I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Knife in the Back by Karen Rose Series: New Orleans #4
Published by Berkley on August 12, 2025
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Officer Naomi Cranston was framed for stealing cocaine from the evidence locker and coerced—through threats to her young son—into not fighting the charges. After five years in prison, she has tried to put the ordeal behind her, but the crooks who framed her have returned, this time demanding she move drugs along with her flower shop’s deliveries. They threaten her son once again, but this time she’s not capitulating quietly. She hires Broussard Investigations to protect her and her son, to prove her innocence, and to put the real bad guys away.
As a former cop, Burke Broussard is well aware of the corruption in the New Orleans police department. He had always believed Naomi Cranston to be guilty and isn’t inclined to take her case. Until he sits down to listen to her side of things. Until he sees her tortured innocence written all over her beautiful face…
A relationship born amid an investigation is a fragile thing. Will it survive the danger and the threats? Will it survive the truth?
Rose weaves a top notch suspenseful tale from start to finish! With the fourth book in her riveting New Orleans series, we head back to Broussard Investigations for a case that turns the agency upside down as trust is questioned, danger is around every corner and everything they thought they knew goes right out the door. I loved the lead up of Naomi’s case and how the storyline evolved into so much more than just that one case including a connection with Burke. Visiting the family that this team of co-workers has become is always a pleasure and seeing them connect on an even tighter level was special. The characters were well developed, the plot was mildly twisty and intriguing at first and them a major secret plays out that really turns it all on it’s head. I loved every minute and can’t wait to see this team again!
I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a whodunnit with lots of build up and secrets that always plays out to a happily ever after for at least some of them throughout the story.
