Only until Wilkes is caught and the cases are solved can Kate find peace.
Profile Image for Barbara Hackel.
2,831 reviews48 followers
May 3, 2020
Kate Rosetti is back, and history seems to be repeating itself when a imprisoned killer, who is fixated on Rosetti, escapes. Before long she is thrust into another terrifying case with back up from FBI Special Agent Jack Russo and Billionaire Alastair Gem. As Ms LaManna terrorizes us with the cunning and brutality of escaped convict Ramone Wilkes, she also teases us with the attractions of these two determined and stalwart men towards the elusive Kate Rosetti. It's impossible for this reader to decide which "camp" (Russo or Gem) is the best choice. I look forward to the next book in the series. In fact, I am hoping that that won't be the end of the series...Gina, are you reading this??? Kate is such a great character and obviously has so many stories to share! Plus don't we deserve to have summer in the twin cities after all this cold and slush? LOVE this series!
Profile Image for Leslie.
40 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2021
I love the main character and her inner-circle of people. This follow-up really ignited my interest further with the introduction of the character Ramone Wilkes, who she has a shakingly scary past with. Not only is the element of cat and mouse intriguing, but the twists that the book takes in suspects and killers tops it all. I loved those little elements in the end that switched up the formula. A couple of things I didn't like was that she did not think of her family as being targets until way later than she should have. I also understand that the book is pushing the hard woman needing to learn to lean on others narrative, but I felt like the men in her life was carrying her a bit too much.
1 review
August 1, 2025
STOP AND READ!

After weeks of downloading books and only making it through a few pages, I finally got pulled in! First time reading Gina LaManna and I’m sitting in my bath tub, cold water and all about to download third book.
I knew I needed to write a review. I got burned out on the same story lines when scrolling through kindle unlimited. But I have laughed out loud, held my breath, and read faster to get to the “OH MY GOD WHAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN?” part.
Suspense, murder, mystery and just when you think you know, BAM- plot twist you didn’t see coming. Stop reading my review and go read it yourself. You’re welcome. (You will definitely thank me later 😉)
Besides, my water is really cold now and I’ve pruned past my actual age.
Profile Image for Stephanie Corbett.
698 reviews12 followers
May 3, 2020
Yet another great book in this exciting and action packed detective series. We are back with Detective Kate Rosetti and FBI Agent Russo, on the hunt for a prison escapee and murderer. There is so much intrigue with unexpected twists and turns, that you will be on the edge of your seat with this gripping mystery.

As well as Agent Russo, Billionaire Alistair Gem is also back in Kate’s life, so there is a whole heap of tension, chemistry and frustration bubbling away.

A fabulous book, and I can’t wait for the third instalment in this intriguing series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Erin Kelly.
29 reviews
May 5, 2020
Detective Rosetti is pulled in 3 different directions with 3 different cases, including 1 she thought was closed. However, starting with a prison escape and finishing with a Valentine's Day Gala, Detective Rosetti proves why she's the youngest person to be invited to join the TC Task Force. She's smart and sees clues where others see what's expected to be seen.
This one has more action and more puzzles than the first book, definitely keeps the reader guessing. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Profile Image for Patty .
1,356 reviews7 followers
May 12, 2020
Lived it

Wow! That love triangle has be on edge. Team Gem!! I’m just saying....

Kate is on edge this book when The Dentist escapes prison. Only Jimmy knows what happened that night when he was arrested. But his escape will bring back the nightmares.

Kate and Gem are getting closer, but something is always interrupting. Russo has been thrust back into her life and a suicide gives her pause.

Overall this one is a nonstop thrill ride. I had a difficult time putting it down. If you love 💕 a good mystery with a love triangle, then this book is up your alley.
Profile Image for Steph.
94 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2020
I am such a huge fan of Gina Lamanna's books and this series is one of my new favorites! Her series are all different varieties and do not have the same story written in a different setting with different characters that many authors end up writing.

In this second book in this series, we get a much more in depth look at Kate's past and why she behaves and is driven like she is. With action, humor, and a romantic love twist that just makes you want to scream (pick one!! Lol) this book and series is a must read!!
Profile Image for Laura.
2,557 reviews
May 29, 2020
This is a great book; this is the second book in the Detective Kate Rosetti Mystery series written by Gina LaManna. This is another great series by Gina LaManna that is just as good as her other series. Kate Rosetti is a detective working in the homicide department. When Kate learns that the serial killer that she arrested escapes prison she know she needs to work fast to catch him before he comes after her. Once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down until the end. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. I can’t wait for the next book by this awesome author!
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