Last Updated on May 9, 2025
Karen Rose, a New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author, is a master of romantic suspense, crafting chilling thrillers with intricate plots and heartfelt romance. Born Karen Rose Hafer in 1964 in Baltimore, Maryland, she grew up near Washington, D.C., and graduated from the University of Maryland with a chemical engineering degree. After working as an engineer and high school chemistry and physics teacher, Rose turned to writing, driven by “scenes roiling in my head” (karenrosebooks.com). Her debut, Don’t Tell (2003), launched a 20-year career, with over 30 novels and novellas, translated into 20+ languages, selling millions. A two-time RITA Award winner (I’m Watching You, 2005; Silent Scream, 2011), Rose’s books, set in cities like Chicago, Baltimore, and Cincinnati, are interconnected, featuring recurring characters and pulse-pounding suspense. This article lists all her books in publication order, organized by series and standalones, with summaries, publication dates and reading guidance.
Why Read Karen Rose’s Books?
Rose’s novels, part of her overarching Romantic Suspense series, blend high-stakes crime, psychological tension, and sensual romance, earning praise from Lisa Gardner for “high-wire suspense” (bookrom.com). Set in a shared universe, her books are grouped by city-based subseries (e.g., Chicago, Baltimore, San Diego), with recurring characters like Detective Abe Reagan or PI Paige Holden weaving through stories. Her meticulous research—months per book—ensures authentic details, from forensic science to serial killer psychology (MysterySequels.com). While each novel focuses on new protagonists and cases, reading in publication order avoids spoilers and deepens character connections. With A Knife in the Back (August 2025) upcoming, Rose’s “addictive” tales (Goodreads) captivate fans of Karin Slaughter or Nora Roberts’ In Death series.
Karen Rose’s Books in Publication Order
As of May 8, 2025, Rose has published 32 books: 30 novels and two novellas, all under her Romantic Suspense umbrella, divided into nine subseries by setting (Chicago, Philadelphia/Atlanta, etc.) and one standalone novella. Below is the complete list in publication order, which aligns with chronological order, per BookNotification.com. Published by Signet, Headline, or Berkley, books are available in hardcover ($20–28), paperback, e-book, audiobook (narrated by Marguerite Gavin, Susie James, and others), and Kindle Unlimited.
Chicago Series (2003–2007)
Five novels set in Chicago, featuring detectives and prosecutors tackling brutal crimes. Recurring characters include Mia Mitchell and Abe Reagan.
- Don’t Tell (July 2003, Signet)
Mary Grace Winters fakes her death to escape her abusive cop husband, assuming a new identity as Caroline Stewart. Nine years later, her past resurfaces, threatening her and her son. A gripping debut, praised for its “fast pace” (BookSeriesInOrder.com). - I’m Watching You (October 2004, Warner)
Prosecutor Kristen Mayhew’s secret admirer kills criminals she couldn’t convict, drawing Detective Abe Reagan into a deadly game. A RITA Award winner (2005), lauded for its “intense sensuality” (FictionDB). - Nothing to Fear (August 2005, Warner)
Security expert Ethan Buchanan aids shelter director Dana Dupinsky when a vengeful killer targets her clients. A chilling tale of trust and terror, with a 4.2/5 Goodreads rating. - You Can’t Hide (April 2006, Warner)
Psychiatrist Tess Ciccotelli and Detective Aidan Reagan investigate her patients’ suspicious suicides, uncovering a sadistic stalker. A “riveting” thriller (RT Book Reviews). - Count to Ten (February 2007, Warner)
Fire Lieutenant Reed Solliday and Detective Mia Mitchell hunt an arsonist torching Chicago. Their romance blooms amidst danger. A fan favorite with 4.3/5 Goodreads rating.
Raleigh Series (2004)
One standalone novel set in Raleigh, North Carolina, linked to the Chicago series via minor characters.
- Have You Seen Her? (February 2004, Warner)
Special Agent Steven Thatcher tracks a serial killer preying on teen girls, finding solace with teacher Jenna Marshall. A “heart-stopping” early work (BookRadar).
St. Petersburg Novella (2005)
A standalone novella, originally in the 2005 Hot Pursuit anthology, reissued solo in 2014.
- Dirty Secrets (November 2005, InterMix)
Emma Townsend discovers a love letter from ex-friend Chris Walker, sparking a reunion. A stalker’s obsession turns deadly. A compact, ebook-only tale set in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Philadelphia/Atlanta Series (2007–2009, aka Vartanian Series)
Three novels, the first in Philadelphia, the latter two in Atlanta, following Special Agent Daniel Vartanian and his allies.
- Die for Me (September 2007, Grand Central)
Detectives Vito Ciccotelli and Nick Lawrence enlist archaeologist Sophie Johannsen to stop a serial killer staging medieval torture scenes. A “pulse-pounding” series opener (BookRadar). - Scream for Me (August 2008, Grand Central)
Special Agent Daniel Vartanian and nurse Alex Fallon hunt a copycat killer mimicking a 13-year-old murder tied to Daniel’s brother. A “terrifying” sequel (Lisa Gardner). - Kill for Me (May 2009, Grand Central)
Daniel Vartanian and agent Susannah Vartanian dismantle a human trafficking ring after five teens are murdered. A “gut-wrenching” finale (RT Book Reviews).
Minneapolis Series (2009–2010)
Two novels set in Minneapolis, featuring detective Sam Johnson and fire investigator Olivia Sutherland.
- I Can See You (August 2009, Grand Central)
Noah Webster, a detective, and Evie Wilson, a virtual-world researcher, track a killer targeting online avatars. A “high-tech” thriller with 4.2/5 Goodreads rating. - Silent Scream (June 2010, Grand Central)
Fire investigator Olivia Sutherland and Detective David Hunter pursue an arsonist-murderer. A RITA Award winner (2011), praised for its “relentless suspense” (Publishers Weekly).
Baltimore Series (2011–2018)
Six novels and one novella set in Baltimore, with recurring characters like PI Paige Holden and ASA Grayson Smith.
- You Belong to Me (June 2011, Signet)
Medical examiner Lucy Trask and Detective JD Fitzpatrick hunt a killer targeting witnesses to a past crime. A “shocking” series start (AddAll). - No One Left to Tell (June 2012, Signet)
PI Paige Holden and ASA Grayson Smith uncover a conspiracy behind a wrongful conviction, facing blackmail and murder. A “taut” thriller (BookRadar). - Did You Miss Me? (February 2013, Signet)
Prosecutor Daphne Montgomery and FBI agent Joseph Carter protect her son from a vengeful killer. A “heart-wrenching” tale (Goodreads). - Broken Silence (October 2013, InterMix, novella)
PI Paige Holden and ASA Grayson Smith tackle a case tied to Did You Miss Me?, facing new threats. An ebook-only novella, hard to find in print. - Watch Your Back (February 2014, Signet)
PI Clay Maynard and Stevie Mazzetti, a former cop, confront a hitman from her past. A “gripping” addition (FictionDB). - Monster in the Closet (August 2017, Berkley)
PI Clay Maynard and social worker Taylor Dawson stop a child-killer stalking Baltimore. A “chilling” return (Goodreads). - Death Is Not Enough (October 2018, Berkley)
Defense attorney Thorne and Gwyn Weaver unravel a frame-up after a murder accusation. A “complex” finale (BookRadar).
Cincinnati Series (2014–2019)
Five novels set in Cincinnati, featuring FBI agents and local detectives like Adam Kimble and Meredith Fallon.
- Closer Than You Think (November 2014, Signet)
Psychologist Faith Corcoran and FBI agent Deacon Novak hunt a serial killer from her past. A “riveting” opener (RT Book Reviews). - Alone in the Dark (February 2016, Signet)
Homicide detective Scarlett Bishop and journalist Marcus O’Bannion expose a trafficking ring. A “pulse-pounding” sequel (BookRadar). - Every Dark Corner (February 2017, Berkley)
FBI agent Kate Coppola and agent Decker Davenport track a pedophile killing witnesses. A “disturbing” thriller (Goodreads). - Edge of Darkness (November 2017, Berkley)
Detective Adam Kimble protects psychologist Meredith Fallon from a killer targeting abuse survivors. A “heartfelt” romance (MysterySequels.com). - Into the Dark (November 2019, Berkley)
Former ranger Diesel Kennedy and Dr. Dani Novak protect two boys from a killer tied to their stepfather’s death. A “tense” finale (BookRadar).
Sacramento Series (2019–2021)
Three novels set in Sacramento, focusing on FBI agent Gideon Reynolds and local detectives.
- Say You’re Sorry (February 2019, Berkley)
FBI agent Gideon Reynolds and Daisy Dawson hunt a serial killer preying on Sacramento women. A “terrifying” start (BookRadar). - Say No More (August 2020, Berkley)
Mercy Callahan and Rafe Sokolov expose a cult tied to a killer’s rampage. A New York Times bestseller (karenrosebooks.com). - Say Goodbye (August 2021, Berkley)
FBI agents Tom Hunter and Liza Barkley dismantle a cult’s deadly plot. A “gripping” closer (Goodreads).
New Orleans Series (2022–2024)
Three novels set in New Orleans, featuring PI Molly Sutton and her team.
- Quarter to Midnight (August 2022, Berkley)
PI Molly Sutton and chef Gabe Hebert uncover corruption behind his father’s murder. A “hair-raising” opener (HookedToBooks). - Beneath Dark Waters (August 2023, Berkley)
ADA Kaj Cardozo and PI Val Sorensen stop a kidnapper targeting his son. A “pulse-pounding” sequel (FictionDB). - Buried Too Deep (August 2024, Berkley)
PI Phin Bishop and archivist Cora Winslow thwart a killer tied to a 20-year-old murder. A “riveting” addition (Goodreads).
San Diego Series (2023–2025)
Three novels set in San Diego, featuring detective Kit McKittrick and psychologist Sam Reeves.
- Cold-Blooded Liar (February 2023, Berkley)
Detective Kit McKittrick and psychologist Sam Reeves investigate a patient’s claims about an unsolved serial murder. A “scorching” start (FictionDB). - Cheater (February 2024, Berkley)
Kit McKittrick and Sam Reeves probe murders in a retirement community, uncovering a high-stakes conspiracy. A “high-stakes” thriller (FictionDB). - Dead Man’s List (March 2025, Berkley)
Kit McKittrick and Sam Reeves tackle a case tied to a serial killer’s list, facing new dangers. The latest in the series, praised as “gripping” (Amazon).
Upcoming Release
- A Knife in the Back (August 2025, Berkley)
A new San Diego novel, details sparse, but expect Rose’s signature suspense and romance. Pre-order available (karenrosebooks.com).
Additional Novella (2024)
- The White Picket Fence (August 2024, Headline, novella)
Set in Philadelphia/Atlanta, this ebook-only novella revisits the Vartanian series, tying to Kill for Me. Details are limited, but it’s a “chilling” bonus (FantasticFiction.com).
Reading Karen Rose’s Books: Tips and Guidance
- Primary Reading Order: Read all 35 books in publication order (1–35) for the best experience, as it matches the chronological timeline and tracks recurring characters (e.g., Abe Reagan from Chicago to Baltimore) without spoilers (MysterySequels.com). Each novel is a standalone case with new protagonists, but background details enrich the experience.
- Subseries by City: Alternatively, read by city-based subseries (Chicago, Baltimore, etc.), but follow publication order within each (e.g., You Belong to Me before No One Left to Tell in Baltimore). This approach risks spoilers for other cities’ characters (HookedToBooks.com).
- Novellas: Dirty Secrets (7) and Broken Silence (16) are ebook-only, with Broken Silence tied to Did You Miss Me? (15). The White Picket Fence (35) links to Kill for Me (10). Read novellas after their related novels (FictionDB).
- Content: Romantic suspense with graphic violence (murders, trafficking), psychological tension, and moderate spice (2–3/5 per romance.io). Suitable for adults; trigger warnings for abuse, assault, and trauma. Themes include justice, survival, and love, with “multidimensional characters” (HookedToBooks.com).
- Starting Point: Begin with Don’t Tell (1) for Rose’s debut and Chicago’s introduction, You Belong to Me (13) for Baltimore’s intensity, or Cold-Blooded Liar (31) for a recent series. Silent Scream (12) is a RITA-winning favorite (Goodreads).
- Out-of-Print Issues: Broken Silence and Dirty Secrets are ebook-only and scarce in print, per fan complaints (BookSeriesInOrder.com). Check Amazon or InterMix for digital copies.
- Adaptations: No major film/TV adaptations yet, but rumors of Don’t Tell screen projects persist (BookSeriesInOrder.com). Books remain true to Rose’s vision.
Where to Find Karen Rose’s Books
Available in hardcover, paperback, e-book, audiobook, and large print through:
- Retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks, PangoBooks.
- Libraries: Most stock Don’t Tell, You Belong to Me, and Quarter to Midnight.
- Digital Platforms: Kindle, Audible, Kobo, Libby, OverDrive. Many titles on Kindle Unlimited (Amazon.co.uk).
- Official Website: karenrosebooks.com for signed copies, excerpts, and A Knife in the Back updates.
- Secondhand: eBay UK, ThriftBooks for used copies ($3–10). Free U.S. shipping on orders over $15 (ThriftBooks).
Follow Rose on X (@KarenRoseBooks), Instagram (@karenrosebooks), or her newsletter for literacy advocacy events and release news.
Why Karen Rose’s Books Resonate
Rose’s 32 books, with Don’t Tell earning 4.2/5 from 232,000+ Goodreads ratings, captivate for their “chilling plots and addictive characters” (bookrom.com). Silent Scream and I’m Watching You won RITA Awards, while Quarter to Midnight hit #1 in South Africa (karenrosebooks.com). Fans on X laud her “terrifying villains” and “realistic romance,” though some note dense subplots (Goodreads). Living in Florida with her husband of 30+ years, two daughters, and pets (Loki, Freya, Bella), Rose’s passions—karate, knitting, cooking—infuse her grounded characters. Her advocacy for literacy and meticulous research elevate her work, making each novel a “riveting” journey (Lisa Gardner).
Final Thoughts
Karen Rose’s bibliography, from Don’t Tell (2003) to Dead Man’s List (2025), delivers heart-pounding romantic suspense across 35 novels and novellas. Start with Don’t Tell for her Chicago roots, Silent Scream for a RITA-winning thriller, or Cold-Blooded Liar for San Diego’s fresh start. Read in publication order (1–35) to avoid spoilers and follow recurring characters like Mia Mitchell or Grayson Smith, or explore by city subseries for a focused dive. With A Knife in the Back due August 2025, Rose’s universe of crime, love, and survival keeps expanding. Dive into her “unputdownable” world (RT Book Reviews) for a thrilling ride.