Cold-Blooded Liar by Karen Rose ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Kit grew up in the foster care system. In addition to the trauma associated with that, when she was 15 her foster sister, and best friend, was murdered. The case was never solved, but Kit never came up. She vowed that others would find justice and become a cop. Now a homicide detective she has one of the best records for closing cases and when she isn't working an active case she is going through cold cases - solving many of them. Now she is faced with her toughest case yet at the worst possible time - the anniversary of her sister's murder. Will the case drudge up too many old memories? Can she do what more seasoned detectives have failed to do and catch a serial killer that has been murdering for 20+ years?

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

February 2023; Berkley; 978-0593548868
audio, ebook, print (464 pages); romantic suspense

I started Cold-Blooded Liar Saturday night and finished it on Monday. Like every book by Karen Rose that I've read, I had real trouble putting it down. I debated with myself about even starting it Saturday night so close to bedtime as I was tired and needed to sleep - not stay up reading. With great difficulty, I did go to bed (about an hour after my normal time). But on Sunday, I barely got anything done. I had to bargain with myself - read a chapter, do the dishes, read a chapter, take out the trash, read a chapter, etc.

I loved the characters, though so many of them had traumatic pasts that it seemed a little unrealistic. But otherwise, they felt like regular people. I don't usually like police novels but it wasn't really a police procedural. Because it is romantic suspense, there is more focus on relationships - not just romantic relationships, but relationships between family members, friends, and co-workers. 

The mystery is a gripping one. With a title like Cold-Blooded Liar, it could be just about anyone. We are first presented with a pathological liar who seems to know details about the murder victims. Then there is the psychologist that people talk too easily to - he conveniently seems to have helpful details about the case. With a drama connection, the suspect may just be a skilled actor. I couldn't guess who the killer was - I know I had several characters who I really hoped weren't the killer.

The romance aspect of the story is really secondary. In previous books that I've read by Rose, the characters meet and a couple by the end of the story. That isn't the case with this book. The characters meet but because of Kit's past trauma, she doesn't trust easily nor does she form friendships easily. Though she is attracted to Sam, she doesn't allow herself to let her guard down. From this setup, I assume that future books will continue to feature Kit as the main character and the developing relationship with Sam. At least that is what I hope happens. I liked the other characters but I don't want another series where each book focuses on a different character finding love.

If you are looking for an intense read that you can't put down, then I highly recommend this book.

Buy Cold-Blooded Liar at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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