🕵️♀️ Book Review: Split Second by Catherine Coulter
A dual-case FBI thriller that blends serial murder, family secrets, and psychological suspense—featuring both seasoned agents and compelling newcomers.
Book 15 in Catherine Coulter’s FBI Thriller series, Split Second delivers a tightly woven narrative that pairs fan favorites Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock with rising agents Lucy Carlyle and Cooper McKnight. With a strong Goodreads rating of 4.20/5 from over 16,000 readers, this installment is praised for its brisk pacing, layered mysteries, and emotional depth.
🧠 Plot Overview
A serial killer is targeting victims in bars, and the FBI team soon discovers that the murderer has a chilling bloodline—she’s the daughter of the infamous Ted Bundy. As Savich and Sherlock pursue this cunning predator, they realize the killer has turned her sights on Savich himself.
Meanwhile, Agent Lucy Carlyle receives a deathbed confession from her father: her grandfather didn’t abandon the family decades ago—he was murdered by Lucy’s grandmother. Determined to uncover the truth, Lucy moves into her grandmother’s mansion in Chevy Chase, only to find herself entangled in a haunting mystery passed down through generations.
As the two investigations unfold, the agents must navigate psychological trauma, twisted family legacies, and a killer who’s always one step ahead.
💬 Why Readers Love It
- Dual Plotlines: The parallel investigations offer variety and tension, with both personal and professional stakes.
- New Agent Dynamics: Lucy and Cooper bring fresh energy to the series, balancing grit with emotional vulnerability.
- Psychological Depth: Coulter explores trauma, legacy, and obsession with nuance and suspense.
- Fast Pacing: The story moves quickly, with cliffhangers and reveals that keep readers engaged.
📣 Critical Highlights
- “A riveting thriller that opens with a bang… expertly paced and emotionally resonant.” — Publishers Weekly
- “Coulter’s storytelling is sharp, and the dual mysteries are cleverly interwoven.” — BookBrowse
- “The killer’s connection to Bundy adds a chilling layer of realism.” — New Book Recommendation
Some readers found the supernatural elements and family drama slightly implausible, but most praised the emotional payoff and character development.
🏁 Final Verdict
Split Second is a compelling entry in the FBI Thriller series, offering suspense, emotional complexity, and a satisfying blend of crime and character. If you enjoy thrillers with layered mysteries and strong female leads, this one’s worth the read.
