💥 Book Review: Nemesis by Catherine Coulter
A dual-case FBI thriller that pits agents against a terrorist mastermind and a psychic killer—delivering high-stakes suspense with a supernatural twist.
Book 19 in Catherine Coulter’s long-running FBI Thriller series, Nemesis continues the adventures of married agents Lacey Sherlock and Dillon Savich, this time in two parallel investigations that test their instincts, courage, and resilience. With a solid Goodreads rating of 4.15/5 from nearly 10,000 readers, this installment is praised for its fast pacing, layered plotlines, and Coulter’s signature blend of crime and character drama.
🧠 Plot Overview
While preparing to fly home from New York, Agent Lacey Sherlock thwarts a terrorist attack at JFK Airport—taking down a man with a grenade and saving a hostage. But this was only a diversion. The real target is St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the mastermind is a wealthy Algerian professor known as “The Strategist,” who’s orchestrating attacks across continents.
Meanwhile, Agent Dillon Savich is investigating a bizarre murder in Washington, D.C., where a young man kills his friend with a ritual knife but claims no memory of the act. The case leads Savich to a small town in Virginia, where tensions between a Wiccan family and their neighbors erupt into violence. Savich must use his psychic abilities to confront Stefan Dalco, a manipulative killer who invades dreams and seeks revenge.
As the two cases unfold, they begin to intersect in unexpected ways, forcing Sherlock and Savich to race against time to stop a global threat and a supernatural predator.
💬 Why Readers Are Hooked
- Two Distinct Plotlines: Coulter balances international terrorism with a paranormal murder mystery, offering variety and tension.
- Psychic Thriller Elements: Savich’s dream-based confrontations with Dalco add a chilling, supernatural layer.
- Strong Female Leads: Sherlock and new agent Kelly Giusti are front and center, showcasing intelligence and grit.
- New Characters: Agents Cal McLain and Giusti are well-received additions, though Coulter notes they won’t return unless they serve future plots.
📣 Critical Reception
- Kirkus Reviews praised the high-profile terrorism plot but found Savich’s case more compelling due to its eerie psychological depth.
- Crimespree Magazine highlighted the emotional tension of separating Sherlock and Savich for much of the novel, adding vulnerability to their dynamic.
- Readers appreciated the fast pacing and action-packed scenes, though some felt the villain motivations were underdeveloped.
🏁 Final Verdict
Nemesis is a bold, genre-blending thriller that delivers both international intrigue and supernatural suspense. If you enjoy FBI procedurals with emotional stakes, psychic twists, and strong character interplay, this installment is a standout in the series.
