🔍 Book Review: Blindside by Catherine Coulter
A fast-paced FBI thriller that blends small-town suspense, child endangerment, and religious fanaticism—with Savich and Sherlock navigating two chilling cases.
Book 8 in Catherine Coulter’s FBI Thriller series, Blindside continues the adventures of married agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock, this time in rural Tennessee. With a solid Goodreads rating of 4.14/5 from over 13,000 readers, this installment is praised for its dual plotlines, emotional stakes, and eerie villains.
🧠 Plot Overview
The story kicks off with the kidnapping of six-year-old Sam Kettering, son of FBI agent Miles Kettering. Sam escapes his captors and is rescued by Sheriff Katie Benedict and her daughter in the Smoky Mountains. Savich and Sherlock join the investigation, uncovering a disturbing conspiracy involving a cult-like church, The Sinful Children of God, led by the twisted Reverend Sooner McCamy.
Meanwhile, Savich is also tracking a serial killer targeting math teachers, a case that adds a layer of psychological intrigue and dark humor. As both investigations unfold, the agents must navigate religious obsession, hidden motives, and a race against time to protect Sam and stop the killer.
🔍 Why It Works
- Dual Mysteries: Coulter balances two compelling cases—one emotional and personal, the other bizarre and methodical.
- Atmospheric Setting: The rural Tennessee backdrop adds tension and isolation, enhancing the suspense.
- Strong Female Leads: Sheriff Katie Benedict is a standout, offering grit and warmth alongside Sherlock.
- Creepy Villains: Reverend McCamy and his sadistic brother bring a disturbing edge to the story.
💬 Reader Reactions
- “A riveting novel of knife-edge suspense… Coulter at the top of her game.” — Goodreads summary
- “The Smoky Mountains setting was beautiful—like taking a vacation with a murder mystery.”
- “Some plot twists felt over-the-top, but the pacing and character dynamics kept me hooked.”
🏁 Final Verdict
Blindside is a gripping entry in the FBI Thriller series, offering a mix of emotional depth, creepy villains, and procedural intrigue. If you enjoy thrillers with layered plots and strong character interplay, this one delivers.
