Hooked

A Thriller (Katrina & Goode, Book 1)

By: Caitlin Rother

Narrated by: Jacob Bruce, Jennifer O'Donnell

In this suspenseful thriller by Caitlin Rother, a journalist and cop fight a sexual attraction as they join forces to expose a layered scheme of dark and dangerous secrets.

When investigative reporter Katrina Chopin and surfing homicide detective Ken Goode lock eyes, there’s an immediate attraction. Sparks fly as they bond over cocktails, sharing their common experiences of being orphans and losing loved ones to suicide.

But the next time they meet, it’s from opposing sides of a high-profile case. Two biotech execs, whose company is developing a groundbreaking sexual enhancement drug, turn up dead in the wealthy seaside enclave of La Jolla Farms, where Goode can readily see that the forensic evidence doesn’t add up.

As they work their own angles, sometimes together and sometimes at odds, their growing attraction threatens to cost them their jobs—and their lives. As Katrina and Goode pursue answers behind these mysterious events, a secret stalker taunts Katrina with details of her tragic past, which takes her to the brink of death. But once the duo rips the mask away from this beautiful paradise, the corrupt underbelly behind all that glitters is revealed.

©2026 by Caitlin Rother. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Rother delivers a gripping expertly woven crime thriller from the first page. Hooked is a tense, multifaceted plot filled with murder, secrets, and a brilliantly plotted cover-up that keeps the pages flying.”—Audrey J. Cole, USA Today bestselling author of Missing in Flight

“Smart, gritty, and intricately plotted, this addictive police procedural features unforgettable characters and a plot that cuts as deep as it twists. The chemistry between investigative reporter Katrina Chopin and homicide detective Ken Goode is electric…and the plot multilayered, delving into corruption and the many masks it hides behind. I was hooked from the start!”—Christina McDonald, USA Today bestselling author

“Caitlin Rother sets the hook early and reels you in chapter by chapter in this fascinating murder mystery. Rother’s attention to detail and crime scene knowledge, which have made her the best true crime writer of our time, gives the novel a gritty sense of verisimilitude. Goode and Katrina are layered and complex characters who come together to make a formidable investigative team. I can’t wait to read about their next case!”—Matt Coyle, author of the bestselling Rick Cahill crime novels

Meh

First time listening to this author and narrators. I can’t pinpoint one thing that made reading this book boring: the plot or the narrators. I believe it took me 4 days to complete which may be short for some people but not for me. I’m willing to give the second book a chance in hopes that it keeps me motivated to complete.

Best Thriller of the Year

Loved the characters and the plot. The action was non-stop with the just right amount of romance. Loved the narration of the story. I could really imagine the scenes taking place. Looking forward to listening to more books from this author.

Couldn’t get past the female narrator

Seems like interesting premise and characters, but the female narrator’s odd pauses after each sentence (even with speeding up) were too distracting.

Good Story

I did enjoy this story but the FMC, not so much. She maintains a holier than thou mentality to getting a story out, regardless of the impact.

Great story, great characters

Loved the book. From the first few words I was hooked on this book. Lots of twists and turns in the story with interesting story. Funny, too, there were several times I laughed out loud. I highly recommend this book.