🔍 Book Review: Eleventh Hour by Catherine Coulter
A fast-paced FBI thriller that blends murder, mystery, and media intrigue—featuring fan-favorite agents Savich and Sherlock in one of their most emotionally charged cases.
Book 7 in Catherine Coulter’s long-running FBI Thriller series, Eleventh Hour delivers a gripping blend of procedural suspense and psychological tension. With a solid Goodreads rating of 4.19/5 from over 14,000 readers, it’s a standout installment that introduces new characters while deepening the emotional stakes for returning ones.
🧠 Plot Overview
The story opens with a chilling murder: Father Michael Joseph Carver, a priest in San Francisco, is shot in the confessional by a sociopathic killer who believes his crimes are beyond redemption. The twist? The victim’s identical twin brother is Special Agent Dane Carver, who quickly joins the investigation.
Dane teams up with Agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock, who are drawn into a case that spirals from a simple homicide into a tangled web of secrets, media manipulation, and a mysterious witness—Nick Jones, a homeless woman with a hidden past. As the agents race to protect Nick and uncover the killer’s identity, they discover a disturbing connection to a new television show that may be inspiring copycat crimes.
💬 What Readers Are Saying
- “A terrific mystery with lots of twists and turns. Another goodie from Coulter.”
- “The killer’s confession scene is unforgettable—dark, eerie, and cinematic.”
- “Loved the interplay between Savich and Sherlock. Their chemistry adds warmth to the tension.”
- “Nick Jones is a compelling character. Her trauma and resilience add emotional depth.”
Some readers felt the climax was softer than expected, with Kirkus noting that Coulter’s tone “softens the story’s edge” and leaves the ending “as mushy as a rain-soaked lawn”. Still, the character dynamics and layered plot make it a satisfying read for fans of the series.
🔎 Themes & Highlights
- Twin dynamics: Dane’s grief and determination add emotional weight to the investigation.
- Media influence: The subplot involving a TV show adds a modern twist to the murder mystery.
- Strong female leads: Sherlock and Nick both face danger head-on, offering different shades of resilience.
- Fast pacing: Coulter keeps the action moving with daring chases, close calls, and breathless escapes.
🏁 Final Verdict
Eleventh Hour is a compelling mix of crime, character, and conspiracy. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Savich and Sherlock or new to Coulter’s FBI universe, this installment offers suspense, emotional depth, and just enough twists to keep you turning pages late into the night.
