The Maze: An FBI Thriller, Book 2

By: Catherine Coulter

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Lacey Sherlock's life is forever changed when her older sister's body is discovered in an abandoned warehouse. She is the fourth victim of the String Killer, the name given by the media to a murderer who leads his victims into a maze with a ball of twine.

Seven years after Belinda's death, Lacey, now an FBI agent, is paired up with computer whiz Dillon Savich, who has developed a predictive program to aid in the apprehension of serial killers.

When the String Killer strikes again, Lacey spots his handiwork, resulting in his capture. The suspect confesses, but maintains that he did not kill Belinda. No sooner does Lacey confirm his innocence of that crime than an attempt is made on her life.

Suspecting her attacker is the same person who murdered her sister, Lacey and Dillon know they must solve the mystery - before they become the killer's next victims.

Listen to another FBI Thriller.

©2005 Catherine Coulter (P)2005 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Full of karate, pistol-whipping, and other malevolent mayhem, Catherine Coulter's The Maze could be described as a junior-varsity version of Silence of the Lambs."
"Susan Eriksen's reading is spirited and emotive with effective character vocalizations." ( Library Journal)

Fun book

I had read a book later in the series and enjoyed it.

It was fun to hear about the beginnings.

Fast Paced "run-of-the-mill" Cop Story

In short. A totally average book I'd give a C as a teacher.
It isn't a BAD book, it's just NOT a very good book. The editor was very judicious that, a few times I thought I'd gotten the abridged version as the scene changed so quickly I thought I'd missed something. But at two files and 12 hours I'm certain I got the whole book.
There's no new angle here, no quirky detective with a standard set of possible other killers to keep you wondering. But for a book titled The Maze I'd expect far more twists and turns (plot wise or even in and yes, pun intended with regard to this killer's M.O.)
It has a run-of-the-mill romance.
Don't let the S.F. picture for a setting fool you, most the story could take place anywhere.
S.F. and ALL its charms, ("The Paris of America") having lived just south for the very romantic S.F. for 1/3 of my life. (At least she doesn't call it "Frisco", a real no-no for the locals). But, there's nary a single feature of S.F. mentioned (The notorious Alcatraz prison island does get a line.). At the price I bought it, (marked way down to $4.95) it was a bargain.
This book is NOT worth an entire credit or significant bucks, not with SO MANY quality thrillers out there The Maze is simple escapist reading, I'd name some "PRO" authors but that's against the rules I think.
One slight GOOD and unique note on the audio production. The sound engineer made phone calls SOUND "phone callish" with a slightly "tinny" quality. It added some realism and clarified easily who was the distant one and while the local voice was normal.
Bottom Line: If you want QUALITY buy the big names (male or female writers) which, in comparison this writing pales.

Love Coulter's FBI series

I loved the book, it gave me some answers since I had been listening to the series out of order.

A woman's voice doing Savage? NO, it doesn't work for me! I find it easier to listen to a man doing a woman's voice. There are only a few female narrators that can carry off the part of a strong male character. This narrator wasn't one of them.

Not Exactly A-Maze-ing!

Where does The Maze rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book would ranks somewhere in the lower middle. I have really enjoyed this character in many of Ms Coutler's later books but for some reason I thought the plot was week.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I think this book was early in the series. So I feel Ms Coutler had not really developed her style fully for this character. If I read it when it first came out I think I would have a much higher opinion of it. In her later books these character are awesome and the plots are strong.

Have you listened to any of Susan Ericksen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I enjoyed her performance. He is an excellent narrator. I haven't listen to her except in this series.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No I did not have an extreme reaction. Thought the story line dragged a bit.

Poor reader but good story

Would you listen to The Maze again? Why?

No, the reader does not differentiate her voice among the characters. It was hard to follow at times and know who was talking.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Maze?

The revelation of the details of Belinda's murder.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Susan Ericksen?

NO

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Cannot match the word pictures drawn by the author.

Any additional comments?

We like this author's stories and the multiple story lines. She is very good at inciting one's emotions and drawing pictures with words. She deserves a better reader to give more life to her characters.

Great listen but doesn’t quite match the book…

Minor differences… “Billy” vs “Bobby”… slight word changes or a sentence missing. Nothing terrible but a little annoying. Otherwise, a great listen.

Entertaining but cliche

This is a comfort read. Something you can enjoy between books that are more epic and complex. I will probably continue with the series but I’m not in a rush.

How unoriginal?

Put together the most unoriginal & pathetic string of characters together. I love a murder mystery but this is dreck. The narrator is quite good & made the dreck bearable.

great!

What a fantastic story! And the narrator was one of the best I have ever heard.

Somewhat disappointed

Great build up for an unbelievable ending. Just didn't ring true. Too contrived.