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Catherine Ling #2
What Doesn't Kill You
It’s the deadliest poison known to man.
He’s the only one who knows its true power.
She’s the only one who can stop the evil.
The chase is on. . . .
Catherine Ling was abandoned on the streets of Hong Kong at age four. Schooled in the art of survival, she traded in the only commodity she had: information. As a teenager, she came under the tutelage of a mysterious man known only as Hu Chang—a skilled assassin and master poisoner. As a young woman, she was recruited by the CIA and now she is known as one of their most effective operatives. Having lived life in the shadows, Catherine is aware of the wobbly moral compass of her existence and even more aware of just how expendable she is to those she deals with. When her old friend Hu Chang creates a formula that’s not only deadly but completely untraceable, the race begins to be the first to get it. With rogue operative John Gallo also on the hunt, Catherine finds herself up against a group so villainous and a man so evil that she may not survive in her quest to protect those she cares about: Hu Chang and Luke—the son who was stolen from Catherine and only recently brought home safe. Using all of her formidable skills, Catherine Ling proves the age-old belief that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Iris Johansen is at her page-turning best in this novel that takes you from the corridors of Langley to the alleyways of Hong Kong and the darkest places of the human soul.
He’s the only one who knows its true power.
She’s the only one who can stop the evil.
The chase is on. . . .
Catherine Ling was abandoned on the streets of Hong Kong at age four. Schooled in the art of survival, she traded in the only commodity she had: information. As a teenager, she came under the tutelage of a mysterious man known only as Hu Chang—a skilled assassin and master poisoner. As a young woman, she was recruited by the CIA and now she is known as one of their most effective operatives. Having lived life in the shadows, Catherine is aware of the wobbly moral compass of her existence and even more aware of just how expendable she is to those she deals with. When her old friend Hu Chang creates a formula that’s not only deadly but completely untraceable, the race begins to be the first to get it. With rogue operative John Gallo also on the hunt, Catherine finds herself up against a group so villainous and a man so evil that she may not survive in her quest to protect those she cares about: Hu Chang and Luke—the son who was stolen from Catherine and only recently brought home safe. Using all of her formidable skills, Catherine Ling proves the age-old belief that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Iris Johansen is at her page-turning best in this novel that takes you from the corridors of Langley to the alleyways of Hong Kong and the darkest places of the human soul.
406 pages, Hardcover
First published April 17, 2012
346 people are currently reading
3495 people want to read
About the author
Iris Johansen
229 books7,363 followersIris Johansen is a New York Times bestselling author. She began her writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success.
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 479 reviews
December 30, 2024
What Doesn’t Kill You
by Iris Johansen is the second book in the Catherine Ling thriller series. Catherine has been recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency and finds herself and others in a dangerous situation when her mentor, Hu Chang, develops a formula that is extremely fatal, nearly untraceable, and coveted by many.
The novel is full of danger, suspense, and action. I typically love this type of novel, but this one seemed to be somewhat slow at times as well as repetitive. Additionally, nearly all of the characters were somewhat over-the-top in one aspect or another.
Despite this, I enjoyed the novel and wanted to know what was going to happen next. There are sections that are full of suspense and danger that pull you into the story.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was April 17, 2012.
-----------------------------------
My 3.32 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
The novel is full of danger, suspense, and action. I typically love this type of novel, but this one seemed to be somewhat slow at times as well as repetitive. Additionally, nearly all of the characters were somewhat over-the-top in one aspect or another.
Despite this, I enjoyed the novel and wanted to know what was going to happen next. There are sections that are full of suspense and danger that pull you into the story.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was April 17, 2012.
-----------------------------------
My 3.32 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
March 6, 2012
My review in less than thirty words (starting now):
*Too much talking and conversations
*Too little action
*The characters were intriguing and complicated relationships appeal to me
*Better for an audiobook read
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
*Too much talking and conversations
*Too little action
*The characters were intriguing and complicated relationships appeal to me
*Better for an audiobook read
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
January 22, 2016
This book started out well. I got very interested and even invested in the story. The writing was a little weak as in there was a slightly stilted feel to some of the dialogue. Also there's a strong "been there done that feel to the plot.
I mean the enigmatic apothecary old man who makes "potions" beside which modern medicine pales. Still even with the weaknesses not too bad. We have a "kick-ass" female who's survived on the streets and become the killer of all killers who's now trying to raise her son... All good.
So why 1 star?
Because about a third of the way in we meet the male lead and it all goes toshi... errrr, I mean crap, yeah it all goes to crap. Every time the two look at each other they begin to flame with lust and melt with love...or something.
I was swiftly tired of him telling her how good she'd look stretched out on the bed with him atop her (directly from the book) or her struggling to keep her mind off his private parts when she needs to concentrate on surviving.
I've seen this before. A book starts out as an action read and then suddenly it becomes what the writer wanted to write all along, a romance.
I burned out and pitched it. If it's what you want enjoy.
I mean the enigmatic apothecary old man who makes "potions" beside which modern medicine pales. Still even with the weaknesses not too bad. We have a "kick-ass" female who's survived on the streets and become the killer of all killers who's now trying to raise her son... All good.
So why 1 star?
Because about a third of the way in we meet the male lead and it all goes to
I was swiftly tired of him telling her how good she'd look stretched out on the bed with him atop her (directly from the book) or her struggling to keep her mind off his private parts when she needs to concentrate on surviving.
I've seen this before. A book starts out as an action read and then suddenly it becomes what the writer wanted to write all along, a romance.
I burned out and pitched it. If it's what you want enjoy.
October 7, 2021
Series: Catherine Ling, book 2
Romantic Suspense / Mystery
When CIA operative Catherine Ling's old friend Hu Chang creates a potion so deadly, and completely untraceable, the chase is on to be the first to get it. With rogue operative John Gallo also on the hunt, Catherine finds herself in confrontation against a group of bad guys and she may not survive the quest to protect those she cares most about...
I really enjoyed reading about the trials and successes of a young street-child, Catherine Ling, an endearing [sometimes infuriating] medical wizard Hu Chang, and good-looking hero, John Gallo.
I especially enjoyed Catherine's character -- she's strong, hard and soft all in one and it was interesting to find out where she came from. Definitely plan to read other books in this series.
I started this series with books #2 "What Doesn't Kill You" but I never felt lost or confused by the storyline nor characters.
Book 1: Chasing The Night
Book 2: What Doesn't Kill You
Book 3: Live to See Tomorrow
Book 4: Your Next Breath
Romantic Suspense / Mystery
When CIA operative Catherine Ling's old friend Hu Chang creates a potion so deadly, and completely untraceable, the chase is on to be the first to get it. With rogue operative John Gallo also on the hunt, Catherine finds herself in confrontation against a group of bad guys and she may not survive the quest to protect those she cares most about...
I really enjoyed reading about the trials and successes of a young street-child, Catherine Ling, an endearing [sometimes infuriating] medical wizard Hu Chang, and good-looking hero, John Gallo.
I especially enjoyed Catherine's character -- she's strong, hard and soft all in one and it was interesting to find out where she came from. Definitely plan to read other books in this series.
I started this series with books #2 "What Doesn't Kill You" but I never felt lost or confused by the storyline nor characters.
Book 1: Chasing The Night
Book 2: What Doesn't Kill You
Book 3: Live to See Tomorrow
Book 4: Your Next Breath
August 2, 2012
I could no longer stand this book at page 364. I had quit several times, but kept hoping it would get better. It did not.
The dialogue is stilted, as if it came through a computer program. Everyone speaks very correct and proper English, even though their native languages are Chinese, Russian, etc.
The story is fantastic with everyone being the most beautiful or brilliant or the greatest practitioner of herbal medicine; one character has total recall developed while he was being tortured as a captive.
Another author I have followed is now on my "do not read" list.
The dialogue is stilted, as if it came through a computer program. Everyone speaks very correct and proper English, even though their native languages are Chinese, Russian, etc.
The story is fantastic with everyone being the most beautiful or brilliant or the greatest practitioner of herbal medicine; one character has total recall developed while he was being tortured as a captive.
Another author I have followed is now on my "do not read" list.
May 17, 2014
Since meeting Catherine Ling in Chasing the Night, where Eve Duncan helps her find her lost son
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8... , I was hoping for her own book and I am totally so happy that she has….
A beautiful and dangerous CIA operative, who was recruited by Venables, the crafty CIA head from the Eve Duncan series, when she was living by her wits in the streets of Hong Kong, she has finally been reunited with her long lost son.
Soon, she’s on a dangerous mission to save her friend and mentor, Hu Chan, who has designed a very dangerous poison that many want to have. She teams up with John Gallo, Bennie’s father, who had been imprisoned in Asia for many years. There’s an immediate attraction between Catherine and John and the sexual tension between these two soon becomes totally explosive. I’m hoping that these two will be a couple in the future.
We discover more about Catherine’s past, which was really great. This is a total kick-ass heroine and I adored her. We are also given an insight on her feelings regarding her son. How the two try to bond and find each other.
And what more could I ask for a setting like Hong Kong….one of my favorite cities in the world!!!!
Action-packed, fast paced, entertaining thriller that leaves you wanting more.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8... , I was hoping for her own book and I am totally so happy that she has….
A beautiful and dangerous CIA operative, who was recruited by Venables, the crafty CIA head from the Eve Duncan series, when she was living by her wits in the streets of Hong Kong, she has finally been reunited with her long lost son.
Soon, she’s on a dangerous mission to save her friend and mentor, Hu Chan, who has designed a very dangerous poison that many want to have. She teams up with John Gallo, Bennie’s father, who had been imprisoned in Asia for many years. There’s an immediate attraction between Catherine and John and the sexual tension between these two soon becomes totally explosive. I’m hoping that these two will be a couple in the future.
We discover more about Catherine’s past, which was really great. This is a total kick-ass heroine and I adored her. We are also given an insight on her feelings regarding her son. How the two try to bond and find each other.
And what more could I ask for a setting like Hong Kong….one of my favorite cities in the world!!!!
Action-packed, fast paced, entertaining thriller that leaves you wanting more.
August 5, 2012
Kick ass heroine who is a spy for the CIA and is part Asian? What is not to enjoy? Ms. Johansen's latest book is better. For a while, her Eve Duncan books were bogged down with a mother in denial for so bloody long. It was depressing and just morbid. In this book, Eve is barely mentioned and it is a relief.
We have a better protagonist - Catherine Ling. She's the one who helped Eve enjoy closure of Bonnie's death. This time, Catherine's loved one is under attack. Enigmatic Hu Chang is being hunted by a sadistic sociopath, Nardik. Hu Change created something quite marvelous - a poison which can kill without leaving a trace.
The fast paced suspense is filled with rich descriptions and finally the back story for Catherine. I love it. I love how she tries to relate to Luke. Luke's interactions are fascinating for me. His thought processes are truly unique for a child and with good reason.
Bringing in John Gallo's character is smexy goodness. I've always liked John and find him a perfect fit for Catherine. It seems her struggles with men from a father figure, lover and son is what this story is all about. I like it. The character building is believable and captivating.
The plot is pretty good too. It reads like a spy movie which I adore. The fact that it brings in Chinese pieces is even better. This author did it justice and I admire her for it. Overall, the story line contained a few twists and turns to keep the reader captivated. The ending is a happily ever after but no w/o bitter loss. It's always better when there is loss, is it not? I recommend this book to romantic suspense lovers who enjoy a bit of Asian exotic flavouring.
We have a better protagonist - Catherine Ling. She's the one who helped Eve enjoy closure of Bonnie's death. This time, Catherine's loved one is under attack. Enigmatic Hu Chang is being hunted by a sadistic sociopath, Nardik. Hu Change created something quite marvelous - a poison which can kill without leaving a trace.
The fast paced suspense is filled with rich descriptions and finally the back story for Catherine. I love it. I love how she tries to relate to Luke. Luke's interactions are fascinating for me. His thought processes are truly unique for a child and with good reason.
Bringing in John Gallo's character is smexy goodness. I've always liked John and find him a perfect fit for Catherine. It seems her struggles with men from a father figure, lover and son is what this story is all about. I like it. The character building is believable and captivating.
The plot is pretty good too. It reads like a spy movie which I adore. The fact that it brings in Chinese pieces is even better. This author did it justice and I admire her for it. Overall, the story line contained a few twists and turns to keep the reader captivated. The ending is a happily ever after but no w/o bitter loss. It's always better when there is loss, is it not? I recommend this book to romantic suspense lovers who enjoy a bit of Asian exotic flavouring.
May 2, 2016
Sorry. I wanted to love this spin off from the Eve Duncan novels, but I really didn't like it. The writing was too theatrical. The emotion was exaggerated. I hated how every man wanted to bed Catherine. The CIA and the evil ruthless villains in this book want a deadly poison created by Catherine's old friend Hu Chang, an experienced apothecary. Perhaps I don't like rich villains who seek world domination. I couldn't buy into the story. I thought it and the villains were silly and way over the top. I felt the character of Catherine Ling deserved better.
I loved most of Johansen's Eve Duncan novels, especially Eve and Bonnie (Eve Trilogy) that featured the tortured character of John Gallo. The only thing I liked about What Doesn't Kill You was reading about Catherine's days as a young girl and her history with Hu Chang. I do love brave hunky John Gallo's character and I enjoy the sexual tension with Catherine.
As much as I look forward to Sleep No More (Eve Duncan), I will skip future Catherine Ling novels and stick to my other more realistic and better written female heroines like Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon, Lisa Gardner's D.D. Warren , Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone, J.A. Jance's Sheriff Joanna Brady, Tess Gerritsen's Rizzoli and Isles, and Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder. I guess I don't like novels about CIA operatives. Lesson learned.
I loved most of Johansen's Eve Duncan novels, especially Eve and Bonnie (Eve Trilogy) that featured the tortured character of John Gallo. The only thing I liked about What Doesn't Kill You was reading about Catherine's days as a young girl and her history with Hu Chang. I do love brave hunky John Gallo's character and I enjoy the sexual tension with Catherine.
As much as I look forward to Sleep No More (Eve Duncan), I will skip future Catherine Ling novels and stick to my other more realistic and better written female heroines like Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon, Lisa Gardner's D.D. Warren , Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone, J.A. Jance's Sheriff Joanna Brady, Tess Gerritsen's Rizzoli and Isles, and Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder. I guess I don't like novels about CIA operatives. Lesson learned.
June 29, 2012
This book has just confirmed that I'm done with Iris Johansen. I'd hoped that a non-Bonnie book would work better for me, but no, it just annoyed me even more. All her dialogue is interchangeable between the characters: remove any personal history references and then try to identify the unattributed quote. You can't tell Gallo from Joe or even Hu Chang, or Eve from Catherine or Jane. To an extent you can even ignore gender. They all speak and act the same way, with the only real difference appearing to be their focus: Catherine has Luke, Gallo has Catherine, Eve has Bonnie, Joe has Eve...
So I'm done. No more.
So I'm done. No more.
July 3, 2017
Pretty intense and boring at the same time. Some of the plots are too easy to forget but emphasizes other areas that didn't need to be glamorized. Catherine Ling and HuChang are kind of volatile to me but work well together.
December 6, 2012
Title: What Doesn’t Kill You (Catherine Ling series #2)
Author: Iris Johansen
ISBN: 9780312651299
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Synopsis (from bn.com):
In this breathtaking thriller, number-one bestselling author Iris Johansen showcases one of her most fascinating characters—pitted against one of the most ruthless killers…
Abandoned on the streets of Hong Kong, Catherine Ling was schooled in the art of survival by the mysterious Hu Chang, a master assassin and poisoner. Now recruited by the CIA, Catherine finds herself caught between worlds when her mentor develops a formula that is extremely fatal, virtually untraceable—and highly coveted. On the hunt for this prize are a rogue operative, a band of criminals, and a man so evil he kills without remorse. Catherine will do anything to protect those she loves: Hu Chang and her son Luke. But she will have to use every deadly weapon, every double cross, every lethal lesson she ever learned—to prove that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…
My thoughts:
I absolutely flew through this book. This is sort of a series within a series. What I mean by that is that this is a spin-off series of the Iris Johansen Eve Duncan series. We were first introduced to the character of Catherine Ling in the book Chasing the Night (2010), where Eve was working to find Catherine’s missing son, Luke! And now . . . she has her own series which is very awesome. Let’s be real, Catherine is a serious bad ass which is why I love her character so much. She is a strong, empowered, ruthless, no nonsense CIA agent who doesn’t take no for an answer! Go Catherine!
This book was dramatic, very fast-paced and really held your attention no matter what. This book really gave the reader the very important background information and development of the character of Catherine, from her life as an orphan on the rough streets of Hong Kong, to the development of her relationship with Hu Chang, to her role in the CIA. I hope that this character development means that there will be many more books in this series.
I have read the entire Eve Duncan series and really do love the series, but I do have to admit that it is nice to get away from the whole Eve/Bonnie storyline that frankly went on too long. Catherine is almost entirely opposite from the more mild-mannered Eve Duncan. There are many crossover characters between the two series which creates a wonderful connection for the reader!
I strongly recommend this Catherine Ling series . . . go get your hands on Chasing the Night (2010), then read this one and you are all set!
And remember,
Books Are Life,
Heather
Author: Iris Johansen
ISBN: 9780312651299
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Synopsis (from bn.com):
In this breathtaking thriller, number-one bestselling author Iris Johansen showcases one of her most fascinating characters—pitted against one of the most ruthless killers…
Abandoned on the streets of Hong Kong, Catherine Ling was schooled in the art of survival by the mysterious Hu Chang, a master assassin and poisoner. Now recruited by the CIA, Catherine finds herself caught between worlds when her mentor develops a formula that is extremely fatal, virtually untraceable—and highly coveted. On the hunt for this prize are a rogue operative, a band of criminals, and a man so evil he kills without remorse. Catherine will do anything to protect those she loves: Hu Chang and her son Luke. But she will have to use every deadly weapon, every double cross, every lethal lesson she ever learned—to prove that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…
My thoughts:
I absolutely flew through this book. This is sort of a series within a series. What I mean by that is that this is a spin-off series of the Iris Johansen Eve Duncan series. We were first introduced to the character of Catherine Ling in the book Chasing the Night (2010), where Eve was working to find Catherine’s missing son, Luke! And now . . . she has her own series which is very awesome. Let’s be real, Catherine is a serious bad ass which is why I love her character so much. She is a strong, empowered, ruthless, no nonsense CIA agent who doesn’t take no for an answer! Go Catherine!
This book was dramatic, very fast-paced and really held your attention no matter what. This book really gave the reader the very important background information and development of the character of Catherine, from her life as an orphan on the rough streets of Hong Kong, to the development of her relationship with Hu Chang, to her role in the CIA. I hope that this character development means that there will be many more books in this series.
I have read the entire Eve Duncan series and really do love the series, but I do have to admit that it is nice to get away from the whole Eve/Bonnie storyline that frankly went on too long. Catherine is almost entirely opposite from the more mild-mannered Eve Duncan. There are many crossover characters between the two series which creates a wonderful connection for the reader!
I strongly recommend this Catherine Ling series . . . go get your hands on Chasing the Night (2010), then read this one and you are all set!
And remember,
Books Are Life,
Heather
May 22, 2012
What Doesn't Kill You is a definite nail-biter! The suspense in incredible! I was left breathless throughout! Recruited by the CIA, Catherine will do anything to protect those she loves... Hu Chang and her son Luke. Through flashback we witness what she did in the past and we understand the cruelty that she'd endured and what she did in order to escape captivity. No child should be sold into slavery as a prostitute and made to live the life she did. There is a lot of "Kick Butt" action that will keep you on the edge.
January 24, 2016
A nice read involving far more than the plot involving the bad guy. A nice story about strange relationships and dealing with traumas. Sometimes the tension fell away a bit, therefore only 4 stars.
June 22, 2017
I love all Iris Johansen books; enjoying the emphasis on the characters from previous books. Ready to start the next one now.
September 22, 2018
Racism, whorephobia, homophobia, cliches, right-wing bias, unrealistically precocious children, creepy, rapey men, and a heroine who outdoes all the others in heartlessness. This book has everything I hate about Iris Johansen's writing.
Catherine Ling is a 29-year-old woman who works for the CIA. She grew up on the streets of Hong Kong, but never turned to sex work because she was "too smart." Instead, she dealt in information. This book tells the story of her relationship with Hu Chang, an apothecary who produces both medicine and deadly poisons. Although he's not out to seduce her, he took a liking to her when she was fourteen and decided to act just as creepy as if her were out to seduce (or rape, because that's what it would be) her. I admit, he was actually more interesting than Johansen's other characters, because he did keep me guessing. But, ultimately, he was a major asshole, too.
I could not sympathize with Catherine at all, even when she was a child. She had a "friend," Lucy Tain, who was a year younger than her and was already a sex worker. Catherine is a total asshole about this, saying that Lucy's stupid and cowardly and could get out of her situation if she really worked at it. And this is all after Lucy was murdered. Jesus Christ, at thirteen, a child can't consent to sex. She wasn't "stupid," she was being repeatedly raped! And her father was her "pimp"! How, exactly, could she "work" her way out of that? And what should she do, become competition for Catherine in gathering and selling information?
Nonetheless, I wanted Catherine's flashback to continue for as long as possible, since it meant that John Gallo wouldn't show up. And he didn't show up until page 141, so there's that. If you're dying to read any interactions between him and Catherine, go ahead and skip the 140 pages.
Gallo shows up all of a sudden in her hotel room, and it goes downhill from there. Gallo isn't taking any resistance from Catherine. Oh, he says he won't do anything to her until she lets him, but he's constantly saying things to her that would get him arrested for sexual harassment in real life. Yes, I know women aren't always believed, but he constantly says this stuff, and honestly? If anyone called him out on it, he would probably admit to it.
Can I add how sick I am of everyone saying they're selfish? And then expecting people to be surprised? And then using this excuse for everything they can do? This doesn't make a main character likable. I know flaws are important, but it's really not that interesting if every member of the cast has the same flaw (usually segregated by gender). The men giggle at their own selfishness, cruelty, and rapey-ness so we can all applaud them for being "honest." The women growl and grump all the time and refuse to let anyone do anything for them, but they always give in in the end because Strong Female Characters aren't supposed to actually stop the men in their lives from taking charge and ignoring their autonomy.
Occasionally, they'll mumble about "sexism" or whatever, but then they tell themselves to just "deal with it." Now that's a defense mechanism if I've ever heard of one. It really makes me wonder how Iris Johansen knows rape culture so intimately. She doesn't necessarily have to be a victim of abuse; she's probably just read romance novels like this all her life.
Also, men? Stop fondling the heroines' throats. That's not sexy, that's terrifying.
I spent another one of her novels just wishing the heroine and love interest would have sex so I wouldn't have to endure this "Will they or won't they" crap. We all know how it's going to end sooner or later.
Sometimes I get mad when the women needlessly risk their lives and get involved in plots where their involvement could screw everything up. That's not the case with Catherine Ling. She's actually a trained assassin and agent, so she actually knows what she's doing. And I was super mad when the men insisted on moving around behind her back to keep her "safe." Unlike the heroine of the last Johansen novel I read, she was smart and had useful skills. By the end of the book, I wished she would shoot both Gallo and Hu Chang.
Oh, the racism? Yeah. There's a lot of objectification of Asian--specifically Chinese--people present. Catherine herself is a quarter Russian, a quarter Korean, and half-white. Hu Chang's eyes are described as being less "slanted" than other Chinese people's. And one character, Chen Lu, is Irish, but similarly Irish husband told her that her real name, Margaret, wasn't "magical" enough, and gave her a different name.
Luke and Kelly are obnoxious and bratty kids who think they shouldn't be treated like kids. Kelly is worse because she's older. She tells Luke about the extra security around their house, because if she was in Luke's place, she wouldn't want to be treated like some "namby-pamby kid" who can't look after himself.
Kelly. HE IS A NAMBY-PAMBY KID. HE'S 11 YEARS OLD. I don't care if he was kidnapped by some evil crime lord at age 2 and constantly exposed to violence and death. And of course, Catherine, too, treats him like he's a tiny adult. Hu Chang goes a step forward and says that he's not a child at all.
No, Hu Chang. In the eyes of the law of every damn country on the planet, he's a child. It doesn't matter what kind of trauma he's been through, he still can't take care of himself. Even with a high IQ, he still doesn't know how the world works. Neither does Kelly, at that, but at fifteen years old, she should know better.
I would say I hope Kelly doesn't become the heroine of another series, but I'm almost done with Johansen, so who cares?
The plot is pretty predictable, but there's more evidence of Johansen's right-wing bias than in her other books. It was pretty tedious to sift through. There's a presidential election going on in the U.S., and the "good" candidate, William Andrews, wants to take America back to its 1776 roots and refuses to answer questions on social issues. You know, reproductive rights, LGBT+ rights, and all that silly stuff only evil politicians think are important. His opponent, on the other hand, wants to move the U.S. in the direction of a--GASP--global government! The horror! Imagine a world where we actually gave a crap about other countries and not just ourselves!
Here's a quote from the "good" candidate's assistant:
"I wanted this barbecue and debate to remind people of what it used to be like decades ago when an election could be Stars and Stripes and pure Americana."
Yeah, back in the good old days where women just smiled through their husbands' abuse, and we didn't have to be confronted with the fact people of color and LGBT+ people exist. Back when we were competing with Russia to see who could blow up the world first. Back when we executed people because maybe they were spies. We didn't know for sure, of course, but it certainly made us feel safer.
Also, this woman's supposed to be, like, 30. Whatever.
I also forgot to mention homophobia and biphobia. The villain is yet another bisexual. He also has a gay lover. We know he's gay because, unlike the big bad, he isn't interested in women, except as objects of torture, and even then, only if the big bad is lusting after them. So he's jealous of heterosexual women, desperate for approval from his boss/boyfriend, and, as we see later, a coward. I'm surprised she didn't give him a lips.
Then she has the nerve to do this:
"'Someone is watching me.'
"'Every man in the room who isn't blind or gay.'"
I will quote myself from Facebook.
NO, Iris Johansen. You do NOT get to make this joke when every single gay or bi person in your books--including this one--is a villain. You have "good guys" who are torturers and murderers, yet not a single one who is attracted to members of the same gender.
To combine a couple of your favorite words, "Screw you, dammit."
There's a "twist" at the end, but it was so dumb that I couldn't even appreciate that I didn't see it coming. It's very similar to the twist at the end of another book by hers that I read, which was only published 4 years before this one.
One more book, and then I'll be done with Iris Johansen. Hopefully forever.
Catherine Ling is a 29-year-old woman who works for the CIA. She grew up on the streets of Hong Kong, but never turned to sex work because she was "too smart." Instead, she dealt in information. This book tells the story of her relationship with Hu Chang, an apothecary who produces both medicine and deadly poisons. Although he's not out to seduce her, he took a liking to her when she was fourteen and decided to act just as creepy as if her were out to seduce (or rape, because that's what it would be) her. I admit, he was actually more interesting than Johansen's other characters, because he did keep me guessing. But, ultimately, he was a major asshole, too.
I could not sympathize with Catherine at all, even when she was a child. She had a "friend," Lucy Tain, who was a year younger than her and was already a sex worker. Catherine is a total asshole about this, saying that Lucy's stupid and cowardly and could get out of her situation if she really worked at it. And this is all after Lucy was murdered. Jesus Christ, at thirteen, a child can't consent to sex. She wasn't "stupid," she was being repeatedly raped! And her father was her "pimp"! How, exactly, could she "work" her way out of that? And what should she do, become competition for Catherine in gathering and selling information?
Nonetheless, I wanted Catherine's flashback to continue for as long as possible, since it meant that John Gallo wouldn't show up. And he didn't show up until page 141, so there's that. If you're dying to read any interactions between him and Catherine, go ahead and skip the 140 pages.
Gallo shows up all of a sudden in her hotel room, and it goes downhill from there. Gallo isn't taking any resistance from Catherine. Oh, he says he won't do anything to her until she lets him, but he's constantly saying things to her that would get him arrested for sexual harassment in real life. Yes, I know women aren't always believed, but he constantly says this stuff, and honestly? If anyone called him out on it, he would probably admit to it.
Can I add how sick I am of everyone saying they're selfish? And then expecting people to be surprised? And then using this excuse for everything they can do? This doesn't make a main character likable. I know flaws are important, but it's really not that interesting if every member of the cast has the same flaw (usually segregated by gender). The men giggle at their own selfishness, cruelty, and rapey-ness so we can all applaud them for being "honest." The women growl and grump all the time and refuse to let anyone do anything for them, but they always give in in the end because Strong Female Characters aren't supposed to actually stop the men in their lives from taking charge and ignoring their autonomy.
Occasionally, they'll mumble about "sexism" or whatever, but then they tell themselves to just "deal with it." Now that's a defense mechanism if I've ever heard of one. It really makes me wonder how Iris Johansen knows rape culture so intimately. She doesn't necessarily have to be a victim of abuse; she's probably just read romance novels like this all her life.
Also, men? Stop fondling the heroines' throats. That's not sexy, that's terrifying.
I spent another one of her novels just wishing the heroine and love interest would have sex so I wouldn't have to endure this "Will they or won't they" crap. We all know how it's going to end sooner or later.
Sometimes I get mad when the women needlessly risk their lives and get involved in plots where their involvement could screw everything up. That's not the case with Catherine Ling. She's actually a trained assassin and agent, so she actually knows what she's doing. And I was super mad when the men insisted on moving around behind her back to keep her "safe." Unlike the heroine of the last Johansen novel I read, she was smart and had useful skills. By the end of the book, I wished she would shoot both Gallo and Hu Chang.
Oh, the racism? Yeah. There's a lot of objectification of Asian--specifically Chinese--people present. Catherine herself is a quarter Russian, a quarter Korean, and half-white. Hu Chang's eyes are described as being less "slanted" than other Chinese people's. And one character, Chen Lu, is Irish, but similarly Irish husband told her that her real name, Margaret, wasn't "magical" enough, and gave her a different name.
Luke and Kelly are obnoxious and bratty kids who think they shouldn't be treated like kids. Kelly is worse because she's older. She tells Luke about the extra security around their house, because if she was in Luke's place, she wouldn't want to be treated like some "namby-pamby kid" who can't look after himself.
Kelly. HE IS A NAMBY-PAMBY KID. HE'S 11 YEARS OLD. I don't care if he was kidnapped by some evil crime lord at age 2 and constantly exposed to violence and death. And of course, Catherine, too, treats him like he's a tiny adult. Hu Chang goes a step forward and says that he's not a child at all.
No, Hu Chang. In the eyes of the law of every damn country on the planet, he's a child. It doesn't matter what kind of trauma he's been through, he still can't take care of himself. Even with a high IQ, he still doesn't know how the world works. Neither does Kelly, at that, but at fifteen years old, she should know better.
I would say I hope Kelly doesn't become the heroine of another series, but I'm almost done with Johansen, so who cares?
The plot is pretty predictable, but there's more evidence of Johansen's right-wing bias than in her other books. It was pretty tedious to sift through. There's a presidential election going on in the U.S., and the "good" candidate, William Andrews, wants to take America back to its 1776 roots and refuses to answer questions on social issues. You know, reproductive rights, LGBT+ rights, and all that silly stuff only evil politicians think are important. His opponent, on the other hand, wants to move the U.S. in the direction of a--GASP--global government! The horror! Imagine a world where we actually gave a crap about other countries and not just ourselves!
Here's a quote from the "good" candidate's assistant:
"I wanted this barbecue and debate to remind people of what it used to be like decades ago when an election could be Stars and Stripes and pure Americana."
Yeah, back in the good old days where women just smiled through their husbands' abuse, and we didn't have to be confronted with the fact people of color and LGBT+ people exist. Back when we were competing with Russia to see who could blow up the world first. Back when we executed people because maybe they were spies. We didn't know for sure, of course, but it certainly made us feel safer.
Also, this woman's supposed to be, like, 30. Whatever.
I also forgot to mention homophobia and biphobia. The villain is yet another bisexual. He also has a gay lover. We know he's gay because, unlike the big bad, he isn't interested in women, except as objects of torture, and even then, only if the big bad is lusting after them. So he's jealous of heterosexual women, desperate for approval from his boss/boyfriend, and, as we see later, a coward. I'm surprised she didn't give him a lips.
Then she has the nerve to do this:
"'Someone is watching me.'
"'Every man in the room who isn't blind or gay.'"
I will quote myself from Facebook.
NO, Iris Johansen. You do NOT get to make this joke when every single gay or bi person in your books--including this one--is a villain. You have "good guys" who are torturers and murderers, yet not a single one who is attracted to members of the same gender.
To combine a couple of your favorite words, "Screw you, dammit."
There's a "twist" at the end, but it was so dumb that I couldn't even appreciate that I didn't see it coming. It's very similar to the twist at the end of another book by hers that I read, which was only published 4 years before this one.
One more book, and then I'll be done with Iris Johansen. Hopefully forever.
March 25, 2020
Readers of the Catherine Ling series were introduced to the formidable CIA Agent Catherine Ling. In the first book of the series, Catherine not only rescued a fourteen-year-old girl Kelly from a brutal Russian kidnapper, she managed to find her son Luke, who was kidnapped when he was two. Catherine, with the help of friend and forensic sculptor, Eve Duncan.
Catherine and Luke have a tentative relationship. Catherine has a deep and abiding love for Luke. Luke, however, was raised by a vicious kidnapper and was introduced to extreme violence, with emotion having been removed from his existence. So Catherine is doing her best to give Luke a chance to discover those emotions. He is safe now and, with the help of old friend Hu Chang, and his live-in tutor Sam, Luke has a chance of quite a happy future now.
However, Hu Chang is in danger, and Catherine, with the help of a man she met previously, John Gallo (who in the Eve Duncan series, is closely connected to Eve's past), to try and save Hu Chang.
This fast-paced story is full of action and tension, with a bit of romance along the way. While binge reading this series I sometimes forget that Catherine is just twenty-nine years old. Because of her tragic early years, until she was literally pulled to safety as a teen, she has a hard edge. Tutored by Hu Chang and then trained by the CIA, she is tough as nails. I love the Eve Duncan series, but I also love Catherine and truly enjoyed this second book in the series.
Catherine and Luke have a tentative relationship. Catherine has a deep and abiding love for Luke. Luke, however, was raised by a vicious kidnapper and was introduced to extreme violence, with emotion having been removed from his existence. So Catherine is doing her best to give Luke a chance to discover those emotions. He is safe now and, with the help of old friend Hu Chang, and his live-in tutor Sam, Luke has a chance of quite a happy future now.
However, Hu Chang is in danger, and Catherine, with the help of a man she met previously, John Gallo (who in the Eve Duncan series, is closely connected to Eve's past), to try and save Hu Chang.
This fast-paced story is full of action and tension, with a bit of romance along the way. While binge reading this series I sometimes forget that Catherine is just twenty-nine years old. Because of her tragic early years, until she was literally pulled to safety as a teen, she has a hard edge. Tutored by Hu Chang and then trained by the CIA, she is tough as nails. I love the Eve Duncan series, but I also love Catherine and truly enjoyed this second book in the series.
March 21, 2020
Very likeable character
January 17, 2016
17.01.2015
DNF
Spoilers ahead - read at own risk
So i decided to not bother going on with this book. Let me just say it isn't because this book is absolute rubbish or anything like that, i just don't really care about it, any of it. I'm not interested in any of the characters except for the boy, Luke (he's eleven by the way) and that's because i suspect he might have sociopathic tendencies if not antisocial personality disorder and i wanted to see where Iris took his character but that's it. He's not even a main character.
He frowned. "And then you'll kill whoever did it?"
What was she suppose to answer? To hell with being anything but honest with him. "It may come to that. If he tries to attack Hu Chang again. I won't let my friend be hurt."
"I.... wouldn't like that to happen." He was silent a moment. "I could help you."
She felt a ripple of shock. "To kill someone? No, I don't think so Luke."
"It wouldn't be that different for me. I probably killed people when I went on raids with Rakovac. I aimed, I pulled the trigger, just as he told me to do."
Plus his mother, the actual MC, drives me a little bonkers. I know, I know she's trying to be kind and understanding, but when she says shit like this:
"You mean it would ave been dangerous." Luke titled his head. "Why don't you say it? I know what you do. Rakovac tole me all time that you had no time for me because you were CIA and that was all you cared about."
Pain rippled through her. "You know that wasn't true."
"No, I didn't. Not for a long while. But then I knew he only wanted to hurt me, and that was probably just another way to do it."
"Actually, he wanted to hurt me." She tried to smile. "You were just the means to an end." A horrible means that had hurt her more than anything else that he could of possibly done. The knowledge that he was hurting her son had been the most excruciating torture. "We've talked about this before. I had hoped to put it behind us."
"Did you?" He was gazing at her, puzzled. "But how can that be? It happened, it's with us. I think about it alot."
I just want to punch her in the head. She's belittling the boys pain, thinking more about herself and how she felt over his needs and that's just not cool.
She really just doesn't get it. The boy has been tortured for years, while a monster tried to make the boy the exact replica of himself. He needs to do things for himself, discover who he is now. Not have it forced upon him.
The conversation with Sam had not made her feel less uneasy.
She wanted Luke in the cocoon, dammit.
It was the only way she could keep him safe and give her the chance to teach him how much she loved him. [.....]
And if he wanted out of that damn cocoon, she'd break it herself before he got the chance.
The rest of the book is fairly boring as well. I didn't give it much chance, but I have a whole bunch of other books I need to read, that are bound to be more fascinating and hold my interests better. Plus it's book 2 and i haven;t even read the book 1 - though i doubt I'll be picking it up. Shame the blurb sounded so interesting.
DNF
Spoilers ahead - read at own risk
So i decided to not bother going on with this book. Let me just say it isn't because this book is absolute rubbish or anything like that, i just don't really care about it, any of it. I'm not interested in any of the characters except for the boy, Luke (he's eleven by the way) and that's because i suspect he might have sociopathic tendencies if not antisocial personality disorder and i wanted to see where Iris took his character but that's it. He's not even a main character.
He frowned. "And then you'll kill whoever did it?"
What was she suppose to answer? To hell with being anything but honest with him. "It may come to that. If he tries to attack Hu Chang again. I won't let my friend be hurt."
"I.... wouldn't like that to happen." He was silent a moment. "I could help you."
She felt a ripple of shock. "To kill someone? No, I don't think so Luke."
"It wouldn't be that different for me. I probably killed people when I went on raids with Rakovac. I aimed, I pulled the trigger, just as he told me to do."
Plus his mother, the actual MC, drives me a little bonkers. I know, I know she's trying to be kind and understanding, but when she says shit like this:
"You mean it would ave been dangerous." Luke titled his head. "Why don't you say it? I know what you do. Rakovac tole me all time that you had no time for me because you were CIA and that was all you cared about."
Pain rippled through her. "You know that wasn't true."
"No, I didn't. Not for a long while. But then I knew he only wanted to hurt me, and that was probably just another way to do it."
"Actually, he wanted to hurt me." She tried to smile. "You were just the means to an end." A horrible means that had hurt her more than anything else that he could of possibly done. The knowledge that he was hurting her son had been the most excruciating torture. "We've talked about this before. I had hoped to put it behind us."
"Did you?" He was gazing at her, puzzled. "But how can that be? It happened, it's with us. I think about it alot."
I just want to punch her in the head. She's belittling the boys pain, thinking more about herself and how she felt over his needs and that's just not cool.
She really just doesn't get it. The boy has been tortured for years, while a monster tried to make the boy the exact replica of himself. He needs to do things for himself, discover who he is now. Not have it forced upon him.
The conversation with Sam had not made her feel less uneasy.
She wanted Luke in the cocoon, dammit.
It was the only way she could keep him safe and give her the chance to teach him how much she loved him. [.....]
And if he wanted out of that damn cocoon, she'd break it herself before he got the chance.
The rest of the book is fairly boring as well. I didn't give it much chance, but I have a whole bunch of other books I need to read, that are bound to be more fascinating and hold my interests better. Plus it's book 2 and i haven;t even read the book 1 - though i doubt I'll be picking it up. Shame the blurb sounded so interesting.
April 25, 2012
Catherine Ling needs help, it seems her long time friend and once mentor Hu Chang has gotten himself into a heap of trouble and in the sights of some very bad characters, but it’s who the CIA sends to help her that’s not sitting too well. John Gallo is the one man she can’t seem to forget ever since they met on the case involving his and Eve Duncan’s daughter.
John Gallo knows what he wants but Catherine is an enigma and he knows he can’t push her or she’ll run and he only wants her running towards him not away. He also knows that the relationship between she and Hu Chang is complicated and he’s not sure where they all stand.
Right now they must focus on getting Hu Chang out of harms way and keeping his potentially Pandora’s box of a potion out of the wrong hands before they can even start to explore the attraction and sexual pull they have towards each other.
Iris Johansen has thrilled fans for decades and this fan was indeed thrilled by this her newest release. In her previous trilogy she formed the sexual tension between her characters John Gallo and Catherine Ling and in this one she increases that tension by putting them in yet another impossible situation and inventing a plot that encases the aspects of a thriller and mystery mixed with romantic tendencies. Her characters are as usual over the top and yet she gives them humanity, humbleness and vulnerability, her villains are as nasty as can be and her supporting characters are just as important as her stars, you’ve noted I didn’t say hero and heroine because there seem to be multiple heroes and as she sometimes does I was left with more questions than answers regarding where these characters are heading next. The action is non-stop, edge of your seat and always imaginative and the narrative flows beautifully.
If you’re a fan of Ms. Johansen you will not be disappointed, if you’ve never read her (you must live under a rock) and you like your thrillers mixed with a bit of romance this is your read.
Ms Johansen wherever you take these characters I will follow as I look forward to their next impossible mission.
John Gallo knows what he wants but Catherine is an enigma and he knows he can’t push her or she’ll run and he only wants her running towards him not away. He also knows that the relationship between she and Hu Chang is complicated and he’s not sure where they all stand.
Right now they must focus on getting Hu Chang out of harms way and keeping his potentially Pandora’s box of a potion out of the wrong hands before they can even start to explore the attraction and sexual pull they have towards each other.
Iris Johansen has thrilled fans for decades and this fan was indeed thrilled by this her newest release. In her previous trilogy she formed the sexual tension between her characters John Gallo and Catherine Ling and in this one she increases that tension by putting them in yet another impossible situation and inventing a plot that encases the aspects of a thriller and mystery mixed with romantic tendencies. Her characters are as usual over the top and yet she gives them humanity, humbleness and vulnerability, her villains are as nasty as can be and her supporting characters are just as important as her stars, you’ve noted I didn’t say hero and heroine because there seem to be multiple heroes and as she sometimes does I was left with more questions than answers regarding where these characters are heading next. The action is non-stop, edge of your seat and always imaginative and the narrative flows beautifully.
If you’re a fan of Ms. Johansen you will not be disappointed, if you’ve never read her (you must live under a rock) and you like your thrillers mixed with a bit of romance this is your read.
Ms Johansen wherever you take these characters I will follow as I look forward to their next impossible mission.
May 13, 2012
I've enjoyed all the Eve Duncan books, but this one was specifically about Catherine Ling, a fascinating character who only played as a secondary character in the other books. The other books hinted about her relationship with Hu Chang, a father figure to Catherine, who had an amazing ability to create medicines and poisons. This book centers around this relationship and a deadly poison Hu Chang has invented an untraceable poison that kills a person and makes their death appear as a heart attack. It has gotten in the wrong hands and is going to be used on a presidential candidate. Catherine spends her time trying to hunt down Hu Chang, who appears and disappears at will, while fighting her attraction to John Gallo (also introduced in previous books).
May 12, 2012
Catherine Ling is abandoned on the streets of Hong Kong at the
age of 4 and she lives by the only commodity that she has to
offer the sale of information. As a teenager a mysterious man
known as Hu Chang takes her in and raises her. Hu Chang is a
skilled assassin and a master poisoner. As a young woman Catherine
is recruited by the CIA and becomes one of their most effective
operatives. Her old friend Hu Chang creates a poision that is
so deadly and completely untraceable once in your system. Now
the chase is on for the poision and some very dangerous
villians are out to get it. Once again Iris Johansen has
come up with a page turner.
age of 4 and she lives by the only commodity that she has to
offer the sale of information. As a teenager a mysterious man
known as Hu Chang takes her in and raises her. Hu Chang is a
skilled assassin and a master poisoner. As a young woman Catherine
is recruited by the CIA and becomes one of their most effective
operatives. Her old friend Hu Chang creates a poision that is
so deadly and completely untraceable once in your system. Now
the chase is on for the poision and some very dangerous
villians are out to get it. Once again Iris Johansen has
come up with a page turner.
June 15, 2012
Catherine Ling is a CIA agent recruited from the streets of Hong Kong. Surviving by gathering and selling information, she meets Hu Chang, an Erstwhile apothecary i.e. an assassin and dealer in poisons. He has gotten himself mixed up with a very bad man who wants to use one of his potions. This particular poison is completely undetectable -- the perfect murder weapon. The CIA comes to his rescue because they want the formula. Catherine is determined to make sure Hu Chang is safe even if it means putting herself in danger. Story of friendship and loyalty. Interesting spinoff from the Eve Duncan series.
April 22, 2012
Excellent book. The sexual tension between Gallo and Catherine is off the charts. I am starting to think think that they are going to be Johansen's new super couple because she has left this book that can go in so many directions with sequels it blows my mind.
As for this story it was well written with a cool twist. You also got to know Catherine Ling so much better and respect her more as a woman and a warrior then you did when she was in the fringes of the Eve Duncan books. I am looking forward to a series with her and Gallo being the main characters. I really hope it goes that way.
As for this story it was well written with a cool twist. You also got to know Catherine Ling so much better and respect her more as a woman and a warrior then you did when she was in the fringes of the Eve Duncan books. I am looking forward to a series with her and Gallo being the main characters. I really hope it goes that way.
May 31, 2012
Iris Johansen brings Cathrine Ling back into action along with John Gallo and we finally get to meet Hu Change. This story rivets you from the moment you open the book. You want Catherine to be successful in helping her friend but does Hu Change want her help? Old adversaries come back to get Hu Change to give them a unmentionable item and does he refuse of does he give in to his foes? What doesn't kill you brings you into a friendship, love and passion that may or may not be fated for Catherine.
July 13, 2012
I used to like Johansen, but the books have been getting more and more farfetched.
CIA agent Catherine Ling must help her mentor, a master poisoner, get out of a jam. She is working with a rogue ex spec ops guy, John Gallo.
Most of the problem with this book is it is just foreplay, bad foreplay. Johansen keeps telling us these two are hot and heavy for each other, but I didn't feel the magnetism. I didn't feel the connection at all.
Disappointed in the story, the relationship.
Not sure I'll be reading Johansen again.
CIA agent Catherine Ling must help her mentor, a master poisoner, get out of a jam. She is working with a rogue ex spec ops guy, John Gallo.
Most of the problem with this book is it is just foreplay, bad foreplay. Johansen keeps telling us these two are hot and heavy for each other, but I didn't feel the magnetism. I didn't feel the connection at all.
Disappointed in the story, the relationship.
Not sure I'll be reading Johansen again.
October 28, 2014
Liked it a lot, narrator was excellent (Jennifer Van Dyck). This book is not what I'd term a romance suspense novel, its more like a few scenes that have some heat. But that's a footnote so don't expect a romance out of this...fascinating backstory of Catherine's upbringing in Hong Kong. I found the times both past and present in Hong Kong wonderful. The actual danger and take down less so, it had been declawed prior to the final pivotal scene. I'd still have read it because the times in Hong Kong past and present were great.
April 17, 2015
The story of Catherine Ling's past is interwoven with the now and you won't want to miss it. If you have enjoyed the Eve Duncan series then you have been introduced to Catherine in the past and now we are getting her full story. If you love a good CIA, murder, spy, assassin story, then you need to get this book. It was very well written and the twists of plot will keep you involved and turning pages to find out what comes next. I hope we get more Catherine in the future as I quite enjoy her character.
May 11, 2012
I have read most of the books by this author about Eve Duncan and her search for her missing daughter. I've enjoyed many of them including a previous book which featured Eve helping Catherine Ling find her missing son. This book features Eve and takes her to Hong Kong where she grew up on the streets. I just couldn't get into the story so didn't finish it. Think I am just tired of these stories.
January 1, 2013
I keep picking up Iris Johansen's books because the flyleaf makes them looks so interesting. I do think that Catherine Ling and Ho Cheng are 2 of her better characters, but they are never really fleshed out. I find Catherine and her son, Luke, too robotic and Gallo is just a caricature. I finished reading this because I have the flu and couldn't get to the library, otherwise, it might have wound up on my "don't want to finish" shelf.
July 7, 2012
Halfway through I just wanted the book to be over. I became especially tired of Hu Chan. Although the cover looks like Jennifer Garner or Angelina Jolie, I got the feeling that Catherine was modeled after some Zeta-Jones characters. The book tries too hard to be a novel that will be turned into a movie. I wanted to be enteretained but just wound up annoyed.
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