🧩 Book Review: The Maze by Catherine Coulter
A fast-paced romantic thriller that introduces one of the genre’s most iconic FBI duos—Lacey Sherlock and Dillon Savich—in a deadly game of vengeance and deception.
Book two in Catherine Coulter’s long-running FBI Thriller series, The Maze marks a turning point in the saga, blending emotional depth with procedural suspense. With a strong Goodreads rating of 4.15/5 from over 18,000 readers, this installment is praised for its gripping plot, character chemistry, and a twisty murder mystery that keeps readers guessing.
🧠 Plot Overview
Seven years ago, Lacey Sherlock’s sister, Belinda, was murdered by a serial killer known as the String Killer, who left his victims in a maze with a ball of twine. Now an FBI agent, Lacey is determined to solve the case herself—even if it means bending the rules.
She’s paired with Special Agent Dillon Savich, a brilliant investigator and computer whiz who’s developed a predictive program to track serial killers. When a new murder mimics the String Killer’s MO, Lacey and Savich dive into a case that quickly spirals into something far more personal and dangerous.
But as they close in on the killer, Lacey’s own life is threatened, and the truth behind Belinda’s death proves more complicated than anyone imagined.
🔍 Why It Works
- Strong Female Lead: Lacey Sherlock is smart, driven, and emotionally complex—a heroine readers root for.
- Romantic Tension: The chemistry between Lacey and Savich adds depth without overshadowing the suspense.
- Twist-Filled Plot: Coulter keeps the narrative moving with red herrings, family secrets, and a satisfying reveal.
- Series Foundation: This book sets the tone for the rest of the series, introducing recurring characters and themes.
💬 Critical Reception
- “A fast-paced, thrilling adventure you won’t want to miss… worth the price of admission.” — Books & Benches
- “The fast pace will hold some appeal, but the cartoonish villains and comic-book storyline may not.” — Kirkus Reviews
🏁 Final Verdict
The Maze is a compelling blend of romantic suspense and FBI procedural, perfect for fans of twisty thrillers with emotionally driven protagonists. If you’re starting the series, this is the book where the heart of Coulter’s FBI universe truly begins.
