💥 Book Review: Blowout by Catherine Coulter
A high-stakes FBI thriller that blends political intrigue, ghostly mystery, and relentless suspense—with Savich and Sherlock at the helm.
Book 9 in Catherine Coulter’s FBI Thriller series, Blowout delivers a gripping dual narrative that showcases the author’s signature blend of fast-paced action and psychological depth. With a strong Goodreads rating of 4.20/5 from nearly 14,000 readers, this installment is praised for its layered plot, eerie atmosphere, and the evolving dynamic between Coulter’s beloved FBI duo.
🧠 Plot Overview
While vacationing in the Poconos, Agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock are abruptly called back to Washington, D.C. A Supreme Court Justice, Stewart Califano, has been brutally murdered in the Supreme Court Library—garroted with a thin wire. The case quickly escalates when another murder with the same M.O. occurs within 24 hours.
Savich teams up with Callie Markham, an investigative reporter for The Washington Post—and the Justice’s stepdaughter. She partners with Metro Police liaison Ben Raven, and together they dive into a tangled web of secrets, political connections, and personal betrayals.
Meanwhile, Savich has a chilling encounter with a woman who appears to be a ghost—Samantha Barrister, murdered 30 years earlier. Her sudden appearance and disappearance near an abandoned estate adds a supernatural twist to the already complex investigation.
🔍 Why It Works
- Dual Mysteries: The murder investigation and ghostly subplot run parallel, adding depth and intrigue.
- Political Intrigue: The Supreme Court setting and high-profile victim elevate the stakes.
- Strong Female Characters: Callie Markham is a standout—tenacious, emotionally conflicted, and central to the unraveling mystery.
- Series Continuity: Savich and Sherlock’s chemistry and competence continue to anchor the series.
💬 Reader Reactions
- “One of Coulter’s best—great pacing and a satisfying twist.”
- “The ghost angle was unexpected but added a cool layer of suspense.”
- “Some plot threads felt rushed, but the tension and character interplay kept me hooked.”
🏁 Final Verdict
Blowout is a compelling blend of procedural thriller and supernatural mystery. If you enjoy FBI dramas with emotional stakes, political depth, and a touch of the uncanny, this installment delivers a satisfying ride.
