For the first the FBI thrillers Riptide and Hemlock Bay together in one volume.
Catherine Coulter's FBI series "twists at every turn" ( San Diego Union-Tribune ). In two of her most gripping books- Riptide and Hemlock Bay - FBI agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock face dangerous threats in both their professional and personal lives.
In Riptide , trouble follows an intrepid reporter to the quiet coastal Maine community, and Savich and Sherlock must face down a KGB agent to find the truth.
In Hemlock Bay , the two travel to Maryland to take down the satanic child-killing Tuttle twins.
The first story, Riptide, could have been a very engaging tale. It certainly was a novel length manuscript. But at some points it felt like an abridgment with just the facts and none of the feel. This reader got the sense of a skipping stone touching down on the surface for the very briefest moment without getting wet. Sometimes the language got in the way of good storytelling. One does not streak their fingers through their hair; for instance. Streak is a word reserved for things moving at the speed of lightning. And even if one could streak their fingers through their hair, such an occurrence could only be performed by a super-hero, or a psych patient hopped up on a case of Red Bull. This is only one example of poor word choices acting as speed bumps to an otherwise good read. Occasionally, the characters appear to do or say things cardboard cutouts do or say to further the plot rather than what would normally transpire based on their personalities.
Read the second story, Hemlock Bay. It was better than the first one in that it read like a more complete story. Still, there was the issue of poor word choices—a problem with the language. For instance, I was taken out of the story when I read that someone was as bald as a Q-tip. It struck me as totally wrong and so I was disengaged from the story. The phrase is, as everyone knows, as bald as a cue ball. It's those poor word choices which act as speed bumps to a good read—one which flows from the page to the brain smoothly.
Llove, love Counter books, started reading her historical romances first, but after reading the first book with Sherlock and Savic have been unable to stop rereading the series. I had to go back because had forgotten how they met. Second time reading the beginning books. Love the twists in the stories and how the FBI track serial killers. Anyone who like thrillers would love these books. Can't wait for the next.........
This story was interesting and kept me turning the page, however, I felt like the ability of the main character (Becca) was too far fetched. All the FBI agents and undercoverworkers just sat back and let her take the lead. I think not.
Love Savich and Sherlock and the wonderful, interesting people who come into their lives, not to mention the CRAZIES! Their life is NEVER boring! If you haven’t read about them, you need to!
The writing just wasn't that good. Everything having to do with Sean felt tacked on. And the dialogue was really clunky and bad. The story was okay. Stories.
Oh my goodness! I was on the edge of my chair, almost missed a memorial service because I didn’t want to stop reading. Dillon and Sherlock are amazing. The stories make you want to hold your breath because of the tension and action between the players.
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel. I really enjoyed reading this novel and i 💘 this author too. Shelley Ma
Catherine Coulters is a Fantastic author. I've read many of her books over the years and have never been disappointed. I look forward to reading more of her books. THANKS
I got this book as a gift and read it again. I had red both the stories as individual books a long time ago. This was fun to re-read this book, but I wish it had been a new story. That is confusing when some people know you like an author, and it is a new title....that being said..If you have not read either of the books listed at the bottom..grad this one..good reading, and two for the price of one.....She is one of my favorite authors.......
Riptide was actually a rip off. The characters were professional one minute, then inept and stupid the next. The romance was awkward and unbelievable. And the plot was all over the place. Tyler and Sam were really unnecessary to the story, as was the skeleton in the basement.
Hemlock Bay was better, but all of Coulter's characters seem to be witty smart asses.
This is actually two FBI stories in a single book. She is a skillful writer overall, but I especially appreciated her descriptions of people and places. She gives enough detail to let me imagine them clearly in my mind, but without ever being intrusive or slowing the pace.
Catherine Coulter keeps you on your toes in both Riptide & Hemlock Bay. Great mysteries, full of suspense with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure.
Riptide, was the most edgist book I have ever read. It was very dark, pulled you in and was very hard to put down. It kept me guessing until the very end.