📚 Book Review: The Beginning (An FBI Thriller Boxset Book 1) by Catherine Coulter
A gripping two-in-one collection that introduces readers to the electrifying world of FBI agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock—where romance meets suspense and danger lurks behind every twist.
The Beginning is a boxset that includes the first two novels in Catherine Coulter’s long-running FBI Thriller series: The Cove and The Maze. With a strong Goodreads rating of 4.28/5 from over 2,000 readers, this volume is a fan-favorite starting point for those diving into Coulter’s blend of romantic suspense and procedural thrillers.
📖 Included Titles
🏡 The Cove
Sally Brainerd flees a sanitarium and seeks refuge in a picturesque coastal town called The Cove. But peace is elusive—especially when FBI Agent Dillon Savich arrives, investigating her father’s murder. As Sally’s memory returns, secrets unravel, and danger closes in. This novel sets the tone for the series with its mix of psychological tension and romantic chemistry.
🧩 The Maze
Newly minted FBI Agent Lacey Sherlock joins Savich’s team with a personal mission: to solve her sister’s murder by the infamous String Killer. When a new murder mimics the killer’s signature, Sherlock dives headfirst into the case—without telling Savich. Their partnership begins here, sparking both investigative synergy and romantic tension.
💬 Why Readers Love It
- Strong Character Introductions: Savich and Sherlock’s chemistry and competence anchor the series.
- Romantic Suspense: Coulter blends emotional stakes with high-tension investigations.
- Fast-Paced & Accessible: Both novels are brisk reads with cliffhangers and red herrings.
- Series Foundation: Sets up the tone, style, and character dynamics that define the rest of the FBI Thriller series.
⚠️ Critiques
- Some readers found The Cove less polished than later entries, with a more melodramatic tone.
- The Maze received stronger praise for its tighter plot and deeper emotional resonance.
- The villains in both stories may feel exaggerated or underdeveloped to fans of more grounded thrillers.
🏁 Final Verdict
The Beginning is a must-read for fans of romantic thrillers and FBI procedurals. It’s the perfect gateway into Catherine Coulter’s expansive series, offering suspense, emotional depth, and the spark of a legendary investigative duo.
