Karen Rose Books in Order – Complete List
New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose’s books fall under the umbrella of the Romantic Suspense books series. However, they can be further classified based on their location (Chicago, North Carolina, Cincinnati, etc). In addition, she also has a new series apart from her main set of novels set in San Diego.
Here are all the Karen Rose books in order of publication, chronology, and location in separate series.
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All of Karen Rose’s books take place in the same universe and are connected. However, they are separated into series by their location. The location-based series are listed further down.
Chicago Books in Publication Order
- Don’t Tell, 2003
- Have You Seen Her?, 2004
- I’m Watching You, 2004
- Nothing to Fear, 2005
- You Can’t Hide, 2006
- Count to Ten, 2007
St. Petersburg Books in Publication Order
This is a novella that was initially included in an anthology called Hot Pursuit in 2004. The novella, set in St. Petersburg, was reissued separately in 2014.
- Dirty Secrets, 2004
Philadelphia / Atlanta Books in Publication Order
Aka the Daniel Vartanian Series
- Die For Me, 2007
- Scream For Me, 2008
- Kill For Me, 2009
- White Pickett Fence, 2024
Minneapolis Books in Publication Order
- I Can See You, 2009
- Silent Scream, 2010
Baltimore Books in Publication Order
- You Belong To Me, 2011
- No One Left To Tell, 2012
- Did You Miss Me?, 2012
- Broken Silence (#3.5), 2013
- Watch Your Back, 2013
- Monster in the Closet, 2017
- Death is Not Enough, 2018
Cincinnati Books in Publication Order
- Closer Than You Think, 2014
- Alone in the Dark, 2015
- Every Dark Corner, 2016
- Edge of Darkness, 2017
- Into the Dark, 2019
Sacramento Books in Publication Order
- Say You’re Sorry, 2019
- Say No More, 2020
- Say Goodbye, 2021
New Orleans Books in Publication Order
- Quarter to Midnight, 2022
- Beneath Dark Waters, 2023
- Buried Too Deep, 2024
San Diego Case Files Books in Publication Order
- Cold Blooded Liar, 2023
- Cheater, 2024
- Dead Man’s List, 2025
Short Stories
- Dirty Secrets, 2004
- Broken Silence, 2013
Anthologies
- Hot Pursuit (includes Dirty Secrets), 2004 (with Annie Soloman, and Carla Cassidy)
Romantic Suspense Books in Reading Order
All the Romantic Suspense universe novels in order of reading as given on the author’s website
- Don’t Tell (#1) 2003
- Have You Seen Her? (#2), 2004
- I’m Watching You (#3), 2004
- Nothing to Fear (#4), 2005
- Dirty Secrets (#4.5), 2004
- You Can’t Hide (#5), 2006
- Count to Ten (#6), 2007
- Die For Me (#7), 2007
- Scream For Me (#8), 2008
- Kill For Me (#9), 2009
- I Can See You (#10), 2009
- Silent Scream (#11), 2010
- You Belong To Me (#12), 2011
- No One Left To Tell (#13), 2012
- Did You Miss Me? (#14), 2012
- Broken Silence (#14.5), 2013
- Watch Your Back (#15), 2013
- Closer Than You Think (#16), 2014
- Alone in the Dark (#17), 2015
- Every Dark Corner (#18), 2016
- Monster in the Closet (#19), 2017
- Edge of Darkness (#20), 2017
- Death is Not Enough (#21), 2018
- Say You’re Sorry (#22), 2019
- Into the Dark (#23), 2019
- Say No More (#24), 2020
- Say Goodbye (#25), 2021
- Quarter to Midnight (#26), 2022
- Cold Blooded Liar (#27), 2023
- Beneath Dark Waters (#28), 2023
- Cheater (#29), 2024
- Buried Too Deep (#30), 2024
- The White Picket Fence (#30.5), 2024
- Dead Man’s List, 2025
Karen Rose Biography
Internationally bestselling author Karen Rose was born Karen Rose Hafer in 1964 in Baltimore, Maryland. She grew up in a small town outside of Washington D.C.
When she was 17, she met her future husband with whom she moved to Cincinnati, Ohio right after graduating from the University of Maryland. She graduated with a major in chemical engineering.
Later, Karen worked for several years in the pharmaceutical industry as an engineer for a large consumer goods company, while also working as a high school chemistry and physics teacher. At some point, she changed her career and started writing books.
First, she wrote romance novels, but soon she changed directions and began writing books in the romantic suspense genre. This could give her more freedom in tackling complex characters and plotlines.
She published her debut suspense novel, Don’t Tell, in July 2003. Readers and critics immediately well received it, and it soon established Karen Rose as a rising star in the romantic thriller genre. After Don’t Tell, Karen Rose wrote and published several other novels, including Have You Seen Her? and I’m Watching You, both of which became international bestsellers.
The book is also the first of the author’s huge Romantic Suspense series. This is the actual name of the series with books spread into mini-series across the same universe.
Her stories are full of intense action, a serial killer or two, and even steamy romance. All her books are set in the same universe and are only split into multiple series based on their location.
Her books are considered romantic thrillers and suspense, a genre that I enjoy reading when I want to pick up something lighter than the hardcore thrillers and crime mysteries I usually spend my time with.
Edge of Darkness is my favorite book in the Cincinnati series. The two main characters are Adam Kimble, a homicide detective, and Meredith Fallon, a child psychologist. The two had a short relationship in the past. Now, when they met again, they discovered that their feelings for each other were just as strong as before.
Meredith works with sexually abused children. While out celebrating her success with a patient, there is an attempt on her life, but she is unharmed. While trying to figure out who shot her, Adam is there for her, wanting nothing more than protect her with his life.
Both Meredith and Adam are “damaged goods” (some of the previous Cincinnati books go more in-depth into it) and, somehow, they manage to have deep feelings for each other. These feelings might just be what saves them both.
In addition, in 2023, Karen Rose started a new San Diego series, which features homicide detective Kit McKittrick and the kind-hearted psychologist who treats court-ordered clients, Sam Reeves. The series has currently two books.
Despite her success, Karen Rose is challenging herself to better her craft from book to book. She has a strong attention to detail, and she does in-depth research for each of her stories. Often she spends months doing research on topics and places for any of her books.
Having read pretty much all of the Karen Rose novels (except for the last one and a novella), I can safely say yes, it’s best to read the Karen Rose novels in the proper order. The reason is that several characters appear in various novels, and they don’t always correspond to the location/book setting.
If you read them out of order, you might find yourself lacking a few background details that make reading the books much more entertaining.
Sure, you can read them as you get them as well, but your enjoyment will not be as full, simply because some books nicely wrap up events that have taken place in previous books in the various location series (e.g. the Baltimore series, etc).
Classifying Karen Rose’s books in reading order is not as easy as it seems, because various characters appear in several novels, and there are also place relationships between books.
For example, some of the books are set in Minneapolis, others in Baltimore, and yet others in Atlanta, Cincinnati, St. Petersburg, and Chicago.
As for characters, many recurring ones pop in and out of books in different sub-series, such as Ethan Buchanan, psychiatrist Tess Ciccotelli and her brother Detective Vito Ciccotelli, Special Agent Steven Thatcher, Dana Dupinsky Buchanan, Detective Mia Mitchell, David Hunter, Detective Abe Reagan, and ASA Kristen Mayhew, to name just a few.
I think the best way to classify the books is based on the location/setting. In addition, the books are listed in chronological order, with the publication date listed in brackets at the end.
Have you read any of Karen Rose’s books and if yes, what did you think of them?
Besides writing, New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose is a strong advocate for literacy and education. Over the years, she has been involved in several activities to promote literacy and reading among children and adults. She also regularly participates in speaking events that promote such causes. Karen Rose is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. I’ve been reading her books ever since I came across her first novel, Don’t Tell, back in 2003 when I got hooked on her stories.
A former high school teacher of physics and chemistry turned bestselling author, Karen lives in Florida with her husband, their two children, and the family cat, Bella.
Karen Rose Awards and Nominations
- Die for Me – RT Reviewers Choice Award for best romantic suspense, in 2007
- I’m Watching You – RITA Award for best romantic suspense, in 2005
- Kill for Me – RT Reviewers Choice Award for Contemporary Mystery, 2009
- Silent Scream – RITA Award for Best Romantic Suspense, 2011
Her books have been so far translated into over 20 languages and have been featured on various bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, London’s Sunday Times, and Germany’s Der Spiegel.
Ik luister graag naar de boeken van Karen Rose bevallen mij uitstekend.
Hoop dat zij blijft doorgaan.
Thought I had read them all and just realized a couple more have been published. Love them all and have re-read them all. Thank you Karen Rose for many enjoyable reads
Only recently started ready her books.Love it
Have read all the books. Mainly in series order,but have them in numerical order.
Love all the characters and other than Mia (count to 10), have sort of got them in order in my mind.
Hoping there are more to come with these characters.
Just introduced to Karen Rose books……I hope I can continue to find them …she kept me involved from beginning to end!
Have read all the books in order and find that some stories are almost a rehash of others! Don’t get me wrong, love the books but the crimes are all solved within a few days and most of the couples to fall for each other way too quickly – just spread it out further – yes it happens but not at this level. Some of the men come across as sexual predators with the thoughts and the way they pursue the women. Most of the characters have ridiculous backgrounds end up with equally dysfunctional partners
I love all of her books, don’t really have a favourite book but love Deacon and Faith also Danni. i have read all of them but haven’tread all of them in order which was a bit annoying did manage to catch up with who the characters were and which books they were from. I’ve just finished Say no more and can’t wait to get her new book and find out which characters old and new are in it.
I have read all her books! Just purchased Say No More. Would love to read the two in kindle form but I am hearing impaired. Love, love her style!
Karen Rose – excellent read and I have nearly read all of them, can’t wait for her next book
I am just starting the last book in the series. I enjoyed the series completely. Hoping another book is in the works. I love all the characters.
straight into the bin,to many people, to complicated,couldnt keep up,ripped two books up and into the bin,and hardly got started,read reviews on 2nd karen rose book,same said,to many complicated people,that went in bin.now reading reviews saying must read in order has put me right off,ive about 10 other karen rose books thinking of just putting them in bin,but may give them away,to much like hard work,better things to do in life,wanted to get back into reading and i must say her books have put me right off,prologue was good in death is not enough,but then 19 years later i just lost the plot within a few pages and thought,no Dave this is to complicated,ripped it up and in the bin.try another writer to suit my simple needs.
I have read every book written by Karen Rose. Loved them all. Yes these should be read in order as the characters become almost like family. They are the type of reading that you can’t put down. Waited & waited for Dani & Diesel’s, excellent as expected. Enjoying new Sacramento series too.
I have walked many miles listening to her books. I am just finishing Dani and Diesels story and all I can say is Wow and ahhhhhhhhh. Have already preordered Say No More. Have loved her books from the very first one I read. Highly recommended and must read in order.
I really really enjoy Karen Rose books and have 18 so far. I do have a question though, is it normal practice for the ME to contact the detectives when he/she has c found something and have them drop everything and rush to the mortuary to get news they could have got over the phone ?
My favorite series of books! I’m so glad Karen Rose was recommended to me!
Please bring back
Deacon and Faith. I presume they get married as I read that Faith was pregnant. I love all the books and Closer than you Think is the latest one I have read. Are there more in the Cincinnati Series?
Totally love her style of writing… you can feel the emotional electricity between her characters … Karen you are awesome.. my favourite so far and I’ve read a few is Don’t tell … just wow.. Almost finished, You Belong to Me, and have it sitting on top of Alone in the Dark, hoping it’s as fabulous as You Belong to Me is .. off to the book store today as my husband has read all of the Karen Rose books we have in the house, a firm favourite author.. if you haven’t read them, why not? Must reads
Love all her books. Thank you for the list, it really helps to keep them all in sequence. Can’t wait to get more.
I have all the books now, just started Nothing to Fear,
Absolutely love Karen Rose.
I loved Nothing to Fear as well.
I absolutely love Karen’s books, I feel as if I am in the book, I get so engrossed in them, and nothing else matters,i love the characters, and all their personalities, and I just can’t wait until the next book finally comes out,thank you Karen rose.
Just started reading Karen Rose on my second book and can’t put it down .If the rest of the books are as good there will be no sleep for a long time
These sound like an interesing read. I haven’t had the chance to check them out yet.
They are great reads well worth the it
I am listening to Watch Your Back as I write. I have read others out of order so this list is just what I was looking for. The names Ethan and Faith ring bells – my memory has waved bye-bye so I can re-read books or listen to CD’s
I have read all her books except the latest one “Alone in the Dark.” I hope Ms Rose can see these comments because i’m begging her to bring back Deacon and Faith again. I can’t get enough of those two, they light up the pages and Faith is such a comical character. Please please bring back Deacon and Faith (Closer than you Think). Thank you for all the sleepless nights that i couldn’t put your books down, that is a compliment not a complaint.
I am addicted to Karen Rose Books and am currently reading “Alone in the Dark”. I am so worried that I have only one more to read then I will be waiting for Karen to get cracking on another one. Please hurry Karen !!!
Just finished reading “Every dark corner” Karen Rose books are a don’t put down pleasure, They draw you in, the
characters are human and flawed, which makes them so addictive.
I love Karen Rose and have read loads of her books – but randomly. Recently Die for me, Scream for me, Kill for me. Its more than a trilogy…its like one massive book. So addictive and indulgent. Big question is should I now read others in a sequel? Are there any other fixed trilogy type series?
I have read all her books. Just loved everyone, especially the Baltimore series! Keep on writing please!!!
And yes, read them in order.
When is the next new book out as I’m suffering from withdrawal symptoms xx
I love Karen Rose books & am waiting for the newest one to e released! She is a terrific writer & all her books are well worth waiting for!
One of a few authors where I would find it difficult to pick a favourite book. I have enjoyed all of them and can’t wait for the next book to be released.
I’ve read them all and am on the last book, really enjoyed them. When is the next one please?
The next one is called Every Dark Corner and it will come out early next year, in 2017.
I am a avid fan having read all her books always waiting for the next new book.
read 1 book, absolutey glued to every page, have since bought everything else I can find. Her books are gripping & I can’t put them down until I’ve read the last page, then I just want to start the next 1!
Just finished Did you miss me. I want to point out an error. Page 500 of 534 says Too late she saw …….punctured her sons neck. Later on page 515 it says Suv…….the needle in his arm???? Was it arm or neck. I adore this author and have almost finished all of her books so I hope she’s busy writing 🙂 Cheers Jo
I love reading all of your novels. where can I buy ” kill for me”..
Karen your books have been great up until the last book. Closer than you think–had too much filler that you smothered the story. Forget what Faith says. Leave out the junk and keep writing the same way did before the last book. All that extra stuff is boring and unnecessary. We all love the way you have been writing not with all the stuff that has nothing to do with the story except fill pages.
I’M In love with Karen Rose books . I have read all her books.I am looking for The book title Broken Silence any ideas where I CAN get it from . I need this book badly .
Try looking for it on Amazon or EBay. You an also ask your neighborhood book store to order a copy for you.
just read my first book closer than you think, can’t put in down love her style of writing. Read every day and can’t wait to read more of her books.
I have just seen ‘Closer than you think’ and will buy it next week, I have read all Karen Rose books in order and can’t wait to read the latest, they are easy to follow, I carry a list of all the books, cross them off when read, add new ones when published, cross them off when read, that way you don’t miss any if you get muddled with the titles, like me.
I absolutely love all Karen Rose books and have just treated myself to ‘closer than you think’ which isn’t on the list and I didn’t know it was coming out 🙂 happy reading.
just seen ‘closer than you think’ will buy it next week, have read all the others in order, loved every one, can’t wait.
I’m a bit confused in what order to read these books have read several Karen Rose books but don’t seem to flow as I would like can you please let me know the order ? Cheers
I have read 4 of Karen’s books. I read” I can see you” first as I was visiting my husband at work in Saudi Arabia. Picked it up and couldn’t put it down. No more of hers in works library. Couldn’t wait to get home to download more onto my Kindle. Tend to alternate them with Lesley Pearse a very diverse author. Thanks and keep up the good work
I love karen rose books. The stories are amazing , you are sat on the edge of your seat. I’ve seen myself stay awake till 3 am just to finish her books. Roll on the next book x
I love her books but I should love a map of the relationships. I come across Abe or David or Dana etc and know I have met them before!
If you haven’t read a Karen rose book you haven’t lived love them all fantastic reading
I have read every book written by Karen Rose, I am getting impatient waiting for the next one.
I have read 95% of her books and absolutely adore her. I love her characters and of course the romantic side is very enjoyable.
I just read my first book by Karen about 1 month ago, have read 6 since and have picked up more until I get every one. I just love her!! I just wished it hadn’t taken me so long to find her.
I have all Karen Rose Books, they just get better and better their fab, I have just finished her latest book Closer than you think wow what a read, I can’t wait for her new book Alone in the Dark which is a continuation of Closer Than You Think.
I enjoy your books when is your next book please
Where’s the next book???????
Read everything……………………
C’mon now, hanging here………….
“Watch Your Back” was the first Karen Rose book I’ve read. I’m a fairly eclectic reader, reading everything from car manuals and cookbooks (like a novel) to history and suspense thrillers, so I don’t always go back and read everything that one author has written. However, Karen Rose will be an exception. I can’t wait to find a copy of “Don’t Tell” and get my 16 book marathon started.