🕵️♀️ Book Review: Insidious by Catherine Coulter
A dual-layered FBI thriller that blends high-society intrigue with Hollywood horror—delivering suspense, sharp twists, and a cast of unforgettable women.
Book 20 in Catherine Coulter’s long-running FBI Thriller series, Insidious brings back fan favorites Agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock, while introducing Special Agent Cam Wittier in a chilling new case. With a solid Goodreads rating of 4.14/5 from over 10,000 readers, this installment is praised for its brisk pacing, dual investigations, and strong female leads.
🧠 Plot Overview
Case One: The Poisoning of Venus Rasmussen
Venus Rasmussen, an 86-year-old billionaire and head of Rasmussen Industries, suspects someone is trying to poison her. When she’s nearly assassinated in broad daylight, Savich and Sherlock step in to investigate. Is the culprit one of her greedy family members—or her long-lost grandson who suddenly reappears after a decade? As they peel back layers of family secrets, the agents uncover a motive that’s more personal—and insidious—than they imagined.
Case Two: The Starlet Slasher
Meanwhile, Special Agent Cam Wittier is dispatched to Los Angeles to hunt a serial killer dubbed the Starlet Slasher, who has brutally murdered five young actresses. Teaming up with Detective Daniel Montoya, Cam must navigate the glitzy but dangerous world of Hollywood to stop the killer before he strikes again.
🔍 Why It Works
- Dual Plotlines: Coulter masterfully balances two distinct investigations, keeping readers engaged across settings and stakes.
- Strong Female Characters: Venus Rasmussen is a standout—sharp, fearless, and refreshingly complex. Cam Wittier adds fresh energy to the series.
- Blend of Genres: From corporate drama to serial killer suspense, the book offers a rich mix of psychological and procedural thrills.
- Series Continuity: Savich and Sherlock remain the emotional and investigative anchors, while new characters expand the universe.
💬 Reader Reactions
- “Venus is a powerhouse. Loved seeing an older woman take center stage.”
- “The Starlet Slasher case was chilling—Cam Wittier deserves her own spin-off.”
- “Coulter’s pacing is tight, and the twists kept me guessing.”
Some readers felt the dual narrative diluted the emotional intensity, but most praised the character development and suspenseful execution.
🏁 Final Verdict
Insidious is a compelling, multi-layered thriller that explores power, legacy, and obsession. If you enjoy FBI procedurals with strong women, eerie villains, and a touch of Hollywood noir, this one delivers.
