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Music has a strange way of becoming part of our memories.

Sometimes a song takes us back to a particular place, a particular person, or even a version of ourselves we haven't thought about in years.

The first rock-and-roll song I remember hearing was “Little Red Riding Hood.” I was with my dad in a diner, and somehow that song became attached to that memory forever.

Later, during some of the struggles of my young-adult years, “Dream Weaver” became one of those songs that stayed with me.

Then came...

Imagine one of these images is the cover of a book that doesn’t exist yet.

Which one would make you stop, pick up the book, and want to know more?

I’m always fascinated by the way a single image can start a story. A strange creature standing in a modern city. A dragon hidden deep in a forest. An isolated cabin beneath snowy mountains. A lighthouse at the edge of the sea. An island that may be hiding something. An old wagon wheel with a history no one remembers.

Or maybe the animal photographs...

A New 5-Star Review for The Girl in the Redwoods!

I was thrilled to receive this wonderful review from Reader Views.

One part especially stayed with me:

“While her stories have their own cadence, it’s as honest as a heartbeat and appropriate for the story.”

The reviewer, Terri, also described my writing as unusual, enjoyable, and wonderfully different across genres.

As an independent author, those words mean a great deal to me. I’ve never wanted every story to sound like every other book on the...

Not just once, but over and over, as if your mind was trying to tell you something.

What if one memory, one place, or one door kept returning in your dreams? Would you ignore it, or would you finally ask why?

That idea is part of what inspired Door in My Memories. Some dreams fade by morning. Others linger, quietly waiting, asking to be remembered.

I’d love to know: Have you ever had a dream that repeated itself, or one that felt too real to forget?

#DoorInMyMemories #KarenLWest #BookBlog...

Because the complete eBook is over 1,000 pages, it was too long to publish as a single paperback through Amazon. So, for readers who love holding a real book in their hands, I created a two-volume paperback edition.

You can now enjoy the complete story across two physical volumes, perfect for your bookshelf or your favorite reading chair.

Find the paperback edition here

I'm excited to announce that several of my old files and older books are back from the editors and ready to release on Amazon. All of them will be available as Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, Audiobooks, and Paperback.

Books 1 & 1 of the Howloifrea Chronicles Series 8/14/2026
Arena of the Lost Worlds - 8/18/2026
Sleepers of Earth - 9/10/2026
Door in My Memories - 9/30/2026 (or sooner)
Along with the long-awaited book 2 in the Rose and Clive Search and Rescue Thrillers, "LOST IN TURKEY RUN" later...

Check it out! Hometown Hero's Last Shot: An Indiana Small-Town Murder Mystery is this week's Reader Views Feature of the Week. Click here to see.

I’m thrilled to share that The Girl in the Redwoods has received the ACCI Literary Excellence Award for Best Mystery / Thriller / Suspense!

Rose and Clive’s journey through the California redwoods continues to surprise me with the recognition it has received, and I’m so grateful to everyone who has read, reviewed, and supported their story.

Thank you, Authors Connect Community International!

The Girl in the Redwoods

A Rose and Clive Search & Rescue Thriller

Thankfully football season is here. Ok pre-season . Hoping for a better showing from my dolphins and some shocked people for my Indiana Hoosiers!!! Don't forget this means basketball is around the corner!

Jubrozan Dragon Riders - Reader Views Editorial Reviews

Jubrozan Dragon Riders earned an editorial 5-Star rating from Reader Views. Here are a few things they mention.

"I don't remember ever seeing a cover for what is obviously a dragon-rider fantasy that also features a K-9 before. I'll admit it completely grabbed my attention, and when I read the blurb, I knew I was in for this story. I love a good story about damaged war vet and his or her often equally damaged K-9 partner. There are several...

I’m honored to have The Girl in the Redwoods featured in this week’s Reader Views Spotlight. Their review recognized the suspense, emotional depth, and unforgettable opening that made this story so special to me.

Download and read your copy today.

Book 2 in the Rose and Clive Search & Rescue Thriller, "Lost in Turkey Run" will be coming early 2027.

Karen L West is an award-winning author. The recipient of several Booky Awards and two ACCI Fiction-Literary Awards.

Her newest book, which is releasing August 1st. "When the Sky Turned Yellow," is recipient of the Booky Award for Best Alternative History.

She writes emotionally rich stories where courage, family, and hope shine through even in the darkest of times.

Author Karen L. West creates immersive fiction shaped by resilience, courage, and the strength of chosen family.

Exciting news! The Girl in the Redwoods has made the final cut for the Book Fest Awards. Final results will be announced October 24th, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I’m so grateful to see Rose and Clive’s first search-and-rescue thriller getting this recognition.

Thank you for supporting Rose and Clive's journey.

I’m excited to share that The Girl in the Redwoods: A Rose and Clive Search & Rescue Thriller has been featured in an AP News press release and shared through major media outlets.

This book marks the beginning of my new Rose and Clive Search & Rescue Thriller series. It follows Rose Clarke, a search-and-rescue handler, and her loyal dog, Clive, as what begins as a quiet trip to California’s redwoods becomes a dangerous fight to save a child and uncover the truth behind a disturbing...

Awards and Recognition

Karen L West’s books have received recognition for vivid settings, emotional resonance, hopeful storytelling, and strong character journeys.

Jubrozan Dragon Riders

• Booky Award recognition
• ACCI Fiction-Literary Award
• Featured through national AP News distribution

Sekoia Shifters

• Booky Award for Most Vivid Place
• ACCI Fiction-Literary Award

Sekoia Shifters: The Redwoods Remember

• Booky Award for Most Believable Future

The Girl in the Redwoods, A Rose and Clive Search...

Which creature/animal would you want as a pet or as your inner shifter? Mystical or real? Why?

I'm torn between a dragon and wolf. I'd love to fly, but wolves are my heart and their community is so impactful.

There are a few of my newest books I am excited about and several books from other authors that I can't wait to read.

Here is a list for you to pursue and add to your "WANT TO READ" listing.

Vanishing Traces: A Jessica Anderson K-9 Mystery
Maine Event: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery Featuring a Ghost Dog Sidekick
Gamekeeper: The System’s Huntsman (Book #4): A Progression Fantasy Survival Series
Sleeping Evil: Saving the Children
Finding Home
Sleeping Evil: A New Presidency