Hunting Eve

Eve Duncan #17

by Iris Johansen

EVE DUNCAN IS BACK.
THE HUNT IS ON.

The latest in Iris Johansen's pulse-pounding series that Kirkus Reviews calls "filled with intriguing twists and characters and an overarching mystery that will keep fans coming back."



She was taken for a reason. Chosen for her skills as a forensic sculptor. Abducted by the deranged father of a serial killer and forced to reconstruct his dead son's skull from bone fragments. Now Eve Duncan has escaped her captor—and she's running for her life. Alone. Unarmed. In the mountains of Colorado, Eve must use all of her strength, courage, and wits to survive this madman's obsession. But Jim Doane is not the only player in the game. While Joe Quinn, Jane MacGuire, and Kendra Michaels search for Eve in the abandoned mining town that could be her ultimate refuge—or her grave—a stranger with ties to her long-ago past is closing in, circling like a wolf, and HUNTING EVE.

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

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 16, 2013

About the author

Iris 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

Reviews

[Heather Hawley]

I used to really like the Eve Duncan series but the writing has just gotten bad over the last few books. Some of the dialogue made me laugh out loud and I don't think it was supposed to. I will read the last one in this series just to finish off the trilogy but then I am probably done. I don't mind the supernatural elements but I feel like the author is just trying to get books out instead of writing a quality story. I also think she is adding a lot of unnecessary filler material and characters to stretch out her stories into multiple books. This trilogy probably could have been one book and I would have enjoyed it more.

[Melanie]

Look - I fell for Eve Duncan a long time ago - so I'll continue to read Iris Johansen's books about her but this "trilogy" is pissing me off. Money - the only answer to my question as to why this couldn't be one book ... Too bad that Eve isn't someone you'd leave behind - because otherwise I'd drop Ms. Johansen the same way she left Eve ... cold, wet and in the woods surrounded by coyotes.
Dear Ms. Johansen - guess you're laughing all the way to the bank.

[Kay]

Her books have dropped in my status:
1. Buying the minute they come out in hardback
2. Waiting for the paperback
3. Putting on hold from the library
4. Waiting till they are on the shelf of the library so I don't waste a hold
5. Pulling off the shelf when I have nothing left to read.
6. Not read at all

Her books are now on #5 as far as I'm concerned. However, I expect nothing from them anymore so am not disappointed! The only complaint I have about this one is it still bothers me she gives her characters no depth. They are all the same: rude, sarcastic, overbearing, etc..

[Barbara]

I've always enjoyed Eve Duncan and her exploits but this latest "trilogy" is really stretching it. This isn't a story that required 1054 pages to tell (#1 339; #2 400; #3 416). It just felt as if the author let the publishers dictate how this story should play out. A whole lot of the story was repetitive and though I liked the plot itself, I found myself frustrated and thinking "get on with it already". I think this story could have easily been told in one book (450-500 pages) that wouldn't have sacrificed any of the suspense (since for the most part it wasn't exactly suspenseful) or the angst that everyone was feeling. I think putting in all the extra characters helped with little side stories (Caleb and Mark; Kendra Michaels and Margaret; Zander and Stang) which could possibly set up kickoff series but I don't think we needed their input to the degree it was offered. It just made this particular story drag and seem forced at times.

That said, I do love Jane, Eve and Joe. I've also come to really like Zander (and even Stang) and even Caleb and Mark grew on me. I would definitely read any book featuring any of these characters but again I didn't think Eve's story required these drawn out shenanigans hence the 4 stars instead of 5 stars.

[Jeanne]

Not anywhere as good as her previous novels. I was getting tired of the Eve series already but in this one it seems everyone has to behave outside their normal behavior to "make the story work." Everything seems forced. When I first read her books they flowed so smoothly and with such action I couldn't put them down. This feels like an author who contracted for more books in a series that she is mentally done with. Wish she would move on and begin again with new people and new passion.

[Sue Scheve Zerjal]

I have red numerous books with the character Eve Duncan, and I have enjoyed them, but this one is poor. Iris Johansen has taken a story, stretched it into a trilogy, and ruined it. This book could win a contest for the worst dialogue written. If it were a movie, the audience would laugh at times. I finished it, but I am not sure I can read the final installment. I might have to read the reviews because so many people tell plot rather than write reviews.

[Chantal]

This was an enjoyable read, and I find myself looking forward to the next book but I am not so sure about this series anymore. The supernatural aspects seem to be overtaking the plots and characters, almost changing the genre. I completely understand suspending reality when reading, but the usage of the supernatural elements seem to keep going more extreme with each new book. I always enjoyed the Bonnie connection, but it seems like any new character has some supernatural ability. And these abilities really seem to be taking something away from the existing characters/plot lines rather then adding to it leaving recent books a mishmash of underdeveloped characters with odd abilities. Margaret - who was introduced in the previous book - is a great example of this. I'll read the next one (to end off this trilogy) before making a decision if its a series I want to continue with.

[Carole]

I give up on this series. What started out as an interesting and entertaining, I believed, realistic look into the life of a forensic sculptor has turned into some kind of sci-fi, paranormal, fantasy 14 books later. I sensed it happening a few books back, but I wanted give Iris Johansen a chance to sway me. I gave this book 82 pages before I had to throw my hands up in the air and cry UNCLE. As much as it pains me to not finish a book, I have to with this series. So, even though I may never find out how Eve survives her latest ordeal, I have to 'break up' with this author.

[Ricki]

I actually started reading this book about a week ago....It really is not a good book at all! Be aware if you buy this book you are buying one third of a complete story line. (and it is the middle third) After finishing Talking Eve most readers would wonder where the rest of the book was. After struggling through the first half of Hunting Eve (which covers only a few days time) I kept waiting for the story line to pick up the pace...It didn't. If you haven't read Taking Eve yet I think you will find Hunting Eve to be not only slow moving but also a bit confusing. I am incredibly disappointed in Iris Johansen for writing one novel and presenting it in the form of a trilogy of books. If the reader wants the resolution to the story they will have to purchase the third book which does not come out until October. Very disappointing!

[Beth]

Very cheesy writing and somewhat unbelievable characters almost made me give up on this book, but something kept me listening (during my drive to and from work). In the end, I must say that in spite of all the cheesiness and the unbelievable characters, etc. I was drawn into the story. But then again, I am easily entertained and less picky during my morning commute than I am with my nighttime reading. The end was clearly written to get you to read the next in the trilogy. I won't be doing it!

[Paul Lima]

I admit, I gave up. Not sure what was worse, the writing or the plot, or the character interaction. I'm not even sure how to describe the book, not even in a full sentence or two. Just want to say I read 4 chapters, skipped to the last two and barely skimmed them. Just couldn't care about who did what to whom....

[Kmmoy]

I don't know why I continue to read this series. It started out so good, but now....the story lines are predictable, and the writing is bad--almost juvenile. I guess I just want to see what happens next. Not planning to waste any more time on this series.

[Fred]

A easy flow thriller with love tones and good characters.
Jim Doane (psychopath & villain) hunting Eve Duncan through the Rio Grand forest. Jim believing Eve was responsible for his son's death, Kevin. (Eve's daughter Bonnie is dead).

Eve displays resilience to escape and stay alive.
Many friends return to rescue Eve. Key characters are:
1. Joe Quinn (x-Seal leading chases)
2. Jane MacGuire (best friend with fever required to stay in hospital)
3. Lee Zander (Eve's dad)
4. Seth Celeb (psychic gives his own blood to reduce Jane's fever to her out of the hospital)
5. Mark Trevor (has love for Eve)
6. Dr. Kendra Michaels (FBI)
7. Margaret Douglas (Kendra's partner)

They all must save Eve from Jim.
They all lead to a ghost town where Eve is held?
The town explodes and catches fire, but no Eve is found. Where is Eve and Jim?
The end is left open for the next book in the trilogy- "Silencing Eve".
(Trilogy = Taking Eve, Hunting Eve, Silencing Eve)

[Alex is The Romance Fox]

The plot keeps getting more exciting with the 2nd book in this Trilogy - about Even Duncan. She's definitely one of my favorite heroines in this genre.

After being left with the nail-biting cliffhanger in Taking Eve, I couldn't wait for this book...the story keeps me hanging from the edge of my seat...as usual.

After escaping from the evil Doane, Eve is now being hunted as his prey and we get to see what she's capable of doing without any help from anyone. She's on her own, whilst everyone close to her is desperately trying to find where she is.

Another fast-paced and gripping journey with some unpredictable twists and some secrets revealed that I never anticipated.

A totally unexpected cliffhanger and I just wish the next book would arrive sooner than October.

A great continuation of Eve Duncan...not to be missed.

[Kathie]

This trilogy is not nearly as good as the Eve, Bonnie, and Quinn trilogy. There is too much of a reliance on the supernatural and less effort toward writing the suspenseful tale she use to do time after time. Will I read the 3rd book when it comes in? Probably. But I won't be holding my breath waiting for it to be released.

[Nancy]

After having read all the books in this series, I was disappointed in this one. Seems like everyone from all the other books had to be included. The paranormal talents of each is a bit overplayed.

[AndreaH]

I told myself I wouldn't read anymore of these, but its like being addicted. I know its bad but I can't help myself. At least there's only one left, supposedly.
Eve escapes her kidnapper and is on the run. Meanwhile her lover Joe, their adopted daughter and her ex-lover and wanna-be lover, plus some other friends are trying to locate Eve or her kidnapper before he kills her.
Way to much woo-woo — even suspending some belief, this stuff is hard to take on faith. Bad dialogue, bad plotting. Johansen threw everything in to stretch this out and came up with muck Killing Eve will be a relief -- it will end readers' suffering.

[Pat Mankowski]

Story line is great. There were a few instances where it was a little slow moving due to recaps for those who aren’t familiar with the Eve/Quinn saga.

[Debbie Mcnally]

Great book

Fantastic book had me on the edge of my seat. Don't read if you don't like cliffhangers. Great book plenty of action and suspense.

[Ross L]

One more on the trilogy.

[Tanya]

More like a 3.5 stars (not the best I have read but still worth reading).

I have read all the Eve Duncan books to date and have enjoyed them all. After reading "Taking Eve" I felt that the whole Eve Duncan series may be getting a little old and after reading this book, I still feel the same way. That being said I did enjoy this book much more than "Taking Eve". I found it more fast pace and I had a hard time putting the book down.

Like the first book in this triology, I did find the writing a bit corny at times (again with the characters having unnatural conversations in an attempt to fill unfimilar readers in on the character's background). Also, I find the whole supernatural thing may be getting a bit much (you've got an animal whisper, psychic dreamer, vampire type guy, spirits and a former blind all seeing character), who all seem to be obessessed with Eve as well as everyone else that comes in contact with her.

I really wish they had made this trilogy in to one book or two at the most. The first two books have been pretty short for the money. Also, I don't like to be left hanging with months inbetween the books being released, not to mention it is costing me a small fortune (at about $18 per ebook).

All that being said, the Eve Duncan series is well worth the read. At this point I am so fimilar with the Eve character and all the supporting characters that I can't help but continue to read this series, even with the negatives it is still a must read series. If you are new to the Eve Duncan books, I would recommend reading the series from the start to get the whole experience.

Looking forward to the conclusion, "Silencing Eve". There is just somehing about the Eve Duncan series that keeps me coming back for more!

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme]

Now I know why this arc is three long books. Lots of stuff for a cohesive storyline. I liked how Eve didn't give up. And she is a do-gooder as Zander says. It will be interesting to see how Zander's character plays out. It is always a thrill to see Kendra pick things up about people. I wish I was as observation as she is. And it would be nice to be like Margaret who is an animal whisperer. It would be hard to decide which one I like better.

The story moves at a decent pace even if the characters are all frustrated. Jane's relationship tug o'war between Trever and Caleb is interesting. I keep hoping for a menage, but I doubt that will happen. Jane's character is fun as she's so pragmatic yet she receives paranormal information and it freaks her out. She hates it.

Overall a decent story which I read pretty quickly and wish I could read the third book. Unfortunately it is a hard back and I don't have the room to bring it with me for a trip. Recommended for romantic suspense readers.

[Melissa]

This is a typical Eve Duncan novel, filled with lots of twists, turns, and suspense. However, this book was just a tension builder for the final book of this Eve Duncan Trilogy. There were many filler snippets ... we learned a bit more about Zander, Stang, and Caleb. I liked how Kendra and Margaret's friendship was building. I do believe the Eve Duncan series is starting to wear thin. It may be time to put this series to rest. I was disappointed that the last Eve Duncan Trilogy felt like it might be the end of Eve Duncan series. Now, I'm starting to think that the previous trilogy would have been the best way to end Eve's story. I'm looking forward to reading Silencing Eve, and finding out if that will be Ms. Johnasen's last story about Eve Duncan.

[Marsha Hubbell]

"Hunting Eve" is the second in anothern Eve Duncan trilogy. I am a long-time fan of Iris Johansen, but the dialogue in this series is absurd. Except for Margaret, a wonderful new character who communicates with animals, the women are all harsh sounding, the men smarmy. Granted there is a life and death search going on for Eve, but the dialogue keeps taking me out of the action instead of drawing me in. I agree with some critics who say this story line is going on far too long, but I am curious, if not totally hooked, to see how it ends.

[Joan]

I think Johansen has lost her way. I have accepted that Eve talks to Bonnie, but now she has people who can move blood to heal, talk to animals and has extreme senses because she was blind. Eve has been kidnapped by Doane who wants her to reassemble his son's skull. He thinks with the skull reassembled his son, Kevin will come back to life. Eve senses danger in the skull. Eve senses that Kevin is a threat to her dead daughter, Bonnie. All Eve's friends are trying to save her. I was upset with the end. Is Eve alive after the blast or not?
Not my favorite Johansen book.

[Roberta]

Spoiler alert...not really. But it's a trilogy dealing with the kidnapping of the protagonist of nearly all of the author's books; this is volume 2 of 3...guess what!? They didn't rescue her! I'm afraid I care little about the result. Alive or dead in volume 3, I'm so done with this author after that!

[Phyllis]

Always enjoy Iris Johansen's books, this one not so much. I was really looking forward to her new trilogy, Taking Eve, Hunting Eve, Silencing Eve. Just finished Hunting Eve and I was a little disappointed. Was very hard for me to get thru it. It seemed like Eve and Joe were sort of lost in this one. Hope the last one in the trilogy is better.

[Jan]

This series is a tad "out there" for me- do not believe I will read any more. Iris Johannson used to be one of my favorite authors, but there I believe there is too much on the EVE character at this point-
I really enjoyed the earlier books written by this author. I will have to shelve her upcoming books for awhile before I try them again.

[Teri]

The Eve Duncan books by Iris Johansen are one of my favorite series. However, I find this latest set which is written as a series frustrating. The books are not that long taking only a day or two to read and end in places where there is no resolution. I much prefer the stand alone books written by Johansen.

[Vi MacDonald]

Very boring. I like taking eve. Last 75 pages were interesting rest is hours I won't get back
Wondering if last of trilogy will finally be the last of eve Duncan. Author has done many other very successful books some with her son. Author needs to move on. At $32/book silencing eve is my last book I'm moving on