Psychologist Sam Reeves treats court-ordered clients. When one of his clients starts dropping hints that he may have been involved in a serial killer cold case where all the victims were teen girls, Sam is compelled to anonymously report this to the San Diego PD tip line. Sam’s attempts to preserve doctor-patient confidentiality backfire, however, when Sam himself ends up arrested and considered a suspect in the case.

Sam’s arresting officer is Kit McKittrick, a homicide detective who is a bright star at the SDPD. When Kit was a teenager, her sister and best friend Wren was murdered and the murder was never solved. This is what led Kit to become a homicide detective and why she is so passionate about solving cases that involve teen girls. Kit and her partner/mentor Baz eventually let Sam go, with the understanding that he is still a suspect, and they set out to catch the killer. Sam, knowing that his career, reputation, and perhaps even his own life, are all on the line, decides to do a little amateur sleuthing on his own.

I really enjoyed following both Kit’s and Sam’s separate investigations and the tension it created between Kit, Sam and Baz because they kept butting heads almost every step of the way of the investigation. There also appears to be an unspoken attraction between Sam and Kit, which also makes things all the more interesting since Sam is still considered a suspect.

I don’t want to give anything away about the investigation itself except to say that it was intense & suspenseful & kept me guessing until the final pages. I was also fully invested in the story because Rose did such a wonderful job fleshing out her characters. I loved Kit and her adoptive family, the McKittricks, who appear frequently throughout the book.

Cold Blooded Liar is the first book in Karen Rose’s new San Diego Case Files series. It was my first time reading something from Karen Rose but it definitely won’t be the last!

This book will keep you engaged from the very beginning. This plot brings together heart pounding suspense and intrigue and also a little bit of unexpected romance. You won’t want to put this down until you are finished reading and the final twist is the ending. I think this is one of her best novels and I highly recommend the book and the author.

Detective Kit McKittrick was motivated to join the police force after a personal tragedy. She’s dedicated her life to bringing killers to justice, so when a tip comes in that leads them to the body of a teenage girl she’s determined to find the person who called in the tip. Either he knows more about the killer or is the killer himself.

When Sam Reeves patient’s claims hint at him being a killer he doesn’t know how to tell the police without jeopardizing his career with patient confidentiality laws in place. However, Sam can’t live with himself if there’s someone in danger and he doesn’t do something about it. Little does he know that his tip with lead to him being a suspect.

In her heart Kit doesn’t think Sam is a murderer, but she doesn’t want to let her personal feelings dictate her investigation. While the police are somewhat mollified when he tells his side of the story he’s still under suspicion, and he doesn’t quite trust the cops, so Sam decides to do some of his own investigating. He’s actually good at it and ends up helping the police. I liked that Sam was smart about his situation and made sure to have backup and someone with him to corroborate his activities while still being under scrutiny from the police.

There’s a definite connection/attraction between Kit and Sam, but the investigation is the primary focus. I really liked both Kit and Sam! With the way things are left I’m hoping for more in the coming books.

Cold Blooded Liar was a captivating mystery! Karen Rose balances the personal aspects of her characters with a tight, page-turning plot! There were plenty of suspicious characters. It kept me on my toes trying to figure out the killer was!

I alternately read and listened to an audio version of Cold Blooded Liar narrated by one of my favs, Hillary Huber. I love her smooth, rich voice and her performances of both female and male characters! I listened at my usual 1.5-1.75x normal speed.

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

4.5 hearts

I love the Romantic Suspense series. I've read them all. I started the series with the first Cincinnati book, with Faith and Deacon. It was actually #16 overall. Then I went back and read the previous 15 books. I would not jump into this in the middle of the series. One could start at the beginning of a city since those stories connect well, and they seem to be labelled on Goodreads.

Cold Blooded Liar is in a new city, San Diego. So the characters are all new. The world-building and character development by this author are always phenomenal. We have a youngish detective Kit who grew up in foster care, whose sister was most likely abducted and murdered. There is also a psychologist, Sam, who works with a variety of clients. Kit and her partner, Baz, have a skeptical view of shrinks.

Sam is worried about one of his clients, that he is involved in crimes. He tries to find a way to help police but ends up as a suspect. The actual serial killer strikes more victims to frame Sam. It's a frightening set of events to try to hunt a decades long serial killer. Kit and her co-workers do good work, gathering evidence from many angles and looking for patterns, suspects and possible other victims.

But Sam also is investigating in a smart way. He comes up with some really helpful evidence, and luckily he is staying with a buddy to have an alibi as he does. It turns out he has a real knack for having people talk to him.

There is an attraction between Kit and Sam but this is not like any others in the series as there is no romance. I'm curious to see if we get more of San Diego and Kit with Sam.

Cold-Blooded Liar is the first book I've read by Karen Rose. It's a compelling murder mystery/police procedural about a series of cold-case murders of teenage girls, the work of a serial killer who has evaded police for years. Kit McKittrick, a homicide detective in the San Diego Police Department, receives an anonymous call from a concerned citizen about a body buried in a park. The person who made the call is Sam Reeves, a therapist who treats court-ordered clients. He is conflicted about providing the information to the police because he heard it from his client, which falls under the therapist/patient's confidentiality. Because Sam is very cagey about how he got the information, he becomes a suspect in the case. Kit and Sam butt heads because Sam keeps interfering in Kit's investigation, but in the end, they'll have to work together to uncover the killer.

I really enjoyed Cold-Blooded Liar. It has complex characters, a thrilling mystery, some good twists, and a promise of romance. I thought I knew who the killer is from the beginning, but I was wrong. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

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?

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.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Wednesday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2023/03/cold-blooded-liar-by-karen-rose-review.html

✨𝗣𝗨𝗕 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪✨

Thank you #BerkleyPartner @berkleypub
for the gifted copy. #BerkleyIG
#penguinrandomhousepartner

𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝗮𝗿
𝗕𝘆 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲
𝟰𝟲𝟰 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
𝗣𝘂𝗯: 𝟮/𝟮𝟴/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 - 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!

📖 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸: Cold Blooded Liar is a mix of suspense, police procedural, with light romance.

Kit became a homicide detective after the unsolved murder of her foster sister, Vera, when she was 15. Kit is a workhorse, throwing herself headfirst into every case. When she receives an anonymous call with a tip about a murder, it links back to unsolved murder cases of teen girls. With Kit's past, these cases hit close to home.

Sam Reeves is a psychologist and good Samaritan -- a real do-gooder. So he can't help but be surprised to find himself as the suspect of a murder case. His entire life is thrown upside down by the SDPD and the cantankerous Kit McKittrick. Sam's not going to sit idly by and wait for them to solve the case.

Working from different angles, Kit and Sam work to uncover the truth... And their growing feelings for one another.

💭 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: Cold Blooded Liar has everything I look for in a romantic suspense novel. Compelling characters, a mystery / whodunnit, a romance subplot, twists and turns, great side characters, and perfect pacing. It pulled me in from the first page and kept me engaged until the last. I love the relationship Kit has with her foster dad. ❤️

I read along with the audiobook and Hillary Huber did a great job with the narration! I'd expect nothing less.

Fun fact: this subgenre is all I read for years! I love it, as it's the perfect mashup of two of my favorite genres: thriller and romance. I have branched out quite a bit these last several years, but romantic suspense will always be my comfort read. Cold Blooded Liar brought back all those nostalgic vibes and I loved every second of it.

Though this was a tad lighter on the romance than I expected, it did not impact my reading experience. I suspect the author is setting the scene for the next book.

Can't wait for it!!! 🥰

*Review has been posted to Goodreads and Instagram*
.
.
.
.

I already can't wait for the next book in this series. I am already attached to the characters introduced in Cold-Blooded Liar. If there is a protagonist type that I love, it's the strong female detective with a chip on her shoulder, and Detective Kit McKittrick checks all the boxes. There are so many characters that were introduced in this first book of the series that have the potential to be more focused in the subsequent installments, and I'm excited learn more about all of them. I already knew that Karen Rose was a master storyteller, and this new series only confirms it!

Karen Rose was a new-to-me author with Quarter to Midnight, and after reading that book, I wondered what rock I’d been living under to have missed her books. As a die-hard romantic suspense junkie, it was right up my alley and left me wanting more, more, more from this author. So, it’s no surprise I dove headlong into this brand-new release and series starter from a new favorite author.

Cold Blooded Liar is twisted and intriguing, with an intricate plot that kept me guessing far into it. Primary and secondary characters are well-developed, as is the world-building. Kit was hard to get to know, and I wanted Sam to have a bit more spine at the beginning, only to realize as the plot unfolded that they both held back due to past trauma. It took some time, but I eventually saw that Sam was much stronger than he seemed initially. While her history hardened Kit to a degree, Sam remained kind-hearted and steady even after experiencing such evil. Despite everything in their pasts, family and friends mean everything to them, and they both inspire loyalty from those whose lives they touch.

This book was a read-it-as-fast-as-possible, unputdownable page-turner full of twists and spine-tingling goodness. It left me wanting more, more, more from this series and these main characters. Suffice it to say I am very much looking forward to what comes next in this series.

Psychologist Sam Reeves is deeply disturbed after a court-ordered client - a pathological liar - starts talking about a 'pretty young thing' in a park. Sam can't break doctor/patient confidentiality, but he's compelled to make an anonymous phone call to the San Diego Police Department telling them of a potential grave site in a park. He leaves his message for homicide Detective Kit McKittrick because of her reputation to stand for victims no matter what. After a second alarming session during which the patient becomes belligerent and threatening toward Sam and a potential new victim, he phones in another tip via a payphone to McKittrick hoping to remain nameless. Unfortunately for Sam, a short while later, he finds himself a suspect, spread-eagled on the floor of his apartment with Det. McKittrick slapping handcuffs on his wrists. After being released for lack of evidence, Sam begins an ill-advised investigation of his own in an effort to protect his own hard earned reputation and livelihood as a reputable psychologist and overall decent human being. When more girls are murdered with the same m o (modus operandi), it becomes apparent that a serial killer dating back a couple of decades is back in action. Evidence begins stacking up against Sam, and he doesn't have any believable alibis. Det. Kit McKittrick is inexplicably drawn to believe Sam, cutting him some slack much to the surprise of her partner and co-officers. Kit's instincts and gut are telling her something is off about this investigation, and she won't stop until justice is served.
Karen Rose's Cold Blooded Liar is a fantastic introduction to a new spin off series, San Diego Case Files. Rose renders a dark tale of the abuse and horrific murders of young teenage girls over several years, all with dreams of becoming big time actresses. McKittrick suspects this is the bond that the killer uses to draw them into his lair. Readers are quickly transported into the story through the terrifying sessions of a killer with his psychologist and the investigation. Tension escalates quickly and the tone is dire as the police always seem to be one step behind the killer even as the media is one step ahead. As in all of this author's books, the small details are extremely important. As a reader, I've learned to look for and follow the small crumb trail the author sprinkles throughout her stories as they prove to be important later on.

Cold Blooded Liar is a tense, complex, emotionally charged story that kept me turning pages in an effort to figure out what I was missing . . . who is the killer? I felt sure of who it wasn't, but while there are a couple of possibilities, I couldn't zero in on the person I thought was the most likely suspect and that's due to Rose's expert manipulation of both characters and readers. Characters are convoluted and well developed and are introduced with just enough background information to draw you in, and yet remain elusive enough to peak readers curiosity - leaving this reader looking forward to what happens in future books in this series. Fans of the Romantic Suspense series will enjoy appearances by past characters. As for the romance, there's a strong attraction between Kit and Sam, but as readers quickly learn, the baggage Kit carries makes her skittish about relationships which results in her attempting to hold Sam at arm's length. I loved the final line of the book with its implications that we'll see more sparks between this couple in future books which can't come soon enough. Highly recommended to fans of suspense and psychological thrillers. You don't want to miss this one!

Kit McKittrick is a solid cop, a homicide detective who has a very good reason for the career that she chose. Having lost her foster sister to murder when they were teens, Kit has always wanted to find her sister’s killer. When other cold cases start to come to her attention, Kit begins to find direction from an unlikely source.

Sam Reeves is a psychologist and one of his patients whose treatment has been ordered from the court is a pathological liar who seems to live in a fantasy world. However, he has lately began to slip some details about murders that were never solved. This places Sam in a quandary. For ethical and confidential reasons, he cannot reveal what his patient has shared with him, but Sam wonders if this man is telling the truth about some things, and if any other lives will be at risk.

Sam devise a plan to give the police enough details so that they can start looking for clues to solve some of these murders. However, it does not take the police long to identify Sam, and in fact, he ends up being their main suspect. However, there is just something about the kind, gentle psychologist that makes Kit certain that he is no killer.

The cold case that has Kit’s attention has been going on for years, and she is bound and determined to be the one to solve the case. Meanwhile, Sam has his own ideas and between the two of them, although independently for the most part, is looking for answers of his own.

Cold-Blooded Liar was an excellent, excellent book with fabulous characters that were easy to relate to. Not only were Sam and Kit wonderful, there were also Kit’s uncle and aunt Sullivan and Marion, as well as her partner, Baz and her new partner. I love that this book laid the groundwork for what promises to be a fabulous series. This book is serious and heartbreaking but offers so much promise when it comes to the strength of the characters and their determination to find justice. This was a thrilling book that I literally sped through because I just had to know what was going to happen next, and I am very excited for the next book in the series.

Many thanks to Berkley Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/kUpNhLuG0gA

Cold-Blooded Liar was a wonderful mystery-suspense story with a great build. I was hooked as details emerged and clues clicked into place. I enjoyed the tension and pull between Kit and Sam and am looking forward to where they will go from here.

From the first chapter, I was excited for everything to unfold. It was filled with emotion and intensity that gripped me. I liked learning bits and pieces about Sam and Kit over the course of the story. Sam's such a good guy but in a bad spot which puts him at a disadvantage with Kit. She is a workaholic that wants to save everyone and she's got trust issues. When their paths cross, it's slow going in the romance department even though the attraction is there because they have so much stacked against them. This did not feel like a typical romantic suspense story, it was more focused on the mystery and the romance element was very low-key.

I loved the details, the hints, the build, and the drama. I liked the smaller stories that were intertwined as well. This was intense at times and heartbreaking because some incredibly bad things were happening. It was the development as everything came together that had me holding my breath the last few chapters. It was incredibly well done with a fantastic ending pertaining to the mystery.

I really liked this and thought it was an awesome read, I just didn’t think it had a very good balance between the romance and suspense elements. The romance was there, with the looks, longing, and light mention of feelings but the story is very much about the mystery happening. Sam and Kit don’t get a true HEA, it’s more like a baby cliffhanger that’s setting them up for more in the next story.

The overall story was amazing and had me guessing until the end. So, I loved it, but I needed more romance. That being said, I was caught up in everything and I thought it really was a great read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an advance reader’s copy of this title. All opinions are my own and are honestly given.

When psychologist Sam Reeves seeks to anonymously share information from a client who might know about a cold case murder, he is subsequently accused by San Diego Police of being involved in the murder himself. Seeking to clear his name, Sam runs afoul of homicide detective Kit McKittrick. When their separate investigations keep leading to them crossing paths, Kit and Sam reluctantly pair up to stop a killer who has been terrorizing young women in the area for decades— and who has their next victims in their crosshairs.

This was another winner from Karen Rose! Cold-Blooded Liar is a full-throttle start to Rose’s latest series that will hook readers from the first page and won’t let them go until the final sentence. I think readers will love passionate, dedicated Kit and earnest, kindhearted Sam, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these characters continue to grow together over the course of the series. This book is a little light on romance for romance fans, but the suspense plot line is so expertly executed that nothing felt unbalanced and it definitely set the stage for Kit and Sam’s interactions in future books. Cold-Blooded Liar is highly recommended for fans of mysteries/thrillers and romantic suspense, and a definite purchase for us in print and digital formats. 4.5 stars.

I am already a forever fan of Karen Rose, so picking up this book was a no-brainer!

In this one, we have Detective Kit McKittrick that works for the SDPD. After her foster sister was killed, she made it her mission to become a detective who listens and approaches a case with all of her might. On the other hand, we have Dr. Sam Reeves', a successful, kind-hearted psychologist whose patient starts telling him secrets throughout their sessions, which prompts him to call Kit anonymously. He fears that his patient will kill soon or has already done so. Sam is now considered a suspect by the police even though the murderer is actually trying to frame him. As Kit and Sam start their own investigations, the puzzle's pieces start to fit together. Identifying the killer at last. I'll admit, my jaw dropped. I didn’t see that twist coming, this is definitely a worthwhile read.

One thing I love the most about Karen Rose’s Romantic Suspense series is “duh” the romance aspect! I really loved both Kit and Sam’s character and you could feel the energy between them! I can’t wait to see what happens next! I’m hoping we’ll get a #2 in this series asap!

*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

"Let her go and I won't kill you. You have my word. Do I have yours?"
"Sure...But I am a liar, you know."

Chills! Reading book one, Cold Blooded Liar, the new Kit McKittrick series, by best selling suspense author Karen Rose gave me goosebumps as I read all night needing to know who was the serial killer that eluded the police for almost 20 years.

The writer cleverly introduces our heroine, homicide detective Kit McKittrick, at 15 years old when her foster sister Wren is horrifically murdered; the cops didn't rush to find her believing her to be just another foster kid who ran away. Her killer is never found. Fast forward to present day and Kit is now partnered with the one detective, "Baz," that never gave up trying to find Wren.

We then meet psychologist Sam Reeves a good human. He loves his parents, his dog and cares for his patients including the court appointed ones. But there's one that gives him pause. His patient may have killed a teen girl or is keeping her hostage. He anonymously calls the police because ethically he can't talk about a client. As we know no good deed goes unpunished, and Sam is proof as Kit and Baz knock on his door, handcuff him and arrest him for murder. The girl found where he said she might be had pink handcuffs like several girls through the years found dead. He must be the serial killer! Kit has her doubts. Baz is sure it's him. Sam needs to find the real killer or his life is over.

I had a list of suspects; including Sam. The reveal wasn't so much shocking as heartbreaking, the trust that breaks from it may never heal. This suspenseful police procedural has heart, a hint of romance and in-depth characters that make me anxious for book two. I have a new auto buy author.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Karen Rose knows how to hook readers with a prologue and keep them engaged throughout a novel. Cold-Blooded Liar , the first book in her San Diego Case Files series, is no different. It combines a police procedural with some amateur sleuth and a hint of romantic suspense. Featuring homicide detective Kit McKittrick and psychologist Sam Reeves, the story is a great thriller that keeps readers on an emotional rollercoaster.

Kit loves the water and lives on a boat she’s renting from an older brother along with her poodle, Snickerdoodle. She occasionally helps one of her foster sisters with her charter fishing business on weekends, but mainly she’s solving crimes with the San Diego Police Department along with her partner Baz Constantine. What intrigues her the most are cold cases involving teens. When an anonymous caller gives her a tip related to a killer that’s been sought for years, Kit and Baz take the case.

Sam treats court-order clients. After one of his patients divulges details about a serial murder case and the potential for more, Sam works to respect client confidentiality and prevent a potential murder without losing his license. This leads to Kit and Sam repeatedly being at odds as both conduct their separate investigations.

Kit and Sam are both likeable and relatable characters. Kit is focused, dedicated, hardworking, and is a rising star in the homicide department with her high closure rate. Sam is a caring person who volunteers for local charities. He has to balance his professional and personal ethics. He’s also nice, smart, and good at getting people to talk. While both go through transformations during the story, there’s still room for these dynamic characters to continue to grow in future books. The supporting characters have varying depths, but provide support or conflict to enrich the reading experience.
The writing is fluid and descriptive which helps readers envision the scenes without disrupting or slowing the flow. The author did a great job in bringing together the past and present within the story. The dynamic plot is exciting and intense. Add to that plenty of conflict and a strong but vulnerable protagonist who has a keen sense of justice, and readers will be on the edge of their seats. The ending brings several surprises. Themes include violence against children, murder, deception, assault, and much more.

Overall, this was intriguing, entertaining, suspenseful, and had an action packed ending with compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. With exciting scenes and a fascinating story line, this fantastic thriller kept me fully engaged. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Berkley Publishing Group and Karen Rose provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 28, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

Cold-Blooded Liar (Romantic Suspense #27) is the first book I've read by this author. This novel has a true crime feel to its story. The reader also gets two perspectives on the crime, one from the detective and the other from the psychologist who is treating a criminal.

Cold-Blooded Liar has twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged for the big reveal of "who's" murdering young girls. The romance is a secondary storyline that leaves me to wonder what happens next with Kit & Sam. Overall, this mystery is a good read and I would be interested in future books.

Thank you Berkley Publishing for the complimentary copy.

What's it about (in a nutshell):
Cold Blooded Liar is a thrilling new mystery by Karen Rose and the first book in a new series that I can't wait to see more installments of. In Cold Blooded Liar, Kit McKittrick, an SDPD homicide detective, gets a break in a serial killer case that has stymied the police department for years. The break comes from Dr. Sam Reeves, who provides court-ordered treatment to a pathological liar and calls in an anonymous tip that he isn't sure can be believed considering the source. The stakes increase as Kit and Sam get closer to the killer in their separate investigations. If they aren't careful, the killer will claim a victim close to one of their hearts.

My Reading Experience:
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I was intrigued by the tone, which kept the story on a surprisingly light level despite the dark subject matter. I still can't put my finger on how Karen Rose achieved this, but I did enjoy it.

Romance potential is part of the story. I anticipate it will play out over a large part of the series, but it never dominates the plot. I always enjoy pairing psychologists and law enforcement, so I am definitely in their corner. The chemistry was apparent, so seeing how it plays out will be fun. I loved that they didn't immediately dive headfirst into bed and/or a relationship. Instead, the reader is treated to a tease of things to come.

I also loved the family theme running throughout the story. Kit was in foster care and adopted by her foster parents, the McKittricks, who are the ideal foster parents. On one level, I had that too-good-to-be-authentic and believable feeling about them. Still, on the other hand, I couldn't help but love the McKittricks for their generous spirit and their limitless ability to love all children unconditionally. Their characters are part of what helped to keep the story light while it tackled very dark situations.

You may be thinking, "how thrilling could this story be if it stays light?"
And I will tell you, I was not disappointed with the thrills. There are more than enough thrills and spills, twists and turns, and red herrings to keep even the most hardcore thriller fan happy. Not to mention, the whodunit kept me guessing until the reveal.

Characters:
Kit McKittridge got lucky as a foster kid the day she joined the McKittrick household, which changed her life forever. It took time, but her life took on new meaning once she let them in and allowed them to adopt her. After she lost her foster sister as a teen, she decided then and there that she wanted to spend her life putting killers behind bars. And with the support of her adoptive parents, she did just that.

Sam Reeves is a psychologist that dreams of working with police to put the guilty behind bars. When he finds himself in the crosshairs of a police investigation, he decides to investigate the murders to clear his name and ensure the actual killer is found. This puts him in danger, but he also finds that he has a knack for it.

The characters are so well fleshed out that you can imagine running into them on the street. They each are so distinctive, with layers and layers of experiences that make them feel authentic. Character development is indeed a strength of this story.

Narration & Pacing:
The pacing stays fast from start to finish, and I expect this book to be a one-sitting read for most. The narration is in the third person limited and focuses on Kit or Sam in alternating chapters throughout the book. I enjoyed the continuity of the third-person narration and the alternating focus. Hence, I learned everything possible about the investigation.

Setting:
The setting is San Diego, but it was more the city's outskirts. It was more rural and bucolic than expected, focusing on the McKittrick farm, the boat Kit lived on, and other areas outside the city proper. I loved that San Diego, a huge city, was made to feel so small and manageable.

Read if you like:
Fast-Paced Thrillers
Serial Killer cases
Wonderfully developed characters

Cold-Blooded Liar had me captivated from the very first chapter. I was unable to put the book down, as I was enthralled in its high-octane thrill ride. It kept me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself staying up far too late at night, unable to tear myself away from the story.

This was complex story about a psychologist, a homicide detective and finding the murderer of a long-unsolved serial murder case. It was fast paced and full of suspense. Once you thought the case was solved a curve ball was thrown it. The book was intense and exciting and you feel like you’re a detective trying to put all the evidence together to solve the murder. I loved all the twists and the ending!

The book is described as a “romantic thriller.” There were some hints of romance but no signs of a full blown love affair. It is book one of a series, so maybe the romance will pick up in book two? Either way I typically like my thrillers suspenseful, not romantic, but I’m curious what will happen in book two.

I would recommend this book to those that enjoy true crime/cold cases and serial killers.

Thank you to Berkley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.