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FBI Thriller #23
Labyrinth
From “one of the bonafide rock stars of the thriller genre” (The Real Book Spy) comes another tour de force in the #1
New York Times
bestselling FBI Thriller series following agents Savich and Sherlock as they stumble into a bizarre case that’s more complicated and twisted than any they’ve ever encountered.
On a Tuesday afternoon, Agent Sherlock is driving in downtown Washington when her Volvo is suddenly T-boned at an intersection. As her car spins out of control, a man’s body slams against her windshield and then—blackness. When she finally regains consciousness in the hospital, she’s told about the accident and the man she struck. No one knows yet who he is or where he is because he ran away. From DNA, they discover his name is Justice Cummings and he’s a CIA analyst at Langley…and he’s still missing.
Meanwhile, in the small town of Gaffer’s Ridge, Virginia, Special Agent Griffin Hammersmith rescues a kidnapped woman claiming her captor had probably murdered three missing teenage girls. However, the man she accuses is the local sheriff’s nephew and a member of a very powerful family, reputed to have psychic powers. When the sheriff arrests Griffin and the rescued woman, Carson DaSilva, he calls Savich for help. Together they have to weave their way through a labyrinth of lies to find the truth of a terrible secret.
“If there’s one thing that readers can count on in a Coulter novel it is that she always delivers amazingly eerie and complex thrillers” (RT Book Reviews), and Labyrinth is no different. With white-knuckled pacing and shocking twists and turns, this is another electrifying novel that will sink its teeth in you.
On a Tuesday afternoon, Agent Sherlock is driving in downtown Washington when her Volvo is suddenly T-boned at an intersection. As her car spins out of control, a man’s body slams against her windshield and then—blackness. When she finally regains consciousness in the hospital, she’s told about the accident and the man she struck. No one knows yet who he is or where he is because he ran away. From DNA, they discover his name is Justice Cummings and he’s a CIA analyst at Langley…and he’s still missing.
Meanwhile, in the small town of Gaffer’s Ridge, Virginia, Special Agent Griffin Hammersmith rescues a kidnapped woman claiming her captor had probably murdered three missing teenage girls. However, the man she accuses is the local sheriff’s nephew and a member of a very powerful family, reputed to have psychic powers. When the sheriff arrests Griffin and the rescued woman, Carson DaSilva, he calls Savich for help. Together they have to weave their way through a labyrinth of lies to find the truth of a terrible secret.
“If there’s one thing that readers can count on in a Coulter novel it is that she always delivers amazingly eerie and complex thrillers” (RT Book Reviews), and Labyrinth is no different. With white-knuckled pacing and shocking twists and turns, this is another electrifying novel that will sink its teeth in you.
512 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 844 reviews
February 7, 2020
This story would have been better with tighter editing and a shorter duration of amnesia. 6 of 10 stars!
December 27, 2023
Another complex addition to Savich and Sherlock’s series. We start off with Sherlock getting into a car accident, which is significant for multiple plot reasons. Unfortunately, she suffers amnesia and has no idea who Dylan is. Whoops. So Dylan is the main player in this book as far as leading the action, which was the one thing I kind of missed (I love the Sherlock as competent bad-ass dynamic the two of them have when they’re both rocking to solve cases.) But I’m sure we’ll be back to that in the next book.
We have two interesting cases going on, one way out in the middle of nowhere with some law enforcement types who will make you roll your eyes. This is one of the books in the series that definitely In the other case, there’s something going on involving Russia and the dark web… but what exactly, and who is being hunted, and for what purpose? As usual, things get super complicated with lots of surprises.
We have two interesting cases going on, one way out in the middle of nowhere with some law enforcement types who will make you roll your eyes. This is one of the books in the series that definitely In the other case, there’s something going on involving Russia and the dark web… but what exactly, and who is being hunted, and for what purpose? As usual, things get super complicated with lots of surprises.
August 9, 2019
I'm a big fan of this series, in particular the FBI duo (and married couple) Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock. Oh sure, they're always a little too "perfect," but I enjoy them, their interaction and respective talents - a lot. So it was that I looked forward to reading this, their 23rd adventure.
And I have to say that while I enjoyed it, the whole thing seemed just a bit, well, sappy compared with others I've read. Much of that, I think, is because early on, Sherlock is involved in an auto accident that results in substantial memory loss - primarily of people. Her skills seem to be intact, so Savich has no real qualms about involving her in whatever he's investigating; but he also spends a ton of time trying to convince her (and himself) that she'll get her memory back, and that part, to me, is a bit overdone.
After her car was hit, Sherlock's car spun out and, in turn, struck and wounded a man who they learn is a CIA agent being chased by a couple of (presumably) bad guys. Now, the goal is to find him and keep him safe - if in fact he's still alive. While all this is going on, another FBI teammate, Griffin Hammersmith, is grabbing some R&R in tiny Gaffer's Ridge, Virginia, when he "hears" distress cries from a damsel who's been kidnapped and stashed in a houxe he's passing by. When he rescues her, she says she heard her captor - whose family basically owns the town - admit to murdering three teenage girls who have gone missing recently. Needless to say, the man denies everything, putting Hammersmith and Dr. Carson DeSilva, the woman he saved, at serious odds with said powerful family.
The two plots overlap here and there, allowing interaction among Savich, Sherlock, Hammersmith and deSilva, the latter a much-accomplished journalist. Also on display are the special psychic talents of Sherlock and Hammersmith, who share those abilities with select other characters who use it in not-so-friendly ways.
All of this makes readers wonder: Who will win the war of the minds? How far up the CIA food chain does responsibility for Sherlock's accident reach? And will she ever remember the people she once loved, including Savich and their young son Sean?
All in all, it's another fun adventure that is, as always, well worth reading.
And I have to say that while I enjoyed it, the whole thing seemed just a bit, well, sappy compared with others I've read. Much of that, I think, is because early on, Sherlock is involved in an auto accident that results in substantial memory loss - primarily of people. Her skills seem to be intact, so Savich has no real qualms about involving her in whatever he's investigating; but he also spends a ton of time trying to convince her (and himself) that she'll get her memory back, and that part, to me, is a bit overdone.
After her car was hit, Sherlock's car spun out and, in turn, struck and wounded a man who they learn is a CIA agent being chased by a couple of (presumably) bad guys. Now, the goal is to find him and keep him safe - if in fact he's still alive. While all this is going on, another FBI teammate, Griffin Hammersmith, is grabbing some R&R in tiny Gaffer's Ridge, Virginia, when he "hears" distress cries from a damsel who's been kidnapped and stashed in a houxe he's passing by. When he rescues her, she says she heard her captor - whose family basically owns the town - admit to murdering three teenage girls who have gone missing recently. Needless to say, the man denies everything, putting Hammersmith and Dr. Carson DeSilva, the woman he saved, at serious odds with said powerful family.
The two plots overlap here and there, allowing interaction among Savich, Sherlock, Hammersmith and deSilva, the latter a much-accomplished journalist. Also on display are the special psychic talents of Sherlock and Hammersmith, who share those abilities with select other characters who use it in not-so-friendly ways.
All of this makes readers wonder: Who will win the war of the minds? How far up the CIA food chain does responsibility for Sherlock's accident reach? And will she ever remember the people she once loved, including Savich and their young son Sean?
All in all, it's another fun adventure that is, as always, well worth reading.
May 23, 2020
4.5. Would have been a 5 BUT the extended use of supernatural did, in my opinion, did not belong in an FBI thriller. BUT and I am sure many would agree - we face it in our own lives. Ie how many times do we know who is on the phone for us BEFORE we lift up the receiver. Or think of someone we have not seen for many years - only to bump into them within a few days. AND even more amazing we just continue the previous conversation. Incredible.
The storyline was excellent, well plotted, well drawn characters, including those who consider themselves above the law and lots of action.
Unputdownable
The storyline was excellent, well plotted, well drawn characters, including those who consider themselves above the law and lots of action.
Unputdownable
July 20, 2019
This starts off with quite a bit of action, plenty of mystery and then a twist with Sherlock that had me instantly drawn into this book. I loved the initial scenes with Dillon and her as well as the problem they are facing, primarily Sherlock. And I settled down for a thrilling thriller.
Suddenly, the scene changes and we are with Griffin and Carson. These two share a common gift that leads them into quite a mystery as well as some paranormal kind of activity. While the writing became stilted at this point, I was invested enough to ignore it.
Unfortunately, I had to wade through a lot of characters who had nothing to do with the story, as well as unnecessary information and repetition. Everything began to lag. I set it aside hoping I’d feel it more the next time I picked it up. Nope. Didn’t happen. I began to skim. I skimmed some more. I eventually managed to dig out the nuggets of the story and enjoyed it despite the work I had to put in to do so.
To say I was disappointed is an understatement. I read Enigma by this same author and absolutely loved everything about it. I was expecting the same type of writing as well as a wicked twisty plot. There are definitely some twists, but I was exhausted by the time I reached them.
I understand that this author is a fan favorite and I’m hundred percent sure my response to this book is entirely a “me” thing. I’m sure her diehard fans are going to love this one. I’m just sorry to say it didn’t work for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Galley Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a thriller rather than romance although there is just a tad
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
Suddenly, the scene changes and we are with Griffin and Carson. These two share a common gift that leads them into quite a mystery as well as some paranormal kind of activity. While the writing became stilted at this point, I was invested enough to ignore it.
Unfortunately, I had to wade through a lot of characters who had nothing to do with the story, as well as unnecessary information and repetition. Everything began to lag. I set it aside hoping I’d feel it more the next time I picked it up. Nope. Didn’t happen. I began to skim. I skimmed some more. I eventually managed to dig out the nuggets of the story and enjoyed it despite the work I had to put in to do so.
To say I was disappointed is an understatement. I read Enigma by this same author and absolutely loved everything about it. I was expecting the same type of writing as well as a wicked twisty plot. There are definitely some twists, but I was exhausted by the time I reached them.
I understand that this author is a fan favorite and I’m hundred percent sure my response to this book is entirely a “me” thing. I’m sure her diehard fans are going to love this one. I’m just sorry to say it didn’t work for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Galley Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a thriller rather than romance although there is just a tad
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
December 14, 2019
My apologies, but I can't suspend my disbelief with the law enforcement officers in this book and how they "work" their cases. They are all unbelievable and I would not hesitate to say incredibly unprofessional. (If you need an example, when our main heroes were rescuing one of their own, who was written out of the character of a real FBI agent who would have realized it was a trap and left, but then the plot wouldn't have moved forward, now would it? The main heroes were doing a LOT of sticking their guns into the ear of the bad guy, who was prone on the floor btw, threatening him. Which is unprofessional and stupid. What if they had sneezed?!? Also, while one of the agents was in the house of this bad guy, the bad guy was in the bathroom, FBI Hero was waiting outside of the bathroom door to get the bad guy. AND THE FBI HERO TOOK A PHONE CALL!!! I'm sorry, were you TRYING to give yourself away to the bad guy?? And then don't EVEN get me STARTED in how he tried to "take down" the bad guy. My eyes rolled so hard I was afraid I would never get them back to facing front!)
Add to that all of the good guys are model beautiful, the supernatural in the book is REALLY pushing any belief I may have had in this world out the door and the main bad guys are cray-cray, though the officers in this book didn't actually CALL anyone crazy from what I recall, unlike the last book I read by this author, so slight improvement.
Violence, though no sex, not even off-page, though one scene was going that way.
I wouldn't have read this book, but I have an ill loved one who loves this author, so I read out loud to them. Thankfully this book is finally done. 1, I do this out of love, star. Moving onto a spy thriller next. Wish me luck!
Add to that all of the good guys are model beautiful, the supernatural in the book is REALLY pushing any belief I may have had in this world out the door and the main bad guys are cray-cray, though the officers in this book didn't actually CALL anyone crazy from what I recall, unlike the last book I read by this author, so slight improvement.
Violence, though no sex, not even off-page, though one scene was going that way.
I wouldn't have read this book, but I have an ill loved one who loves this author, so I read out loud to them. Thankfully this book is finally done. 1, I do this out of love, star. Moving onto a spy thriller next. Wish me luck!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2019
When you peek at an ARC and see: “The #1 New York Times bestselling FBI Thriller series returns with another tour de force in which agents Savich and Sherlock stumble into a bizarre case that’s more complicated and twisted than any they’ve ever encountered.” Well, you throw your TBR out the window!
If you love FBI Agent Lacey Sherlock as much as I have come to, no doubt you will feel emotional when you read of Sherlock’s car accident and the bevy of emotions that her husband, fellow agent and boss, Dillon Savich, experienced. What a way to open a book!
While Dillon helps Sherlock to recover, as she has suffered a memory loss, Special Agent Griffin Hammersmith has just rescued a woman who says she escaped a brutal kidnapper who admitted to killing several other women. When Griffin appeals to Dillon for help, he and Sherlock head to Virginia. Dillon feels this is the only way for Sherlock to heal, and that is to be with him. This proves invaluable, because Sherlock's instincts are spot on and Dillon feels that working might help her to heal.
The case involves a missing CIA analyst. What is more is that what draws Griffin to the situation is that he hears screams for help. He cannot explain it, but he is lead to the home of a female reporter and he manages to save her life. This story, like one or two of the others in the series, lends to Dillan and Griffin experiencing a bit of psychic talent. While this is a part of the story that I did not expect, as it is not a tenet of the series, it did not take away from solving the mysterious case.
All the while, readers got to see the team working together flawlessly, as well as witnessing the growing love between Dillon and Sherlock. While reading of her losing most of her memory was painful, it was inspiring to watch her begin to heal. This fast-moving story had me riveted from the arresting introduction to the shocking conclusion.
Many thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
If you love FBI Agent Lacey Sherlock as much as I have come to, no doubt you will feel emotional when you read of Sherlock’s car accident and the bevy of emotions that her husband, fellow agent and boss, Dillon Savich, experienced. What a way to open a book!
While Dillon helps Sherlock to recover, as she has suffered a memory loss, Special Agent Griffin Hammersmith has just rescued a woman who says she escaped a brutal kidnapper who admitted to killing several other women. When Griffin appeals to Dillon for help, he and Sherlock head to Virginia. Dillon feels this is the only way for Sherlock to heal, and that is to be with him. This proves invaluable, because Sherlock's instincts are spot on and Dillon feels that working might help her to heal.
The case involves a missing CIA analyst. What is more is that what draws Griffin to the situation is that he hears screams for help. He cannot explain it, but he is lead to the home of a female reporter and he manages to save her life. This story, like one or two of the others in the series, lends to Dillan and Griffin experiencing a bit of psychic talent. While this is a part of the story that I did not expect, as it is not a tenet of the series, it did not take away from solving the mysterious case.
All the while, readers got to see the team working together flawlessly, as well as witnessing the growing love between Dillon and Sherlock. While reading of her losing most of her memory was painful, it was inspiring to watch her begin to heal. This fast-moving story had me riveted from the arresting introduction to the shocking conclusion.
Many thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 19, 2022
This was a very good mystery/thriller. I have never read this author before, but I will definitely read again. It's a big mix-up with the FBI, the CIA and a big time communications company. Interesting people from all sides. Very good story with lots of twists and turns but I did enjoy all the characters. Definitely recommend.
May 15, 2020
This book is so cheesy and badly written that it hurts.
August 1, 2019
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher in exchange for an fair and honest review.
As a redhead, I just love Lacey Sherlock and I've loved her since she took down the big, bad FBI guy, Dillon Savich, in The Maze. She is everything I love in a heroine, smart, badass, beautiful and a redhead! As I've read every FBI Thriller Series book, it has made me feel forever young as Sherlock and I are about the same age, except she's a perpetual thirtysomething instead of a fiftysomething. Oh, to be forever young like Lacey Sherlock and Stephanie Plum! The plot is two pronged and you wonder from the beginning if the two plot lines are going to merge. I'll just leave that little mystery for you to solve on your own. Watching Savach care for Sherlock and strive not to crowd her is always a wonderful thing. His love for her is total and complete and he will do anything he has to in order to protect her. May their romance endure forever. Alas, this is no romantic-suspense, only a great mystery-thriller-suspense, no romance to be found.
Now for the plot recap: Sherlock is just driving along in Washington, D.C. and she gets T-boned, leaving her with contusions, a concussion and memory loss. The last thing she remembers is hitting a man while spinning wildly out of control. The man is injured, but manages to disappear. They ID him through his DNA and turns out he's a CIA analyst. Who was he running from and why?
Meanwhile, down in Gaffer's Ridge, Virginia, FBI Special Agent Griffin Hammersmith is minding his own business taking a much needed vacation after breaking up with his fiancée and solving a very difficult case when he gets a psychic shout out for help. Dr. Carson DeSilva is being held and threatened when she connects with Griffin and he literally kicks the gun out of the hand of Rafer Bodine. She follows up with a pipe to his head for good measure. When the dust settles, Griffin and Carson are in jail for the assault on Rafer. Seems the Bodine family just about owns the quaint town of Gaffer's Ridge, especially the law.
As a redhead, I just love Lacey Sherlock and I've loved her since she took down the big, bad FBI guy, Dillon Savich, in The Maze. She is everything I love in a heroine, smart, badass, beautiful and a redhead! As I've read every FBI Thriller Series book, it has made me feel forever young as Sherlock and I are about the same age, except she's a perpetual thirtysomething instead of a fiftysomething. Oh, to be forever young like Lacey Sherlock and Stephanie Plum! The plot is two pronged and you wonder from the beginning if the two plot lines are going to merge. I'll just leave that little mystery for you to solve on your own. Watching Savach care for Sherlock and strive not to crowd her is always a wonderful thing. His love for her is total and complete and he will do anything he has to in order to protect her. May their romance endure forever. Alas, this is no romantic-suspense, only a great mystery-thriller-suspense, no romance to be found.
Now for the plot recap: Sherlock is just driving along in Washington, D.C. and she gets T-boned, leaving her with contusions, a concussion and memory loss. The last thing she remembers is hitting a man while spinning wildly out of control. The man is injured, but manages to disappear. They ID him through his DNA and turns out he's a CIA analyst. Who was he running from and why?
Meanwhile, down in Gaffer's Ridge, Virginia, FBI Special Agent Griffin Hammersmith is minding his own business taking a much needed vacation after breaking up with his fiancée and solving a very difficult case when he gets a psychic shout out for help. Dr. Carson DeSilva is being held and threatened when she connects with Griffin and he literally kicks the gun out of the hand of Rafer Bodine. She follows up with a pipe to his head for good measure. When the dust settles, Griffin and Carson are in jail for the assault on Rafer. Seems the Bodine family just about owns the quaint town of Gaffer's Ridge, especially the law.
August 30, 2019
I have been following Savich and Sherlock from the very first book. They keep me on my toes every time. These stories are always riveting. Yea!!!
August 5, 2019
Labyrinth is a well-conceived and well-executed read for a rainy Sunday afternoon. Coulter is a pro, and although some of the "shining" stuff is a little far-fetched (to me), she makes psychic ability a believable part of a story full of twists and turns.
Recommended.
Recommended.
September 1, 2019
DNF. Writing style is laborious and too many similes for my taste. Cheesy and unrealistic dialogue with a sprinkle of cliche. How has this series managed to last for so long?
June 11, 2023
Authors’ usual well written tale with an excellent narration.
October 3, 2019
This read like my English major son wrote it in his Sophomore year without even editing the work. Too many names-not enough convergence of the story and many unrealistic scenarios. Also, it makes our US law enforcement look ridiculous. I finished it just for the satisfaction of knowing my ending was right but I do not recommend this book.
March 13, 2020
Full disclosure: I won a free copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This was my first exposure to Catherine Coulter’s work. I gather that it's part of a series, but it was quite newbie-friendly. Each (presumably) series character got enough of an introductory scene that I didn't feel left out, and, as far as I can tell, nothing major from previous books was spoiled.
Agent Sherlock literally crashes into a case when she gets into a traffic accident (spoiler alert: she dies, and the rest of the book is nothing but blank pages) which a) gives her amnesia, and b) sets off a race to find the mystery pedestrian who left blood all over her windshield. Can the FBI find him before the people he was running from do? I admit that I rolled my eyes a bit at the amnesia thing, but Coulter handles it well, giving it a much more realistic treatment than, say, your average soap opera. I don't think it's giving anything away to say that she eventually recovers. The interplay between her and Savich was believable and touching.
Meanwhile, there's a whole separate plot line involving Agent Griffin and a small town serial killer with family ties that seem to make him untouchable. This storyline threw me for a bit of a loop, because I’d been expecting a straight police procedural thriller, when suddenly we have several people with psychic powers thrown into the mix. Such abilities are apparently fairly common in the Coulter-verse. There's lip service paid to the idea of rarity and “the average person wouldn't believe” and etc. But there are entirely too many folks in this book who have them for me to believe that they just happened to all be in the same place at the same time.
Coincidence actually plays a fairly significant role in the story, which is disappointing. Agent Sherlock just happens to hit the intersection at the right moment for the accident. Agent Griffin just happens to be there when he hears a cry for help. Later on, someone escapes almost certain death due to poor driving (I think I left that sufficiently vague.) If it were just one of these, I could probably get over it, but as it is, Coulter goes back to that well just a little too often.
And there's an über-cliché moment where the villain reveals their Grand Scheme in an expository speech before getting their comeuppance in a very expected way. Oy.
Still, this book is a bona fide page-turner, with thrills and excitement galore. I have no idea how it compares to the rest of the series, but on its own it's a decent, light read. Whether the drawbacks I mentioned matter as much to you as they did me is a question I can't really answer. Certainly Coulter seems to have enough books under her belt, so she must be doing something right.
With this book, I think the pluses outweigh the minuses, but not by a lot. Your mileage may vary.
This was my first exposure to Catherine Coulter’s work. I gather that it's part of a series, but it was quite newbie-friendly. Each (presumably) series character got enough of an introductory scene that I didn't feel left out, and, as far as I can tell, nothing major from previous books was spoiled.
Agent Sherlock literally crashes into a case when she gets into a traffic accident (spoiler alert: she dies, and the rest of the book is nothing but blank pages) which a) gives her amnesia, and b) sets off a race to find the mystery pedestrian who left blood all over her windshield. Can the FBI find him before the people he was running from do? I admit that I rolled my eyes a bit at the amnesia thing, but Coulter handles it well, giving it a much more realistic treatment than, say, your average soap opera. I don't think it's giving anything away to say that she eventually recovers. The interplay between her and Savich was believable and touching.
Meanwhile, there's a whole separate plot line involving Agent Griffin and a small town serial killer with family ties that seem to make him untouchable. This storyline threw me for a bit of a loop, because I’d been expecting a straight police procedural thriller, when suddenly we have several people with psychic powers thrown into the mix. Such abilities are apparently fairly common in the Coulter-verse. There's lip service paid to the idea of rarity and “the average person wouldn't believe” and etc. But there are entirely too many folks in this book who have them for me to believe that they just happened to all be in the same place at the same time.
Coincidence actually plays a fairly significant role in the story, which is disappointing. Agent Sherlock just happens to hit the intersection at the right moment for the accident. Agent Griffin just happens to be there when he hears a cry for help. Later on, someone escapes almost certain death due to poor driving (I think I left that sufficiently vague.) If it were just one of these, I could probably get over it, but as it is, Coulter goes back to that well just a little too often.
And there's an über-cliché moment where the villain reveals their Grand Scheme in an expository speech before getting their comeuppance in a very expected way. Oy.
Still, this book is a bona fide page-turner, with thrills and excitement galore. I have no idea how it compares to the rest of the series, but on its own it's a decent, light read. Whether the drawbacks I mentioned matter as much to you as they did me is a question I can't really answer. Certainly Coulter seems to have enough books under her belt, so she must be doing something right.
With this book, I think the pluses outweigh the minuses, but not by a lot. Your mileage may vary.
December 6, 2019
My first book by this author. I am not overly impressed. Two cases unrelated never come together.
Long drawn out stories with abrupt endings.
Just kind of left me hanging.
Mundane adjectives & adverbs bored me. Definitely not what I’d expect from a NYT’s best seller.
Long drawn out stories with abrupt endings.
Just kind of left me hanging.
Mundane adjectives & adverbs bored me. Definitely not what I’d expect from a NYT’s best seller.
August 21, 2022
Re-read.
Right from the very first page, I was spellbound. As always, it was a roller coaster ride of epic proportions. Sherlock!
Right from the very first page, I was spellbound. As always, it was a roller coaster ride of epic proportions. Sherlock!
September 14, 2021
Surprisingly good crime/thriller book that was as intriguing to read as the blurb promised. It's always a chance wether or not the book is as good. about this was highly entertaining and thrilling to read. Will definitely read more by Catherine Coulter for sure
August 3, 2019
CONFUSING
Two separate plots that are not solved by Savich and Sherlock in their ways. The story is not clear until the letter from Savich in the end. Hopefully the next book will not be in the same vein.
Two separate plots that are not solved by Savich and Sherlock in their ways. The story is not clear until the letter from Savich in the end. Hopefully the next book will not be in the same vein.
August 24, 2019
2.75 rounded down
Catherine Coulter is inconsistent in her writing style. I loved her early works (The Cove, The Maze). Then she started a paranormal theme, which I do not care for. This book is no exception.
A major problem in this novel is there are two story lines, that the reader needs to keep straight as each chapter jumps from one story to the other, back and forth, back and forth..... enough to make one dizzily confused at best. Endeavoring to keep the two story lines straight and figuring out how in the world will they tie together takes effort.And the kicker is, all that effort is for naught; they DON’T (tie together). Two separate stories, intermingled in one novel. More effort should have been made to develop ONE story and the characters within it well.
In one story, EXTREME paranormal/psychic characters operate above the law with strongly satanic powers. There is no backstory to these characters. The town reveres them (think Step-ford wives). The plot is ridiculous: the character does her psychic tricks kidnapping girls the same age as her long ago missing daughter and doing experiments on them.... for what purpose? To replace her daughter? Family members (who are sane) allow this to go on for decades. Uhhh, huh?
The other story involves the beloved Savitch and Sherlock. This story line was quite interesting and it involves a twist that will intrigue the fans of tis FBI series. However, this storyline begs for well-developed, multi-dimensional characters and more backstory as well. The mystery is intriguing , but the mystery is not peeled back layer by layer; instead the motives are revealed on the last page of the book! Uhhh? Huh?
Unimportant characters are in the mix and excessive dialogue and unimportant details are thrown in. It’s a convoluted concoction for sure, instead of a complex thriller. I’d recommend Ms Coulter’s early works but not this one.
NetGalley provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Catherine Coulter is inconsistent in her writing style. I loved her early works (The Cove, The Maze). Then she started a paranormal theme, which I do not care for. This book is no exception.
A major problem in this novel is there are two story lines, that the reader needs to keep straight as each chapter jumps from one story to the other, back and forth, back and forth..... enough to make one dizzily confused at best. Endeavoring to keep the two story lines straight and figuring out how in the world will they tie together takes effort.And the kicker is, all that effort is for naught; they DON’T (tie together). Two separate stories, intermingled in one novel. More effort should have been made to develop ONE story and the characters within it well.
In one story, EXTREME paranormal/psychic characters operate above the law with strongly satanic powers. There is no backstory to these characters. The town reveres them (think Step-ford wives). The plot is ridiculous: the character does her psychic tricks kidnapping girls the same age as her long ago missing daughter and doing experiments on them.... for what purpose? To replace her daughter? Family members (who are sane) allow this to go on for decades. Uhhh, huh?
The other story involves the beloved Savitch and Sherlock. This story line was quite interesting and it involves a twist that will intrigue the fans of tis FBI series. However, this storyline begs for well-developed, multi-dimensional characters and more backstory as well. The mystery is intriguing , but the mystery is not peeled back layer by layer; instead the motives are revealed on the last page of the book! Uhhh? Huh?
Unimportant characters are in the mix and excessive dialogue and unimportant details are thrown in. It’s a convoluted concoction for sure, instead of a complex thriller. I’d recommend Ms Coulter’s early works but not this one.
NetGalley provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2022
No. You can't take your concussed wife with amnesia on the case with you. No, you can't take Dr. Prettyface around interviewing suspects just because you don't want to leave her alone. You people eat too much spaghetti. Nobody would have an inner tube hanging from the tree in their yard, I think you meant a tire swing. Why has that girl been studying martial arts for 4 years and still wears a white belt? But most of all...MOST of all... you had no proof other than a stranger's word that she's psychic that that man had anything to do with those girls disappearing and everyone was convinced he did it. They weren't investigating, they were breaking the law to get proof of what they assumed he had done. I genuinely want to un-read this book.
November 7, 2019
Good Savich and Sherlock book. Love that they play a main part in this book and not just in the periphery like others. Because I read so many novels, I forgot most of this series (all?) involve a psychic element. It’s getting kind of old IMO. Wish these awesome characters had more cases without that. But good character development over the series and an interesting twist regarding Sherlock in this one. When it’s done right, like here, it’s fun to see beloved characters face new and different challenges.
October 26, 2022
I would not say this is a fast-paced thriller, but a good-paced thriller. One can see that Coulter has a lot of experience when it comes to writing books and she knows how to pace novels so that the read wants to turn another page, or just another chapter before going to sleep.
All in all, the stories were interesting, but there were many dull moments or chapters that were written just for the sake of having a few more thousand words added in the book. Also, the resolution of the mysteries was not at all very spectacular. I mean, yes the confessions were OK and in accordance with the thriller conventions, but how the agents made the villans confess... let's just say there is a lot of coincidence.
All in all, a decent read, but not a spectacular one.
All in all, the stories were interesting, but there were many dull moments or chapters that were written just for the sake of having a few more thousand words added in the book. Also, the resolution of the mysteries was not at all very spectacular. I mean, yes the confessions were OK and in accordance with the thriller conventions, but how the agents made the villans confess... let's just say there is a lot of coincidence.
All in all, a decent read, but not a spectacular one.
August 15, 2019
This is a really good thriller. It kept me up last night until I finished it. It is two mysteries in one with the mysteries being separate but the characters being intertwined. Lots of action. It will keep you on the edge of your seat.
July 25, 2019
FBI Thriller #23 by Catherine Coulter. Been reading her books for - ever!!! Her writing, characters, plots and her skill with words is the reason this series continues. Even that being said this work can easily stand alone for those that have not been long time fans. The name Labyrinth because two separate story lines are told with the characters crossing into each of the plots. Beginning is a crash that sends FBI Agent Lacey Sherlock to the hospital only to awaken with no memory of those around her. Meanwhile in Gaffer's Ridge WV Agent Griffin Hammersmith meets and comes to the rescue of Carson DaSilva who has been kidnapped. Lots of action going on that is suspenseful to the end. "A copy of this book was provided by Gallery Books via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
August 1, 2019
This is a fabulous book with two separate stories changing back and forth. One of the stories had me a little confused at first, but I caught up with it pretty fast. Catherine Coulter kept me so absorbed I didn’t want to put the book down. It was exhilarating and exciting. I highly recommend this book!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley.
August 31, 2021
A fast easy read. a great break from several of the heavier books I have been reading. It definitely had my interest and I read it in 3 days.
August 7, 2021
It's been ages since I've read a Catherine Coulter book but I picked this one up at a Library sale and decided to try it out. I know she writes fast-paced well-constructed thriller novels but "Labryinth" is a mis-mash of clichés and nonsense. Granted, this is the 5th book in a series so I'm coming in late on the established story-line, but a mainstream release should have more standards than this one does.
My problems with the book:
Head hopping--Coulter switches POVs in most scenes. It can make for a confusing read.
Names--One of the main characters is named "Sherlock." This would be Lacey Sherlock, an FBI agent. Coulter explains why she's called that but it seemed like a mistake to name a main character after one of the most famous fictional detectives of all time. Another character is named Lance Armstrong.
Psychics--There are a bunch of them in the novel. Since the original Sherlock relied on deduction and reasoning, the same rules should apply to his namesake.
Amnesia--a trite plot device.
Backwoods witchcraft--please!
Carson is a kidnapping and near murder victim who forms a connection with FBI agent Griffin and he includes her on all his interviews and reconnaissance missions. Unethical and probably illegal, Good luck making your case in court, Griffin.
The plotting seemed lazy and amateurish. Not worthy of a best-selling author.
My problems with the book:
Head hopping--Coulter switches POVs in most scenes. It can make for a confusing read.
Names--One of the main characters is named "Sherlock." This would be Lacey Sherlock, an FBI agent. Coulter explains why she's called that but it seemed like a mistake to name a main character after one of the most famous fictional detectives of all time. Another character is named Lance Armstrong.
Psychics--There are a bunch of them in the novel. Since the original Sherlock relied on deduction and reasoning, the same rules should apply to his namesake.
Amnesia--a trite plot device.
Backwoods witchcraft--please!
Carson is a kidnapping and near murder victim who forms a connection with FBI agent Griffin and he includes her on all his interviews and reconnaissance missions. Unethical and probably illegal, Good luck making your case in court, Griffin.
The plotting seemed lazy and amateurish. Not worthy of a best-selling author.
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