🌊 Book Review: Riptide by Catherine Coulter
A high-stakes thriller that blends political scandal, stalking, and small-town suspense—with FBI agents Savich and Sherlock diving into danger once again.
Book 5 in Catherine Coulter’s FBI Thriller series, Riptide delivers a fast-paced, emotionally charged mystery that begins in the heart of New York politics and spirals into a deadly game of cat and mouse. With a solid Goodreads rating of 4.04/5 from over 12,000 readers, this installment is praised for its gripping plot and atmospheric tension.
🧠 Plot Overview
Becca Matlock, a top political speechwriter for the governor of New York, receives a chilling phone call: “Stop sleeping with the governor or I’ll kill him.” The problem? She’s not sleeping with him. But the threats escalate, and when the governor is shot, Becca flees to Riptide, Maine, seeking refuge in the coastal town where she once vacationed.
There, she reconnects with Tyler McBride, a former college friend turned reclusive tech genius. But peace is short-lived. The stalker follows her, and soon Becca realizes that Riptide may be even more dangerous than the city she left behind.
Enter FBI agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock, who are drawn into the case through a personal connection. As they dig deeper, they uncover a twisted conspiracy that reaches far beyond Becca’s past.
🔍 What Makes It Work
- Strong Female Lead: Becca is resourceful and resilient, navigating trauma and danger with grit.
- Atmospheric Setting: The coastal town of Riptide adds eerie charm and isolation, heightening suspense.
- Series Continuity: Savich and Sherlock continue to shine as a dynamic investigative duo.
- Twists and Turns: Coulter keeps readers guessing with layered motives and unexpected reveals.
💬 Critical Reception
- “Well-paced but undistinguished,” notes Kirkus Reviews, suggesting the plot delivers thrills but lacks standout originality.
- Readers on Goodreads praise the emotional stakes and character development, though some found the romance elements underwhelming.
🏁 Final Verdict
Riptide is a solid entry in the FBI Thriller series, offering suspense, emotional tension, and a satisfying blend of mystery and romance. While not the most groundbreaking installment, it’s a compelling read for fans of Coulter’s signature style and those who enjoy thrillers with a personal edge.
