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Kendra Michaels #4
Night Watch
Librarian’s note: This is a previously-published edition of
Kindle ASIN: B01DSWKABU.
Kindle ASIN: B01DSWKABU.
A New York Times bestseller, Night Watch is a thrilling Kendra Michaels novel from Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen
Sometimes, what you can’t see will kill you…
Born blind, Kendra Michaels spent the first twenty years of her life living in the darkness. Then, thanks to a revolutionary medical procedure developed by England’s Night Watch Project, she was given the gift of sight. Her highly-developed senses (honed during her years in the dark), combined with her new found vision, have made her a remarkable investigator, sought after by law-enforcement agencies all over the country. But her newest case becomes deeply personal as she uncovers the truth about the shadowy organization that has given her so much.
Kendra is surprised when she is visited by Dr. Charles Waldridge, the researcher who gave her sight. All is not well with the brilliant surgeon; he’s troubled by something he can’t discuss with Kendra. When Waldridge disappears the very night he visits her, Kendra is on the case, recruiting government agent-for-hire Adam Lynch to join her on a trail that leads to the snow-packed California mountains. There they make a gruesome discovery: the corpse of one of Dr. Waldridge’s associates. But it’s only the first casualty in a white-knuckle confrontation with a deadly enemy who will push Kendra to the limits of her abilities. Soon she must fight for her very survival as she tries to stop the killing…and unearth the shocking secret of Night Watch.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2016
795 people are currently reading
3525 people want to read
About the author
Iris Johansen
227 books7,346 followersIris Johansen is a New York Times bestselling author. She began her writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success.
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 381 reviews
August 22, 2022
While interesting, this story and its end seem incomplete. 5 of 10 stars
April 9, 2017
3.5★
This may be more fun for people who’ve already come to admire Kendra Michaels and her Sherlock-like ability to detect subtle nuances in her surroundings. Born blind, and presumably blind for her first three adventures (which I haven't read), I met her as a sighted woman whose been enjoying life to the fullest.
She was apparently trotted out for lectures and TED talks with her doctor, Charles Wallbridge, to show off the world-first procedure (stem cells to repair eyes), until she grew weary of being a celebrity figure and bowed out of the tours.
She’s bumped into her doctor at a forum where she was presenting a paper about music and aging, her current work. She’s happily surprised to see him – he’s become a father-figure to her – and they go out to dinner, after which, he mysteriously disappears.
Meanwhile, we readers have already witnessed a snowy murder, and when Kendra checks out where Wallbridge was staying, even we can put two and two together and figure there’s going to be a connection.
She notices all kinds of tiny details – smells, scratches, mud – that the rest of us would overlook. Sometimes it’s because she uses her other senses, but she says she was so delighted to gain sight, that she probably uses it more carefully than others do.
She reluctantly calls the man she knows can best help, Adam Lynch. It’s obvious to even the newest reader that this is one of those deliciously tortured will-she-won’t-she relationships between two smart, stubborn people.
“ Lynch’s gaze was searching her face. He leaned closer. ‘So I think you’d better tell me about it.’
She hesitated. This was why she had come, wasn’t it? But if she drew Lynch into this it would be a commitment. A commitment she’d been avoiding for months. Because she never knew where that commitment would lead.
He was looking into her eyes. He said softly, ‘Tell me.’
Do it, before she changed her mind. "
It’s ‘that’ kind of relationship. (Be still, my foolish heart.)
She introduces Lynch (always called by his last name) to her mother, who says there’s something about him that frightens her. (Ooo goody! Just the kind of thing to make a daughter stay clear . . . NOT.)
“Kendra . . . He’s a dangerous man. Just in your experience with him, you know that. He wouldn’t hesitate to kill anyone he thinks might be a threat . . . The man comes on strong like a Mack truck. That kind of force practically demands a forceful response. I just don’t want you standing next to him when that response comes.’
‘I can take care of myself.’ ”
Famous last words. Fun, some action, some selfish rich people trying to take advantage of well-meaning scientists, and Jessie, a colourful young woman on a motorbike who’s a two-tours-of-Afghanistan veteran who sets herself up as another protector.
It’s all Kendra Michaels can do to keep all her helpers from tripping over each other, let alone escape the criminals chasing them.
No surprises, really, but diverting and entertaining.
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the review copy from which I've quoted. I'm sure her fans will love it!
This may be more fun for people who’ve already come to admire Kendra Michaels and her Sherlock-like ability to detect subtle nuances in her surroundings. Born blind, and presumably blind for her first three adventures (which I haven't read), I met her as a sighted woman whose been enjoying life to the fullest.
She was apparently trotted out for lectures and TED talks with her doctor, Charles Wallbridge, to show off the world-first procedure (stem cells to repair eyes), until she grew weary of being a celebrity figure and bowed out of the tours.
She’s bumped into her doctor at a forum where she was presenting a paper about music and aging, her current work. She’s happily surprised to see him – he’s become a father-figure to her – and they go out to dinner, after which, he mysteriously disappears.
Meanwhile, we readers have already witnessed a snowy murder, and when Kendra checks out where Wallbridge was staying, even we can put two and two together and figure there’s going to be a connection.
She notices all kinds of tiny details – smells, scratches, mud – that the rest of us would overlook. Sometimes it’s because she uses her other senses, but she says she was so delighted to gain sight, that she probably uses it more carefully than others do.
She reluctantly calls the man she knows can best help, Adam Lynch. It’s obvious to even the newest reader that this is one of those deliciously tortured will-she-won’t-she relationships between two smart, stubborn people.
“ Lynch’s gaze was searching her face. He leaned closer. ‘So I think you’d better tell me about it.’
She hesitated. This was why she had come, wasn’t it? But if she drew Lynch into this it would be a commitment. A commitment she’d been avoiding for months. Because she never knew where that commitment would lead.
He was looking into her eyes. He said softly, ‘Tell me.’
Do it, before she changed her mind. "
It’s ‘that’ kind of relationship. (Be still, my foolish heart.)
She introduces Lynch (always called by his last name) to her mother, who says there’s something about him that frightens her. (Ooo goody! Just the kind of thing to make a daughter stay clear . . . NOT.)
“Kendra . . . He’s a dangerous man. Just in your experience with him, you know that. He wouldn’t hesitate to kill anyone he thinks might be a threat . . . The man comes on strong like a Mack truck. That kind of force practically demands a forceful response. I just don’t want you standing next to him when that response comes.’
‘I can take care of myself.’ ”
Famous last words. Fun, some action, some selfish rich people trying to take advantage of well-meaning scientists, and Jessie, a colourful young woman on a motorbike who’s a two-tours-of-Afghanistan veteran who sets herself up as another protector.
It’s all Kendra Michaels can do to keep all her helpers from tripping over each other, let alone escape the criminals chasing them.
No surprises, really, but diverting and entertaining.
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the review copy from which I've quoted. I'm sure her fans will love it!
September 24, 2016
Silly and fun in equal measure, this is another Johansen hit. I always read these books when i'm feeling down as the unequivocal feel good nature and the love stories never fail to make me smile. This one was energetic with some great new introductions and an incredibly dangerous, gorgeous, and capable man in the form of Adam Lynch. I would be prepared to deal with the difficulties Johansen puts her characters though to get a guy like that.
Many thanks to DJ De Smyter at St.Martin's Press and Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to DJ De Smyter at St.Martin's Press and Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2017
Night Watch is book four in the Kendra Michaels series, and this is the first book I have read from the series. However, I have read several other Iris Johansen books from her Eve Duncan series. So, I was looking forward to reading Night Watch to see if I would fancy the series as much as I love the Eve Duncan series.
Kendra Michaels is an interesting character, she was born blind, but got her sight back nine years prior to this book thanks to an operation. And, she's a bit like Sherlock Holmes when it comes to noticing things, thanks to her years of focusing on other senses than sight when she was blind and then when she got her sight back did she unlike the rest of us that are used to it, train herself to see "everything". So, she makes a hell of an investigator.
The story in this book started off interesting with Kendra being visited by Charles Waldridge the doctor who gave her the sight back. However, she can feel that something is wrong that he's not telling her everything. And, when he goes missing is she determent to find him. She even calls in an old friend Adam Lynch to help her find him.
The book is interesting, I like Kendra, and I liked Jessie a private detective that she meets in the book and I really liked Waldridge and I was worried that he would end up dead. It's interesting how you can care for a character that hardly in the book. However, there was something that just didn't work for me or rather a person, and that was Lynch, he feels like a carbon copy of Quinn from the Eve Duncan series, and I'm not even always that fond of Quinn so having a Quinn copy in this book just felt, well not that interesting. I think the whole, "I'm a badass guy, and a walking one person army kind of dude" just doesn't always work for me. And, when they started to do the whole "will they, or won't they dance" in the book did I feel my interest in the story cooled down. Seriously, I was thinking through the book that there are several interesting guys in this book, and she goes for the typical one? It just ruined the book a little bit for me.
Now, I don't say that the book was totally bad, I liked the story, but I felt I lost focus whenever Lynch showed up. Kendra is a smart cookie, and I liked reading about her past with Waldridge and her Sherlock Holmes tendency amused me. So, the book was in a way good, and in a way...less good than I had hoped it would be. I think that fans of this series will like this book, especially if they are fond of the idea of Kendra and Lynch together. Also, it was an easy book to get into so any newbies would probably enjoy the book as well.
I want to thank the S:t Martins Press for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
Kendra Michaels is an interesting character, she was born blind, but got her sight back nine years prior to this book thanks to an operation. And, she's a bit like Sherlock Holmes when it comes to noticing things, thanks to her years of focusing on other senses than sight when she was blind and then when she got her sight back did she unlike the rest of us that are used to it, train herself to see "everything". So, she makes a hell of an investigator.
The story in this book started off interesting with Kendra being visited by Charles Waldridge the doctor who gave her the sight back. However, she can feel that something is wrong that he's not telling her everything. And, when he goes missing is she determent to find him. She even calls in an old friend Adam Lynch to help her find him.
The book is interesting, I like Kendra, and I liked Jessie a private detective that she meets in the book and I really liked Waldridge and I was worried that he would end up dead. It's interesting how you can care for a character that hardly in the book. However, there was something that just didn't work for me or rather a person, and that was Lynch, he feels like a carbon copy of Quinn from the Eve Duncan series, and I'm not even always that fond of Quinn so having a Quinn copy in this book just felt, well not that interesting. I think the whole, "I'm a badass guy, and a walking one person army kind of dude" just doesn't always work for me. And, when they started to do the whole "will they, or won't they dance" in the book did I feel my interest in the story cooled down. Seriously, I was thinking through the book that there are several interesting guys in this book, and she goes for the typical one? It just ruined the book a little bit for me.
Now, I don't say that the book was totally bad, I liked the story, but I felt I lost focus whenever Lynch showed up. Kendra is a smart cookie, and I liked reading about her past with Waldridge and her Sherlock Holmes tendency amused me. So, the book was in a way good, and in a way...less good than I had hoped it would be. I think that fans of this series will like this book, especially if they are fond of the idea of Kendra and Lynch together. Also, it was an easy book to get into so any newbies would probably enjoy the book as well.
I want to thank the S:t Martins Press for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
May 6, 2017
This has to be the best Kendra Michaels book yet. And, I'm not just saying that because it has much more romance in this romantic suspense novel. (I just wish Kendra and Adam would put me out of my misery and act on their feelings, dammit!)
This book also has a great story of abducted scientists, evil pharmaceutical CEOs, and crime scenes for Kendra to show her stuff!
Can't wait to see where they go from here.
This book also has a great story of abducted scientists, evil pharmaceutical CEOs, and crime scenes for Kendra to show her stuff!
Can't wait to see where they go from here.
October 19, 2016
Kendra Michaels had been born blind and for her first twenty years of her life her other senses became overly developed as a way for her to adapt without her sight. When a revolutionary medical procedure developed by England’s Night Watch Project became available to Kendra she finds herself being able to see for the first time in her life. Kendra with her newfound site began to work with law enforcement as a consultant with the help of her overly developed senses along with her new found sight.
Kendra receives a visit from Dr. Charles Waldridge who had been the one that returned Kendra's sight and she didn't think everything was well with him. That very night though the doctor that Kendra feels she owes everything to has come up missing so Kendra is determined to do whatever she can to find him before it's to late. Making contact with those she's worked with before Kendra jumps right into the investigation and won't give up until she knows what happened.
Night Watch is the fourth book in the Kendra Michaels series by Iris Johansen. This however is the first of this series I've read so I was jumping in a bit blind myself as to what had gone on in the first three books. I think for the most part this one read fine as a standalone with the exception of possibly some background information on the characters. There are things mentioned here and there that I wasn't sure if it had happened in previous books or was new information to the story but overall the author does a good job of catching the reader up on the series and characters making the read enjoyable.
This particular book in the series was full of the action that I have come to expect from an Iris Johansen story. Kendra is a strong, determined female lead that while she often seems a bit quirky she was extremely likable and fun to follow as she tried to solve the case. I don't know what the previous books focused on but this one seemed to really drive Kendra to solve the case with her personal involvement with Dr. Waldridge.
Overall, another really solid read from Iris Johansen, action packed and intense all the way through.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Kendra receives a visit from Dr. Charles Waldridge who had been the one that returned Kendra's sight and she didn't think everything was well with him. That very night though the doctor that Kendra feels she owes everything to has come up missing so Kendra is determined to do whatever she can to find him before it's to late. Making contact with those she's worked with before Kendra jumps right into the investigation and won't give up until she knows what happened.
Night Watch is the fourth book in the Kendra Michaels series by Iris Johansen. This however is the first of this series I've read so I was jumping in a bit blind myself as to what had gone on in the first three books. I think for the most part this one read fine as a standalone with the exception of possibly some background information on the characters. There are things mentioned here and there that I wasn't sure if it had happened in previous books or was new information to the story but overall the author does a good job of catching the reader up on the series and characters making the read enjoyable.
This particular book in the series was full of the action that I have come to expect from an Iris Johansen story. Kendra is a strong, determined female lead that while she often seems a bit quirky she was extremely likable and fun to follow as she tried to solve the case. I don't know what the previous books focused on but this one seemed to really drive Kendra to solve the case with her personal involvement with Dr. Waldridge.
Overall, another really solid read from Iris Johansen, action packed and intense all the way through.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
September 18, 2016
I have read all that Iris Johansen writes and her Kendra Michaels character does not disappoint. Kendra was born blind but a new experimental process gave her eyesight to her and since she has used the skills of her senses she developed when she was blind to notice more things than a sighted person would notice. She has helped the CIA and the FBI solve their cases due to the attention to detail she uses to see things that otherwise go unnoticed. Now the doctor who gave her the gift of her sight has disappeared after visiting her and she wants to find him. One of his partner’s has turned up dead. She calls in all the help she can from the FBI and Lynch whom she swore she would not contact for a very long time. The chemistry between Lynch and Kendra is strong but Kendra does not like to be out of control so she has fought the attraction. Now she has used herself as bait and they need to find her and her doctor she has sacrificed herself for before they both turn up dead. Lynch will use all of his skills and contacts, both legal and illegal to find her. Another great read cannot wait for the next Kendra Michaels book. I would like to thank the Publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
March 9, 2017
Another awesome read from iris Johansen and Roy Johansen!!! Kendra Michaels is one of the best characters in fiction! In this new read we find out more about the doctor who gave her sight.Dr Charles waldridge. After coming to see kendra he disappears and kendra knows that something's not right.so with help from the hot Adam lynch and a PI Jessica mercado who is one bad ass chic its a race to find Dr waldridge and it looks like the night watch project is behind his disappearance and the deaths of some of the people involved in this organization. I love this mother son team,their books are always a thrilling roller coaster read!!! Can't wait for the next book in this series!!! The heat just keeps getting hotter with kendra and Adam!!! I love this bad boy!!!
October 10, 2016
Kendra is back and stronger than ever. This story takes us back to the beginning with flashbacks of Kendra when she was a blind teen with no hope of seeing. When her determined mother forces an experimental procedure to be used on her, it allows her to see. The leading scientist to help bring sight into her eyes is Dr. Charles Waldridge. His research which is part of the Night Watch Project in merry ole England is supposed to help the world become a better place. When he visits Kendra out of the blue in California, her spidey scenes go into overdrive.
I love Kendra. This character is so well designed and I love how observer she can be with all her senses. Ms. Johansen does a marvelous job of creating a plausible character through existing science and a bit of fringe science. Kendra is a multifaceted intriguing character who inspires me to do better and to observe more. She is thankful of every day she can see and appreciates even the littles things. Her cognitive abilities are off the chart. She is an over achiever whom makes me want to do more and strive to be better. I love her character and each time I read about her, I am more impressed. This time around, she further demonstrates her loyalty to friends. She is not perfect and I also enjoy that about her. She is human in the same way as we are with relationships. She creates strong friendships and she also is leery of romantic entanglements. It is quite amusing to watch her be fox to Adam Lynch's hound. She leads him on a merry chase which only brings exhilaration and excitement. The sexual tension in this tale is well done and I enjoy how Ms. Johansen continues to build and tease the reader with it.
This lengthy novel is to be savoured like a fine wine as the reader follows along in this suspense thriller. Chasing down the reasons why Charles is kidnapped and saving him makes this story action packed. It moves fast and keeps me engaged. This is a page turner which is physically painful to put down the book when it is time to work. It is best to set time aside to read this book from beginning to end, otherwise any interruptions make cause the reader to become a growly monster. Ms. Johansen's writing gives a reader the shotgun seat, riding along with Kendra and Adam as they solve this mystery. The emotions invoked in this story are sharp and real. The anxiety Kendra feels as she is searching desperately for Charles leaps off the pages. Ms. Johansen is a masterful storyteller who captures the reader's attention and holds them in thrall until she deems time for release. This story is so good that after I finished reading it, I immediately started reading it again to re-live some of the highlights. This is one of my favourite books in this series' universe. I cannot wait to see what new adventures Kendra will take us on. One only hopes Adam will continue to appear and woo her with his special mercenary connections and skills. This book is highly recommended to everyone for reading. It can be read as a standalone.
*provided by NetGalley
I love Kendra. This character is so well designed and I love how observer she can be with all her senses. Ms. Johansen does a marvelous job of creating a plausible character through existing science and a bit of fringe science. Kendra is a multifaceted intriguing character who inspires me to do better and to observe more. She is thankful of every day she can see and appreciates even the littles things. Her cognitive abilities are off the chart. She is an over achiever whom makes me want to do more and strive to be better. I love her character and each time I read about her, I am more impressed. This time around, she further demonstrates her loyalty to friends. She is not perfect and I also enjoy that about her. She is human in the same way as we are with relationships. She creates strong friendships and she also is leery of romantic entanglements. It is quite amusing to watch her be fox to Adam Lynch's hound. She leads him on a merry chase which only brings exhilaration and excitement. The sexual tension in this tale is well done and I enjoy how Ms. Johansen continues to build and tease the reader with it.
This lengthy novel is to be savoured like a fine wine as the reader follows along in this suspense thriller. Chasing down the reasons why Charles is kidnapped and saving him makes this story action packed. It moves fast and keeps me engaged. This is a page turner which is physically painful to put down the book when it is time to work. It is best to set time aside to read this book from beginning to end, otherwise any interruptions make cause the reader to become a growly monster. Ms. Johansen's writing gives a reader the shotgun seat, riding along with Kendra and Adam as they solve this mystery. The emotions invoked in this story are sharp and real. The anxiety Kendra feels as she is searching desperately for Charles leaps off the pages. Ms. Johansen is a masterful storyteller who captures the reader's attention and holds them in thrall until she deems time for release. This story is so good that after I finished reading it, I immediately started reading it again to re-live some of the highlights. This is one of my favourite books in this series' universe. I cannot wait to see what new adventures Kendra will take us on. One only hopes Adam will continue to appear and woo her with his special mercenary connections and skills. This book is highly recommended to everyone for reading. It can be read as a standalone.
*provided by NetGalley
October 26, 2016
This book begins with all kinds of promise. It is the fourth book in the series but can easily be read as a standalone. As the blurb states, Dr. Kendra Michaels was blind until the age of 19 when Dr. Charles Waldridge and his team in the Night Watch program successfully used stem cells to regenerate her damaged retinas. After two decades of blindness, Kendra’s sense of smell, sound and observation skills are amplified. These talents make her a popular resource for police agencies when solving crimes. In Night Watch Kendra is thrust into problem solving action when Dr. Waldridge goes missing while visiting California. When another researcher known to work for the Night Watch program turns up dead, she calls on ex-government agent Adam Lynch to help her find Waldridge and discover why the program which gave her back her sight is under attack from forces unknown.
Sounds good, right? I wish I could say the book lives up to the blurb but there were too many eye rolling moments to elevate the story to more than a mediocre read. My problems began with Kendra herself. She comes across as obnoxious and pompous, treating all law enforcement agents with arrogant disdain. Her abilities to smell what cologne someone was wearing or the type of burrito they ate in a car borders on ridiculous. When she tells Lynch that he had two young women in his ferrari and that he had taken the Latina woman home with him I silently nominated her as blood hound of the month. Her observational skills and deductive reasoning resembled another famous sleuth named Sherlock Holmes. She shared his warm personality. Their relationship (Kendra with Lynch, not Holmes) comes across as weird and awkward. He is attracted to her, she is also attracted to herself. She does comment on how she feels “overwhelmed by everything that is Adam Lynch. The whiff of his scent, the feel of his facial stubble, and the heat of his deep, almost animalistic breathing.” Animalistic breathing is not high on my checklist of what to look for in a relationship but each to his own. Following a Hollywood action movie ending I don’t want to talk about, Lynch and Michaels end up fighting. There are slow burn romances and then there are weird and awkward relationships. This couple falls into the latter category.
There is a plot in there somewhere but it was weak and buried under too much cartoon super sleuth detective work.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley for review.
Sounds good, right? I wish I could say the book lives up to the blurb but there were too many eye rolling moments to elevate the story to more than a mediocre read. My problems began with Kendra herself. She comes across as obnoxious and pompous, treating all law enforcement agents with arrogant disdain. Her abilities to smell what cologne someone was wearing or the type of burrito they ate in a car borders on ridiculous. When she tells Lynch that he had two young women in his ferrari and that he had taken the Latina woman home with him I silently nominated her as blood hound of the month. Her observational skills and deductive reasoning resembled another famous sleuth named Sherlock Holmes. She shared his warm personality. Their relationship (Kendra with Lynch, not Holmes) comes across as weird and awkward. He is attracted to her, she is also attracted to herself. She does comment on how she feels “overwhelmed by everything that is Adam Lynch. The whiff of his scent, the feel of his facial stubble, and the heat of his deep, almost animalistic breathing.” Animalistic breathing is not high on my checklist of what to look for in a relationship but each to his own. Following a Hollywood action movie ending I don’t want to talk about, Lynch and Michaels end up fighting. There are slow burn romances and then there are weird and awkward relationships. This couple falls into the latter category.
There is a plot in there somewhere but it was weak and buried under too much cartoon super sleuth detective work.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley for review.
November 21, 2016
Fantastic book from page one through the end. It's a great book for more lengthy reading time, as it is will provide hours of fast paced action and inserting topics and friendships, both new and old.
While I have only read this one book if this series it is enough to make me go back and read more. You can read the summary of the book to find out a detailed synopsis but here is a quick one.
Kendra is a doctor and at one of her lectures the doctor who gave her sight surprises her and they go out for dinner after. During dinner he is vague about what is bothering him, which only peeks her interest, and then the next day he is gone. Kendra decides that she has to look for him and it puts her in danger.
This is a new series to me but one I will follow. The author is new to me but also one I will now follow. There were no lulls in this book and of course there was a love interest. Yummy!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While I have only read this one book if this series it is enough to make me go back and read more. You can read the summary of the book to find out a detailed synopsis but here is a quick one.
Kendra is a doctor and at one of her lectures the doctor who gave her sight surprises her and they go out for dinner after. During dinner he is vague about what is bothering him, which only peeks her interest, and then the next day he is gone. Kendra decides that she has to look for him and it puts her in danger.
This is a new series to me but one I will follow. The author is new to me but also one I will now follow. There were no lulls in this book and of course there was a love interest. Yummy!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2018
I have just plowed my way through this series this week and that should indicate how addicting these books are! Night Watch is the 4th book in the Kendra Michaels series and one of the really cool things about this book is we are given some detailed back story on the operation that gave Kendra her sight back. Not only were we given an explanation of the operation but the doctor who Kendra formed such a close relationship with, Dr. Waldridge, is a main character in this one.
I did not enjoy Night Watch as much as I enjoyed some of the other books in the series but I liked it nonetheless. I felt like the ending kind of was predictable but I might just feel that way because I read these out of order and already know what happens in Book 5. I liked the introduction of Jessie Mercado in Night Watch, I feel like she is another character that fits well into the Kendra/Lynch combo and I was glad to see her play such an important role in Night Watch. I also feel like I finally got to see Kendra and Lynch come a little bit closer to being the couple I know they are capable of being which I obviously loved because I am a full supporter of them being together. Their chemistry is just unreal and I absolutely love it.
As I have said in my past reviews of other books in this series, I definitely recommend it. They are easy reads and they pull you in quickly. Warning though, once you start you can't stop! I am so anxious to read the sixth book that will be coming out in June!
I did not enjoy Night Watch as much as I enjoyed some of the other books in the series but I liked it nonetheless. I felt like the ending kind of was predictable but I might just feel that way because I read these out of order and already know what happens in Book 5. I liked the introduction of Jessie Mercado in Night Watch, I feel like she is another character that fits well into the Kendra/Lynch combo and I was glad to see her play such an important role in Night Watch. I also feel like I finally got to see Kendra and Lynch come a little bit closer to being the couple I know they are capable of being which I obviously loved because I am a full supporter of them being together. Their chemistry is just unreal and I absolutely love it.
As I have said in my past reviews of other books in this series, I definitely recommend it. They are easy reads and they pull you in quickly. Warning though, once you start you can't stop! I am so anxious to read the sixth book that will be coming out in June!
April 1, 2017
Although there were a few items which I didn't appreciate, I still really did enjoy reading this book which was #4 in the Kendra Michaels series.
First, this book gives some insight into the Night Watch project which was how Kendra received the miracle of sight. I really liked the back ground and her relationship with the doctor who pioneered her medical procedure. The way the plot was woven with the good doctor, Charles Waldridge, was really nicely done. With his new procedures being threatened by greedy and dangerous sponsors, Waldridge tries to hide but is kidnapped. Kendra begins the search for him and won't stop until she finds him. This was a great plot.
In addition to Waldridge this book also introduces a female PI whose character I really liked and I hope she returns to future books.
What I wasn't as thrilled with were the following:
• When Kendra is in danger, she goes off the deep end when Lynch and Jessie (the PI) try to look out for her without her approval. For me, how upset she was that she wasn't in control and the mini temper tantrum she threw was over the top. One would hope someone of her intelligence would have recognized that their help was needed without the emotional melodrama.
• Lynch's character got on my nerves. There were aspects of his character that worked well for the book, but for the most part he seemed just a little "too" everything and I wished his character had been developed a little differently. I could have definitely done without his womanizing history and especially the following comment of his that he made to Kendra:
• I'm not too big in the having a character play "bait" and oops it didn't go as planned scenario which was used here. It did lead to a really nice escape and rescue scene, but, yeah, I was a little disappointed in the set-up.
Still even with the items I didn't appreciate, I enjoyed this book. I really like the character of Kendra and will definitely look forward to future books in this series.
First, this book gives some insight into the Night Watch project which was how Kendra received the miracle of sight. I really liked the back ground and her relationship with the doctor who pioneered her medical procedure. The way the plot was woven with the good doctor, Charles Waldridge, was really nicely done. With his new procedures being threatened by greedy and dangerous sponsors, Waldridge tries to hide but is kidnapped. Kendra begins the search for him and won't stop until she finds him. This was a great plot.
In addition to Waldridge this book also introduces a female PI whose character I really liked and I hope she returns to future books.
What I wasn't as thrilled with were the following:
• When Kendra is in danger, she goes off the deep end when Lynch and Jessie (the PI) try to look out for her without her approval. For me, how upset she was that she wasn't in control and the mini temper tantrum she threw was over the top. One would hope someone of her intelligence would have recognized that their help was needed without the emotional melodrama.
• Lynch's character got on my nerves. There were aspects of his character that worked well for the book, but for the most part he seemed just a little "too" everything and I wished his character had been developed a little differently. I could have definitely done without his womanizing history and especially the following comment of his that he made to Kendra:
"But don't think I'm going to be pining for you and make you uncomfortable. As I said, I have a voracious appetite. There will be other women who are less interesting, but also less complicated than you." pg 114.
• I'm not too big in the having a character play "bait" and oops it didn't go as planned scenario which was used here. It did lead to a really nice escape and rescue scene, but, yeah, I was a little disappointed in the set-up.
Still even with the items I didn't appreciate, I enjoyed this book. I really like the character of Kendra and will definitely look forward to future books in this series.
October 23, 2016
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I have read alot of books by Iris Johansen and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. I had yet to read anything from this series but I knew from the books description that it would be an excellent story. This book can definitely be read as a stand alone as all of the background information for kendra is there. The story was very intriguing and kept me turning the pages in suspense from beginning to end! Lots of exciting action and a touch of humor and romance as well! I highly recommend this book!
November 13, 2016
Why do I continue to read these books?
Kendra Michaels is a thoroughly annoying, self-righteous and, quite frankly, unbelievable protagonist. The premise is that she is exceptionally smart and intuitive because she was blind until the age of 19 so she was able to hone her remaining senses and still continues to use them ten years later. How, then, can she make such stupid and ridiculous decisions and while doing so, be such a heinous bitch to everybody who loves her? I'm finished with this series.
Kendra Michaels is a thoroughly annoying, self-righteous and, quite frankly, unbelievable protagonist. The premise is that she is exceptionally smart and intuitive because she was blind until the age of 19 so she was able to hone her remaining senses and still continues to use them ten years later. How, then, can she make such stupid and ridiculous decisions and while doing so, be such a heinous bitch to everybody who loves her? I'm finished with this series.
July 30, 2017
Predictable. Unrealistic, stiff characters who say the most stupid things, especially Lynch.
March 5, 2021
Twenty years in the dark as a blind woman came to an end for Dr. Kendra Michaels. A revolutionary surgery restored her sight. During those sightless years, Kendra developed her other senses to near perfection. Adding sight back in has given Kendra an extra edge when it comes to seeing things others easily miss.
In this exciting fourth book in the series, there is a new killer at large. Kendra has just delivered another research paper, this one regarding aging. When she is not being sought after by the police, CIA and the FBI for her professional assistance, she has created several successful music therapy programs, her latest one that can be used to treat Alzheimer's patients. As Kendra is wrapping things up, she is shocked to see one particular person in the audience. It is Dr. Charles Waldridge, the very researcher who gave her back her sight. It has been five years, but here he is.
Kendra can sense immediately that something is really bothering Charles. As they begin to catch up, Kendra tries to see what it is that is troubling Charles. However, is is reluctant to share much with her, and then he disappears. Of course, Kendra is on the case, pulling former FBI agent Adam Lynch in for his assistance. Adam is pretty much a consultant like Kendra has become and the two work well together. Meanwhile, they are still dealing with their powerful shared attraction. As always, the authors present readers with an intense, action-filled ride. Add in some unsavory characters, thrilling situations and Night Watch is truly an exceptional story.
In this exciting fourth book in the series, there is a new killer at large. Kendra has just delivered another research paper, this one regarding aging. When she is not being sought after by the police, CIA and the FBI for her professional assistance, she has created several successful music therapy programs, her latest one that can be used to treat Alzheimer's patients. As Kendra is wrapping things up, she is shocked to see one particular person in the audience. It is Dr. Charles Waldridge, the very researcher who gave her back her sight. It has been five years, but here he is.
Kendra can sense immediately that something is really bothering Charles. As they begin to catch up, Kendra tries to see what it is that is troubling Charles. However, is is reluctant to share much with her, and then he disappears. Of course, Kendra is on the case, pulling former FBI agent Adam Lynch in for his assistance. Adam is pretty much a consultant like Kendra has become and the two work well together. Meanwhile, they are still dealing with their powerful shared attraction. As always, the authors present readers with an intense, action-filled ride. Add in some unsavory characters, thrilling situations and Night Watch is truly an exceptional story.
October 19, 2016
Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.
A mild disappointment. It just took too long for the story to pick up rhythm.
I wasn't a fan of the cover but the title was the first thing that captured me. Then the summary. Just listen—or read. Kendra has developed high perception from the many years she was blind, and now she has sight, she doesn't want to take anything for granted. When the doctor who performed this miracle goes missing and an associate of his turns up dead, she'll do anything to have him back safe and sound. Even work again with the FBI or call allies she preferred not to face.
It does get good eventually. This was well-researched story, and easy to understand at the same time. Scientific shenanigans are not my specialty, so I don't know if it all makes real sense but it rang verisimilar to me. And it did amaze me. Kudos to the authors there. Also, they were really smart. I liked the plans, I liked how both sides could keep up without one's failure having been a stupid mistake. This was exciting.
Unfortunately, the book had serious flaws.
First, I had a problem with the main characters. Not that I hated Kendra and Lynch. I even liked them. But they just sounded too resourced, too fantastic. For they always had something, it took me long to actually fear for them—or for Kendra, as Lynch never seemed to be in danger. I kept thinking how the dynamics would work well in a TV series but it didn't do me anything as a book.
Also, the story was just too slow. To be honest, I don't know how it could have been done differently but I just didn't see any reason why to keep reading when for so long the only problem was some man missing. I feel thrillers also need to have stepping stones to keep us going, and this one held information for too long.
This was an ARC, so it will be revised by the time it hits stores. Still, I'm always reading ARC's, I know what to expect. This needs more than usual. So many "but"s! Really, that you should be able to take care of with CTRL+F, no need to let it for the final revision. By the way, I'm saying this but the language was mostly not an issue. Just the "but"s bothered the heck out of me. Sorry for whining here.
I think this should be a read for those who don't mind slow, slow, too darn slow beginnings. The opening scene is amazing—now I think of it, I wanted more of that Jaden character!—, the action scenes from around the middle section are superb, this is a smart book. Still, the main characters were too much of a cliché, and forget about feeling pierced to the reading.
A mild disappointment. It just took too long for the story to pick up rhythm.
I wasn't a fan of the cover but the title was the first thing that captured me. Then the summary. Just listen—or read. Kendra has developed high perception from the many years she was blind, and now she has sight, she doesn't want to take anything for granted. When the doctor who performed this miracle goes missing and an associate of his turns up dead, she'll do anything to have him back safe and sound. Even work again with the FBI or call allies she preferred not to face.
It does get good eventually. This was well-researched story, and easy to understand at the same time. Scientific shenanigans are not my specialty, so I don't know if it all makes real sense but it rang verisimilar to me. And it did amaze me. Kudos to the authors there. Also, they were really smart. I liked the plans, I liked how both sides could keep up without one's failure having been a stupid mistake. This was exciting.
Unfortunately, the book had serious flaws.
First, I had a problem with the main characters. Not that I hated Kendra and Lynch. I even liked them. But they just sounded too resourced, too fantastic. For they always had something, it took me long to actually fear for them—or for Kendra, as Lynch never seemed to be in danger. I kept thinking how the dynamics would work well in a TV series but it didn't do me anything as a book.
Also, the story was just too slow. To be honest, I don't know how it could have been done differently but I just didn't see any reason why to keep reading when for so long the only problem was some man missing. I feel thrillers also need to have stepping stones to keep us going, and this one held information for too long.
This was an ARC, so it will be revised by the time it hits stores. Still, I'm always reading ARC's, I know what to expect. This needs more than usual. So many "but"s! Really, that you should be able to take care of with CTRL+F, no need to let it for the final revision. By the way, I'm saying this but the language was mostly not an issue. Just the "but"s bothered the heck out of me. Sorry for whining here.
I think this should be a read for those who don't mind slow, slow, too darn slow beginnings. The opening scene is amazing—now I think of it, I wanted more of that Jaden character!—, the action scenes from around the middle section are superb, this is a smart book. Still, the main characters were too much of a cliché, and forget about feeling pierced to the reading.
October 7, 2016
I received this ARC of Night Watch after winning it in a Goodreads giveaway! I got it in the mail that afternoon, but had to wait to start it at night, and boy, I didn't want to go to bed, instead staying up till 0200 reading! I think Iris and Roy make a great writing team, though I can still tell when Iris is writing something--her love scenes, in particular, are peppered with one word bullets that are instantly identifiable as her writing! This character, Dr. Michaels, is very interesting to me, as she started out blind, and as a result of experimental surgery, gained her eyesight. How she copes with going from essentially one world to another makes her a strong woman who retains a real sense of always wanting to help others, as she has been helped. Working as a music therapist and also as a part-time FBI crime solver makes her life busy as well as occasionally dangerous, as happens in this book. I won't go into more detail, to avoid giving away the plot, but this book works for me! I'm looking forward to the next chapter in the life of Dr. Kendra Michaels.
December 17, 2016
Kendra Michaels finishes presenting a paper on music therapy at a university and looks up to see the doctor who gave her sight. Kendra was born blind and nine years ago had surgery at the Night Watch Project in England. Dr Charles Aldridge has always regarded Kendra as his favorite patient but he is acting strangely and seemingly hiding information on why he is visiting the area. When he suddenly goes missing, Kendra is determined to find him. Using her unusually enhanced powers of observation, Kendra enlists her contacts in law enforcement to get involved with the case. As Kendra and ex-agent Adam Lynch find a dead body and attempts are made to kidnap Kendra, she realizes something is terribly wrong with the Night Watch Project.
I actually like this spinoff series better than the original Eve Duncan series. I liked Jessie, the private investigator introduced in this story and hope to see her in the future. I always enjoy reading about the clues that Kendra can see and smell that other investigators miss.
I actually like this spinoff series better than the original Eve Duncan series. I liked Jessie, the private investigator introduced in this story and hope to see her in the future. I always enjoy reading about the clues that Kendra can see and smell that other investigators miss.
September 6, 2018
While I liked the book, sometimes I just wanted to shake the main character and tell her to stop being such a fool! Many situations just not very believable. If it hadn’t been for the narrator, never would have finished the book. Johansen also, got very close to the line where I stop reading her books, cause I don’t need instructions as to what men and women who care for each other do when they spend the night together. <><
August 2, 2018
Although the mystery of the book surrounds an interesting topic, all of the characters were unlikeable. It was hard to muddle through the interactions of the characters. This book will be the first and last Iris Johansen book I will read.
September 14, 2016
Gah, another enjoyable Iris Johansen (and Roy Johansen) book! Loved having a real look into how Kendra got her sight back, and yeah, loved the mystery, and the developments between Kendra and Lynch!
July 23, 2017
“Night Watch” the fourth thrilling and captivating book in the “Kendra Michaels” series opens when Kendra is catapulted into investigating the disappearance of Dr. Charles Waldridge the researcher who gave her back her sight, his Night Watch Project and the threat of a multimillion dollar organization. With freelance agent Adam Lynch Kendra follows a trail from the snow packed mountains of Big Bear mountain and the discovery of Dr. Waldridge’s brutally murdered colleague, to a disturbing laboratory in an old factory near London and finally to the sands of California’s Anzo-Borrego Desert.
Intertwined with a fast -paced thrill-ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat you get a glimpse into the medical procedure developed by Dr. Waldridge and England’s Night Watch Project that gave Kendra her sight and made her a phenomenal investigator prized by law-enforcement agencies across the country. Memories of the past swamp Kendra with feelings of gratitude, respect and admiration making her more determined than ever to find the man she thinks of as a friend and father-figure no matter the cost.
Action-packed as assassins stalk her, and she’s forced to make a decision that jeopardizes her life and gives Lynch heart palpitations, the story twists and turns with an explosive confrontation near the end. As the tension escalates the chemistry ignites between Kendra and Lynch only to have her hesitate and you wonder if the two will ever get together. There’s even a dash of humor with their clashes when Lynch tries to control a situation and Kendra rebels, as well as with PI (Private Investigator) Jessie Mercado’s dry wit. Well-developed and intoxicating as events unfold the plot progresses to a climax that begs for another book.
The characters continue to be complex, intense and unforgettable as they deal with a deadly enemy that pushes them to their limits. Kendra Michaels with her inquisitive mind, persistence, recklessness and independence continues to be an aphrodisiac for the smug, magnetic, and dangerous free lance agent Adam Lynch. Cool, contained, and intimidating the Puppetmaster’s protective instincts are aroused whenever Kendra’s near. And there are new faces including the wary and tough PI Jessie Mercado and the workaholic and stubborn genius Dr. Charles Waldridge. Yet it’s the sinister cold-hearted menace of enforcer John Jaden and the power-hunger and greedy ambition of Ted Dyle that gives the plot a terrifying chill.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Night Watch”, a series I will continue to follow as the cases heat up and Kendra’s torn between her investigative expertise and her love for the patients she helps with her music therapy.
Intertwined with a fast -paced thrill-ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat you get a glimpse into the medical procedure developed by Dr. Waldridge and England’s Night Watch Project that gave Kendra her sight and made her a phenomenal investigator prized by law-enforcement agencies across the country. Memories of the past swamp Kendra with feelings of gratitude, respect and admiration making her more determined than ever to find the man she thinks of as a friend and father-figure no matter the cost.
Action-packed as assassins stalk her, and she’s forced to make a decision that jeopardizes her life and gives Lynch heart palpitations, the story twists and turns with an explosive confrontation near the end. As the tension escalates the chemistry ignites between Kendra and Lynch only to have her hesitate and you wonder if the two will ever get together. There’s even a dash of humor with their clashes when Lynch tries to control a situation and Kendra rebels, as well as with PI (Private Investigator) Jessie Mercado’s dry wit. Well-developed and intoxicating as events unfold the plot progresses to a climax that begs for another book.
The characters continue to be complex, intense and unforgettable as they deal with a deadly enemy that pushes them to their limits. Kendra Michaels with her inquisitive mind, persistence, recklessness and independence continues to be an aphrodisiac for the smug, magnetic, and dangerous free lance agent Adam Lynch. Cool, contained, and intimidating the Puppetmaster’s protective instincts are aroused whenever Kendra’s near. And there are new faces including the wary and tough PI Jessie Mercado and the workaholic and stubborn genius Dr. Charles Waldridge. Yet it’s the sinister cold-hearted menace of enforcer John Jaden and the power-hunger and greedy ambition of Ted Dyle that gives the plot a terrifying chill.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Night Watch”, a series I will continue to follow as the cases heat up and Kendra’s torn between her investigative expertise and her love for the patients she helps with her music therapy.
June 17, 2017
4.5 stars!
I have enjoyed this author for many, many years. I was happy to briefly meet her at RT in Atlanta this May.
Some of her earlier romantic suspense books, from the 1990s, were just a touch paranormal, with what is truly my favorite kind, extraordinary skills of the mind. It is magic but in a more possible way, possibly real. The people in these thrilling stories were related loosely with someone knowing someone else. I truly loved these stories with each having a romance and a strong women featured. I cannot believe none of this author's books have been reviewed here. But the stores above are older, before the blogging times, and lately other than Kendra, it has been primarily the Eve Duncan series.
Kendra Michaels is a strong, fascinating women with a good heart. I have read every one in this Kendra Michaels series and it (the series) feels like the earlier romantic suspense thrillers. Kendra is like a modern day Sherlock Holmes with keen skills of observation, deductive reasoning and immense information resources and contacts. I love her smarts and how she uses them. And there's humor!
I would read the series in order as it builds in knowledge of the world and of the character. Besides, they are just so good! This is such an engagement for the mind and senses. There is also a spark of romance which I can't help hoping turns into a 4 alarm fire. It's not needed for the plot but I would enjoy it. Kendra is all about focusing her mind, working her skills and controlling her actions. I relate. This series is more urban fantasy than PNR with the same heroine throughout and more casework than romance. So recommended and it looks like the next, Look Behind You, will be available July 18, 2017!
Lynch shook his head. “Damn.”
“What?”
“I’ve practically made a career of disliking that man. Then he goes and pulls a stunt like that.”
“You mean being decent.”
“Yeah, the nerve of that guy, huh.”
Read this review in its entirety at The Book Nympho
February 16, 2022
The annoying thing often about reading a series through the library is that sometimes they don't purchase the whole series and so you end up missing out on parts of the series. I was glad when I signed up to use the digital library via the Libby App as it had the books I had missed out on and I was able to go back and read them. In this series, Kendra Michaels was born blind and then had a miracle operation that allowed her to see. Using her skills of deduction and seeing more than what "regular" people could, she has helped the FBI and police solve crimes and gotten great results. After a case that almost killed her, she is taking a break and focusing on herself and her music therapy. That is until she is visited by the Dr. who performed her miracle gift of eyesight. He seems to be in trouble and we notice after a previous doctor that was also part of the "Night Watch" project has been assassinated. During the book, Kendra's friend goes missing and she knows now something bad has happened and so she enlists the help of Adam Lynch. In this book we also meet PI - Jessie Mercado who we see in later books becomes good friends with Kendra and Olivia. I have to admit, it could be because it has been a while since I read this series but it felt a bit drawn out in this particular book compared to the others and I don't know if for me Kendra has reached her end as I felt her character frustrating and annoying as it was like JFC stop being so damn independent and just accept the help as it can get a bit too much sometimes as you need to find a balance. In saying that though it was good to read another Iris and Roy Johansen book and reignited a good memory of when I met the pair of them in Atlanta at the RT2017 conference and got a picture with Iris Johansen.
April 4, 2017
UGH!!!! Another Kendra Michaels book where Kendra and Lynch don't get together!!! How long is it going to take??? Great book!
May 16, 2018
Was actually a very good book. I was in town for appointments and forgot a book from home so I went to the library and stumbled on this book. It had mystery, action and kept you wanting to read more. The characters are well developed and interesting. I would definitely read another of the series.
July 25, 2022
Standard fare.
September 15, 2017
Kendra Michaels was born blind. She had her sight restored by a revolutionary medical procedure. She has highly developed senses which make her a top notch investigator. She is visited by the Doctor who gave her sight. After the Doctor disappears she has government agent Adam Lynch join her. Tragedies start occurring and soon they are fighting for survival. Two talented authors and another wonderful mystery. This book is number four in the Kendra Michaels series. I received the book from Goodreads Giveaways for a review.
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