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Maggie O'Dell #3
The Soul Catcher
Return to the world of criminal profiler Maggie O’Dell, in book 3 of the thrilling series by bestselling author Alex Kava.
In a secluded cabin six young men stage a deadly standoff with FBI agents. In a wooded area near the FDR Memorial in Washington, the body of a senator’s daughter is discovered.
For FBI Special Agent Maggie O’Dell, there is nothing routine about being called in to work these two cases. As an expert criminal profiler, Maggie provides psychological insight on cases that involve suspected serial killers. She can’t understand, then, why she has been assigned to two seemingly unrelated crimes.
But as Maggie and her partner, Special Agent R. J. Tully, delve deeper into the cases, they discover there is a connection: Reverend Joseph Everett, the charismatic leader of a high-profile religious sect. The men holed up in the cabin were members of Everett’s church, and the murder of the young woman took place following one of Everett’s rallies.
Is Everett a psychotic madman who uses his power to perform heinous crimes? Or is he merely the scapegoat for a killer more cunning than he? Maggie realizes the only way to find out is by using her own mother, a member of Everett’s church, as a pawn in a deadly trap.
Originally published in 2002
In a secluded cabin six young men stage a deadly standoff with FBI agents. In a wooded area near the FDR Memorial in Washington, the body of a senator’s daughter is discovered.
For FBI Special Agent Maggie O’Dell, there is nothing routine about being called in to work these two cases. As an expert criminal profiler, Maggie provides psychological insight on cases that involve suspected serial killers. She can’t understand, then, why she has been assigned to two seemingly unrelated crimes.
But as Maggie and her partner, Special Agent R. J. Tully, delve deeper into the cases, they discover there is a connection: Reverend Joseph Everett, the charismatic leader of a high-profile religious sect. The men holed up in the cabin were members of Everett’s church, and the murder of the young woman took place following one of Everett’s rallies.
Is Everett a psychotic madman who uses his power to perform heinous crimes? Or is he merely the scapegoat for a killer more cunning than he? Maggie realizes the only way to find out is by using her own mother, a member of Everett’s church, as a pawn in a deadly trap.
Originally published in 2002
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2002
311 people are currently reading
2521 people want to read
About the author
Alex Kava
51 books2,584 followersALEX KAVA IS A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR of the critically acclaimed Maggie O’Dell series and a new series featuring former Marine, Ryder Creed and his K9 dogs. Her stand-alone novel, One False Move, was the 2006 One Book One Nebraska. Published in over thirty countries, Kava’s novels have made the bestseller lists in the UK, Australia, Germany, Japan, Italy and Poland. Her novel Stranded was awarded both a Florida Book Award and the Nebraska Book Award. She is a member of the Nebraska Writers Guild and International Thriller Writers. Kava divides her time between Omaha, Nebraska and Pensacola, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews
March 3, 2016
Number three in the series and I am still not getting it. Maggie is supposed to be an intelligent, experienced, well trained professional. So please can she stop doing silly things, drinking too much and waffling endlessly about her past. Move on!!! I actually found this book too long, rather boring and needing some tight editing. The identity of the murderer was apparent about two thirds of the way through and from there I started skimming. I am reading this series for a challenge so I will try one more but if things do not improve I will have to bail!
February 21, 2019
I haven’t been exactly thrilled with the Maggie O’Dell series so far. This book starts out with the same thing I complained about in the first two: too much unnecessary detail and too much of Maggie’s hand-wringing and worrying. I did quite a bit of skimming over some paragraphs, and then the book got better. By the end, it had my full attention and I could see improvement in the writing, pacing, and character development. GR friends have told me the series gets better, and I now can see that. I will be reading the fourth book soon.
March 18, 2016
When a young girl is found murdered near a DC memorial, FBI profiler Maggie O'Dell and her partner, R. J. Tully are brought onto the case when it appears there may be a serial killer at large. The victim had attended a rally nearby, led by the leader of a religious cult, suspected of having ties to another case and dubious behavior by him and his inner circle.
I found this story to be stronger than the first two, even though it continues to belabor Maggie's personal issues. I'm finding the supporting characters and the cases to be much more interesting and competent than the main character. If this continues, it'll be tough to ever believe the hype surrounding her skills.
Though I figured out the whodunit fairly early, it was still an interesting set of circumstances and I liked being able to validate my theories. However, I'm hoping for far less Maggie drama going forward.
I found this story to be stronger than the first two, even though it continues to belabor Maggie's personal issues. I'm finding the supporting characters and the cases to be much more interesting and competent than the main character. If this continues, it'll be tough to ever believe the hype surrounding her skills.
Though I figured out the whodunit fairly early, it was still an interesting set of circumstances and I liked being able to validate my theories. However, I'm hoping for far less Maggie drama going forward.
October 7, 2017
What can I even say about this book? Alex Kava's writing is just so amazing and her stories so thrilling, they take over your brain completely in till you're on the edge of your seat ready for the next twist and turn to come.
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 3, 2016
The Soul Catcher, 3rd book in the series has FBI profiler, Maggie O'Dell and her partner, R.J. Tully, assigned to a case in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, where the FBI and ATF agents have a standoff with members of a local cult. As the two start working with the one cult member left alive to, they are given another case of a young teenage girl found raped and murdered behind the FDR monument in Washington, D.C., which leads to them finding a connection between their two cases.
Standing in their way is the fact that Maggie's mother is a member of the cult and Tully's daughter was the last person to see the murdered young teenage victim.
I do like the character development of the characters and the secondary characters in this story are very real and relatable.
A well-crafted page turner.
Standing in their way is the fact that Maggie's mother is a member of the cult and Tully's daughter was the last person to see the murdered young teenage victim.
I do like the character development of the characters and the secondary characters in this story are very real and relatable.
A well-crafted page turner.
March 5, 2016
FBI Special Agent Maggie O'Dell and her partner, R.J. Tully, are assigned a case where six young men staged a standoff with FBI Agents. Only one boy is left alive. The rest killed themselves with cyanide laced tablets. As Maggie and Tully work the case, they are assigned a second case. A teenage girl has been found raped and murdered. Her body left posed behind the FDR monument in Washington, D.C. The two investigators soon discover a connection between the cases. The link is Reverend Joseph Everett and his Church of Spiritual Freedom. As they work to find evidence against Rev. Everett, Maggie and Tully worry that their loved ones may be targets.
This is the third book in Kava's Maggie O'Dell series. Even though I quickly figured out the murderer and the motive, I think the stories are getting stronger, the characters more interesting. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is the third book in Kava's Maggie O'Dell series. Even though I quickly figured out the murderer and the motive, I think the stories are getting stronger, the characters more interesting. My rating: 4 Stars.
April 15, 2017
H'mmmmm.... For me it was a bit of a struggle- even for 3 stars. Wasn't really crazy about this book- but I do enjoy the series! Hoping number 4 is better.!
October 26, 2011
This particular book in a popular series I found only so-so.
First, Maggie O'Dell did not impress me. She spends a lot of time on her personal problems---reliving her father's death, problems with her alcoholic mother and her own emtional problems. How did this lady every pass a psychological exam? (Maybe the FBI does not care about the stability of their agents--woundn't surprise me!)
Next, the villain of the piece is the sterotype we've all seen--the fundamentalist leader of a religious cult, and his deluded folloers. I know religion is not "in" anymore in our society, but all religious believers are not exploiters or deluded fools!! It made me want to throw out a challange to her--and ANY mystery writer. Just as a test of your writing skills, write a character who is a real person AND a fundamentalist Christian. They do exist, you know.
Third, whether you are religious or not, this is poor writing: we have Four characters who use the expletive ("Je--s"). Over and over again till I was sick of seeing it. I felt like asking the writer, did you think to maybe vary this with an occasional "Oh My God" or "Good heavens",. I mean just for a little variety, you know.
Admittedly, there are bits and pieces of good wring and some of the suspense scenes are pretty good. But I did not like this book very much and I am in no hurry to read another soon.
Recommended for patient and/or desperate mystery fans. There are many bettersereis out there to spend your time on.
First, Maggie O'Dell did not impress me. She spends a lot of time on her personal problems---reliving her father's death, problems with her alcoholic mother and her own emtional problems. How did this lady every pass a psychological exam? (Maybe the FBI does not care about the stability of their agents--woundn't surprise me!)
Next, the villain of the piece is the sterotype we've all seen--the fundamentalist leader of a religious cult, and his deluded folloers. I know religion is not "in" anymore in our society, but all religious believers are not exploiters or deluded fools!! It made me want to throw out a challange to her--and ANY mystery writer. Just as a test of your writing skills, write a character who is a real person AND a fundamentalist Christian. They do exist, you know.
Third, whether you are religious or not, this is poor writing: we have Four characters who use the expletive ("Je--s"). Over and over again till I was sick of seeing it. I felt like asking the writer, did you think to maybe vary this with an occasional "Oh My God" or "Good heavens",. I mean just for a little variety, you know.
Admittedly, there are bits and pieces of good wring and some of the suspense scenes are pretty good. But I did not like this book very much and I am in no hurry to read another soon.
Recommended for patient and/or desperate mystery fans. There are many bettersereis out there to spend your time on.
November 20, 2013
This Waco-type book was just excellent. Had me guessing right to the end actually. I thought I had it all figured out, but it appears I didn't - my bad!
Maggie O'Dell is such a flawed character - you just have to love her and especially now that she has a dog to keep her company!!!
Alex Kava knows how to keep you on your toes, and puts out a great story. You can tell she has done her research on the various aspects of this particular case.
2 thumbs up and 5 stars - onto "At The Stroke Of Madness"!
Maggie O'Dell is such a flawed character - you just have to love her and especially now that she has a dog to keep her company!!!
Alex Kava knows how to keep you on your toes, and puts out a great story. You can tell she has done her research on the various aspects of this particular case.
2 thumbs up and 5 stars - onto "At The Stroke Of Madness"!
May 4, 2023
Review to follow
September 4, 2022
Alex Kava hat mit Maggie O'Dell eine Figur geschaffen, der man gerne durch ihre Ermittlungen folgt. In diesem Band sogar noch lieber, weil ihre Paranoia nicht mehr ganz so krass ausgeprägt ist. Der Fall ist spannend und erschreckend zugleich. Man mag das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen, ich habe nur so lange gebraucht, weil ich immer so müde war abends und im Bett nicht mehr so lange lesen konnte. Bin gespannt auf mehr!
January 27, 2022
This thriller story was just too stereotypical for my liking.
August 4, 2019
I've really enjoyed this series so far. Maggie O'Dell is a wonderful, solid character. I'm always on the lookout for suspense like this. Readers will love Maggie.
October 29, 2021
2,25/5.
Takie nic. Jak widać,nie dla mnie książki z typowo kryminalnych serii.
Jedyne co,to fajnie przedstawiono sektę,a poza tym? Nic a nic.
Takie nic. Jak widać,nie dla mnie książki z typowo kryminalnych serii.
Jedyne co,to fajnie przedstawiono sektę,a poza tym? Nic a nic.
June 7, 2015
This was another great addition to the Maggie O'Dell series. This one involved a creepy cult whose young members are completely controlled by the enigmatic leader. Maggie's own mother is caught up in the organization. As the bodies of young females are found, it soon becomes clear that there is a tie-in to this group. Maggie and her partner, R.J. Tully are tasked with investigating the murders.
The Soul Catcher grabbed my attention right away, and I loved delving back into Maggie's world. I liked seeing the familiar secondary characters as well. The storyline was good, and it was rather creepy. There were a few twists along the way that made for an even better story.
The Soul Catcher grabbed my attention right away, and I loved delving back into Maggie's world. I liked seeing the familiar secondary characters as well. The storyline was good, and it was rather creepy. There were a few twists along the way that made for an even better story.
August 17, 2014
Definitely skimmed the Gwen and Tully interactions. Their chemistry is nonexistent.
A bisexual woman in non-erotic fiction! It's like spotting a unicorn. Too bad the author had to give her such a terrible reputation.
A bisexual woman in non-erotic fiction! It's like spotting a unicorn. Too bad the author had to give her such a terrible reputation.
October 11, 2020
Goed boek.
July 30, 2013
I started reading this book after it kept falling off my bookshelf (I took it as a sign, and I don't regret it.)
I love the show "Criminal Minds" (Not because of Shemar Moore alone :p ) but because the human mind is fascinating and their thought process even more so. So, when I started this book and read that it was about FBI and more specifically, Behavioural Science Unit, I was taken with it.
What Kava did was combine a realistic, yet a bit far-fetched at points, situation into a story that gripped you from the first page. She carefully weaved a web that was so complicated, a web that implicated more than one character for the heinous crimes and then slashed that web down with force enough to knock you off your feet!
The story was simple yet complex and there were times I was confused and a bit disappointed, I did not quite like the ending, it was unexpected yes, but also did not deliver the satisfaction of having caught the guy. Ah well, you win some and you lose some, there were also a few loose ends the book failed to tie up, as such I am awarding a solid 3 stars because everything else kicked a$$ !!
I love the show "Criminal Minds" (Not because of Shemar Moore alone :p ) but because the human mind is fascinating and their thought process even more so. So, when I started this book and read that it was about FBI and more specifically, Behavioural Science Unit, I was taken with it.
What Kava did was combine a realistic, yet a bit far-fetched at points, situation into a story that gripped you from the first page. She carefully weaved a web that was so complicated, a web that implicated more than one character for the heinous crimes and then slashed that web down with force enough to knock you off your feet!
The story was simple yet complex and there were times I was confused and a bit disappointed, I did not quite like the ending, it was unexpected yes, but also did not deliver the satisfaction of having caught the guy. Ah well, you win some and you lose some, there were also a few loose ends the book failed to tie up, as such I am awarding a solid 3 stars because everything else kicked a$$ !!
April 20, 2021
This book was written in 2002 and Alex does get better as she grows. I was just not in the mood to read about a psychotic preacher man.
May 12, 2022
W domu letniskowym, 6 chłopców (bo ciężko nazwać ich mężczyznami, skoro mają około 15-16 lat) zabarykadowało się przed FBI. Znajduje się w tym domku cała masa broni. Wiedząc, że nie wygrają, decydują się na ostateczny krok i prawie wszyscy łykają tabletki z cyjankiem, a potem dochodzi do ostatecznej wymiany ognia. Później dochodzi w innym miejscu do morderstwa dziewczyny. Po identyfikacji okazuje się, że jest to córka pewnej bardzo ważnej persony. Maggie O'Dell musi połączyć te dwie z pozoru osobne sprawy i okazuje się, że mają one punkt wspólny, w postaci wielebnego Josepha Everetta, który przewodzi religijnej sekcie.
Szczerze to nie mam zbyt wiele do powiedzenia, a to oznacza, że książka była dobra. Alex Kava ma to do siebie, że pisze o dosyć łatwych do rozgryzienia rzeczach, ale z drugiej strony człowiek i tak wciąga się w fabułę. Dosyć sprawnie domyśliłam się kto zabijał, powód w zasadzie również. Jednak i tak nie odebrało mi to frajdy z lektury, bo opisane wydarzenia potrafiły trzymać w napięciu. Trochę obawiałam się w jaką to stronę wszystko pójdzie, bo poprzednie dwie części były ze sobą silnie połączone. Tutaj zaczyna się coś wyłącznie jednotomowego i wychodzi na to, że tak już będzie przy kolejnych tomach. Oczywiście nie mam nic przeciwko i z chęcią sięgnę po kolejną część.
Szczerze to nie mam zbyt wiele do powiedzenia, a to oznacza, że książka była dobra. Alex Kava ma to do siebie, że pisze o dosyć łatwych do rozgryzienia rzeczach, ale z drugiej strony człowiek i tak wciąga się w fabułę. Dosyć sprawnie domyśliłam się kto zabijał, powód w zasadzie również. Jednak i tak nie odebrało mi to frajdy z lektury, bo opisane wydarzenia potrafiły trzymać w napięciu. Trochę obawiałam się w jaką to stronę wszystko pójdzie, bo poprzednie dwie części były ze sobą silnie połączone. Tutaj zaczyna się coś wyłącznie jednotomowego i wychodzi na to, że tak już będzie przy kolejnych tomach. Oczywiście nie mam nic przeciwko i z chęcią sięgnę po kolejną część.
January 13, 2020
Maggie is a fascinating character and the writing about her is rich with emotion and description. In this story she has a rollercoaster ride from the loss of friends, family secrets unearthed, changes in other relationships and new work dynamics. Her sense of humor is more defined in this story and her ability to piece details together is stronger than ever. Tully and Gwen were a good addition to this story as was Harvey and Racine. They all brought a unique element to the case and development of Maggie’s character.
The writing was well paced and the story had a lot of sides that came together nearly at the end. I did figure out the killer half way though and had questions after one early scene in the book. The focus on the mother daughter dynamic was intriguing and Racines conversation with Mrs O’Dell was serious hit dirk humorous. I am enjoying this series especially seeing Maggie become the agent and woman I know from the Ryder Creed series.
The writing was well paced and the story had a lot of sides that came together nearly at the end. I did figure out the killer half way though and had questions after one early scene in the book. The focus on the mother daughter dynamic was intriguing and Racines conversation with Mrs O’Dell was serious hit dirk humorous. I am enjoying this series especially seeing Maggie become the agent and woman I know from the Ryder Creed series.
February 18, 2019
Another in the Maggie o’Dell series and to be honest this one had bits that were tough to slog through. While I generally enjoy strong female characters, Alex was pressing this time and it didn’t come across well. Maggie was too conflicted and out of control and the interplay with her mother was forced. Not one of my preferred books thus far in the series and it may be a sign that the “dog days” of summer are beginning and I need to mix up my book list. I’ll let time pass before I take on her next—hope the break helps restore my appreciation cause right now it’s waning.
June 1, 2019
Wieder ein gelungener Band um die FBI Agentin Maggie O‘Dell.
In diesem Band wird man sehr in die Irre geführt. Ständig ist man zwischen der Vielzahl an möglichen Tätern hin und her gerissen.
Ich muss schon sagen, das ich die Story als ziemlich hart empfand, aber so ist das halt öfters bei Thrillern, die der Realität entsprechen könnten.
Empfehlenswert für Fans von Thrillern und eine gelungene Fortsetzung.
In diesem Band wird man sehr in die Irre geführt. Ständig ist man zwischen der Vielzahl an möglichen Tätern hin und her gerissen.
Ich muss schon sagen, das ich die Story als ziemlich hart empfand, aber so ist das halt öfters bei Thrillern, die der Realität entsprechen könnten.
Empfehlenswert für Fans von Thrillern und eine gelungene Fortsetzung.
June 15, 2019
The most generous 2 stars ever because Kava’s first two books were so good. This one just never really got going, but the characters overcame the bad story to a small extent. It’s strange to say, but the author let her characters down. The resolution was tough to believe. I hope the next one reverts to the quality of the first two. If you like the O’Dell books, you might want to skip this one.
May 12, 2025
Sama książka nie była zła, po prostu nie moja. Temat sekty mnie nie interesuje, chociaż i tak tu chyba nie został przedstawiony źle (nie wiem, bo nie czytałam innej książki z sektą na pierwszym planie).
Z drugiej strony dosyć wcześnie rozpracowałam, kto jest mordercą🫤.
Wątek Gwen i Tully’ego trochę z dupy. Jestem ciekawa, czy zostanie to pociągnięte dalej.
Perspektywa Justina???? Nie rozumiem typa i większości, co się z nim działo. Myślałam, że jest po to, żeby pokazać działanie sekty od środka, ale patrząc po zakończeniu chyba jednak nie tylko.
Ogólnie taka trochę średnia. Do przeczytania. Oby dalsze były lepsze
Z drugiej strony dosyć wcześnie rozpracowałam, kto jest mordercą🫤.
Wątek Gwen i Tully’ego trochę z dupy. Jestem ciekawa, czy zostanie to pociągnięte dalej.
Perspektywa Justina???? Nie rozumiem typa i większości, co się z nim działo. Myślałam, że jest po to, żeby pokazać działanie sekty od środka, ale patrząc po zakończeniu chyba jednak nie tylko.
Ogólnie taka trochę średnia. Do przeczytania. Oby dalsze były lepsze
February 23, 2023
Trochę chaotyczne, plot mógłby być lepszy but Benjamin>>>
June 5, 2024
Addicting and well written, loved it!
December 20, 2018
Maggie O'Dell is brought into a case of a murder of a teenage girl in DC that seems connected to a recent FBI stand-off at a cabin that resulted in the suicides of a group of young men. The connection is a curious religious cult lead by a man that they just can't shake is involved somehow...
This book had lot stronger of a story than the last- who wouldn't like reading about religious cults? I did mostly have this one figured out about half-way through the book though. Even though this book focuses on Maggie's unresolved personal problems yet again, she doesn't seem so uncharacteristically reckless. In fact....she seemed strangely underutilized in the case.
Still want to keep reading more- I just love these characters.
This book had lot stronger of a story than the last- who wouldn't like reading about religious cults? I did mostly have this one figured out about half-way through the book though. Even though this book focuses on Maggie's unresolved personal problems yet again, she doesn't seem so uncharacteristically reckless. In fact....she seemed strangely underutilized in the case.
Still want to keep reading more- I just love these characters.
May 21, 2021
What can I say, I was not to enamored w/ the characters, and it was a bit dark for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews