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Detective Kate Rosetti Mystery #5
Nail on the Head
Pumpkin spice lattes are in the air… and so is murder.
When Detective Kate Rosetti is handed her latest case—a dead body covered in leaves along the side of the road—there’s something peculiar about it. A broken heart is carved into the man’s arm. It seems to be a foreboding warning that love can be deadly.
The deeper Kate gets into the investigation, the more she’s forced to face love and murder like never before. Her personal life becomes equally as complicated. A shocking wedding invitation arrives in the mail. Jack Russo is putting pressure on Kate about taking the next step in their relationship. A new cop is hired on at the precinct. But when every love story seems to end tragically in Kate’s newest case, how can she believe in happily ever after?
When Detective Kate Rosetti is handed her latest case—a dead body covered in leaves along the side of the road—there’s something peculiar about it. A broken heart is carved into the man’s arm. It seems to be a foreboding warning that love can be deadly.
The deeper Kate gets into the investigation, the more she’s forced to face love and murder like never before. Her personal life becomes equally as complicated. A shocking wedding invitation arrives in the mail. Jack Russo is putting pressure on Kate about taking the next step in their relationship. A new cop is hired on at the precinct. But when every love story seems to end tragically in Kate’s newest case, how can she believe in happily ever after?
283 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2021
293 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Gina LaManna
72 books1,464 followersOriginally 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 21, 2023
It’s been a while since I’ve read this series, so it was fun to continue to listen to Kate’s relationships and current case. There is a new character in this book, which I immediately liked! The hours flew by, and I will read the next in the series soon.
November 7, 2021
3.5 stars. I'm still frustrated with Kate's awkward love life after this many books. Not sure she'll ever settle down, especially with millionaire/Gem throwing mixed signals and FBI Agent Jack Russo wanting Kate to move in, but Kate's too wish washy. At least she's got the detective thing down. I'm a glutton for punishment, on to the best book.
December 23, 2024
The Kate Rosetti Mysteries are quick and fun. Nail on the Head has Kate working with a partner-in-training, and Kate is not too happy about it. I enjoy these Gina LaManna mysteries, and I like trying to figure them out. I do find Kate's romantic life a bit unrealistic, although her flat affect brings a little humor.
August 31, 2021
Detective Kate Rosetti is having a rough day. First her mom forces her to drink a pumpkin spice latte even though she hates those, and then when she gets to work she discovers a newbie sitting in her chair waiting for her. The police chief has hired someone to train with Kate to be her new partner for when Jimmy retires. No, this is NOT going to be a good day. Then they get a call. There is a dead body, with a gunshot wound in his chest and a broken heart carved into his arm. As Kate tries to solve the case she also is grappling with the fact that Gem is getting married, and Russo is starting to put pressure on her to make a commitment. Love is messy, no matter which way she turns.
I love this series, and this book may be the bext one yet. These books are a great combination of mystery with lots of humor throughout. I love Kate...she has so much attitude but has a great heart as well. Her mom is a lot of fun too. If you love cozy mysteries then you will definitely want to check this one out.
I love this series, and this book may be the bext one yet. These books are a great combination of mystery with lots of humor throughout. I love Kate...she has so much attitude but has a great heart as well. Her mom is a lot of fun too. If you love cozy mysteries then you will definitely want to check this one out.
December 13, 2021
3.5 stars
*this is for the audiobook version
So I'd somehow skipped this book (#5) as I'd read the following ones last month (#6 & 7)
It was good to go back and pick up the details I'd missed. Mostly it was the background on Chloe's character. I liked her & think she fits in well w/Kate's world.
this is also the book where Gem gets engaged which throws Kate through a loop as she deals with that. And also all her friends making sure she was ok.
Some humor. Interesting mystery.
*this is for the audiobook version
So I'd somehow skipped this book (#5) as I'd read the following ones last month (#6 & 7)
It was good to go back and pick up the details I'd missed. Mostly it was the background on Chloe's character. I liked her & think she fits in well w/Kate's world.
this is also the book where Gem gets engaged which throws Kate through a loop as she deals with that. And also all her friends making sure she was ok.
Some humor. Interesting mystery.
July 10, 2022
Nail on the Head had a great story line. I adored the mystery, and the case. I also loved the heroine. I don't like who she picked, I wish she had picked the other guy, and now it seems it is too late. I don't think they fit together well, I still hope she gets rid of him.
September 3, 2021
This book in the series is amazing. Kate Rosetti, head detective in a special group of detectives specifically chosen for their abilities get called by the chief with a new case. She and her partner, Jimmy, who is heading soon for retirement find the victim, who was shot in the chest had a strange broken heart carved on his arm. When they get back to the office, Kate finds a young girl sitting at her desk. It appears the chief wants Kate to train her and mentor her to join her squad. Kate grudgingly says ok after trying to get out of it. She hates to work with anyone other than Jimmy. When they start investigating, Chloe, the newbie, had some interesting insights so Kate assigned her to do some searching on backgrounds on the suspects. In the meantime, she talks to her boyfriend, FBI detective Russo and tells him about the case. It rings a bell with him and it seems his FBI buddy, Brody, had a case similar to Kate's but the criminal those atrocities is sitting in jail so how can it be? To consult on the case, Russo brings his FBI Buddy to Minnesota to see if there is any relationship to Brody's case. This starts a whole bunch of twists, turns, another murder, not to mention Kate gets a surprising invitation to Gem's wedding, she likes Chloe and sees her as a good addition to the squad which makes her feel terrible because it means Jimmy's retirement is near at hand. To add to all this, Russo starts pressuring Kate to take the next step in their relationship. But is she ready? This is a page turning series you can't put down once you begin! The action flows from page to page and you like the characters so much you start to root for them. I can't wait to see what is going to happen next? I received and ARC but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
June 5, 2023
Setting the Scene: Detective Kate Rosetti's new case includes an intriguing signature and brings Agent Russo back to the Twin Cities. As another body turns up, the broken heart carved into the victims is just one of the troubling sign that happily-ever-after is hard to come by. Russo is pressuring Kate to take their relationship to the next step. A surprising wedding invitation may further complicate things. Oh, and the TC Task Force has a new cop.
What I Thought: I love this series - the characters, the pace, the plots. Kate is smart, no nonsense, and very good at what she does. Then there is her interaction with her family, friends, co-workers, and the men in her life that is not without humor. Humor is important. I will admit that Kate can be a bit intense when it comes to her job. If you read J. D. Robb, think Eve Dallas in the Twin Cities current day, but with an Italian family. Just as Eve needs Rourke - who gets her, Kate needs the man in her life to do the same. I mean would Rourke ask Eve to leave NYC permanently? If that means nothing to you, then think about a St. Paulie girl, with an Italian family, selected for the top detective squad handling the highest level cases in the Twin Cities, and very, very good at her job being asked to give it up to move across the country. What's a girl going to do? Only time will tell.
Suzie Althens does an excellent job voicing these characters.
What I Thought: I love this series - the characters, the pace, the plots. Kate is smart, no nonsense, and very good at what she does. Then there is her interaction with her family, friends, co-workers, and the men in her life that is not without humor. Humor is important. I will admit that Kate can be a bit intense when it comes to her job. If you read J. D. Robb, think Eve Dallas in the Twin Cities current day, but with an Italian family. Just as Eve needs Rourke - who gets her, Kate needs the man in her life to do the same. I mean would Rourke ask Eve to leave NYC permanently? If that means nothing to you, then think about a St. Paulie girl, with an Italian family, selected for the top detective squad handling the highest level cases in the Twin Cities, and very, very good at her job being asked to give it up to move across the country. What's a girl going to do? Only time will tell.
Suzie Althens does an excellent job voicing these characters.
September 10, 2024
Jane to her sister, Kate: “Tomorrow is fine. Good luck with your case. Just keep in mind, you see the darker side of humanity every day,” Jane said. “It’s not always like that. Sometimes there is a happily ever after.”
No! There’s not a happily ever after! I want Kate to be with Gem. It’s obvious in this book and the previous four that Gem still clearly has feelings for Kate. Then there’s Kate, it seems she’s so hesitant about Russo because she wonders what’d be like to be with Gem. Kate fits with Gem much better. Hopefully LaManna pairs the two up before this series ends.
But enough about relationships…
The deaths in this book were sad and senseless, just like any homicide, but to have the situation with possibly two murderers is terrifying. A real Natural Born Killers moment if that’s the case.
I like LaManna’s writing style. I didn’t like Kate much in the first few books, but as the story moves forward she is becoming a bit warmer. Before, she was just a complete witch!
I can’t wait to see what happens next in Book 6 “Sleigh All Day”. Based on the title (I never read the synopsis of books before I get to them), it’s a Christmas book. Christmas is when Gem is set to marry Mindy. No! Ok, see you in the next review!
Deuces to your cabooses!
No! There’s not a happily ever after! I want Kate to be with Gem. It’s obvious in this book and the previous four that Gem still clearly has feelings for Kate. Then there’s Kate, it seems she’s so hesitant about Russo because she wonders what’d be like to be with Gem. Kate fits with Gem much better. Hopefully LaManna pairs the two up before this series ends.
But enough about relationships…
The deaths in this book were sad and senseless, just like any homicide, but to have the situation with possibly two murderers is terrifying. A real Natural Born Killers moment if that’s the case.
I like LaManna’s writing style. I didn’t like Kate much in the first few books, but as the story moves forward she is becoming a bit warmer. Before, she was just a complete witch!
I can’t wait to see what happens next in Book 6 “Sleigh All Day”. Based on the title (I never read the synopsis of books before I get to them), it’s a Christmas book. Christmas is when Gem is set to marry Mindy. No! Ok, see you in the next review!
Deuces to your cabooses!
August 28, 2021
An interesting murder investigation. Detective Kate has a slew of things on her mind lately. Her relationship with Agent Brody, her partners impending retirement, her friendship with Gem the billionaire. Lots going on in her life, but will all the other stuff interfere with solving her current big case? As far as the mystery goes, it's interesting. Not too many suspects, but enough so it's not an open and shut case. The motive is also unknown. Kate visits a convicted murderer in prison, and it has that gritty vibe that you'd get in any big time thriller, which gives this a more hardcore feeling, even though generally speaking it's a little more on the cozy side. The crimes are not played out in the pages. There is no sexual content, but it is alluded to. This can be read as a stand alone, but I'd suggest reading them in order to get the full story of the relationships involved, as they carry over from book to book in the series. It's well plotted out and quick and easy to read. It's written from Kate's POV.
September 1, 2021
When Kate opens an invitation to a wedding she is confronted with her own feelings and doubts about her long distance relationship with Jack Russo. They love each other and it Jack is pushing for more commitment like moving in together, but Kate is hesitant about making more permanent decisions.
At the station she is saddled with a new intern, Chloe, and has to face the imminent retirement of her partner. The team is trying to connect a current murder to a serial killer Russo's colleague has caught years earlier.
Overall another easy-to-read and nicely done mystery. Kate is not exactly my kind of person because she is sometimes rather distant, but she is growing and honest about what she would want and need and I like that Jack gives her that space. Can't wait for the next.
I received an ARC from the author but this is my honest and voluntary review. I have also bought a digital copy for myself.
At the station she is saddled with a new intern, Chloe, and has to face the imminent retirement of her partner. The team is trying to connect a current murder to a serial killer Russo's colleague has caught years earlier.
Overall another easy-to-read and nicely done mystery. Kate is not exactly my kind of person because she is sometimes rather distant, but she is growing and honest about what she would want and need and I like that Jack gives her that space. Can't wait for the next.
I received an ARC from the author but this is my honest and voluntary review. I have also bought a digital copy for myself.
September 7, 2021
So much on her plate, it's a wonder Kate can focus on the strange murders happening! A wedding announcement, a new team member, a case with a bizarre connection to a serial killer, and a visit from Jack all mix together for another wonderful mystery book. There's something for everyone from mother determination to partner worries, to friends and their love lives, and Kate's inner turmoil and uncertainty. I could hardly read fast enough, and now I am impatiently waiting for the next pre-order.
I love the characters and the intricacies of their lives. I always feel like I am present in the story rather than a casual observer/reader. Gotta say I love Gina's style and her unending imagination. Great book!
I love the characters and the intricacies of their lives. I always feel like I am present in the story rather than a casual observer/reader. Gotta say I love Gina's style and her unending imagination. Great book!
September 14, 2021
This book is full of intrigue, drama and romance. Kate has enough challenges with the murders taking place, and trying to manage a long distance relationship. Now add a new team member at work and friends’ wedding announcement (especially when everyone thinks there is more than just friendship involved), and a potential link to serial killer (who is already in prison), and this makes for another wonderful mystery book.
There is so much drama and intrigue which is not helping Kate's inner turmoil and uncertainty. I love the characters and way you feel you are part of the story with them, so you feel every part of their rollercoaster journey.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
There is so much drama and intrigue which is not helping Kate's inner turmoil and uncertainty. I love the characters and way you feel you are part of the story with them, so you feel every part of their rollercoaster journey.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
October 11, 2021
An interesting mystery
So Kate is back and murder surrounds her. But hey that is the life of a homicide detective and Kate really is awesome at it.
Got to give Chloe a big thumbs up as a new character I like her.
Still ho-hum about Kate-Russo-Gem triangle it’s feeling a little like I’ve read it to many times before but the characters are good individually.
5 books in and it feels like Kate should be more cemented either single or in a relationship… the long distance thing just feels off and a way of avoiding her own crap.
So got to say while I enjoy these books I read them for the mystery side, the romance side just doesn’t do it for me in this series.
So Kate is back and murder surrounds her. But hey that is the life of a homicide detective and Kate really is awesome at it.
Got to give Chloe a big thumbs up as a new character I like her.
Still ho-hum about Kate-Russo-Gem triangle it’s feeling a little like I’ve read it to many times before but the characters are good individually.
5 books in and it feels like Kate should be more cemented either single or in a relationship… the long distance thing just feels off and a way of avoiding her own crap.
So got to say while I enjoy these books I read them for the mystery side, the romance side just doesn’t do it for me in this series.
September 2, 2021
Absolute Nail on the Head
I have read all of the Kate Rosetta series to date and this installment does not disappoint. Great balance of personal and professional life in characters. If you're looking for steamy sex, you're not going to find it in these books. So refreshing. I have tried other of Gina LaManna's books, but did not match up to this series. Keep up the good work.
I have read all of the Kate Rosetta series to date and this installment does not disappoint. Great balance of personal and professional life in characters. If you're looking for steamy sex, you're not going to find it in these books. So refreshing. I have tried other of Gina LaManna's books, but did not match up to this series. Keep up the good work.
September 19, 2021
Love the Detective Rosetti books.
I enjoy the characters and the non gruesomeness of the books. Her relationships with Russo and Gem. Her friends and partner all add to the character of Kate. This book has her working with Russo again and trying to figure out their relationship as well as a complicated murder. If you enjoy mysteries that are not cozy but not hide under the covers detailed, you will enjoy this series. Keep up the great work Ms. LaManna.
I enjoy the characters and the non gruesomeness of the books. Her relationships with Russo and Gem. Her friends and partner all add to the character of Kate. This book has her working with Russo again and trying to figure out their relationship as well as a complicated murder. If you enjoy mysteries that are not cozy but not hide under the covers detailed, you will enjoy this series. Keep up the great work Ms. LaManna.
September 1, 2021
Great addition to this series - exciting, compelling, thought provoking, entertaining! The main character has trust issues. She also has a tight knit family that cares deeply for each other. The cases in this series are so original. The author’s descriptions make you feel like you are there! Can’t wait for the next one!
September 2, 2021
This is one Kate mystery you won’t want to miss! Called out to investigate a body and it ends up having links to a serial killer that’s already in jail. Not to mention an intern to train and some bumps in the romance portion of her life. Lots going on to keep you turning the pages quickly. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
September 26, 2021
I really enjoy the Kate Rosetti mysteries. Lots of twists, and while they're not cozy mysteries, they're still light enough. Nail on the Head introduces a couple new characters that I hope we'll see more of. And had a plot that kept me guessing. But it was also nice to see some twists in Kate's personal life too
February 9, 2022
Love her books!
Rosetti is a great character, as are the rest of the ppl in the book. Some depth to all of them, intelligence and a lot of facets to them. This time, the FBI gets involved, old and new serial killers, are they acquainted? Why are they killing? All questions are answered..and then there is Gem and Russo...
Rosetti is a great character, as are the rest of the ppl in the book. Some depth to all of them, intelligence and a lot of facets to them. This time, the FBI gets involved, old and new serial killers, are they acquainted? Why are they killing? All questions are answered..and then there is Gem and Russo...
September 1, 2021
I was given an advanced reading copy of the book. I loved it! Once again Gina Lamanna hit the “Nail On the Head.” Once I started reading, I could not put this book down. I highly recommend it. Gina Lamanna continues to be one of my go to authors.
September 3, 2021
Kate is good at detecting but dense about men. She has "no clue" Gem is/was interested nor that Russo should be jealous/concerned. The new "partner in training" is over the top annoying.
The mystery itself just ok.
The mystery itself just ok.
September 5, 2021
Life is never easy for Kate. So many things are changing and why? Catching a killer maybe the easiest thing that Kate had to deal with. Another great story line in this series. I’m so glad I decided to read this series.
September 5, 2021
What mystery solve?
Easy peesy read with a few twists. Envisioning personal relationships developing further with Kate and beau detective. Seems Jimmy easing on his way to retirement
Easy peesy read with a few twists. Envisioning personal relationships developing further with Kate and beau detective. Seems Jimmy easing on his way to retirement
September 11, 2021
great sequel
I have enjoyed this series and this book does not disappoint! Nice to see a strong woman character but also nice the author keeps her relatable (not perfect). I look forward to the next one.
I have enjoyed this series and this book does not disappoint! Nice to see a strong woman character but also nice the author keeps her relatable (not perfect). I look forward to the next one.
September 23, 2021
If you’re bored...
This book (and the series) had the potential to be good but the characters could be in any book, and I don’t feel any sort of connection between them. The plot was predictable then ended rather abruptly.
This book (and the series) had the potential to be good but the characters could be in any book, and I don’t feel any sort of connection between them. The plot was predictable then ended rather abruptly.
October 12, 2021
Another good read
I love LaManna's stories. They are fast paced and interesting from beginning to end. While I didn't find the end all that surprising it was still a fun ride getting there.
I love LaManna's stories. They are fast paced and interesting from beginning to end. While I didn't find the end all that surprising it was still a fun ride getting there.
April 23, 2022
Really good
Very interesting case and the newbie is pretty cool. I am also hoping Gem doesn't marry bridezilla. Maybe she can marry Russo lol they seem to want to move faster than their partners want to.
Very interesting case and the newbie is pretty cool. I am also hoping Gem doesn't marry bridezilla. Maybe she can marry Russo lol they seem to want to move faster than their partners want to.
August 17, 2022
One for the books
Thrills and chills are buzzing around Detective Kate RosettI's city, plus always room for love. This next book will keep you on you toes and as per usual a murder or two arises.... Who knows?
Thrills and chills are buzzing around Detective Kate RosettI's city, plus always room for love. This next book will keep you on you toes and as per usual a murder or two arises.... Who knows?
February 13, 2023
Creepy
I don't normally like serial killer mysteries, but this one wasn't the norm. The character development in this one really impressed me. Of course, as usual the plot was interesting enough bit not so complicated that you lose interest.
I don't normally like serial killer mysteries, but this one wasn't the norm. The character development in this one really impressed me. Of course, as usual the plot was interesting enough bit not so complicated that you lose interest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews