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FBI Thriller #25
Vortex
In the latest installment in Catherine Coulter’s #1 New York Times bestselling FBI Thriller series, agents Sherlock and Savich find themselves dealing with powerful pieces of the past that could have dire consequences in the present.
Seven years ago, Mia Briscoe was at a frat party with her best friend Serena when a fire broke out. Everyone was accounted for except Serena. She was never heard from or seen again. Now Mia is an investigative journalist covering the political scene in New York City, but she hasn’t given up trying to find out what happened to her friend that night. When an old photo taken at the frat party gives her clues, Mia realizes she knows just where to look. She enlists FBI agent Sherlock’s help to uncover a sinister string of events going all the way back to that disastrous party. But some very powerful—and very dangerous—people will do anything to keep the past buried.
CIA Operative Olivia Hildebrandt is a team leader on a mission in Iran to exfiltrate a betrayed undercover operative. She’s nearly killed by an exploding grenade and saved by a team member. After leaving Walter Reed Hospital, not only has that team member disappeared but two men come to her house to kill her. Savich believes their attack on Olivia is a direct result of the compromised mission in Iran. What intelligence was at stake? Who betrayed them? Savich quickly finds he is now a target himself and unseen enemies will stop at nothing, including murder.
A “nail-biting” thriller (Publishers Weekly) from a #1 New York Times bestselling author, ✳performed by dual narrators: FBI agents Sherlock and Savich reopen a cold case involving a missing college student — and find themselves dealing with the wrath of extremely powerful politicians… This “suspenseful and surprising” listen (Booklist) is “not to be missed” (The Providence Journal).
Seven years ago, Mia Briscoe was at a frat party with her best friend Serena when a fire broke out. Everyone was accounted for except Serena. She was never heard from or seen again. Now Mia is an investigative journalist covering the political scene in New York City, but she hasn’t given up trying to find out what happened to her friend that night. When an old photo taken at the frat party gives her clues, Mia realizes she knows just where to look. She enlists FBI agent Sherlock’s help to uncover a sinister string of events going all the way back to that disastrous party. But some very powerful—and very dangerous—people will do anything to keep the past buried.
CIA Operative Olivia Hildebrandt is a team leader on a mission in Iran to exfiltrate a betrayed undercover operative. She’s nearly killed by an exploding grenade and saved by a team member. After leaving Walter Reed Hospital, not only has that team member disappeared but two men come to her house to kill her. Savich believes their attack on Olivia is a direct result of the compromised mission in Iran. What intelligence was at stake? Who betrayed them? Savich quickly finds he is now a target himself and unseen enemies will stop at nothing, including murder.
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First published August 10, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 774 reviews
April 4, 2022
It’s hard to believe there have been twenty-five books in this FBI series featuring married agents Savich and Sherlock. VORTEX, like her previous books, contains two separate mysteries to solve. In the first, we’re introduced in the prologue to two prep school friends who have a nasty little habit of serial rape and murder and are in the process of burying one of their victims. Seven years later, a reporter is assigned to cover a prominent mayoral race in NYC and begins to uncover curious information about one of the candidates. I liked the new characters introduced in this one, though I’ll admit I didn’t understand why there wasn’t a romance between the two main leads in this storyline(!) Maya and Tommy Maitland had more chemistry than the absentee boyfriend we never saw on page. Agent Sherlock is in NYC helping Maya with this investigation. The second mystery has more of an international flair, involving CIA operatives and a mission gone bad in Iran. Savich takes over this one when the CIA agent is attacked on US soil. This was fast paced and well written and one of my favorites of the series.
Trigger Warnings:
Trigger Warnings:
August 31, 2021
I mean it's fine. It's not the worst writing but I just didn't like it at all. The dialogue was painfully awkward to read and every character spoke exactly the same way. The "frigid weather" was mentioned so often it was practically a subplot when temperatures in the thirties on the East Coast in mid-March are not remarkable in the least. For someone who has written scores of "FBI thrillers" the depiction of the FBI and CIA felt wholly unrealistic and not even in a fun way that made it easy to suspend my disbelief. I don't plan to read anything else by this author.
Edit: I'm seeing most other reviews describe this as a fantastic white-knuckle thriller and I don't get it at all I wasn't surprised by a single thing in this story.
Edit: I'm seeing most other reviews describe this as a fantastic white-knuckle thriller and I don't get it at all I wasn't surprised by a single thing in this story.
August 26, 2021
Mia Briscoe never got over the fact that her best friend went missing from a party seven years previously, never to be seen again. The trail has long gone cold, but Mia is determined to find out what happened to her, especiay as she sees old photos that have been sent to her. Who is sending the photos and why now? FBI Agent Lacey Sherlock gets called into help, but soon discovers that asking about the past presents incredible danger.
There is a second case going on, and it is involving the investigation headed by CIA Operative Olivia Hildebrandt and Sherlock's husband, also a Special Agent of the FBI, Dillon Savich, are called in th extract a missing agent. Things get too close to home for Olivia and Dillon has to work hard to keep her safe.
Vortex is another exciting book in the FBI Thriller series. This is book number 25 and it proves to be just as gripping as every previous book in the series. Savich and Sherlock are still going strong. I love them as a couple and their cases are always riveting making this installment another page-turner.
Many thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
There is a second case going on, and it is involving the investigation headed by CIA Operative Olivia Hildebrandt and Sherlock's husband, also a Special Agent of the FBI, Dillon Savich, are called in th extract a missing agent. Things get too close to home for Olivia and Dillon has to work hard to keep her safe.
Vortex is another exciting book in the FBI Thriller series. This is book number 25 and it proves to be just as gripping as every previous book in the series. Savich and Sherlock are still going strong. I love them as a couple and their cases are always riveting making this installment another page-turner.
Many thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 5, 2022
Re-read. It's even better than I remember from my first read. Original review still stands:
It is no secret that I am a HUGE fan of Catherine Coulter's FBI Series. Huge! And, this was the one series my mom always hounded me about. "Is the new one out yet?" It is always a long year wait in between books. And, as always, when said new book is published, I devour it in one day. And, once again, we have another suspenseful, white knuckle, edge-of-your seat ride. I just love Savich and Sherlock! Looks like I will be going through my home library, once again, to re-read a few past books. I hate to leave two of my favorite characters for another year. Another winner, Ms. Coulter!
It is no secret that I am a HUGE fan of Catherine Coulter's FBI Series. Huge! And, this was the one series my mom always hounded me about. "Is the new one out yet?" It is always a long year wait in between books. And, as always, when said new book is published, I devour it in one day. And, once again, we have another suspenseful, white knuckle, edge-of-your seat ride. I just love Savich and Sherlock! Looks like I will be going through my home library, once again, to re-read a few past books. I hate to leave two of my favorite characters for another year. Another winner, Ms. Coulter!
August 21, 2021
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
Wonderful suspense with plots heading in all kinds of different directions, at least at first. You have a cold case, a CIA matter and a rich entitled candidate for Mayor of New York City. Oh, I forgot the psychopath murderer. That should be more than enough to satisfy even the most demanding mystery/suspense reader. Savich and Sherlock have their hands full, but they have some really great help.
Mia Briscoe's best friend went missing from a frat party over seven years ago. As an investigative journalist, it has bothered Mia that Serena disappeared without a trace. Another friend who was there that night discovers some old photos and sends them to Mia. This is just what Mia needed to jumpstart this cold case investigation. When Sherlock is asked to help, that is just what Mia needs to unravel what happened to her friend. But, digging into the past is not something certain powerful people want and what is uncovered could be very dangerous for Mia.
As a CIA Operative Olivia Hildebrandt has been on many missions, some good, some not so good. When she and her team are sent to extract an agent who was undercover in Iran's military, this turned out to be a not so good operation. Olivia is injured and a teammate has gone missing with vital intel. Then, after returning home, Olivia is attacked and it all points to a CIA mole. Savich is involved and in his efforts to keep Olivia safe, places himself directly in danger too.
Wonderful suspense with plots heading in all kinds of different directions, at least at first. You have a cold case, a CIA matter and a rich entitled candidate for Mayor of New York City. Oh, I forgot the psychopath murderer. That should be more than enough to satisfy even the most demanding mystery/suspense reader. Savich and Sherlock have their hands full, but they have some really great help.
Mia Briscoe's best friend went missing from a frat party over seven years ago. As an investigative journalist, it has bothered Mia that Serena disappeared without a trace. Another friend who was there that night discovers some old photos and sends them to Mia. This is just what Mia needed to jumpstart this cold case investigation. When Sherlock is asked to help, that is just what Mia needs to unravel what happened to her friend. But, digging into the past is not something certain powerful people want and what is uncovered could be very dangerous for Mia.
As a CIA Operative Olivia Hildebrandt has been on many missions, some good, some not so good. When she and her team are sent to extract an agent who was undercover in Iran's military, this turned out to be a not so good operation. Olivia is injured and a teammate has gone missing with vital intel. Then, after returning home, Olivia is attacked and it all points to a CIA mole. Savich is involved and in his efforts to keep Olivia safe, places himself directly in danger too.
October 6, 2021
Pretty lame
Formulaic and boring. Predictable and no better than watching a bad crime drama on TV. Very uninteresting protagonists and narrative. High school writing style, structure and skill. Don't waste your time or money.
Formulaic and boring. Predictable and no better than watching a bad crime drama on TV. Very uninteresting protagonists and narrative. High school writing style, structure and skill. Don't waste your time or money.
August 20, 2021
FBI agents and married couple Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock are at it again in this, their 25th appearance. But this time out, they don't spend much time working together. In fact, there were so many other characters that the FBI couple almost didn't seem like the stars of the show.
But even if they don't work together, make no mistake; it's still a really good show. Seven years after now-journalist Mia Briscoe's good friend went missing in the midst of a fraternity rave never to be seen again, Mia sees an old photo from that night and her investigative senses kick in. Problem is, the main suspect is rich, powerful and a political heavyweight who has the money and friends who can shut her down fast - or worse.
Meantime, CIA operative Mia Hildebrandt returns from a mission in Iran that failed miserably; the man she and her team were trying to get out of harm's way doesn't make it - and Olivia herself is hospitalized. Her agent-friend Mike, who tried his best to save the guy, has gone missing, and the CIA powers-that-be insist he stole some critical information and has gone rogue.
It is at this point - 11% into the book if you're reading on a Kindle - that Savich and Sherlock make an appearance. For Savich, that means visiting with Olivia, who's still recuperating from her injuries. Despite working for a rival agency, he promises her he will find Mike, get to the bottom of why he's been hiding and, Lord willing and the creek don't rise, ferret out the CIA "mole" everyone believes led to the disastrous mission. Back home, Savich is unofficially trying to help a friend with solving a triple murder; the suspect is known, but proof is elusive (at least until Savich enters the scene).
These three plots - the Iran crisis, the missing girl and the whodunit - weave their way in and out of chapters (no, it's not difficult to follow along, although of course the scene changes just as one chapter reaches some sort of cliffhanger, which while understandable from a suspense perspective, can be a little annoying at times). While I'm on the subject of annoyances, I'll mention for readers who don't enjoy reading about such things that the story involves drugs and sexual molestation. That doesn't bother me, although seeing the words "roofied and raped" in what had to be dozens of places did get a bit tiring.
Eventually, all the cases work their way toward resolution, accompanied by some nail-biters and surprises. The big reveal, for better or worse, I'd guessed early on - but I have to say it's always satisfying when that happens and I'm right. Bottom line? Definitely another enjoyable reading experience.
But even if they don't work together, make no mistake; it's still a really good show. Seven years after now-journalist Mia Briscoe's good friend went missing in the midst of a fraternity rave never to be seen again, Mia sees an old photo from that night and her investigative senses kick in. Problem is, the main suspect is rich, powerful and a political heavyweight who has the money and friends who can shut her down fast - or worse.
Meantime, CIA operative Mia Hildebrandt returns from a mission in Iran that failed miserably; the man she and her team were trying to get out of harm's way doesn't make it - and Olivia herself is hospitalized. Her agent-friend Mike, who tried his best to save the guy, has gone missing, and the CIA powers-that-be insist he stole some critical information and has gone rogue.
It is at this point - 11% into the book if you're reading on a Kindle - that Savich and Sherlock make an appearance. For Savich, that means visiting with Olivia, who's still recuperating from her injuries. Despite working for a rival agency, he promises her he will find Mike, get to the bottom of why he's been hiding and, Lord willing and the creek don't rise, ferret out the CIA "mole" everyone believes led to the disastrous mission. Back home, Savich is unofficially trying to help a friend with solving a triple murder; the suspect is known, but proof is elusive (at least until Savich enters the scene).
These three plots - the Iran crisis, the missing girl and the whodunit - weave their way in and out of chapters (no, it's not difficult to follow along, although of course the scene changes just as one chapter reaches some sort of cliffhanger, which while understandable from a suspense perspective, can be a little annoying at times). While I'm on the subject of annoyances, I'll mention for readers who don't enjoy reading about such things that the story involves drugs and sexual molestation. That doesn't bother me, although seeing the words "roofied and raped" in what had to be dozens of places did get a bit tiring.
Eventually, all the cases work their way toward resolution, accompanied by some nail-biters and surprises. The big reveal, for better or worse, I'd guessed early on - but I have to say it's always satisfying when that happens and I'm right. Bottom line? Definitely another enjoyable reading experience.
August 13, 2021
First I would like to thank Harper Collins Publishing for an ARC of this book. The book I received was an uncorrected copy, which threw me for a loop, as I am a former English teacher in another life. Was not used to seeing so many grammatical errors when I read, but that’s not why we are here. Coulter is one of my favorite authors and I am very familiar with this series. Loved that Sherlock and Savich were on separate roads this time. Both stories were exciting and the plots were well delivered. Some readers may not care for that tact, but, to each their own. This story was well done and I highly recommend for other Cat Coulter addicts.
June 10, 2021
3.5 Stars
As a longtime, enthusiastic fan of the FBI thrillers featuring Savich and Sherlock, I was a bit disappointed in this latest addition to the series. The storyline had a slow start and it wasn’t until midway through the book that the momentum picked up and the FBI agents became deeply involved. I would call this “Savich and Sherlock Lite.”
When a CIA mission is severely compromised and critical information goes missing, an attempt is made on the life of a recovering, injured operative. The FBI is called in due to the domestic nature of the event and Special Agent Dillon Savich must navigate the choppy waters of the CIA/FBI turf dispute to protect the operative and recover the data. Simultaneously Agent Sherlock travels to New York to consult on a serial murderer and is drawn into an unrelated cold case of a missing, and presumed dead, college coed.
Most of the books in Coulter’s FBI series have multiple plot lines, but it is a bit unusual for Savich and Sherlock to be on separate assignments for the entire book. This popular author is known for well-crafted, entertaining stories – what makes them particularly appealing is the blending of the personal and professional relationships between the husband and wife team. I missed that key component in this book and it made for a less enjoyable read.
My thanks to the author, William Morrow and Custom House, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing a digital ARC in exchange for an independent, honest review.
As a longtime, enthusiastic fan of the FBI thrillers featuring Savich and Sherlock, I was a bit disappointed in this latest addition to the series. The storyline had a slow start and it wasn’t until midway through the book that the momentum picked up and the FBI agents became deeply involved. I would call this “Savich and Sherlock Lite.”
When a CIA mission is severely compromised and critical information goes missing, an attempt is made on the life of a recovering, injured operative. The FBI is called in due to the domestic nature of the event and Special Agent Dillon Savich must navigate the choppy waters of the CIA/FBI turf dispute to protect the operative and recover the data. Simultaneously Agent Sherlock travels to New York to consult on a serial murderer and is drawn into an unrelated cold case of a missing, and presumed dead, college coed.
Most of the books in Coulter’s FBI series have multiple plot lines, but it is a bit unusual for Savich and Sherlock to be on separate assignments for the entire book. This popular author is known for well-crafted, entertaining stories – what makes them particularly appealing is the blending of the personal and professional relationships between the husband and wife team. I missed that key component in this book and it made for a less enjoyable read.
My thanks to the author, William Morrow and Custom House, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing a digital ARC in exchange for an independent, honest review.
August 12, 2021
Very very boring. I skipped thru most of the book. This is the last book of this series I will read.
September 6, 2021
Too much going on to follow. Too many story lines.
December 13, 2023
@Sarah, thank you for bringing this to the Book Club White Elephant Party! I finished it within 24ish hours 😅
I’m new to Coulter’s writing, but her story had great characters from across vast places and a story that touched my heart (and had me teary by the last paragraphs).
Wish it was book one to have met the characters at the beginning- but this was a good launchpad to go back and start the series!
I’m new to Coulter’s writing, but her story had great characters from across vast places and a story that touched my heart (and had me teary by the last paragraphs).
Wish it was book one to have met the characters at the beginning- but this was a good launchpad to go back and start the series!
February 25, 2022
Loved it!
October 5, 2021
There were too many characters to sift through in the first chapters of the book. Each chapter introduced someone new. I know the seven years later chapters were people we had seen in the first chapter but the author seemed to want to surprise us with the connection.
I unfortunately abandoned the book.
I unfortunately abandoned the book.
February 21, 2022
If I could give it zero stars I would. This was my first and last C Coulee term book.
I thought the writing, in particular the dialogue, was juvenile and the plots were ridiculous. And I could not comprehend the reason for the triple murder plot line as it lent no value to the main story.
I forced myself to finish this. Not for me.
I thought the writing, in particular the dialogue, was juvenile and the plots were ridiculous. And I could not comprehend the reason for the triple murder plot line as it lent no value to the main story.
I forced myself to finish this. Not for me.
Read
January 22, 2022Did not finish
August 9, 2021
It’s been a while since I’ve settled into a police procedural, so this read was a welcome reminder of why they are so popular.
This book follows FBI couple Sherlock and Savich into three separate investigations. One dealing with terrorism and a mole, one dealing with a real estate mogul and her 3rd dead husband and the last dealing with a 7 year old missing persons investigation.
The investigations are explored simultaneously through different narrators. CIA operative and team leader, Olivia, returns from a failed mission only to seemingly be a target. Her team rallies beside her to uncover the mystery surrounding one of their own. Savich lends his FBI expertise to help Olivia find her teammate and uncover the mole.
Meanwhile, investigative reporter, Mia, gets assigned to a story involving an up and coming political player and his mayoral candidacy. The disappearance of her college best friend is never far from her mind. Frustrated by the lack of a suspect, a body and closure in her friends death, she channels that energy into her job. Pieces start to come into view that bring her friend’s unsolved disappearance back into the limelight. She is determined to find out what happened to her friend, why, and who caused it. Sherlock comes beside Mia to lend her expertise and intuition to her search for answers.
This book had just enough fact gathering, secrets, suspicions and twists to make the pages turn quickly. In true Coulter fashion, the book was engaging and the ending, although not a shock, very satisfying. Another winner from this 25th book in the series. Easily read as a stand-alone too.
Thank you to partners #bibliolifestyle and #williammorrowbooks for the advance copy.
This book follows FBI couple Sherlock and Savich into three separate investigations. One dealing with terrorism and a mole, one dealing with a real estate mogul and her 3rd dead husband and the last dealing with a 7 year old missing persons investigation.
The investigations are explored simultaneously through different narrators. CIA operative and team leader, Olivia, returns from a failed mission only to seemingly be a target. Her team rallies beside her to uncover the mystery surrounding one of their own. Savich lends his FBI expertise to help Olivia find her teammate and uncover the mole.
Meanwhile, investigative reporter, Mia, gets assigned to a story involving an up and coming political player and his mayoral candidacy. The disappearance of her college best friend is never far from her mind. Frustrated by the lack of a suspect, a body and closure in her friends death, she channels that energy into her job. Pieces start to come into view that bring her friend’s unsolved disappearance back into the limelight. She is determined to find out what happened to her friend, why, and who caused it. Sherlock comes beside Mia to lend her expertise and intuition to her search for answers.
This book had just enough fact gathering, secrets, suspicions and twists to make the pages turn quickly. In true Coulter fashion, the book was engaging and the ending, although not a shock, very satisfying. Another winner from this 25th book in the series. Easily read as a stand-alone too.
Thank you to partners #bibliolifestyle and #williammorrowbooks for the advance copy.
May 6, 2022
3.8⭐️ I can definitely say that thrillers and mysteries are my comfort read. Such a good time reading it.
December 8, 2021
A good detective story. I will read more of her FBI series.
January 7, 2022
Vortex was a spectacular read
June 16, 2021
Advanced Reader Copy Review:
I have read many Catherine Coulter FBI Thriller books and I am a fan.
Vortex brings back Sherlock & Dillon Savich but only as supportive characters. There are actually three story plots within this book and with new main characters in plot one Mia and Tommy and in plot two, Olivia and Mike. These two story lines do not intercept but are good as they include murder, mystery, suspense, and a dash of romance. The third story line with Sherlock and Storin was just odd and I didn’t understand why is was included. Overall I did enjoy this book and look forward to reading the next one.
I have read many Catherine Coulter FBI Thriller books and I am a fan.
Vortex brings back Sherlock & Dillon Savich but only as supportive characters. There are actually three story plots within this book and with new main characters in plot one Mia and Tommy and in plot two, Olivia and Mike. These two story lines do not intercept but are good as they include murder, mystery, suspense, and a dash of romance. The third story line with Sherlock and Storin was just odd and I didn’t understand why is was included. Overall I did enjoy this book and look forward to reading the next one.
January 6, 2022
You: What? You’ve never read a book by Catherine Coulter?
Me: No, and I’m kind of embarrassed to admit it.
You: Well, my friend, better late than never!
Me: Yikes, I’m talking to myself again.
I don’t know how I missed this writer… after all, there are 25 books in this series alone (she’s written 86 novels altogether). I love a good thriller, and Vortex checked all my boxes. What are those boxes, you ask?
1. Well-developed, likeable characters
2. A unique, interesting plot
3. Great pacing
4. The perfect amount of description vs. action
5. Minor pulse pounding.
In other words, a real knockout! Will I be reading other books in this series? You betcha! 4.5 stars.
Me: No, and I’m kind of embarrassed to admit it.
You: Well, my friend, better late than never!
Me: Yikes, I’m talking to myself again.
I don’t know how I missed this writer… after all, there are 25 books in this series alone (she’s written 86 novels altogether). I love a good thriller, and Vortex checked all my boxes. What are those boxes, you ask?
1. Well-developed, likeable characters
2. A unique, interesting plot
3. Great pacing
4. The perfect amount of description vs. action
5. Minor pulse pounding.
In other words, a real knockout! Will I be reading other books in this series? You betcha! 4.5 stars.
June 27, 2022
I enjoy these characters and I love that there are so many strong women (physically and emotionally) in this particular story. It was nice to not have Sherlock and Savich be the stars but rather be the supporting cast - I liked it.
October 10, 2021
First time reading Catherine Coulter. I love FBI, CIA books, but this book is more about the relationships vs. suspenseful.
September 1, 2021
Barbara’s Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: FBI Thriller #25
Publication Date: 8/10/21
Period: Contemporary Washington DC & New York
Number of Pages: 400
I always look forward to the next release in this series and I am absolutely never disappointed. This book, as always, was well-written, well-plotted, well-delivered, and had engaging and relatable characters. We follow Sherlock and Savich as they wade through the clues and solve two different cases. The cases are very different and both are very interesting.
Sherlock’s case with Mia/Thomas/Julia
I quickly came to admire Mia Briscoe. She is so very brave and once she gets her first clue, she is doggedly determined to solve the mystery of what happened to her best friend seven years ago. Serena disappeared without a trace from a frat party she and Mia had attended, and there hasn’t been a trace of her or what happened since then. Then, out of the blue, a blurry picture is unearthed and it sets everything in motion. Mia does most of the investigation on her own and Sherlock isn’t involved until closer to the end of the case – once Mia has nearly been murdered. Mia has many obstacles in her path – some of those obstacles are very rich, powerful, politically inclined, families. You’ll love Mia and those she enlists to help her and you’ll love the way the case unfolds and wraps up.
Savich’s case with Olivia
When a foreign national tries to murder CIA agent Olivia Hildebrandt, the case falls under the jurisdiction of the FBI – particularly Agent Dillon Savich, head of the Criminal Apprehension Unit. To say the CIA is unhappy with that turn of events is putting it lightly. The CIA’s unhappiness doesn’t faze Savich in the least and he proceeds to protect Olivia and solve the case of the missing CIA agent, Mike Kingman, and the flash drive he carried. The CIA is inclined to believe Kingman is a traitor and has stolen the flash drive, but Olivia is absolutely sure that isn’t the case – and Savich believes Olivia. What is on that drive that is worth a foreign entity hunting down and murdering a CIA operative? Is there a traitor in the CIA? Who compromised the mission to retrieve the flash drive? Leave it to Savich and his intrepid crew to solve it all and see to the appropriate punishment.
I can highly recommend this book and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. Have you read all of the books in the series? For a while, the author made much use of Savich’s ‘sixth sense’, but that hasn’t been mentioned in the last several books. I have to wonder if that just wasn’t a popular thing or if it was just easier to write the stories with it. It certainly doesn’t detract from the stories, but – you have to wonder – if someone has a sixth sense, why wouldn’t they use it all the time?
Series: FBI Thriller #25
Publication Date: 8/10/21
Period: Contemporary Washington DC & New York
Number of Pages: 400
I always look forward to the next release in this series and I am absolutely never disappointed. This book, as always, was well-written, well-plotted, well-delivered, and had engaging and relatable characters. We follow Sherlock and Savich as they wade through the clues and solve two different cases. The cases are very different and both are very interesting.
Sherlock’s case with Mia/Thomas/Julia
I quickly came to admire Mia Briscoe. She is so very brave and once she gets her first clue, she is doggedly determined to solve the mystery of what happened to her best friend seven years ago. Serena disappeared without a trace from a frat party she and Mia had attended, and there hasn’t been a trace of her or what happened since then. Then, out of the blue, a blurry picture is unearthed and it sets everything in motion. Mia does most of the investigation on her own and Sherlock isn’t involved until closer to the end of the case – once Mia has nearly been murdered. Mia has many obstacles in her path – some of those obstacles are very rich, powerful, politically inclined, families. You’ll love Mia and those she enlists to help her and you’ll love the way the case unfolds and wraps up.
Savich’s case with Olivia
When a foreign national tries to murder CIA agent Olivia Hildebrandt, the case falls under the jurisdiction of the FBI – particularly Agent Dillon Savich, head of the Criminal Apprehension Unit. To say the CIA is unhappy with that turn of events is putting it lightly. The CIA’s unhappiness doesn’t faze Savich in the least and he proceeds to protect Olivia and solve the case of the missing CIA agent, Mike Kingman, and the flash drive he carried. The CIA is inclined to believe Kingman is a traitor and has stolen the flash drive, but Olivia is absolutely sure that isn’t the case – and Savich believes Olivia. What is on that drive that is worth a foreign entity hunting down and murdering a CIA operative? Is there a traitor in the CIA? Who compromised the mission to retrieve the flash drive? Leave it to Savich and his intrepid crew to solve it all and see to the appropriate punishment.
I can highly recommend this book and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. Have you read all of the books in the series? For a while, the author made much use of Savich’s ‘sixth sense’, but that hasn’t been mentioned in the last several books. I have to wonder if that just wasn’t a popular thing or if it was just easier to write the stories with it. It certainly doesn’t detract from the stories, but – you have to wonder – if someone has a sixth sense, why wouldn’t they use it all the time?
January 26, 2022
Seven years ago, two privileged white boys roofied and killed a girl they raped. Move to present day and they are powerful men who were never caught for their earlier crimes. That doesn’t last long once Sherlock is on the case.
October 20, 2021
The usual formulaic Catherine Coulter "FBI Thriller"...Multiple story lines that all lead to FBI agents Dillon Savich and Lacie Sherlock...Formulaic as it is, it IS a winning formula by a master of suspense thriller...In this one we have a CIA field officer targeted by paid assassins, a serial murdering "Black Widow" reals estate agent and a cold case missing coed who may have murdered by a rich, powerful political heavyweight in NYC politics...Solid Coulter page-turner!!!
June 8, 2024
…this is called a thriller? not my cup of tea
October 4, 2021
I loved this book by Catherine Coulter. She always writes a thrilling book. Sherlock, and Savich we’re both involved in this book, but on different cases. Sherlock was drawn into a seven year old missing person case of a young co-ed , by the woman’s best friend, who had found new evidence. Her life is almost lost twice after she meets with the two men she feels is responsible. Sherlock arrives to protect her, and help unravel the case. The other story in the book starts in a special ops in Iran . Only a few people knew about the mission, yet when the extraction takes place the team leader Olivia is nearly killed, and the flash drive ,and a close team member is missing. Agent Savich joins with the CIA to uncover who the leak is, and locate the missing flash drive, and find who has put out a hit on the leader, and the missing agent. She may cover two complete stories in the book, but her writing style does not confuse you. The ending for both stories was well done. There is also an epilogue that I appreciated. I gave it 5 stars.
January 6, 2025
While I did enjoy this book, I thought it could use a bit of development to make the characters stand out more. Just my thoughts on it...
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