The Soul Collectors
3.5 Stars

On suspension following the events of the previous book, forensics investigator, Darby McCormick is called in to assist a SWAT team when a man, who has taken his entire family hostage, asks for her specifically. Just as Darby is about to defuse the situation, a group of armed men storm the house setting in motion a series of events that reveal the dark and deadly deeds of an extremist group involved in child kidnapping, torture and mutilation.

While The Soul Collectors is a fast paced and action packed thriller, it is not as satisfying as the other books in the series mainly due to the rather far-fetched cult/conspiracy plot as well as Darby’s unrealistic transition from forensic expert to Zena Warrior Princess.

The basic premise of a religious cult abducting and indoctrinating children is compelling, and the villains come across as an even more diabolical incarnation of the Opus Dei in Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code. However, the motives behind the crimes are obscure and the group’s ability to infiltrate a variety of agencies is implausible.

Darby is an engaging heroine and it is entertaining to see her getting the better of the men in the book. Nevertheless, her sudden militant persona is at odds with her characterization from earlier in the series and the change is not for the better. Moreover, the developments in her relationship with Coop are also disappointing. They seem to take some welcome steps forward in accepting their attraction, but this is immediately followed by a huge step back. The inclusion of Coop’s sudden girlfriend/fiancée in London is a completely unnecessary addition as there are sufficient obstacles to Coop and Darby’s romance without it.

Although not precisely a cliffhanger, the conclusion is rather open-ended and there are numerous loose ends and unanswered questions that will hopefully be addressed in the next installment.

All in all, Mooney certainly knows how to spin a good yarn and I highly recommend the first three books in the series even though this one is only so-so. ( )

From Amazon:

The "Soul Collectors" is a chilling new instalment in the Darby McCormick series from Chris Mooney. Ten years ago CSI Darby McCormick investigated a sinister child abduction case. Today, the missing child is back from the dead and holding his family hostage. He makes only one demand. Bring me Darby McCormick...Charlie Rizzo has his family at gunpoint and when Darby arrives to defuse the scene, she finds him horrifically mutilated, with a mask of human skin sewn in place over his own face. Within minutes, a group of men disguised as SWAT officers bursts in and releases deadly Sarin gas, killing the Rizzo family outright and leaving Darby herself barely alive. Where has Charlie Rizzo been held all these years? Who are The Twelve who have been executing this gruesome torture? And why are the FBI running scared in the face of this particular, chilling episode? Darby is facing the toughest case of her career ...and, as the body count rises, one that will bring her into great personal danger and leave her in fear of losing her mind, if not her soul.

My Thoughts:

First let me say that I love Chris Mooney's books. I was well on the way to giving this one 5 stars until I got to the last two chapters and the epilogue. The events in these two chapters were frustrating to say the least and actually bordered on redundant. That this huge cult with such far reaching abilities were actually viewed by Darby and a host of FBI/CIA agents and yet escaped and disappeared without a trace just stretched the limits of my belief. As far as I could see there wasn't an ending but it did leave the path open for a sequel...which is also going to produce frustration since Chris Mooney's books are harder to get in the United States than proverbial hen's teeth. In spite of the ending...it is a riveting, mind blowing story and well worth your time to indulge. ( )

This is the first book I have read by this author and for the most part I found it to be a thrilling read. One minute I would think I knew exactly what was going on and I would turn the page and another twist would be added that I didn’t see coming.

This was a gory book in parts when it was being explained what was happening to these people so definetly not a book for the faint hearted.

I did find the ending very frustrating, I didn’t feel it wrapped up the book in a way that satisfied me. It left me with a lot of questions that still remain unanswered.

Definetly not a book for everyone due to the content. Would recommened to people who like a fast paced crime thriller.

This review was first published on http://everybookhasasoul.wordpress.com ( )

Excellent book, keep me up too late at night, can't wait for the next one.... ( )

Once again, Mooney has made it impossible to put down a well paced, brilliantly written piece of literature!

Every page grips you in the action, every chapter ending has you dangling by a thread, incapable of doing anything but furiously turning to the next. Action, adventure, drama... he packs it all in to 400 and something pages and not a single one of them disappoints. If I had only one fault with this book, I'd say that it wasn't long enough! I only wait with anticipation for his next Darby McCormick novel! ( )