Captive

Eve Duncan #29

by Iris Johansen

Eve Duncan’s daughter Jane MacGuire seems to have found a perfect life with Seth Caleb—until a ruthless madman threatens to destroy it all, in this gripping suspense novel from #1 bestselling author Iris Johansen.
 
Jane MacGuire is enjoying a period of domestic bliss as she focuses on her art and her partner Seth Caleb uses his unique abilities as an agent for the MI6 intelligence service.  But when Seth crosses crime lord Hugh Bohdan, he incurs the wrath of one of the world’s most powerful criminal empires…one whose tentacles reach across the globe and even to the idyllic Scottish retreat where Jane is working.  
 
Soon Jane is on the run, struggling to stay one step ahead of Bohdan’s army and his devastating high-tech weaponry. Even with the assistance of Earl John MacDuff, she finds danger at every turn.  But with that peril comes an astonishing a 200-year-old secret on the brink of becoming lost to history.
 
Jane and Seth must join forces to unlock the fascinating puzzle, even as they hurtle toward a lethal final confrontation in the Highlands.  But before their adventure is over, Jane and Seth will encounter their biggest shock of all…and realize nothing can be the same for them ever again. 
 

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

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 6, 2022

About the author

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

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

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

http://www.irisjohansen.com

Reviews

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

Another excellent thriller from Iris Johansen!!! Nobody does romantic suspense like this lady!! And she wrote one hell of a story with Captive!
This was another book with action galore and with pulse pounding and hanging by the edge of your seat moments and with two of my favorite characters from the Eve Duncan series the beautiful and talented Jane, Eve's adopted daughter and the deadly charismatic Caleb!!! Love this couple so much!!! When Johansen first put these two together it was magic and fireworks and nothings changed! But things have been tense between these two lovers and Jane has been feeling melancholy lately so when Caleb is called back into action with MI6 he takes Jane to the one place he knows for sure she'll be safe and that's Macduff Run. Its suppose to be a in and out job but things go sideways after he kills general Rozkor , Hugh Bohdan head of Rozkor's mercenaries goes crazy and puts Caleb on his hit list for making him look like a fool ! He wants Caleb found and cuts a path of torture and death along the way and once he finds out about Jane and the baby she's carrying he will use her and the baby to lay a trap for him. Its a race to see who will get their first. Iris Johasen is a fabulous storyteller and her villains some of the most vile I've every read and Bohdan is no exception he's a evil bastard. I loved spending time with the Laird Macduff he is one of my very favorite of her characters and his personality and charm always comes through and the whole Cira treasure tale and Fiona's story and finding out what really happened to her adds another amazing layer of mystery and
I loved how it was woven into this story. The chemistry and interaction between Jane and Caleb is still intense and passionate and with the baby coming Caleb has to bare his soul and for someone like Caleb it's not easy.
Jane is as strong as her mother Eve and with a heart of a warrior together her and Caleb will put a stop to Bohdan reign of terror. I want to thank Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for this copy! I always enjoy reading a book from this writer! until next time Luv's💕💋

[Heather Paulsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally love this series, but this one just didn't do it for me. I felt like I had missed some important information in a previous book, which made the story hard to stay engaged with. The action/suspense didn't feel like it was really there. I'm bummed. I know even your favorite writers occasionally write a book that is not for you, and this was the one for me. If you love this series, please don't let me keep you from reading it, it is probably just a me thing.

[Stacey Adams · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love most of the Eve books. I struggled through this one. Jane and Caleb are working out there relationship as Caleb is being hunted by a man named Bohdan. Jane is sequestered at MacDuff's for safety reasons. Caleb asks Rodland to stay there and watch over Jane. Rodland gets involved with helping Jane in a mystery. After seeing her portrait Jane is caught up in a story about Fiona who lived at MacDuff's run and went missing years ago. Jane is trying to find out how the story of Fiona and MacClaren (who painted the portrait and was in love with Fiona) ends. In the meantime Caleb is trying to keep Bohdan away from using Jane to get to him. So many people die as Bohdan runs rampant looking for Caleb.
This didn't feel like a typical Eve book....for one thing Eve wasn't in it. I didn't like the constant killing...too much....Caleb seemed inept in this tome. Jane was angry all the time even when she got great news. The only saving grace was Rodland. I liked his character better than anyone else.

[Sally Lindsay-briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definitely compelling novel for those who love: suspense, non-stop action, captures, treasure, murder and a hunter who has mad skills. Jane is an artist who is hiding out at MacDuff’s Run. Caleb, her boyfriend is trying to catch Bohdan. Then, the evil guy comes after Caleb, and Jane. Catastrophes happen and a possible prize awaits.

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm starting to get a little tired of how formulaic this series is becoming. I have been reading and loving the author for over twenty years, but lately I've been struggling. The twist was pretty obvious from very early on, and the plot followed the normal outline. Did something for the good of the world, bad men take umbrage and begin hunting down and murdering everyone, call in other friends to help, lots of death and destruction... I don't know. I'm not ready to give up on IJ yet but I am to the point where I'm skimming the books.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is a classic uber-talented good guy defeating supervillains single handedly. Lots of innocent collateral damage. The main plot is not unique, but the setting, and the side story of Fiona were interesting. The characters are good and there is a lot of action, so all in all, a very solid action thriller. My main complaint would be Jane successfully jumping off a slow moving train, cushioning her fall by landing on Rodland (which meant they'd have to jump together), then running across country to save Seth at the three month mark. Not very likely, especially since Jane showed zero athletic activity through the whole novel.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great chapter for Jane and Caleb and their relationship.

With Caleb once again trying to protect Jane while he's awake helping MI6 McDuff is playing protector. He's decided to give Jane a mystery to focus on and to try to convince her, once again, that they are family. This time though they all might just receive a little more than they bargained for. Will Caleb and McDuff be able to keep her safe or will Jane have other ideas?

Read the current chapter including adventure, family and love.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Gale Grove · Rating 1 out of 5]

What kind of self-serving egotistical person requires several men bantering over her?! It is almost sickening to read this one-upsmanship between the Scots Laird, the pixieish Irishman, and the undaunted MI6 operative. All to protect this girl/woman who keeps them all vying to protect her better than the other guy. I am so disappointed with this novel from Iris Johansen whom I usually seek out as one of my favorite authors. My opinion has taken a nose-dive with this one.👎

[David Winslow Winslow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought it would be exciting, but seemed to get bogged down with side stories, the main one which didn’t really seem to get resolved….

The romance part…not liking it either. Sorry p

[Tensy (bookdoyen) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read a couple of Johansen's Eve Duncan series decades ago. I vaguely remember her daughter, Jane, mentioned in those books. This novel takes up Jane's story in the Scottish Highlands. Since I haven't read recent Johansen novels I was thrown into this story with little to no character development, so I was pretty much clueless from the get-go. The only really positive thing I can say about this novel is the pacing...fast. It doesn't take long to read, but neither does it take long to explore anything. The dialogue is painful and felt like Jane and Caleb were constantly providing obscure mini lectures to each other. But wait, there was some sex, of the BAMM! variety, short and almost as an afterthought to remind us that these two are crazy in love. The number of dead and tortured people is in the high numbers but not once do local police show up asking questions. Dispend belief those who enter this novel. And I have not seen actual visual sound effects in thrillers since the early days of the Batman TV series. Seriously, she uses the words RAT-AT-AT-AT! to describe gun fire and BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! for drone strikes. I may be too old and read too many books, but I can't believe the high ratings this drivel has received on Goodreads.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Caleb, and Jane series. Caleb, the Hunter as many call him, has loved Jane for years. He has gone off on assignment, and left Jane with her favorite Scottish Laird. Caleb manages to take out his target in the Congo. but leaves a crazy psychotic general alive, and he is now a target. Not just Caleb, but anyone one associated with him. Plus their are clues to another hidden treasure, and more about how Fiona , and her true love , no one expected ,escaped a hideous planned marriage to a pillager, and killer. The book had lots of chase scenes, as Jane meets Rodland, an associate of Caleb to watch over her. She has control though, and they dig into how Fiona could just disappear. Mc Duff plays a larger part of the story, especially as the madmen head for his castle. Their is a major twist in the story, and the ending was very satisfying for all concerned. I love these characters. I gave it 5 stars.

[Read All About It · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been reading this series for years and I love a strong independent woman but this author has gotten to the point where strong turns into something else.
I really love Caleb and Jane together and the surprise was amazing. There is always some crazy evil guy after them.
I had a hard time finishing this story. I just don’t think you have to be nasty and hateful all the time to be strong.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting read as Jane entertains us with this new segment of her life. An amazing job from the writer as she captures our attention and catapults us through the chapter in this five star stunner!

What did I like? I love Jane and Caleb! His hunter prowess and her artistic temperament just spark the fire as these two find there way to be together! Non stop and action packed!

Would I recommend or buy? I have a shelf for this author and I’ve been a huge fan for years! Eve, Jane, and Kendra series are all fabulous! Always a thrilling ride!

I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left this opinion!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Captive by Iris Johansen that I read and reviewed.
This book is very fast paced and moves very fast with the plot and action. I really enjoyed how Jane and Seth’s story advanced in in this book. I love these two together and I also love McDuff and his character and what he adds to the books with these two.
This is another great book by Johansen that adds to the Eve Duncan family. I am giving Captive five out of five stars.

[Janet Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually love these books but this one was a let down.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all 29 books in the eve Duncan series and I loved this one as I have always loved the precarious relationship between Jane and Seth Caleb! Well done!

[Joan Martinkovic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This tale of am MI6 agent who evidently is a superhero and his girlfriend who seems to do nothing but complain and makes him apologize all the time - got irritating after a while!!

[David Pyrlik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was a very great book.

[Kristin (Always With a Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Hachette Audio, #partner for the ALC of Captive in exchange for my honest review.

Iris Johansen’s Eve Duncan series is one of my all-time favorite series. This is the 29th book in this series and I am in awe of the fact that it is still going strong! While I have definitely loved some more than others, I am so glad I have stuck with it because I just enjoy these books so much! I still remember when I first discovered this series…little did I know what a love affair it would turn out to be!

This latest installment is all about Jane MacGuire and Seth Caleb and that’s fine. I like when we get to focus on other characters every once in a while. Yes, the series is the Eve Duncan series, but Jane and Seth are integral characters to this series now and their character development at this stage is just as important as Eve and Joe’s. And while Eve will always remain my favorite character, I do love getting caught up with the other characters – it keeps the series fresh and well-rounded.

This particular installment is of course filled with non-stop action, but it takes a big step in Jane and Seth’s relationship. Seth will always be protective over Jane and when he is called away for work, he has her guarded, even while she is staying with MacDuff – another personal favorite of mine! What I love is that we really see Jane’s personality come through when danger appears. She’s no wallflower and doesn’t take lightly to being told to stay put. I love her feistiness and strong-willed personality – she is Eve and Joe’s daughter afterall!

Of course, the book couldn’t be an Eve Duncan book without Eve popping in a few times and I’m excited to see what is in store next for all our characters. There are changes in store for Jane and Seth and I am curious to see how that plays out.

This series has been one of my favorites for such a long time and I look forward to reading the new one as soon as I hear about it. I don’t know when or if there will be more, but you can be sure I will be checking the author’s website for updates regularly!


Audio thoughts: Iris Johansen’s books translate so well onto audio, especially with Elisabeth Rodgers narrating them. She has narrated most, if not all, of her books and is so consistent with the voices. No matter how long it has been since I’ve last picked up one of Johansen’s books, it’s like no time has passed – that’s how consistent she is with her voices. I don’t know how she does it, but I love it! She makes listening to these books so fun and I usually end up listening to them in a day.


You can see all my reviews at: https://www.alwayswithabook.com/

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really haven't kept up reading this Eve Duncan series despite that fact that it is, indeed, a very good suspense/thriller series...There are just so many good authors that can give us a real heart-throbbing, suspenseful page-turners...In "Captive," the focus is on Jane, Eve's adopted daughter, stashed for safety's sake in the Scottish Highlands...With Caleb, her beau, and MacDuff, her protector working hard to keep Jane from falling into the hands of the evil mastermind Hugh Bohdan out of Caleb's past...Decent thriller!

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast Paced Adventure

Featuring Caleb and Jane, this book is a fast paced thrill ride into danger and the quest for revenge. Good characterization and plenty of action made it hard to put down. I checked out a copy from the local library using the Libby App. All opinions are my own.

[Jenny T · Rating 2 out of 5]

It seems many people that read this are long time followers of Johansen and this series. I was recommended this particular book and it was my first novel by her. As an "outsider" I have to say that I was disappointed in the feeble attempt at feminism -Jane's sudden ability to shoot guns was nice but there wasn't really character buildup at least in this particular book, and then the "surprise" of the book later on made this even worse, the seemingly weak side story of her finding out ancestry and treasure info for MacDuff just didn't interest me, and overall I was annoyed by the fact that all these men were around her to "protect" her.

Perhaps some of this was because I jumped in on the middle of a series that had long developed characters that others might already have a fond relationship with. But I was also not into the dialogue-heavy, blunt approach to writing - leave some guesswork to the reader... everything was so obvious. I'd seen a few reviews from readers about how this book was not as good as the others, but I likely won't read anymore based on how hard this one was to get through.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please someone take away her exclamation point!!!!!!!!!!

[Kimber Spring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thriller/ suspense in a not my normal genre by far. My sister, turned me onto Iris Johansen,and the Eve Duncan series, a few months ago. Needless to say, I was completely hooked by chapter one! I have read the entire series thus far and am completely amazed by her writing on all levels. I honestly thought that with a series THIS LONG it would taper off, like most other series do, and I would lose interest. However, I was thoroughly and enthusiastically surprised THAT IT DID NOT!!! Every book was a new thrill that was expertly woven and intertwined with the previous novels in the series.

This particular novel, is focused on Jane; which is always a welcome adventure! I have always been fascinated by Irish and Scottish culture, folklore etc and am always so excited when I get to immerse myself in it through some of my favorite series and authors. I’ve been lucky in this series because a lot of the later books are set in Scotland!! Having read the entire series so far, this has to be another favorite!

Highly recommend!!!

Onto the next!!! Happy reading!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Seth and Jane's story continues with Seth tracking down and trying to stop a warlord named Bohdan and keep Jane safe at MacDuff's run. As usual nothing goes according to plans and Jane and Seth are in the middle of it again. This time Seth has help looking after Jane in the form of an associate named Rodland. Rodland provides humor during his protection services. I loved the surprise twist near the end of the book. It makes me look forward to the next book in the series to see how everything plays out. I want to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced reader copy of Captive and as always my reviews are my personal views from reading the story.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda/Vancouver/BC/Canada 4 1/2 stars!

Love Iris Johnsen's books. They are a treat to read. Scary yes and lots of twisted people. But there is lots of love in this book too. Had the book tucked away and found out I had not read it. Took a couple of days and it was a good read. Really enjoy "Eve Duncan" novels. Like Jane MacGuire who is the adopted daughter of Eve and Joe. Hope Iris will write more books with Jane and Seth Caleb as the main characters. Lots of running around not getting caught by Hugh Bhodan who is one of the world;s most powerful crime lord. Thoroughly entertaining.

Not a hard cover but a good size book to read. 2 days to read. I have 1 copy of book. Don't know why so many have come up.

[Jim Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Iris Johansen book. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Characters extremely well developed, personalities clearly described and interactions believable. Two strong-willed independent persons surrounded by similar characters. An entertaining story set in the Scottish Highlands (I am a member of the Clan Scott Society). A long book but I was able to read in three sittings (the last the longest - I couldn't put it down). I will be reading more of her books and suggest others do so to get the same enjoyment.

[Linda Munro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane MacGuire was having a blissful stay with Earl MacDuff until her partner, Seth Caleb crosses the powerful crime lord Hugh Bohden. Now, no one is safe, no matter where they are.

While Jane struggles to stay one step ahead of Bohdan’s army and his high-tech weaponry, she has also located another MacDuff family secret; one that has been hidden for 200 years.

Against Seth's better judgment, Jane has joined forces with him, unlocking a puzzle as they barrel towards a final confrontation with Bohden.

Of course, Jane and Seth will encounter their biggest surprise ever!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put the book down. From the first page, until the last, you will be glued to this book. Caleb has made a crime lord mad. His name is Bohdan and he will stop at nothing, to make Caleb pay. His focus is only on Caleb and Jane. They are the targets and whatever it takes to bring them down, he will do. He is a cruel human being, if you can call Bohdan that. He really is an animal. Jane doesn't want to wait behind to help Caleb, so she takes her own path to help. Great book!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best of the Eve Duncan series

Fast paced, well rounded characters, suspense and undying love. What more could anyone ask for an entertaining escape from reality?

As always, Iris Johnson weaves a a story built around he remarkable family assembled and sustained by Eve and Joe. MacDuff and Caleb have always been among my favorite characters and they don't disappoint in Captive.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good dose of escapism .