🌲 Book Review: Hemlock Bay by Catherine Coulter
A twisty, emotionally charged FBI thriller that blends psychological suspense, art-world intrigue, and a dash of the paranormal.
Book six in Catherine Coulter’s FBI Thriller series, Hemlock Bay continues the adventures of Special Agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock, while introducing a deeply personal subplot involving Savich’s sister, Lily Frasier. With a Goodreads rating of 4.06/5 from over 10,000 readers, this installment is praised for its dual plotlines, fast pacing, and emotional stakes.
🧠 Plot Overview
Savich is investigating the kidnapping of two teenage boys by twin serial killers—Tommy and Timmy Tuttle—who claim to serve mysterious entities called “Ghouls.” Meanwhile, his sister Lily crashes her car in Hemlock Bay, California, in what appears to be a second suicide attempt following the tragic death of her daughter.
But Lily suspects foul play. Her husband, Dr. Tennyson Frasier, and his domineering father may be after her inheritance: four priceless paintings left to her by their famous grandmother. As Lily teams up with art broker Simon Russo, she uncovers a conspiracy that leads to a locked room, a sinister collector, and a terrifying truth about her family’s intentions.
🔍 What Makes It Stand Out
- Dual Plotlines: Coulter balances a supernatural-tinged FBI case with a domestic thriller involving art fraud and attempted murder.
- Emotional Depth: Lily’s grief and trauma are sensitively portrayed, adding weight to the suspense.
- Series Continuity: Savich and Sherlock’s chemistry and investigative prowess continue to anchor the series.
- Paranormal Elements: The “Ghouls” and illusionist villain add an eerie twist that borders on X-Files territory.
💬 Reader Reactions
- “A satisfying mix of suspense and emotional drama.”
- “The art-world subplot was unexpected and intriguing.”
- “Some plot points felt over-the-top, but the pacing kept me hooked.”
Critics have noted that the plot occasionally veers into the implausible, with shape-shifting villains and psychic phenomena, but fans of Coulter’s style embrace the genre-bending flair.
🏁 Final Verdict
Hemlock Bay is a bold, fast-paced thriller that pushes the boundaries of the FBI procedural genre. If you enjoy stories with emotional stakes, eccentric villains, and a touch of the surreal, this one delivers a wild ride.
