{"product_id":"dead-mans-list-isbn-9780593817193","title":"Dead Man's List","description":"\u003cb\u003eHomicide 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 \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author Karen Rose.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 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.\u003cb\u003ePraise for the novels of Karen Rose\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"From the first rousing chapter to the last, \u003ci\u003eScream for Me\u003c\/i\u003e is intense, complex, and unforgettable.\"—\u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author James Patterson\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Riveting. Emotional. Karen Rose at her best.”—\u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author Christine Feehan\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“High-wire suspense that keeps you riveted.”—\u003ci\u003eNew York Times \u003c\/i\u003ebestselling author Lisa Gardner\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Cold-Blooded Liar \u003c\/i\u003ehad me in its grip from the first chapter. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Keep the coffee brewing—you’ll be up all night.”—\u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author Julie Garwood\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A high-octane thrill ride that kept me on the edge of my seat and up far too late at night!\"—\u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author Lisa Jackson \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Karen Rose's amazing ability to blend fiercely smart suspense, compelling characters, sophisticated romance and a deep sense of place is nothing short of pure alchemy.”—\u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Effortlessly balances romance and crime…an excellent example of how far-reaching and varied romance can be. The plot is complex, the characterization sound and the boundaries of the genre pushed.”—\u003ci\u003eThe New York Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Rose writes blistering, high-octane suspense that never lets up.”—\u003ci\u003eNew York Times \u003c\/i\u003ebestselling author Karen Robards\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Another page-turner! Karen Rose masterfully combines an intricate mystery and a heartfelt love story. \u003ci\u003eSay No More\u003c\/i\u003e keeps you riveted until the very end.”—\u003ci\u003eNew York Times \u003c\/i\u003ebestselling author Laura Griffin\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Suspenseful and engrossing.”\u003ci\u003e—New York Times \u003c\/i\u003ebestselling author Lora Leigh\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“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… Like the seasoned expert author she is, Rose maneuvers readers and characters through another fantastic suspense thriller.”\u003ci\u003e—Mystery \u0026amp; Suspense Magazine \u003c\/i\u003eon \u003ci\u003eDead Man's List \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“The action is fast and furious, the characters well-written and likable and a story that keeps you engaged.”\u003ci\u003e—Red Carpet Crash \u003c\/i\u003eon \u003ci\u003eDead Man's List\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003eKaren Rose\u003c\/b\u003e is the award-winning, #1 international bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including the bestselling including the bestselling New Orleans, Sacramento, Baltimore, and Cincinnati series. She has been translated into twenty-three languages, and her books have placed on the \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e, the \u003ci\u003eSunday Times\u003c\/i\u003e (UK), and Germany's \u003ci\u003eder Spiegel \u003c\/i\u003ebestseller lists.Chapter One\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnza-Borrego Desert State Park\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBorrego Springs, California\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSaturday, January 7, 12:30 p.m.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBe careful,\" Sam said, pointing to a shrub next to the trail. \"That's a catclaw. Its thorns are sharp.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Okay,\" Kit said, giving the bush a wide berth and tugging on Snickerdoodle's leash to make sure that she kept her distance as well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTheir hike so far had been filled with similar safety callouts from Sam and not much else. It was . . .\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAwkward, Kit thought with a wince. This date was not bad but just so awkward, and she had no idea what to do about it. The desert itself was beautiful in a stark way, and Sam had chosen a less traveled trail. They'd had complete solitude, not having seen another hiker for miles. The weather, while unforgiving in the summer, was perfect during the winter. The skies were clear, the cool breeze refreshing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut as pretty as the landscape was, this day had been uncomfortable as hell.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSam had picked her and Snickerdoodle up that morning and right away Kit had known something was wrong. Usually sweet and calm, Sam was tense and overly polite.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt was like they were strangers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI've messed things up already, and I don't even know what I did wrong, she thought sadly.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe drive to the park had been quiet, their minimal conversation stilted. Sam had asked her a few questions in a cautious tone, and she'd replied equally cautiously in sentences that never managed to be more than a few words.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey'd started their hike in a muted mood, with Sam pointing out landmarks and plants like he was a tour guide. Brisk, efficient, but impersonal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI have to fix this. Because not only did Sam sound impersonal, he seemed sad, which she couldn't stand. Especially if she'd caused it. Abruptly she stopped on the trail, Snickerdoodle obediently sitting at her side.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSam had taken a few steps forward before realizing she was no longer beside him on the trail. Carefully he turned so that he and Siggy faced her. Sam's expression was blank, and Kit's heart dropped to her stomach. \"Kit? You okay?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"No.\" Her voice shook and she drew a breath. \"I'm sorry.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHis shoulders sagged, disappointment unmistakable in his eyes. \"I know.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePanic flared, and she realized just how much she'd wanted this date to go well. How much she'd wanted to see Sam happy. \"I did something. Ruined something. You're not happy. We're here, in the desert, and you're supposed to be happy.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe frowned. \"What are you talking about? I thought . . .\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe took a step closer. \"What?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHis throat worked as he swallowed. \"I thought that you were going to say that this date was a mistake.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHer mouth dropped open. \"What?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe studied her face. \"You're not thinking this was a mistake?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"No. Just . . .\" She kept her gaze focused on his. \"I was scared of today.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I figured you would be. I thought for sure you'd find a reason to cancel on me.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I almost did.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne side of his mouth lifted in an almost-smile. \"Not a shock. Who talked you into coming?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Rita,\" she said dolefully. \"And Pop. Called me out on my bullshit. Is that why you've been so distant all day? You thought I was about to call this a mistake?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe nodded warily. \"Were you?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe did look away then, taking in the desert around them. It really was beautiful. \"I don't think so. I wanted to come here. With you. Wanted you to show me the desert and why you love it. But it's been more than six weeks since I asked you on this date. Enough time to second-guess myself. And maybe to second-guess you. You could have anyone. Everyone tells me so. I still don't know why you seem to want to be with me.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnd that was the honest truth.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Kit.\" He waited until she met his eyes again. \"My feelings haven't changed. I want to be with you, but I don't want to rush you into anything you're not ready for. I can wait. You're worth waiting for.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe took another step forward, now so close that she could see the thick dark lashes framing his green eyes behind his Clark Kent glasses. Could see the freckles sprinkled across his nose now that he'd gotten some sun.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe could see his sincerity, the very thing that had originally drawn her to him. And suddenly she wasn't afraid anymore, because this was Sam. Other than her father, Sam was the kindest, gentlest man she knew. He would respect her limitations. And he'd protect her heart.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe needed to protect his as well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I'm ready for this date.\" She reached out, gripped his jacket, tugging him closer. \"I want to know you better.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHis chest expanded with the breath he drew. \"Thank God,\" he muttered, his hands coming up to cup her face, sending a shiver down her spine and over her skin. \"I've tried to give you space.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Don't,\" she said simply, releasing her hold on his jacket and sliding her hands around his neck. \"I . . . I missed you,\" she admitted.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHis smile was pure delight. \"You did?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I did. It's been too long since we went on our fishing date.\" She rose on her toes. \"Too long since you kissed me good night.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHis swallow was audible. \"Thought about that, did you?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I did. Did you?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Yeah. Every night. Every morning. And maybe a few times during the day.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Same,\" she whispered, their lips now brushing. An almost-kiss. If she leaned up just a little, she could kiss him for real. She closed the distance between them and then his mouth was finally on hers. His kiss was sweet and undemanding, but his hands, still cupping her face, trembled.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe wanted more.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnd so do I.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimly the sound of barking intruded. Two different barks. Two different dogs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDogs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSnickerdoodle.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKit no longer held her leash.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey pulled away at the same time, each looking around for their dogs because Sam had dropped Siggy's leash, too.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Siggy!\" he called.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Snickerdoodle!\" Kit shouted, then huffed a relieved breath when Snick came trotting around a cluster of small boulders, her tail wagging. But she was alone. No sign of Siggy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSam left the trail, taking off at a jog. Kit grabbed Snickerdoodle's leash and followed him.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThen stopped dead in her tracks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Dead\" being the operative word.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSiggy had a shoe in his mouth. A man's wingtip, size eleven or thereabouts. The shoe's mate was half buried in the sand on a man's foot.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA very dead man, lying faceup in the desert sand.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat was left of his face, anyway. The animals of the desert had been snacking.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSo gross.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe body was positioned in a hollow beneath the boulders, sheltered from the wind. Still, the sand had swept over the body, covering the legs, one foot, and part of one arm.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAccident or murder? She took a few steps closer and had her answer. The man's neck was an open gash, now home to dozens of flies. His throat had clearly been slit, ear to ear.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBe careful what you wish for, she thought, remembering how she'd hoped for a murder the night before.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKit glanced at Sam, whose gaze was fixed on the man's face, his eyes wide, his face slack with shock. \"Sam? You okay?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe cleared his throat roughly. \"Well, shit.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe nodded once. \"Shit indeed. I need to call this in.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Wait.\" He edged closer, gaze still fixed on the victim. \"Look at his face.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I did. There isn't enough left for a clear ID. The ME will likely have to use dental records or DNA. He-\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"No, Kit. Look at him. I know him.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStartled, Kit crouched at the dead man's side. And then she recognized him, too. Or at least the tribal-style tattoo that wound up his neck, ending behind what had been his ear. \"Well, shit.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSam huffed a mirthless laugh. \"Shit indeed. That's Councilman Brooks Munro.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOf the San Diego city council.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKit scowled down at the body. \"This is not gonna be fun.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Our second-favorite local politician,\" Sam said, his tone dripping with disdain.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKit looked up at him in surprise. She'd never heard him use that caustic tone before and wondered what his experience had been with the councilman, who had a reputation of being very charismatic and charming. At the same time, Kit had heard rumors of impropriety, but nothing had ever been proven.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Who's the first?\" she asked, although she thought she knew.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe met her gaze. \"Drummond.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDrummond had resigned his seat after being charged with murder, but Kit took Sam's point. She still wondered why Sam hated this councilman. \"Munro has been missing for a few days,\" she said.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I know,\" he said flatly. \"I saw it on the news.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"He was reported by his wife, who's been out of town. Two officers did a welfare check and found blood on his garage floor. Enough that they assumed that he'd been seriously injured.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSam grimaced. \"I'd say he was seriously injured. Oh shit. Kit. His hands . . .\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKit sighed. The victim's fingers were missing, as were the toes on his exposed foot. \"Could have been animals.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"God, I hope so. But you don't think so.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"No, I don't.\" Because now that she was closer, she could also see the stab wounds in the man's chest. She counted at least twenty at first glance. Someone had really wanted this man to suffer. \"But the ME will tell us for sure. Let me call it in.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe pulled her phone from her pocket, but she had no signal. \"Dammit.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Wait.\" Sam dropped to one knee and began rifling through his backpack, piling its contents on the sand until he found what he'd been looking for. \"Here.\" He held out a phone. \"Sat phone. You'll get a signal with that.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Do you always carry a sat phone?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Yep. It's a safety thing. Siggy and I hike in remote areas. Cell signals are never a given.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe glanced down at him while she searched her phone for her boss's contact information. \"Are those . . . Sam, do you have night-vision goggles?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe looked up, expression slightly embarrassed. \"Christmas present from my parents. I promised I'd carry them with me, just in case. I also packed a picnic lunch, but I don't think I have any appetite anymore.\" He loaded everything into his pack and stood, his expression now pained as he turned his back on the body. \"Please call Lieutenant Navarro, Kit. I want to get away from here as soon as we possibly can.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKit hated to tell him that it would likely be hours before they could leave. So she merely dialed Navarro's number.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Navarro. Who is this?\" her boss answered brusquely.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"It's Kit. We've got a situation here.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSan Diego PD, San Diego, California\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSaturday, January 7, 5:30 p.m.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConnor Robinson stuck his head in Lieutenant Navarro's office. \"So you two just happened to find the one missing body in nearly one thousand square miles of state park?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKit and Sam were in her boss's office, waiting on Navarro to debrief them. They'd dropped the dogs off with Harlan and Betsy, and Kit had picked up her own car, knowing that her day was far from over. Hopefully Navarro would let Sam go home as soon as they'd reviewed his statement, but Kit had the awful feeling that her boss would keep her far longer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDon't assign me this case. Please.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I'd bet a week's pay that it's not the only body hidden in the park,\" Kit told her partner.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSam made a pained sound, and Kit patted his hand. \"You okay?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"No,\" Sam grumbled. \"Day's ruined. Date's ruined. And I'm never going to get the sight of his face out of my mind.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConnor made a sympathetic face. \"That sucks, man. Sorry your date was ruined.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSam made another grumbling sound that was cuter than it should have been.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"We'll have another date,\" Kit promised. \"A no-dead-body date. I promise.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Okay.\" But he still frowned, and Kit felt bad for him.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMunro's body really had been a gruesome sight, and Sam had handled it better than a lot of people would have. She knew that he'd seen bodies before, but Munro's was . . . extreme.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEven for me.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"What are you doing here today anyway?\" Kit asked Connor. \"It's Saturday. Did we catch another case?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"No. I heard about the body and that it was discovered by an SDPD cop. I knew you'd headed up that way so I wanted to find out if you were the ones who'd found it.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt was Kit's turn to frown. \"How did you hear about the body?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConnor grinned. \"Baz called me. He'd heard it through the station's grapevine. I have to say I'm miffed that you didn't at least text me.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKit rolled her eyes. \"Baz has been surgically grafted to the grapevine, I think.\" Her former partner had retired after having a heart attack nine months before. She missed him terribly, but she and Connor had found their stride together. \"And I didn't text you because you were supposed to be with CeCe today.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Her mom twisted her knee and CeCe took her to the doctor.\" He shrugged. \"So I came in. Oh, sorry, sir.\" He abruptly moved to one side of the doorway, making room for Navarro, who looked unhappy. \"See you later.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"No,\" Navarro said. \"You stay.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConnor winced, and Kit had to swallow a groan. If Connor was staying, it meant they'd be working Munro's murder investigation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhich sucked, because this was going to be a bitch of a case. The suspect list was already a mile long. His constituents seemed to love him, but few people in law enforcement liked Brooks Munro. In fact, too many people hated his guts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNavarro pointed to her and Sam. \"You two. It's always you two.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKit bristled. \"Sir?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSam's mouth fell open. \"I beg your pardon?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Trouble just seems to find you,\" Navarro muttered, sitting down at his desk. \"And you can't even deny it.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSam sighed. \"No, I guess I can't, but it's not like we found the body on purpose. It spoiled our entire day. And my appetite for the next week.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNavarro's lips twitched. \"It was pretty bad.\" He shifted his attention to his computer. \"Good initial report, Kit. All the particulars are here. Brooks Munro, age fifty-one, city councilman. Was last seen alive on Wednesday by his office administrator. He didn't show up to work on Thursday, didn't return his wife's calls. Wife, who was out of town, requested a wellness check. Cops found blood on his garage floor. Car was missing.\" He looked up, brows lifted. \"It wasn't just a car, Kit. It was a goddamned Ferrari. Do we have footage from his home security cameras?\"","brand":"Berkley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48233074983141,"sku":"NP9780593817193","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780593817193.jpg?v=1767724828","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/dead-mans-list-isbn-9780593817193","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}