ARC Review: Dead Man's List by Karen Rose

Dead Man's List
Author: Karen Rose
Series: The San Diego Case Files (Book 3)
Publication: Berkley (March 4, 2025)

Description: Homicide Detective Kit McKittrick's latest case exposes the dark side of San Diego’s high society in this nerve-shattering tale of romantic suspense from New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose.

On a long-anticipated second date with police psychologist Dr. Sam Reeves—right as things are getting steamy—Kit stumbles across the mutilated body of a local San Diego politician. The man was loved by many of his constituents but is hated and reviled by many more. That the suspect list is long surprises no one, but exactly who ends up on it stuns Kit and her team.

As the SDPD reveal the victim’s sinister dealings, Kit and Sam are forced to navigate the closely guarded world of the city’s richest and most powerful citizens to find answers. But time is rapidly running out, with their sources of information dropping like flies as the killer methodically eliminates loose ends—and anyone else who stands in the way.

My Thoughts: The third book in the San Diego Case Files series by Karen Rose begins with Homicide Detective Kit McKittrick and police psychologist Dr. Sam Reeves and their long delayed second date. Sam has decided to take Kit hiking in the desert to share with her one of his favorite things to do. Neither is expecting their dogs to lead them to the partially buried body of San Diego politician Brooks Munro.

Munro has been a polarizing figure with many devoted fans and many devoted enemies. He has certainly rubbed the San Diego police the wrong way. Kit and her partner Connor Robinson are assigned the case and soon find themselves looking deeply into the political and the wealthy of San Diego. 

Even Sam has had a run-in with Munro when he was looking for votes to help fund the shelter he works with. Munro tried to solicit a bribe from Sam as a quid pro quo. Sam's experience leads Kit to wonder and investigate whether or not Munro has made bribery and blackmail a regular part of his business practices. 

Meanwhile, the trial date Christopher Drummond is coming up. He is accused of murdering Kit's foster sister Rita's mother and sexually assaulting Rita too. He claims to have information that could lead to the murderer of Munro but wants favors for giving it. Kit isn't willing to give anything to Drummond that might influence the verdict since he is still threatening Rita and Kit will do anything to protect her family.

The story was filled with intrigue as Sam, Kit, and Connor try to figure out which of many possibilities wanted Munro dead and who is murdering others who might have information that would let Kit find him. 

I enjoyed the suspense in this story. I also enjoyed watching Kit open up to some romantic possibilities of her own despite her fears. Sam is a great romantic partner being both patient and open with his own feelings. 

This was an engaging story which is the third book in a series. I recommend reading all of them. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.