By Caitlin Rother | Katrina & Goode, Book 1
Publication Date: February 1, 2026
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Hooked marks the explosive start of Caitlin Rother’s Katrina & Goode thriller series — a clever blend of murder mystery, investigative suspense, and sizzling character chemistry that will keep readers captivated from the first page to the last.
A Premise That Pulls You In
At the heart of Hooked are investigative reporter Katrina Chopin and surfing homicide detective Ken Goode, two complex protagonists whose lives collide in more ways than one. Their first encounter sparks immediate attraction — born from shared experiences of loss and life’s harder lessons — but soon they find themselves on opposite sides of a high-profile double homicide in the affluent seaside community of La Jolla Farms.
Two biotech executives involved in a controversial sexual enhancement drug have been found dead under suspicious circumstances. Goode, ever the meticulous detective, notices inconsistencies in the forensic evidence. Katrina, digging for her next big story, begins uncovering layers of secrets that suggest the case isn’t what it seems.
Their pursuit of truth intertwines with personal danger — including a mysterious stalker from Katrina’s past — threatening both their careers and their lives. As the puzzle pieces fall into place, the idyllic veneer of La Jolla’s paradise fractures to reveal a corrupt and deadly underbelly.
Why This Thriller Works
Hooked isn’t just another procedural. What sets it apart:
📌 Dual Protagonists With Depth
Rother balances emotional vulnerability with professional grit. Katrina is driven by her instincts as a journalist; Goode anchors the story with methodical detective work — both wrestling with personal history as much as the case at hand.
📌 Romantic Tension Meets Professional Stakes
The chemistry between the leads adds an enticing layer of complexity. Their attraction, often at odds with their objectives, fuels tension and keeps readers invested in both the romance and the investigation.
📌 A Setting That Feels Alive
Set against the sun-soaked backdrop of Southern California, the contrast between beauty and brutality mirrors the novel’s core mystery — what happens when perfection hides peril.
What Early Response Is Saying
Advance praise from fellow authors highlights Hooked’s gripping plot and compelling characters:
“Smart, gritty and intricately plotted… the chemistry between Katrina and Goode is electric.”
— Christina McDonald, USA Today bestselling author.
“Sunshine, murder, and money — Hooked has it all.”
— Jaime Parker Stickle, author of Vicious Cycle.
Final Thoughts
Hooked is an enthralling start to what promises to be a dynamic new series that appeals to fans of crime thrillers, character-driven mysteries, and slow-burn romantic tension. Whether you’re drawn by complex investigations or compelling characters, Caitlin Rother delivers a story that invites readers to unravel its layers — and stay hooked until the very end.
