Dead Man’s List is the third book in author Karen Rose’s San Diego Case Files series featuring Detective Kit McKittrick and Dr. Sam Reeves. As always, Rose delivers an intense, complicated, twisted murder mystery that keeps fans guessing right up to the shocking climax.

Dead Man’s List is a complex, multi-layered thriller featuring a gritty, introverted heroine who keeps her emotions tightly wrapped and others at arm’s length as much as possible. Kit’s horrific experience bouncing around the foster system left her carrying a great deal of baggage but extraordinarily little trust before she hit the lottery with foster parents Harlan and Betsy McKittrick, whose unconditional love and security chipped away at her defenses, helping form the capable woman and resolute detective she is today. Her keen sense of duty and dedication drives her not only to seek justice for victims but also to give back to the foster parents who saved her by mentoring other young girls and women.

Dr. Sam Reeves, a police psychologist working with the San Diego Police Department, breathes a sigh of relief when SDPD Detective Kit McKittrick finally agrees to go out with him. Sam understands Kit’s emotional state remains precarious when it comes to forming relationships, but he’s a patient man willing to invest the time to show her he intends to be part of her future. Wanting to share his love of hiking with her, he takes Kit and their dogs to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for a casual date. Just as he feels he’s making progress breaking through her defenses, they stumble over the partially buried body of a well-known city council member named Brooks Munro. Multiple stab wounds indicate a vicious crime of rage, and given the unpopularity of the politician, Kit and Sam know the suspect list will be a long one. As Kit and her team begin working on the case, it becomes clear several powerful and influential people have dark secrets they’re determined to keep hidden. However, there’s a missing binder of names and rumors of extortion circulating, and when more bodies surface, Kit’s certain someone is working through a kill list, eliminating witnesses one by one. As Kit gets closer to unmasking the killer, she becomes a complication the killer can’t ignore.

Author Karen Rose excels at weaving taut, intricate suspense thrillers with detailed characterizations and multiple plotlines that keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Dedicated support characters with their own issues help to steadily drive the pace forward as the action increases through twists and turns, crisis after crisis, before exploding in a shocking climax most will never see coming. Multiple red herrings provide readers with several possible villains for consideration, and armchair detectives should watch closely for the breadcrumb clues the author sprinkles throughout. A budding, slow-burn romance between Kit and Sam adds a human touch, allowing readers to join the couple as they explore new emotions—especially Kit, as she struggles with accepting that she’s worthy of this man. Like the seasoned expert author she is, Rose maneuvers readers and characters through another fantastic suspense thriller. I recommend Dead Man’s List to fans of murder mysteries, romantic suspense, and police procedurals, and I look forward to the next one.