💥 Book Review: KnockOut by Catherine Coulter
A supernatural-tinged FBI thriller that blends telepathy, cults, and high-stakes suspense—with Savich and Sherlock caught in a race to stop a madman.
Book 13 in Catherine Coulter’s FBI Thriller series, KnockOut takes a bold leap into paranormal territory while maintaining the fast-paced procedural style fans love. With a strong Goodreads rating of 4.18/5 from over 13,000 readers, this installment is praised for its emotional stakes, eerie villains, and dual investigations that keep the tension high.
🧠 Plot Overview
Seven-year-old Autumn Backman has a rare gift: she can communicate telepathically. When she sees FBI Agent Dillon Savich on TV, she reaches out—not by phone, but through her mind. She’s terrified. Her grandmother and uncles are burying bodies in Georgia, and her uncle Blessed, a cult-like figure with psychic powers, is coming for her.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Ethan Merriweather of Titusville, Virginia, finds Autumn and quickly realizes she’s brought him a deadly problem. Blessed can control minds with a glance, and he wants Autumn for his growing army of exploited children.
As Savich and Sherlock investigate, they’re also juggling a second case involving a teenage girl named Lissy Smiley, whose cousin is out for revenge. With two dangerous adversaries and a child in peril, the agents must act fast before the madness consumes them all.
🔍 Why It Works
- Paranormal Edge: Coulter introduces telepathy and mind control, adding a fresh twist to the FBI procedural format.
- Dual Plotlines: The parallel investigations—one supernatural, one grounded in revenge—create layered suspense.
- Emotional Stakes: Autumn’s vulnerability and courage make her a compelling character, and her bond with Savich adds heart.
- Series Continuity: Savich and Sherlock continue to evolve, balancing personal warmth with professional grit.
💬 Reader Reactions
- “Had me on the edge of my seat the entire way through.” — Always With a Book
- “The paranormal plot adds suspense, though I hope it doesn’t become the norm.”
- “A satisfying mix of action, emotion, and eerie villains.”
Some readers found the supernatural elements a stretch, but most praised Coulter’s ability to weave them into a grounded, emotionally resonant thriller.
🏁 Final Verdict
KnockOut is a daring and emotionally charged entry in the FBI Thriller series. If you enjoy thrillers with a touch of the uncanny, strong character dynamics, and relentless pacing, this one delivers a knockout punch.
