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Kendra Michaels #10
More Than Meets the Eye
New York Times bestselling authors Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen team up for another electrifying thriller that pits a serial killer against Kendra Michaels' heightened powers of deduction.
After scoring a plea deal in a high-profile murder trial, serial killer James Michael Barrett leads a grim parade of law enforcement officers to the body of his last victim. At the alleged burial site, the officers swing their shovels down and are met with a strange metallic sound they weren’t expecting. In a blink, a terrific explosion rocks the woods, killing Barrett and most of the officers instantly.
The detonation is only the beginning of a shocking case for FBI consultant Kendra Michaels—a string of heinous murders in the style of the very-dead Barrett mysteriously continue, and it becomes clear that he may not have been working alone. As the crimes accelerate, Kendra reluctantly accepts help from college student Tricia Walton, the only survivor of Barrett’s attacks. But the killer has a terrifying plan that Kendra and her team are only beginning to understand.
After scoring a plea deal in a high-profile murder trial, serial killer James Michael Barrett leads a grim parade of law enforcement officers to the body of his last victim. At the alleged burial site, the officers swing their shovels down and are met with a strange metallic sound they weren’t expecting. In a blink, a terrific explosion rocks the woods, killing Barrett and most of the officers instantly.
The detonation is only the beginning of a shocking case for FBI consultant Kendra Michaels—a string of heinous murders in the style of the very-dead Barrett mysteriously continue, and it becomes clear that he may not have been working alone. As the crimes accelerate, Kendra reluctantly accepts help from college student Tricia Walton, the only survivor of Barrett’s attacks. But the killer has a terrifying plan that Kendra and her team are only beginning to understand.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published February 7, 2023
366 people are currently reading
5412 people want to read
About the author
Iris Johansen
227 books7,340 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 232 reviews
February 9, 2023
Another excellent thriller by the queen of suspense Iris johansen and her equally amazing co writer and son Roy Johansen! This dynamic writing dual has penned another Kendra Michaels mystery thriller full of action and suspense with a game of cat and mouse from another serial killer that thinks he can outwit and out run both Kendra and the puppet master and all around fixer Adam Lynch. When serial killer Michael James Barrett cuts a deal last minute to take the death penalty off the table if he shows police where the body of his first victim Dayna Voyles is buried it starts a chain of events that will end in death for many and bring a killer out of hiding. A trap was set up which ends up with not only Barrett being killed by a hidden explosive but several others from the the police and FBI. When Kendra and Lynch go to the prison to look for clues in barrett's cell Kendra finds a pair of prescription swimming goggles hidden in his pillow and they find out they belong to Tricia Walton a Olympic hopeful for the swimming team and the only known victim to have lived through a attack by Barrett when she was only 18. And piece by piece they realise that Barrett was part of a Alpha- Beta team and the mastermind behind all the killings from start to finish was a mystery man named Milo Fletcher who
is a sick deranged killer who sees himself as the ultimate killer who finds others who he groom's to do his bidding while he hides in the shadows. Once again theirs plenty of action and suspense and twists and turns and a race right up to the end to stop this villain and theirs also amazing new characters and some old friends thrown into the mix and passion!!! Kendra has been keeping Lynch at arm's length for years even though they were occasional lovers because of the fear of letting him in and something happening to him. But finally Kendra is done with what if's and totally surrenders herself to what she feels for Adam Lynch!!!! And Its about time!! I would never let this guy slip through my fingers!!! They are total equals in and out of bedroom! Team Johansen are awesome apart but together their pure magic! Until next Luv's💕💋
I want to thank Netgalley and Grand Central publishing and Iris and Roy Johansen for this early copy!💕💋
is a sick deranged killer who sees himself as the ultimate killer who finds others who he groom's to do his bidding while he hides in the shadows. Once again theirs plenty of action and suspense and twists and turns and a race right up to the end to stop this villain and theirs also amazing new characters and some old friends thrown into the mix and passion!!! Kendra has been keeping Lynch at arm's length for years even though they were occasional lovers because of the fear of letting him in and something happening to him. But finally Kendra is done with what if's and totally surrenders herself to what she feels for Adam Lynch!!!! And Its about time!! I would never let this guy slip through my fingers!!! They are total equals in and out of bedroom! Team Johansen are awesome apart but together their pure magic! Until next Luv's💕💋
I want to thank Netgalley and Grand Central publishing and Iris and Roy Johansen for this early copy!💕💋
March 9, 2023
I really wanted to rate this higher but I was getting really annoyed and frustrated with the stupidity of the women in this book. I’m all for being independent but I just couldn’t take the idiocy of them putting their life on the line! I absolutely love Iris Johansen and I should be used to her heroines in these stories. I think I just had enough of the bravado this time. Hopefully I won’t be so annoyed next time. It’s like watching a scary movie and seeing the predicaments that unwise women put themselves in.
I don’t know how to leave this review but I really don’t mean to be so harsh.
As always, my fellow Goodreader’s, Happy reading and/or listening! 📚🎧💜
I don’t know how to leave this review but I really don’t mean to be so harsh.
As always, my fellow Goodreader’s, Happy reading and/or listening! 📚🎧💜
May 11, 2023
These books don't come out nearly often enough! Once again, Iris and Roy really push the boat out. I love seeing these characters again. (Even though Kendra and Adam can really frustrate me.) The plot of this one was quite unique and the twists kept coming. One of my favorite series. Much better than the Eve Duncan series.
January 27, 2023
I'm gonna say it, I'm just going to rip the bandaid off and say it. I don't like Kendra. I love Lynch, I love Olivia, I enjoy Metcalf and Griffin and Tricia, and I even enjoyed Milo. I don't like Kendra. I think she's got a huge chip on her shoulder and treats people terribly. After 10 books, this one was the first one where I saw her grow as a person.
Whew. Ok, I said it. I feel better. That aside, the story line was intriguing and as per usual, the cast of characters make the book. Roy and Iris Johansen are one of the few author duos who can write seamlessly together and I love it!
A solid 4 1/2 stars for me. Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.
Whew. Ok, I said it. I feel better. That aside, the story line was intriguing and as per usual, the cast of characters make the book. Roy and Iris Johansen are one of the few author duos who can write seamlessly together and I love it!
A solid 4 1/2 stars for me. Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.
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March 13, 2023Nice ending to that monster
April 4, 2023
OK, I'm done. I finished with Eve Duncan a few books back since I no longer enjoyed reading them. They are written for grade school level readers and I got tired of it. In this book, I feel it was more Iris than Roy doing the writing. The same pedantic redundancy coming out of all the characters mouths. The over-the-top narcissisic, ego-maniacal descriptives of how wonderful I am, how smart I am, how stubborn I am, how this, how that. Too many well written books waiting to be read.
December 10, 2023
This story went absolutely no where. At one point of my life Iris Johansen stories were so good I considered a career in criminal forensics. This story was full of unrealistic decisions by the main characters, an overwhelming focus on strong women versus push over men, and there was absolutely no surprise twist to ending. If you are looking for a paint by numbers (i.e., exactly as expected formula) this might be for you, otherwise save your time.
February 24, 2023
More Than Meets the Eye is book 10 in the Kendra Michaels series and it was my first book in the series. I really loved the book and the strong female characters in it. Kendra Michaels was blind for the first 20 years of life and can now see. During her time as a blind person her other senses developed much more than that of a person with sight. Now that she has her sight back the other senses are still working at a heightened level and she notices things that others miss. Due to her unique ability she is often asked to help local police, the FBI, and others.
The book starts with a serial killer on trial for lots of murders he's committed. Barrett, the serial killer, agrees to a plea deal in which he will take the police and other law enforcement to each body that he murdered so that the families can have some peace. As the large group of reporters, camera men, photographers, police, FBI, etc arrive at the first sight a couple of men start digging where Barrett tells them. The one man hits what sounds like metal and before anyone can think about what that might be, the second man hits it hard and the area blows up. Almost everyone is killed immediately and body parts are strewn across the area.
Kendra is called in to give her opinions and insights into the bombing. Someone other than Barrett is killing people in the same way that Barrett did. It becomes obvious that Barrett was not working alone. Who is this other killer and what does he want? The only victim that got away from Barrett was Tricia Walton, a competitive swimmer. She's now in college and is much bigger and stronger than when she was attacked in high school. She has trained hard in martial arts so that she will never be unprepared if attacked again. When it becomes clear that Tricia is in the crosshairs of the next killer, Kendra brings her to her apartment to keep an eye on her. Lynch comes back to help Kendra once he hears of the bombing. Lynch and Kendra together is magical and I want more in the next book.
As Kendra, Lynch, Olivia, and the FBI guards try to keep Tricia safe will the succeed? Will the new killer, Milo, kill someone close to Kendra like he's threatening? Why does he keep calling with information about Kendra, Tricia, and others? He's obviously following Kendra and Tricia's moves and says he could've killed them when they were walking Olivia's dog. More guards are called in, but will it be enough? Tricia is training for a huge swim meet that could make her an Olympian. Will she be able to continue with her swimming? Will Milo get to her at the pool? Is Lynch in danger? You'll have to read the book to find out and I highly recommend that you do!
More Than Meets the Eye will keep you flipping the pages well into the night and you will love every minute of it. Do yourself a favor and get this book. I rate the book 5 stars and can't wait to read more in the Kendra Michaels series! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a fair review. #MoreThanMeetstheEye
The book starts with a serial killer on trial for lots of murders he's committed. Barrett, the serial killer, agrees to a plea deal in which he will take the police and other law enforcement to each body that he murdered so that the families can have some peace. As the large group of reporters, camera men, photographers, police, FBI, etc arrive at the first sight a couple of men start digging where Barrett tells them. The one man hits what sounds like metal and before anyone can think about what that might be, the second man hits it hard and the area blows up. Almost everyone is killed immediately and body parts are strewn across the area.
Kendra is called in to give her opinions and insights into the bombing. Someone other than Barrett is killing people in the same way that Barrett did. It becomes obvious that Barrett was not working alone. Who is this other killer and what does he want? The only victim that got away from Barrett was Tricia Walton, a competitive swimmer. She's now in college and is much bigger and stronger than when she was attacked in high school. She has trained hard in martial arts so that she will never be unprepared if attacked again. When it becomes clear that Tricia is in the crosshairs of the next killer, Kendra brings her to her apartment to keep an eye on her. Lynch comes back to help Kendra once he hears of the bombing. Lynch and Kendra together is magical and I want more in the next book.
As Kendra, Lynch, Olivia, and the FBI guards try to keep Tricia safe will the succeed? Will the new killer, Milo, kill someone close to Kendra like he's threatening? Why does he keep calling with information about Kendra, Tricia, and others? He's obviously following Kendra and Tricia's moves and says he could've killed them when they were walking Olivia's dog. More guards are called in, but will it be enough? Tricia is training for a huge swim meet that could make her an Olympian. Will she be able to continue with her swimming? Will Milo get to her at the pool? Is Lynch in danger? You'll have to read the book to find out and I highly recommend that you do!
More Than Meets the Eye will keep you flipping the pages well into the night and you will love every minute of it. Do yourself a favor and get this book. I rate the book 5 stars and can't wait to read more in the Kendra Michaels series! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a fair review. #MoreThanMeetstheEye
March 20, 2023
Just changed my rating; now a 2 for 2.5. The main reason for this is that another reviewer confirmed my feeling that the plot echoes another from earlier in this series. It was a strange sensation to be aware of what is coming when there is no reason for knowing. Confusing? Yes, just like I was confused but not since I knew what would happen. I also forgot my dislike of main character Kendra Michaels and her very unpleasant attitude and interaction with everyone. I loved the previous installment Killer View because it was focused on a different character, Jessie Mercado. The dialogue between the primary characters in the series (Kendra, Lynch, and Olivia) was difficult to grasp because it felt like it was cut and pasted or something? I cannot even eloquently explain. But all this being said, I will of course read the next and hope there is a return of Jessie because the elements of a fun suspense read are always present in this series.
January 22, 2025
Wow - an explosive beginning that captures my attention and I'm turning page after page into the wee hours in the morning. I am a fan of the Kendra series because of how well she pays attention to detail using all her senses. I love it. I wish I could process as much information as she can based on what I'm seeing, hearing and smelling.
In this latest thriller, Kendra is on the search for a cop killer. The killer has murdered many in the FBI that she liked. This is one where Kendra is met with more resistance than I can remember. What I find interesting is that now, Kendra is more actively seeking to be involved in investigations instead of the law enforcement agencies coming to her. I would think they would appreciate her help based on her stellar track record. This is not the case and it is infuriating.
I enjoyed the twists and turns in this story. Solving the case kept me riveted. The subplot where Kendra and Lynch are working out their relationship actually pulls me away from the story. The reason why is because Lynch comes across as a magic man. If Kendra is stuck anywhere, he magically makes it disappear. It makes it too easy. I also don't like how hard Kendra pushes Lynch away. I don't get it. Yes, yes, I'm a woman, hear me roar. Yes, Yes, Kendra wants to be independent after so many years being blind and not independent. I find this to be too contrived a conflict and I don't enjoy it. I'd rather they either get together or just remove the love interest all together.
I hope this series continues on!
In this latest thriller, Kendra is on the search for a cop killer. The killer has murdered many in the FBI that she liked. This is one where Kendra is met with more resistance than I can remember. What I find interesting is that now, Kendra is more actively seeking to be involved in investigations instead of the law enforcement agencies coming to her. I would think they would appreciate her help based on her stellar track record. This is not the case and it is infuriating.
I enjoyed the twists and turns in this story. Solving the case kept me riveted. The subplot where Kendra and Lynch are working out their relationship actually pulls me away from the story. The reason why is because Lynch comes across as a magic man. If Kendra is stuck anywhere, he magically makes it disappear. It makes it too easy. I also don't like how hard Kendra pushes Lynch away. I don't get it. Yes, yes, I'm a woman, hear me roar. Yes, Yes, Kendra wants to be independent after so many years being blind and not independent. I find this to be too contrived a conflict and I don't enjoy it. I'd rather they either get together or just remove the love interest all together.
I hope this series continues on!
April 16, 2023
I love these characters and that's what keeps me reading these books. The book had a scary and probably realistic premise, however, I wondered at times if a ghostwriter wrote this, but decided instead that it was an editing issue. There were a few dropped plot points and other small errors, but the most glaring was when Kendra called Lynch and on the very next page, she leaned over to look at his phone while they were still having the same conversation. There were odd jumps in time - a bunch of chapters started in the evening of the next day, what were they doing in all those day-time hours. Lynch was supposed to be guarding Tricia, but a number of times he was with Kendra. The ending was just weird with the killer. I'm glad of the epilogue because I was getting tired of the way Lynch and Kendra's relationship was not progressing. I missed Metcalf, but enjoyed his parts in the book. Overall, the book was decent, but with so many editing mistakes, it took away from the experience.
July 25, 2023
Lots of great 4 & 5 star reviews but I found this to be extremely disappointing and rather a dull read. I quickly developed a dislike for Kendra and her “I am women hear me roar attitude”. Her on/off relationship with Lynch got old real quick and the story line became pretty predictable at the mid-way point and seemed to drag on from there with a very weak ending. Reading is so subjective but based on this installment probably done with this series as this is not my first Johansen disappointment.
April 25, 2023
Very slow reading for the first two/thirds of the novel, then it picked up nicely over the final 100 pages but not enough for me to recommend it WAY TOO MUCH banal dialogue between main characters Kendra Michaels, her elusive on again/ off again lover Adam Lynch, her blind friend, Olivia and the new target of serial killer Milo, Olympic swimming hopeful Tricia Walton. Even the dialogue between Milo and Kendra and Milo and Olivia and Milo and Tricia is weak.
PASS.
PASS.
April 16, 2024
Oh, this was a fantastic read, I loved this latest case, it was such a fantastic read, loved all the developments, and I can't wait for more!
May 23, 2024
Rating: 4/5
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
This is the 10th book in the Kendra Michaels series, and it did not disappoint. In this book you will meet serial killer James Barrett, who finally agrees to a plea deal that will remove the death penalty, so long as he leads the police to the site where he buried his last victim. However, when the police start to dig, they hit something metallic and then there’s a large explosion that kills Barrett and many of the police. After his death they start to find that there is someone else killing similar to Barrett style and Kendra Michaels comes along to help find the new killer but does she know now the new killer has her in his site and he will do everything he can to take out everyone she cares about and to kill her.
I have only read one other book by these amazing authors. When you read any of the books you will find them to be fast paced, with a lot of action, mystery, and the book will keep you on your seat to find out who it is and waiting to see what will happen next. I enjoyed the characters a lot, I really find Kendra to be a strong female character and not because she spent the first 20 years of her life blind, until she did a groundbreaking procedure that restored her sight. She is still left with her other senses, that are still super sharp, and she uses those to help her with her cases. Along the side of Adam Lynch and her other close friends. I loved the little twists and turns that the author took and how they still were able to intertwine the romance between Kendra and Adam.
These books can be read as a standalone, I mean I know I have only read one other than this book and I really enjoyed it and this one too.
I want to thank Novel Suspects for the opportunity to review this book.
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
This is the 10th book in the Kendra Michaels series, and it did not disappoint. In this book you will meet serial killer James Barrett, who finally agrees to a plea deal that will remove the death penalty, so long as he leads the police to the site where he buried his last victim. However, when the police start to dig, they hit something metallic and then there’s a large explosion that kills Barrett and many of the police. After his death they start to find that there is someone else killing similar to Barrett style and Kendra Michaels comes along to help find the new killer but does she know now the new killer has her in his site and he will do everything he can to take out everyone she cares about and to kill her.
I have only read one other book by these amazing authors. When you read any of the books you will find them to be fast paced, with a lot of action, mystery, and the book will keep you on your seat to find out who it is and waiting to see what will happen next. I enjoyed the characters a lot, I really find Kendra to be a strong female character and not because she spent the first 20 years of her life blind, until she did a groundbreaking procedure that restored her sight. She is still left with her other senses, that are still super sharp, and she uses those to help her with her cases. Along the side of Adam Lynch and her other close friends. I loved the little twists and turns that the author took and how they still were able to intertwine the romance between Kendra and Adam.
These books can be read as a standalone, I mean I know I have only read one other than this book and I really enjoyed it and this one too.
I want to thank Novel Suspects for the opportunity to review this book.
December 22, 2022
More Than Meets the Eye is the 10th book in the Kendra Michaels series from the Mother/son team of Iris and Roy Johansen.
"Serial killer James Michael Barrett agrees to a plea deal at his murder trial. He leads a group of FBI agents and local police to the site where he buried his last victim. As agents start to dig, they hit something metallic. There's a large explosion that kills Barrett and most of the agents. Soon there are murders very similar to the way Barrett killed his victims. Kendra Michaels is brought in to help find this new killer. She agrees to be helped by the only survivor of Barrett's attacks. But the killer has other plans for them both."
If you're not familiar with Kendra - She was blind for the first 20 years of her life. She had a groundbreaking procedure that restored her sight. But her other senses remain super sharp. This allows her to see things and recognize things that others miss. She does that often in this book also but there is less of that in this story. This is more of a police procedural. And the way leads are followed is that Lynch "knows a guy" and gets information that way. (It happens that way a lot. Feels like a writer shortcut.)
Previous books have all been fast-paced with terrifying killers. Not this one. It doesn't flow like the others. I attribute part of that to the plot device used. No spoilers - it is a different take on serial killers. I appreciate when authors try something new, but it seems awkward here. And it makes the story drag.
If you're a Kendra Michaels fan or if you are looking for a new take on fictional serial killers you would enjoy this one.
"Serial killer James Michael Barrett agrees to a plea deal at his murder trial. He leads a group of FBI agents and local police to the site where he buried his last victim. As agents start to dig, they hit something metallic. There's a large explosion that kills Barrett and most of the agents. Soon there are murders very similar to the way Barrett killed his victims. Kendra Michaels is brought in to help find this new killer. She agrees to be helped by the only survivor of Barrett's attacks. But the killer has other plans for them both."
If you're not familiar with Kendra - She was blind for the first 20 years of her life. She had a groundbreaking procedure that restored her sight. But her other senses remain super sharp. This allows her to see things and recognize things that others miss. She does that often in this book also but there is less of that in this story. This is more of a police procedural. And the way leads are followed is that Lynch "knows a guy" and gets information that way. (It happens that way a lot. Feels like a writer shortcut.)
Previous books have all been fast-paced with terrifying killers. Not this one. It doesn't flow like the others. I attribute part of that to the plot device used. No spoilers - it is a different take on serial killers. I appreciate when authors try something new, but it seems awkward here. And it makes the story drag.
If you're a Kendra Michaels fan or if you are looking for a new take on fictional serial killers you would enjoy this one.
December 22, 2022
Just as good as I thought it would be. I told myself that I would read this slowly and and draw out the excitement. That didn't happen. Once I picked this book up, I didn't put it down. It's full of twists and turns and a teensy bit of romance. I'm glad that Kendra and Lynch are getting closer to being together, just wish it would happen quicker.
Kendra is doing what she does best. A serial killer previously caught has killed some of the FBI's own. Kendra offered to help because they were her friends too. It brings Kendra and Lynch together again. It's their job to keep a young swimmer safe. Because she's the only one that got away. And the killer can't stand that.
I have enjoyed all of the Kendra Michaels books. They're intriguing and innovative. They make for an interesting read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing and Roy and Iris johansen for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Kendra is doing what she does best. A serial killer previously caught has killed some of the FBI's own. Kendra offered to help because they were her friends too. It brings Kendra and Lynch together again. It's their job to keep a young swimmer safe. Because she's the only one that got away. And the killer can't stand that.
I have enjoyed all of the Kendra Michaels books. They're intriguing and innovative. They make for an interesting read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing and Roy and Iris johansen for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2023
My Thoughts:
When a serial killer agrees to a plead bargain he agrees to show them where a body is buried but when they get there the serial killer has another plan for them. That’s when Kendra Michael’s is called to help. After having surgery to regain her sight Kendra Michael’s can sense thing others can’t but she soon realizes that the serial killer was not acting alone and his partner has something else in mind for Kendra. This is the 10th book in the Kendra Michael series. I love that this mother and son writing team wrote about a strong female character who is overcoming a disability which only makes her better at her job. I’ve been an Iris Johansen fan for years and the addition of Roy Johansen just adds to this writing. This is a book filled with action, murder and mystery , that keeps you wondering and with a strong female character.
More then meets the eye is the 10th book in this series but it definitely can be read as a stand-alone I would recommend reading.
When a serial killer agrees to a plead bargain he agrees to show them where a body is buried but when they get there the serial killer has another plan for them. That’s when Kendra Michael’s is called to help. After having surgery to regain her sight Kendra Michael’s can sense thing others can’t but she soon realizes that the serial killer was not acting alone and his partner has something else in mind for Kendra. This is the 10th book in the Kendra Michael series. I love that this mother and son writing team wrote about a strong female character who is overcoming a disability which only makes her better at her job. I’ve been an Iris Johansen fan for years and the addition of Roy Johansen just adds to this writing. This is a book filled with action, murder and mystery , that keeps you wondering and with a strong female character.
More then meets the eye is the 10th book in this series but it definitely can be read as a stand-alone I would recommend reading.
June 7, 2023
This is a twisting thriller that starts out with a serial killer showing where the bodies are buried. When the location blows up killing the killer and the agents on the scene, Kendra knows she has a problem.
This story starts slow but picks up speed in the last third of the book. Iris Johansen’s books always make me think. There’s always a few twists along the way….
This story starts slow but picks up speed in the last third of the book. Iris Johansen’s books always make me think. There’s always a few twists along the way….
March 5, 2023
my precious grandpa gave me this book to read & it’s nothing i would have picked for myself but it was a great read! kendra & lynch’s relationship was a tad confusing & i wish they didn’t say who it was 50 pages in
March 1, 2023
Great murder mystery, and serial killer chase. Lynch, Kendra, Olivia, and a young woman named Tricia are all threatened. It was a sit on the edge of your seat thriller. It was very well written, and the characters were believable. There is a slow burning romance. I really loved this book 5 stars.
August 27, 2023
I do enjoy the Kendra Michaels series, maybe it's due to the fact that Kendra, having lived the first 20 years of her life blind became a wild woman when her sight was returned to her while retaining the use of her other senses. Maybe, it's because the plots are just a bit different.
Only in Kendra Michaels's life would a cult of Alpha's make others do their killing. So, in reality, who really is the serial killer?
That is as far as I am going, you will have to read the ook to find out.
Only in Kendra Michaels's life would a cult of Alpha's make others do their killing. So, in reality, who really is the serial killer?
That is as far as I am going, you will have to read the ook to find out.
September 16, 2023
Another great plot and of course our favorite sleuth-Kendra Michaels is back to investigate a “bombing”while working with a convicted killer! Super good read. Enjoy
April 11, 2025
This was really good. I loved the characters and the fact that it was action packed from the beginning. Great purchase and choice for my personal April goal.
February 15, 2023
My New Year’s Resolution of providing feedback as soon as I finish a book is still going strong!
Thank you for allowing me to read an advanced copy of More Than Meets the Eye by Iris Johansen and her son Roy Johansen. I have read the entire set of books featuring Kendra Michaels and I love them. The characters are real and interesting, with the plot fast paced and suspenseful. I’m glad that Kendra continues to use her extra sensitive powers of sound, smell, hearing and taste. I’m also glad to see more of the secondary characters fill out their roles in the book. Here’s to more of Kendra!
Thank you for allowing me to read an advanced copy of More Than Meets the Eye by Iris Johansen and her son Roy Johansen. I have read the entire set of books featuring Kendra Michaels and I love them. The characters are real and interesting, with the plot fast paced and suspenseful. I’m glad that Kendra continues to use her extra sensitive powers of sound, smell, hearing and taste. I’m also glad to see more of the secondary characters fill out their roles in the book. Here’s to more of Kendra!
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December 28, 2023I had a very difficult time reading this book. I felt there was not enough character development. I couldn't see the friendship develop between the key characters. There was no explanation for why the 'bad guy' did the things he did. Overall, not one of the better books I have read. Would not read again.
February 14, 2023
I am pretty sure if you are on book 10 of the Kendra Michaels series than you as a reader already know what amazing authors Iris and Roy Johansen are. Two author who are able to bring their world of mystery to readers all over the world who will finish book 10 and still need more from there to authors.
More Than Meets the Eye is another can't put down mystery story that will have readers wondering what will happen next as they absorb chapter after chapter of this cat and mouse game between a serial killer and Kendra Michaels.
Readers will not be able to put this book down until the very last words are read Late into the night.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Iris and Roy Johansen More than Meets the Eye.
More Than Meets the Eye is another can't put down mystery story that will have readers wondering what will happen next as they absorb chapter after chapter of this cat and mouse game between a serial killer and Kendra Michaels.
Readers will not be able to put this book down until the very last words are read Late into the night.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Iris and Roy Johansen More than Meets the Eye.
June 17, 2023
#51 - More Than Meets The Eye, Close Your Eyes, Double Blind and Blink of An Eye by Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen. More Than Meets The Eye is the tenth book in the Kendra Michael series. Kendra is a FBI consultant who was blind until she was 20, when she had surgery so she can see. Since she was so long without her sight she has a more heightened awareness of her other senses. I guess it's because of her previously having been blind that each title
in the series include a reference to eye or vision with titles like Close Your Eyes, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Hindsight, etc. While Iris Johansen writes most of her other series by herself for this series her son, Roy, joins her. Earlier in her career Iris switched from writing romance to writing thrillers, which was clearly a good move. And clearly this prolific author is good at crime writing.
"Unbelievably tense and terrifying," RT Book Reviews writes of one of the books in the series while Suspense Magazine describes another book in the series this way: "This read goes from good to great to spectacular." Lastly, Publishers Weekly writes: "Johansen delivers the goods."
As More than Meets the Eye begins a serial killer, James Michael Barrett, has just made a plea deal: No death penalty if he showed law enforcement where he left his first victim. When they arrive at the spot Barrett mentions something looks different about the site since he left the body there two years ago. They proceed to dig anyway and that sets off a bomb killing 12 people, including the serial killer and many law enforcement officers, and injuring others.
Kendra was not present at the bomb but knows some of those injured and killed and insists she will pursue all angles to find out what happened, even if that means dealing with some bruised egos from those who try to interfere. She finds something in Barrett's cell that others
have missed: Prescription swimming goggles. Some analysis determines the goggles belong to a college swimmer named Tricia Walton, who is the only survivor of attacks by Barett. She is not sure how Barrett could have gotten her goggles - the attack was about four years ago and the goggles are less than two years old. Walton wants to get to the bottom of this and offers Kendra her help. Kendra arranges to get protection for Walton for three days since she may be in danger.
Kendra is increasingly convinced that Barrett's death was not a suicide but rather another killer arranged the bomb and is now murdering people in a style similar to Barrett's. Obviously there are some who initially don't believe what Kendra is suggesting.
This was a good thriller keeping me on the edge of my seat. I give it an 8.
I liked this book enough to go back and read the first book in the series, which is called Close Your Eyes. As it starts Kendra, a music therapist, is approached by a former FBI agent named Adam Lynch, who wants her help in finding and stopping what appears to be a serial killer. She is not interested but he tells her that the latest possible victim is Kendra's last boyfriend, who has disappeared without a trace. She agrees to help.Lynch is also in the other book I read so this must be the start of their business relationship which at some later points turns into a romantic relationship.
All of the victims have some kind of obscure chemicals in them but Kendra, Lynch and the FBI are unsure how this relates to the murders and how those killed are related. Kendra has her ways of reading rooms and people which is helpful to Lynch and the FBI as they try
to stop the killings, and possibly find her ex-boyfriend.
I give this one an 8 also.
Hooked now I read one more book by this duo. Double Blind, the sixth book in the series, has quite an exciting start: A woman, Elena, is running toward Kendra's condo, bleeding from a gunshot to her torso and being chased. She runs into a road to avoid capture and is hit and killed by a car.
The FBI come to Kendra to ask for her help on a case and she initially refuses, which is when they explained that the woman killed was trying to get to Kendra to give her something: a flash drive. The flash drive contains a 20-minute video of a wedding reception. The FBI and Kendra are stumped as to what message this woman was trying to impart to Kendra. Along with Lynch, the FBI and private investigator Jessie Mercado, Kendra begins investigation. Part
of the puzzle might involve the newly married couple but before they can talk to the bride she is abducted from her home.
The killer, who may have been a serial killer working in other geographic areas before, begins a pattern of kidnapping and killing members of the wedding party. Then he does something to someone very close to Kendra, but I can't say more than that without giving away spoilers.
This is another good thriller. I give it an 8.
I decided to read one more book by this duo: Blink of An Eye, the 8th book in the series. A pop star named Delilah Winter has become a fan of Kendra's and attended the school where Kenda does her musical therapy work. She invites Kendra and their mutual friend, Jessie Mercado, a detective and the singer's former bodyguard, to a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. In the middle of the show, everything stops and Delilah has seemingly disappeared and two members of the security staff are found dead. They realize she has been kidnapped.
Jessica and Kendra began investigating the situation but this time it's not just a case, but one involving their mutual friend. In this book, Lynch plays more of a minor role than usual with Jessie playing more of a major role than usual and I really like her as a character. I was surprised when I learned who was behind the kidnapping. Excellent plotting. I give it an 8.
I decided to take a break from this series to read one of her other series, this one written by herself, about Eve Duncan, a forensic sculptor. Eve's daughter was taken from her years ago but she uses that experience to help other families who have had a similar loss get
as close to closure as possible.
I was very underwhelmed by the two Eve books I read, Shattered Mirror and Sleep No More, though I liked the latter better than the other because it also included Kendra's character for part of the book. I don't like the Eve series as much as the Kendra series so I'll be sticking with the Kendra series from now on. The characters in the Eve series are not as interesting, the dialogue is more stilted, the plotting not as good, and thus more
predictable, as in the Kendra series. It makes me wonder if her son's involvement is what makes the Kendra series.
Speaking of which, the acknowledgments page for Sleep No More says this: "Many, many thanks to my son, Roy, for all his help with creating our very special Kendra. She is difficult, complex, and definitely a challenge, and yet he handled her with cleverness and originality. Working with him to meet that challenge was one of the great joys of writing this book."
I give the two Eve books 6's.
in the series include a reference to eye or vision with titles like Close Your Eyes, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Hindsight, etc. While Iris Johansen writes most of her other series by herself for this series her son, Roy, joins her. Earlier in her career Iris switched from writing romance to writing thrillers, which was clearly a good move. And clearly this prolific author is good at crime writing.
"Unbelievably tense and terrifying," RT Book Reviews writes of one of the books in the series while Suspense Magazine describes another book in the series this way: "This read goes from good to great to spectacular." Lastly, Publishers Weekly writes: "Johansen delivers the goods."
As More than Meets the Eye begins a serial killer, James Michael Barrett, has just made a plea deal: No death penalty if he showed law enforcement where he left his first victim. When they arrive at the spot Barrett mentions something looks different about the site since he left the body there two years ago. They proceed to dig anyway and that sets off a bomb killing 12 people, including the serial killer and many law enforcement officers, and injuring others.
Kendra was not present at the bomb but knows some of those injured and killed and insists she will pursue all angles to find out what happened, even if that means dealing with some bruised egos from those who try to interfere. She finds something in Barrett's cell that others
have missed: Prescription swimming goggles. Some analysis determines the goggles belong to a college swimmer named Tricia Walton, who is the only survivor of attacks by Barett. She is not sure how Barrett could have gotten her goggles - the attack was about four years ago and the goggles are less than two years old. Walton wants to get to the bottom of this and offers Kendra her help. Kendra arranges to get protection for Walton for three days since she may be in danger.
Kendra is increasingly convinced that Barrett's death was not a suicide but rather another killer arranged the bomb and is now murdering people in a style similar to Barrett's. Obviously there are some who initially don't believe what Kendra is suggesting.
This was a good thriller keeping me on the edge of my seat. I give it an 8.
I liked this book enough to go back and read the first book in the series, which is called Close Your Eyes. As it starts Kendra, a music therapist, is approached by a former FBI agent named Adam Lynch, who wants her help in finding and stopping what appears to be a serial killer. She is not interested but he tells her that the latest possible victim is Kendra's last boyfriend, who has disappeared without a trace. She agrees to help.Lynch is also in the other book I read so this must be the start of their business relationship which at some later points turns into a romantic relationship.
All of the victims have some kind of obscure chemicals in them but Kendra, Lynch and the FBI are unsure how this relates to the murders and how those killed are related. Kendra has her ways of reading rooms and people which is helpful to Lynch and the FBI as they try
to stop the killings, and possibly find her ex-boyfriend.
I give this one an 8 also.
Hooked now I read one more book by this duo. Double Blind, the sixth book in the series, has quite an exciting start: A woman, Elena, is running toward Kendra's condo, bleeding from a gunshot to her torso and being chased. She runs into a road to avoid capture and is hit and killed by a car.
The FBI come to Kendra to ask for her help on a case and she initially refuses, which is when they explained that the woman killed was trying to get to Kendra to give her something: a flash drive. The flash drive contains a 20-minute video of a wedding reception. The FBI and Kendra are stumped as to what message this woman was trying to impart to Kendra. Along with Lynch, the FBI and private investigator Jessie Mercado, Kendra begins investigation. Part
of the puzzle might involve the newly married couple but before they can talk to the bride she is abducted from her home.
The killer, who may have been a serial killer working in other geographic areas before, begins a pattern of kidnapping and killing members of the wedding party. Then he does something to someone very close to Kendra, but I can't say more than that without giving away spoilers.
This is another good thriller. I give it an 8.
I decided to read one more book by this duo: Blink of An Eye, the 8th book in the series. A pop star named Delilah Winter has become a fan of Kendra's and attended the school where Kenda does her musical therapy work. She invites Kendra and their mutual friend, Jessie Mercado, a detective and the singer's former bodyguard, to a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. In the middle of the show, everything stops and Delilah has seemingly disappeared and two members of the security staff are found dead. They realize she has been kidnapped.
Jessica and Kendra began investigating the situation but this time it's not just a case, but one involving their mutual friend. In this book, Lynch plays more of a minor role than usual with Jessie playing more of a major role than usual and I really like her as a character. I was surprised when I learned who was behind the kidnapping. Excellent plotting. I give it an 8.
I decided to take a break from this series to read one of her other series, this one written by herself, about Eve Duncan, a forensic sculptor. Eve's daughter was taken from her years ago but she uses that experience to help other families who have had a similar loss get
as close to closure as possible.
I was very underwhelmed by the two Eve books I read, Shattered Mirror and Sleep No More, though I liked the latter better than the other because it also included Kendra's character for part of the book. I don't like the Eve series as much as the Kendra series so I'll be sticking with the Kendra series from now on. The characters in the Eve series are not as interesting, the dialogue is more stilted, the plotting not as good, and thus more
predictable, as in the Kendra series. It makes me wonder if her son's involvement is what makes the Kendra series.
Speaking of which, the acknowledgments page for Sleep No More says this: "Many, many thanks to my son, Roy, for all his help with creating our very special Kendra. She is difficult, complex, and definitely a challenge, and yet he handled her with cleverness and originality. Working with him to meet that challenge was one of the great joys of writing this book."
I give the two Eve books 6's.
February 12, 2023
More Than Meets the Eye
This is from another book. Why not write something new????
Thanks for nothing. Didn't like reading something from other books.
This is from another book. Why not write something new????
Thanks for nothing. Didn't like reading something from other books.
June 12, 2023
It shouldn’t take me nearly two weeks to finish a book. I used to zip through an Iris Johansen novel in a couple days, especially a Kendra Michaels book. I think I’m done with all of them. It’s become too formulaic for me. All of these smart strong women that continue to do stupid things is grating. It’s such a shame because I got hooked on the first Eve Duncan book, then went back and read her previous books, including her Harlequin romance novels.
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