🕵️♀️ Book Review: Reckoning by Catherine Coulter
A pulse-pounding dual-case thriller that blends personal trauma, high-stakes danger, and the enduring strength of Savich and Sherlock’s FBI partnership.
Book 26 in Catherine Coulter’s bestselling FBI Thriller series, Reckoning delivers two emotionally charged investigations that span continents and generations. With a strong Goodreads rating of 4.41/5 from over 12,000 readers, this installment is praised for its fast pacing, layered storytelling, and compelling new characters.
🧠 Plot Overview
Kirra Mandarian, a commonwealth attorney in Virginia, returns to her hometown to solve the cold-case murder of her parents—an event she barely survived as a child. Operating under the alias “E.N.” (Eliot Ness), Kirra gathers evidence against the man she believes orchestrated the killings. But when her investigation draws the attention of dangerous criminals, she turns to Agent Dillon Savich for help. Savich enlists Special Agent Griffin Hammersmith and Lieutenant Jeter Thorpe, the detective who saved Kirra years ago, to assist in the case.
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, Emma Hunt, a 12-year-old piano prodigy and granddaughter of crime boss Mason Lord, narrowly escapes a kidnapping attempt. Her traumatic past resurfaces, and her family—along with Agent Lacey Sherlock and METRO officers—rally to protect her during a high-profile performance at the Kennedy Center. But the threats escalate, and nothing goes according to plan.
💬 Why Readers Are Hooked
- Dual Plotlines: Coulter expertly balances two distinct cases, each with emotional depth and escalating suspense.
- Strong Female Leads: Kirra and Emma are both survivors, portrayed with resilience and complexity.
- Series Continuity: Savich and Sherlock remain the emotional core of the series, offering stability amid chaos.
- New Characters: Griffin Hammersmith and Jeter Thorpe add fresh energy and chemistry to the investigative team.
📣 Critical Praise
- “Pulse-pounding terror mixed with romance makes for page-turning pleasure.” — Kirkus Reviews
- “Two plots flip back and forth with surprising twists… includes a sweet romance.” — ReviewThisReviews
- “Coulter fans will find this latest Savich and Sherlock mystery a fun read.” — ReviewThisReviews
Some readers noted that the dual narratives occasionally compete for attention, but most praised the emotional stakes and satisfying resolution.
🏁 Final Verdict
Reckoning is a gripping, emotionally resonant thriller that showcases Coulter’s ability to blend crime, character, and suspense. If you enjoy FBI procedurals with personal stakes and strong female protagonists, this installment is a standout in the series.
