✈️ Book Review: TailSpin by Catherine Coulter
A high-stakes FBI thriller that blends aviation disaster, psychological secrets, and romantic suspense—with Coulter’s signature pacing and character chemistry.
Book 12 in the FBI Thriller series, TailSpin introduces Special Agent Jackson Crowne, a new lead alongside returning favorites Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock. With a solid Goodreads rating of 4.10/5 from over 10,000 readers, this installment is praised for its action-packed plot, layered subplots, and emotionally charged character arcs.
🧠 Plot Overview
Agent Jackson Crowne is flying renowned psychiatrist Dr. Timothy MacLean to Washington, D.C., when their plane crashes in the Appalachian Mountains. MacLean, recently diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia, has become a liability—his erratic behavior and compromised confidentiality threaten to expose secrets of powerful Washington elites.
The crash is witnessed by Rachael Abbott, a woman on the run after her father’s mysterious death. She helps Jackson rescue the unconscious doctor, setting off a chain of events that draws in Savich and Sherlock. As the agents investigate, they uncover a tangled web of political secrets, personal vendettas, and a killer desperate to silence MacLean before he can speak.
💬 Why Readers Enjoy It
- Multiple Subplots: Coulter weaves together aviation suspense, psychological intrigue, and romantic tension without losing narrative clarity.
- Strong Female Lead: Rachael Abbott is resourceful and emotionally complex, adding depth to the story.
- New Character Energy: Jackson Crowne’s introduction brings fresh charisma and sets the stage for future series crossovers.
- Classic Coulter Style: Fast pacing, snappy dialogue, and a blend of procedural and emotional stakes.
📣 Critical Reception
- “Coulter successfully takes the suspenseful threads and weaves them together forming a riveting, spine-tingling mystery.” — Readers’ Favorite
- “A stunning novel of secrets, mayhem, and murder.” — Goodreads summary
- “Nothing gets lost. As usual, I read this book in one sitting.” — Anne Boling, Readers’ Favorite
Some readers found the plot slightly implausible and the villains underdeveloped, but most praised the emotional momentum and satisfying resolution.
🏁 Final Verdict
TailSpin is a dynamic entry in the FBI Thriller series, offering a mix of adrenaline, mystery, and heart. If you enjoy thrillers with layered plots and emotionally driven characters, this one’s a solid pick—especially for fans of Coulter’s evolving FBI universe.
