Book Review: The Lost Key, by Catherine Coulter and J T Ellison

“A Brit in the FBI” returns

The Lost Key was—is—an unexpected surprise. Thinking it would be more a police procedural,  it was that and more.  A murder investigation that soon advances into a suspenseful thriller, it is filled with a variety of adventure and ultimately a terror threat. It’s fast paced in every setting with lives endangered at each stop.

The Story

Book two in the “A Brit in the FBI ” series brings back Nicholas Drummond, the British agent who has now joined the FBI, and his partner, Michaela “Mike” Caine. It is his first day on the job, and let’s just say it doesn’t go as well as expected. They are called to the scene of a murder to find the killer has returned. So begins the first chase. From there, it becomes one after the other. It would seem someone is one step ahead of them at every turn.

• A Hacker able to enter the most secured sites, but for whom is he working?
• A secret society of powerful men, first organized to protect the nations.
• A brother and sister looking for answers to their father’s death.
• A number of characters who are masking their true purpose.
• A World War 1 submarine that disappeared long ago.
• A century old key that leads to the worst weapon imaginable.
• One rogue, power hungry man determined to take over the society–at any cost.

How many will die before he is done?

Part political thriller, part adventure, part treasure hunt, it all comes together for a very exciting read. Before it is finished, you will be led across America, to the coast Scotland and the underground tunnels of France. Bodies mount along the way.

The characters along with the plot lines keep me coming back for more. Nicholas and Mike make a good team, very likable and capable. The increasing attraction between the two is an added touch that is well done.

The Authors

Catherine Coulter has teamed up with author J T Ellison for this series, You are probably familiar with Ms. Coulter’s popular series that features Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock. If so, you will be pleased to find they are included in this story, if briefly. Still it is a treat to have them on hand.

J T Ellison has a series of her own as well, featuring Homicide Lt. Taylor Jackson and medical examiner Dr. Samantha Owens. The series of psychological thrillers is set in Nashville. Book one is now on my wish list too.

It only took a few chapters until I was hooked on The Lost Key, anxious to reach the conclusion. Thankfully I listened to the audio version, so I was able to reach the end faster! Here is a sample of the audio, if you would like to try it for yourself.

While The Lost Key is definitely a stand alone, I would still recommend you start with the first in the series, The Final Cut. It was such an entertaining story that introduces Nicholas Drummond and Mike Caine. Since it is still early in their series, you’ll enjoy getting to read how it started. You can find my review of the first, here on Jaquo Lifestyle Magazine.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Merry Citarella, often writing as Merrci, writes on a wide range of topics. Recently relocated to the Oregon Coast in the northwest United States, she frequently writes travel features on the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She specializes in health and aging, Alzheimer’s Disease, food, lifestyle, and book reviews. For more information you can see her on The Writers’Door. You can read more articles here or at her websites Alzheimers HQ and Simple Living Ideas