Karen Rose at her best, again. Kept me up late as a riviting story. Characters in this book show up in previous books of Miss Rose. But tjis has no trouble standing on outside own. Follow disgraced cop Naomi as she seeks to clear her self,after 5 years in prison after being framed for stealing drugs from the police dept. Once out she and her son are threatened by those who set her up. She hires Burke, a PI to help and ends up withmystery, danger and a relationship she had not planned on

Officer Naomi Cranston has been released from prison after seven years. Naomi was unable to prove her innocence for the charge of stealing cocaine from the evidence room. In all actuality, she didn’t even fight the charge, as threats against her young son terrified her. Now released, whomever it was that set Naomi up isn’t done with her, and again, concern for her son is paramount.

Naomi was quiet before, but not this time. Yes, her son might be in the crosshairs, but hiring Broussard Investigations to unbury the incredible corruption that played a part in her conviction, and is continuing today. Burke Broussard is the one that will be working with Naomi, and as a former cop, is not surprised when she tells him why she is sure corruption in the force is behind all that has been going on.

At the outset, however, Naomi and Burke clash, but Naomi won’t take no for an answer, despite the ever growing danger she and her son are facing. With Naomi having a strong conviction for stopping all of the dangers that the corruption delivers, Burke does indeed take the case. In fact, almost in the nick of time. Burke work’s hard to keep both Naomi and her son safe.

Every book by Karen Rose that I have read has been a solid read, and this book definitely rates as one of her best. I love the determination that Naomi has and am glad that I was able to also read the previous books in the series.

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

Thank you for the opportunity to read Knife in the Back. The story wasn’t quite to my personal taste, but I appreciate the effort and ideas you put into it.

Karen Rose is quickly becoming a favorite of mine for romantic suspense! Book four in her New Orleans series, Knife in the Back follows the story of former Officer Naomi Cranston, out of prison after being framed, and PI Burke Broussard, owner of Broussard Investigations. Naomi hires Burke and his team to help keep her son safe after she's threatened again by the corrupt cops who sent her to prison the first time. There's danger, unknown enemies, and found family throughout. It's a long one, but I had such a hard time putting it down! I recommend this one to fans of romantic suspense who love high-stakes investigations and second chances at life - and love.
Thank you Berkley Romance for the copy of the book, receipt of which did not impact my review.

September 2, 2025
He knew this woman, too. Naomi Cranston. He'd met her only once, when he was a detective and she worked in the evidence room. While he'd fought to remain honest, to retain his integrity, others took the easy way. The illegal way. Which Naomi Cranston had done.
"No," he said, then turned on his heel and walked back into his office, shutting the door hard enough that everyone would know it was his final word.

Burke Broussard had no intentions of helping Naomi with whatever issue she had. She was a dirty cop, did her time, but still he didn't forget the facts. As he learns of what is happening, he knows he has to help her. Because it's beginning to effect everyone around him. The people he loves.

Naomi didn't mean to bring trouble to Burke's door. But she needed help. She's willing to accept the repercussions for herself, but she will protect her son at any cost.

Karen Rose never disappoints!!

Knife in the Back is the fourth book in A New Orleans Novel. It is a lengthy book of over five hundred pages. I managed to read it over two afternoons. I was hooked from the first page. I am sad I did not have a chance to read the first three as ARC's, but will double back to read the others, once I get caught up again.

Kinfe in the back begins with Naomi Cranston, a former New Orleans police officer, being threatened to help deliver packages. As an incentive to frighten her, her son is used as weapon to get her to help. Having been released on a technicality a year ago after serving five years of a thirty-year sentence, she struggles over what to do. Her boss finds her before she has a chance to killing herself be taking her to see Burke Broussard, a friend and private detective. She was framed for stealing cocaine from the evidence locker and threatened not to fight the charges.

As soon as he sees her, he jumps to conclusions says no to helping her prove her innocence. She says she is not her for that and begs him to keep her son safe, that is all she cares about. She hires Broussard Investigations to protect her son.

This is a fast paced, gritty, and thrilling story. There are many characters to keep track of throughout the story. Burke and Naomi are wonderfully written strong characters. The large team is full of talents and loyalty which makes it feel as if the business is also about a family. I really enjoyed this story as well as all the others I have read by Karen Rose. She is very talented and can draw you into her books.

I have loved this series by Karen Rose–the thrilling suspense, the gritty and glitzy New Orleans setting, and Burke Broussard, the tortured hero. When reading this book, I did not realize that this was the last one planned in this series, and I am crushed to know it is ending.

This book delves more into Burke’s backstory, what family means to him, and why he doesn’t trust easily…all things that make this conclusion powerful, stunning, and gut-wrenching for this compelling character and the people who love him.

I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

In this one, we are once again back in New Orleans with the Brussard agency. This time, with Burke Brussard himself being on the case to help Naomi protect her son from the people who framed her and put her in prison 6 years ago.

The case is full of twists and secrets, and emotional moments that come out to punch you in the gut. The action is almost non-stop, and the chemistry between Burke and Naomi is beyond spicy. I was hooked from the first moment, didn't stop until I turned the last page.

Karen Rose knows how to make you fully invested in her character and her plots as soon as you start a book. I can't wait to see what her next book is going to be!

Officer Naomi Cranston was falsely convicted of stealing drugs from evidence and didn’t fight it because a dirty cop, John Gaffney, threated her son if she fought for her innocence. She spent five years in prison before being freed on a technicality.

Now Naomi is trying to move on and rebuild her relationship with her son when she’s threatened again by Gaffney. Deliver drugs or he’ll deliver her son to her in pieces. Naomi is done listening to him. Staying quiet didn’t help her, so she hires Burke Broussard, a PI, and his team to protect her son and help prove her innocence.

Burke used to be a police detective until his captain and Gaffney made it impossible to stay clean and continue on in the force. He got out and started his private investigation/protection business.

Taking on Naomi’s case quickly turns dangerous for all involved and Burke and the gang are left scrambling to protect all their loved ones as the bad guys come out in full force against them. It was intense! I loved how they were smart and careful, and kept a step ahead. In all of this they keep at the investigation, trying to figure out why Naomi was targeted in the first place and who all was involved in the frame up. Naomi proves to be an asset with her quick and sharp mind!

Knife in the Back was an action-packed thrill ride! The identity of the dirty cop was from the beginning, but the big mystery was who was the mastermind behind it all? I was surprised when evidence began pointing in a certain direction!

This is book four in the New Orleans series. Each book has its own mystery and romantic couple, but the ongoing story of police corruption in the New Orleans department has been playing out since the first book with the good guys slowly rooting out the bad. In a pinch you could read this as a standalone, but I recommend starting with book one: Quarter to Midnight.

Be still my heart, Burke Broussard gets his HEA! You are gonna want to find a comfy spot and settle in, kinda like Burke in his Barcalounger. This one intrigued me from the beginning and the question of Why Naomi? It is a question that haunted me to the end, that and the identity of the mysterious head of the baddies. Burke has surrounded himself with a chosen family, but at times I felt he has a God Complex in that he thought he could control what happened to them and he should be able to keep them safe.

As an officer in charge of the evidence locker, Naomi Cranston took her job very seriously. Then she stopped to render aid at an accident and her would fell apart. Wrongly accused of stealing and trafficking drugs she went to prison, lost five years of her life and the respect of her son. Her conviction is overturned and now a year later she is again approached to run drugs, or they will harm her son. This time she won't go silent and seeks the help of Broussard Investigations.

Burke Broussard is a former cop and believed that Naomi was guilty. He has no interest in even talking to her until Sylvi, Naomi's boss, and Joy, Burke's office manager, gang up on him and force him to at least listen. Her story was chillingly similar to his own with the NOPD. He agrees to protect her son, Everett, and look into clearing her name. The dirty cops and Mr. Baddie are not pleased and attempt to kidnap the children of Burke's employees and his own godsons.

Burke gathers everyone at his large home in the French Quarter, but that won't help them find who is behind the attack. Each time they get close to some answers, someone dies, one right in front of him and Burke receives a message:

You've been living on borrowed time for years. Looks like your time is up.

My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

Knife in the Back by Karen Rose is the 4th book in her fantastic New Orleans series, which is part of her Romance Suspense mysteries. We meet Naomi Cranston, a former police officer, who was framed for a crime she did not commit, stealing drugs. She served 5 years in prison, and due to a technicality, she was released a year ago. The same criminals who framed her, want to use her again, and Naomi refuses to back down, when she hopes to have Broussard Investigations help clear her name and protect her son, Everett.

Burke Broussard, a former cop, who owns Broussard Investigations, knows how deep police corruption runs in New Orleans. At first, he refuses to take her case, but when he listens to her that she was framed, and he changes his mind and takes her case. In a short time, almost all of Burke’s employee’s children have been attempted to be kidnapped, and they all move into Burke’s, house (mansion) protecting each of them. They must find out who was behind Naomi’s prison term, and find out why those evil people who had her framed, are still trying to get her. Who is the ringleader? The entire Broussard PI team will work together, which includes Burke, Molly, Val, Antoine, Andre and others who are part of the team. I really like how Burke and Naomi slowly began to have strong feelings for each other, as the chemistry between them was awesome. I loved all the Broussard found family members, who were so great together. Naomi’s mother also stayed in Burke’s place, giving her support; and in time Everett will discover that his mother was really innocent; having been brainwashed by his father. Her best friend, Sylvi, supported Naomi knowing she was innocent.

What follows is an intriguing, intense, exciting, and edge of your seat suspense story line that had me holding my breath so many times. This story was very tense from all the way through, especially with the evil villains constantly killing off many innocent people. As we raced to the wild climax, I prayed for the for the survival of all the good people, and the demise of the main villains. Their was a major twist later in the book, which Burke was in danger. Knife in the Back was an emotional, thriller with fast-paced investigation with shocking twists, corruption, and high stakes danger.

Knife in the Back was very well written by Karen Rose, which was an intense thriller, with non- stop action all the way. As I have said before, Karen Rose never fails to give us an amazing fantastic well written thriller that is intense, always on the edge, with fantastic characters, evil villains and a wonderful family you care for. If you love suspense, with a touch of romance and a thriller all the way, then look no further then Karen Rose.

I loved this newest romantic, suspense novel in this series. I loved Burke and Naomi. I enjoyed all the twists and turns as Burke helps to prove Naomi innocent and keep her alive and out of prison. I loved all the action. I received a copy of the book and gave an honest opinion.

Knife in the Back delivers a thrilling read full of mystery, intrigue, and betrayal.

First off, I am absolutely heartbroken to know that this is the last book in this city of Karen Rose’s Romantic Suspense series. There are SO many amazing and wonderful characters who deserve the spotlight. I am hoping against hope for more stories in the future.

The final book in New Orleans focuses on Burke, the owner of Broussard Investigations. He leads a team of talented, well-trained ex-military personnel who provide a number of services from private investigations to bodyguarding and many other specializations.

Burke has honor, integrity, loyalty, and a deep sense of justice. So when a disgraced ex-cop shows up in his office asking for help, he’s loath to provide it. Whatever Burke decides next could depend on whether he can live with the consequences. Does he trust in Naomi’s innocence despite the insurmountable evidence against her or does he believe she truly is a dirty cop and is playing them all for fools?

Burke and the gang are brilliantly crafted characters that I have loved so much these past four years. They are an excellent team and an even better family.

Naomi’s story is full of gut wrenching heartache, I had so much empathy for her. Naomi’s freedom and livelihood were stolen from her and her son was turned against her but her resilience is incredible and admirable.

The circumstances of Naomi’s plight hampers any real romance between her and Burke, but the chemistry is there as is the physical attraction.

The book’s suspense is exciting, the mystery is intriguing, and the storyline kept me fully engaged.

I tip my hat once again to Karen Rose’s craftsmanship of the villain(s). He/She/They is/are insanely evil with layers of deceit and duplicity. I didn’t see the knife in the back until it was too late! Who got hit? Who wielded the blade? Are they alive to tell the tale? Read to find out!

**Please check your trigger warnings. There are many adult themes with several types of abuse and trauma scenarios in this book that may make some readers uncomfortable. Read at your own discretion**

Crime fiction—I often refer to as detective procedurals—has been a staple for ages. Lately, it feels like there’s a growing presence of these titles on the "bestseller" shelves at bookstores. One name that frequently catches my eye is Karen Rose, whose works I've occasionally picked up. Today marks the release of her latest novel, Knife in the Back, the fourth installment in her New Orleans series published by Berkley.

This series revolves around individuals in dire situations who seek out the help of Broussard Investigations. In Knife in the Back, we see more of Burke Broussard, the owner of the agency, who takes on a prominent role for the first time. The story follows Naomi Cranston, a former police officer wrongfully convicted of stealing cocaine from an evidence locker. After spending five years in prison, Naomi is released, only to discover that those who framed her are now targeting her son. This predicament leads her to enlist the help of Broussard Investigations.

Karen Rose's writing is fluid and engaging, and I found myself immersed in the story within just a few pages, largely due to her exceptional storytelling prowess. The characters, each with their quirks and flaws, are richly developed, and the secondary characters also shine. What starts as a straightforward plot quickly unfolds into a web of unpredictable twists and suspenseful turns.

My only concern lies in the book’s length, which exceeds 500 pages. For my taste, that’s a bit on the lengthy side, especially for a crime thriller or romantic suspense. While the pacing is smooth and kept me turning the pages, I feel that the story could benefit from trimming about fifty pages or so for a tighter narrative. But that's just my perspective.

Overall, Knife in the Back is a well-crafted, suspense-laden read filled with drama and action. It's the strongest entry in the New Orleans series.

From the very first chapter, Knife in the Back promises betrayal—and it delivers in ways that keep you hooked until the final page. Karen Rose masterfully builds a plot that grows more gripping and layered with every twist, each revelation adding new depth to an already compelling story. The attention to detail is remarkable, creating a vivid and immersive world where every character feels purposeful and every scene pushes the tension higher.

What truly elevates this book is its seamless balance between a fast-moving plot and richly developed emotional stakes. The betrayals are not just shocking—they’re personal, and that makes the impact even stronger. The pacing keeps you turning pages late into the night, eager to uncover what will happen next. With its intricate storyline, memorable characters, and expertly crafted suspense, Knife in the Back is the kind of thriller that reminds you why Karen Rose remains one of the best in the genre. This is an absolute must-read for fans of betrayal-driven suspense.

Before we start, it's important to remember my cardinal rule: I can never be fully unbiased when it comes to Karen Rose books. There's just something about the way she writes suspense that scratches an itch in my brain.

After finding out this next installment in the New Orleans series was going to be about Burke, the fearless leader of our favorite group of private investigators, best believe I was seated, and I was not left disappointed. My favorite part about this book is that the stakes were high from start to finish. It felt like a return to the second book in this series, which happens to be one of my favorites from this author. The looming threat of the villain forcing all the characters from throughout the earlier books to stay in close proximity to protect each other makes for so many fun interactions outside of the mystery and the romance itself.

I loved finally being able to read Burke's POV. Despite his intimidating presence, he's such a protective teddy bear, and that's my favorite kind of archetype in an MMC. Despite his initial ambivalence to take on Naomi's case, he quickly comes around, and quickly becomes fiercely defensive of Naomi. Though the devastation I felt for him when the twist was revealed??? Stab me in the heart, why don't you?

The newest addition to the team is our FMC Naomi. She had such a fascinating backstory that, from page one, I was so invested in her journey. Trying to put her life together after five years in prison for something she didn't do, and hoping to repair her relationship with her son, when she's approached once more by the people that framed her??? She could not catch a break, but she didn't let anything stop her, which I loved. Two of my favorite parts of this book were the evolution of her bond with her son and the way she comes in CLUTCH at the end of the book. Everett can be an absolute piece of work at times, but at the same time you understand why he behaves the way he does after being exposed to the vitriol his father spewed about Naomi. Watching him come to form his own impression of his mother was so wonderful, and when he finally called her Mom???!! I may have shed a tear. One thing I will say, this book had one of the darkest moments for the MCs that I've read from this author so far, with Naomi briefly considering unaliving herself when she's being threatened once again, so be prepared for that moment, however short it was.

Her romance with Burke is so sweet. As with many of Karen Rose's books, they have an immediate interest in each other. Paired with the high-intensity suspense forcing them to stay close together at all times, and their chemistry provides a welcome reprieve from the stress of the mystery. Despite the short time-frame of the book, it doesn't feel insta-lovey, which is a testament to how well the characters go together. I loved the quiet moments in the middle of the night where Burke and Naomi would just sit together and bond, it made the pacing and development of their relationship feel believable.

As always, the supporting characters shine, but none more so than Jace. He's such a great big brother for Elijah, and I loved how he kept Everett in check. A close second is Sylvi, who was fiercely protective of Naomi, and always went to bat for her, whether it was against Burke when he didn't want to take her case or the cops that looked down on her because of her past. Okay, yeah, this is just reminding me how elite the second book is. A stand-out new character in this book was James, Everett's grandfather and Naomi's former father-in-law. Naomi's ex may have been an utter piece of shit but his father was wonderful to Naomi (what on earth went wrong with his own son then??!😂)

My favorite Karen Rose books always have a sense of immediacy when it comes to the mystery. I love when I'm actively fearing for the main characters because of how closely the bad guys are circling, and that's what this book delivered on, making it feel more like the second book in the series. Another thing I love is the way the author is able to keep the villain's identity hidden from the reader even as you experience their POV. I will say, even though I wasn't actively trying to unmask the bad guy, I SO TOTALLY CALLED IT!!! I love when my unhinged theories end up being right, but I do think the author gives you just enough clues to figure it out in this one, which is always kind of fun for me.

I don't know if this book marks a conclusion to the New Orleans series. Even though I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters yet, it was wrapped up in a satisfying way. And maybe if this series is concluded, the authors schedule will be open to finally give me Stone and Delores's book. Yes, it's been years since she's even mentioned giving them a book, but A GIRL CAN DREAM, OKAY??!

It's always weird to review a mystery/crime book as a fun read but I had a pretty good time with this. The mystery was intriguing - although I did figure it out fairly quickly - and the story was action packed, paced well, and had interesting characters.

I could tell that there were side characters that had to have come from previous books, but I appreciated that you didn't have to read those to understand what was going on here and follow the story. That said - there were A LOT of these extra characters. I liked most of them and they did seem to add to the story, but I feel like it could have been cut down a bit just to streamline the story.

The romance between Naomi and Burke was good but moved so quickly. It wasn't unrealistic or anything but it also felt a bit surface level at times. Regardless, it was great to see them get together and be so supportive for one another.

Overall, I've really enjoyed all the Karen Rose books that I've read and always happy to read something outside of my standard genres. Thank you to Berkley Romance for the eARC - all opinions are my own!

Knife if the Back by Karen Rose is the 4th book in the New Orleans series. As always, I love all of Karen Rose’s books and I couldn’t wait to read this one. Naomi is falsely accused and sent to prison. She is released but is targeted again. This story is full of suspense and twists. I couldn’t put it down.

Rose weaves a top notch suspenseful tale from start to finish! With the fourth book in her riveting New Orleans series, we head back to Broussard Investigations for a case that turns the agency upside down as trust is questioned, danger is around every corner and everything they thought they knew goes right out the door. I loved the lead up of Naomi's case and how the storyline evolved into so much more than just that one case including a connection with Burke. Visiting the family that this team of co-workers has become is always a pleasure and seeing them connect on an even tighter level was special. The characters were well developed, the plot was mildly twisty and intriguing at first and them a major secret plays out that really turns it all on it's head. I loved every minute and can't wait to see this team again!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a whodunnit with lots of build up and secrets that always plays out to a happily ever after for at least some of them throughout the story.

She was convicted of a crime she didn't commit...

...but those who set her up aren't quite done with her.

Five years ago, then New Orleans Police Department Officer Naomi Cranston was convicted of stealing dugs from the evidence locker of which she was in charge. Her lawyers were ultimately successful in having her released on a technicality, but she did serve time and just about everyone believes that she was guilty...even her teenaged son Everett. Her ex-husband had even testified against her (but he is a real jerk), but fortunately there are a few people who believe in her innocence including her mother and the florist who has given her a job, Sylvi. Life isn't easy but Naomi is grateful to no longer be behind bars. Her new life is threatened when the same man who framed her for the original crime and threatened her son's life if she fought the charges reappears, looking for her to again assist him in his criminal enterprise. If she refuses, he will kill her son; if she agrees, sooner or later she'll be caught and go back to jail, and worse still will actually be guilty this time. She can't turn to the police....the man threatening her is a cop himself....so turns to Broussard Investigations hoping they can at least help protect her son. Burke Broussard was himself a cop once upon a time and has an exceedingly low opinion of bent cops, and to his mind that's exactly what Naomi is. But Naomi's boss, the sister of one of Burke's operatives, persuades him to listen to Naomi's version of events. Whoever set Naomi up for the fall is dead set on seeing her back behind bars, and even Burke's change of heart is no guarantee that she can thwart the vicious people who threaten her. The level of threat to Naomi, Burke and those around them increases as a romance builds between them...will they have a chance at a future?
Knife in the Back is classic romantic suspense, with a female lead in Naomi who is determined to rise above the problems of the past and resilient enough to stand tall in the face of the ongoing threats. The male lead is strong but caring, and fiercely loyal to those he admits into his life. As the story unfolds and the pace ramps up, it becomes apparent to them both that those pulling the strings in this case are formidable, and each will weather betrayals from unlikely places. The New Orleans backdrop with Mardi Gras in the offing makes for an intriguing setting...the Big Easy has long had a problem with police corruption, and that helps fuel the storyline here. While this is the fourth book in author Karen Rose's New Orleans series, with characters from the early books making appearances here, the book reads perfectly well as a standalone. Its a gripping page-turner, a quick read likely to be enjoyed not only by the author's fan base but also by readers of Karen Robard, Kendra Elliot and Allison Brennan, a 4.5 ⭐️ read rounded up to 5. My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for allowing me access to this suspenseful read in exchange for my honest review.