Cheater by Karen Rose
Homicide Detective Kit McKittrick finds herself standing over a dead body in the Shady Oaks retirement centre. Frank Flynn has been stabbed and his room ransacked. Though he kept his background quiet at the centre, Kit recognises Frank from the SDPD. Had the former detective been following a trail that led to his murder? When the head of security is also found dead, it points to a conspiracy right at the heart of Shady Oaks.
The one person who might be able to help uncover the truth is just who Kit has been avoiding: Dr Sam Reeves. As a volunteer at the centre and a friend of the victim, the forensic psychologist could be just what her case needs. But without access to CCTV of the day of the murder, how will Kit catch her killer? And can she do so before anyone else is put in danger?
GUIDE
THEMES
This is the story of Kit McKittrick and Sam Reeves.
SETTING
Set in San Diego, California.
SERIES
Book 2 of the San Diego Case Files series which should be read in order.
Review
Cheater is the second in a new series for Karen Rose which follows the same two characters, Detective Kit McKittrick and Dr. Sam Reeves, a psychologist. The story is set about six months after the first one and Sam has kept his promise to stay away from Kit, however their paths soon cross again when there is a murder at the Shady Oaks Retirement Village where Sam volunteers. The dead resident turns out to be a retired police officer who has been living under a different name and Kit’s instincts are that the man may have found out something that got him killed. Things take another twist when the head of security is found dead in a motel room and another resident is found died in his room. Fearing for the lives of his friends, Sam practically moves into the retirement village to protect them.
The plot is a complicated one and there are many red herrings along the way so it is more satisfying than the first novel. I also loved the elderly residents, Georgia and Eloise, who get involved in the investigation along the way as they were so much fun and wouldn’t mind those ladies reappearing at a future time. The nature of the investigation throws Sam and Kit together once more and it is obvious the strength of their feelings has not diminished in the slightest. Kit is still very reluctant to commit to a relationship but when Sam finds himself in a dangerous situation, Kit is forced to admit how she feels. The romance is still very much in the early stages but at least it is now going somewhere. Kit also has a new partner, Detective Connor Robinson, who is really likeable.
The family atmosphere continues with the McKittrick family as they take in another two girls Kit has rescued from the streets, although that is starting to feel a bit too contrived. I love the idea of them fostering troubled girls but it is all just a bit too perfect and unrealistic to me.
