🧠 Book Review: Paradox by Catherine Coulter
A chilling blend of psychological suspense, forensic mystery, and FBI action—Book 22 in the Savich & Sherlock series.
Catherine Coulter’s Paradox deepens her long-running FBI Thriller series with a dual investigation that pits agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock against an escaped psychopath and a decades-old mystery buried beneath a lake. With a strong Goodreads rating of 4.22/5 from nearly 10,000 readers, the novel is praised for its layered storytelling, eerie atmosphere, and trademark Coulter twists.
🧠 Plot Overview
The story opens with a terrifying moment: a failed kidnapping attempt on Sean Savich, the five-year-old son of FBI agents Savich and Sherlock. The culprit is an escaped mental patient obsessed with revenge, and the agents know they’re now on his kill list.
Meanwhile, Chief Ty Christie of Willicott, Maryland, witnesses a murder from her lakeside cottage. When divers search Lake Massey, they not only recover the victim’s body—they uncover dozens of bones and a unique belt buckle that links the remains to a dark chapter in local history.
As the investigations converge, Savich, Sherlock, and Ty must unravel a web of secrets involving a Dr. Jekyll-and-Mr. Hyde-like killer, buried crimes, and ruthless greed. The deeper they dig, the more they realize that the lake may be hiding more than just bones—it may be the key to stopping a killer before their own lives are at risk.
💬 Why Readers Enjoy It
- Dual Plotlines: The parallel investigations keep the suspense high and the pacing brisk.
- Psychological Depth: The villain’s obsession and mental instability add a disturbing edge.
- Strong Female Lead: Ty Christie is a standout addition to the series, bringing grit and emotional nuance.
- Series Continuity: Savich and Sherlock’s dynamic remains a fan favorite, offering both warmth and sharp investigative instincts.
⚠️ Critiques
- Some readers felt the story took longer to build than previous entries, though the payoff was worth it.
- The supernatural undertones may feel out of place for fans expecting a strictly procedural thriller.
- A few reviews noted that the resolution, while satisfying, left some threads loosely tied.
📣 Reviewer Highlights
“Eerie, unsettling, and breathlessly terrifying… Coulter builds layers of suspense that’ll keep readers guessing.” — The Real Book Spy
“Plenty of twists, surprising connections, and red herrings along the way.” — Kathryn’s Inbox
“Action is nonstop… perfect reading for the beach and beyond.” — Booklist
🏁 Final Verdict
Paradox is a gripping, multi-layered thriller perfect for fans of psychological suspense, cold case mysteries, and FBI procedurals with a twist. If you enjoy stories where buried secrets resurface and danger lurks in unexpected places, this one’s a standout in Coulter’s ever-evolving series.
