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Eve Duncan #9
Blood Game
First comes darkness, then comes fear - Eve Duncan is back! Blockbuster New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen’s latest thriller brings Eve closer to discovering her daughter’s killer…and into a web of danger from which she may not be able to escape…
Eve Duncan returns in a thriller that pits her against the most evil mind she has ever encountered: a ruthless killer who taunts her with his every move…and who has a special affinity for blood. When a Georgia senator’s daughter is found murdered, and her body drained of blood, Eve Duncan is drawn into the web of Kevin Jelak—a serial murderer who is on Eve’s short list of killers who might know something about her missing daughter Bonnie. When a goblet of blood is found in Eve’s refrigerator, she knows the taunting is over…and the games have begun. As Eve and Jelak engage in a dance of death, Eve must call upon those she loves and trusts the most…even if it means bringing them into the game as well.
Eve Duncan returns in a thriller that pits her against the most evil mind she has ever encountered: a ruthless killer who taunts her with his every move…and who has a special affinity for blood. When a Georgia senator’s daughter is found murdered, and her body drained of blood, Eve Duncan is drawn into the web of Kevin Jelak—a serial murderer who is on Eve’s short list of killers who might know something about her missing daughter Bonnie. When a goblet of blood is found in Eve’s refrigerator, she knows the taunting is over…and the games have begun. As Eve and Jelak engage in a dance of death, Eve must call upon those she loves and trusts the most…even if it means bringing them into the game as well.
338 pages, Hardcover
First published October 20, 2009
446 people are currently reading
4923 people want to read
About the author
Iris Johansen
226 books7,328 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 427 reviews
December 2, 2009
I usually adore Iris Johansen, and I've read several Eve Duncan books. However, this is a series that needs to end...probably a couple of books ago.
Johansen's writing style is still excellent, but the rehash of situations, characters and memories is worse than a long-running soap opera. Eve Duncan - hunted by what, the 20th serial killer who is drawn to her "strength" and claims to have killed her daughter, Bonnie? Conveniently, after each claim is proved false, ANOTHER serial killer pops up to claim that HE did it.
Eve has almost found Bonnie's body, I don't know, at least 5-6 times? Enough already; if this were a movie you'd have lost the audience a long time ago.
Every man who meets or is associated with Eve is half in love with her, because of a myriad of reasons. This gets old, quickly - I just can't believe that so many men could be obsessed with one woman.
And in this book, let's throw in a curve to try to keep people interested, Joe, Eve's lover, is put in contact with a facilitating psychic who accidentally gives him the power to see and talk to the dead. Book seies that have a solid storyline and haven't been running way too long don't have to stoop to these kind of levels. It is time to find Bonnie's body, let her & Eve have a tearful dream reunion, and then let Eve and Joe ride off into the sunset, only to be heard from again if Johnansen starts up a book with Jane McGuire being the new main heroine. And if they are included in a new book series, please let it be only a VERY SMALL PART!
And, just to put my own plug in, I want to see books about Jane McGuire - she is young and fresh and interesting, especially with it comes to good ol' Mark. Let's hear it for out with the old and in with the new!!
Johansen's writing style is still excellent, but the rehash of situations, characters and memories is worse than a long-running soap opera. Eve Duncan - hunted by what, the 20th serial killer who is drawn to her "strength" and claims to have killed her daughter, Bonnie? Conveniently, after each claim is proved false, ANOTHER serial killer pops up to claim that HE did it.
Eve has almost found Bonnie's body, I don't know, at least 5-6 times? Enough already; if this were a movie you'd have lost the audience a long time ago.
Every man who meets or is associated with Eve is half in love with her, because of a myriad of reasons. This gets old, quickly - I just can't believe that so many men could be obsessed with one woman.
And in this book, let's throw in a curve to try to keep people interested, Joe, Eve's lover, is put in contact with a facilitating psychic who accidentally gives him the power to see and talk to the dead. Book seies that have a solid storyline and haven't been running way too long don't have to stoop to these kind of levels. It is time to find Bonnie's body, let her & Eve have a tearful dream reunion, and then let Eve and Joe ride off into the sunset, only to be heard from again if Johnansen starts up a book with Jane McGuire being the new main heroine. And if they are included in a new book series, please let it be only a VERY SMALL PART!
And, just to put my own plug in, I want to see books about Jane McGuire - she is young and fresh and interesting, especially with it comes to good ol' Mark. Let's hear it for out with the old and in with the new!!
February 28, 2025
A fast and furious read in the Eve Duncan series. I love the addition of another strong dangerous man that Eve can count on to help her and Joe. I have also enjoyed the bit of paranormal that is a part of this series. The evil is real and the people fighting it have a streak of violence that makes them dangerous but I can’t help but cheer them on. They might not follow the law completely but they have their own code and they are taking out evil so I am okay with it. At least in the fictional version.
January 16, 2016
3.5 stars. There were elements that I really liked in this book, like the logical, practical Joe Quinn being in turmoil. BUT the moaning about Bonnie over and over in each book is getting old. I don't blame Joe for being tired of Eve depressed over Bonnie, I am too. Now, Eve is entitled to miss her and be sad, but the obsession and one track mind thing is truly getting old. How many times do we have to hear about the Bugs Bunny t-shirt that Bonnie is wearing and it's her favorite shirt that she was wearing that LAST day.
I miss the romance in these books. And I'm tired of every male that enters their lives is either attracted to Eve or Jane. I wish I could see Eve being strong, instead of people admiring how strong she is. And I wish Eve and Jane would stop being so impulsive and use their heads.
Likes:
* Paranormal aspect, but besides Bonnie, this hasn't been a paranormal story
Dislikes:
* No romance ~ some of my favorite parts of this series
* Senator was quite annoying
With-reservations:
torture, violence, murder, kidnapping, drinking blood
I miss the romance in these books. And I'm tired of every male that enters their lives is either attracted to Eve or Jane. I wish I could see Eve being strong, instead of people admiring how strong she is. And I wish Eve and Jane would stop being so impulsive and use their heads.
Likes:
* Paranormal aspect, but besides Bonnie, this hasn't been a paranormal story
Dislikes:
* No romance ~ some of my favorite parts of this series
* Senator was quite annoying
With-reservations:
torture, violence, murder, kidnapping, drinking blood
August 27, 2009
Iris Johansen has done it again...
I made the mistake of opening this book when I knew I was working under a project deadline...it sucked me right in!
I was already a Johansen fan and especially an Eve Duncan (forensic sculptor) fan. What really interested me about this book was the more adult treatment of the "vampire" and "paranormal" phenomenon. Between the Twilight series and the new "True Blood" TV series it appears the paranormal is here to stay.
I like the concept of a mortal to vampire resurrection...and I especially like the thought out means to this end that Johansen devises.
Joe Quinn (long time boyfriend) the hard boiled detective is the perfect person to bestow with psychic abilities as he is the first to scoff at them and their use in police work.
The pace is good - the characters well developed (I have to say I loved the old world charm of Seth Caleb) - the paranormal scenes well done and not tied into teen angst and romance.
Overall - it is nice to see the genre aimed at a mature audience.
November 10, 2009
I couldn't get beyond CD # 2 because it was the Bonnie obsession again which is always woven into whatever murder is happening in that particular book. Wrap up this plot, please.
October 11, 2025
Joe is introduced to the paranormal in this book. Johansen gave me another fast thriller!
August 30, 2009
A Train Wreck
This is my second Iris Johansen book; the first being Deadlock (which I gave two stars). I thought I would give Blood Game a chance since Johansen is apparently a bestseller and has flocks of fans. Needless to say, this will be my last Johansen book.
My first gripe (and this is more of my lack of previous Eve Duncan reading) is that there was nothing to suggest that there is paranormal psychic hoopla from the book synopsis. Paranormal stuff is not bad per say (I love urban fantasy and others); but Johansen does not have a knack for it. The characters are so one dimensional it is ridiculous. We have the cop boyfriend who is headstrong and does not believe in the psychic "mumbo jumbo" and is worried about how others will perceive him if they found out he is hallucinating. One of the most classic parts at the beginning of the book is when Joe is talking to the psychic, and she has him "convinced" that he is now a medium-like individual, and he says he still thinks it is a load of bologna but she can come along anyway to help him read the signs, just in case.
The plot is so juvenile and the storytelling is weak; but, I guess I should not expect deep and engaging stories when the author pumps out three and four books a year.
Good reading,
Plants and Books
Visit My Blog For More Reviews
This is my second Iris Johansen book; the first being Deadlock (which I gave two stars). I thought I would give Blood Game a chance since Johansen is apparently a bestseller and has flocks of fans. Needless to say, this will be my last Johansen book.
My first gripe (and this is more of my lack of previous Eve Duncan reading) is that there was nothing to suggest that there is paranormal psychic hoopla from the book synopsis. Paranormal stuff is not bad per say (I love urban fantasy and others); but Johansen does not have a knack for it. The characters are so one dimensional it is ridiculous. We have the cop boyfriend who is headstrong and does not believe in the psychic "mumbo jumbo" and is worried about how others will perceive him if they found out he is hallucinating. One of the most classic parts at the beginning of the book is when Joe is talking to the psychic, and she has him "convinced" that he is now a medium-like individual, and he says he still thinks it is a load of bologna but she can come along anyway to help him read the signs, just in case.
The plot is so juvenile and the storytelling is weak; but, I guess I should not expect deep and engaging stories when the author pumps out three and four books a year.
Good reading,
Plants and Books
Visit My Blog For More Reviews
November 16, 2009
I am ready to see the end of the 'Who killed Bonnie?' story line. Joe is also getting on my nerves.
May 12, 2023
Pensaba ponerle 2 estrellas, pero la subida final le ha ganado una. He de decir en su posible defensa, que por problemas con el lector, acabé leyéndolo a la trágala y esas no son maneras.
Pero creo que el problema es que, como quien dice, ha cambiado de género. Así, sin anestesia. De pronto aparecen ciertos fenómenos paranormales. Al principio (en el libro anterior) podrían tener otra explicación más realista que encajara con lo que venía siendo la serie, pero en este número lo paranormal se ha apropiado de la trama hasta ser el centro y alma de ella. Me encanta lo paranormal. Pero no lo puedes introducir sin más a estas alturas de una serie algo "Bigger Than Life" con sus protagonistas, pero en la que lo paranormal no era posible.
Curiosamente este extraño giro ha despertado mi curiosidad por saber hacia dónde tirará ahora la serie, así que de momento seguiré leyendo. Destripadoras
Pero creo que el problema es que, como quien dice, ha cambiado de género. Así, sin anestesia. De pronto aparecen ciertos fenómenos paranormales. Al principio (en el libro anterior) podrían tener otra explicación más realista que encajara con lo que venía siendo la serie, pero en este número lo paranormal se ha apropiado de la trama hasta ser el centro y alma de ella. Me encanta lo paranormal. Pero no lo puedes introducir sin más a estas alturas de una serie algo "Bigger Than Life" con sus protagonistas, pero en la que lo paranormal no era posible.
Curiosamente este extraño giro ha despertado mi curiosidad por saber hacia dónde tirará ahora la serie, así que de momento seguiré leyendo. Destripadoras
January 15, 2022
Huh! I normally do not care for ESP-type books with special gifts, etc. They usually go way off the track with the bizarreness of the gifts. I also was about ready to stop reading the Eve Duncan series because I find the series so stressful, and the extreme tension I experience while reading them was getting to be too much for me. However, the eighth book in the series ended in such a strange place that I picked up this one after a suitable period of relaxation to get over the last one. So, imagine a hard-assed, SEAL trained expert suddenly seeing ghosts of the victims he is dealing with. I practically devoured this book wondering if Joe was going to make it. For once, I was neither stressed out or full of tension. I'm not sure whether it was because, although dead, I got to meet the victim, or because there was hope for the victims and the people who lose them. Ms. Johansen does come up with some strange and truly awful serial killers.
August 14, 2023
There are some great moments and series development in this book. Joe’s new talent and his reaction, the introduction of Seth Caleb, and how Eve & Joe are doing are all entertaining and important to the series. The killer and the history m/connection to Megan/Ranata and the family of special powers was intriguing. However, I did find this book a little slower and harder to stay engaged. The balance of personal and the crime was well down and the crime scenes the perfect level of ewww and yikes. Excited to see what happens next for Joe and Eve with Bonnie and the new talent. Also can’t wait to see more of Jane and Seth Caleb.
June 25, 2018
I’ve read a lot of Johanson‘s books – I always read series out of order. It just happens - but nothing of hers for maybe a year. I’d never read this particular early book and found it very interesting, even knowing the future. And sure enough, Iris just reeled me back in.
Page 267, “I’ll cut off his balls!” Finally. Just the right amount of levity, though it probably wasn’t meant that way, that is needed. I just love a thriller that throws in a bit of laughter here and there, but I know this isn’t Iris Johansen’s style. I think it works well for so many excellent authors. That’s one of the things that hookef me on Stephen King for so many years. But, “Each to his own, said the old lady as she kissed the cow.“
“She had always trusted her instincts, and they were sending up skyrocket signals now.“ Always, always, always trust your instincts. What are instincts? They are lessons learned over millennia. They are the knowledge gained by our ancestors, gone so long ago that they are not even dust. A guy in the coffee shop is staring at you, but it’s making you feel weird rather than flirty. The power of instinct.
Page 267, “I’ll cut off his balls!” Finally. Just the right amount of levity, though it probably wasn’t meant that way, that is needed. I just love a thriller that throws in a bit of laughter here and there, but I know this isn’t Iris Johansen’s style. I think it works well for so many excellent authors. That’s one of the things that hookef me on Stephen King for so many years. But, “Each to his own, said the old lady as she kissed the cow.“
“She had always trusted her instincts, and they were sending up skyrocket signals now.“ Always, always, always trust your instincts. What are instincts? They are lessons learned over millennia. They are the knowledge gained by our ancestors, gone so long ago that they are not even dust. A guy in the coffee shop is staring at you, but it’s making you feel weird rather than flirty. The power of instinct.
December 17, 2019
We have a serial killer on the loose, who thinks he is a vampire, and he thinks your blood will give him the ultimate power..... This is my first and probably the last book I read by Iris Johansen. I'm all about the supernatural...but I just couldn't get into this book. I don't know if it was the writing style, the conversations between ghosts and the living, or just the supernatural theme to the book. I wanted to like Johansen, especially because I have purchased other books of hers and she lives and writes about the Atlanta area, but it just wasn't the case. A big let down, in my opinion, I think you really need to enjoy Johansen's reading style to read.
September 27, 2023
WOW! Best Eve Duncan novel so far. I couldn't put it down. We get more of Joe's journey, his personality, strength, and sheer determination. I always had a feeling we'd get more into the paranormal as the series went on, so I'm happy to see it really start to dig in.
I loved that Bloodgame picked up right after went down in the previous book and I cannot wait to see what's next for Eve and Joe.
I loved that Bloodgame picked up right after went down in the previous book and I cannot wait to see what's next for Eve and Joe.
May 22, 2023
The killer was oh so evil!
May 27, 2020
I typically like books of this nature, I have even favored books by this author in the past. I am unsure if the unneeded characters in the book felt that way because it is the ninth book of the Eve Duncan series, and I have not read any of the other eight, or if they are just unneeded. I appreciated the story line, along with the twists that occurred. Not creative enough to be worth five stars, in my opinion.
August 14, 2014
http://www.newandusedbooks.com/index....
Blood Game: An Eve Duncan (An Eve Duncan Forensics Thriller)
By Iris Johansen
St. Martin's Press
May 2010
An Eve Duncan Forensics Thriller ~
Eve is concerned over her relationship with lover Joe Quinn. Joe has been distracted and often curt with Eve. He has told her that he doesn’t intend to help her look for her daughter’s killer, but there is another crazed killer in the area, and he has his sights set on Eve. This man, Kevin Jelak, is also on Eve’s short list of killers who might know something about Bonnie’s death.
Eve gets a call from her acquaintance Dr. Morgan Blair, a clairvoyant who helped police find the mass graves of children slain by Henry Kistler – see QUICKSAND. Morgan informs Eve that anyone who touched her, Morgan, when she went into her coma might inherit psychic tendencies they have never had. Eve realizes that Joe carried Morgan’s limp body after she passed out. Could heretofore unknown psychic tendencies explain Joe’s mood?
When the body of Nancy Jo Norris, a Georgia’s senator’s daughter, is discovered it is considered a ritual killing, as her body has been drained of blood and a golden goblet is left with the corpse. Joe is assigned this top priority case, because he is considered the best. Joe is struggling to come to grips with his newfound sense – a facilitator effect he gained from Megan – he can see and converse with the dead. Nancy Jo is trying to lead him to her killer with the help of a little girl – a little girl named Bonnie.
It isn’t a coincidence that Eve and her adopted daughter Jane find a similar goblet in Eve’s refrigerator, but this one has blood in it. Eve contacts Morgan to see if she or her relatives know anything about the goblet. Her inquiry sends Scotsman Seth Caleb, a hunter, to Georgia to find and destroy Jelak, as the goblet and Jelak definitely means something to him.
BLOOD GAME is Iris Johansen at her best and grittiest. It’s good to visit with Jane again. After the draining experience Eve had with Kistler, Jane came home from London to take care of her, but Eve doesn’t like or want to be coddled. Jelak is a vampire-wannabe and is one of the most perverted killers to come from Ms. Johansen’s astounding imagination. Beware – this is a one sitting, white-knuckled, fast-paced read that will leave you breathless and awaiting the next installment.
Betty Cox, ReaderToReader.com
Blood Game: An Eve Duncan (An Eve Duncan Forensics Thriller)
By Iris Johansen
St. Martin's Press
May 2010
An Eve Duncan Forensics Thriller ~
Eve is concerned over her relationship with lover Joe Quinn. Joe has been distracted and often curt with Eve. He has told her that he doesn’t intend to help her look for her daughter’s killer, but there is another crazed killer in the area, and he has his sights set on Eve. This man, Kevin Jelak, is also on Eve’s short list of killers who might know something about Bonnie’s death.
Eve gets a call from her acquaintance Dr. Morgan Blair, a clairvoyant who helped police find the mass graves of children slain by Henry Kistler – see QUICKSAND. Morgan informs Eve that anyone who touched her, Morgan, when she went into her coma might inherit psychic tendencies they have never had. Eve realizes that Joe carried Morgan’s limp body after she passed out. Could heretofore unknown psychic tendencies explain Joe’s mood?
When the body of Nancy Jo Norris, a Georgia’s senator’s daughter, is discovered it is considered a ritual killing, as her body has been drained of blood and a golden goblet is left with the corpse. Joe is assigned this top priority case, because he is considered the best. Joe is struggling to come to grips with his newfound sense – a facilitator effect he gained from Megan – he can see and converse with the dead. Nancy Jo is trying to lead him to her killer with the help of a little girl – a little girl named Bonnie.
It isn’t a coincidence that Eve and her adopted daughter Jane find a similar goblet in Eve’s refrigerator, but this one has blood in it. Eve contacts Morgan to see if she or her relatives know anything about the goblet. Her inquiry sends Scotsman Seth Caleb, a hunter, to Georgia to find and destroy Jelak, as the goblet and Jelak definitely means something to him.
BLOOD GAME is Iris Johansen at her best and grittiest. It’s good to visit with Jane again. After the draining experience Eve had with Kistler, Jane came home from London to take care of her, but Eve doesn’t like or want to be coddled. Jelak is a vampire-wannabe and is one of the most perverted killers to come from Ms. Johansen’s astounding imagination. Beware – this is a one sitting, white-knuckled, fast-paced read that will leave you breathless and awaiting the next installment.
Betty Cox, ReaderToReader.com
February 10, 2013
Ok, another creepy criminal, but the story was compelling! If I had the option, I would have read this straight through without putting it down...it was like that :-)
I was happy to see Megan still in the picture, and Joe needed her advice was almost comical. Having Megan waken a gift of seeing and communicating with ghosts in Joe was perfect! Now he and Eve (once she shares her ability to see Bonnie with him...I can't wait to read what happens when Eve reveals that she has been communicating with Bonnie for a long time...hmmm, I hope this doesn't cause Joe to go ballistic again!?!?!~ he is so temperamental. I truly hope that this news brings them closer together and I picture Eve, Joe and Bonnie together on the porch talking.
I would like to see more of Caleb again, I am intrigued by his "gift" and I thoroughly enjoyed his "look Ma, no hands" destruction of Jelak...very satisfying :-)
I was happy to see Megan still in the picture, and Joe needed her advice was almost comical. Having Megan waken a gift of seeing and communicating with ghosts in Joe was perfect! Now he and Eve (once she shares her ability to see Bonnie with him...I can't wait to read what happens when Eve reveals that she has been communicating with Bonnie for a long time...hmmm, I hope this doesn't cause Joe to go ballistic again!?!?!~ he is so temperamental. I truly hope that this news brings them closer together and I picture Eve, Joe and Bonnie together on the porch talking.
I would like to see more of Caleb again, I am intrigued by his "gift" and I thoroughly enjoyed his "look Ma, no hands" destruction of Jelak...very satisfying :-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2017
I believe Blood Game is the book Iris Johansen has always wanted to write. With all the paranormal novels out there, and the acceptance of them, Iris Johansen now has the license to give her characters more depth. I enjoyed the new direction Eve Duncan and Joe Quinn have taken.
On a previous case, Quinn had contact with Megan, a surgeon, who has paranormal powers. Megan transferred powers to Quinn that allows him to see and talk to the dead.
The story is strong, believable, and interesting.
On a previous case, Quinn had contact with Megan, a surgeon, who has paranormal powers. Megan transferred powers to Quinn that allows him to see and talk to the dead.
The story is strong, believable, and interesting.
October 26, 2009
A continuation of the Eve Duncan series. I continue to read them, though I am at the point of thinking that Johansen needs to wrap up the continuing, ever-evolving, "who is Bonnie's murderer" storyline. It is starting to be like a soap opera, in a bad way.
June 27, 2018
The ninth book in the Eve Duncan series. Eve Duncan is a forensic sculptor who helps identify the dead from their skulls. This book finds Eve being taunted by a killer who she believes may know something about her daughter's death. Suspenseful and entertaining.
October 23, 2009
another not very likable book sorry to say I usually love her stuff but this was rote and not a real page turner.
September 1, 2020
Abysmal. Horrible story. Unbelievable. Not recommended.
July 10, 2020
Io e i rosacrime: 3*** e mezzo!
Questo mio primo approccio con un rosacrime non è stato niente male.
Ho letto il libro perchè selezionato dal circoletto di lettura collettiva del blog di Keira, un'amica anobiana che sta decisamente dando voce e appoggio a quella che è la voce di noi lettori.
Gusto o non gusto personale, il libro si presenta con una storia già impostata. Da non ritenersi come qualcosa di trito, perchè è il primo libro del suo genere che leggo, ed anche della scrittrice, ma impostato sta per "storia già iniziata precedentemente"...mi spiego.
Anzi, mi domando: perchè iniziare la pubblicazione di una serie, se la si continuerà o meno in futuro, proprio dall'ottavo volume??? Scoprirlo non ha certo aiutato l'approccio con la storia.
Una volta iniziata la lettura del libro si sente fortemente l'esigenza di scoprire i retroscena della vicenda, di leggere quelli che sono gli avvenimenti precedenti basilari per questo libro e che vengono citati o rimansati ai libri precedenti.
Quindi per apprezzare meglio la vicenda occorrerebbe leggere i precedenti se possibile...
La storia di Eve, da quanto si evince, è quella di una ragazza madre a cui viene rapita la figlia da un giorno all'altro sotto gli occhi di lei e di sua madre, la nonna della bambina, Bonnie. Questo fatto porterà alla consocenza e poi alla nascita di una relazione duratura tra lei, Eve e Joe Quinn, il poliziotto incaricato di seguire le indagini su questa scomparsa che finirà poi con amare la sua "protetta". Anni dopo, con il fantasma di Bonnie a minacciare incessantemente la relazione tra i due, ci sarà un caso di massacro di bambini innocenti ad opera di un killer spietato che si accuserà, per far maggior scalpore, di aver ucciso anche Bonnie.
Questo ultimo caso, darà il via alla vicenda narrata del libro, alla conoscenza di un killer fanatico che si crede un futuro dio-vampiro e a una serie di omicidi a scopo rituale che porteranno come dodicesima vittima la stessa Eve, presa nel mirino del killer fanatico.
Come detto quindi, la mancanza della lettura degli avvenimenti precedenti lascia un profondo senso di amarezza nella lettura del libro. A peggiorare la situazione, anche se è il tutto relativamente molto scorrevole, è il fatto che i personaggi rimangono sulla carta senza riuscire ad emergere nella vicenda e a far propria la scena d'azione. La stessa Eve, o Joe, o Jane o altri personaggi rimangono come sfocati all'interno della vicenda che narra gli avvenimenti in modo piatto e pacato. Forse unico emergente o personaggio intrigante è il cacciatore Caleb che con la sua comparsa vivacizza e porta a compimento la vicenda.
Ci sono anche dei punti a favore della storia. La complessità della mente umana, il suo potere di autosuggestione e soprattutto il gioco delle parti tra cacciato e cacciatore, tra chi è nato nella storia e chi vuole invece farne parte.
Inoltre, gioca a favore del libro anche la presenza e partecipazione dei fantasmi che accompagnano e sono partecipi agli avvenimenti dei personaggi stessi ma senza invadere la scena. Certo, con la possibilità di poter parlare con i fantasmi, Bonnie soprattutto, io avrei realisticamente dato la priorità ad informarmi sul passato, su quanto avvenuto e non lasciare irrisolto un dato utile e risolvibile in modo così trascurato. Insensato.
Diciamo che ci sono pro e ci sono contro che non bilanciano al meglio la storia e che soprattutto più del valore assegnatovi non ottiene.
Anche se presente l'estratto del prossimo libro, non cambia di molto. Forse la si può ritenere una lettura passeggiera e un pò trascurabile, giusta per i momenti di stasi senza troppo sforzo.
Questo mio primo approccio con un rosacrime non è stato niente male.
Ho letto il libro perchè selezionato dal circoletto di lettura collettiva del blog di Keira, un'amica anobiana che sta decisamente dando voce e appoggio a quella che è la voce di noi lettori.
Gusto o non gusto personale, il libro si presenta con una storia già impostata. Da non ritenersi come qualcosa di trito, perchè è il primo libro del suo genere che leggo, ed anche della scrittrice, ma impostato sta per "storia già iniziata precedentemente"...mi spiego.
Anzi, mi domando: perchè iniziare la pubblicazione di una serie, se la si continuerà o meno in futuro, proprio dall'ottavo volume??? Scoprirlo non ha certo aiutato l'approccio con la storia.
Una volta iniziata la lettura del libro si sente fortemente l'esigenza di scoprire i retroscena della vicenda, di leggere quelli che sono gli avvenimenti precedenti basilari per questo libro e che vengono citati o rimansati ai libri precedenti.
Quindi per apprezzare meglio la vicenda occorrerebbe leggere i precedenti se possibile...
La storia di Eve, da quanto si evince, è quella di una ragazza madre a cui viene rapita la figlia da un giorno all'altro sotto gli occhi di lei e di sua madre, la nonna della bambina, Bonnie. Questo fatto porterà alla consocenza e poi alla nascita di una relazione duratura tra lei, Eve e Joe Quinn, il poliziotto incaricato di seguire le indagini su questa scomparsa che finirà poi con amare la sua "protetta". Anni dopo, con il fantasma di Bonnie a minacciare incessantemente la relazione tra i due, ci sarà un caso di massacro di bambini innocenti ad opera di un killer spietato che si accuserà, per far maggior scalpore, di aver ucciso anche Bonnie.
Questo ultimo caso, darà il via alla vicenda narrata del libro, alla conoscenza di un killer fanatico che si crede un futuro dio-vampiro e a una serie di omicidi a scopo rituale che porteranno come dodicesima vittima la stessa Eve, presa nel mirino del killer fanatico.
Come detto quindi, la mancanza della lettura degli avvenimenti precedenti lascia un profondo senso di amarezza nella lettura del libro. A peggiorare la situazione, anche se è il tutto relativamente molto scorrevole, è il fatto che i personaggi rimangono sulla carta senza riuscire ad emergere nella vicenda e a far propria la scena d'azione. La stessa Eve, o Joe, o Jane o altri personaggi rimangono come sfocati all'interno della vicenda che narra gli avvenimenti in modo piatto e pacato. Forse unico emergente o personaggio intrigante è il cacciatore Caleb che con la sua comparsa vivacizza e porta a compimento la vicenda.
Ci sono anche dei punti a favore della storia. La complessità della mente umana, il suo potere di autosuggestione e soprattutto il gioco delle parti tra cacciato e cacciatore, tra chi è nato nella storia e chi vuole invece farne parte.
Inoltre, gioca a favore del libro anche la presenza e partecipazione dei fantasmi che accompagnano e sono partecipi agli avvenimenti dei personaggi stessi ma senza invadere la scena. Certo, con la possibilità di poter parlare con i fantasmi, Bonnie soprattutto, io avrei realisticamente dato la priorità ad informarmi sul passato, su quanto avvenuto e non lasciare irrisolto un dato utile e risolvibile in modo così trascurato. Insensato.
Diciamo che ci sono pro e ci sono contro che non bilanciano al meglio la storia e che soprattutto più del valore assegnatovi non ottiene.
Anche se presente l'estratto del prossimo libro, non cambia di molto. Forse la si può ritenere una lettura passeggiera e un pò trascurabile, giusta per i momenti di stasi senza troppo sforzo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2022
I have been reading the Eve Duncan book series in order since Book 1 and I have to say that the whole thing gets weirder and weirder. And I think Iris Johansen "jumped the shark" with this one. But for some reason I just want to keep going.
This one is full of vampire lore and ghosts. At the end of the previous book we are left with a cliffhanger that Joe Quinn now has the paranormal ability to speak with Eve Duncan's murdered daughter Bonnie.
This book picks up literally hours after that unusual finale. Joe thinks he's going crazy. That is until he starts communicating with his first murder victim Nancy Jo.
We learn that a troubling and hard to fathom Scotsman named Caleb is also after the murderer Jelak. Caleb's methods might be more aggressive than Joe's.
Once again we have a repeat of earlier plotlines because Jelak is targeting Eve as his triumphant final kill if he can get his hands on her. There are a few gruesome senseless murders along the way to the final battle scene.
This book really goes off toward the paranormal deep side. There were hints of this as far back as book one but this one is really over and above. The realist in me should be disappointed by the change in the story line but I learned to throw out all reality and take this novel on face value.
There were a couple scenes that I'd like to mention as to the beyond the grave activity with Bonnie and Nancy Jo but I don't want spoil things. I guess I need to keep going to see if Joe and Eve really ever can trust each other as much as they love each other.
This one is full of vampire lore and ghosts. At the end of the previous book we are left with a cliffhanger that Joe Quinn now has the paranormal ability to speak with Eve Duncan's murdered daughter Bonnie.
This book picks up literally hours after that unusual finale. Joe thinks he's going crazy. That is until he starts communicating with his first murder victim Nancy Jo.
We learn that a troubling and hard to fathom Scotsman named Caleb is also after the murderer Jelak. Caleb's methods might be more aggressive than Joe's.
Once again we have a repeat of earlier plotlines because Jelak is targeting Eve as his triumphant final kill if he can get his hands on her. There are a few gruesome senseless murders along the way to the final battle scene.
This book really goes off toward the paranormal deep side. There were hints of this as far back as book one but this one is really over and above. The realist in me should be disappointed by the change in the story line but I learned to throw out all reality and take this novel on face value.
There were a couple scenes that I'd like to mention as to the beyond the grave activity with Bonnie and Nancy Jo but I don't want spoil things. I guess I need to keep going to see if Joe and Eve really ever can trust each other as much as they love each other.
February 22, 2021
This is another early book in the Eve Duncan series that I had missed. This book introduces the character Seth Caleb.
Eve and Joe have just returned home after tracking down a serial killer, the first of three names given Eve by Montalvo. Not only was the killer dispatched, but his burial ground turned up several children, none of which had been Bonnie.
Eve's friend, a recently realized psychic who accompanied the crew is worried because if someone touches her after such an experience, they sometimes find latent psychic phenomena within themselves, although both Eve and Joe claim to be fine.
But things are far from fine. Jane is flying home to make sure for herself that Eve is alright. Montalvo calls to let Eve and Joe know that the second serial killer on his list is moving, heading in their direction.
Kevin Jalek hits town with a bang, leaving a Senator's daughter dead and Joe realizing that he can now see and communicate with ghosts. One telephone call brings Seth Caleb to Atlanta, he's been hunting Kevin Jalek for years; this time he plans on getting the man.
Jalek thinks he is about to become immortal by drinking the blood of his victims, and he has set his sites on Eve to bring him to that state of existence...........
Eve and Joe have just returned home after tracking down a serial killer, the first of three names given Eve by Montalvo. Not only was the killer dispatched, but his burial ground turned up several children, none of which had been Bonnie.
Eve's friend, a recently realized psychic who accompanied the crew is worried because if someone touches her after such an experience, they sometimes find latent psychic phenomena within themselves, although both Eve and Joe claim to be fine.
But things are far from fine. Jane is flying home to make sure for herself that Eve is alright. Montalvo calls to let Eve and Joe know that the second serial killer on his list is moving, heading in their direction.
Kevin Jalek hits town with a bang, leaving a Senator's daughter dead and Joe realizing that he can now see and communicate with ghosts. One telephone call brings Seth Caleb to Atlanta, he's been hunting Kevin Jalek for years; this time he plans on getting the man.
Jalek thinks he is about to become immortal by drinking the blood of his victims, and he has set his sites on Eve to bring him to that state of existence...........
February 11, 2025
Another story of the Eve Duncan Series. The search for Bonnie is ongoing. Jelak is the new suspect who might have killed Bonnie. He has come back to Atlanta to kill girls and ladies for his ritual to become a vampire 🧛♂️. He thinks drinking 🍸 12 strong Women's blood will help him in his final resurrection to become God.
Nancy Jo daughter of a Senator is the victim to Jelak and he uses the ancient Goblet to drink her blood. Joe is called to investigate 🔎 the case. When he is at the crime scene he starts to see her ghost. It is because of Megan that he has got he power to see ghosts. The man who has been the most practical and strong person seeing ghost makes him feel like a madman. But nothing deters him after he tells Eve about it. Eve is his everything. I love his character the most.
He with the help of Nancy's ghost 👻 finds that it was Jalek who killed her. He also leaves one goblet at Joe and Eve's home which confirms that Eve is his target.
We also get introduction to Seth Caleb who is hunting Jalek for killing his sister Maria who was Jalek's first victim. Overall a good one time read.
Seth's and Joe's banters are best. Vampire thing was over the top.
Nancy Jo daughter of a Senator is the victim to Jelak and he uses the ancient Goblet to drink her blood. Joe is called to investigate 🔎 the case. When he is at the crime scene he starts to see her ghost. It is because of Megan that he has got he power to see ghosts. The man who has been the most practical and strong person seeing ghost makes him feel like a madman. But nothing deters him after he tells Eve about it. Eve is his everything. I love his character the most.
He with the help of Nancy's ghost 👻 finds that it was Jalek who killed her. He also leaves one goblet at Joe and Eve's home which confirms that Eve is his target.
We also get introduction to Seth Caleb who is hunting Jalek for killing his sister Maria who was Jalek's first victim. Overall a good one time read.
Seth's and Joe's banters are best. Vampire thing was over the top.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2018
I really enjoyed Blood Game. This is the first Iris Johansen book I have ever read. It is book #9 in the Eve Duncan series but can definitely be read out of order. The story gives all the back story to Bonnie, Eve’s little girl who was killed and the relationship that Eve and Joe have. So really, this one book is a fine stand alone, actually for me. I may not even pick up the first one’s because I feel that I already know the back story.
I don’t know if all of Johansen’s books have a bit of a mystical or psychic feel to them but this one did and that might be the reason I really enjoyed it, right up my alley.
The gist of the book is about a murdered daughter of a Georgia senator, being that it is set in Georgia is the only reason I even picked up this book. There is a serial killer who drinks blood and a hunter who has been on his trail and with the help of Joe, Eve and the ghost yes there is a ghost they track the killer down. Of course it’s not that simple because if it was there would be no story and no book.
I don’t know if all of Johansen’s books have a bit of a mystical or psychic feel to them but this one did and that might be the reason I really enjoyed it, right up my alley.
The gist of the book is about a murdered daughter of a Georgia senator, being that it is set in Georgia is the only reason I even picked up this book. There is a serial killer who drinks blood and a hunter who has been on his trail and with the help of Joe, Eve and the ghost yes there is a ghost they track the killer down. Of course it’s not that simple because if it was there would be no story and no book.
August 2, 2018
"When a Georgia senator's daughter is found murdered, and her body drained of blood, Eve Duncan is drawn into the web of Kevin Jelak—a serial murderer who is on Eve's short list of killers who might know something about her missing daughter Bonnie. When a goblet of blood is found in Eve's refrigerator, she knows the taunting is over…and the games have begun. As Eve and Jelak engage in a dance of death, Eve must call upon those she loves and trusts the most…even if it means bringing them into the game as well."
Now the books are starting to take a turn towards the weird. Johansen definitely isn't King, Koontz, or Gaiman, but we'll see what happens. Vampires? Psychics? The paranormal? She's either really starting to try branch out from her roots, or has absolutely no idea where to take this basic storyline.
Now the books are starting to take a turn towards the weird. Johansen definitely isn't King, Koontz, or Gaiman, but we'll see what happens. Vampires? Psychics? The paranormal? She's either really starting to try branch out from her roots, or has absolutely no idea where to take this basic storyline.
March 11, 2022
How did this book get 10K readers to say it was a 4 + book? It was a serious topic - abduction of children, a serial killer, grisly murders - but I actually laughed. It was published in 2009 so there are cell phones and his guy is attached to FBI and his girl is attached to law enforcement. They never technology available, someone leaves blood in refrigerator and you still go about your life putting yourself in danger. Joe, the law enforcement guy doesn't tell his dept. that he has a lead. He doesn't tell them he his going after the perp. OMG! This guy should be fired. Can't believe Johansen made best seller list EVER! The dialogue is so stilted it is uncomfortable to read. If you haven't read this book, don't. Thank goodness this was a free book from the "free " books at municipal library. Even at free, it is overpriced.
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