Kat Edwards Literary Fiction
Sugar Pine Publishing
Welcome to the world of The Riley Brighton thriller series.
The Bublish links below are excerpts from book one: Deep Trauma.


Wow! I don’t often read thriller/mystery stories, but I am glad I took the time to read this one. Deep Trauma by Kat Edwards is an exciting roller-coaster ride from page one and you better hold on tight. All the way to the end. The story follows Riley Brighton, an ED physician, who comes across a fatal motorcycle accident. However, there are similarities between this unfortunate soul and that of a previous homicide victim, from the same stretch of highway. Is someone trying to kill LA’s homeless trans teens? The coincidences keep stacking up and Riley gets embroiled in an investigation involving friends, associates, and previous medical cases. Riley’s passion for fixing the world’s injustices is palpable. I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced thriller that zips Riley, and the reader, through the streets of Los Angeles as she attempts to find a killer. The story line is so well constructed; I was trying to guess the suspect’s identity throughout. All the secondary characters are fully developed and believable – you will come to care for them all, and some may even pull at your heartstrings more than others. Riley is truly a likeable character. She is someone you will want to cheer for, stand up for, and fight for, especially with the underlying drama at her work. If you are looking for a thriller with elements of medical drama, ethics, and co-worker struggles, look no further. This view into the dark, gritty, unfortunate, and unforgiving life of LA’s homeless and trans population will hold your interest and not disappoint. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did! I can’t wait for the next book in the series! Review by Terri - verified purchase June, 2025
katedwards@sugarpinepublishing.com
Portfolio


When the Smoke Clears
The first novel in Where There is Smoke series, explores generational trauma, triumph and personal resolve through mystery and intrigue.
When the Smoke Clears is the debut novel by Kat Edwards, marking the beginning of the captivating Where There is Smoke series. In this compelling work, Edwards delves into the depths of generational trauma, triumph, and personal resilience, all while unraveling a gripping mystery filled with intrigue. With deft storytelling and skillful character development, Edwards takes readers on a thought-provoking journey of self-discovery and healing. Through the pages of this novel, readers are invited to explore the complex emotions and experiences that shape our lives, while also delving into the secrets that lie beneath the surface. When the Smoke Clears is an engrossing tale that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this enthralling series.
Company
Paperback and eBook now available at most major retail sites including Amazon, Barns and Noble, and Ingram.
eBook available at Kobo, Google Play, iTunes and Barns and Noble
“In When the Smoke Clears, a raw and atmospheric novel, Kat Edwards examines the layers of grief and generational trauma with a touch so deft it’s almost restorative.”— It feels as though the reader is helping the author unpack a box of family memorabilia, slowly removing the wrapping from each beloved item and listening to the different characters form their separate conclusions from what’s revealed. IndieReader
“[A] sensitive, surprising mystery of orphan sisters facing their past…. When the Smoke Clears will move and surprise readers of tangled but humane family thrillers.” —BookLifet
“Kat Edwards' When the Smoke Clears is an exciting and well-written story… The story's progression was extremely thrilling…and I was not disappointed with the way it turned out. "Overall, this was an intriguing and enjoyable read. Excellent work!" —Readers' Favorite Review
About
Learn more about Kat Edwards Literary Fiction at Sugar Pine Publishing, a platform for prosaic fiction focused on women's issues, resiliency, and personal triumph through mystery and intrigue.


Kat Edwards
Get in touch with Kat Edwards Literary Fiction at SugarPine Publishing
katedwards@sugarpinepublishing.com

