🕵️♂️ Book Review: Eleventh Hour by Catherine Coulter
A gripping blend of murder mystery, psychological suspense, and FBI procedural—with a dash of twin intrigue and a race against time.
Book seven in Catherine Coulter’s long-running FBI Thriller series, Eleventh Hour introduces a new lead—Special Agent Dane Carver—while continuing the adventures of fan favorites Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock. With a Goodreads rating of 4.19/5 from over 14,000 readers, this installment is praised for its fast pacing, layered plot, and emotional stakes.
🧠 Plot Overview
The story begins with a chilling murder: Father Michael Joseph Carver, a priest in San Francisco, is shot in the confessional by a remorseless killer. The twist? He’s the identical twin brother of FBI agent Dane Carver, who rushes to the scene, determined to find the murderer.
The only witness is Nick Jones, a homeless woman hiding in the church pews. But Nick isn’t just a bystander—she’s running from a terrifying past of her own. As Dane, Savich, and Sherlock dig deeper, they uncover a disturbing connection between the murder and a new television show with eerie parallels to the crime.
From the streets of San Francisco to the studios of Los Angeles, the agents must unravel a tangled web of secrets before the killer strikes again. And with Nick’s life in danger, the clock is ticking.
🔍 Why It Works
- Twin Dynamic: The emotional impact of Dane losing his brother adds depth and urgency to the investigation.
- Multiple POVs: Coulter balances action and character development by shifting perspectives between Dane, Nick, and the FBI team.
- Media Intrigue: The subplot involving a TV show tied to the murders adds a fresh, modern twist.
- Series Continuity: Savich and Sherlock continue to shine, offering fans continuity and camaraderie.
💬 Critical Reception
- “[Coulter’s tone softens the story’s edge… despite two feisty heroines facing down the killer, the climax feels a bit mushy.]” — Kirkus Reviews
- “Great suspense coupled with action, daring chases, and breathless escapes.” — Bookreporter
- “A riveting novel of suspense… a cat-and-mouse chase that runs from San Francisco to Los Angeles.” — Goodreads
🏁 Final Verdict
Eleventh Hour is a solid entry in Coulter’s FBI Thriller series, offering emotional depth, clever twists, and a satisfying blend of action and mystery. If you enjoy crime fiction with psychological layers and strong female leads, this one delivers.
