🧬 Book Review: Enigma by Catherine Coulter
A dual-case FBI thriller that blends genetic mystery, international crime, and psychological suspense—with Savich and Sherlock navigating two high-stakes investigations.
Book 21 in Catherine Coulter’s long-running FBI Thriller series, Enigma delivers a fast-paced, twist-filled narrative that explores the boundaries of science and justice. With a solid Goodreads rating of 4.16/5 from over 10,000 readers, this installment is praised for its layered storytelling, compelling new characters, and signature Coulter pacing.
🧠 Plot Overview
The story opens with Agent Dillon Savich intervening in a hostage situation involving a pregnant woman, Kara Moody, and a mysterious man who claims she’s in danger. After the man falls into a coma, doctors discover an unidentified drug in his system and a wristband marked “E2.” When Kara’s newborn is kidnapped from the hospital, Savich suspects a link between the baby and the comatose stranger—whose DNA reveals he’s unlike any other human. He’s an “Enigma.”
Meanwhile, Agents Cam Wittier and Jack Cabot are assigned to track down Liam Hennessey, aka “Manta Ray,” a convicted bank robber who escapes custody and vanishes into the Daniel Boone National Forest. As they pursue him, they uncover a deeper conspiracy involving a stolen item from a safe deposit box—one that someone is willing to kill for.
💬 Why Readers Are Hooked
- Dual Plotlines: Coulter expertly balances two distinct investigations that eventually converge in surprising ways.
- Genetic Thriller Elements: The mystery surrounding the “Enigma” adds a sci-fi edge to the procedural format.
- Strong Female Leads: Kara Moody and Agent Cam Wittier bring emotional depth and resilience to the story.
- Fast Pacing & Twists: From hospital kidnappings to forest manhunts, the action never lets up.
📣 Critical Reception
- “[Coulter’s latest dual-plot thriller will keep you guessing… surprise after surprise in this race against the clock.]” — Goodreads summary
- “[A sinister sense of imminence… the author’s rendering of the ‘fountain of youth’ concept is chilling.]” — Criminal Element
- “[A formulaic twofer… but with some interesting philosophical questions and Beltway intrigue.]” — Kirkus Reviews
Some critics found the plot occasionally implausible, but most praised the suspenseful execution and the emotional stakes.
🏁 Final Verdict
Enigma is a gripping, genre-blending thriller that pushes the boundaries of Coulter’s FBI universe. If you enjoy stories that mix science, suspense, and character-driven drama, this one’s a compelling read.
