🧠 Book Review: Paradox by Catherine Coulter
A chilling, multi-layered FBI thriller that blends psychological suspense, small-town secrets, and a terrifying killer with a personal vendetta.
Book 22 in Catherine Coulter’s long-running FBI Thriller series, Paradox is a standout installment that pits agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock against an escaped mental patient obsessed with revenge. With a strong Goodreads rating of 4.22/5 from nearly 10,000 readers, this novel is praised for its eerie atmosphere, dual investigations, and relentless pacing.
🧩 Plot Overview
The story opens with a failed kidnapping attempt on Sean Savich, the young son of FBI agents Savich and Sherlock. The attacker is a deranged fugitive who has Savich in his crosshairs—and a kill list that’s growing.
Meanwhile, in Willicott, Maryland, Police Chief Ty Christie witnesses a murder from her lakeside cottage. When divers recover the body, they also uncover dozens of human bones and a belt buckle that links the remains to a decades-old mystery. As Savich and Sherlock team up with Ty, they begin to unravel a terrifying connection between the lake’s secrets and the escaped psychopath.
💬 Why Readers Are Hooked
- Dual Case Structure: Coulter masterfully balances two investigations—one deeply personal, the other hauntingly historic.
- Atmospheric Setting: Lake Massey and the small-town backdrop add tension and a sense of isolation.
- Psychological Depth: The villain’s obsession and mental instability create a disturbing, unpredictable threat.
- Strong Female Lead: Ty Christie is a compelling addition to the series—smart, grounded, and emotionally resonant.
📣 Critical Praise
- “Eerie, unsettling, and breathlessly terrifying… Coulter builds layers of suspense that’ll keep readers guessing.” — The Real Book Spy
- “Catherine Coulter does not disappoint… the suspense ratchets up until the final words.” — Bookreporter
- “Perfect reading for the beach and beyond.” — Booklist
Some readers noted that the story takes a bit longer to build than previous entries, but most agreed the payoff is worth it—especially with the emotional stakes and chilling twists.
🏁 Final Verdict
Paradox is a gripping, atmospheric thriller that blends crime, psychology, and mystery into a satisfying read. If you enjoy FBI procedurals with emotional depth and a touch of the macabre, this one’s a must-read in the series.
