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FBI Thriller #18
Power Play
Natalie Black, the U.S. ambassador to the Court of St. James, has returned to Washington, her job in jeopardy. Her fiancé, George McCallum, Viscount Lockenby, has died in a car accident, and mysterious rumors begin that she’s responsible begin to surface: she broke off the engagement and, heartbroken, he killed himself. Then someone tries to force her off the M-2 outside London. Again, rumors claim it was a sympathy ploy. When she returns to the United States, she’s nearly killed when a car tries to mow her down while she’s out for a run. No one believes her except FBI Special Agent Davis Sullivan.
Meanwhile someone is following Sherlock. A stalker? Then someone tries to shoot her from the back of a motorcycle, but the assailant gets away. Sherlock next gets a call from an Atlanta mental hospital warning her that Blessed Backman has escaped. This is not good news. Blessed is a talented psychopath out for revenge against the agents, primarily Sherlock, whom his dying mother begged him to kill since she and Savich brought down her cult.
How to find out who’s trying to kill the ambassador to the U.K.? How can they get their hands on Blessed Backman before he succeeds and kills Sherlock? The clock is ticking and the danger intensifies . . .
416 pages, Hardcover
First published July 8, 2014
1177 people are currently reading
4383 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 543 reviews
August 18, 2022
Catherine Coulter books are always fun as you try to figure out “whodunit” along with the FBI. In this thriller, we’re all about figuring out stalkers. Lacey Sherlock has a stalker after her, as does a foreign diplomat, who had someone (she suspects) kill her lover in England, try to run her off the road, and now has followed her to the US and is trying to kill her here. Whoever did it seems to be trying to embarrass her in some sort of political scandal. She’s close friends from college with the president, so there’s pressure to resign. All in all, an interesting scenario! Sherlock and Savich are plagued by a criminal with supernatural powers that they put behind bars a few years back, but who has escaped, and now is targeting Sherlock to get to Savich. Coulter always writes her books with fast-paced action and lots of twists and turns, and this one is no exception!
July 12, 2014
I stopped reading around page 90. Seriously, one more reference to Sherlock's magnificent red hair and I was gonna lose my lunch. So many meaningless words...there are so many books to be read and life is too short to waste on those that are meh!
August 30, 2014
another great book in this author's FBI series
July 24, 2014
I'm not sure why I keep reading books by Ms. Coulter. I guess that's the optimist in me - hoping the next one will be better. And I'm thinking this is more thriller-light than real thriller.
While it's true the books are clean, free from gratuitous / unnecessary offensiveness (for me that's graphic sex and crude language) I find myself wondering (as I'm reading) if they're also free of depth. The characters are fairly interchangeable, nothing really outstanding about any of them - except for Sherlock's brilliant red hair. (And references to that red hair border on excessive.)
And am I the only one who has difficulty remembering which is which between Savich and Sherlock? Over the course of several books in this series I've had to find a little mnemonic device to keep them straight. (Sherlock starts with "she" - so that's the female member of the duo.) I wouldn't have such trouble if the characters were more fully developed.
After reading one of these "FBI Thrillers" by Ms. Coulter I often wonder if she has a spreadsheet to keep track of the plot / subplots. It is hard for me to think of anything more she could cram into a book. Is she getting paid by the page? If the author does have a spreadsheet, something went a teensy awry in this book. I found myself nit-picking. About 3/4 of the way through, Sherlock/Savich spend some time playing with their son at the son's grammie's house and have lunch. They then drive home where the FBI agent is waiting for them and have lunch again. Now I know it's no big deal, people have 2 lunches in one day all the time. But it totally threw off the time-frame for me and interrupted the flow of the story. That kind of thing is bothersome to me.
The last few pages of the book end with an excerpt (really an advertisement) of the author's upcoming novel featuring a new-ish character. The character whose presence in this book I thought was there strictly as a lead-in to the new book. It added absolutely nothing to this novel. I dislike such (IMO blatant) manipulation.
And as I read over this to make sure I've eliminated spelling errors, etc. it strikes me as pretty negative. I don't really intend to be overly negative, I guess I just expected more. And that perhaps is more my fault than the fault of the author. After all, I stuck with it, persevered until the book was finished. And it was clean. Perhaps I'll give her another try.
While it's true the books are clean, free from gratuitous / unnecessary offensiveness (for me that's graphic sex and crude language) I find myself wondering (as I'm reading) if they're also free of depth. The characters are fairly interchangeable, nothing really outstanding about any of them - except for Sherlock's brilliant red hair. (And references to that red hair border on excessive.)
And am I the only one who has difficulty remembering which is which between Savich and Sherlock? Over the course of several books in this series I've had to find a little mnemonic device to keep them straight. (Sherlock starts with "she" - so that's the female member of the duo.) I wouldn't have such trouble if the characters were more fully developed.
After reading one of these "FBI Thrillers" by Ms. Coulter I often wonder if she has a spreadsheet to keep track of the plot / subplots. It is hard for me to think of anything more she could cram into a book. Is she getting paid by the page? If the author does have a spreadsheet, something went a teensy awry in this book. I found myself nit-picking. About 3/4 of the way through, Sherlock/Savich spend some time playing with their son at the son's grammie's house and have lunch. They then drive home where the FBI agent is waiting for them and have lunch again. Now I know it's no big deal, people have 2 lunches in one day all the time. But it totally threw off the time-frame for me and interrupted the flow of the story. That kind of thing is bothersome to me.
The last few pages of the book end with an excerpt (really an advertisement) of the author's upcoming novel featuring a new-ish character. The character whose presence in this book I thought was there strictly as a lead-in to the new book. It added absolutely nothing to this novel. I dislike such (IMO blatant) manipulation.
And as I read over this to make sure I've eliminated spelling errors, etc. it strikes me as pretty negative. I don't really intend to be overly negative, I guess I just expected more. And that perhaps is more my fault than the fault of the author. After all, I stuck with it, persevered until the book was finished. And it was clean. Perhaps I'll give her another try.
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August 4, 2014Read from the beginning to page 172, then skipped to page 340 and read to the end
Something happened to the Sherlock/Savich series after Split Second. Once Sherlock was introduced several books earlier, this FBI series started including a fixation on her hair, then female characters who wear leather jackets, black pants, and black boots--typical urban hipster garb. Okay. After SS, multiple characters start speaking the same phrases of believe me, let me tell you, isn't that a kick...regardless of gender, socioeconomic class, age or profession.
In Power Play, Sherlock and Savich turn into morons who ignore their instincts, professional training, and basic common sense. The new villain's motives are ridiculous and so are the return villain's. Not sure what's happening with C.C. Unlike Bombshell, Power Play is at least coherent in storyline and character development, but there's an absence of the rich layering that's so potent in the earlier entries in this series. Her backlist (Split Second and earlier--except her historical where the rapist, not "forced seductionist", in one book is the "hero" in another) is worth rereading, but Power Play is my last C.C. new release.
Something happened to the Sherlock/Savich series after Split Second. Once Sherlock was introduced several books earlier, this FBI series started including a fixation on her hair, then female characters who wear leather jackets, black pants, and black boots--typical urban hipster garb. Okay. After SS, multiple characters start speaking the same phrases of believe me, let me tell you, isn't that a kick...regardless of gender, socioeconomic class, age or profession.
In Power Play, Sherlock and Savich turn into morons who ignore their instincts, professional training, and basic common sense. The new villain's motives are ridiculous and so are the return villain's. Not sure what's happening with C.C. Unlike Bombshell, Power Play is at least coherent in storyline and character development, but there's an absence of the rich layering that's so potent in the earlier entries in this series. Her backlist (Split Second and earlier--except her historical where the rapist, not "forced seductionist", in one book is the "hero" in another) is worth rereading, but Power Play is my last C.C. new release.
August 11, 2014
This book started out really good but as it got toward the middle it through me off. I really did not like that "Blessed" character at all. This book would have been way better without all that.
July 30, 2014
This starts as a somewhat confusing mystery because of the proliferation of characters, many of whom seem to be doing the same thing—working for the FBI. To confuse the situation even further, there are several marriages, hookups and potential relationships that form as the plot progresses. All that is acceptable and even advances the plot, albeit a bit slowly. After a fast-paced set of scenes (scenes fast, pace slow) featuring agent Davis Sullivan and Perry, daughter of the US Ambassador to the UK and her alleged fiancé, Day, a triangle is formed. In the meantime, an assassin everybody thinks is Blessed Backman, stalks the ambassador, Natalie Black, mother of Perry, and somebody tries to eliminate Davis, Perry, Sherlock, a red-haired FBI agent known to previous Coulter readers and associated friends and acquaintances and the plot’s hospital bill keeps mounting. All those shots and so few deaths! Especially since most of the shooters are accomplished marksmen, it’s remarkable. But just as we’re about to head into the final chapter and wrap up this thriller, Coulter pulls a fast one, changes identities of major characters and introduces a ridiculous, almost Shakespearean twist and wrecks everything. The twist made my stomach turn and I completely lost interest in the dénouement. If 9/10ths of a novel being acceptable is OK with you, go ahead. But if you do not like to be misled and cheaply misled, don’t even start this one.
September 3, 2014
Book 18!! I really love this series, the verbal dueling, the several mysteries working in and out, seeing and references to previous characters and books. These books are not stand alones and sometimes you may wonder what is happening because of that. Drummond now has his own series so it was fun to see him graduating and becoming an FBI agent. Loved that Sullivan got his own book (though I wasn't sure if he was going to end up with the mother or daughter. Glad to be rid of Blessed and sometimes I skimmed his chapters, but I loved the plot twist!! I will keep reading and enjoying both series'.
August 16, 2022
Re-read. Just as good as the first time. ;)
June 30, 2017
Over the many years that I have been reading the FBI thrillers by Catherine Coulter, I have heard and read a great deal of mixed reviews. Nearly everyone agrees on the novel’s thriller classification; however, many dislike the “powers” of Dillon Savich. Personally, I enjoy a touch of supernatural, so these books are among my favorite.
When the Ambassador to Great Britain is faced with a potential car jacking, she meets a Special Agent from the FBI who ends up being active in solving a treachery being enacted against her, as well as attempts on her life. All roads seem to lead to the Ambassador’s deceased fiancé’s son; but if that is the case, why has the culprit targeted her daughter as well?
At the same time, Savich & Sherlock find themselves entangled with a criminal from their past, a man who has been in a coma for the past year; a man who can hypnotize people by simply looking into their eyes. Will all be solved before someone dies?
When the Ambassador to Great Britain is faced with a potential car jacking, she meets a Special Agent from the FBI who ends up being active in solving a treachery being enacted against her, as well as attempts on her life. All roads seem to lead to the Ambassador’s deceased fiancé’s son; but if that is the case, why has the culprit targeted her daughter as well?
At the same time, Savich & Sherlock find themselves entangled with a criminal from their past, a man who has been in a coma for the past year; a man who can hypnotize people by simply looking into their eyes. Will all be solved before someone dies?
August 23, 2014
3.5 stars! Another well written mystery/romantic suspense from talented Ms. Coulter. I do love her books. They are a nice length with a well developed plot and sexy characters. For those who love Eve and Roarke from Ms. Robbs, Savich and Sherlock are just as good.
Ms. Coulter's writing style is smooth and easy to follow. She does jump around in point of views more than I thought she would. Fortunately, it isn't too disorienting. It does give the reader insight into the character's motive. It's fascinating how Ms. Coulter always blends two different stories so well together. I like this about the FBI Thriller series. It makes me feel like I'm receiving more bang for my buck. For some it may be disorienting because they aren't sure who the main characters in this book.
I like this style of writing because Savich and Sherlock are the main characters as a series overall. With the focus on two new characters for each book, it allows this series to stay nice and fresh. In this one, it's Natalie Black, her daughter and Davis. At first I thought this may be a smexy cougar story. The direction it did go from a romantic perspective is good. The conflicts in this story are good too. They don't feel forced.
What I did feel in this book is extreme disgust for politics. I'm already not fond of it. Reading about how easily people abuse their power just pisses me off. Is the ending a great surprise? Not really. Ms. Coulter does a great job of providing a few red herrings and then resolving all the threads to this story. The journey she takes the reader is well built with twists and turns. Recommended for romance readers who enjoy being a bit out of the box.
Ms. Coulter's writing style is smooth and easy to follow. She does jump around in point of views more than I thought she would. Fortunately, it isn't too disorienting. It does give the reader insight into the character's motive. It's fascinating how Ms. Coulter always blends two different stories so well together. I like this about the FBI Thriller series. It makes me feel like I'm receiving more bang for my buck. For some it may be disorienting because they aren't sure who the main characters in this book.
I like this style of writing because Savich and Sherlock are the main characters as a series overall. With the focus on two new characters for each book, it allows this series to stay nice and fresh. In this one, it's Natalie Black, her daughter and Davis. At first I thought this may be a smexy cougar story. The direction it did go from a romantic perspective is good. The conflicts in this story are good too. They don't feel forced.
What I did feel in this book is extreme disgust for politics. I'm already not fond of it. Reading about how easily people abuse their power just pisses me off. Is the ending a great surprise? Not really. Ms. Coulter does a great job of providing a few red herrings and then resolving all the threads to this story. The journey she takes the reader is well built with twists and turns. Recommended for romance readers who enjoy being a bit out of the box.
July 13, 2014
Power play is the 18th book in Catherine Coulter's FBI thriller series. I would suggest reading The Cove, and The Maze, the first two books in this series before you read this one. Dillon Savich, and Lacey Sherlock drew me right into this series in the book The Maze.
I have read most of the books in this series, and have loved each one. Catherine Coulter is one of my favorite authors.
In this story there were several cases going on at once. The story flowed smoothly. I loved the way Davis met Natalie. Some thug was trying to steal her car, when FBI agent Davis Sullivan came walking out of the mall with his starbucks coffee in his hand.
Here is a sample from chapter 2
"Seriously, dude," Davis called out. "It's really not a good idea to mess with me. I'm FBI, a walking, talking death machine. You can't hit me from fifteen feet with that popgun, but I can shoot the gold hoop out of your ear and call my mother at the same time while singing "Happy Birthday." He pulled his glock from his holster for jitterbug to see, then held it down at his side.
This book is action packed, and has a few surprises that will make your jaw drop open. One of the bad guys in this story was one sick man. For all you romance lovers out there, There is a budding romance between Davis, and Perry. They never really hooked up, but they flirted throughout the book, making the story more entertaining.
I have read most of the books in this series, and have loved each one. Catherine Coulter is one of my favorite authors.
In this story there were several cases going on at once. The story flowed smoothly. I loved the way Davis met Natalie. Some thug was trying to steal her car, when FBI agent Davis Sullivan came walking out of the mall with his starbucks coffee in his hand.
Here is a sample from chapter 2
"Seriously, dude," Davis called out. "It's really not a good idea to mess with me. I'm FBI, a walking, talking death machine. You can't hit me from fifteen feet with that popgun, but I can shoot the gold hoop out of your ear and call my mother at the same time while singing "Happy Birthday." He pulled his glock from his holster for jitterbug to see, then held it down at his side.
This book is action packed, and has a few surprises that will make your jaw drop open. One of the bad guys in this story was one sick man. For all you romance lovers out there, There is a budding romance between Davis, and Perry. They never really hooked up, but they flirted throughout the book, making the story more entertaining.
July 13, 2014
This is the 18th book in the FBI series. Natalie Black is the US Ambassador to England. Someone tried to kill her in England. Now, she's back in the States and the same thing is happening. Natalie meets Davis Sullivan when a man tries to carjack her. She immediately trusts the FBI agent and tells him what's going on. He gets Savich and Sherlock involved. The mystery is very intriguing. There is another story line which has an old nemesis, Blessed Backman, on the loose and trying to kill Sherlock. I kept turning the pages to find out what would happen next. Both story lines were interesting. David was really funny and I enjoyed his relationship with Perry Black, the Ambassador's daughter. Savich and Sherlock form a strong backbone for these stories. The other characters are always interesting and engaging. It was great to see Nicholas Drummond again. This author always delivers. This is one of my favorite series.
September 26, 2014
Although it was nice to be back with Sherlock and Savich, and the mystery part of the plot was good, this one felt more like a reunion book (bringing back multiple characters from previous books) and one meant to tie in to the newer, sub-par series.
I found her use of the "mystery viewpoint" (unidentified third-person narrator) was too heavy-handed. And am I the only one thinking no-one over the age of 14 changes their ringtone all the time? (Apparently it's catching too: it used to be Savich's trademark, and now at least one character every book does the same thing.)
I found her use of the "mystery viewpoint" (unidentified third-person narrator) was too heavy-handed. And am I the only one thinking no-one over the age of 14 changes their ringtone all the time? (Apparently it's catching too: it used to be Savich's trademark, and now at least one character every book does the same thing.)
February 22, 2015
I enjoyed this book very much. Catherine is a great story teller and I love the way she divides the story into short chapters. For me, this really keeps my attention and makes me read faster :) As wonderfully usual, there are a few great surprises at the end of the story.
I think the only problem would be for those who haven't read previous books in this series. This IS a stand alone book, but had I not read the previous books, I don't think I would understand how bad Blessed really is......why his stare is dangerous, etc. That's why I gave the book 3 stars instead of 4.
As for the story, you can usually get a better idea what it's about reading the synopsis on Amazon or Goodreads than I can give. I usually tell you the reasons why I like the book.
I do believe you will enjoy this story. I'm looking forward to her next two books.
I think the only problem would be for those who haven't read previous books in this series. This IS a stand alone book, but had I not read the previous books, I don't think I would understand how bad Blessed really is......why his stare is dangerous, etc. That's why I gave the book 3 stars instead of 4.
As for the story, you can usually get a better idea what it's about reading the synopsis on Amazon or Goodreads than I can give. I usually tell you the reasons why I like the book.
I do believe you will enjoy this story. I'm looking forward to her next two books.
August 8, 2014
I always enjoy Catherine Coulter's FBI series novels and returning to visit with Savich and Sherlock and to see how young Sean is growing up. I also enjoy the plot lines and stories and meeting new characters. This one was a very good read.
I enjoyed the parallel plot lines and Seeing what Blessed Backman had been up to since they locked him up last time and the intrigue of international politics is always interesting. Catherine Coulter does not disappoint with this novel and I kept telling myself one more chapter and 7 to 10 chapters later I would finally close the book and go to bed or start my day. I had a difficult time putting this one down. Great author another great installment in this series.
I enjoyed the parallel plot lines and Seeing what Blessed Backman had been up to since they locked him up last time and the intrigue of international politics is always interesting. Catherine Coulter does not disappoint with this novel and I kept telling myself one more chapter and 7 to 10 chapters later I would finally close the book and go to bed or start my day. I had a difficult time putting this one down. Great author another great installment in this series.
June 19, 2014
I loved this book, of course I love this series. I was already familiar with most of the characters, but this is so well written that you feel everything that they are going thru and they are family. This is another great book by this author. There are so many good scenes in this book, and I don't want to spoil any of them for you. I remember the bad guy from a previous book and I felt everyone's discomfort with him on the loose and held my breath waiting to see if he would win this time around. It held my attention and I could not put this book down till the end. This is a book everyone should read.
August 3, 2014
A very good addition to the Savich/Sherlock series, couldn't give it 5 stars this time because of what happens near the end - no spoilers here - as "Kjen" would say it was one of those TSTL things - not sure why Ms. Coulter would do this with very experienced FBI agents, oh well.
Two separate criminals involved in this book - one from the past and a newbie. Fairly fast paced and an enjoyable read.
If you like Catherine Coulters FBI series, then you will like this book.
2 thumbs up and 4 solid stars.
Two separate criminals involved in this book - one from the past and a newbie. Fairly fast paced and an enjoyable read.
If you like Catherine Coulters FBI series, then you will like this book.
2 thumbs up and 4 solid stars.
May 28, 2018
Had to struggle through. Just not too good a read. It introduced a new character for a new book. I'll pass on the next one I think
May 17, 2017
U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom has newly returned to Washington, D.C. Her reputation and mental state is in question. Her position in Foreign Service is in jeopardy. Someone is stalking her with the ultimate goal of killing her, but not before playing mind games that ultimately will have her closest friends, The Secretary of State and the President of the United States, questioning her sanity. It appears no one believes her except FBI Special Agent Davis Sullivan.
Special Agent Lacey Sherlock has her own stalker and would be killer, too. Blessed Blackman has escaped from a Georgia hospital. Is the talented sociopath the motorcycle rider who tried to gun down Sherlock on a Georgetown sidewalk? Remember, don't look into his eyes. Savich must race to solve both cases before these two extraordinary women die.
Catherine Coulter once again brings romance into her fast paced suspense novel. Again, her characters are well developed and her easy style makes for fast reading. I did figure out "who-dunnit" early on, but not the why of what drove these manipulators to focus on 3 strong women until the very end. Yes, there is another lady whom finds herself being stalked.
Special Agent Lacey Sherlock has her own stalker and would be killer, too. Blessed Blackman has escaped from a Georgia hospital. Is the talented sociopath the motorcycle rider who tried to gun down Sherlock on a Georgetown sidewalk? Remember, don't look into his eyes. Savich must race to solve both cases before these two extraordinary women die.
Catherine Coulter once again brings romance into her fast paced suspense novel. Again, her characters are well developed and her easy style makes for fast reading. I did figure out "who-dunnit" early on, but not the why of what drove these manipulators to focus on 3 strong women until the very end. Yes, there is another lady whom finds herself being stalked.
June 3, 2022
Natalie Black, US Ambassador to England, the President, and the Secretary of State are lifelong friends. When Natalie is recalled to the U.S. due to a scandal in England - claims someone tried to kill her shortly after her fiancé apparently committed suicide - no one expected the attempts on her life to continue. CAU Special Agent Davis Sullivan becomes involved when Natalie expressed relief that the man with a knife to her throat was "only" a carjacker and not her stalker. In the meantime, Savich and Sherlock learn that the evil Blessed Backman has escaped and is slowly regaining his hypnotic powers as he tries to kill both of them for destroying his cult. It is indeed an FBI thriller and has a totally unexpected ending.
April 3, 2022
I listened to this one on tape and it was a great read or rather listen. I love Catherine Coulter and her writing. I love her characters and storylines. Great job , Check out the link above to find out what great story this is.
April 21, 2024
A bit drawn out for me, but it went back and forth on who might be up to all the mischief going on aboard the small cruise ship. The ending left you hanging, so possibly there is a 2nd book to tie it all up. Gave me a little bit of a rush to see who was behind it all.
May 13, 2024
Was a good book!! I was about 1/4 way in, realized I read this already!!
February 5, 2018
Attempts are being made on the lives of both the US ambassador to the United Kingdom and her daughter by different individuals for different reasons. The FBI must protect them and find the assassins.
June 22, 2018
EXCERPT for POWER PLAY by Catherine Coulter
Two Corners Mall
Washington, D.C.
Monday morning
He turned stone cold and his focus narrowed laser-thin on the man who held the woman in a choke hold. A carjacking in the parking lot of a strip mall not a half-mile from his town house on Euclid—the first one he’d ever seen, and here he was in the middle of it. He’d been walking to his Jeep, a large Starbucks coffee in his left hand, when he saw this man grab the woman and jerk her out of the driver’s side of a shiny black Beemer. She screamed once. Davis yelled at the man to let her go and back away, but the man dragged the woman in front of him, whirled around to face him, and pointed a .22 at her temple. A crap gun, but it could do the job.
“Piss off or the bitch is dead!” the man yelled. “I don’t like bitches. I don’t even like my mom. I mean it, dude, walk away!”
Two Corners Mall
Washington, D.C.
Monday morning
He turned stone cold and his focus narrowed laser-thin on the man who held the woman in a choke hold. A carjacking in the parking lot of a strip mall not a half-mile from his town house on Euclid—the first one he’d ever seen, and here he was in the middle of it. He’d been walking to his Jeep, a large Starbucks coffee in his left hand, when he saw this man grab the woman and jerk her out of the driver’s side of a shiny black Beemer. She screamed once. Davis yelled at the man to let her go and back away, but the man dragged the woman in front of him, whirled around to face him, and pointed a .22 at her temple. A crap gun, but it could do the job.
“Piss off or the bitch is dead!” the man yelled. “I don’t like bitches. I don’t even like my mom. I mean it, dude, walk away!”
March 28, 2024
I've been a fan of the FBI books since the first one came out many, many years ago. I loved the first few books where Savich and Sherlock were the focus. Then Coulter branched out and each book now features a new couple with S & S in a secondary story line. She quickly established a formula for the books and doesn't vary from it. The books are comfort food, when you need something familiar and unchallenging.
That said, she did tweak a few things this time around and there were some twists that I did not see coming though when I looked back, the clues were there. This time the main couple, agent Davis Sullivan, and sports reporter Perry Black, never actually couple up during the story though there's attraction on both sides. Davis is also mildly attracted to Perry's mother, ambassador Natalie Black. I liked that Davis and Perry didn't actually couple up so there was more focus on the attraction and the build up. There was some good tension between them and a different tension between Perry and her life-long friend Day, who asked her to marry him. She considers him a friend and a brother but he's sure he can talk her into marriage.
Meanwhile, both Perry and her mother are under attack, their lives threatened. The FBI at first thinks the attacks are connected but then new evidence suggests they aren't. While they try to figure that out, Savich and Sherlock are being stalked by a killer they put away in a previous book. As far as I was concerned, there was never any doubt about whether they'd catch him or whether Savich or Sherlock would sustain any serious injury. So, what tension there was had to come from the chase and that was moderately thrilling. I was sure I knew I who was behind the attacks on Natalie but then Coulter gave us a new candidate. As for Perry, well, at one point I suspected the person that it ended up being but then discounted them. The plot around the attacks was overly complicated but it did keep me guessing and I appreciated that.
"Power Play" isn't anything new or fantastic but it's solid story telling, enjoyable, and a good blend of romance and mystery. Davis, Perry, and Natalie are interesting characters and there's a little crossover with Coulter's FBI spin off but if you didn't read that book, no worries, you can still follow along. If you enjoy the series, you'll enjoy. If you are new to the series, you can pick this up, read it and not be lost.
That said, she did tweak a few things this time around and there were some twists that I did not see coming though when I looked back, the clues were there. This time the main couple, agent Davis Sullivan, and sports reporter Perry Black, never actually couple up during the story though there's attraction on both sides. Davis is also mildly attracted to Perry's mother, ambassador Natalie Black. I liked that Davis and Perry didn't actually couple up so there was more focus on the attraction and the build up. There was some good tension between them and a different tension between Perry and her life-long friend Day, who asked her to marry him. She considers him a friend and a brother but he's sure he can talk her into marriage.
Meanwhile, both Perry and her mother are under attack, their lives threatened. The FBI at first thinks the attacks are connected but then new evidence suggests they aren't. While they try to figure that out, Savich and Sherlock are being stalked by a killer they put away in a previous book. As far as I was concerned, there was never any doubt about whether they'd catch him or whether Savich or Sherlock would sustain any serious injury. So, what tension there was had to come from the chase and that was moderately thrilling. I was sure I knew I who was behind the attacks on Natalie but then Coulter gave us a new candidate. As for Perry, well, at one point I suspected the person that it ended up being but then discounted them. The plot around the attacks was overly complicated but it did keep me guessing and I appreciated that.
"Power Play" isn't anything new or fantastic but it's solid story telling, enjoyable, and a good blend of romance and mystery. Davis, Perry, and Natalie are interesting characters and there's a little crossover with Coulter's FBI spin off but if you didn't read that book, no worries, you can still follow along. If you enjoy the series, you'll enjoy. If you are new to the series, you can pick this up, read it and not be lost.
September 17, 2014
Power Play is by Catherine Coulter. It is an FBI Thriller. It takes place mainly in Washington DC and Chevy Chase, Maryland. The characters are realistic and described well. The plot is intereting as there are actually three main problems to be solved. Catherine does an excellent job of switching between plots.
Natalie Black is the US Ambassador to Great Britain. Her fiancé, George, was found in his car at the end of a cliff. It was questionable as to whether it was a suicide or an accidental death. An email began circulating that was from Natalie Black to George breaking their engagement. A car nearly runs her off a cliff and she finally decides to come home. She has a chilly reception on arriving at home. Everyone thinks she caused George to commit suicide. At home, she is nearly run over by a car as she jogs and her car was shot up as she drove to attend an occasion. Who is trying to kill her? Why?
Perry Black is Natalie’s daughter and a sportswriter with her own blog. She tries to help her mother but finds herself the victim in a shooting, graffiti warnings, and having her Harley smashed. Who is doing this to her? Is it related to her mother?
Davis Sullivan is an FBI agent who is called to Natalie Black’s home to help find out who is after her. He meets Perry and is immediately attracted to her. He escorts Natalie to a function at the Secretary of State’s home and begins his job as a bodyguard. Shortly afterwards, he switches to being bodyguard for Perry. He is an honest, good looking young man who will go far in the FBI.
Arliss Abbott is the Secretary of State and a friend of both Natalie and the President of the United States. Her son, Day, is in love with Perry and wants to marry her. Arliss stands by Natalie until her notoriety begins to affect the political party then asks for her reservation.
Savitch and Sherlock are FBI agents and are married. They have a young son, Sean and spend the majority of the say with others in the office. Someone is after them too. Blessed has come to Washington to kill them. He has been in a coma. He has the ability to make people do what he wants them to do. Can they outsmart him?
The book is very easy to read and goes fast. You have to rush to keep up with everything. Like the other FBI books she has written, this one is excellent.
Natalie Black is the US Ambassador to Great Britain. Her fiancé, George, was found in his car at the end of a cliff. It was questionable as to whether it was a suicide or an accidental death. An email began circulating that was from Natalie Black to George breaking their engagement. A car nearly runs her off a cliff and she finally decides to come home. She has a chilly reception on arriving at home. Everyone thinks she caused George to commit suicide. At home, she is nearly run over by a car as she jogs and her car was shot up as she drove to attend an occasion. Who is trying to kill her? Why?
Perry Black is Natalie’s daughter and a sportswriter with her own blog. She tries to help her mother but finds herself the victim in a shooting, graffiti warnings, and having her Harley smashed. Who is doing this to her? Is it related to her mother?
Davis Sullivan is an FBI agent who is called to Natalie Black’s home to help find out who is after her. He meets Perry and is immediately attracted to her. He escorts Natalie to a function at the Secretary of State’s home and begins his job as a bodyguard. Shortly afterwards, he switches to being bodyguard for Perry. He is an honest, good looking young man who will go far in the FBI.
Arliss Abbott is the Secretary of State and a friend of both Natalie and the President of the United States. Her son, Day, is in love with Perry and wants to marry her. Arliss stands by Natalie until her notoriety begins to affect the political party then asks for her reservation.
Savitch and Sherlock are FBI agents and are married. They have a young son, Sean and spend the majority of the say with others in the office. Someone is after them too. Blessed has come to Washington to kill them. He has been in a coma. He has the ability to make people do what he wants them to do. Can they outsmart him?
The book is very easy to read and goes fast. You have to rush to keep up with everything. Like the other FBI books she has written, this one is excellent.
July 1, 2014
My British husband has me listening to the Paul and Steve Temple stories on BBC radio for the past year or so and I could not help but compare those works to this. Mr. and Mrs. Temple work with Scotland Yard to solve crimes in England. They are shot at, run off the road, poisoned or drugged and so on. Here we have the reverse, an American couple, Savich and Sherlock, working with the FBI trying to keep a diplomat and her family from being killed. Throw in a deranged escapee who is stalking our pair of detectives and has the ability to mesmerize his victims into doing his bidding and we have an exciting cocktail. This is my first Coulter read and I found it quite enjoyable. It is fast paced and full of suspense. There is romantic tension, and even an appearance of a member of Scotland Yard. If I even get to meet Ms. Coulter, I will have to ask her if she is a fan of Paul and Steve Temple. My thanks to the author and Penguin's First to Read program for a complimentary copy.
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