Title: Untouchable by Jayne Ann Krentz
Cutler, Sutter & Salinas Series Book Three
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
A man’s quest to find answers for those who are haunted by the past leads him deeper into the shadows in this electrifying novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Promise Not to Tell.
Quinton Zane is back.
Jack Lancaster, consultant to the FBI, has always been drawn to the coldest of cold cases, the kind that law enforcement either considers unsolvable or else has chalked up to accidents or suicides. As a survivor of a fire, he finds himself uniquely compelled by arson cases. His almost preternatural ability to get inside the killer’s head has garnered him a reputation in some circles–and complicated his personal life. The more cases Jack solves, the closer he slips into the darkness. His only solace is Winter Meadows, a meditation therapist. After particularly grisly cases, Winter can lead Jack back to peace.
But as long as Quinton Zane is alive, Jack will not be at peace for long. Having solidified his position as the power behind the throne of his biological family’s hedge fund, Zane sets out to get rid of Anson Salinas’s foster sons, starting with Jack.
Review:
Untouchable by Jayne Ann Krentz is an engrossing mystery with a riveting plot and engaging protagonists. Although this newest release is the third (and final) installment in the Cutler, Sutter & Salinas series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
Jack Lancaster has turned to meditation instructor Winter Meadows to help him gain control of his lucid dreams. He utilizes his unique ability to solve cold cases but recently, he has found them difficult to manage. Jack also uses this skill to track Quinton Zane, the cult leader who murdered his mother and attempted to kill him, and his foster brothers, Cabot Sutter and Max Cutler. Aided by their foster father, Anson Salinas, the three men have been trying to track down Zane whom they believe faked his death then left the country after he murdered their mothers. After Winter is assaulted by a former client turned stalker, Jack is certain Zane manipulated her attacker as a way of getting to him. With Winter’s assistance, Jack begins what he hopes will be his final quest to capture Zane.
Jack is extremely intelligent with keen instincts but he has been rather enigmatic in previous books in the series. His special ability to use lucid dreams to aid him in finding clues to solve cold cases is quite fascinating. Jack is intense, serious and extremely focused as he and Winter begin their investigation that will hopefully lead him to Zane.
Having recently moved to Eclipse Bay, Winter is struggling to build her business. She is a meditation instructor and a skilled hypnotist but she keeps this ability to herself. Winter is calm under pressure and unflappable in the face of danger.
Jack’s hunt for Zane sometimes appears hopeless since he maintains such a low profile. But Jack knows how his nemesis thinks so he is able to weave together the somewhat nebulous threads he discovers to figure out how to locate Zane. Winter is instrumental in helping Jack narrow down exactly which leads to follow. Will Jack and Winter locate Zane before he puts his diabolical plan in motion? Will Jack, Cabot, Max and Anson finally bring Quinton Zane to justice?
Untouchable is a clever mystery with a unique storyline and likable lead characters. The investigation into Zane is fast-paced and compelling. Jack and Winter are endearing characters with relatable shortcomings and strengths. Jayne Ann Krentz’s incorporation of the paranormal abilities into the storyline provides added interest to the hunt for Quinton Zane. Although it is a little sad to say goodbye to favorite characters, old and new readers will enjoy this satisfying conclusion of the Cutler, Sutter & Salinas series.
