What do you think?
Rate this book
Eve Duncan #27
The Bullet
From a #1 New York Times bestselling author, a woman finally gets her happily-ever-after ending with the man she loves—until a woman on the run shows up on her doorstep with enough secrets to get them all killed.
560 pages, Hardcover
First published June 8, 2021
786 people are currently reading
6617 people want to read
About the author
Iris Johansen
226 books7,335 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
August 25, 2021
What a thrill ride!!! Iris johansen is a superb and gifted storyteller who writes on the edge of your seat thrillers and The Bullet was excellent!!! Between having a gripping storyline to non stop action from beginning to end with characters that are fabulous the bullet is just another example of her genius. I've read every book in her Eve Duncan series and each and every one is awesome. And in the bullet not only was Eve back but so was her husband Joe and their son Michael.And also in this book was Catherine Ling CIA agent and one of my all time favorite characters and with Catherine comes the mysterious Hu Chang Catherine's mentor and skilled assassin and master poisoner and the CEO and protector of Shangri- la richard Cameron who has his own agenda for showing up out of the blue and who can do some really scary mind games with people,but with Catherine he is obsessed and it won't be long before catherine submits to the fire and chemistry that sparks whenever he's around. When Joes ex wife diane discovers a plant that can cure cancer and other diseases she put a big target on her back and the owner and head of Nalam pharmaceutical will do whatever it takes to silence not only her but her mentor Alon Hakali the keeper of knowledge for this miracle root plant! With twists and turns and despicable villains who do whatever it takes including the kidnapping and the torture of alon's brother and they will stop at nothing even if this means killing Eve and everyone involved. And yes theirs even some romance and steam between Catherine and Richard as well. This writer is my favorite #1 author of thriller/suspense romances of all time! I hope she never stops writing! Iris johansen hasn't Been a#1 best selling author by luck. Her characters and story writing is excellent and every book is a must read! Until next time Luv's💕💋
July 3, 2021
I think this might be the first Iris Johansen book I’ve ever given three stars to. The plot was interesting but the middle of the book seemed really similar to many of her others. The last twenty pages or so were excellent and different but overall, I was disappointed.
June 29, 2021
1.9⭐️
The Bullet missed the mark here, badly. One of my chief complaints is that the author presumes that the reader has some knowledge of several secondary characters, each of whom play pivotal roles in the book: Catherine Ling, Hu Chang, and Richard Cameron; however, unless readers have been following the series, including the Ling spin-off series, they will be robbed of some extraordinary insights into the essential nature of these people and some of their most thrilling exploits.The secondary characters mentioned above were introduced in the Eve Duncan series many, many years ago, and they each have a compelling backstory. They are phenomenal, skilled, and very often lethal. Very little of these characters’ remarkable backgrounds and histories can be gleaned between the pages of this book—and that’s a crying shame. The book doesn’t expound on the question of how the secondary characters are associated with each other, and in the same vein, the book does not delve into Eve’s connection to the characters with any specificity.
Moreover, I am perplexed. Another secondary character, Diane Connors, takes center stage in this book. Diane is Joe Quinn’s ex-wife, and appeared at the very beginning of the Eve Duncan series. As I recall, Diane was a selfish, manipulative, entitled and an extremely unlikeable character—good riddance. And yet, here, she resurfaces after all this time as a world renowned doctor. If that isn’t bewildering enough, the few tidbits of information given about the nature of Joe’s and Diane’s marriage are wholly inadequate, especially in light of Diane’s assertions. On top of that, any elaboration unintentionally paints a false picture vis-à-vis Joe’s relationship with Eve during his marriage to Diane. Unfortunately, precious little time and attention is given to Eve and her forensic sculpting, showcasing her exacting process and incredible talent. In fact, Eve’s role this time around seems inconsequential.
In the end, there isn’t any real mystery or suspense, and frankly, the book’s concept of “the bullet” is rather farcical. Without revealing any spoilers here, this book ends in a cliffhanger. How will the events affect Eve, Joe, and their son, Michael, in future Eve Duncan books? I can’t fathom how certain particularities can be ignored or worse, totally disregarded going forward. So, what now? I suppose it might be interesting to find out.
June 15, 2021
I have always been a fan of Eve and Joe but "The Bullet" was the book that made me change my mind about the couple (at least until #28 is released). Anyone that has read about this book knows that Joe's ex-wife has returned. Well, this is where complaint #1 began. Joe and Diane were married in the beginning of the series, but Joe/Eve made it sound to the others and the readers that Diane was the third person in the relationship when actually it was Eve. Diane even made the comment that Joe warned her not to talk to Eve or say anything negative that would hurt Eve.
Complaint #2: Since the beginning of the series, everyone treats Eve as if is porcelain. No one should say anything to her face that could hurt her or she might break into a million pieces. I know Joe put Eve into a mental health facility early in their relationship, but she's stronger than even Joe gives her credit for.
Complaint #3: Since when does a 10 year old get to dictate to his parents where he should go and when. Just because Michael has a special sense about things, doesn't mean that Eve and Joe shouldn't act like his parents. They're the grown ups. Start taking charge and making Michael understand that they will tell him what he can get involved in and how far he can get involved in it.
Complaint #2: Since the beginning of the series, everyone treats Eve as if is porcelain. No one should say anything to her face that could hurt her or she might break into a million pieces. I know Joe put Eve into a mental health facility early in their relationship, but she's stronger than even Joe gives her credit for.
Complaint #3: Since when does a 10 year old get to dictate to his parents where he should go and when. Just because Michael has a special sense about things, doesn't mean that Eve and Joe shouldn't act like his parents. They're the grown ups. Start taking charge and making Michael understand that they will tell him what he can get involved in and how far he can get involved in it.
August 26, 2021
Eve Duncan has agreed to work alongside husband Joe Qqinn's ex-wife Diane Connors. She has discovered a medical miracle that someone would love to take right out of her hands and use it to control and destroy the world. Can Eve and Joe help Diane, despite the ever-present danger facing them?
This story of something that could save lives in a big way could end up in the wrong hands. Along with protecting the invention, Eve's expertise as a forensic sculptor is needed for someone close to Diane. There has been an attempt on Diane's life which ends up keeping Joe on his toes.
The Bullet is the exciting twenty-seventh book in the thrilling Eve Duncan series. Just as the story has Eve and Joe, their gifted son Michael also plays a pivitol role. The story is fast-paced and lives are under severe threat while Diane perfects her discovery. Will everyone involved suvive the danger facing them? This compelling read makes me for than eager for the next book in the series.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
This story of something that could save lives in a big way could end up in the wrong hands. Along with protecting the invention, Eve's expertise as a forensic sculptor is needed for someone close to Diane. There has been an attempt on Diane's life which ends up keeping Joe on his toes.
The Bullet is the exciting twenty-seventh book in the thrilling Eve Duncan series. Just as the story has Eve and Joe, their gifted son Michael also plays a pivitol role. The story is fast-paced and lives are under severe threat while Diane perfects her discovery. Will everyone involved suvive the danger facing them? This compelling read makes me for than eager for the next book in the series.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
July 28, 2021
DNF got to page 18 and couldn't take any more. I repeat what I said about Blink of an Eye (and I wish I'd remembered how much I'd disliked that book and saved myself from lugging this one home from the library): Clunky writing, especially the dialogue. Such melodrama, yet mostly boring, even with exclamation points to make sure you've noticed when someone has shot a gun!!!
July 9, 2021
I have read only one other Eve Duncan novel and I found the Bullet somewhat tedious. While the story line is well crafted and engaging, it seems the characters spend way to much time worrying about who protects who and how and not wanting to upset the main characters. I had a hard time distinguishing the traits of the main characters at times and found them a little shallowly drawn. Probably just me.
January 14, 2022
This book is a bit difficult to get through. The dialogue is rather contrived. The story is good but it is really driving me crazy the interactions between Cameron and Catherine. So cheesy. I definitely couldn't wait for it to end. Earlier books by this author were much better.
June 20, 2021
This is the 27th book in the Eve Duncan series. I have read every Eve Duncan book and am so disappointed. I love these characters and have enjoyed watching them grow as they face challenges and obstacles. I hardly know where to begin this review.
The main character, who happens to be Joe’s ex wife, develops the ‘silver bullet’ on her own, injects several others, and then herself. She synthesizes the drug by herself with no assistance, no over site,, and is the only one who understands the composition of this miracle drug. She then puts herself at incredible risk during a military style assault and is almost killed. Early in the book, she said that she should have given the formula to multiple groups including the WHO and similar groups, but keeps it to herself.
The book throws so many of the favorite characters into the story, but they all seem exaggerated and barely believable. The plot is interesting, but full of so many holes and requires that you suspend all common sense regarding many of the scenarios. One of the strengths of these books involve the work done by forensic sculptor Eve Duncan. She does one reconstruction but it is glossed over and not nearly at the usual intense level and commitment.
I hope I haven’t ruined the book for any fans and also hope they are caught up in the plot and are able to enjoy the book.
The main character, who happens to be Joe’s ex wife, develops the ‘silver bullet’ on her own, injects several others, and then herself. She synthesizes the drug by herself with no assistance, no over site,, and is the only one who understands the composition of this miracle drug. She then puts herself at incredible risk during a military style assault and is almost killed. Early in the book, she said that she should have given the formula to multiple groups including the WHO and similar groups, but keeps it to herself.
The book throws so many of the favorite characters into the story, but they all seem exaggerated and barely believable. The plot is interesting, but full of so many holes and requires that you suspend all common sense regarding many of the scenarios. One of the strengths of these books involve the work done by forensic sculptor Eve Duncan. She does one reconstruction but it is glossed over and not nearly at the usual intense level and commitment.
I hope I haven’t ruined the book for any fans and also hope they are caught up in the plot and are able to enjoy the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2021
Suspenseful, turbulent, and action-packed!
The Bullet is an ominous, intense thrill ride that introduces us to Joe Quinn’s first wife, Diane Connors, a scientist in need of a little help and protection when her discovery and research into a medicinal plant that can cure practically any ailment makes her a prime target for Joshua Nalan, a ruthless billionaire willing to go to whatever lengths necessary to secure Diane’s research for himself.
The prose is tight and brisk. The characters are well informed, vigilant, and reliable. And the plot is a well-paced, menacing tale full of tension, desperation, obsession, adventure, cruelty, violence, murder, and a touch of the paranormal.
Overall, The Bullet is another sinister, complex, solid addition to the Eve Duncan series by Johansen that I would have to say is not my favourite novel in this long-running series but is still definitely a highly satisfying one.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Bullet is an ominous, intense thrill ride that introduces us to Joe Quinn’s first wife, Diane Connors, a scientist in need of a little help and protection when her discovery and research into a medicinal plant that can cure practically any ailment makes her a prime target for Joshua Nalan, a ruthless billionaire willing to go to whatever lengths necessary to secure Diane’s research for himself.
The prose is tight and brisk. The characters are well informed, vigilant, and reliable. And the plot is a well-paced, menacing tale full of tension, desperation, obsession, adventure, cruelty, violence, murder, and a touch of the paranormal.
Overall, The Bullet is another sinister, complex, solid addition to the Eve Duncan series by Johansen that I would have to say is not my favourite novel in this long-running series but is still definitely a highly satisfying one.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read
July 20, 2021
Book 27 is filling with crazy twists and turns. So many issues stemming from the past and a crazy real-life world-shattering predicament could ruin it all. Thanks so much to Grand Central Publishing and Novel Suspects for sharing this title with me. Iris Johansen is one of my classic favorite authors and I enjoyed being able to spend a loaded weekend reading The Bullet.
~Tanja
Follow me on
Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿Pinterest✿TikTok
July 6, 2021
What can I say that others haven't already, but man, does Iris Johansen know how to build suspense from start to finish! Another winner! Even though there is enough back story to make this one an enjoyable read, I think I want to go back & get to know Eve Duncan right from the beginning, 26 books ago.
August 23, 2025
I love this series but this one fell short for me i had a hard time paying attention to it.
August 25, 2021
Pretty bad even for her!
Have been reading her books for years and it is sad to see how they have gotten progressively worse. This one bordered on the preposterous!
Have been reading her books for years and it is sad to see how they have gotten progressively worse. This one bordered on the preposterous!
June 24, 2021
Thank you Grand Central Publishing / Hachette Audio / Libro.fm for the gifted copy.
I’m like a giddy school girl when a new Eve Duncan book comes out and the fact that this series is still going strong never ceases to amaze me! This is book #27!!! I still remember when I first discovered my first Eve Duncan book and while I have loved some books more than others, I still enjoy this series.
What I love about this series is that they are filled with action and really keep you engaged from start to finish. In this latest installment, a character from one of the very early books shows up and I honestly don’t remember her – it’s been that long since we’ve seen her. But, she plays an integral role here and has a history with Jo and Eve. Because of that, I’m tempted to go back to the beginning of the series to see where she first shows up…but we’ll see if I find the time to do that!
One of the big draws for me to this series has always been seeing Eve doing her job as a forensic sculptor, and at times, that isn’t always present in the books. BUT I’m so happy to report that in this book we see her in action her doing a reconstruction. This is what made me fall in love with this series in the first place…reading about her doing these reconstructions of the faces, of her she goes about her job and how it is used to help solve cases of the missing.
I love these books. I love that they keep me on my toes with all the twists and turns and that familiar characters show up from time to time. Not only do we have the character I already mentioned, but Catherine Ling, a favorite of mine, is also involved in this story and I just love when she is working alongside Eve and Joe. I love the dynamics between the characters and the way they work to get the bad guys!
I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series…because I just know this isn’t the end yet!
Audio thoughts: Because I saw that Elisabeth Rodgers was narrating this book, I grabbed the audio and I was thrilled. She has narrated many of Iris Johansen’s books and I love the consistency. No matter how long it’s been between books, with Elisabeth as narrator, it’s like jumping right back in – that’s how consistent she is with her voices. Her pacing and intonation are spot on and she always infuses just the right amount of tension and suspense into her voice as needed. I love listening to her narrate these books!
You can see all my reviews at: https://www.alwayswithabook.com
I’m like a giddy school girl when a new Eve Duncan book comes out and the fact that this series is still going strong never ceases to amaze me! This is book #27!!! I still remember when I first discovered my first Eve Duncan book and while I have loved some books more than others, I still enjoy this series.
What I love about this series is that they are filled with action and really keep you engaged from start to finish. In this latest installment, a character from one of the very early books shows up and I honestly don’t remember her – it’s been that long since we’ve seen her. But, she plays an integral role here and has a history with Jo and Eve. Because of that, I’m tempted to go back to the beginning of the series to see where she first shows up…but we’ll see if I find the time to do that!
One of the big draws for me to this series has always been seeing Eve doing her job as a forensic sculptor, and at times, that isn’t always present in the books. BUT I’m so happy to report that in this book we see her in action her doing a reconstruction. This is what made me fall in love with this series in the first place…reading about her doing these reconstructions of the faces, of her she goes about her job and how it is used to help solve cases of the missing.
I love these books. I love that they keep me on my toes with all the twists and turns and that familiar characters show up from time to time. Not only do we have the character I already mentioned, but Catherine Ling, a favorite of mine, is also involved in this story and I just love when she is working alongside Eve and Joe. I love the dynamics between the characters and the way they work to get the bad guys!
I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series…because I just know this isn’t the end yet!
Audio thoughts: Because I saw that Elisabeth Rodgers was narrating this book, I grabbed the audio and I was thrilled. She has narrated many of Iris Johansen’s books and I love the consistency. No matter how long it’s been between books, with Elisabeth as narrator, it’s like jumping right back in – that’s how consistent she is with her voices. Her pacing and intonation are spot on and she always infuses just the right amount of tension and suspense into her voice as needed. I love listening to her narrate these books!
You can see all my reviews at: https://www.alwayswithabook.com
August 3, 2024
I had put this one off because I did not care for Joe’s ex- wife, and all the anguish she put him through. I only read it for the other characters that have been added over the years. His first wife has found a cure for a cancer, and those that want it will do anything, including torture to have it. I didn’t care for her come on to Joe. I saw no reason to bring her back. It only threw a wrench into the workings of Eve’s novels. The other characters would be confusing if you had not been with Eve from the beginning. I have been, but this stuck out like a sore thumb, and I’m sure it affected their very sensitive son. It ended as a cliffhanger, and I hope she leaves it there. Bullet was a miss for me.
January 4, 2022
Another great Eve Duncan novel. Once again eve is pulled into another dangerous situation in another foreign country, just after returning home from her last project. When Catherine shows up on Eve's door with Joe's ex wife Diane, Eve is shocked and dismayed. What is Diane asking eve to do for her and why.
June 14, 2021
As usual Iris Johansen at her best...excitement, adventure along with nail biting suspense.
I have read all of the Eve Duncan series and like them all. I especially like it that she introduces new characters as she goes along which I think is good.
I have read all of the Eve Duncan series and like them all. I especially like it that she introduces new characters as she goes along which I think is good.
October 9, 2025
My first Iris Johansen book. It had all the thrills of a Michael Crichton action/adventure medical research thriller with great plots, scenes and characters. However, I almost quit reading due to the excessive verbiage vying for one-upmanship and arguing who was the best at protecting Diane and her experimental panacea. This constant verbal analysis of guilt and superiority was annoying. Apart from that it was an exciting read so I'll give it a 3.75 and maybe I'll read another of her books sometime out of curiosity.
July 14, 2021
Although this book was filled with excitement, I felt it dragged in spots, perhaps mostly due to extended dialog that didn't always further the story. It also was improbable and not logical in some spots. But the characters were very well developed, and I read late into the night to finish it. Even though I have read several previous Even Duncan books, I couldn't figure out who Hu Chang was and how he could have had relationships with so many characters.
April 7, 2022
another excellent Eve Duncan story
I love when different characters combine in the books. This one was particularly interesting with a fascinating premise! Hard to put down.
I love when different characters combine in the books. This one was particularly interesting with a fascinating premise! Hard to put down.
September 10, 2022
The Bullet
Eve Duncan series, Book 27
Iris Johansen, author
Explosive phenomenal penmanship... this is Iris Johansen at her best!!!
With everything the world has endured with the Covid 19 virus, how fitting that Ms. Johansen pen such an appropriate storyline. I loved this story and I most highly recommend this novel.
Eve Duncan series, Book 27
Iris Johansen, author
Explosive phenomenal penmanship... this is Iris Johansen at her best!!!
With everything the world has endured with the Covid 19 virus, how fitting that Ms. Johansen pen such an appropriate storyline. I loved this story and I most highly recommend this novel.
May 18, 2021
This a thrilling read about medical possibilities that will have Eve Duncan and Joe Quinn trying to protect the life of a brilliant scientist, who happens to be Joe's ex-wife. She has made a medical discovery that will have unbelievable medical possibilities.
Diane Connors is a dedicated doctor who has discovered an amazing medical miracle that can have shocking global ramifications if she can live long enough to share her findings. But there are people out there who want those discoveries for their own personal use and will stop at nothing to acquire them.
With nowhere else to turn, Diane finds herself on the doorstep of Joe and Eve asking for their help. She specifically needs Eve's reconstruction skills. Once Eve agrees to help she, Joe and Catherine Ling will find themselves in middle of some powerful enemies.
Diane Connors is a dedicated doctor who has discovered an amazing medical miracle that can have shocking global ramifications if she can live long enough to share her findings. But there are people out there who want those discoveries for their own personal use and will stop at nothing to acquire them.
With nowhere else to turn, Diane finds herself on the doorstep of Joe and Eve asking for their help. She specifically needs Eve's reconstruction skills. Once Eve agrees to help she, Joe and Catherine Ling will find themselves in middle of some powerful enemies.
August 1, 2021
Disappointing. Slow. The first third of the book is taken up with talk talk all and no action. Usually I like her books but not his one.
August 18, 2021
This one pains me to rate! I love the Eve Duncan series, I have read and own all the hardcopies since day one but this one did not work for me and it made my reading it very slow.
It was almost hard to believe this was an Eve Duncan one as so much of the story focused on Catherine Ying & Diane Conners. I will be honest I tried the Catherine spin off and I just don't care for her character so this book being so focused on Catherine as well as a handful of secondary characters was a disappointment. Eve's part was minimal, which I can live with when it's a character I enjoy (like Jane), but this book seemed more like it belonged in Catherine's series.
My other issue with this particular story is how far-fetched it is. I get it, with Eve's history both with Bonnie and now Michael as well as supernatural aspects, we are used to things a little crazy and out of this box but this story just seemed too out there for me. Possibly because it tried so hard to seem plausible but there were a lot of plot holes and it just wasn't believable.
I miss the days from the beginning of the series when it would just be a great mystery and more focus was on her and her immediate family. I really hope Iris starts swinging back to that but based on how this one ended it doesn't sound likely to happen soon.
I will still continue to read & buy this series as it is my favourite, I will also always recommend it for that same reason but this particular book just didn't hit the mark for me.
It was almost hard to believe this was an Eve Duncan one as so much of the story focused on Catherine Ying & Diane Conners. I will be honest I tried the Catherine spin off and I just don't care for her character so this book being so focused on Catherine as well as a handful of secondary characters was a disappointment. Eve's part was minimal, which I can live with when it's a character I enjoy (like Jane), but this book seemed more like it belonged in Catherine's series.
My other issue with this particular story is how far-fetched it is. I get it, with Eve's history both with Bonnie and now Michael as well as supernatural aspects, we are used to things a little crazy and out of this box but this story just seemed too out there for me. Possibly because it tried so hard to seem plausible but there were a lot of plot holes and it just wasn't believable.
I miss the days from the beginning of the series when it would just be a great mystery and more focus was on her and her immediate family. I really hope Iris starts swinging back to that but based on how this one ended it doesn't sound likely to happen soon.
I will still continue to read & buy this series as it is my favourite, I will also always recommend it for that same reason but this particular book just didn't hit the mark for me.
July 11, 2021
Review to come and sadly it’s my first not so good review. Most of it is due to the audiobook version! I wish that I could have just read it because the narration was horrible!
July 30, 2021
Being generous with the 3 stars because I've enjoyed the series in the past. Stories are becoming a little too formulaic for my taste. Probably be my last one, sadly.
June 2, 2022
The 27th book in the Eve Duncan series. Eve and Joe are protecting Diane, a brilliant scientist and Joe's ex-wife. Fast-paced and exciting.
January 29, 2025
This book dragged and befuddled me for the first two-thirds and I was ready to give up on it more than once but I stuck with it. It got better but not substantially so.
Part of the problem was that I have read a few of the earliest Eve Duncan books and this one, being book #27, confused me because I was not familiar with several of the characters or their relationships with Eve and Joe, the lead characters. I had no idea who Cara was other than she was the musician granddaughter of another character named Kraskov, who I also didn't know and that she was the target of a madman who hated her father. The book focused more on Cara than Eve and that caused me to lose interest. I read Eve Duncan books to read about how she reconstructs skulls and solves murder mysteries. There was virtually none of that in this book.
Redundancy glossed over my mind because all of the characters were stubborn people who wanted to take care of business with no care about their own safety. There were pages of arguments about who knows best and of characters who were overly protective to other characters. The constant dialogue about who was right and who was wrong tired me out.
One notable character is the nemesis. Svardak had to be one of the most evil psychopaths I have ever read about in a suspense thriller. He was just pure unadulterated hatred with mental illness and a desire to taunt and kill people in horrible, painful ways.
Then there was Michael, the 10-year old son of Joe and Eve, with his ESP or whatever paranormal mental powers he had. He needed far more proper parental supervision than he was getting. Certainly, he helped lead people in the right direction to bring the novel to a conclusion but he seemed more like a spoiled brat who simply had free reign to do whatever he wanted, even if it put himself in jeopardy.
Once the action, such as it was, began happening round about Chapter 12-13, I paid closer attention. There was a creative finish to the bad guy but there was just little to no tension. And the epilogue was all lovey-dovey and kind of a letdown. Of course, epilogues are only meant to wrap things up in a red bow.
Overall, a disappointing read and it took me well over a week to plod through a 300+ page thriller, which I can normally finish in a day or two max.
Part of the problem was that I have read a few of the earliest Eve Duncan books and this one, being book #27, confused me because I was not familiar with several of the characters or their relationships with Eve and Joe, the lead characters. I had no idea who Cara was other than she was the musician granddaughter of another character named Kraskov, who I also didn't know and that she was the target of a madman who hated her father. The book focused more on Cara than Eve and that caused me to lose interest. I read Eve Duncan books to read about how she reconstructs skulls and solves murder mysteries. There was virtually none of that in this book.
Redundancy glossed over my mind because all of the characters were stubborn people who wanted to take care of business with no care about their own safety. There were pages of arguments about who knows best and of characters who were overly protective to other characters. The constant dialogue about who was right and who was wrong tired me out.
One notable character is the nemesis. Svardak had to be one of the most evil psychopaths I have ever read about in a suspense thriller. He was just pure unadulterated hatred with mental illness and a desire to taunt and kill people in horrible, painful ways.
Then there was Michael, the 10-year old son of Joe and Eve, with his ESP or whatever paranormal mental powers he had. He needed far more proper parental supervision than he was getting. Certainly, he helped lead people in the right direction to bring the novel to a conclusion but he seemed more like a spoiled brat who simply had free reign to do whatever he wanted, even if it put himself in jeopardy.
Once the action, such as it was, began happening round about Chapter 12-13, I paid closer attention. There was a creative finish to the bad guy but there was just little to no tension. And the epilogue was all lovey-dovey and kind of a letdown. Of course, epilogues are only meant to wrap things up in a red bow.
Overall, a disappointing read and it took me well over a week to plod through a 300+ page thriller, which I can normally finish in a day or two max.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews