by Jayne Ann Krentz
Series: Cutler Sutter & Salinas #3
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
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.
Untouchable by Jayne Ann Krentz wraps up the Cutler, Sutter, & Salinas romantic suspense series. A little heat, plenty of heart pounding action and a hypnotist made for an interesting story as Krentz brought this series to a close. Krentz is a favorite but sadly Untouchable ended up being a just ok read for me.
While each of the novels in this series contains a single romance and a conclusion to its own suspense thread, there is an overall ARC that ties the brothers together. They bring their quest for justice closer to realization with each book. For this reason, I recommend reading the books in the order of their release.
Jack Lancaster consults for the FBI and works with his step-brothers at Cutler, Sutter, & Salinas. Jack has an unusual gift. It is one that allows him to investigate cold cases. It also makes him Quinton Zane biggest treat.
Winter Meadows, a meditation therapist has recently moved from the city after a bad experience with a client. She rents the cottage across the way from Jack. I have always found her profession to be interesting and immediately liked Winter.
Jack uses a self-created dreamscape to look for clues and solve cold cases particularly those involving arson. While, he solves cases, Quinton Zane manages to stay one step ahead of him. Jack has been experiences difficulty with his dreams. It’s becoming harder to manage the dreamscape, and he fears slipping into darkness. Sessions with Winter helps him control the dreamscape. I found this aspect fascinating with a hint of paranormal woo-woo.
It pleased me how Krentz wrapped up the case, but the romance and story fell flat for me. Krentz has served the romantic elements in this series on the side, but I didn’t feel the passion in this one. The case had suspenseful moments, red herrings that fit neatly into the plot. However, both the romance and the case had more of a tell not show feel. This typically isn’t the case with Krentz and it prevented me from becoming immersed in the story and characters.
Fans of suspense and murder-mysteries served with a side of paranormal woo-woo and romance will enjoy Untouchable and the Cutler Sutter & Salinas trilogy.
While not my favorite, Untouchable by Jayne Anne Krentz brought the trilogy to an intense and exciting conclusion. #NewRelease #RomanticSuspense Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I wish this one was rated a bit higher. It sounds like a good book but I don’t know if I want to read something that isn’t a 4/5 with reviewers. That’s always the thing and we each have our own tastes too. Great review. I think I will put this on my TBR.
Mary
Olivia Roach
I think I am going to pass on this one because the romance and story doesn’t sound like it has really worked too well. But the concept of a dreamscape to help him solve cases intrigues me. It sounds like Sherlock Holmes’ mind palace.
Melanie Simmons
I do love romantic suspense. Sounds like a fun series. Thanks for sharing. Great review.
Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard
This one fell a bit flat for me, too. But at least we finally got some answers and closure on the whole Quinton Zane storyline… though that felt a little anticlimactic as well. Oh, well, no author can hit them all out of the park, and this one was at least a base hit.
Rachel
I felt exactly the same about this installment, but still it was an entertaining read. Wonderful review, Kimberly! 🙂
Danielle Chapman
I have been reading her books since high school and this one is not my favorite. I was happy that it didn’t take me that long to read it.
Samantha
I totally agree about the romance-it just felt off to me. It was almost like a side plot that was just thrown together. I didn’t really feel any connection between them. I think the story would have been better if there was no romance (and I NEVER say that!)
Debbie Haupt
I’ve seen this reviewed around the blogosphere Kim, huh I must have been in a coma somewhere because I missed the previous books 🙂 Looks like I’ll have to get my Kindle packed up with JAK novels. Thanks!
Kimberly
Don’t you hate when that happens, but with so many series it’s an easy thing to do.
Lorna
I know you like her books so I’m sorry it wasn’t a better read for you especially since it was the series ender. Hopefully, the next one will be better!
Kimberly
Thank you Lorna. I am confident the next one will have all the elements I love.
Laura Thomas
I keep meaning to try one of her books. Maybe this is the year. Thanks for the great review, Kimberly.
Kimberly
One of my favorite authors. I love her books as Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle too!
Anne
I’ve only read one of her books, not in this series and it was just ok. I’ve seen some good reviews of her work so maybe I just chose the wrong book of hers. Who knows? Is there a series of hers you would recommend? Excellent review. Anne – Books of My Heart
Kimberly
Her Arcane Society series are my favorites.
Mary Kirkland
I really like this author and the books from her that I’ve read.
Kimberly
Me too, she is one of my favorites.
sjhigbee
A great review – while it’s a shame the intensity seems to have dropped with the romantic aspect, at least it sounds as if the rest of the story came to a satisfactory ending.
Kimberly
It was a hard one I liked the wrap up, didn’t swoon over the romance and disliked the tell not show.
Sophia Rose
Oh man, I guess we did have a similar reading experience. LOL
I confess I was relieved when you said that you reacted the same way.
Kimberly
You and me both. Lark commented on Goodreads today saying she felt the same and was relieved it wasn’t just her.
Heidi
I read the first book in the series when it came out. It was good, but it didnt’ dazzle me so I never felt compelled to continue the series. It seems you kind of felt the same about this one, it is good but nothing fantastic.
Kimberly
Yep. Ah well, even my favorite authors sometimes let me down.
Laurel-Rain Snow
I do love Jayne Ann Krentz and her suspense thrillers. I just downloaded this one on Tuesday. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Kimberly
I hope you enjoy it. Despite my issues it had a strong wrap up to the trilogy.
sherry fundin
Oh no. I just read Promise Not To Tell. Sorry to see this one fell short, but they can’t all be off the charts.
Kimberly
Yes, it reminds us even the greats aren’t perfect
Nadene
Sorry to hear the romance arc did not live up to your expectations. It is good you were still able to enjoy the story.
Kimberly
Agreed. Thanks Nadene
Angie Elle
I’m sorry this fell flat for you. The premise sounds so interesting! I love the dreamscape aspect. Series wrap-ups are always so hit or miss.
Great review.
Kimberly
Thanks Angie!
ShootingStarsMag
I’m sorry to hear this fell a bit short in some areas, though I’m glad you thought the end was wrapped up nicely. That’s a plus!
-Lauren
Kimberly
Yes, the overall story ARC had great closure.
Lover of Romance
I am sorry to hear that the romance in this story fell flat for you. I have really enjoyed this author in the past.
Kimberly
I have read all of her books, so it was a let down
Maureen @ Maureen's Books
Sorry to hear you didn’t like this one as much as you would have hoped Kimberly. I also love Jayne Ann Krentz. But I haven’t tried this series yet.
Kimberly
Glad you love her too, and yeah I was bummed.