Untouchable: A Novella

Special Agent Constant Marlowe

by Jeffery Deaver

For Special Agent Constant Marlowe, a quiet college town hides a nest of malice and revenge in this twisty novella by New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver.

Special Agent Constant Marlowe is passing through the charming college town of Prescott, Illinois, when a chance encounter with a terrified student stops her in her tracks. Kathleen Delaine thought she was doing the right thing when she demanded an inquiry into traumatic brain injuries among the university’s football team. But after a manosphere shock jock picks up the story on his radio show and makes it personal, the online uproar bleeds into the real world. As Constant works to identify which of the host’s fanboys is threatening Kathleen, she discovers that behind the bullying campaign lies a vast and deadly conspiracy.

137 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 17, 2026

About the author

#1 international bestselling author of over thirty novels and three collections of short stories. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme, The Bone Collector, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. He's received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Jeffrey Deaver, and Amazon Original Stories for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Jeffery Deaver first caught my attention through his short stories, though I have since worked my way through many of his full-length novels. After reading a collection of his short fiction last summer, I discovered that one recurring character had spun off into her own series—comprised so far of a novel and several novellas. This story centres on Illinois Department of Criminal Investigation Special Agent Constant Marlowe, who is visiting the college town of Prescott when she encounters a visibly terrified young woman.

Kathleen Delaine, believes she is being stalked, yet she cannot identify her harasser—only the paralysing fear the situation has created. As Marlowe begins to investigate, she uncovers a deeper and more troubling truth: Kathleen previously blew the whistle on a major scandal involving long-term brain injuries among elite college football players. The fallout has made her a target. With a shock-jock radio host fanning misogyny and public outrage, Marlowe must help Kathleen navigate accusations, threats, and escalating danger, only to discover that something far more sinister lies beneath the surface. Deaver once again impresses with a tightly constructed and timely novella.

Deaver is a standout storyteller who understands how to balance the moving parts of a narrative to pull the reader in. Whether writing series fiction or shorter works, he rarely misses the mark. This novella establishes its stakes early, creating both urgency and focus as Marlowe confronts the many disturbing actions taken against Kathleen. As the story gathers momentum, the reader is taken on a sobering journey that exposes how far some people will go to conceal their own shortcomings. It’s a sharp, compelling read that can easily be finished in a sitting or two.

The characters are effective from the outset. Constant Marlowe had already intrigued me in earlier appearances, and while Deaver doesn’t dwell on her backstory here, her professionalism and resolve remain front and centre. The supporting cast helps shape the broader narrative, allowing Deaver to explore issues that regularly plague college campuses—and many communities—giving the story added resonance.

The plot delivers surprises from the opening pages, particularly in how Kathleen’s situation unfolds. Deaver’s twists feel purposeful rather than gratuitous, maintaining tension while avoiding predictability. His pacing is spot-on, weaving suspense in at just the right moments and keeping Marlowe edgy, determined, and willing to do whatever it takes to help those in need.

Kudos, Mr. Deaver, for impressing me once more!

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[ezra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for this ARC!

“Untouchable” is book three in the “Special Agent Constant Marlowe” Series, following the titular character as she solves cases. In this instalment, Constant is passing through the college town of Prescott, when she happens to see an odd interaction a terrified female student has. This student is Kathleen Delaine, who is experiencing harassment after a well-meaning good deed by her is misrepresented by a radio show host famous in the manosphere (for those who don’t know what that is, right-wing content which is anti-feminist, often also includes other forms of bigotry). As Kathleen confides in Constant, she decides to investigate who the stalker, who has been sending Kathleen creepy emails, is. But as she investigates, she finds out that things may be more complicated than they seem.

I must admit, I requested this not knowing it was the third in a series, but I did go ahead and read those two before I read this one. I don’t think this is strictly necessary, to me it seems that all the important details are explained again with each book, but I think it is still probably best to experience them in order.

I thought this was good for what it is, and I actually did appreciate the messages this book tried to convey. I was also surprised that one of the twists in this book actually got me, something I don’t think happens too often.

This is an easy and entertaining read, and while I don’t particularly love thrillers, I do think this will be the perfect read for those who do. I must confess I was a bit sceptical when I read book one, but by now Constant Marlowe has really grown on me, and I think it’s realistic there will be more books in this series, which I will gladly also read.

[Emerald Maple · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spin-off from the Broken Doll series, this is the third novella in the Special Agent Constant Marlowe series. I listened to the last one, Downstate, as an audiobook but think I prefer reading them as my brain gives Constant (yes Constant, not Constance) a harder edge than the narrator.

We have a little less boxing in this one and a bit more investigating as Constant comes across a student who is being stalked by an unknown man and harassed by many after a manosphere radio show joked about her sleeping with the football team. Not really a case for her department but when has that ever stopped Constant?

I guessed who was involved a little early but not the complete setup but it is a tight story for a novella packing in some twists and red herrings. It is a quick and enjoyable read.

Thanks to Amazon Original Stories for the advance copy for review through Netgalley.

[Dawn Lawrence Read_with_Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding novella from Jeffery Deaver, it really packs a punch. It’s twisty, intense and fast paced. This author never lets the reader down and this is no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read, it sucked me in and kept me engaged and interested. A big fat five stars from me! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Publication date 17 Feb 2026.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this character. This can be read as a standalone, but would be more enjoyable if you read the series of novellas in order.