PARADOX -- according to the dictionary means "a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth." This is exactly what author Catherine Coulter has given her readers. There are so many twists in this book that you are forced to the edge of your seat and holding on for dear life.

Sherlock and Savage start out PARADOX with a break in and attempted kidnapping of their five year old son, Sean. Renowned FBI agents know that danger exists and had a plan for such a happening, but they were still shocked at how easily the worst almost happened. Who would have dared? Who would have been crazy enough to break into their home?

Police Chief Ty Christie of Willicott, Maryland is enjoying her morning coffee on her deck when, out on the lake, she witnesses a murder. When the lake is dragged for the victim she finds an even bigger shock. Beside the body of Octavia Ryan, federal prosecutor from Washington D.C., more bones are discovered. This leaves all involved wondering if there was a serial killer in the area or if this is just a dumping ground for one. Questions lead to answers and more questions as Ty works with the FBI in search of the killer she saw while hoping it's the same one using their lake. The search for the missing agent, Sala Porto, who was with Octavia, finds him thankfully alive, but in dire straits after being tied up and locked in a closet on the third floor of an abandoned house -- the site of a murder years before. It's just luck, or Savage's very attuned instincts, that saved him.

PARADOX is one of those books that you are imprisoned by, in a good way, of course. You just won't want to put it down! The characters of Sherlock and Savage are always amazing. In PARADOX, Ms. Coulter adds in a female police chief, an agent who survived the killer, a girl believed to be simple but turns out to be a very big cog in this mysterious wheel, and a host of people who live and work in this small town. There is a depth to this book that will hold you. Sherlock's fear over her son's near kidnapping, Sala's guilt over not being able to protect Octavia, the surprise characters, and the evil twist that gets thrown in at the end will all impact you. It's a case of just when you think it's over -- hold on for just one more surprise. Ms. Coulter even manages to add in some lighter moments and a touch of romance into the storyline without taking away from the suspense.

I have been a fan of the FBI Thriller series since it's inception, but even this one left me astonished at the turn of events. Ms. Coulter is known for her explosive twists. This one will leave readers with an awed respect of her story telling ability.