By Peter de Kuster
Introduction: When the Past Haunts, Who Will You Trust?
Karen Rose’s Cheater plunges readers into the sun-drenched yet sinister world of Shady Oaks Retirement Village, where Detective Kit McKittrick confronts a killer preying on the vulnerable. As Kit navigates a labyrinth of lies, stolen legacies, and a slow-burning romance with psychologist Dr. Sam Reeves, her journey mirrors every creative leader’s battle: you are the storyteller of your own life. Will you cling to the safety of half-truths, or will you unmask the cheaters—including the ones within yourself?
Plot Summary: From Secrets to Redemption
When a decorated former cop is found stabbed in his Shady Oaks apartment, Det. Kit McKittrick uncovers a web of theft, exploitation, and murder targeting the elderly. Teaming with Dr. Sam Reeves—whose volunteer work at the retirement home hides a simmering connection to Kit—she races to stop a killer profiting from stolen assets and silenced voices.
As bodies pile up and red herrings mislead, Kit’s resolve is tested: her growing feelings for Sam clash with her fear of vulnerability, while the killer’s identity hides in plain sight. A second murder and the discovery of a massive fraud scheme force Kit to confront her own demons—including her belief that she’s “not enough” for love or leadership. In a climactic showdown, Kit exposes the killer, reconciles her heart with her duty, and learns that trust, like truth, demands courage.
The Hero’s Journey in Cheater
Reflections for Creative Leaders at Every Stage
| Stage | Novel Moment | Reflection for Creative Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ordinary World | Kit’s routine investigations, avoiding emotional entanglements | Where are you playing it safe to avoid vulnerability? |
| 2. Call to Adventure | The stabbed retiree’s murder at Shady Oaks | What crisis is forcing you to step outside your comfort zone? |
| 3. Refusal of the Call | Kit’s reluctance to involve Sam, fearing distraction | When has self-doubt held you back from collaboration? |
| 4. Meeting the Mentor | Sam’s insights into the retirees’ hidden lives | Who helps you see the stories beneath the surface? |
| 5. Crossing the Threshold | Kit accepts Sam’s partnership, risking emotional exposure | What bold alliance have you avoided due to fear? |
| 6. Tests, Allies, Enemies | False leads, a second murder, and the fraud scheme | Who are your true collaborators, and what distractions mislead you? |
| 7. Approach to the Inmost Cave | Discovering the stolen assets and killer’s motive | What hard truth about your work or self must you confront? |
| 8. Ordeal | Sam’s near-death; Kit’s confession of inadequacy | When have you faced failure that reshaped your purpose? |
| 9. Reward | Exposing the killer, recovering stolen assets | What strength emerges when you embrace vulnerability? |
| 10. The Road Back | Kit’s choice to trust Sam personally and professionally | How do you rebuild after a crisis? |
| 11. Resurrection | Solving the case and admitting her feelings for Sam | How has authenticity transformed your leadership? |
| 12. Return with the Elixir | Kit’s renewed self-worth and commitment to truth | What wisdom will you carry forward? |
Conclusion: The Courage to Rewrite Your Narrative
Cheater is a masterclass in leading with vulnerability. Kit’s journey teaches that true strength lies not in perfection, but in the willingness to confront the cheaters—both external and internal. For creative leaders, the lesson is clear: your legacy is forged not in control, but in the courage to trust, collaborate, and own your story.
Questions to Take Away
- Where in your life are you “cheating” yourself by avoiding hard truths?
- What “Shady Oaks” (seemingly safe spaces) hide toxic systems needing dismantling?
- How does fear of inadequacy limit your collaborations?
- What story will you tell about your next crisis?
- How can trust become your superpower?
Story Coaching Offer: Rewrite Your Leadership Legend
For leaders ready to:
- Transform self-doubt into self-trust and isolation into collaboration
- Unearth the “cheaters” in their personal and professional narratives
- Turn crises into stories that inspire teams and audiences
Benefits
- Identify your archetypes (Kit’s tenacity, Sam’s empathy, the retirees’ resilience)
- Reframe “Shady Oaks” moments (career stagnation) as catalysts for reinvention
- Develop strategies to lead with authenticity and connection
Pricing
- Full Story Coaching Session (2 hours): €295 (excl. VAT)
- Express Session (1 hour): €195 (excl. VAT)
Contact: peter@wearesomeone.nl
You are the detective. The storyteller. The legacy in motion.
The next page of your legend starts here.
What is Your Story? 