💊 Book Review: Whiplash by Catherine Coulter
A pharmaceutical conspiracy, a ghostly mystery, and two new investigators join Savich and Sherlock in this fast-paced, multi-threaded thriller.
Book 14 in Catherine Coulter’s FBI Thriller series, Whiplash dives into corporate corruption and supernatural suspense, delivering a layered narrative that blends procedural grit with eerie intrigue. With a Goodreads rating of 4.19/5 from over 14,000 readers, this installment is praised for its brisk pacing and compelling new characters.
🧠 Plot Overview
Main Case: Pharmaceutical Sabotage
Yale professor Dr. Edward Kender suspects foul play when his father’s chemotherapy drug suddenly becomes unavailable. He hires private investigator Erin Pulaski to dig into Schiffer Hartwin, a pharmaceutical giant. Erin uncovers a scheme: the company is manufacturing an artificial shortage of a critical drug to boost profits—by billions.
When a Schiffer Hartwin troubleshooter is found murdered on federal land, FBI agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock are called in. The case quickly escalates into a high-stakes investigation involving corporate secrets, espionage, and deadly cover-ups.
Secondary Case: A Haunted Senator
Meanwhile, Savich and Sherlock are also investigating Senator David Hoffman, who claims he’s being visited by the ghost of his dead wife—and possibly targeted by assassins. The case veers into the paranormal, with unsettling visions and a political subplot that reaches all the way to the Vice President.
🔍 Why It Works
- Dual Plotlines: Coulter balances two distinct investigations, each with its own tone and stakes.
- New Characters: Erin Pulaski and FBI agent Bowie Richards are strong additions, bringing fresh energy and emotional depth.
- Timely Themes: The pharmaceutical angle adds real-world relevance, touching on healthcare ethics and corporate greed.
- Series Continuity: Savich and Sherlock remain the emotional and investigative anchors, offering consistency for longtime fans.
💬 Critical Reception
- “[A so-so outing, although Coulter’s fans will likely enjoy the new characters.]” — Kirkus Reviews
- “Pulaski and Richards steal the show… the sections that focus on them feel the most authentic.”
- “The ghost subplot feels shoehorned in, but the pharmaceutical mystery is compelling.” — BookBrowse Summary
🏁 Final Verdict
Whiplash is a solid entry in the FBI Thriller series, offering suspense, topical intrigue, and character-driven drama. While the paranormal subplot may feel uneven, the pharmaceutical investigation delivers a satisfying punch. If you enjoy thrillers with layered plots and strong female leads, this one’s worth the ride.
