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Kendra Michaels #5
Look Behind You
A serial killer is on the loose in San Diego, and he has a most unusual M.O.: With each kill, he leaves behind objects with unclear meanings. Most of the recent killings are centered near Kendra Michaels’ home and office, so it comes as no great surprise when the FBI shows up at her door. The investigators soon make a startling discovery: the left-behind objects are actually souvenirs of other unsolved serial murder cases in various U.S. cities. And the new cases feature “holdback” characteristics of the other murders unknown to the general public. Kendra realizes that the killer has come to challenge and taunt her. The investigators become his newest targets, even as Kendra slowly begins to suspect that one of them may be the killer himself. She must find the killer as the body count rises, and to do so she relies on her own ”dream team” of agent-for-hire Adam Lynch and private investigator Jessie Mercado. They must risk everything to defeat a psychopath whose terrifying plan is years in the making.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 18, 2017
1077 people are currently reading
4965 people want to read
About the author
Iris Johansen
226 books7,334 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 503 reviews
July 19, 2017
Wow, that was a corker. This is the first book I've read in this series, and I'm happy to say it works as a standalone. I know I'm missing a lot of backstory, but the author manages to introduce you to the characters and give you a feel for who they are without being incredibly obvious and beating you over the head with it, which would no doubt be tiresome to readers that are reading the series in order. I'm very interested in this series now, not only because I think Kendra is fascinating but because it's written very well.
Our main character spent the majority of her life blind. They say that those missing one of the senses experience stronger senses that they do have, in a way to make up for the missing one. Kendra experienced that, but she now also has her sight thanks to an incredible surgery. Experiencing vision for the first time as an adult, she jumped right into it, determined to make the most of it. Now it seems all of her senses are heightened. She's not a superhero, but her keen powers of observation are unmatched. She can tell things about you by just observing you for a short time... her knowledge seems almost like magic until she shares how she came to her conclusions. No magic, just Kendra.
Her abilities have led to a lot of attention from law enforcement and the FBI, who use her as a consultant on cases, pulling her from her work as a music therapist. Though she can be much more sensitive to violence crime scenes than they are, her power is incredibly useful. She notices things about victims and killers alike far before any of them would.
They've come to her again with a huge case: a new serial killer. At first they think he's killed a few people, but Kendra quickly realizes it's more like over two dozen. The killer has placed items from previous victims around his latest kills as a clue. He's taunting them... or more specifically, Kendra. He knows who she is and what she can do. He's gotten her attention on purpose... and there's no telling what he'll do to get to her. She's doing her best to make sure her loved ones are safe and insisting on them being cautious and protective, while stubbornly refusing protection herself. Girl. There's a serial killer after you. It's not the time to be stubborn.
I'm sure this book features many repeat characters, but this is my first introduction to them. I know I'm supposed to like Lynch, the freelance former FBI agent and love interest, but most of the time he grated on my nerves. Too overpowering, too arrogant, too much posturing, too perfect looking. Maybe I'd like him more if I'd read the other books. I did really like or at least appreciate the other characters.
Fascinating and well-written characters and an interesting case with an ending that managed to stun me made this book. 4.5 rating. Now where's the rest of the series?
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and St. Martin's Press, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
Our main character spent the majority of her life blind. They say that those missing one of the senses experience stronger senses that they do have, in a way to make up for the missing one. Kendra experienced that, but she now also has her sight thanks to an incredible surgery. Experiencing vision for the first time as an adult, she jumped right into it, determined to make the most of it. Now it seems all of her senses are heightened. She's not a superhero, but her keen powers of observation are unmatched. She can tell things about you by just observing you for a short time... her knowledge seems almost like magic until she shares how she came to her conclusions. No magic, just Kendra.
Her abilities have led to a lot of attention from law enforcement and the FBI, who use her as a consultant on cases, pulling her from her work as a music therapist. Though she can be much more sensitive to violence crime scenes than they are, her power is incredibly useful. She notices things about victims and killers alike far before any of them would.
They've come to her again with a huge case: a new serial killer. At first they think he's killed a few people, but Kendra quickly realizes it's more like over two dozen. The killer has placed items from previous victims around his latest kills as a clue. He's taunting them... or more specifically, Kendra. He knows who she is and what she can do. He's gotten her attention on purpose... and there's no telling what he'll do to get to her. She's doing her best to make sure her loved ones are safe and insisting on them being cautious and protective, while stubbornly refusing protection herself. Girl. There's a serial killer after you. It's not the time to be stubborn.
I'm sure this book features many repeat characters, but this is my first introduction to them. I know I'm supposed to like Lynch, the freelance former FBI agent and love interest, but most of the time he grated on my nerves. Too overpowering, too arrogant, too much posturing, too perfect looking. Maybe I'd like him more if I'd read the other books. I did really like or at least appreciate the other characters.
Fascinating and well-written characters and an interesting case with an ending that managed to stun me made this book. 4.5 rating. Now where's the rest of the series?
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and St. Martin's Press, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
July 18, 2017
First off, I'm not answering what may be some readers first question. Lynch didn’t even show up until half way through the book. Which is neither here nor there as a clue.
Okay, back to the real review. This is a series featuring Kendra Michaels, who regained her sight after surgical intervention. Because of her amazing skills of observation from all of her senses, she is often called into consult by the FBI. She is a reluctant consultant, but her skills are key to solving serious crimes.
The crimes are horrific, the leads confusing, and the San Diego police and FBI office are baffled. Then it gets much worse. Everyone close to Kendra becomes a target. Because most of those targets love her and are as protective as she, they fight her attempts to cocoon them and from being there for her. Not a problem for the killer as it turns out. It's especially frustrating because Kendra's friends are such engaging well done characters. Never do I think of them as "Looks like plant food to me."
I am giving this book four stars mostly on the basis of the killer. What they discover about the souvenirs found at the crime scene is as chilling and original as I've come across in a serial-killer book in a long time.
Gather 'round for quibble time. Metcalfe, mid twenties and FBI agent-can't really happen. Twenty-three is minimum age and in truth, three years experience in one job is almost always required. Twenty-three for an FDLE agent? Almost impossible, unless things have changed radically since I left. Another quibble, if my life was in danger from a serial killer, you can be damn sure I would accept any help, the heck with being an independent man or woman. I’m talking to you Olivia, Jesse, and even Adam.
The jacket description is spoiler city. Which is too bad, some of the pleasures of this book should have been left to the reading of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC. I've been reading the Johansen(s) books since the beginning so this was a treat.
Okay, back to the real review. This is a series featuring Kendra Michaels, who regained her sight after surgical intervention. Because of her amazing skills of observation from all of her senses, she is often called into consult by the FBI. She is a reluctant consultant, but her skills are key to solving serious crimes.
The crimes are horrific, the leads confusing, and the San Diego police and FBI office are baffled. Then it gets much worse. Everyone close to Kendra becomes a target. Because most of those targets love her and are as protective as she, they fight her attempts to cocoon them and from being there for her. Not a problem for the killer as it turns out. It's especially frustrating because Kendra's friends are such engaging well done characters. Never do I think of them as "Looks like plant food to me."
I am giving this book four stars mostly on the basis of the killer. What they discover about the souvenirs found at the crime scene is as chilling and original as I've come across in a serial-killer book in a long time.
Gather 'round for quibble time. Metcalfe, mid twenties and FBI agent-can't really happen. Twenty-three is minimum age and in truth, three years experience in one job is almost always required. Twenty-three for an FDLE agent? Almost impossible, unless things have changed radically since I left. Another quibble, if my life was in danger from a serial killer, you can be damn sure I would accept any help, the heck with being an independent man or woman. I’m talking to you Olivia, Jesse, and even Adam.
The jacket description is spoiler city. Which is too bad, some of the pleasures of this book should have been left to the reading of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC. I've been reading the Johansen(s) books since the beginning so this was a treat.
August 24, 2022
Just a so-so read around the Kendra Michaels series with too much pinning around not having sex. There is a decent twist at the end that makes this story manageable. 5 of 10 stars
September 19, 2017
Look Behind You is book five in the Kendra Michaels series. I have only read the previous book, Night Watch in this series, but I have read several of Iris Johansen's Eve Duncan books.
I was curious to see how I would about this book. Night Watch was OK, but not as interesting as the Eve Duncan books usually are. Eve is such a wonderful character and I haven't warmed up to Kendra in the same way. However, I did find that the storyline in this book was much more interesting than in Night Watch, and I have slowly started to come to like Kendra. It helps that I think the female characters in this book are pretty awesome, besides Kendra do we have her best friend Olivia and showing helping Kendra is private detective Jessie who once was a bodyguard to a famous singer. However, my big problem is Adam Lynch. I just can't seem to warm up to him. And, yes like I wrote in my review for Night Watch does he remind me of Quinn, Eve's significant other. Just less interesting. Lynch macho man style just annoys and bores me. I hope one day to warm up to him. But, his over protecting style and know it all just makes me grind my teeth.
Nevertheless, the story is not at all bad, the hunt for the serial killer is interesting and intense and I was really baffled over the identity of the killer. Truly, and utterly stunned! Too bad that Adam had to get back from China. I was thinking of giving the book four stars, but a big heart to heart between Adman and Kendra made me realize that I was not totally enjoying the book. But, still, the revelation of the killers must be rewarded so I give it 0.5 more stars just because of that! It really sucks when the main character falls for someone and you don't feel any chemistry between them. Still, it's a good book and I wouldn't mind reading the ones I've missed.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
I was curious to see how I would about this book. Night Watch was OK, but not as interesting as the Eve Duncan books usually are. Eve is such a wonderful character and I haven't warmed up to Kendra in the same way. However, I did find that the storyline in this book was much more interesting than in Night Watch, and I have slowly started to come to like Kendra. It helps that I think the female characters in this book are pretty awesome, besides Kendra do we have her best friend Olivia and showing helping Kendra is private detective Jessie who once was a bodyguard to a famous singer. However, my big problem is Adam Lynch. I just can't seem to warm up to him. And, yes like I wrote in my review for Night Watch does he remind me of Quinn, Eve's significant other. Just less interesting. Lynch macho man style just annoys and bores me. I hope one day to warm up to him. But, his over protecting style and know it all just makes me grind my teeth.
Nevertheless, the story is not at all bad, the hunt for the serial killer is interesting and intense and I was really baffled over the identity of the killer. Truly, and utterly stunned! Too bad that Adam had to get back from China. I was thinking of giving the book four stars, but a big heart to heart between Adman and Kendra made me realize that I was not totally enjoying the book. But, still, the revelation of the killers must be rewarded so I give it 0.5 more stars just because of that! It really sucks when the main character falls for someone and you don't feel any chemistry between them. Still, it's a good book and I wouldn't mind reading the ones I've missed.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
November 20, 2017
Once again iris and Roy Johansen have put together one hell of great read. Look behind you is a new thriller with one of the most interesting of characters kendra Michaels!! The things this lady can see,hear and smell are amazing.when a serial killer strikes close to home, kendra is brought in to see if she can help the FBI on a new case with help from some of the greatest minds that deal with serial killers to some old allies like Jessie mercado a former soldier,stunt woman bodyguard and now private investigator. to the all around bad ass puppet master,hot as hell totally alpha Adam lynch!! Together they will try to stop the psychotic Zachary , a serial killer who has many kills and has kept ahead of the local police and FBI, but it has been a planned game played to draw kendra closer and ending in her death.No one is safe and its a game of cat and mouse with a killer closer to kendra then she knows. Talk about a wind ride with a ending I never saw coming!!! And the chemistry is still hot between kendra and lynch!!
May 7, 2017
Kendra Michaels was blind the first 20 years of her life. Thanks to revolutionary surgery, her eyesight was restored, leaving her with acute powers of observation. She uses these powers to help the FBI and CIA when needed.
There is a serial killer loose in San Diego ... so far there have been 3 murders and they all have a common thread ... there are objects of previous murder victims left with the current victims. Once Kendra starts her own investigation, she is wholly astounded to find a total of 26 murders ...all committed by the same killer over a span of decades.
Kendra is being specifically targeted by this killer for some unknown reason. And this killer is also going after anyone who is close to Kendra. So why has this killer come out from behind the woodwork after being hidden for so many years?
As law enforcement puts together a dream team of profilers and those who were involved in the very first cases come together, it's Kendra who finds the missing link.
Although 5th in this series, it does well as a stand alone. As always, I recommend starting at the beginning so as to not miss all those little nuggets of information so important to the story.
I really like the character of Kendra and her friend, Special Agent Lynch. He's known as the Puppetmaster for his ability to manipulate people to get what he wants/needs. There is a lot of tension between the two, but I like how they relate to each other. She's strong and doesn't take his guff. He's stronger, but dials back his personality for Kendra.
Olivia and Jessie, friends of Kendra's, play a huge part of the story. These ladies have terrific backstories and are quite interesting in themselves.
There's a lot of action ... some violence ... a bit of romance. And a twist at the end that took my totally by surprise!
Many thanks to the author / St. Martin's Press / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
There is a serial killer loose in San Diego ... so far there have been 3 murders and they all have a common thread ... there are objects of previous murder victims left with the current victims. Once Kendra starts her own investigation, she is wholly astounded to find a total of 26 murders ...all committed by the same killer over a span of decades.
Kendra is being specifically targeted by this killer for some unknown reason. And this killer is also going after anyone who is close to Kendra. So why has this killer come out from behind the woodwork after being hidden for so many years?
As law enforcement puts together a dream team of profilers and those who were involved in the very first cases come together, it's Kendra who finds the missing link.
Although 5th in this series, it does well as a stand alone. As always, I recommend starting at the beginning so as to not miss all those little nuggets of information so important to the story.
I really like the character of Kendra and her friend, Special Agent Lynch. He's known as the Puppetmaster for his ability to manipulate people to get what he wants/needs. There is a lot of tension between the two, but I like how they relate to each other. She's strong and doesn't take his guff. He's stronger, but dials back his personality for Kendra.
Olivia and Jessie, friends of Kendra's, play a huge part of the story. These ladies have terrific backstories and are quite interesting in themselves.
There's a lot of action ... some violence ... a bit of romance. And a twist at the end that took my totally by surprise!
Many thanks to the author / St. Martin's Press / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 30, 2017
**** 1/2
What if you can trust no one? What if your senses are telling you more about everything? Look Behind You is the fifth installment in the wonderful series Kendra Michaels. Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen bring a very suspenseful thriller about a killer who won't stop.
When Kendra is asked to help in a murder case, she is reluctant to join. However, after visiting the crime scene she can’t take her mind out of it. The vicious murder scene won’t go away. A woman has been brutally killed then burnt. Moreover, the killer is leaving behind souvenirs that the team can’t relate to anything at the moment.
More cases start to show. Worse than that, old unsolved cases start to surface. Kendra’s unique talents are leading her to more discoveries. It also seems that the killer is the one who wants her to discover the clues.
He is a killer who seeks recognition and respect. The most terrifying thing is that he wants Kendra’s respect. Before he kills her!! You might think that’s the worst that can happen. Well, not exactly. The killer is threatening those who are so close to Kendra. He wants to hurt her most before he kills her. She needs to protect herself and her beloved ones.
I kept looking behind me for a week while reading this book. It's a very suspenseful thriller. I was scared at times. The killer is lethal and you will always be on the edge of your seat expecting anything at any time. I suspected everyone. I even thought the killer might be under my bed in the late night hours while I was reading. I could feel him watching Kendra.
Finally, this is an amazing read. Don’t miss it if you are seeking suspenseful fast paced thrillers.
**Special thanks to the NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for supplying my copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. **
For all my reviews please visit http://www.meshascorner.net
What if you can trust no one? What if your senses are telling you more about everything? Look Behind You is the fifth installment in the wonderful series Kendra Michaels. Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen bring a very suspenseful thriller about a killer who won't stop.
When Kendra is asked to help in a murder case, she is reluctant to join. However, after visiting the crime scene she can’t take her mind out of it. The vicious murder scene won’t go away. A woman has been brutally killed then burnt. Moreover, the killer is leaving behind souvenirs that the team can’t relate to anything at the moment.
More cases start to show. Worse than that, old unsolved cases start to surface. Kendra’s unique talents are leading her to more discoveries. It also seems that the killer is the one who wants her to discover the clues.
He is a killer who seeks recognition and respect. The most terrifying thing is that he wants Kendra’s respect. Before he kills her!! You might think that’s the worst that can happen. Well, not exactly. The killer is threatening those who are so close to Kendra. He wants to hurt her most before he kills her. She needs to protect herself and her beloved ones.
I kept looking behind me for a week while reading this book. It's a very suspenseful thriller. I was scared at times. The killer is lethal and you will always be on the edge of your seat expecting anything at any time. I suspected everyone. I even thought the killer might be under my bed in the late night hours while I was reading. I could feel him watching Kendra.
Finally, this is an amazing read. Don’t miss it if you are seeking suspenseful fast paced thrillers.
**Special thanks to the NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for supplying my copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. **
For all my reviews please visit http://www.meshascorner.net
July 23, 2017
Iris Johansen is able to write stories with very strong female leads, Kendra Michaels is no exception. Kendra, born blind but had her sight restored as a young adult, has heightened senses that prove extremely valuable when working with the FBI. Her job as a music therapist is her love, but when called upon, her morals will not let her ignore the serial killers out there.
In this story, Kendra is called in when the third body is found and the cases are linked. She reluctantly agrees and before you know it, they are able to link the deaths to 23 other cases around the United States. Kendra puts all her talents to use and when her friend, Olivia is threatened, Lynch hops on a plane from China to join the hunt. With the "dream team" made up of investigators from the other crime cities they continue their search but do not seem to be getting any closer. Kendra breaks rank and her and Lynch head off on their own investigation. Will they find the murderer before more people end up dead? Will any of those close to Kendra be killed? Is Kendra in danger? Once again "a keep you on the edge of your seat" mystery/thriller kept me turning the pages quickly to reach the surprising conclusion. The familiar characters are basically the same, but the romantic suspense between Lynch and Kendra continued to build in this story. Her friendships with Jessie and Olivia, both strong women in their own right, were tested a bit in this story but they come out okay. A great read for any suspense lovers out there. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
In this story, Kendra is called in when the third body is found and the cases are linked. She reluctantly agrees and before you know it, they are able to link the deaths to 23 other cases around the United States. Kendra puts all her talents to use and when her friend, Olivia is threatened, Lynch hops on a plane from China to join the hunt. With the "dream team" made up of investigators from the other crime cities they continue their search but do not seem to be getting any closer. Kendra breaks rank and her and Lynch head off on their own investigation. Will they find the murderer before more people end up dead? Will any of those close to Kendra be killed? Is Kendra in danger? Once again "a keep you on the edge of your seat" mystery/thriller kept me turning the pages quickly to reach the surprising conclusion. The familiar characters are basically the same, but the romantic suspense between Lynch and Kendra continued to build in this story. Her friendships with Jessie and Olivia, both strong women in their own right, were tested a bit in this story but they come out okay. A great read for any suspense lovers out there. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
September 21, 2017
One of my favorite mystery authors is Iris Johansen and her son Roy; I was lucky enough in May to meet the pair of them at RT 2017 and above is a photo of Iris Johansen and me. One of my favorite series by her is the Kendra Michaels series. Kendra used to be blind and during that time picked up on a lot of skills which makes her a super detective. She is a consultant with the FBI, and now she has been called into a new murder, a female has turned up burnt. Kendra will soon discover though that this is part of a series of murders that have been happening all over the US and spanning over decades. The killer calls himself Zachary and now wants to play cat and mouse with Kendra as she is the only one he thinks can get close to catching him. As more murders occur and connections made, the other detectives who have worked on the past cases are all called into work together. Can the dream team find the killer before he strikes again? I have to admit I did not see the killer twist coming at the end and I was like OMG WTF. This was one of those endings that blew me away. If you are looking for a fast-paced mystery novel, then check out the Kendra Michaels Series by Iris and Roy Johansen today as you will not be disappointed.
September 19, 2017
Don't get me wrong, I really do like this series. I do. But, I just had to give it only 3 stars for a couple reasons.
Number one, the main story just seemed a little too far fetched. Maybe Kendra is just too good, so they have to make the villains worse and worse, but it just stretched credibility to me.
Number two, what will it take for Kendra & Lynch to finally get together???? This is the 5th book and she's still making excuses????
On the plus side, I really do like watching the team of Lynch & Kendra and the San Diego FBI office.
Number one, the main story just seemed a little too far fetched. Maybe Kendra is just too good, so they have to make the villains worse and worse, but it just stretched credibility to me.
Number two, what will it take for Kendra & Lynch to finally get together???? This is the 5th book and she's still making excuses????
On the plus side, I really do like watching the team of Lynch & Kendra and the San Diego FBI office.
April 19, 2018
This started out with a lot of promise & I was already planning to read the earlier books in the series until the killer was revealed. What a tired old trope, what a cop out, and was a ridiculously OTT confrontation/climax scene. So silly I will not even bother with any others.
February 4, 2020
Kendra Michaels is a music therapist, who is called in as a consultant by the FBI. In this book, the FBI calls in a favor and asks Kendra to help solve a serial killer case. The killer is going by the name Zachary and has already killed three victims. Kendra wants her own people on the case, so she asks a favor of Jessie Mercado, a private investigator and her friend, who readily agrees to investigate a lead. When Kendra's blind friend, Olivia Moore, phones her with a message from Zachary, Kendra knows he is targetting those close to her. Adam Lynch, agent-for-hire, arrives to offer his assistance and his protection. Kendra feels Zachary is getting closer to his next murder. Can she catch him before he strikes again?
I absolutely loved this book. I realize now that it is one book in a series, but at the time I read it, I thought it to be a standalone. I know I'm missing some background information, but it didn't feel like it because this book is so well written. I liked the characters, especially Kendra, Jessie and Lynch. The serial killer was a total surprise. Zachary is intelligent and crafty. Not even Kendra knew who he was until near the end of the investigation. The plot is tight. The subplots tie up nicely, yet leave room for another book in the series. There is a love interest, but no sex. There is some visual descriptions of the crime scenes, which may seem gory to some. Now to discover which other books fit into this series.
I absolutely loved this book. I realize now that it is one book in a series, but at the time I read it, I thought it to be a standalone. I know I'm missing some background information, but it didn't feel like it because this book is so well written. I liked the characters, especially Kendra, Jessie and Lynch. The serial killer was a total surprise. Zachary is intelligent and crafty. Not even Kendra knew who he was until near the end of the investigation. The plot is tight. The subplots tie up nicely, yet leave room for another book in the series. There is a love interest, but no sex. There is some visual descriptions of the crime scenes, which may seem gory to some. Now to discover which other books fit into this series.
May 30, 2017
I won this Free book from Goodreads first reads.
There was a serial killer loose in the San Diego area. When he kills he leave mementos with the corpse. What are the meaning of those?
The FBI is on the case; one of their own is on the killer's list, because of the taunts Kendra has received.
Kendra Michaels has her dream-team to help her root out the killer.
Everyone is shocked by the outcome.
There was a serial killer loose in the San Diego area. When he kills he leave mementos with the corpse. What are the meaning of those?
The FBI is on the case; one of their own is on the killer's list, because of the taunts Kendra has received.
Kendra Michaels has her dream-team to help her root out the killer.
Everyone is shocked by the outcome.
July 19, 2017
Poor ending
Ends abruptly. No closure of facts. Weak. Good up until the end but left me feeling let down. Needed another chapter or two to wrap story up!
Ends abruptly. No closure of facts. Weak. Good up until the end but left me feeling let down. Needed another chapter or two to wrap story up!
July 17, 2017
Kendra Michaels used to be blind and after a very special surgery can now see. Being blind for so many years allows her to use her other heightened senses to help law enforcement. Kendra has a small circle of friends but loves them fiercely. After a serial killer puts her in his cross hairs the first thing she does is protect her loved ones. Even if they don't want it.
Lynch being the love interest was the icing on the cake. He added humor and a lightness to the story. The two of them as a couple needs to happen in a future book that I would love to read.
Thanks to NetGalley for this copy to review.
Lynch being the love interest was the icing on the cake. He added humor and a lightness to the story. The two of them as a couple needs to happen in a future book that I would love to read.
Thanks to NetGalley for this copy to review.
September 16, 2021
CW: burning, breaking and entering, stalking,
Actual rating: 1.5 stars
I don't actually like reading police procedurals. I keep picking them up and getting bored in the first 10 pages. I KNOW this, but I keep doing it. Why? Please discuss, because I got nothing.
I do actually enjoy serial killer narratives, but mostly in film or podcasts. If it's a book, I tend to be much pickier - it needs to be a real standout.
Not only was this not a standout, it spectacularly failed the stick the ending.
Ugh I'm so angry with the ending. Like, this was pulling off a perfectly fine, bland thriller. Until the ENDING. Ugh.
Everyone consistently calling the killer "Zachary" also felt like really odd absurdist humor. It wasn't scary or creepy it was just mildly funny the whole time. Actually, the more they said it, the more amusing it was.
Adam Lynch, while he got better, was spectacularly creepy and unsettling. Telling someone "I'm too angry, I'm afraid I might hurt you" is a spectacularly unsexy thing to say.
The only thing that made this book readable was the multiple female characters, who all seemed to have as much personality as any of the other male characters, and it passed the Bechdel test extremely successfully.
Actual rating: 1.5 stars
I don't actually like reading police procedurals. I keep picking them up and getting bored in the first 10 pages. I KNOW this, but I keep doing it. Why? Please discuss, because I got nothing.
I do actually enjoy serial killer narratives, but mostly in film or podcasts. If it's a book, I tend to be much pickier - it needs to be a real standout.
Not only was this not a standout, it spectacularly failed the stick the ending.
Ugh I'm so angry with the ending. Like, this was pulling off a perfectly fine, bland thriller. Until the ENDING. Ugh.
Everyone consistently calling the killer "Zachary" also felt like really odd absurdist humor. It wasn't scary or creepy it was just mildly funny the whole time. Actually, the more they said it, the more amusing it was.
Adam Lynch, while he got better, was spectacularly creepy and unsettling. Telling someone "I'm too angry, I'm afraid I might hurt you" is a spectacularly unsexy thing to say.
The only thing that made this book readable was the multiple female characters, who all seemed to have as much personality as any of the other male characters, and it passed the Bechdel test extremely successfully.
July 18, 2017
This was my first book by either author. Honestly, I was looking forward to it. I have heard nothing but great things about both authors. So when the opportunity to read this book arose, I jumped on it. Overall, this book was an okay book. For it's genre, it fell a little flat for me.
I kind see why this pair always has such hype. The plot of the story is very intriguing. So much so, I couldn't pass this one up. The delivery of the story is where the book fell some for me. I would have assumed, this being a part of a series, the main characters would have been more developed and shown more chemistry with one another. None of the characters seems to flow with one another. Their interactions and the telling of their story was choppy and slow moving.
I will say, I didn't figure out who the killer was beforehand. I usually do. However, there were no clues either. No hints. Usually with these type of books there are some bread crumbs to pick up here and there, but there were none in this one. The story kept moving along, then, BAM! it was over. I felt a little cheated, if I am being honest.
I am not saying that this is necessarily a bad book. But for a book in crime thrillers and suspense, it is not the best example for the genre.
I kind see why this pair always has such hype. The plot of the story is very intriguing. So much so, I couldn't pass this one up. The delivery of the story is where the book fell some for me. I would have assumed, this being a part of a series, the main characters would have been more developed and shown more chemistry with one another. None of the characters seems to flow with one another. Their interactions and the telling of their story was choppy and slow moving.
I will say, I didn't figure out who the killer was beforehand. I usually do. However, there were no clues either. No hints. Usually with these type of books there are some bread crumbs to pick up here and there, but there were none in this one. The story kept moving along, then, BAM! it was over. I felt a little cheated, if I am being honest.
I am not saying that this is necessarily a bad book. But for a book in crime thrillers and suspense, it is not the best example for the genre.
May 25, 2024
Very formulaic. Heavy on the cheesy schmaltz of the lead detective lusting for the 'bad boy' and endless paragraphs detailing said yearning. If you're a 15 year old girl, hey great. But this book felt sophomoric. A lead detective who repeatedly needs to take deep breaths and the authors (a team, husband wife I think. Like the poor man's Lars Kepler) writing :
Release.
Control.
Focus.
Or whatever the goddamn hell it was, the lead detective had a mental mantra we had to endure every fucking time she felt stress. Go on better meds or switch careers. Also, I didn't give a shit about any of the characters at all. Surface and dull. They bored me. If anyone died, hey fine.
Do yourself a favor and check out Lars Kepler. I'm flabbergasted at all the 5 star reviews here. They must be from idiots who got freebies from Goodreads or Netgalley free ebooks/. Christ. Then again shows like American Idol are popular so what the fuck do I know.
Release.
Control.
Focus.
Or whatever the goddamn hell it was, the lead detective had a mental mantra we had to endure every fucking time she felt stress. Go on better meds or switch careers. Also, I didn't give a shit about any of the characters at all. Surface and dull. They bored me. If anyone died, hey fine.
Do yourself a favor and check out Lars Kepler. I'm flabbergasted at all the 5 star reviews here. They must be from idiots who got freebies from Goodreads or Netgalley free ebooks/. Christ. Then again shows like American Idol are popular so what the fuck do I know.
November 14, 2021
I am a huge fan of Iris Johansen and her Eve Duncan series. This was the first Kendra Michaels book I read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Even though it is book 5 in the series I did not feel lost. I will be going back and getting the first 4. I received this one as part of a book subscription box, and it is one of the better ones I have gotten.
July 21, 2017
3.5 STARS
I��ve been invested in the Kendra Michaels series for the last five years and it’s easily my favorite series from Johansen. The chemistry between Adam and Kendra is off the charts, and I can never get enough of their banter and sexual tension. The moment I saw Look Behind You on NetGalley, I had to request an advanced copy. This is a solid addition to the series and left me longing for the next installment.
Even though I’ve read countless serial killer books, I found the criminal element in this one interesting. Kendra is an intelligent and a snarky heroine I’ve come to adore completely. I find her insight into crime scenes and people in general fascinating. With the addition of the sidekick PI, Jessie there has been a softening of Kendra’s character. While I like the Jessie storyline, it appears to detract from the Adam/Kendra piece. I was heartbroken to see Adam Lynch missing for a significant portion of the book. It’s just not the same storyline without him. The last half is easily a 4 to 4.5 Star read. Sadly, I was distracted for the first half awaiting his arrival. I wanted a little more at the end; things were wrapped up too quickly, but overall I enjoyed this one.
If you are a fan of romantic suspense, I recommend this series. You definitely need to start from the beginning to fully appreciate this complex duo. It’s one the best “slow burn” couples I’ve read in this genre.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for my advanced copy in exchange for my review.
I��ve been invested in the Kendra Michaels series for the last five years and it’s easily my favorite series from Johansen. The chemistry between Adam and Kendra is off the charts, and I can never get enough of their banter and sexual tension. The moment I saw Look Behind You on NetGalley, I had to request an advanced copy. This is a solid addition to the series and left me longing for the next installment.
Even though I’ve read countless serial killer books, I found the criminal element in this one interesting. Kendra is an intelligent and a snarky heroine I’ve come to adore completely. I find her insight into crime scenes and people in general fascinating. With the addition of the sidekick PI, Jessie there has been a softening of Kendra’s character. While I like the Jessie storyline, it appears to detract from the Adam/Kendra piece. I was heartbroken to see Adam Lynch missing for a significant portion of the book. It’s just not the same storyline without him. The last half is easily a 4 to 4.5 Star read. Sadly, I was distracted for the first half awaiting his arrival. I wanted a little more at the end; things were wrapped up too quickly, but overall I enjoyed this one.
If you are a fan of romantic suspense, I recommend this series. You definitely need to start from the beginning to fully appreciate this complex duo. It’s one the best “slow burn” couples I’ve read in this genre.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for my advanced copy in exchange for my review.
November 12, 2017
I have read all of Iris Johansen's Eve Duncan books as well as the spin-off's and I love them all, but Kendra has a special place in my heart. I was really excited to read this latest instalment. It is probably best to read these books in order but this book reads well as a standalone too.
Kendra is busy living her normal life as a music therapist and then of course the FBI pops in for a "chat" and she is once more plunged into the world of killers and their gruesome cases. This is a particularly difficult case and various experts from different branches of the FBI are brought in to make a "dream team", which will hopefully stop this killer in his tracks.
The authors (mother and son team Iris and Roy Johansen) do a fantastic job of weaving all the strands of the story together and we get to see Lynch once more. The sexual tension between Kendra and Lynch adds another layer.
A highly enjoyable read and I am already looking forward to the next book.
Kendra is busy living her normal life as a music therapist and then of course the FBI pops in for a "chat" and she is once more plunged into the world of killers and their gruesome cases. This is a particularly difficult case and various experts from different branches of the FBI are brought in to make a "dream team", which will hopefully stop this killer in his tracks.
The authors (mother and son team Iris and Roy Johansen) do a fantastic job of weaving all the strands of the story together and we get to see Lynch once more. The sexual tension between Kendra and Lynch adds another layer.
A highly enjoyable read and I am already looking forward to the next book.
January 28, 2023
I'm never reading another Kendra Michael's book. She gets more & more irritating with each book. How arrogant can one woman be? I'm the 1st books her confidence was refreshing. Somehow along the way it's just gotten to be too much & I'm sick of this dance that she keeps doing with Lynch. On another note, I figured out the twist in the very beginning and just kept reading to see if I was correct. It took me dang near 2 weeks to finish this book. I read 4 other books in between.
July 10, 2017
“Look Behind You” a spine-tingling thriller which I won through Goodreads Giveaways opens with the murder of a young woman, her throat slit and her body set on fire. With another death so close to Kendra Michael’s home and office, FBI agent Roland Metcalfe and Special Agent Gina Carson show up at her door looking for her expertise in finding the serial killer called Zachary.
What begins as three murders quickly escalates into slayings in multiple cities when random items from other cold cases are found at the scene of the crimes. When the FBI puts together a “dream team” of four smart, dedicated officers who were instrumental in searching for the killer in their cities but who are proving ineffective in solving this case, Kendra the latest target of the psychopath puts together her own team enlisting private investigator Jessie Mercado and agent-for-hire Adam Lynch.
Set in San Diego the excitement quickly escalates as Zachary begins taunting Kendra and Lynch with planted evidence that lures them into a deadly trap; targeting her friends, family and patients; and by providing an innocent scapegoat to pin the murders on. Viewed from different perspectives including Kendra and the killer the plot ropes you in not only with an intriguing murder case that seems unsolvable but with its insight into the mind of the killer. Intensity and suspense continually build as Iris Johansen creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear especially when Kendra’s blind friend Olivia unconsciously encounters the murderer in her apartment, and she and Lynch almost succumb to nerve gas in an abandoned motel.
Fast-paced and action -packed as the body count rises, only the humorous banter between Kendra and her friends Olivia and Jessie, as well as the sexual chemistry that ignites whenever Lynch is around her keeps the darkness at bay. A page-turner from beginning to end the plot twists and turns as it progresses quickly and smoothly to a shocking ending you don’t see coming.
Infusing this plot with an emotional-charge, depth and high-energy are complex, credible and unforgettable characters like Dr. Kendra Michaels the gentle and empathetic music therapist who works with catatonic patients. Cured of blindness, she’s endowed with heightened senses and keen perception that make her an asset to the FBI. She’s sharp, feisty and has a mischievous sense of humor. Tough, clever Adam Lynch a former FBI agent has a charismatic personality but can be manipulative and dangerous while competent FBI agent Roland Metcalfe, a comic book geek is glib but highly competent and hardworking. Yet it’s the psychotic murderer Zachary who adds a frightening chill to the story with his arrogance, cold heartlessness and calculating plans.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Look Behind You” a simple request with sinister overtones in the fifth novel in the Kendra Michael’s series that kept me engrossed from beginning to end. I look forward to reading the other novels in this series.
What begins as three murders quickly escalates into slayings in multiple cities when random items from other cold cases are found at the scene of the crimes. When the FBI puts together a “dream team” of four smart, dedicated officers who were instrumental in searching for the killer in their cities but who are proving ineffective in solving this case, Kendra the latest target of the psychopath puts together her own team enlisting private investigator Jessie Mercado and agent-for-hire Adam Lynch.
Set in San Diego the excitement quickly escalates as Zachary begins taunting Kendra and Lynch with planted evidence that lures them into a deadly trap; targeting her friends, family and patients; and by providing an innocent scapegoat to pin the murders on. Viewed from different perspectives including Kendra and the killer the plot ropes you in not only with an intriguing murder case that seems unsolvable but with its insight into the mind of the killer. Intensity and suspense continually build as Iris Johansen creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear especially when Kendra’s blind friend Olivia unconsciously encounters the murderer in her apartment, and she and Lynch almost succumb to nerve gas in an abandoned motel.
Fast-paced and action -packed as the body count rises, only the humorous banter between Kendra and her friends Olivia and Jessie, as well as the sexual chemistry that ignites whenever Lynch is around her keeps the darkness at bay. A page-turner from beginning to end the plot twists and turns as it progresses quickly and smoothly to a shocking ending you don’t see coming.
Infusing this plot with an emotional-charge, depth and high-energy are complex, credible and unforgettable characters like Dr. Kendra Michaels the gentle and empathetic music therapist who works with catatonic patients. Cured of blindness, she’s endowed with heightened senses and keen perception that make her an asset to the FBI. She’s sharp, feisty and has a mischievous sense of humor. Tough, clever Adam Lynch a former FBI agent has a charismatic personality but can be manipulative and dangerous while competent FBI agent Roland Metcalfe, a comic book geek is glib but highly competent and hardworking. Yet it’s the psychotic murderer Zachary who adds a frightening chill to the story with his arrogance, cold heartlessness and calculating plans.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Look Behind You” a simple request with sinister overtones in the fifth novel in the Kendra Michael’s series that kept me engrossed from beginning to end. I look forward to reading the other novels in this series.
July 3, 2017
This is the first book in the Kendra Michaels series which I have read and I plan to go back and read the other 4 in the series. This is a stand alone novel which new readers will love. The authors catch readers up quickly without slowing down or repeating information readers fans already know.
The pace of the story moves quickly as well as the dept of the characters. Even though most readers to the series already know Kendra and everything that has happened to her and new readers are able to follow her development though the story.
This book pulls readers in keeping them hooked until the very last page. Readers are given different points of view one being the killer which is interesting to see how the authors created the killer and how his mind works.
Fantastic read from first to last page. This is one not to be missed in your summer reading and I can't wait for the next in the series. While I am waiting I am going to pick up book 1-4 because this is a series I can't miss one book.
Thank you to Negalley and the publisher for the adva
The pace of the story moves quickly as well as the dept of the characters. Even though most readers to the series already know Kendra and everything that has happened to her and new readers are able to follow her development though the story.
This book pulls readers in keeping them hooked until the very last page. Readers are given different points of view one being the killer which is interesting to see how the authors created the killer and how his mind works.
Fantastic read from first to last page. This is one not to be missed in your summer reading and I can't wait for the next in the series. While I am waiting I am going to pick up book 1-4 because this is a series I can't miss one book.
Thank you to Negalley and the publisher for the adva
July 15, 2023
WOW i loved this book!!!! literal first time i can say that my top books might be challenged because this one was so good. i LOVE murder mysteries but this one was so unexpected. my fav game is to guess who the killer is before the end and i was convinced that i had it, but it was such a good ending with someone i didn’t even expect. i also didn’t realize that this was #5 in a series, but it works so well as a stand alone and i will totally recommend this book. excited to read more by these authors!! main characters are so well written and i’m obsessed with lynch… hello sexy. also kendra is so great and so well written!!! a tiny bit of spice but not a ton so not really for romantic peeps but you will be satisfied. 10/10!
October 4, 2018
Look behind you by Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen.
Kendra Michael didn't think the police would need her help again. But di Roland Metcalf ask Kendra for help. Ds Gina Carson doesn't believe she can help. So Metcalf ask her to show of her gift. Kendra ends up helping but she doesn't know that the killer wants her attention. Why? What are his motives? A fantastic read. With twist and shocks galore. 5*.
Kendra Michael didn't think the police would need her help again. But di Roland Metcalf ask Kendra for help. Ds Gina Carson doesn't believe she can help. So Metcalf ask her to show of her gift. Kendra ends up helping but she doesn't know that the killer wants her attention. Why? What are his motives? A fantastic read. With twist and shocks galore. 5*.
October 1, 2017
I was absolutely loving this book, great plot with superb character development, then it hit the ending and the book tanked for me. Characters that were strong, were suddenly weak and whiney which tossed all the previous character development out the window. I love this author and this series so I will read more books, but this one definetely fell a bit flat for me.
July 31, 2017
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April 6, 2018
best kendra book ever!!!!
July 13, 2017
Day 1: I finished reading Night Watch and wondered how I had gotten behind on this Kendra Michaels series, because it hits all the right notes with me. It has action, mystery, intelligent casework, sexual tension, and humor. I went straight to Goodreads to see when the next book would be available since it came out last summer. Yay, the Look Behind You would be out in July. I hurried to Netgalley to request an ARC. Day 2: My request for the ARC was approved. I downloaded the eARC and started reading. Day 3: I finished reading and I'm writing my review. Will there be another and will I have to wait a whole year?!?!
Kendra uses all her senses, her intelligence and her heart. She tries to help everyone and keep them all safe, even if it means putting herself at risk. I love her friends and family, odd lot that they are. It's probably why I love them. The action and mystery were all consuming and the pace was flying.
I didn't like Adam being long distance for half the book. It lessened the sexual tension and humor. I hope we see more of him and sooner, in the next book. Please tell me there will be a next book?!?
Read this review in its entirety at The Book Nympho
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