Live to See Tomorrow

Catherine Ling #3

by Iris Johansen

Catherine Ling: raised on the streets of Hong Kong, she has been a shadowy CIA operative since she was fourteen years old. There are only a few things in life she cares for. One is her son, kidnapped when he was two. Catherine has only recently been reunited with him and the vow of her heart is never to let him face danger again. The other is her mentor, Hu Chang. Mysterious, brilliant, and deadly, Hu Chang taught Catherine everything she knows and she is loyal to him. Now Hu Chang is calling Catherine to a new task: rescue an imprisoned journalist in Tibet -- a woman who has been subjected to unspeakable horrors. Her connection to Hu Chang is unknown. What's also unknown is that Catherine will be going up against a man whose crimes have stretched back into this area for forty years. Is Catherine being used as a pawn by Hu Chang? Can she save a woman she's never even met? And will either of them live to see tomorrow?

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

368 pages, Hardcover

First published April 29, 2014

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

[Alex is The Romance Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catherine Ling, the dangerous and beautiful CIA agent and superspy is back!!!

I was really looking forward to this book after https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... , which I enjoyed a lot.

Catherine is travelling to Hong Kong, to spend time with Luke, her son, who she had left in the care of her friend Hu Chang, whilst she was on her last mission.

Of course, things never work out as he plans. Venables, her CIA boss asks her to rescue Erin Sullivan, an American journalist being held as prisoner by a ruthless criminal, in the Tibetan mountains. Pulled by her wanting to be with Luke and wanting to save Erin, she agrees to the mission, which she hopes will be an easy and quick retrieval.

During the rescue mission – jeez, Catherine is some super agent…climbing up mountains, scaling monasteries…
From Kentucky to Hong Kong, to the mountains in Tibet and the streets of San Francisco Chinatown,
Catherine is soon running from ruthless killers with the help of the mysterious Cameron, known as the Guardian, who seems to have paranormal abilities…and is part of a group trying to keep the secret of Shangri-La hidden….
The incredible telepathic communication between Catherine and Cameron is mysterious and incredible. Their affair is sensual and hot and both are drawn inexplicably to each other. Whilst I found their relationship very interesting, I was rather sad that John Gallo was out the picture for Catherine!!!!
Because there’s a definite strong connection between her and Cameron, which we see growing with each moment they are together, not only physically but otherwise…remember he can get into her head!!!!!! This is hot sexual chemistry!!!

I loved the secondary characters in this story. Luke, Catherine’s son is an incredible boy.

Tenacious, smart, brave…..he’s totally fearless and I just loved seeing the relationship between mother and son slowly growing closer. Hu Chang is still as enigmatic as ever…plotting and manipulating. And I adored Celia, the woman who befriends Catherine in San Francisco. I would love to get more of her in future books.

Great story that at times have you thinking…..could this really happen?? Is it at all possible???
But never mind, it’s great entertainment and an ending that just damn grabs you…..and still, I’m left with the question………..

WHO IS RICHARD CAMERON????

Hopefully, we will have that answer, soon!!!!

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Series: Catherine Ling, book 3
Romantic Suspense / Mystery

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A CIA operative, Catherine Ling is heading home thinking of spending time with her long-lost son, Luke and her friend/mentor, Hu Shang when she gets a call from her boss, Venable. Turns out that she's needed for the rescue operation of an imprisoned journalist in Tibet--a woman who has been subjected to unspeakable horrors. And so the story begins...moving from Hong Kong to the Himalayas to San Francisco.
Overall it was good and interesting story but I wish there were more real/natural emotions (I felt like some actions/characters were too artificial and unbelievable).

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better for me. It's as if the stories are written for me! I can't wait to read the next book. I really like Catherine Ling. The fact that she is Chinese probably helps quite a bit. I love her drive, intensity, troubleshooting capability and her git 'er done attitude. She is a bit different than me because she needs to have so much control over everything. (*shut up peanut gallery*)

In this third book, she meets the mysterious Cameron who is a guardian. He's strong, sexy, intense, passionate, dominating, rich, mysterious and powerfully backed by a secret society. Yes, I just wet myself in excitement. Everything I fantasize about as a little girl is now realized in this stunning man. And the fact that he is sexually aggressive just pushes me over the edge. I'm a puddle of goo. There is much more to this story than the sex or Cameron. Still, this added element only makes the story more enjoyable for me. Woohoo to the dominating alpha male! Where do I sign up?

I liked the suspense part. I really enjoyed the relationship entanglements and the constant push against what is considered normal. We have so many preconceived notions or "trained" norms of what a childhood should entail. Or what a person should be doing that we loose sight of what a person can be. We have a hard time accepting a person as who they are, as they are defined by their experiences. Now, I'm going to be a bit of a hypocrite here because I can not accept people who are whining victims. The victim mentality is not one I can empathize or support. For those who have been abused and fight to overcome what they experience and they are stronger for it, I admire them. And this is why I like Catherine and her son Luke. They are extraordinary and are inspirational. I like to focus on these because it helps me want to do better. Reading this series always makes me want to do better, make the world a better place and improve myself.

Highly recommended for suspense lovers who enjoy two strong main characters with enough chemistry to set a fireworks factory to blow, just by standing inside together.

[Darius Murretti · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started out thinking Id give this book 5 stars but then the book had pages and pages of explicit sex .
Since any one who wants to raise their consciousnesses to higher spiritual regions is pulled down and held down by sex and since I want to raise my consciousness to higher spiritual regions I will not be reading this book and will be returning it to audible .

Its a shame that such a talented writer unnecessarily injects sex scene into her writing . Her books could be a very treasured part of my collection and I had bought every single one of them but now I will be returning many of them . I can skip the sex parts when it's only a few pages out of a whole book which is otherwise good but when its pages and pages then I quit no matter how good the rest of the books is ....

Ms Johansen and I go our separate ways

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catherine Ling has been getting reacquainted with her son Luke after rescuing him from a vicious killer. As a skilled CIA Agent, Catherine is often called away from home. When she finds out that her friend Erin is in danger, Catherine rises to the occasion.

She travels to Tibet and successfully rescues Erin, a freelance reporter. But that is just the beginning of the dangerous ride that faces both women. Erin holds information and ruthless killers will do anything to get their hands on her.

Someone that had tangled with Catherine, as he helped her in other dangerous situations, is now on the scene to help yer yet again. More than that, her son Luke and her mentor, the brilliant Hu Chang also arrive on the scene in order to keep Erin and Catherine safe.

This book was a thrilling ride, with action at every turn, and as always in this series, some romance. I am definitely hooked and quickly moved on to the fifth book in the series.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a book-aholic. I freely admit to that. It’s not unusual for me to finish novels quickly – but it is unusual to finish a hardback in one sitting. ( not unheard of ) but still this novel got hold of me and never let go until the last word.

Live To See Tomorrow is Catherine Ling’s book – although there is a brief mention of Eve Duncan, if you've hesitated to pick up this book thinking it is part of an ongoing series – don’t. It is a purely stand alone featuring Catherine and her “people”.

Catherine is heading home thinking only of spending time with her son, Luke and her friend/mentor, Hu Shang. Watching the lights of Hong Kong below, the sound of her cell phone ringing brings her back from unwanted memories. Catherine is a CIA operative and her boss, Venable was on the other end of the ringing cell phone. Ignore him? It was such a temptation. But her curiosity got the better of her… and so it began.

Erin Sullivan is a Pulitzer prize winning journalist working on the story of a recent earthquake in Tibet. Not only a journalist, Erin also steps into her stories and has been helping the villagers of a small area devastated by the earthquake. Erin has gone missing, believed to be captured by a local madman, Paul Kadmus, who believes himself above the law – of every country.

Richard Cameron is a man of mystery. His physical and mental abilities are almost in the superhuman range. Part of an relatively unknown organization he is simply the Guardian – and he has his reasons for retrieving Erin alive and well.

These are the main characters in a story that is edge of the seat reading from the very first chapter. The race to find and save Erin Sullivan unveils even more mystery and suspense.

I could not walk away from this story. It gripped me, held me and left me wanting even more. If you love suspense, if you enjoy a good love story, if you are excited by fast action scenes and if you can figure out just what Cameron is all about before the ending – You will simply love Live To See Tomorrow.

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never pass up a book by Iris Johansen, I'm surprised and a little undecided if I like the turn of events.

As usual Catherine Ling did not disappoint. She is badass and I love that about her. I also like the slow evolution of her relationship with her son Luke, sometimes it's hard to believe he is 11. And as usual Hu Chang is both an enigma and strength personified. Erin's story was heartbreaking and tough at times. The wildcard was...Cameron. I like him and the whole storyline fascinated me but I am torn about his relationship with Catherine. I was thinking she would tangle with John Gallo. And I was looking forward to it. So while I enjoyed this book, I'm a bit torn. And that is interesting and just what any author wants...isn't it?! To keep us pondering about a book and it's characters long after the end. I am looking forward to more. Well done!!!

[Hapzydeco · Rating 3 out of 5]

A disappointing return for Iris Johansen's Catherine Ling series. Mental telepathy, really? Look forward to Ling returning in an honest thriller.

[Debbie Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all of her books.

[Davia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

This was very interesting finally someone equal to Catherine to match wits with! A great escape plot and plenty of Romance.

[Cornerofmadness · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up as an audiobook for a trip and I didn’t know it wasn’t a stand alone. I figured that out quickly but you didn’t really need to read the rest of them to understand this. It was hard to rate. Based on the first part of the novel I would have rated it around a 4 star read, the middle a three and the end a one. Also this one has telepathy/psychic abilities as a major part of it so if you don’t like that (I love it personally) then you will be bitterly disappointed.

It opens with Catherine Ling, CIA agent, finishing one assignment before meeting up with her mentor, Hu Chang in Hong Kong, along with her son, Luke, who had been kidnapped at age 2 and raised by a violent criminal as a child soldier, until she recently rescued him. Mother and son are still getting to know him. She wants him to have a happy teenage-hood but Luke is seriously damaged goods. Before she gets to have time to spend, she’s made aware of another case in Tibet to rescue Erin Sullivan, a reporter/humanitarian who’s been kidnapped by Kadmus, the head of a criminal organization who wants her as a tool to reach Cameron, who he believes can lead him to Shambala and to ultimate power. She reluctantly leaves Luke with Hu Chang and goes to rescue Erin.

In Tibet, Catherine is an able agent, a very tough heroine and I really liked her. She’s competent, she gets to Erin quickly but to her surprise she’s also beginning to ‘dream’ of meeting a man, Richard Cameron but it’s not a dream. He’s a powerful telepathy and the ‘guardian’ of the Tibetan mountains. He helps guide them through Kadmus’s traps and out of the mountains. I truly enjoyed this part.

To Catherine’s horror, once she tries to get Erin out of the mountains, she meets up with Hu Chang who has brought Luke with him. He’s like eleven or twelve and they let this damaged kid call all the shots even when he does some really bad things (She’s too afraid to discipline him because he’s had such a bad childhood and doesn’t want to ‘lose him,’) Worse, her criticisms of Cameron hiding out and letting Erin be tortured hit home and Cameron is there to help. Catherine’s handlers want her to take a new assignment, leaving Erin alone but Catherine knows that Kadmus is going to come after Erin and her (she’s right)

My enjoyment started to slide here. Cameron and Luke (and to a lesser degree, Hu Chang) are SO overprotective of Catherine like she’s a damsel in distress that it’s ridiculous. You can’t have a bad ass heroine in the first third of the book and then take it away to a degree in the rest of the book and that’s what we have here until the end. Coupling with that disappointment is Cameron and Catherine’s ‘romance.’ She is attracted to him but doesn’t want a relationship. He claims he’s never wanted a woman so much. Okay fine. But he uses his mental abilities to project scenarios into her mind, manipulates her, says stuff like she’s going to be his one way or another. I liked him until then. It lent such a dubious consent to the whole thing (and the sex scenes went on forever, so boring). It’s the 21st century. Shouldn’t we women be able to demand better than alphahole love interests who tell women they’re going to submit to him one way or another? (I’ve DNFed other books from this author for similar ‘romantic’ subplots).

Honestly I might even have stopped at that point if not on the trip so I listened on. They all go to San Francisco to help hide Erin (with a high end courtesan that apparently both Cameron and Hu Chang know). And the end of this was just so damned stupid. Kadmus constantly calls her and tells her what he’s going to do and then does it. He could have completely destroyed Catherine, Luke and Erin if he kept his mouth shut. This man has been in charge of a criminal organization since the Viet Nam war and he’s this dumb? And again none of the men trust Catherine to do her job so it really ended on a sour note for me. I’m not sure I’d seek out more.

And the cover bugged me (not necessarily the author’s fault). The woman on the cover doesn’t even look particularly Asian (I suppose Catherine could be biracial but the cover art doesn’t even look biracial).

[Sloan McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine grew up on the streets of Hong Kong. She was a seller of information until at the age of 14, she was recruited by the CIA. There are two things Catherine loves…her son, Luke, and Hu Chang, her mentor. When Luke was two years old, he was kidnapped. It took nine years for Catherine to get him back, and she’s trying to build a relationship. Her plan is to take time off to spend with Luke and Hu Chang until she learns about Erin Sullivan, an American journalist with ties to Hu Chang who’s been kidnapped in Tibet. She fears Hu Chang will take off to try and save the woman, so she accepts the assignment from her CIA handler. Hu Chang is upset that she learned of the venture, and Luke is upset because she will not allow him to accompany her.

In Tibet, she frees Erin from the castle compound, where she’s been tortured for information. That is only the beginning of their ordeal. The ruthless leader is attempting to get information on a certain someone. Catherine likes to hold all the cards to do her job effectively. She tries to find out more information about this someone from Erin, but her lips are sealed.

In comes Richard Cameron via Catherine’s dreams. He tells her he is there to help them, and she’s ticked that he didn’t help Erin to begin with. This starts a long, enduring relationship from Tibet to San Francisco with Kadmus on their tail. Cameron is intrigued by Catherine and wants her. She does not trust him, although the chemistry and attraction is there. He is powerful, alluring, and has some interesting abilities. He must earn her trust.

There is a lot more to this story (i.e. when Luke and Hu Chang show up in Tibet, and Luke meets Cameron). It is action-packed, and the characters are very likeable. I am happy to see people previously introduced in the Eve Duncan novels. Catherine is strong, capable, and deadly when she needs to be. She protects what is special to her, including her heart.

It seems I absolutely love everything Iris Johansen writes. I’ve been reading her books for years and they always deliver an exciting story.

It gets a 9.5 on the McBride Moxy Meter.

Find out more about this author’s books at: http://www.irisjohansen.com/

[Dolly Sandor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vintage Johansen!! Thoroughly enjoying Catherine Ling's character.

What I liked: I started reading Iris Johansen so long ago and fell in love with her writing style and the voices of her characters. I kind of fell off the wagon when she devoted so many books to Eve. I just got tired of all of Eve's angst. Now, I've fallen in love with her books again and it's thanks to Catherine Ling. She's kick butt, has to be in charge and there's a sense of honor in all her dealings with those around her.

The characters is this series are are all quite different. How can you not love Hu Chang and Luke is the son you think Catherine would have. Extraordinary!! This book, there's a new character, Cameron. He's so different and intriguing. He and Catherine light up the pages.

As always, Ms Johansen's writing is top-notch. She fully develops each and every thing essential in a novel. To me, Live To See Tomorrow is character driven and the storyline while different, didn't make me sit up and take notice. There are mystical aspects to this book which have been showing up more and more in Ms Johanen's novels, which I enjoy completely.

What I didn't like: The premise of the story was a little out there but I have complete trust Ms Johansen will eventually tie everything together.

Overall, I couldn't put this book down. Not so much the storyline but what the characters were going to next drove my interest. I've collected Iris Johansen's novels for a very long time and have many of her oldest books. I was glad to add Live To See Tomorrow to my collection!

Highly Recommend!!

Available at B & N as a hardcover for $20.71 and the Nook book is $12.99. At Amazon, the hardcover is $20.51 and the Kindle edition is $12.74

[Barbara ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

CIA operative Catherine Ling had a really tough childhood on the streets of Hong Kong where Hu Chang rescued her (for the most part). Her 2 year old son was kidnapped by a Russian terrorist and forced to live by his rules for 9 very long years. Catherine has finally gotten Luke back and she's having difficulty adjusting to an 11 year old boy who acts much older.

Catherine is tasked with rescuing a journalist from a Tibetan stronghold where she is being tortured unmercifully by Cadmus, a terrible despot who wants to rule the world. Catherine is joined (at least mentally) by a newbie Richard Cameron who just happens to be "the guardian" of a conglomerate with high-faluting secret goals that Cadmus wants to be part of.

The story runs from Hong Kong to Tibet to San Francisco with Cadmus chasing Catherine, Luke, Erin, Hu Chang and Cameron. This is an exciting thriller that keeps you guessing. Not really about what Cadmus will do because that's pretty obvious but what Catherine and Cameron will do to stop him.

Catherine and Cameron has some serious chemistry (way more than she had with John Gallo, and where the heck is he anyway?). However Catherine is incredibly stubborn and must do things her way or no way so she is very antagonistic towards Cameron. Honestly her attitude got on my nerves after a while. I don't really see a relationship working for this two very mismatched people. Though Cameron is very charismatic and sexy as hell, I still prefer John Gallo as her love interest.

[Trish · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked the beginning ...

So, I used to read Iris Johansen religiously. I was looking for a new book, and a friend recommended this one. I really liked the beginning, and I couldn’t remember why I stopped reading this author... and then it started with the son. Are these people insane? Who thinks it’s ok to bring an 11 year old on a CIA mission? What’s with all the, “I’ll protect him/her. It’s my job! I don’t want the help of a highly effective person to watch my back!” It’s one thing when a trained professional says it, but that kid worked my last nerve the entire book. And Catherine was just annoying. Why are so many people coming along that aren’t trained or necessary? This isn’t a field trip. Hey, yeah, come along! It’s totally fine that we’re gonna put everyone needlessly at risk while we try to keep you safe, but you want to be there to protect me (even though you have no training and/or are a child). Off we go! Whatever.

And the sex was awkwardly done in this book. I have no problem with sex in a book. I’m all for it, in fact, but I just wasn’t feeling it here. Plus, maybe I missed this because I didn’t read the entire saga, but the relationship with Hu Chang? What’s going on there? I can’t tell if they’re meant to be dancing around an attraction or if it’s more sibling type stuff

I don’t know. I wanted to like it, but I don’t think I’ll read any more in the series. The one saving grace for me was Cameron. I have no idea why he wants to bother with Catherine, but I’d read more about his journey.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate to disagree with so many of the people who have reviewed this book, but I don't think it was one of Johansen's better books. I say this, knowing that I really like Catherine Ling and find her to be a really interesting character.

Maybe it is me, but I dislike it when authors try and make something to intense and world changing. I really liked Johansen's early works and Eve Duncan novels that were just damn good thrillers and epic chases. They lose me a bit when they start getting into the mysticism and being able to read minds and communicate that way. And that is not to say I don't like paranormal, but I like paranormal in books that are meant to be paranormal. I feel like the addition of Cameron's mindreading skills don't add to the book and actually take away from the legitimacy of the actual action that is taking place. He can be a complete badass who wants to rescue Erin and help Catherine, without being all magical and the guardian of this "magical" institution. I would have probably had a lot more respect for him.

Not a bad book at all, just not... not as awesome as I was hoping for I guess.

[Ellie]

First, thank you Good Reads for selecting me to receive an advance copy of Iris Johansen's latest book through your giveaways program. Since I am a Johansen's fan and have read nearly all of her books, especially all of those in the Eve Duncan series, I was truly glad to have the opportunity to have read her latest before it was released. Once again, I was not disappointed with one of Johansen's stories. Her characters are always memorable, and was glad for another story with Catherine Ling and all the others involved in her life. I look forward to more stories with Catherine in them. If not already a Johansen fan, I am sure if you try her latest book, you will become one instantly. If already one of her fans, well don't forget to read Live To See Tomorrow, I will not be disappointed.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catherine Ling is convinced to make a solo rescue of a journalist who is being held captive by a "warlord" in a mountain top temple in Tibet.
In the process she encounters Cameron, an enforcer and trouble shooter for a secretive group with world wide connections supposedly working to "make the world a better place" and preparing to rebuild if there is a world wide catastrophe. The warlord has the idea that capturing Cameron will give him knowledge to make a world wide leader and is set on capturing him. Also involved are Catherine's son Luke and her friend and mentor Hu Chang. Another wide ranging adventure from Johansen.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Catherine and everything about her kick arse attitude. Seeing her bond with Luke was great because it was past time but also a little sad because he didn't have a childhood and is a grown up in most ways. Cameron was sure a surprise. I understand Catherine is lonely but I am not sure if he was the best guy for her. I miss John and I felt like they had a better connection. Maybe the two will collide in the next book?

[Sally Lindsay-briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catherine is good at extraction, fighting, is headstrong and very smart. She is sent to Tibet to rescue a woman has been kidnapped and tortured. She is assisted by Cameron and her long time friend HuChang. They are hindered by a man drunk on power, Kadmus. There is non stop action, gun fights and considerable romance. This book demonstrates the power of mind reading, Cameron is very talented at it. I can't read people but this book was a treasure.

[Reindert Van Zwaal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a bit less than I'm used from Johansen. Too many parts that had not much happening and lacked tension. The first half was quite straight forward and predictable. Relationwise the novel was quite good though, with Luke getting quite a character on it's own. An enjoyable read.

[Lynn Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic novel and writer. Suspenseful.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

LIVE TO SEE TOMORROW, the third installment in Iris Johansen's Catherine Ling Series, dives deeper into the life of Catherine, a skilled CIA operative whose priorities shift after the return of her son, Luke who had been kidnapped years earlier. After a nine-year hunt to bring him home, she yearns to provide him with a normal childhood, but Venerable, the head of the CIA, can't afford to let Catherine sit on the sidelines. When an American journalist, Erin Sullivan is kidnapped, Catherine’s mentor Hu Chang is determined to free her. As one of the only people in the world that she truly loves, Catherine will do whatever it takes to keep both Hu Change and Luke safe.

But Kadmus, the criminal who’s taken Erin Sullivan hostage, has plans that will pull Catherine into a world in which she’ll need more than her CIA training to survive. Kadmus sees himself as a king and he’s using Erin for information to find a mythical city that offers more than worldly treasure. He believes either Erin or a mysterious figure he's heard of possesses the key to an extraordinary power. Catherine doesn’t believe in mythical cities but when she comes into contact with Richard Cameron, she’ll have to reconsider and question whether some legends are real.

THOUGHTS
LIVE TO SEE TOMORROW is a suspense thriller with plenty of action and colorful characters. While Kadmus may come off as a cookie-cutter villain, the introduction of Richard Cameron and the hinted existence of Shambala inject fresh elements into the typical CIA procedural narrative. Hu Chang remains a compelling character, displaying unwavering loyalty to Catherine while harboring mysteries of his own. Exploring his curious origins and relationships before meeting Catherine could provide fertile ground for a standalone book.

Additionally, observing Catherine navigate her relationship with her son, Luke proves intriguing. Luke is portrayed as old for his age and deeply scarred by his years in captivity. Luke embodies a complex mix of somberness, curiosity, recklessness, and immaturity. His character holds promise for further exploration as the series unfolds, adding another layer of interest for readers. Johansen finds the right balance with him, a feat that is often challenging for authors when writing children.

The character that presents a challenge in determining their value to the series is Richard Cameron. He is a mysterious figure with great physical and mental powers that set him apart from the rest of the world. At times, his character is intriguing but occasionally it feels like a cross between ‘Superman’ and ‘Dr. Strange’.if both men were supremely sexy in addition to having extraordinary powers. The intimate scenes between Catherine and Cameron are steamy but lack an emotional center largely because both characters are consumed with maintaining control.

RECOMMENDATION 3.5 Stars rounded up to 4
LIVE TO SEE TOMORROW offers an engaging, action-packed story, ideal for fans of Iris Johansen seeking a thrilling escape. While some characters may not resonate with readers, the series' core strengths endure, warranting a solid recommendation.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Catherine Ling is one of the CIA’s most prized operatives. Raised on the streets of Hong Kong, she was pulled into the agency at the age of fourteen. If life has taught her anything, it is not to get attached, but there are two exceptions to that rule: her son Luke and her mentor Hu Chang. Luke was kidnapped at age two, and now, nine years later, he has astonishingly been returned to her. Catherine vows never to fail him again. But when her job pulls her away from home, she relies on the brilliant and deadly Hu Chang to safeguard Luke in her absence.

Now Erin Sullivan, an American journalist with mysterious ties to Hu Chang, has been kidnapped in Tibet. If Catherine doesn’t agree to spearhead the CIA rescue mission Hu Chang himself will go, a possibility she can’t risk. But she will be facing a monster whose crimes stretch back forty years. And the job grows even more complicated when Catherine meets Richard Cameron, a supposed ally who’s clearly not telling all he knows. Their attraction is immediate, but Catherine isn't at all sure that he can be trusted. If she’s going to rescue this journalist with a story worth killing for, she’ll need to keep Cameron very close. From the Himalayas to the back alleys of San Francisco, the clock is ticking for Catherine and those she loves most. At every turn she faces a ruthless enemy who is determined to keep the truth buried, even if it means that none of them live to see tomorrow.”

Not only does Johansen need a thesaurus, but she really needs to do research. These story lines are growing very old and tired.

[AJourneyWithoutMap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Live to See Tomorrow by Iris Johansen is the third book in the Catherine Ling series. The series follow the exploits of Catherine Ling, a CIA agent, who is entrusted the challenging task of saving the life of an American journalist, Erin Sullivan, who disappeared in Tibet. As the missing journalist is personally known to Hu Chang, Catherine’s mentor, she cannot possibly decline the request to find him as Hu Chang would be compelled to trace Erin on his own.

Catherine embarks on a dangerous mission that takes her to the heights of the Himalayas, and from there to the mean streets of the West. During the course of her assignment she comes into contact with a mysterious character Richard Cameron, who has secrets of his own. The deeper she digs into the puzzling missing case of the American journalist, the murkier it gets. Has she been sent on a witch-hunt? Can she really trust Hu Chang to tell the whole truth?

Live to See Tomorrow is one of the best thrillers you will ever get to read. Author Iris Johansen keeps writing one blockbuster thriller after another. Catherine Ling has been shaped into a fine character, and his son Luke is always an important part of her life. The adversary in the story is someone so fiendish and vile you’ll almost want Catherine to tear the antagonist apart. There are other players in the story who all contribute to the overall scheme of things.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think this may be the last I read of this author. I'm sick of how antagonistic the heroines are towards all men. They are supposed to be strong women but it seems like the only words/phrases they know are "damn it" and "you bastard" or "that bastard". They are rude to most people and don't seem to have the ability to form healthy relationships or call men by their first name. It gets really old and is a theme across all of Iris Johansen's books now.
Unfortunately Catherine Ling has become another casualty in this tirade. She isn't assigned this case but takes it willingly then complains about it constantly; complains about having to deal with Cameron (yep let's never call him Richard even after they become lovers); and complains about having her son in danger when she didn't have to be on the case at all and could have just had a nice vacation with her son instead. Grow up. I actually laughed at the end of the book when Catherine told Erin they'd be life long friends when I saw no real bonding or talking bw the 2 characters at all. I loved the first few Eve Duncan books and kept reading to finally find out what happened to Bonnie but all the series Iris writes now are annoying.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not want this book to end. Catherine, her son Luke, and her mentor Hu Chang are already fascinating characters that I can't get enough of but add in Cameron and I didn't want the story to end.

Catherine Ling is a CIA agent sent to Tibet to rescue journalist Erin Sullivan, who is being held and tortured by Kadmus, a criminal who rules by torture and intimidation. While escaping and trying to evade Kadmus and his army, Cameron comes to Catherine in her mind. He is a powerful telepath, the Guardian, part of a secretive organization. He mentally guides her to safety by telling her what to do each step of the way. They escape to San Francisco, but Kadmus and his men continue to hunt for Erin, Catherine, Luke and Hu Chang, all the while seeing Cameron as the end target.

Besides being besotted with Cameron, I'm intrigued with Luke as he grows up. Although Catherine often annoys me to a certain extent, her personality is what makes her so successful as a CIA agent.

[Stacey Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Erin Sullivan, an American journalist working in Tibet has been missing and believed to be held captive by a ruthless killer. The CIA sends Catherine Ling in to free her. Catherine doesn't want to leave her son Luke who's staying with his tutor Sam and friend Hu Chang. Catherine is well equipped and trained to find and free Erin but she doesn't expect Hu Chang to show up with Luke or for Cameron to invade her mind as she's doing it. Things get complicated as she develops feelings for Cameron, labeled "the guardian" by a committee who is trying to hide a "Sahngri-la" type place from prying eyes. The man who kidnapped Erin wants to find this Shangri-La and claim it for himself. He must be stopped. He cannot be allowed to find Cameron or the place he guards. Catherine tries to keep everyone safe as she struggles to "know" her son Luke and deal with her new and unwelcome feelings towards Cameron.

[Alton Motobu · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my last Iris Johansen book; I can no longer take anything from her. I read Catherine Ling #1 and it was fairly interesting, but #2 was nothing but a romance novel. This one (#3) started off as a thriller escape adventure but quickly fizzled out into soft core pornography. Catherine is recruited to rescue an American female journalist from a terrorist stronghold in Tibet, but her handler (the handsome Richard Cameron) has telepathic powers so he guides her through the entire search-and-rescue via telepathic instructions. It was not much of a rescue adventure. The second part takes place in San Francisco's Clement Street Chinatown where Catherine and Cameron set a trap for the terrorist who has come to kill them, but they turn the tables on him and blow him up in a fireworks factory. It sounds more exciting than it really was since Cameron had everything figured out telepathically. But most of this part in Chinatown consisted of sexual encounters between Catherine and Cameron where they lust for each other and many somewhat detailed descriptions of the sex acts permeate throughout. I found it neither exciting nor arousing; it was boring and caused discomfort. This stuff is not for me! I will stick with Jack Reacher novels by Lee Child - leaps and bounds better in terms of action and thrills.

[Mark Giordano · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a 360 page book that would normally take me about 1-week to finish, but I just couldn't get into this story. Every character had survived some difficult past so the dialogue was so mundane as each character refused to accept assistance or guidance from the other. Every character was so strong that it was this constant battle for independence. And then there was this ridiculous sexual tension between two of the characters which turned one of these fiercely independent characters into complete mush. This is the first of the Catherine Ling series that I've read, even though it was the 3rd book in the series, but it's highly doubtful that I'll go back and try to read the previous books. I generally enjoy Iris Johansen but I was disappointed with this book.