Karen Robards

Karen Robards is a New York Times bestselling author known for romantic suspense novels and historical romances. She has published over 50 books since beginning her career in 1981. Originally focused on historical romance, Robards shifted primarily to contemporary romantic suspense in the 1990s. Her work frequently features strong female protagonists, often in law enforcement or legal professions, who find themselves in dangerous situations while becoming romantically involved. Many of Robards' novels have achieved spots on major bestseller lists, including The Last Victim, Justice, and Shattered. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. The author holds a law degree from the University of Kentucky and draws on this background for several of her legal thrillers. Robards continues to write and publish regularly, with her more recent works including The Black Swan of Paris and The Girl From Guernica.

Readers highlight Robards' ability to blend suspense with romance, particularly praising her fast-paced plotting and chemistry between lead characters. Many note her skill at writing strong female protagonists who balance professional capabilities with emotional depth. What readers liked: - Detailed research in historical settings - Consistent tension throughout stories - Complex character relationships - Balance of romance and action elements What readers disliked: - Predictable plot resolutions - Similar character types across different books - Some find the violence too graphic - Later books follow repetitive formulas Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: Average 3.9/5 across all titles - Amazon: 4.2/5 average for recent releases - BookBub: 4.1/5 overall author rating One reader on Goodreads notes: "She excels at creating believable danger while developing the romantic relationship naturally." An Amazon reviewer critiques: "Recent books feel rushed compared to her earlier work, with less attention to character development." Many long-time fans prefer her earlier historical romances to her contemporary suspense novels.

Nobody's Angel - A woman running from an abusive marriage finds herself caught between a mysterious stranger and a dangerous conspiracy in a small Kentucky town.

Walking After Midnight - A police psychologist helps a troubled detective investigate a serial killer targeting women in New Orleans.

One Summer - A teacher returns to her hometown and becomes entangled in uncovering the truth about a decades-old murder while reconnecting with her first love.

Scandalous - A historical romance set in London where a lady's companion gets drawn into a web of intrigue involving a murder and a handsome nobleman.

To Trust A Stranger - A widow discovers her late husband's secret life and must work with a private investigator to protect herself from dangerous people seeking revenge.

Paradise County - A veterinarian investigates mysterious horse deaths in Kentucky while dealing with threats to her own life.

Maggy's Child - A woman fights to protect her young son from his father, a dangerous criminal who has discovered their whereabouts.

Ghost Moon - A successful businesswoman returns to her family's Louisiana plantation and confronts both supernatural occurrences and an old romance.

Beachcomber - A woman staying at a beach house becomes the target of a serial killer while developing feelings for her enigmatic neighbor.

Superstition - A police chief investigates ritualistic murders in a small South Carolina town while confronting her own traumatic past.

Sandra Brown writes romantic suspense with elements of crime and mystery, focusing on strong female protagonists facing dangerous situations. Her books feature similar pacing and tension to Robards, with romance developing alongside complex investigations.

Linda Howard combines romantic suspense with alpha male heroes and independent heroines in contemporary settings. Her work includes both standalone novels and series that merge danger, mystery, and relationship development.

Lisa Jackson produces suspense thrillers with romantic elements and serial killer storylines. Her books feature police procedural details and parallel plotting techniques where past crimes connect to present investigations.

Iris Johansen creates suspense novels featuring forensic sculptors, law enforcement personnel, and other professionals drawn into criminal investigations. Her Eve Duncan series demonstrates comparable story structures with recurring characters and romantic subplots.

Tami Hoag writes crime thrillers incorporating romance and psychological suspense elements. Her books focus on detectives and investigators solving brutal crimes while navigating personal relationships.