COUNT DOWN

Eve Duncan #6

by Johansen Iris

When it reaches zero, you die.#1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen sets her readers’ pulses racing once again in this relentless psychological thriller of a young woman caught in a maze of secrets and stalked by a merciless killer. The countdown begins the moment you open this riveting novel that only grows more electrifying as the pages turn, more exciting as time runs out. . . .“Don’t kill her. She’s no good to us dead.” These words haunt Jane MacGuire after a shocking attack shatters her world in an instant. Was it a random kidnapping attempt–or the countdown to something far more sinister?Who is after her–and what do they want so badly they’ll kill anyone in their way? That’s what Jane is determined to find out, without the help of the police, the FBI, or her adoptive parents, forensic sculptor Eve Duncan and her husband, Joe Quinn, of the Atlanta PD–because whoever is after her won’t hesitate to hurt those she loves the most. Now Jane will go on the run with the only man who may be more dangerous than those who are pursuing her. A smuggler, a con man, and who knew what else, Mark Trevor had his own mysterious reasons for wanting to keep Jane safe and out of the hands of a killer obsessed with a two-thousand-year-old mystery that could rock the modern-day world. Orphaned at an early age, Jane grew up the hard way, but she was given a new life, a loving family, and a chance to pursue her interest in one of the greatest archaeological finds ever unearthed. Now someone was trying to destroy that new life before it could even get started. The past is returning with the kind of vengeance that knows no mercy. The countdown has already begun, and it’s approaching zero faster than anyone thinks.From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Romance, Mystery Thriller, Crime

Paperback

First published May 10, 2005

Reviews

[Carl Alves · Rating 2 out of 5]

In Countdown, Jane Maguire is a student at Harvard who has managed to elude serial killers in the past twice—a real believable premise to begin with—and now people are trying to get her again. If you detect the sarcasm, it’s because this novel has a major failing in believability. This time Jane is targeted because she resembles Cira, a concubine of Julius Ceasar, who was alleged to have a major cache of gold given to her by Ceasar. All of these nefarious parties are after the gold, which for some reason I’m supposed to believe that they would think she would know about because of her resemblance. It’s a ridiculous premise for a ridiculous novel.

There is very little that I liked about the novel. The character of Jane Maguire bears no resemblance to an actual person. She has skills that far surpass anyone of her age and experience would have. She also doesn’t come off at all like a college student. The plot also has a complete lack of reality to it. At the point where terrorists got involved, I should have just stopped reading. Unfortunately, I slugged through it, and the book did not get any better as it got along. The characters, the plot, and the writing were all subpar, and I would advise skipping this novel.

Carl Alves – author of Conjesero

[Shauna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know how this is a New York Times Best Seller because the book is horrible. I couldn't get past about page 50. The characters are all simple-minded, one-dimensional people. The dialogue is atrocious. I don't know anyone who speaks with people they know and have loved forever in a manner in which they are giving background information on each other and judging one another. The author would have been better off to paint a picture of how the character came to be the way he/she is rather than have it talked out amongst each person.

[Kwoomac · Rating 1 out of 5]

one of a series of novels by Iris Johansen following forensic sculptor Eve Duncan and her husband Joe Quinn, an Atlanta PD cop.They have minimal roles in this one. The main character is eve's 21 year old adopted daughter Jane Maguire.I didn't read the previous book in the series, which took place 4 years earlier. It also dealt with Cira, who was an actress in ancient Rome. She may have died in Herculaneum when Mt Vesuvius erupted, leaving behind a treasure of gold. Jane, for some reason looks just like Cira (a statue of her was recovered from the site), and she also seems to dream as Cira (no explanation given for this).Jane is a strong-willed young woman who manages to ensnare the un-ensnarable (unsnarable?) Trevor, a 36 year old con man/smuggler with a shrouded history. He's been pining away for Jane (basically stalking her)since their last encounter in Herculaneum 4 years earlier. Anyway, convoluded story about trying to find Cira's gold. All kinds of bad guys. Jane knowingly puts herself in dangerous situations. Far more mature than any real 21 year old. Very little suspense. Skip this one.

[Startup · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish I could get that 8 hrs of my life back. I will never read another book by Iris Johansen again. Her writing style reminds me of the nonsenical love stories we girls used to write in junior high. The characters don't act at all like real people would and the plot was ridiculous. Pee-wee's Big Adventure had more substance than this book.

[Patrik Sahlstrøm · Rating 1 out of 5]

This series just keeps on getting worse with every book published in it. We're still in the inane Cira storyline and Johansen is recycling her own twists and makes us suffer through her trademark cardboard characters. If for some strange reason you actually like Johansens writing, I'll guess you will like this. Otherwise stay far away!

[Marjolein (UrlPhantomhive) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com

It's been a while since I read this book, but I want to get all my reviews completed. It was also one of the earlier thrillers that I've read. I think this one was promoted back in the day as something almost Dan Brown-ish since it has something to do with a very old and powerful secret, but I don't think that makes any sense really.

Chronologically this follows a few years after the event in Blind Alley, which I read after this one, and which is not a good idea. The story wasn't particularly special and neither were the characters, but hey, I've read two more of her books since, so it wasn't too bad. A small side note that I would like to make is that however, I had read far less books at the times and have become much more critical, that's why I'm not 100% sure I would still have enjoyed it.

Note: I read a Dutch translation of this book.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was good book but it focused on Jane vs Eve Duncan. It is more of a sequel to the Book Blind Alley. It takes place 4 years after the book Blind Alley. I gave it 2 stars as it just wasn't as good as the other books in the series. I have read 15 of the books in the series. This one just was ok and could of been better. I felt like the story was already told in Blind Ally and then this one just felt like a repeat. If you weren't a fan of Blind Alley then just skip this one and move on to another book in the series. I gave Blind Alley a 3 star review. This one was a bit worse then that one so it only got 2 stars.
Its about Jane and Mark Trevor going to find Cira's gold before 2 mad men can find it and use it to pay for a terrorist attack targeting major cities.
Introduces Characters: Agent Venable, Troubled former assassin Jock, MacDuff the laird of a castle in Scotland, where Trevor is staying at.

[Tarma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a few sentences in a book is precisely what you need to read at the given moment.

I encountered that with this book - hence 5 stars. It's a good story anyway - but when I read a few sentences (and the story leading up to those few sentences) and realized that something just SHATTERED internally, something which I'd carried around with me, as a part of me, for lifetimes... Well, 5 stars. Thank you, Iris Johansen.

Re-read: I've read more of the books of the series now. Countdown was the first Eve Duncan/series (Iris Johansen) book I ever read. The moment of reading those few sentences remains within me. I read it again and this time could read and appreciate the story even more, especially as I can see how it ties into the rest of the storyline.

[Amy Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished reading this book yesterday afternoon and I really liked it.
I think this one is my favorite in the series...so far.

I give this book a B+.

Here is how I rate my books:
A+ - Awesome book - couldn't put it down.
A - Really good book - would read it again and again.
B+ - Good book - would maybe read it again.
B - Good book - wouldn't read it again.
C - Okay book - would definitely never read it again.
F - Worst book EVER.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't even begin to tell you how much I did not like this book. I made it about 2/3 of the way through and just couldn't force myself any longer. The characters were so simple, yet deeply unlikeable, and the "chemistry" between them was just silly. It takes a lot for me to not finish a book, especially when this is your only source of entertainment when in the hospital, but this one did it.

[Amanda]

How is this "an eve Duncan forensics thriller"? I could care less about Jane and her sexual trysts. Make a separate series about her. :-(

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed seeing Jane continue to grow and change. Looking forward to the next book.

[Linda Munro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This episode of the Eve Duncan series introduces the reader to McDuff, the Scottish Laird and Jock, the youth turned into assassin via brainwashing. It also introduces reader’s to Jock; not the Jock we have come to love; but the confused, scared kid he was when McDuff found him. It also give reason to make McDuff and Jock continuing characters.

Someone has painted a target on Jane McGuire’s back; and, it appears they will kill anyone to get to her. To learn who is after her and why; as well as protect those she loves, Jane must go on the run; but has she chosen the right person to run to? Mark Trevor says he can keep her safe; but can he? And, who are these people he is hiding her with?

For years after having met Mark Trevor and learning of Cira, Jane finds herself wrapped back into Trevor’s world and the mystery that is Cira. Trevor has his own reasons for keeping Jane safe and they have more to do with a relationship between the two then keeping her out of the hands of a killer who is obsessed with Cira.

But, how safe is Jane? Is the child assassin too close for comfort? Is there someone of the inside feeding information to the killer? What will become of this motley crew?

So glad I finally got to this book. I totally enjoyed the narrator and her talent for breathing life into each character!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane, now 21, runs into Trevor again. She is still dealing with the Cira dreams as well. Although the pace was fast, I couldn't quite get into this one like I have the previous ones. The dread of what was about to happen was there but not as intense. Mostly I suffered from the horror of Reilly. My favorite character in this one was clearly Jock Gavin, so I'm not sure if that is intentional or not. The other characters seemed incomplete in some way, including Jane, who is hard to get a handle on in this book. I think I liked her as a child more.

[Laurie Bergdoll-Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was unbelievably childish and the plot was so bad and disjoint , that I thought I was back in junior high school. Correction! Even in junior high there was beautiful literature for young adults; this book was just second rate. and went back and forth from modern times to ancient times, which I thought I would enjoy, but again, the plot was just not believable. Like the plot, the characters had no substance. I will not put much store in the New York times best seller lists from now on!

[Brooke Hoag · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t dislike this book, it was just very hard to follow and understand for me as an audiobook. It didn’t fully hold my attention and I’d find myself having my mind drift a bit while listening to it

[John Mirmina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a good book in the series. Like where it picked up on the Cira storyline with Jane. Interested to see where it goes next and if any of the loose ends will be tied up, or left as is.

[Sally Lindsay-briggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read other books by this author. They were all much better. There was an unreality about all of the characters. Murders happened but because you couldn't relate to the story or the people-you didn't really care. The plot was sketchy and the ending left you hanging. What happened to the item they had been searching for? What happened between Jane and Trevor? Too many questions not enough entertainment.

[Keri n David Horner · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books so far!

I love the way this series keeps you on edge the whole time, always guessing and then getting blindsided. Awesome book!!!

[Darius Murretti · Rating 4 out of 5]

OH YEAH !!! FOUND A GOOD SERIES !!!!!

[Angela Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I see a lot of mixed reviews on this series, but the truth is , I really like it. I actually started the series with Chasing the Night and liked it so much, I went back to read it from the beginning. Now that I am about half way through the series, I still like it. I love the characters, the suspense and the mild romance.

I enjoy the characters, I love strong women in books and movies and Eve Duncan and Jane Macguire are those strong women who surround themselves with stronger men, the kind of men you want taking care of you.

The story lines might be far fetched to some, but no more than any other fictional plots in suspense books and movie thrillers.

If you like suspense, without all the gore, mixed with a little romance, you will enjoy the series. Start at the beginning so you can grow to love the characters the way I have.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Incredibly fast-paced, and unusual plot without leaving the realm of believability. This helped to put a period on Blind Alley without repeating the same story (something I was worried about when I read the description on the flap).

I'm continuing to enjoy this Eve Duncan world. It took some adapting to realize that Eve is not the protagonist in every book - heck, in some, she's barely there - but Johansen creates such interesting secondary characters, you can't help but want to know more about them...and your curiosity is often rewarded in the next book in the series :)

[William · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think that I would have enjoyed this book if I were a woman. The main character is a "superwoman" whose abilities are a liitle unbelievable. The author spends far too much time detailing the relationship between the female heroine and the anti-hero male counter-character who also has some ultrahuman abilities. Too far-fetched and romantic to be considered an action/adventure tale. This was one of those books that halfway through, I wish I had never started to read.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Bernadette Dunne did the audio and she rocks!!! I did find the book interesting, but think I would have been better served starting at the beginning. There was definitely a backstory, that I think would have made these characters more interesting. This book was described as a psychological thriller, but I am going with romantic suspense. I think this could be a good choice for those especially sensitive to anything too explicit (not to sexy).

[Willow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Never has it taken me so long to read Johansen book. The characters weren't intriguing, the plot blatantly obvious and just seemed too blah.

[Debra Longmire · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little better than the previous Eve Duncan book. I am determined to finish this series!!!!!!

[Christine Kirchoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this awhile ago but forgot to post it here. Good book!

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't finish. I was tired of theee books.

[Lise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Disjointed writing, lots of plot holes. Lame.

[Shana McCarl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let’s start with Trevor is a statutory rapist, shall we?
 
I’ll give this book credit in that it has a good flow and story, and I liked the twist at the ending where Jane discovers she has inadvertently uncovered her family roots. However, there are far too many holes in the plot and the characters are poorly written. I understand this book is part of a series that I haven’t read, and it almost does well enough as a standalone book, but there are too many unanswered questions that cause confusion.
 
First, Trevor and Jane are a bad couple. He is a stalker almost on the level of Christian Gray in that he has BUGGED Jane’s residence and devices without her knowing or consent and claims it’s for her safety. He also has all the details of her dating life since their first affair. Neither one of them has any love, tenderness, or chemistry for each other, just lust. There’s no other connection, and Trevor makes it clear on several occasions that he means to claim her and will keep inviting her to his bed even after she tells him no. If he truly cared about her safety, he would have clued her in on what was going on. There are brief glimmers of humanity in him in wanting to keep her safe, but not enough to make him not appear to be a creeper.
 
Then there’s the dialogue. There’s nothing great about it, and being someone who travels, I am a fan of accents. EVERYONE in this book talks like they’re from California. Trevor is South African, MacDuff and Jock are Scottish, Mario is Italian, Reilly is Irish, and Brenner is Australian. Could’ve fooled me, not ONE of these characters talks in a voice that indicates speech from their country. MacDuff says, “aye,” here and there, but that’s the end of it. They could all be from the west coast of the US for all I know. And Johansen REALLY need to dial back on inserting “dammit” everywhere. That’s not even the right way to spell it!
 
And now there’s Jane. Jane is not a good protagonist. She is a jerk and always thinks she knows best. She works on her own agenda and decides she knows better than anyone else. And what the heck is up with her dreams? Her having such vivid dreams involving Cira makes no sense, and even though it’s discussed at the end of the book there’s still no explanation and that’s really frustrating. Is she a reincarnation of this woman? Does she have some kind of psychic link to the past? Was the site she dug at enchanted and it gave her the power to channel memories from the person she was researching? That makes zero sense. And she’s not bothered by the fact that Trevor took advantage of her when she was 17, 1 year below the legal age of consent, even if she was in another country. That’s creepy. And she lets the fact that Trevor has been stalking her slide. Like Ana in 50 Shades of Gray, she probably would’ve been smarter about his actions if he wasn’t RICH. And when she’s captured by Reilly, she keeps insisting that she needs to find Trevor. She KNOWS he’s a psychopath and won’t let her, and yet she thinks she can change his mind??? She’s such an idiot!
 
Finally, the time frames are driving me nuts. It’s made clear that everything happens post-9/11, a time where going through airport security was tighter than ever and took about 2 hours. Somehow, when characters use the regular airport terminals and not private jets, they get to their destinations within a matter of hours. HOW DOES THAT WORK??? I flew to Italy from NY last year and it took 10 hours. How does Eve get there in the same day flying out of the east coast? And Jane is a student at Harvard, and she’s pulled from there in mid-December when she should be in finals week. What happened to her finals? Did she really skip out on finals week at Harvard without putting up an argument for that?
 
This book frustrated me too much. I only rushed through this book because I was doing a reading challenge. Under normal circumstances, I would’ve found something better to read.