What a treat this book is! Not only did I enjoy one suspense story, but two. Dillon and Sherlock are at it again. I was riveted from page one until the very end. This book brought out emotions in me, and when it can make you feel, it’s a winner.

Vortex by Catherine Coulter is book #25 in the FBI Thriller series. Once again, married FBI agents Savich and Sherlock are each working on high-profile cases. Savich investigates a missing CIA agent who has returned to the states with a flash drive, which contains top-secret information on arms deals. Sherlock’s case involves a mayoral candidate’s horrific past as a college rapist/murderer. Having read all the books in this series, I am never disappointed with the characters or plot.

Vortex was a good read with one caveat: there was very little of her main characters (Sherlock and Dillon) in the book and that made it feel a bit lacking. While this was not one of her best and it took a while to get through, it was still a fun read nonetheless.

In this political climate of exclusionary tribes, Ms. Coulter dives into the center of all of this with a report character I can support and get behind. Mia Briscoe is a reporter who covers the political science through investigative pieces as well as creates a blog space where it can be an open space to discuss different view points with an open mind. Whilst this story is a murder mystery, I find the entwining of politics to be spot on.

I like Mia Briscoe because she is determined to find the facts and provide it for people to make their own decisions. Her desire to have a place where people in the center can speak up is daring and in the face of our extreme polarization. I am not sure how many centralist are left and I doubt any are interested in speaking up. Seeing this play out in a fictional story is an accurate reflection of today's climate. This mature thinking seems to have been tossed out the window. Or they have been silenced by the vocal childish antics of the narrowminded. I digress.

It is said that there are pivotal moments in people's life that change the course of where they are headed. It is also said that there are people in one's life who are so influential that their loss is never forgotten or missed. For Mia, this is her best friend Serena. Serena disappeared off the face of the earth after going to a fraternity rave party. Sever year ago and Mia still misses her. When Mia finds clues which may open this cold case again, she is determined to find answers and bring her best friend home.

I loved how this story shares the fall out and experiences due to unanswered questions for loved ones left behind. I also love how whilst this major investigative piece is going on, there is a secondary and just as important case that Sherlock is working on. The two cases have nothing to do with each other, but it is like getting two books in one and I adore it. Especially as it gives Sherlock the ability to come in and help because she is in the right place at the right time.

Sherlock's case blew my mind. I like what Sherlock did to figure out what the other law enforcement agencies missed. I also adore Max/Maxine the gender fluid super computer which is able to search for things when enough information is provided to them. The way that Sherlock cracks the case and how she brings down the killer gives me a vicarious high. It is exhilarating to figure it out, nail the perp and bring them down.

Vortex is highly recommended to readers who enjoy hard hitting crime and those who have an open mind, respectful of other people's opinions even if they disagree.

Classic Coulter. A bit confusing at first with all the different players and scenarios but soon the plot shakes out and the action heats up. I love when the good guys triumph!

Catherine Coulter's FBI series never fails!

Vortex had more than one mystery, great characters, and so much going on that I hated to put it down. As always Sherlock and Savich were just as vibrant and "real" as if they were standing here chatting with me. The mysteries that Mia and Olivia dealt with were fascinating and I especially enjoyed Mia's journey tracking down clues and trying to find what happened to her friend Serena.

If you're ready for great characters, plenty of action, and solid, exciting mysteries, pick up Vortex today!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for an ARC at my request. All thoughts are my own.

Catherine Coulter is still bringing it strong with our favorite FBI Hero's. This time around we have a few new characters digging up a 7 year old cold case with the younger Maitland FBI agent. Love this series and hope it continues on for awhile yet.

Vortex follows two "stories" expertly interwoven by author, Catherine Coulter. Savich is busy with CIA operatives in Washington DC (and no, the CIA is not happy about his involvement). He's chasing down a missing agent whilst trying to protect a second who is recovering from a dangerous mission overseas. Sherlock is in New York City helping a fellow agent with a potential serial killer case... and is thrust into a missing persons/protection/murder case a favor to Tommie Maitland - their boss's son. The two main characters (in addition to fan-favorites Sherlock and Savich) are wonderfully written and developed... I have to say this might displace the top of my favorite books by Ms. Coulter. I did not want it to end as it was so captivating and well written!