Shattered Mirror

Eve Duncan #23

by Iris Johansen

Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan is once again thrown into a deadly game of intrigue when she receives a cryptic package containing a skull and a two-sided mirror. Eve is determined to reconstruct the skull and uncover the mystery of the person’s identity, and when she does, the face of a beautiful woman begins to emerge. But who is she?

As Eve gets closer and closer to finding the answer, she becomes swept up in a lethal chase that spans continents and threatens to destroy the family that she has worked so hard to bring together. Eve and her team must work quickly to discover who is behind the murder―and maybe even prevent more loss of life. But how do you fight a killer who is willing to destroy anyone as a means to an end?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Adult Fiction, Audiobook

464 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 24, 2018

About the author

Iris Johansen is a New York Times bestselling author. She began her writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success.

She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.

IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.

http://www.irisjohansen.com

Reviews

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fabulous read!!! No one writers a thriller as well as johansen,I don't know how she keeps writing such characters and storylines that have you sitting on the edge of your seat,but she does!! Every new book that comes out just keeps getting better and better. This is a eve ducan novel and not only do we have some of my most favorite characters,but new ones from cara's mysterious school mate who's more then she seems to the sick as shit villian Norwalk!!! But one of my favorites and the one I'm so in love with is eve's special and gifted son Michael !!! For a six year old he's way beyond his years,like eve he see's more then most and I can't wait to see what happens with this mother and son team!! When I sit down will any iris johansen book I know I'm in for one big mind f##k,but I live to read this great storytellers words!!! Can't get enough!!

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

This did nothing for me.

[Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I want to say that I had some trepidation about reading this book. I do find this series wonderful, but the last book just didn't do much for me. So, I really wanted to like this book, but I was worried that I would be disappointed again. Thankfully, this book worked better for, although it's still far away from the best ones I read in this series. At least Eve Duncan has a more prominent role to play in this book than in the last. I do like Jane Macguire, but I do prefer to have Eve as the main character rather than a secondary. Unfortunately, Eve had to share the limelight with Cara Delaney, who she saved a couple of years ago. This review contains spoiler about the previous book and I will also deal with things about what is going on in this book. So if you want a spoiler-free review, should you perhaps stop reading here.

Shattered Mirror takes place a couple of years later on than the previous book. Eve and Joe's son Michael is now six and Cara is eighteen. This felt like a big leap, but it was necessary for the story, or rather for Cara's story since the connection she has had with Jock since she was twelve hardly could evolve with her being underaged. Yeah, this part of the book was hardly surprising, Cara has grown up and she has always had a soft spot for Jock. This is probably a good thing since I have to admit that Cara's and Jock's "thing", felt borderline creepy when she was so young. Cara is now studying music and has a roommate Darcy, but after Cara is attacked by an unknown enemy do they both go home to Eve and Joe. Meanwhile, Eve has gotten her hands on a mystery skull. And, the unknown enemy out there seems to be having a torn on the side to both Eve, Cara and Cara's criminal grandfather.

I'm a bit on the fence when it comes to this book, on one side is it refreshing to be back to Eve trying to find out the identity of the woman whose skull she is working on. On the other hand, was I not so thrilled about Cara's story, nor Darcys. The whole Darcy is so beautiful she turns everyone's head around was boring from the first time I heard about her. She was a character that I felt never really got to me. And, Cara and Jock's "dance" through this book was also something that bothered me.

What worked for me was Eve, Joe and Michael. I like Michael, he's a special book and I've always liked Eve. The best part of the book was about them. Eve's worry now when Michael is the same age as Bonnie was when she lost her. And, as always do I enjoy her work with reconstructing skulls.

This book is OK. I was pleased that Eve took a more central role, but I would love to read a book without Cara in it, or with her in a smaller role. Right now I'm thinking of going back to the beginning of the series and pick up where I left off.

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish this book I kept falling asleep when I was reading it

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I accidentally discovered this series several years while reading its spinoff, Kendra Michaels. I've always been partial to Kendra, but find myself jumping in and out of this series from time to time, as I've come to admire Eve and Joe. Shattered Mirror is easily one of my favorites of this series, and I can't wait to read the next installment of Eve Duncan.

This series is reader friendly and Johansen makes it easy if you missed a few installments here and there to quickly get up to date. There is always excellent recaps, and I never feel lost as to the overall Eve Duncan world. This installment drew me in from the beginning, and I easily devoured it one evening. There is a perfect balance of suspense, romance, and family dynamics.

Even though they are secondary characters, I could not get enough of Joc and Cara! The chemistry between the two is so intense and reminds me of the earlier days of Eve and Joe. I hope they have a series as some point.

If you are romantic suspense fan, I recommend anything from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my advanced review copy.

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, Iris Johansen does a fantastic job with the characters in this book, Eve Duncan and her family (both blood and adopted). I have read every book in the series and not one of them has disappointed me yet!

Cara is the main character in this particular book, a talented violinist who featured in an earlier book (this book reads well as a standalone though). Cara is growing up, and that starts to make waves for people around her, as well as for Cara herself.

A skull comes into Eve's possession, in fact, someone gives it to her, and he is not with the police! What this skull reveals and the consequences it has for Eve and her family is something you will have to read about for yourself, but take it as given that it is a heart-stopper of a book at times and definitely not a light and breezy book by any means.

This was a really great read.

4.5 stars from me.

[Creeker868 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series is starting to get repetitive to me. Eve gets another skull, she reconstructs it and identifies whose skull it is. Someone is looking for payback for an imagined slight. Characters include Eve, Eves's son Michael, Eve's husband Joe, Cara a violin virtuoso who is now a member of Eve's extended family, Cara's roommate Darcy, Cara's grandfather and Russian criminal Kaskov, and Jock.

[Marika Charalambous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Eve Duncan series. This latest book focuses on Eve and her close family once again. When Eve gets a burned skull in a box, she knows that she has to give this skull a real face, especially when Michael, her son, insists on it as well.

What she doesn't know is that the skull is the beginning of a new set of troubles for Eve and her family. I liked that in this book, Cara's Russian Mafia grandfather gets to feature quite prominently as well. I did start to warm up to him ... a bit.

Here is my full review: https://mysterysequels.com/book-revie...

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story begins with a burnt skull with a bullet hole wrapped in a nice package with and including a two-sided mirror being left on Eve Duncan's front porch. Because her fey and precocious six-year-old Michael encourages her to restore the skull so that the victim can find her way home, Eve begins something that will lead to incredible danger.

Then the story switches to Cara at school with her new roommate former child star Darcy Nichols. Cara is wishing to visit Eve, Joe and Michael and angsting over her relationship with Jock Gavin who has been out of touch for some months. Cara is also planning her usual month with her Russian mafia grandfather Sergei Kaskov which makes Jock and her family uneasy. When her rooms are broken into in New York, she takes Darcy and goes back to stay with Eve for a while leaving Jock to investigate.

Cara's relationship with Jock is changing. She's eighteen now and not the traumatized eleven-year-old that Jock rescued. They've had years of being best friends but now she is starting to feel grown-up feeling around him. Jock is a former assassin who feels that Cara can do better and he's been waiting for years to find some more appropriate for her to love.

When they get to Eve's, they are all surprised and upset to find that the skull belongs to Darcy's secret twin sister. She was brain-damaged at birth and Darcy's mother blackmailed Darcy to work in show business to earn the money to provide her sister with the kind of care she needed while forbidding her to visit her. However, they do have a twin mental communication which they could use to get around their mother's rules. Only, the twin Sylvie dropped off Darcy's mental radar a couple of months before and now Darcy knows why.

The villain has set up a complex plot to get revenge on Eve, Cara, and Cara's grandfather leaving Darcy as collateral damage. It will be up to Eve, Joe, Jock, and Kaskov with Cara, Michael and Darcy's help to defeat the villain before he can complete his plot.

This was well-written. I enjoyed the fast pace of the story and the relationships between the characters. I like that Cara is part of a family formed by love rather than blood relationships. I liked her growing and changing relationship with Jock.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this 23rd novel in the Eve Duncan series, we meet new characters and see new and different situations, including some special weapons. Once again the story begins with a skull that Eve reconstructs. Michael, her six year old son, calls it Sylvie. Cara, Eve and Joe's ward is in New York at the Carnegie School boarding with Darcy, a child actress who is now a beautiful woman who is training to be a singer. Jock Gavin, Cara's BFF and soulmate is visiting her when she is attacked in her dorm room. She heads off home to Atlanta and Darcy goes with her. When they arrive home, Darcy recognized the reconstruction, in fact, it looks just like her. It is determined that it is her twin sister, who is supposed to be living in a home for people with developmental issues. The mystery begins. Of course Eve has been targeted as well as Cara by this mysterious psycho who left the skull in Joe's vehicle for Eve to find in the first place. Add in Cara's Russian mob grandfather to the mix and there is a lot of adventure, some murders, kidnapping, mind melding and more. I have enjoyed this series, but I think I might be ready to move on. I hope she continues to write some of her other series that have not gone on as long and are still fresh. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda/Vancouver/Langley 5 stars for me!

Fast paced intriguing book by Iris Johansen. Really enjoyed book. This is the 3rd book that I have read by Iris Johansen recently. Had read 1 book several years ago and I didn't enjoy it too much. Her name caught my eye when I was in Indigo books and I purchased her latest book Persuasion. It was excellent. I like Eve Duncan, her husband Joe, son Michael. Michael has special powers and he is 6 yrs old in this book. Cara is an 18 year old that Eve and Joe have custody off. Cara has a roommate at school, Darcy who comes home with her. Cara had been brutally attached in her room at school and came home to recover. Jock is an investigator and he has been involved with the family including protecting Cara. There are bad people in the book especially Norwalk and he is a real monster. Also a Russian mafia man, Kascov who lives part time in the U.S. He is also Cara's grandfather. Visual is good too with descriptions of swamps and alligators. Also I love how often Iris Johansen uses the word mockingly in her books. Love that! Excellent book which will keep you on the edge. I will definitely be buying more books by Iris Johansen.

[Up All Night With Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC received in exchange for an honest review***

New York Times bestselling author, Iris Johansen, does it again in Shattered Mirror, Eve Duncan #23. WOW what a ride this one was. Right from the start you are off and running in this fiction thriller mystery. It gave me chills thinking someone is out there watching in the woods.

Eve is thrown back into the mix of things when a skull is left in a pretty package for her. But once she completes the reconstruction, her daughter brings home a friend and it's like looking at a carbon copy of the reconstructed skull. TWINS!! Thus we are off and running on this crazy person's game. But things are not always what they appear to be and whose next in is part of the game. Everyone is a pawn for the final explosion.

I was entrapped from the beginning until the end. Very well written, fast paced, waiting for all the pieces to fall into place had me gripping my nook. The antagonist in this story is just down right scary, there is nothing more I can say about that. The way the author has everything so intertwined that you just have no idea who is he really after and during all this absolute craziness, family bands together like they should even though some relationships are tested and/or possibly starting?

Written in the third person narrative is perfect for this story as we get to read all the thoughts and feelings of many different characters throughout the story.

4 chilling stars.

**Review by Lisa, Late Night Reviewer for Up All Night With Books**

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a giveaway. Initially, I was excited to receive the book since I had read "And Then You Die..." and "No One to Trust" in high school and had enjoyed them very much. This book is in a much different vein. The first couple that I read were spy-thrillers (with the inclusion of a romantic element, but I found them enjoyable for the spy storyline). "The Shattered Mirror" is more psychic-suspense and definitely not up my alley, though I'm sure that there are other readers who would derive more satisfaction from it so it's not necessarily a negative.

I was also quite disappointed with the characterization of Michael, the 6 year-old who has a psychic connection with his mother and apparently the killer. I kept having my suspension of disbelief broken because this character does not talk like a 6-year-old, even a precocious one! I'd have preferred that she had left this character out. The same goes for the 18-year-old Cara who seems to have an adult sensibility of what relationships are. These kids are even less realistic than the psychic element to me.

Also I realize that this book is a part of a series and over time series can build up a lot of characters but the inclusion of all of them, at least by mention, is exhausting. The exposition is clumsy as the characters explain to each other who they are talking about even though they would presumably have met these people themselves. And the names are not common ones so it's not like the clarification would have been that necessary like "I meant John who was brainwashed by the IRA, not John, the one who rescued him from a hospital following a suicide attempt." (These storylines refer to characters named Jock and MacDuff so you can see they'd be memorable.) The clumsy exposition made for a clumsy reading pace as the action and progression of the story was stilted each time something was explained. Doing it through dialogue rather than narration made these people seem likely they all suffered amnesia.

Maybe the incessant exposition was somewhat necessary since all of the mentioned characters would come into play. But even beloved characters don't need to be a part of the action every time. The book would have benefited from paring down, I think.

I have to be completely honest, I did not finish this book. I gave it two chapters and it was not better so sadly I had to put it down. If you're looking for a good one by this author, I would highly recommend "And Then You Die...," which was a standalone so it was able to get into the actual story much quicker and the cast of characters was much smaller so more focus was put into the gradual introduction of each one.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of Shattered Mirror by Iris Johansen in exchange for an honest review. This novel is 23rd in the series with Eve Duncan, forensic sculptor. Because this was my first in this series, I felt that I was missing necessary information from the previous books and I had trouble catching up. This is not a standalone novel. The story starts with a suspenseful delivery of an unknown skull to Eve's cottage. Not knowing who left this, she goes ahead and sculpts the face of this unknown woman and the story takes off from there. The rest of the book reveals who this mystery woman was and what happened to her, who sent this mystery skull to Eve and what danger lurks after the identification becomes known. Good mystery with many characters and a fair amount of suspense.

[Chantal · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven’t read a book from this series in awhile - but I saw on at the library and figured I’d give it a try. Wow, a lot has changed - new developments and characters since I’d last read - but the same overall plot devices and elements remain. It was okay - it was a quick read and action packed but so laughable in terms of the characters. I understand having leeway when it comes to the believable-ness of something when reading fiction but this was just so far over the top. The way characters were relating to each other and situations was just absurd - with zero sense of likeliness. I don’t mind the occasional supernatural elements either, but again found those too over the top. Overall, reading this book reminded me why I stopped reading this series years ago.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oops, ran out of time on this library book. I guess if it held my attention, that would not have happened... DNF

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and St Martin's Press for an advance copy of Shattered Mirror, the twenty third novel to feature forensic artist Eve Duncan and her family.

Eve is at home in Atlanta when a gift wrapped parcel is left in her husband Joe's truck. When they open it they find a charred skull partially destroyed by a bullet. Eve, urged on by her six year old son, Michael, feels compelled to reconstruct it but is absolutely astonished when she meets the living embodiment of the skull a few days later. Who has sent the skull and why are the driving force in the novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed Shattered Mirror which is an out and out adventure novel and the series is fast becoming one of my guilty pleasures. Why? Normally I like a bit of realism in my reading but I make an exception with this series and wholeheartedly embrace the paranormal elements, outlandish plot and lovefest that is the family dynamic because it is a fun, escapist read. I admire the clever plotting which has many unexpected twists and turns and love the thrills of the hunt for the bad guys, the setbacks and the victories. It had me turning the pages rapidly and I put it down very reluctantly when life intervened. It is not, however, a cosy read as it contains a fair amount of explicit violence and some evil characters.

I'm not quite sure what to say about the characters. The very visible love they share is pervasive and a bit cloying but they back it up with aggressive action when threatened which mitigates some of the sweetness. I was disappointed not to see Jane, Eve's adopted daughter, and more importantly her devastatingly attractive boyfriend, Seth Caleb, in this episode but the other characters made up for it (almost!). I'm already looking forward to the next instalment.

Shattered Mirror is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the end, everyone has to face their own angels or demons.

Some would call Eve Duncan a skull collector. She brings new life into what has been destroyed. A forensic sculptor, she has a gift a connection to those that had a terrible ending. It is her desire to bring them back home. When a delivery is left at her door, she knows that there is connection. A deadly connection.

The mysterious skull is of a woman with a bullet. Who was she? Why was she killed and most importantly why was she left with her. Her young son Michael seems to have the same connection as his mother Eve. Not bothered by the skull, Michael sees the person. He even suggests a name. However, there is something sinister, it seems Sylvia is bringing a message of doom.

This case brings all of the important people in Eve Duncan life together, her charge Cara an upcoming musician who is currently attending a prestigious school. A family friend, Jock who has become Cara's protector and friend. However, now that Cara has "grown up", the tension between friends is becoming confusing which always makes for a good read. However, when an attack on Cara at her dorm occurs, the dots begin to connect rapidly. Bringing them all together and to bring Sylvia home.

A mystery thriller that goes to the depths of the bayou in Louisiana to a mother's fierce love for her son and family, this will keep you at the edge of your seat.

A Special Thank You to St. Martins Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive and ARC copy thanks to Goodreads and St. Martin’s Press. Thank you!
This is #23 of the Eve Duncan Series and THIS is how you write a book #23. (Janet Evonovich should take note…although I don’t care if she does, after reading her last Stephanie Plum book, her writing is dead to me now.) I really like these books. I love how not all the characters are in each book, but are usually mentioned. Iris weaves a great web of stories for each character and she also does a great job of creating growth of each character, not just in age, but in maturity, knowledge, and life in general. (Again, Janet E. please take note of this….characters maturing and learning from their past and growing? Wow, what a concept). Even though Eve is the main character, some of her books place her in a supporting role, which I appreciate. I have not read books 1-22 and you don’t need to really, but some of them have some wicked adventures and storylines. Any of the stories featuring Jane MacGuire are fabulous and anxious to read #24!!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan's son Michael is 6 years old now, a special child with unusual abilities. He realizes a darkness is outside when someone leaves a package with a skull in it for reconstruction. As Eve reconstructs the face, her adopted daughter Cara comes home from college with her roommate Darcy. Cara was attacked in her dorm apartment and the family rallies at their lake house to fight the threat. Joining forces with a Russian mafia don in New Orleans, Eve and her extended family fight a mad man to get Michael back.

I like the intense loyalty of Eve and her family. I like the emergence of Michael's personality which seems to have taken over the place Bonnie was filling. Joe Quinn is lethal as always. Cara and Jock are inching their way to a new relationship. I thought this story was one of the better recent Eve Duncan books. I'd almost given up on the series but think I'll stick around for the next one.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris Johansen is one of my favorite authors and Shattered Mirror is now on the top of my list of books by her that I loved reading. Eve Duncan receives a mysterious box on her front step that has a shattered mirror in it. Under the shattered mirror is a skull that has a bullet wound and was the victim of a fire. As Eve works on her reconstruction, the mystery begins to unravel, family and friends (Cara and Darcy) become involved and the plot twists keep coming. A thriller of a story with the strong family bonds that worn't be broken. A must read that will keep you turning the pages and wondering what will be found just around the corner!

[Keshan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice story like a Tv show or movie....think its a good chance to make Netflix... :)
This story began with a gift....rapping with gold paper.....!Completely some kind of disgusting gift..who send Skull like a gift?
That is the main event of this book...but i am little bit confused with names...because this book is 23rd book in Eve Duncan series!!!
overall page turning book because it has lot of dialogues!

[Elizabeth Young]

😩 made it about 30% through. Another book I didn’t realize was in a series and wasn’t the first. I did most of this through audiobook and one point I must have not been paying attention because I got so confused and was never really able to fully understand what was happening nor did I really want too. I’ve come to the realization that it’s ok to DNF books that aren’t doing it for me. Why waste my time on something I’m not enjoying.🤷🏼‍♀️

[Bridgett Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
When a box containing a human skull is left in the passenger seat of their truck, Eve realizes that someone is trying to send a message. Cara and Darcy are roommates at a famous performing arts school. They both have their inner secrets, but have become as close as sisters. But what they don't know is a serial killer may have them in his sights.

[Arlette Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I generally like this author and I did enjoy this book. The characters are engaging and real and the plot lines provided good suspense. The introduction of new characters set up a promise of future books. I’m not overly fond of the bouts of fantasy that Johansen’ recent stories have take and was glad that while there were some of that in this story, it was much less than prior books.

[Patsygermany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series but I must have several books before this one because it had a lot of new people in it, most of them very evil. Much horror, killing and
terror for Eve, Joe and their strange child Michael. Good reading.

[Janis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of suspense and angst as Eve and most of her family are threatened.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tired to force myself to finish the book, was so boring. I was lost.

[Victoria Hoey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um yes please. Possible new favorite author?

[Anke · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great amazing books a page turner till the end.As always WOW.