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Kendra Michaels #1
Close Your Eyes by Iris Johansen (29-Jan-2013) Mass Market Paperback
From the New York Times bestselling authorWHAT YOU DON'T SEE CAN KILL YOU.Blind for the first twenty years of her life, Kendra Michaels honed her other senses to almost superhuman perfection and unintentionally became a secret weapon for the FBI. Her uncanny ability to pick up the most subtle audio, olfactory, and tactile cues in the world around her made her a law-enforcement legend. Today, her expertise is called for once again.When Kendra is approached by a dubious source about a serial murder investigation, her instincts tell her to steer clear. This time, however, the case is The next name to turn up on the killer's hit list is Kendra's own ex-lover, an FBI agent who disappeared without a trace. Now it's up to Kendra to pick up the trail?or close her eyes again ... forever.PRAISE FOR CLOSE YOUR EYES"Mind-blowing ... The scenes with Adam and Kendra ooze sexual tension, making this thriller a titillating delight." Booklist"Intrigue at its best!" Reader to Reader
Mass Market Paperback
First published July 17, 2012
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About the author
Iris Johansen
226 books7,335 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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March 16, 2025DNF
Lost my first review… so in three words. Less is more. Loved the premise and while the characters are interesting, the pacing was off.
I still want to read a book by Iris J because I suspect the parts I did like may have been hers.
Lost my first review… so in three words. Less is more. Loved the premise and while the characters are interesting, the pacing was off.
I still want to read a book by Iris J because I suspect the parts I did like may have been hers.
November 25, 2015
2,5 stars
Close your Eyes is the 1st novel in the Kendra Michaels Series by Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen.
I have been a huge fan of Iris Johansen since reading the 1st book in her Eve Duncan Series, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... and have read the entire series and a lot more of her other series, so I was looking forward to reading more about Kendra Michaels, who made an appearance in one of Eve Duncan latest books.
I can’t exactly say why this one was such a disappointment.
I found the premise of the story really good…..a woman who regains her sight after being blind for twenty years and uses her talents to help people with problems by doing music therapy and she also helps the FBI solve cases. Kendra Michaels is reluctant to help the FBI again after some not so good interactions with them in the past.
When her ex boyfriend and FBI agent, goes missing and her ex lover FBI agent, Adam Lynch asks for her help, she agrees. But not without giving the FBI agents a hard time.
The agents are portrayed as totally stupid and ineffective and only KENDRA MICHAELS is the smart one!
The bad guys are so idiotic that I could have solved the case myself.
The romance between Adam and Kendra..sorry, did I say romance??? No, there’s not even a flicker of heat between these two!!
Their interaction became so damn tiresome after a while.
I didn’t exactly hate this book…..just didn’t do it for me!!! Maybe book #2 will be better!!!
Close your Eyes is the 1st novel in the Kendra Michaels Series by Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen.
I have been a huge fan of Iris Johansen since reading the 1st book in her Eve Duncan Series, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... and have read the entire series and a lot more of her other series, so I was looking forward to reading more about Kendra Michaels, who made an appearance in one of Eve Duncan latest books.
I can’t exactly say why this one was such a disappointment.
I found the premise of the story really good…..a woman who regains her sight after being blind for twenty years and uses her talents to help people with problems by doing music therapy and she also helps the FBI solve cases. Kendra Michaels is reluctant to help the FBI again after some not so good interactions with them in the past.
When her ex boyfriend and FBI agent, goes missing and her ex lover FBI agent, Adam Lynch asks for her help, she agrees. But not without giving the FBI agents a hard time.
The agents are portrayed as totally stupid and ineffective and only KENDRA MICHAELS is the smart one!
The bad guys are so idiotic that I could have solved the case myself.
The romance between Adam and Kendra..sorry, did I say romance??? No, there’s not even a flicker of heat between these two!!
Their interaction became so damn tiresome after a while.
I didn’t exactly hate this book…..just didn’t do it for me!!! Maybe book #2 will be better!!!
May 6, 2017
An excellent debut for a new suspense series. I really liked the two leads. However, it felt like they were being set up as a couple -- they had great chemistry -- but the romance never seemed to happen. But I suppose if people are trying to kill you and your ex is missing (presumed dead) and your best friend gets put in the hospital, it may kill the mood.
I did like the plot, though, and look forward to seeing more of Kendra and Lynch.
I did like the plot, though, and look forward to seeing more of Kendra and Lynch.
July 1, 2016
Out of all the Iris Johansen books I've read, this one was probably the best. It was published post-"Bonnie," so maybe Johansen just needed a fresh start. Unfortunately, it looks like this is the beginning of a series, and it seems that Johansen's series tend to go downhill if they last too long.
Kendra Michaels--I think that's her name, although some pages, including this one, say "Michael"--is a woman who spent the first 20 years of her life blind. She's learned to navigate the world around her through sound, smell, and touch, which is fine, except she's an Iris Johansen heroine, so her talents have to be absurdly superhuman. Of course the FBI is just peeing their pants for a chance to use her in their investigations.
She has recently had her eyesight restored, which only serves to make her even more amazing. Sigh...
So what did I like about this book? First of all, new characters. And for once, the heroine's stubbornness made sense. If you were used to people treating you differently because you had a disability, wouldn't you want people to stop acting like you had to be protected all the time? I also don't remember Kendra being nearly as difficult to relate to as Johansen's other heroines.
Part of my enjoyment of "Close Your Eyes" was probably also due to Adam Kyle, the love interest. He wasn't nearly as crabby and violent as the other love interests in Johanen's books, so I found him to be refreshing. That doesn't mean he was completely devoid of stalker-like behavior, but he was a lot more jovial, and the fact that I can only remember one creepy thing he does--sending something to Kendra's phone when he shouldn't even know her phone number--means that I wasn't flying into a rage every five minutes.
I didn't only find Kendra likable. I also liked her friend, whose name escapes me. Most friends of Johansen's heroines are either so obnoxious I hate them almost immediately, or they're so dull and cliche that I find it difficult to care what happens to them. I did find it hard to believe that her friend, who was also blind, didn't harbor any jealousy of Kendra's restored vision, but maybe I'm just a selfish, bitter husk of a human being.
I will say I was able to predict a "twist" to the story, but that didn't bother me. Some people prefer to read books where it's impossible to figure out what happens next. That's always fun, but I also feel vindicated when I'm able to solve a mystery. It's important to strike a balance.
It's unfortunate that I remember so little of this book, which means it's "average" rather than "above average" or "good." At the same time, it's not what I'd call "below average," which is how I feel about most of Johansen's books (although I've read authors who were far worse). It's not even that I read this book too long ago; I read "And Then You Die," "Blood Game," "Body of Lies," and "Chasing the Night" before this one, yet I remember far more about them.
I really think it's just that I have little to say as far as ranting about how bad "Close Your Eyes" was. So that's a good thing, I guess.
Like most Iris Johansen books, "Close Your Eyes" has moments of violence. Johansen doesn't spare any details when characters are killed by a shot to the head. There's a particularly gruesome scene where a couple of drug...brewers? Mixers? Anyway, they're killed, and I don't remember the details, but it was pretty graphic. Take care.
I can't even remember if there's any sex in this story, but there is chemistry between Kendra and Adam.
I do remember enjoying this book, and I'd put it on the higher end of 3-star reads.
Kendra Michaels--I think that's her name, although some pages, including this one, say "Michael"--is a woman who spent the first 20 years of her life blind. She's learned to navigate the world around her through sound, smell, and touch, which is fine, except she's an Iris Johansen heroine, so her talents have to be absurdly superhuman. Of course the FBI is just peeing their pants for a chance to use her in their investigations.
She has recently had her eyesight restored, which only serves to make her even more amazing. Sigh...
So what did I like about this book? First of all, new characters. And for once, the heroine's stubbornness made sense. If you were used to people treating you differently because you had a disability, wouldn't you want people to stop acting like you had to be protected all the time? I also don't remember Kendra being nearly as difficult to relate to as Johansen's other heroines.
Part of my enjoyment of "Close Your Eyes" was probably also due to Adam Kyle, the love interest. He wasn't nearly as crabby and violent as the other love interests in Johanen's books, so I found him to be refreshing. That doesn't mean he was completely devoid of stalker-like behavior, but he was a lot more jovial, and the fact that I can only remember one creepy thing he does--sending something to Kendra's phone when he shouldn't even know her phone number--means that I wasn't flying into a rage every five minutes.
I didn't only find Kendra likable. I also liked her friend, whose name escapes me. Most friends of Johansen's heroines are either so obnoxious I hate them almost immediately, or they're so dull and cliche that I find it difficult to care what happens to them. I did find it hard to believe that her friend, who was also blind, didn't harbor any jealousy of Kendra's restored vision, but maybe I'm just a selfish, bitter husk of a human being.
I will say I was able to predict a "twist" to the story, but that didn't bother me. Some people prefer to read books where it's impossible to figure out what happens next. That's always fun, but I also feel vindicated when I'm able to solve a mystery. It's important to strike a balance.
It's unfortunate that I remember so little of this book, which means it's "average" rather than "above average" or "good." At the same time, it's not what I'd call "below average," which is how I feel about most of Johansen's books (although I've read authors who were far worse). It's not even that I read this book too long ago; I read "And Then You Die," "Blood Game," "Body of Lies," and "Chasing the Night" before this one, yet I remember far more about them.
I really think it's just that I have little to say as far as ranting about how bad "Close Your Eyes" was. So that's a good thing, I guess.
Like most Iris Johansen books, "Close Your Eyes" has moments of violence. Johansen doesn't spare any details when characters are killed by a shot to the head. There's a particularly gruesome scene where a couple of drug...brewers? Mixers? Anyway, they're killed, and I don't remember the details, but it was pretty graphic. Take care.
I can't even remember if there's any sex in this story, but there is chemistry between Kendra and Adam.
I do remember enjoying this book, and I'd put it on the higher end of 3-star reads.
January 29, 2024
Kendra Michaels was born blind, but her mother never let herself to be perceived a victim. When she gained her sight through stem-cell research, she did not lose her heightened sensitivity in her alternative perceptual modes that had kept her safe in her early life. When a FBI agent goes missing, her assistance is requested by Adam Lynch, a former FBI agent, now a freelance investigator. Besides her keen perceptual skils, Adam believes she can be helpful having worked earlier with the missing agent. The disappearance seems to be linked to several recent murders.
I thought the Sherlock Holmes-surrogate in the protagonist was entertaining, however, I found much of the book predictable. There was the professional investigator-consultant antagonism which later evolves into romantic interest trope as well as the fox in the hen house cliche. With the exception of the two primary characters, most others were stereotypes. At times, I found some of the dialogue cheesy and narration in the audiobook mechanical. You would think I would have rated this read lower, but the mystery was engaging enough to keep me listening. I will probably continue with the series when I need something light to read.
I thought the Sherlock Holmes-surrogate in the protagonist was entertaining, however, I found much of the book predictable. There was the professional investigator-consultant antagonism which later evolves into romantic interest trope as well as the fox in the hen house cliche. With the exception of the two primary characters, most others were stereotypes. At times, I found some of the dialogue cheesy and narration in the audiobook mechanical. You would think I would have rated this read lower, but the mystery was engaging enough to keep me listening. I will probably continue with the series when I need something light to read.
July 27, 2012
This book had a very interesting premise. Music therapist Kendra Michaels spent the first part of her life in darkness, being blind from birth. She perfected her other senses, and so when she gained her sight through stem cell surgery years later, she had cultivated powers of observation that exceeded the average person's. She became an invaluable tool for the FBI, but felt used by them and overwrought during a case gone bad. But now, she is back in the center of it all when her ex-lover, an FBI member, goes missing. Former agent Adam Lynch needs her help locating him and closing the investigation which led to his disappearance.
Sounds pretty good so far, if only the rest of the story had lived up to the beginning and the writing had been better. I have read a few books by these authors before, a mother and son team, and I keep forgetting how they commit some rather unforgivable crimes where writing is concerned:
1) Exclamatory sentences abound: The door opened! Run! Hide! Oh No!
2) Sound effects spelled out: Holy moly! Ka pow! Ka ching! Whammo!
3) The characters tell themselves what to do: Keep moving, Kendra. Ignore him. Don't let him get to you.
Now, as for the characters, they could have been interesting. There was a little chemistry going between Adam and Kendra, though no romance, if you are looking for one here. But they had no dimension to them, and I did not like them. They were lifeless and all business. Kendra was fairly cold, and oftentimes, she was in bitch mode, except toward her blind friend, Olivia. Adam was a robot for the most part, conducting an investigation that was slow going, though it interested me enough that I kept reading the book. It seems like this might be the first book in a series. If so, I hope that the characters come alive in the next books as we learn more about them. The question is, will I get up the nerve to read the next book?
Sounds pretty good so far, if only the rest of the story had lived up to the beginning and the writing had been better. I have read a few books by these authors before, a mother and son team, and I keep forgetting how they commit some rather unforgivable crimes where writing is concerned:
1) Exclamatory sentences abound: The door opened! Run! Hide! Oh No!
2) Sound effects spelled out: Holy moly! Ka pow! Ka ching! Whammo!
3) The characters tell themselves what to do: Keep moving, Kendra. Ignore him. Don't let him get to you.
Now, as for the characters, they could have been interesting. There was a little chemistry going between Adam and Kendra, though no romance, if you are looking for one here. But they had no dimension to them, and I did not like them. They were lifeless and all business. Kendra was fairly cold, and oftentimes, she was in bitch mode, except toward her blind friend, Olivia. Adam was a robot for the most part, conducting an investigation that was slow going, though it interested me enough that I kept reading the book. It seems like this might be the first book in a series. If so, I hope that the characters come alive in the next books as we learn more about them. The question is, will I get up the nerve to read the next book?
November 7, 2018
A good story based on a music therapist who was born blind but had her vision restored in her early twenties. This has left her with extraordinary perceptiveness that is a recognised valuable asset by the FBI. Kendra finds herself dragged into a case despite her reservations to assist with solving a mystery. Adam Lynch is a former FBI agent who calls on her to help, he is made very uncomfortable by how much Kendra can read him, but when he manages to turn it back on her she realises perhaps there is more to him.
I would class this as borderline chick-lit/crime but still quite enjoyable and intriguing. This is the first book in this series.
I would class this as borderline chick-lit/crime but still quite enjoyable and intriguing. This is the first book in this series.
September 13, 2016
Kendra Michaels has an incredible ability and assists the FBI with her unique way of observing and analysing information. Kendra was born blind but six years ago had an operation to restore her sight. Since this experience Kendra's senses are heightened, she is able to use all of her senses not just her sight when investigating crime, this is a great asset to the police. Kendra's best friend Olivia is also blind after being injured in a car accident at age six and the two girls have turned to each other for support over the years to deal with their predicaments, they are actually more like sisters as they are so close.
Adam Lynch is a former FBI agent, a great manipulator and wants results fast. Kendra and Lynch start working together to find Kendra's ex boyfriend Agent Jeff Stedler who it seems has disappeared without a trace. I found the book enjoyable, interesting and thought the plot was quite strong.
Adam Lynch is a former FBI agent, a great manipulator and wants results fast. Kendra and Lynch start working together to find Kendra's ex boyfriend Agent Jeff Stedler who it seems has disappeared without a trace. I found the book enjoyable, interesting and thought the plot was quite strong.
March 12, 2021
So apparently I really enjoy Iris Johansen's writing.
Close Your Eyes is the first book in the Kendra Michaels series. Kendra is a formerly visually impaired woman who helps out the FBI. Now imma be upfront and tell y'all that Kendra's former blindness is treated like a superpower and that may be offensive to some people. So if that doesn't sound like something you would enjoy then I'd steer clear of this whole series.
That being said I enjoyed Kendra and her "superpowers". Kendra really got under the Male FBI agents skin by just being better than them and just plain awesome.
My dad calls books like this "Airplane Reads" because you could buy it at the airport and read the whole book on your plain ride. And I like books that read easy and are just plain fun.
I'm pretty sure I dont need to tell anyone read Iris Johansen because she's a pretty prolific writer but if you like the occasional "airplane read" then add Iris Johansen to your TBR.
Close Your Eyes is the first book in the Kendra Michaels series. Kendra is a formerly visually impaired woman who helps out the FBI. Now imma be upfront and tell y'all that Kendra's former blindness is treated like a superpower and that may be offensive to some people. So if that doesn't sound like something you would enjoy then I'd steer clear of this whole series.
That being said I enjoyed Kendra and her "superpowers". Kendra really got under the Male FBI agents skin by just being better than them and just plain awesome.
My dad calls books like this "Airplane Reads" because you could buy it at the airport and read the whole book on your plain ride. And I like books that read easy and are just plain fun.
I'm pretty sure I dont need to tell anyone read Iris Johansen because she's a pretty prolific writer but if you like the occasional "airplane read" then add Iris Johansen to your TBR.
February 2, 2021
I all but inhaled the Eve Duncan series by the writing team due of Iris Johansen and her son Roy Johansen. I had previously met Kendra Michaels in the long-running series. It was wonderful to read this debut title in this series here. As this book and series begins, Kendra, who lost her eyesight years before, underwent a procedure and now her eyesight has been restored. During the years of her blindness, Kendra honed her other senses to the point of near perfection. Now that she can see again, her attention to detail is just about flawless.
Adam Lynch is a former FBI agent who asks for Kendra's assistance on a case. Although she is a music therapist, she has been already been recognized for her extraordinary skills. The scenario here involves the fact that Kendra's ex-lover is missing. The fact that he indeed might be dead does not do much for the chemistry that is more than evident between Adam and Kendra.
I found this book to be a promising start to a series that I did end up reading most of until the newest book has been recently released. I loved Kendra from the start, and although each book had its expected twists and turns in order to keep the story going, this book certainly had enough tension to keep me riveted from beginning to end.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review This is my honest opinion.
Adam Lynch is a former FBI agent who asks for Kendra's assistance on a case. Although she is a music therapist, she has been already been recognized for her extraordinary skills. The scenario here involves the fact that Kendra's ex-lover is missing. The fact that he indeed might be dead does not do much for the chemistry that is more than evident between Adam and Kendra.
I found this book to be a promising start to a series that I did end up reading most of until the newest book has been recently released. I loved Kendra from the start, and although each book had its expected twists and turns in order to keep the story going, this book certainly had enough tension to keep me riveted from beginning to end.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review This is my honest opinion.
July 26, 2012
3.5 Stars
I am not quite sure how to rate this. Plot wise, it was pretty damn amazing. Actually if the rating was solely on the plot, it would be a solid 5 stars. But where it lacked was in the characters, especially Kendra. To me Kendra seemed incredibly cold, analytically, as if she didn't have feelings. Which is weird cause she is very sensitive and seems to take things to heart. But I didn't feel it. I was just being told about her feelings. She wasn't quite a robot, it wasn't that bad, but it left a lot to be desired. I did however appreciate the roles and dynamics played by both Lynch and Kendra. And all the supporting characters seemed more real to me than Kendra or Lynch.
But even with the character flaw I still thoroughly enjoyed this thriller.
I am not quite sure how to rate this. Plot wise, it was pretty damn amazing. Actually if the rating was solely on the plot, it would be a solid 5 stars. But where it lacked was in the characters, especially Kendra. To me Kendra seemed incredibly cold, analytically, as if she didn't have feelings. Which is weird cause she is very sensitive and seems to take things to heart. But I didn't feel it. I was just being told about her feelings. She wasn't quite a robot, it wasn't that bad, but it left a lot to be desired. I did however appreciate the roles and dynamics played by both Lynch and Kendra. And all the supporting characters seemed more real to me than Kendra or Lynch.
But even with the character flaw I still thoroughly enjoyed this thriller.
November 2, 2016
Close Your Eyes
3 Stars
Blind from birth, Dr. Kendra Michaels learned to rely on her other senses. Following surgery to restore her sight, Kendra put her incredible powers of observation to good use by aiding the FBI until a life altering case put her on a different path. Now a series of multiple murders has sent former FBI agent and current Justice Department fixer, Adam Lynch, to Kendra's door. Despite her reluctance, she feels compelled to assist him, but this decision might very well have devastating consequences for those she loves.
An enjoyable read overall, but the lack of romance is disappointing, especially as the book is marketed as romantic suspense when it is, in fact, more of a police procedural/thriller.
Although Kendra is a somewhat prickly heroine who may rub some readers the wrong way, her Sherlockian abilities are very intriguing and are portrayed realistically. Lynch has his own anti-social issues to deal with, but he is likeable nonetheless. Unfortunately, Kendra and Lynch had absolutely no chemistry and the romance is virtually non-existent.
The case is very intriguing with some truly diabolical villains whose POVs ratchet up the tension. That said, the first half of the book with the bodies piling up and the forensics investigation is better than the second half, which seems to lose momentum as Lynch and Kendra close in on the perpetrators. Also, the FBI mole is glaringly obvious from relatively early on.
In sum, the mystery is better than the romance and it is unlikely that I will continue with the series as I am not invested in the characters.
3 Stars
Blind from birth, Dr. Kendra Michaels learned to rely on her other senses. Following surgery to restore her sight, Kendra put her incredible powers of observation to good use by aiding the FBI until a life altering case put her on a different path. Now a series of multiple murders has sent former FBI agent and current Justice Department fixer, Adam Lynch, to Kendra's door. Despite her reluctance, she feels compelled to assist him, but this decision might very well have devastating consequences for those she loves.
An enjoyable read overall, but the lack of romance is disappointing, especially as the book is marketed as romantic suspense when it is, in fact, more of a police procedural/thriller.
Although Kendra is a somewhat prickly heroine who may rub some readers the wrong way, her Sherlockian abilities are very intriguing and are portrayed realistically. Lynch has his own anti-social issues to deal with, but he is likeable nonetheless. Unfortunately, Kendra and Lynch had absolutely no chemistry and the romance is virtually non-existent.
The case is very intriguing with some truly diabolical villains whose POVs ratchet up the tension. That said, the first half of the book with the bodies piling up and the forensics investigation is better than the second half, which seems to lose momentum as Lynch and Kendra close in on the perpetrators. Also, the FBI mole is glaringly obvious from relatively early on.
In sum, the mystery is better than the romance and it is unlikely that I will continue with the series as I am not invested in the characters.
December 30, 2012
Well, what can I say, I've read books out of order again, although you get to know and love Johansen's characters whether or not you read the books in order, it's always nice to learn how a character came to play a part in one of your favorite series. This book was an introduction to Kendra Michaels, a woman who uses music therapy to coax children back into the real world. Seemingly set in her ways and devoted to 'her children' those in her music therapy lessons, Kendra comes across as a much older soul then what she really is.
Kendra was born blind and was forced to hone her other senses to be able to navigate in a sightless world, a miracle occurred, a cornea transplant and suddenly she could see. While she wasted no time living, she maintained the the highly skilled uses of her other senses; not only becomming involved iwth an FBI agent, but also with his cases.
Feeling a combination of greif for not being able to save targeted children from death during an investigation with Jeff and that Jeff is using her abilities more than loving her, the couple parts ways. Kendra focuses on 'her children' remainig far beyond the reach of the FBI. But, what happens when Jeff disappears without a trace.......
Kendra was born blind and was forced to hone her other senses to be able to navigate in a sightless world, a miracle occurred, a cornea transplant and suddenly she could see. While she wasted no time living, she maintained the the highly skilled uses of her other senses; not only becomming involved iwth an FBI agent, but also with his cases.
Feeling a combination of greif for not being able to save targeted children from death during an investigation with Jeff and that Jeff is using her abilities more than loving her, the couple parts ways. Kendra focuses on 'her children' remainig far beyond the reach of the FBI. But, what happens when Jeff disappears without a trace.......
August 16, 2012
As many reviewers have already stated, Johansen is purely writing from her well-worn formula and it's getting old! "Strong" female characters that don't sound or act like any strong female I know, token dreamy males wanting to protect and save the day but delayed by obtuse female, uber bad guys that you don't really care about after awhile. I felt myself slogging away just waiting for it to be over. I should have quit a long time ago, but for some reason, I just keep reading EVERY SINGLE one of her books (which are all basically the same book with different character names). It's my own fault.
July 14, 2023
This was such a good mystery crime thriller! And with a couple of twists in it that made it unique as well! Definitely worth a read!
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
December 16, 2022
Dammit, dammit, dammit.I truly disliked this book. I haven't enjoyed the last two Jack Reacher books because of Lee Child handing over the reins to his brother. After reading this, I'm thinking nepotism is not a formula for a good book. I wish the Johansens had spent less time on cutesy dialogue and more on the mystery itself. The book reads like a screenplay and most of the characters were either unlikeable or annoying or both. The overuse of 'softly' or 'gently' or 'quietly' did not sell me on Lynch as a sympathetic character. Every other page there was an argument or snark. The music therapy and autistic kid was really the only part of the book I enjoyed. Oh, dammit was repeated several times in the book.
January 3, 2014
The main character, Kendra Michaels, got on my nerves so much I just couldn't continue. I think the idea was to make her a strong female heroine but it was too much. She was a total bitch which was okay, but she was so much of a bitch it became just silly. I found myself rolling my eyes. I have read a couple other Iris Johanson books that I've liked. This one didn't fall in that category unfortunately.
July 15, 2017
“Close Your Eyes” the first book in the Kendra Michaels series opens with six murders in 45 days and the disappearance of FBI agent Jeff Stedler. When former FBI agent Adam Lynch (the Puppetmaster) appears at Kendra Michaels' door she wants nothing to do with solving another crime until he reveals details about the case and her ex-lover’s disappearance.
Partnered, they begin searching for Jeff unraveling clues to the deaths of murdered victims that continue to increase and uncovering a mysterious substance in the bodies that induces premature aging of their organs. What begins as a missing person and murder investigation quickly escalates when they find a connection to a bankrupt corporation and a military surgeon.
Having been manipulated by her capable and duty-oriented ex-boyfriend FBI agent Jeff Stedler into using her powers of observation and analysis to bring killers to justice, Kendra Michaels after the heartbreak of a tragic case wants nothing more than serenity in her life, working with autistic children as a music therapist. Blind until age twenty when stem cell surgery brought her a miracle, Kendra’s acute awareness of her surroundings has given her a unique gift that is coveted by the FBI, although her bluntness and honesty has bruised FBI egos making her a pariah to the agency until Adam Lynch persuades her to help him find Jeff.
Tension percolates as the body count climbs; the media breaks news of the crimes; and Kendra is targeted by a killer. Well-written and intriguing as Kendra and Lynch not only draw closer to solving the puzzle of Jeff’s disappearance and the murders, but the intensity and suspense heat up as emotions rise when Kendra’s world is turned upside down and her friend Olivia lies broken in the hospital after being mistaken for her. Yet amid all the scheming and violence as clues to a multi- million dollar conspiracy are uncovered and Kendra and Lynch swap witty banter in their willful clashes, they grow closer as their respect and admiration for each other grows.
Enhancing the plot are rich, complex and unforgettable characters like the strong, confident and feisty Kendra Michaels whose bluntness masks a soft heart and generous spirit; the complicated, manipulative, cynical and bold Adam Lynch who doesn’t play by the rules; the blind Olivia a loyal, trustworthy friend who struggles to be normal; the charismatic, stubborn, and brilliant Dr. Deanna Michaels; and Special Agent in Charge Michael Griffin with his sarcasm, lack of humor and need to control.
I thoroughly enjoyed “ Close Your Eyes” and recommend it to anyone who loves a good murder mystery with a startling twist at the end.
Partnered, they begin searching for Jeff unraveling clues to the deaths of murdered victims that continue to increase and uncovering a mysterious substance in the bodies that induces premature aging of their organs. What begins as a missing person and murder investigation quickly escalates when they find a connection to a bankrupt corporation and a military surgeon.
Having been manipulated by her capable and duty-oriented ex-boyfriend FBI agent Jeff Stedler into using her powers of observation and analysis to bring killers to justice, Kendra Michaels after the heartbreak of a tragic case wants nothing more than serenity in her life, working with autistic children as a music therapist. Blind until age twenty when stem cell surgery brought her a miracle, Kendra’s acute awareness of her surroundings has given her a unique gift that is coveted by the FBI, although her bluntness and honesty has bruised FBI egos making her a pariah to the agency until Adam Lynch persuades her to help him find Jeff.
Tension percolates as the body count climbs; the media breaks news of the crimes; and Kendra is targeted by a killer. Well-written and intriguing as Kendra and Lynch not only draw closer to solving the puzzle of Jeff’s disappearance and the murders, but the intensity and suspense heat up as emotions rise when Kendra’s world is turned upside down and her friend Olivia lies broken in the hospital after being mistaken for her. Yet amid all the scheming and violence as clues to a multi- million dollar conspiracy are uncovered and Kendra and Lynch swap witty banter in their willful clashes, they grow closer as their respect and admiration for each other grows.
Enhancing the plot are rich, complex and unforgettable characters like the strong, confident and feisty Kendra Michaels whose bluntness masks a soft heart and generous spirit; the complicated, manipulative, cynical and bold Adam Lynch who doesn’t play by the rules; the blind Olivia a loyal, trustworthy friend who struggles to be normal; the charismatic, stubborn, and brilliant Dr. Deanna Michaels; and Special Agent in Charge Michael Griffin with his sarcasm, lack of humor and need to control.
I thoroughly enjoyed “ Close Your Eyes” and recommend it to anyone who loves a good murder mystery with a startling twist at the end.
December 3, 2017
I’m going to start by saying that I am very glad I read these out of order because had I read Close Your Eyes first, I probably would have stopped here and not given the rest of the series a chance.
As I already said I read these out of order, so I was introduced to Kendra and Lynch after their relationship had some time to grow. The one thing I did like about Close Your Eyes was seeing how the relationship between Kendra and Lynch formed. I feel like I am able to better understand Lynch’s feelings for Kendra after seeing how quickly they connected and how deeply they care for one another after such a short period of tim. I also enjoyed reading about the relationship between Kendra and Olivia and their past and learning how their friendship formed and how deep and far back their relationship goes. Unfortunately, aside from learning the back story about the relationships between the main characters, I really can’t say there was too much else about the book that I enjoyed. I felt that this was a little bit sci-fi ish and I also felt that the writing up until the very end was all over the place. It was hard to follow at times because there were so many characters being introduced out of nowhere. I also felt the characters and victims didn’t have much connection with one another which I didn’t particularly like.
Overall, I was disappointed but I also understand this was the first in a series of 6 and I can say the writing and plot in the fifth novel is much more intense and well written. That being said, I will be giving the rest of the series a chance at some point and am hopeful it will improve!
As I already said I read these out of order, so I was introduced to Kendra and Lynch after their relationship had some time to grow. The one thing I did like about Close Your Eyes was seeing how the relationship between Kendra and Lynch formed. I feel like I am able to better understand Lynch’s feelings for Kendra after seeing how quickly they connected and how deeply they care for one another after such a short period of tim. I also enjoyed reading about the relationship between Kendra and Olivia and their past and learning how their friendship formed and how deep and far back their relationship goes. Unfortunately, aside from learning the back story about the relationships between the main characters, I really can’t say there was too much else about the book that I enjoyed. I felt that this was a little bit sci-fi ish and I also felt that the writing up until the very end was all over the place. It was hard to follow at times because there were so many characters being introduced out of nowhere. I also felt the characters and victims didn’t have much connection with one another which I didn’t particularly like.
Overall, I was disappointed but I also understand this was the first in a series of 6 and I can say the writing and plot in the fifth novel is much more intense and well written. That being said, I will be giving the rest of the series a chance at some point and am hopeful it will improve!
March 13, 2021
3 Stars. Enjoyed the thriller, less so the characters. I understand that Kendra Michaels was blind for the first 20 of her 26 years. I also understand that being patronized for those who have, or had, a handicap, is that the appropriate word today?, may be a never-ending annoyance. Michaels is extremely sensitive to the sounds and smells that surround us all, the non-visual clues of the sighted world. She's the real thing. A great premise for a thriller. But she has a hair-trigger explosiveness to every slight and jealousy. Neither Michaels nor any of the FBI and San Diego Police Department are that likeable. Some exhibit a lack of professionalism when dealing with her of career-ending proportions. Kendra is a music therapist for children who have suffered serious trauma, and is well respected. She also helps the FBI - her talents can be very beneficial. When an FBI agent, her former lover, disappears, special agent Adam Lynch appeals to her for assistance. Was Jeff tracking a new and terrible chemical warfare gas? Reluctantly Kendra gets pulled in. I really liked #3 "The Naked Eye." I'll try the second one, maybe they get better into the series! (March 2021)
November 12, 2020
For those who enjoyed watching BBC's Sherlock, Hannibal and Dexter, this is a series to read. Maybe someday the Author can have a TV series based on it. Thoroughly enjoyable. I great spin off of the Eve Duncan series.
My full review shows up on November 12, 2020.
My full review shows up on November 12, 2020.
January 8, 2021
Very good! Kept my reading. Iris Johansen one of my favorite authors! A must read.
September 2, 2021
It was a quick paced mystery book. Nothing I will remember in the future but it kept me entertained while listening.
November 2, 2025
An okay way to spend time with!
October 23, 2021
This book is AMAZING from start to finish.
May 28, 2019
This was a great book! I really liked the two leads Kendra and Lynch. Although throughout the book it seemed like they were being forced to become a couple. Kendra had a very rough childhood since she grew up without her sight. Although, once she gained it back, all of her other senses were strengthened. Kendra and Lynch throughout the book are trying to find her ex boyfriend and throughout this journey they are pushed closer together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2019
This was a pretty good mystery and an interesting set of characters. I'll probably try the next couple of these in the series.
December 1, 2020
Wow great book
June 16, 2023
#51 - More Than Meets The Eye, Close Your Eyes, Double Blind and Blink of An Eye by Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen. More Than Meets The Eye is the tenth book in the Kendra Michael series. Kendra is a FBI consultant who was blind until she was 20, when she had surgery so she can see. Since she was so long without her sight she has a more heightened awareness of her other senses. I guess it's because of her previously having been blind that each title
in the series include a reference to eye or vision with titles like Close Your Eyes, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Hindsight, etc. While Iris Johansen writes most of her other series by herself for this series her son, Roy, joins her. Earlier in her career Iris switched from writing romance to writing thrillers, which was clearly a good move. And clearly this prolific author is good at crime writing.
"Unbelievably tense and terrifying," RT Book Reviews writes of one of the books in the series while Suspense Magazine describes another book in the series this way: "This read goes from good to great to spectacular." Lastly, Publishers Weekly writes: "Johansen delivers the goods."
As More than Meets the Eye begins a serial killer, James Michael Barrett, has just made a plea deal: No death penalty if he showed law enforcement where he left his first victim. When they arrive at the spot Barrett mentions something looks different about the site since he left the body there two years ago. They proceed to dig anyway and that sets off a bomb killing 12 people, including the serial killer and many law enforcement officers, and injuring others.
Kendra was not present at the bomb but knows some of those injured and killed and insists she will pursue all angles to find out what happened, even if that means dealing with some bruised egos from those who try to interfere. She finds something in Barrett's cell that others
have missed: Prescription swimming goggles. Some analysis determines the goggles belong to a college swimmer named Tricia Walton, who is the only survivor of attacks by Barett. She is not sure how Barrett could have gotten her goggles - the attack was about four years ago and the goggles are less than two years old. Walton wants to get to the bottom of this and offers Kendra her help. Kendra arranges to get protection for Walton for three days since she may be in danger.
Kendra is increasingly convinced that Barrett's death was not a suicide but rather another killer arranged the bomb and is now murdering people in a style similar to Barrett's. Obviously there are some who initially don't believe what Kendra is suggesting.
This was a good thriller keeping me on the edge of my seat. I give it an 8.
I liked this book enough to go back and read the first book in the series, which is called Close Your Eyes. As it starts Kendra, a music therapist, is approached by a former FBI agent named Adam Lynch, who wants her help in finding and stopping what appears to be a serial killer. She is not interested but he tells her that the latest possible victim is Kendra's last boyfriend, who has disappeared without a trace. She agrees to help.Lynch is also in the other book I read so this must be the start of their business relationship which at some later points turns into a romantic relationship.
All of the victims have some kind of obscure chemicals in them but Kendra, Lynch and the FBI are unsure how this relates to the murders and how those killed are related. Kendra has her ways of reading rooms and people which is helpful to Lynch and the FBI as they try
to stop the killings, and possibly find her ex-boyfriend.
I give this one an 8 also.
Hooked now I read one more book by this duo. Double Blind, the sixth book in the series, has quite an exciting start: A woman, Elena, is running toward Kendra's condo, bleeding from a gunshot to her torso and being chased. She runs into a road to avoid capture and is hit and killed by a car.
The FBI come to Kendra to ask for her help on a case and she initially refuses, which is when they explained that the woman killed was trying to get to Kendra to give her something: a flash drive. The flash drive contains a 20-minute video of a wedding reception. The FBI and Kendra are stumped as to what message this woman was trying to impart to Kendra. Along with Lynch, the FBI and private investigator Jessie Mercado, Kendra begins investigation. Part
of the puzzle might involve the newly married couple but before they can talk to the bride she is abducted from her home.
The killer, who may have been a serial killer working in other geographic areas before, begins a pattern of kidnapping and killing members of the wedding party. Then he does something to someone very close to Kendra, but I can't say more than that without giving away spoilers.
This is another good thriller. I give it an 8.
I decided to read one more book by this duo: Blink of An Eye, the 8th book in the series. A pop star named Delilah Winter has become a fan of Kendra's and attended the school where Kenda does her musical therapy work. She invites Kendra and their mutual friend, Jessie Mercado, a detective and the singer's former bodyguard, to a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. In the middle of the show, everything stops and Delilah has seemingly disappeared and two members of the security staff are found dead. They realize she has been kidnapped.
Jessica and Kendra began investigating the situation but this time it's not just a case, but one involving their mutual friend. In this book, Lynch plays more of a minor role than usual with Jessie playing more of a major role than usual and I really like her as a character. I was surprised when I learned who was behind the kidnapping. Excellent plotting. I give it an 8.
I decided to take a break from this series to read one of her other series, this one written by herself, about Eve Duncan, a forensic sculptor. Eve's daughter was taken from her years ago but she uses that experience to help other families who have had a similar loss get
as close to closure as possible.
I was very underwhelmed by the two Eve books I read, Shattered Mirror and Sleep No More, though I liked the latter better than the other because it also included Kendra's character for part of the book. I don't like the Eve series as much as the Kendra series so I'll be sticking with the Kendra series from now on. The characters in the Eve series are not as interesting, the dialogue is more stilted, the plotting not as good, and thus more
predictable, as in the Kendra series. It makes me wonder if her son's involvement is what makes the Kendra series.
Speaking of which, the acknowledgments page for Sleep No More says this: "Many, many thanks to my son, Roy, for all his help with creating our very special Kendra. She is difficult, complex, and definitely a challenge, and yet he handled her with cleverness and originality. Working with him to meet that challenge was one of the great joys of writing this book."
I give the two Eve books 6's.
in the series include a reference to eye or vision with titles like Close Your Eyes, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Hindsight, etc. While Iris Johansen writes most of her other series by herself for this series her son, Roy, joins her. Earlier in her career Iris switched from writing romance to writing thrillers, which was clearly a good move. And clearly this prolific author is good at crime writing.
"Unbelievably tense and terrifying," RT Book Reviews writes of one of the books in the series while Suspense Magazine describes another book in the series this way: "This read goes from good to great to spectacular." Lastly, Publishers Weekly writes: "Johansen delivers the goods."
As More than Meets the Eye begins a serial killer, James Michael Barrett, has just made a plea deal: No death penalty if he showed law enforcement where he left his first victim. When they arrive at the spot Barrett mentions something looks different about the site since he left the body there two years ago. They proceed to dig anyway and that sets off a bomb killing 12 people, including the serial killer and many law enforcement officers, and injuring others.
Kendra was not present at the bomb but knows some of those injured and killed and insists she will pursue all angles to find out what happened, even if that means dealing with some bruised egos from those who try to interfere. She finds something in Barrett's cell that others
have missed: Prescription swimming goggles. Some analysis determines the goggles belong to a college swimmer named Tricia Walton, who is the only survivor of attacks by Barett. She is not sure how Barrett could have gotten her goggles - the attack was about four years ago and the goggles are less than two years old. Walton wants to get to the bottom of this and offers Kendra her help. Kendra arranges to get protection for Walton for three days since she may be in danger.
Kendra is increasingly convinced that Barrett's death was not a suicide but rather another killer arranged the bomb and is now murdering people in a style similar to Barrett's. Obviously there are some who initially don't believe what Kendra is suggesting.
This was a good thriller keeping me on the edge of my seat. I give it an 8.
I liked this book enough to go back and read the first book in the series, which is called Close Your Eyes. As it starts Kendra, a music therapist, is approached by a former FBI agent named Adam Lynch, who wants her help in finding and stopping what appears to be a serial killer. She is not interested but he tells her that the latest possible victim is Kendra's last boyfriend, who has disappeared without a trace. She agrees to help.Lynch is also in the other book I read so this must be the start of their business relationship which at some later points turns into a romantic relationship.
All of the victims have some kind of obscure chemicals in them but Kendra, Lynch and the FBI are unsure how this relates to the murders and how those killed are related. Kendra has her ways of reading rooms and people which is helpful to Lynch and the FBI as they try
to stop the killings, and possibly find her ex-boyfriend.
I give this one an 8 also.
Hooked now I read one more book by this duo. Double Blind, the sixth book in the series, has quite an exciting start: A woman, Elena, is running toward Kendra's condo, bleeding from a gunshot to her torso and being chased. She runs into a road to avoid capture and is hit and killed by a car.
The FBI come to Kendra to ask for her help on a case and she initially refuses, which is when they explained that the woman killed was trying to get to Kendra to give her something: a flash drive. The flash drive contains a 20-minute video of a wedding reception. The FBI and Kendra are stumped as to what message this woman was trying to impart to Kendra. Along with Lynch, the FBI and private investigator Jessie Mercado, Kendra begins investigation. Part
of the puzzle might involve the newly married couple but before they can talk to the bride she is abducted from her home.
The killer, who may have been a serial killer working in other geographic areas before, begins a pattern of kidnapping and killing members of the wedding party. Then he does something to someone very close to Kendra, but I can't say more than that without giving away spoilers.
This is another good thriller. I give it an 8.
I decided to read one more book by this duo: Blink of An Eye, the 8th book in the series. A pop star named Delilah Winter has become a fan of Kendra's and attended the school where Kenda does her musical therapy work. She invites Kendra and their mutual friend, Jessie Mercado, a detective and the singer's former bodyguard, to a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. In the middle of the show, everything stops and Delilah has seemingly disappeared and two members of the security staff are found dead. They realize she has been kidnapped.
Jessica and Kendra began investigating the situation but this time it's not just a case, but one involving their mutual friend. In this book, Lynch plays more of a minor role than usual with Jessie playing more of a major role than usual and I really like her as a character. I was surprised when I learned who was behind the kidnapping. Excellent plotting. I give it an 8.
I decided to take a break from this series to read one of her other series, this one written by herself, about Eve Duncan, a forensic sculptor. Eve's daughter was taken from her years ago but she uses that experience to help other families who have had a similar loss get
as close to closure as possible.
I was very underwhelmed by the two Eve books I read, Shattered Mirror and Sleep No More, though I liked the latter better than the other because it also included Kendra's character for part of the book. I don't like the Eve series as much as the Kendra series so I'll be sticking with the Kendra series from now on. The characters in the Eve series are not as interesting, the dialogue is more stilted, the plotting not as good, and thus more
predictable, as in the Kendra series. It makes me wonder if her son's involvement is what makes the Kendra series.
Speaking of which, the acknowledgments page for Sleep No More says this: "Many, many thanks to my son, Roy, for all his help with creating our very special Kendra. She is difficult, complex, and definitely a challenge, and yet he handled her with cleverness and originality. Working with him to meet that challenge was one of the great joys of writing this book."
I give the two Eve books 6's.
August 3, 2012
After reading Iris Johansen's Bonnie, Eve and Quinn books , it made you wonder what direction she would go as those three were part of a series that has made her famous - The Eve Duncan Series. I have to say , I have also tried to read the other books that she has co-written with her husband e.g Storm Cycle and they just haven't grabbed my attention so when I saw Close Your Eyes , I was in two minds. Would I enjoy it or wouldn't I ? , Readers of The Phantom Paragrapher, I loved Close Your Eyes and would put it with one of the best Mystery/Thriller books so far I have read for 2012.
Close Your Eyes starts off with a random person by the name of Stephanie being killed in an underground car-park and then moves to the offices of Dr. Kendra Michaels who is a Music Therapist. We read as Kendra works with an autistic boy , this part I felt familiar with as those who have read my previous reviews know that I have family members with Autism. The appointment is ended when an FBI Agent named Adam Lynch turns up asking for Kendra's help on a case. It seems that Kendra had previously worked as a consultant for the FBI and as the novel goes along we learn that due to Kendra's past , she is one of the most observant human beings there are. When she reluctantly agrees to help on the case as more people die, Kendra's mother and friend Olivia start to get worried. Though when the case leaves Kendra's friend Olivia hanging for her life, has she bitten off more than she can chew.
Close Your Eyes is one of those books where it is really hard to describe but all you need to know is this was one of the best mystery/thriller novels by Iris and Roy Johansen.
Though I am curious if there has been a previous novel by the pair that featured an Introduction to Kendra Michaels as reading the book it seemed possible.
Close Your Eyes starts off with a random person by the name of Stephanie being killed in an underground car-park and then moves to the offices of Dr. Kendra Michaels who is a Music Therapist. We read as Kendra works with an autistic boy , this part I felt familiar with as those who have read my previous reviews know that I have family members with Autism. The appointment is ended when an FBI Agent named Adam Lynch turns up asking for Kendra's help on a case. It seems that Kendra had previously worked as a consultant for the FBI and as the novel goes along we learn that due to Kendra's past , she is one of the most observant human beings there are. When she reluctantly agrees to help on the case as more people die, Kendra's mother and friend Olivia start to get worried. Though when the case leaves Kendra's friend Olivia hanging for her life, has she bitten off more than she can chew.
Close Your Eyes is one of those books where it is really hard to describe but all you need to know is this was one of the best mystery/thriller novels by Iris and Roy Johansen.
Though I am curious if there has been a previous novel by the pair that featured an Introduction to Kendra Michaels as reading the book it seemed possible.
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