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Eve Duncan #11
Chasing The Night
A CIA agent's two-year-old child was stolen in the night as a brutal act of vengeance. Now, eight years later, this torment is something Catherine Ling awakens to every day. Her friends, family, and colleagues tell her to let go, move on, accept that her son is never coming back. But she can't. Catherine needs to find someone as driven and obsessed as she is to help her - and that person is Eve Duncan. She knows that Eve shares her nightmare, since closure is also something that eludes Eve after the disappearance of her daughter Bonnie. Now, Eve must take her talents as a forensic sculptor to another level, using age progression as a way to unite Catherine with her child. As Eve gets drawn deeper into Catherine's horror, she must face looming demons of her own.
Bonnie's killer is still out there. And a new killer is taunting Eve and Catherine at every turn. Is Catherine's son alive, or not? These two women endure the worst fear any mother can imagine in Iris Johansen's latest thrill ride, a gut-wrenching journey into the darkest places of the soul.
Bonnie's killer is still out there. And a new killer is taunting Eve and Catherine at every turn. Is Catherine's son alive, or not? These two women endure the worst fear any mother can imagine in Iris Johansen's latest thrill ride, a gut-wrenching journey into the darkest places of the soul.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
392 people are currently reading
7956 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 543 reviews
April 26, 2014
This is one of my favorite romantic suspense series of all time. I have journeyed with Even Duncan on her quest to finding out about her daughter’s disappearance when she was five years old.
I have become attached to many of the characters that I have met throughout the books and in Chasing the Night, we are introduced to the new and fascinating character of Catherine Ling. Born in Hong Kong, living in the streets by her wits, she’s recruited as an CIA when very young.
Catherine‘s 2 year old son had been stolen from her 7 years previously but she believes that he’s still alive. She approaches Eve asking for her help in construction what he would look now.
Eve agrees to help her and soon both, with the help of a young girl, a genius who can read patterns and other things that will help them find Luke.
To see Eve still trying to find Bonnie is so heartbreaking. She really needs the answers so she can find some peace in her life.
Adrenaline-pumping thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I am so addicted to this series that I wait in great anticipation for the next one.
I have become attached to many of the characters that I have met throughout the books and in Chasing the Night, we are introduced to the new and fascinating character of Catherine Ling. Born in Hong Kong, living in the streets by her wits, she’s recruited as an CIA when very young.
Catherine‘s 2 year old son had been stolen from her 7 years previously but she believes that he’s still alive. She approaches Eve asking for her help in construction what he would look now.
Eve agrees to help her and soon both, with the help of a young girl, a genius who can read patterns and other things that will help them find Luke.
To see Eve still trying to find Bonnie is so heartbreaking. She really needs the answers so she can find some peace in her life.
Adrenaline-pumping thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I am so addicted to this series that I wait in great anticipation for the next one.
December 2, 2020
Chasing the Night by Iris Johansen is the 11th book in the Eve Duncan Mystery series and the first book in the Catherine Ling series and the first book I have read by this author. Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan is hired by CIA agent Catherine Ling, whose two year old was kidnapped 8 years ago, to use age progression to help her find her son. An excellent book which was difficult to put down. Catherine and Eve make a great team and this makes me want to go back to the start and to read what I have missed with Eve, as this book is more of an introduction to Catherine. The book was a bit slow to start with but made up for it with an exciting and thrilling climax.
October 29, 2013
I listened to the audiobook on a road trip. You could have had a drinking game with the phrase "(S)he moistened his/her lips." I laughed out loud each time because the author used it so often it was ridiculous. Also, she seems overly fond of the word "jerkily."
This was my first encounter with this author and I probably won't read anything else by her.
This was my first encounter with this author and I probably won't read anything else by her.
January 7, 2011
Eight years after a CIA agent’s two-year-old son was stolen in the night, Eve Duncan becomes involved in the case. Eve Duncan lost her own daughter years ago and has turned her grief over the loss of her child to helping others as a forensic sculptor. As a way to help Catherine Ling, the CIA agent, Eve uses age progression to try to help Catherine deal with her feelings of grief and loss.
Both women endure the worst imaginable horror for a mother - the loss of their child. After facing this horror, the women must face the killer of Catherine's son in this thriller and the pace never lets up!
I am a huge fan of Iris Johansen and this book did not disappoint! I would recommend this book for anyone who likes crime novels, mysteries, or thrillers - but make sure you set aside enough time to read. You are not going to want to put it down!
Both women endure the worst imaginable horror for a mother - the loss of their child. After facing this horror, the women must face the killer of Catherine's son in this thriller and the pace never lets up!
I am a huge fan of Iris Johansen and this book did not disappoint! I would recommend this book for anyone who likes crime novels, mysteries, or thrillers - but make sure you set aside enough time to read. You are not going to want to put it down!
October 7, 2021
Series: Eve Duncan, #11, Catherine Ling, book 1
Romantic Suspense / Mystery
Chasing the Night matches up Eve Duncan and Catherine Ling, a troubled woman who is searching for her lost child Luke. Luke was taken when he was 2-years-old by a Russian gangster that Catherine had brought down during her time in the CIA. Rakovac, the gangster, has been baiting Catherine for years, torturing her by not telling her whether Luke is alive or dead.
Catherine needs to find someone as driven and obsessed as she is to help her - and that person is Eve Duncan. So Catherine approaches Eve, hoping she can help her by creating an age progression on Luke.
The story was light and easy to read. Perhaps a little more action and a little less talking would have helped it to be more fast-paced because some parts were slow and boring. But overall good and interesting story.
Romantic Suspense / Mystery
Chasing the Night matches up Eve Duncan and Catherine Ling, a troubled woman who is searching for her lost child Luke. Luke was taken when he was 2-years-old by a Russian gangster that Catherine had brought down during her time in the CIA. Rakovac, the gangster, has been baiting Catherine for years, torturing her by not telling her whether Luke is alive or dead.
Catherine needs to find someone as driven and obsessed as she is to help her - and that person is Eve Duncan. So Catherine approaches Eve, hoping she can help her by creating an age progression on Luke.
The story was light and easy to read. Perhaps a little more action and a little less talking would have helped it to be more fast-paced because some parts were slow and boring. But overall good and interesting story.
May 7, 2023
I read some of the earlier Eve Duncan books, but it’s been a while.
Eve reconstructs skulls for criminal investigations. That process is interesting. And Eve is haunted by the disappearance of her daughter years ago when Bonnie was only five. That fact is a thread through all of the books that helps explain Eve’s motivations. Also interesting.
Reading this book, though, I came to the conclusion that I’m not a big fan of the writing style. The conversations between characters don’t ring true.
But I did like the two new child characters introduced. One is an 11 year old boy who was kidnapped at age 2 and has been tortured his whole life. He seems to have some sound survival instincts and his transition to “normal” life will be a challenge. The other is a 14 year old girl who was raped and watched her father be murdered. She is brilliant at solving puzzles. She seems to understand the boy well and is likely to feature prominently in future installments.
Eve reconstructs skulls for criminal investigations. That process is interesting. And Eve is haunted by the disappearance of her daughter years ago when Bonnie was only five. That fact is a thread through all of the books that helps explain Eve’s motivations. Also interesting.
Reading this book, though, I came to the conclusion that I’m not a big fan of the writing style. The conversations between characters don’t ring true.
But I did like the two new child characters introduced. One is an 11 year old boy who was kidnapped at age 2 and has been tortured his whole life. He seems to have some sound survival instincts and his transition to “normal” life will be a challenge. The other is a 14 year old girl who was raped and watched her father be murdered. She is brilliant at solving puzzles. She seems to understand the boy well and is likely to feature prominently in future installments.
February 4, 2015
This book started off with some potential, but then descended into nuttery and boring drawn out conversations.
Superwoman CIA Agent Catherine Ling saves a girl, Kelly Winters, from capture at the hands of a Colombian gang who has killed her father and raped her. No problems so far. Catherine uses this success as leverage on the CIA to get info to try to rescue her son, Luke, from a Russian mobster and power broker.
Enter Eve Duncan, a child skull reconstructionist, who Catherine wants to run an computer-simulated age progression. Despite being a masterful agent, Catherine appears utterly inept at social skills and convincing Eve Duncan to help her.
And then the ghost of Eve Duncan's child appears to Eve, and it's another warning sign that you should bail on the book now. But, no I stuck with it.
The mobster Rakovich ends up being a cartoon character villain, who wants to control the heroine and have her in his rape fantasies. After Rakovich threatens Catherine, and Eve for helping Catherine, Kelly Winters somehow ends up entangled in the mix. And again barring disbelief, she ends up being a whiz kid who can see patterns. Despite Catherine having feelings for her, she is perfectly content to endanger Kelly by not sending her away.
Most of the main characters end up succumbing to contagious idiocy. Eve decides to go to Russia with Catherine, for little discernable benefit. Eve's husband Joe follows her and seems content to use his SEAL skills whenever possible, even if they endanger his own wife. They seem content to endanger Kelly again. The mobster wants to play with Catherine at the expense of his own major business (which ends up being terrorism). Catherine continually tries to negotiate with the devil Rakovich, without having any leverage. The book tries to somehow assuage us that this is because of Catherine's motherly love; this is why she has become so obsessed... and absolutely frigging stupid.
Everyone seems blind to consequence. The characters became too stupid and the conversations became too drawn out to enjoy the book. I'm not interested in a villain's rape fantasies, and they seem like lazy attempts to make him evil. The motivations of the characters aren't enough to justify the inconsistencies in character. It's an incredibly frustrating book.
Superwoman CIA Agent Catherine Ling saves a girl, Kelly Winters, from capture at the hands of a Colombian gang who has killed her father and raped her. No problems so far. Catherine uses this success as leverage on the CIA to get info to try to rescue her son, Luke, from a Russian mobster and power broker.
Enter Eve Duncan, a child skull reconstructionist, who Catherine wants to run an computer-simulated age progression. Despite being a masterful agent, Catherine appears utterly inept at social skills and convincing Eve Duncan to help her.
And then the ghost of Eve Duncan's child appears to Eve, and it's another warning sign that you should bail on the book now. But, no I stuck with it.
The mobster Rakovich ends up being a cartoon character villain, who wants to control the heroine and have her in his rape fantasies. After Rakovich threatens Catherine, and Eve for helping Catherine, Kelly Winters somehow ends up entangled in the mix. And again barring disbelief, she ends up being a whiz kid who can see patterns. Despite Catherine having feelings for her, she is perfectly content to endanger Kelly by not sending her away.
Most of the main characters end up succumbing to contagious idiocy. Eve decides to go to Russia with Catherine, for little discernable benefit. Eve's husband Joe follows her and seems content to use his SEAL skills whenever possible, even if they endanger his own wife. They seem content to endanger Kelly again. The mobster wants to play with Catherine at the expense of his own major business (which ends up being terrorism). Catherine continually tries to negotiate with the devil Rakovich, without having any leverage. The book tries to somehow assuage us that this is because of Catherine's motherly love; this is why she has become so obsessed... and absolutely frigging stupid.
Everyone seems blind to consequence. The characters became too stupid and the conversations became too drawn out to enjoy the book. I'm not interested in a villain's rape fantasies, and they seem like lazy attempts to make him evil. The motivations of the characters aren't enough to justify the inconsistencies in character. It's an incredibly frustrating book.
December 2, 2017
It ended better than it began, but wasn't all that engaging or remarkable. The greatest secret agent in the world asks the greatest forensic sculptor in the world for help, but she is having trouble getting past her boss, the greatest spy in the world. It's important, though, because they need to take down the worst criminal in the world. Luckily they get some help from the smartest girl in the world and the best damned cop in the world. So I didn't like the book, but if anyone did it would be you, the greatest reader in the world.
September 7, 2015
I brought one audio book along with me on a trip...this one..I have learned my lesson. I am not sure what it was I hated most about Chasing the Night...the actress' interpretation of the book and her "voices" for each character...the author's one dimensional characters...or the far-fetched storyline. Perhaps it was the fact that this book is the 11th in a series that I have never read before and therefore I did not have a good understanding of Eve Duncan and prior storylines. Eve is a forensic sculptor who uses age progression to determine what a missing child may look like now. CIA agent Catherine Ling's son was abducted 9 years ago. She has been told her son is dead but she elicits Eve's help her find the truth. The book started out well but became weird and just ridiculous.
December 11, 2013
Implausible characters, unbelievable action, melodramatic dialogue. This was almost unreadable. In fact, if I'd had any other books in the house I hadn't read yet, this may have become the 3rd book I've ever started and not finished. Her books have steadily gone downhill to me because of all the focus on what I consider 'extraneous' elements (mainly the 'romance' bits), but this was actually ridiculous. The character of Catherine Ling is completely unbelievable.
October 12, 2011
I didn't notice that this was a series book. Let alone the newest in the series of Eve Duncan. Having never read a Iris Johansen book I figured I would give it ago. It was a good read. But I must admit, I kind of got bored with it in the start and middle.
March 25, 2020
This eleventh book in the Eve Duncan series is also listed as the first book in the Catherine Ling series. We are introduced to the fearless CIA agent Catherine Ling. Catherine grew up on the streets of Hong Kong and she met a unique man named Hu Chang, an ageless genius with a gift of creating poisons. At a very young age she was recruited by the CIA and has proved to become an invaluable agent.
As this book begins, she is deep in the middle of the rain forest on a dangerous rescue mission with hopes of rescuing a father and his fourteen-year-old daughter. She swiftly takes men down and she gets finds them, the father has been killed, leaving Catherine to rescue the daughter, Kelly. Catherine expertly whisks Kelly to safety.
Meanwhile, forensic sculptor Eve Duncan is approached by Agent Venable of the CIA to do an age progression. However, despite this book being a part of the Eve Duncan series, the focus is on Catherine and her search for her son, who was kidnapped at two years of age. It has been nine years and Catherine truly believes he is still alive. Eve can truly relate to Catherine's situation because her daughter Bonnie was kidnapped and killed when she was seven years old and Eve has been trying to locate her remains in order to come to peace with her tragic loss.
Eve turns her attention to Catherine's plight, as well as Kelly, the girl who was rescued. As it turns out, Kelly is a majorly gifted teen, who sees patterns in situations, and plays a major role in the search for Catherine's son Luke. During all the years Luke has been missing, Catherine has been plagued a man who is indeed a monster, Rakovich, who taunts her about what has happened to Luke. Eve, her long-time lover Joe, and Kelly make the trek to Russia in order to find Luke.
This exciting book (whether considered to be the eleventh book of one series or the first book in this series) has everything - romance, action and danger. It strikes a chord for every parent's worst fear of their child being taken.
I admit to being hung up on Iris Johansen and have recently binge read the entire Eve Duncan series and now this entire Catherine Ling series and will continue this blog post with the next book.
As this book begins, she is deep in the middle of the rain forest on a dangerous rescue mission with hopes of rescuing a father and his fourteen-year-old daughter. She swiftly takes men down and she gets finds them, the father has been killed, leaving Catherine to rescue the daughter, Kelly. Catherine expertly whisks Kelly to safety.
Meanwhile, forensic sculptor Eve Duncan is approached by Agent Venable of the CIA to do an age progression. However, despite this book being a part of the Eve Duncan series, the focus is on Catherine and her search for her son, who was kidnapped at two years of age. It has been nine years and Catherine truly believes he is still alive. Eve can truly relate to Catherine's situation because her daughter Bonnie was kidnapped and killed when she was seven years old and Eve has been trying to locate her remains in order to come to peace with her tragic loss.
Eve turns her attention to Catherine's plight, as well as Kelly, the girl who was rescued. As it turns out, Kelly is a majorly gifted teen, who sees patterns in situations, and plays a major role in the search for Catherine's son Luke. During all the years Luke has been missing, Catherine has been plagued a man who is indeed a monster, Rakovich, who taunts her about what has happened to Luke. Eve, her long-time lover Joe, and Kelly make the trek to Russia in order to find Luke.
This exciting book (whether considered to be the eleventh book of one series or the first book in this series) has everything - romance, action and danger. It strikes a chord for every parent's worst fear of their child being taken.
I admit to being hung up on Iris Johansen and have recently binge read the entire Eve Duncan series and now this entire Catherine Ling series and will continue this blog post with the next book.
June 4, 2019
An interesting enough story but the writing was very meh.
January 14, 2024
I liked it. Not the best Duncan novel I've read though. I was happy to finally get introduced to Catherine Ling, such a fierce character and it was interesting to have the spotlight taken off Eve a bit. It was refreshing to see the realness in Eve and Joe's relationship with the introduction of Catherine, they're strong yes, but that doesn't mean others can't come in an tempt.
I'm excited to see what's next for Eve and her search for Bonnie and of course, seeing what's next for Catherine and her newfound family.
I'm excited to see what's next for Eve and her search for Bonnie and of course, seeing what's next for Catherine and her newfound family.
May 20, 2019
I was kind of concerned how well I would follow the storyline when I realized this was book 11 of the series, however it wasn't too hard to discern backstories and character traits. This started kind of slow but about 2/3 of the way through really picked up and I couldn't put it down. Really enjoyed the ending and will be continuing with this series.
April 7, 2018
I'm really liking this Eve character
June 23, 2021
Predictable.
December 14, 2021
Liked mother child interaction. Good to read about intelligent women of all ages.
February 6, 2022
Meh. It started out okay and got boring. Lots of long dialogue and a lot of characters to keep track of. Not my bag dude.
November 8, 2024
Dark and disturbing
November 13, 2024
Good read, good plot and character development. Can't believe I missed this one---I thought I had read all the series about Eve, etc. Nice to see her back however.
June 16, 2025
Finally! The author Iris Johansen keeps the focus on the suspenseful plot rather than the romantic area that she is no good at making believable. The characters were pretty well done, and the way the characters tied into each other was believable. The religious cult was not at all realistic. but you can't have.everything, right?
May 29, 2025
A pretty entertaining read, with some interesting new characters joining the storyline. I still find myself smirking when one of the adults goes from being serious to having an emotional turn better suited to a hormonal teenager, but they get back on track quickly. The action keeps the plot line moving, so let's see what the next installment has in store.
July 12, 2014
I listened to this audio book while on a recent road trip. It was so awful that it was almost painful to listen to. Unfortunately I had no other books on CD from the library with me and I had neglected to grab any of my music CDs before I left. So, I was pretty much stuck with this to listen to.
To say it was beyond boring is being nice. Most of the story, roughly 90%, is endless conversations about the same thing over and over. Here’s the story in a nutshell.
CIA agent Catherine Ling is able to rescue 14 year old Kelly from bad guys in South America. She’s too late to rescue the girl’s father who has already been killed. Catherine wants to take Kelly to her mother. Kelly says please no, don’t take me there. It seems her mother is afraid of Kelly because she’s so brilliant. Ah, okay, whatever. Then there are endless conversations between the two that go something like this:
Kelly-"Please let me be with you. I can help you with your work".
Catherine-"No, It’s too dangerous. I won’t allow it".
This conversation takes many forms and goes on forever. Finally Kelly is handed off to Catherine’s CIA boss and Catherine heads to Eve Duncan’s house in Atlanta. Catherine’s son was kidnapped nine years ago by an evil Russian guy when he was two years old, and she has been trying to find him ever since. Even though Eve Duncan does forensic facial reconstruction, Catherine hopes she can do an age progression on her son so she can see what he now looks like. They have lots and lots of endless conversations over the next 4 or 5 days that go like this.
Catherine-"Please help me. You’re the only one who can do this".
Eve-"No. I don’t have the time and there are other people who are much better than I am".
They have this conversation at least 20 times.
Then who shows up in the pouring rain at Eve’s door? Why Kelly of course! A CIA agent just dropped her off so she could be with Catherine. They then have more of the exact same conversation that they had in South America. At this point I’m wondering when everyone is going to stop having all these dang repetitive conversations and actually do something.
Finally, after lots and lots more talking, Catherine, Eve, and Eve’s live in lover, FBI agent Joe Quinn, head to Russia to try and locate Catherine’s son Luke. After arriving and settling in at the safe house, guess who shows up again! Yes, you got it, Kelly!!!! It seems the CIA doesn’t know what to do with her so…..she’s come to help everyone find Luke. Are you as bored as I am yet?
Okay, one last thing before I end. The author decided for some unknown reason, that it would be apropos to insert the phrase, “She moistened her lips”, into just about every other conversation. It got to be absolutely laughable. I read another review here on goodreads where the reviewer suggested that it would make a good drinking game. I’m thinking that if you took a shot every time you heard “She moistened her lips”, you would most certainly be drunk long before you got one quarter of the way through. Cheers!
To say it was beyond boring is being nice. Most of the story, roughly 90%, is endless conversations about the same thing over and over. Here’s the story in a nutshell.
CIA agent Catherine Ling is able to rescue 14 year old Kelly from bad guys in South America. She’s too late to rescue the girl’s father who has already been killed. Catherine wants to take Kelly to her mother. Kelly says please no, don’t take me there. It seems her mother is afraid of Kelly because she’s so brilliant. Ah, okay, whatever. Then there are endless conversations between the two that go something like this:
Kelly-"Please let me be with you. I can help you with your work".
Catherine-"No, It’s too dangerous. I won’t allow it".
This conversation takes many forms and goes on forever. Finally Kelly is handed off to Catherine’s CIA boss and Catherine heads to Eve Duncan’s house in Atlanta. Catherine’s son was kidnapped nine years ago by an evil Russian guy when he was two years old, and she has been trying to find him ever since. Even though Eve Duncan does forensic facial reconstruction, Catherine hopes she can do an age progression on her son so she can see what he now looks like. They have lots and lots of endless conversations over the next 4 or 5 days that go like this.
Catherine-"Please help me. You’re the only one who can do this".
Eve-"No. I don’t have the time and there are other people who are much better than I am".
They have this conversation at least 20 times.
Then who shows up in the pouring rain at Eve’s door? Why Kelly of course! A CIA agent just dropped her off so she could be with Catherine. They then have more of the exact same conversation that they had in South America. At this point I’m wondering when everyone is going to stop having all these dang repetitive conversations and actually do something.
Finally, after lots and lots more talking, Catherine, Eve, and Eve’s live in lover, FBI agent Joe Quinn, head to Russia to try and locate Catherine’s son Luke. After arriving and settling in at the safe house, guess who shows up again! Yes, you got it, Kelly!!!! It seems the CIA doesn’t know what to do with her so…..she’s come to help everyone find Luke. Are you as bored as I am yet?
Okay, one last thing before I end. The author decided for some unknown reason, that it would be apropos to insert the phrase, “She moistened her lips”, into just about every other conversation. It got to be absolutely laughable. I read another review here on goodreads where the reviewer suggested that it would make a good drinking game. I’m thinking that if you took a shot every time you heard “She moistened her lips”, you would most certainly be drunk long before you got one quarter of the way through. Cheers!
November 3, 2010
This was my first time reading an Iris Johansen book even though I've heard about her for awhile and kept meaning to pick up one of her books. It certainly did not disappoint.
The Characters
I fell in love with Eve and Joe right away. Both characters were strong without being overbearing, co-dependent or pig headed. I want to learn more about Bonnie especially when I found out there are several books about Eve Duncan so I assume there is a back story there. Catherine also began to grow on me although I was initially turned off by just how ruthless she could get in her mission to save her son. I started to empathize with her because I couldn't even begin to imagine how it would feel to lose a child at 2 years old and always wonder what is happening to him. Even the villains in the story were so well fleshed out that you loved to hate them and could not wait until they got what they had coming to them.
The only character I had issues with was Kelly. I understand she was supposed to be a teen age whiz kid but I found her to be extremely irritating and way too pushy. I know it worked with the plot line but that does not mean I have to like her.
The Story Line
This story grabbed me from the start and did not let me go. It was a roller coaster of a read as the tension starts building and although you know when you get to the top there is going to be the ultimate show down as Catherine confronts her son's kidnapper you still feel that rush when you get there. Yes, a lot of the details about how things come about are unbelievable but just enjoy the story and go with the flow.
The Romance
It seems that every book has to have some sort of romantic encounter thrown into the mix and in this one Eve and Joe have a long standing relationship that works well without over powering the main plot line. There was some tension when you wonder what affect Catherine, a beautiful, strong and intelligent woman, may have on their relationship but that was woven in nicely.
This book definitely leaves me wanting to read more of Iris Johansen's books.
The Characters
I fell in love with Eve and Joe right away. Both characters were strong without being overbearing, co-dependent or pig headed. I want to learn more about Bonnie especially when I found out there are several books about Eve Duncan so I assume there is a back story there. Catherine also began to grow on me although I was initially turned off by just how ruthless she could get in her mission to save her son. I started to empathize with her because I couldn't even begin to imagine how it would feel to lose a child at 2 years old and always wonder what is happening to him. Even the villains in the story were so well fleshed out that you loved to hate them and could not wait until they got what they had coming to them.
The only character I had issues with was Kelly. I understand she was supposed to be a teen age whiz kid but I found her to be extremely irritating and way too pushy. I know it worked with the plot line but that does not mean I have to like her.
The Story Line
This story grabbed me from the start and did not let me go. It was a roller coaster of a read as the tension starts building and although you know when you get to the top there is going to be the ultimate show down as Catherine confronts her son's kidnapper you still feel that rush when you get there. Yes, a lot of the details about how things come about are unbelievable but just enjoy the story and go with the flow.
The Romance
It seems that every book has to have some sort of romantic encounter thrown into the mix and in this one Eve and Joe have a long standing relationship that works well without over powering the main plot line. There was some tension when you wonder what affect Catherine, a beautiful, strong and intelligent woman, may have on their relationship but that was woven in nicely.
This book definitely leaves me wanting to read more of Iris Johansen's books.
February 26, 2013
Whew, this one was a little harder to stay interested in...
CIA agent, Catherine Ling comes to Eve for help. She needs to find her son, Luke, who was kidnapped from her 9 years ago when he was 2 years old by a sadistic, maniacal Russian named Rakovac. She does not have a skull, although, one is offered to them by Rakovac later as Luke's. This is really a sick animal not worthy of being called a human being. Anyway, she asks Eve to do a computer progression of Luke as he would look today at 11 years old. Catherine truly believes that he is still alive.
Long story finally came to an end with a dramatic rescue...oh, but first of course Eve had to be kidnapped and Joe was not around to prevent it...hmmmm Everyone ends up at the same place, Luke helps Eve and Kelly (she is a 14 year old held captive in Peru and rescued by Catherine and now she is attached to Catherine...her father was murdered by their captors), escape the room he has spent most of his life in. He had been secretly digging his way out and waiting for the right moment to escape. Joe shows up just at the right moment to help kill the 3 guards who were chasing and shooting at them...Catherine ends up exacting her revenge by killing Rakovac with mambo venom stored in one of her teeth by her friend, Hu Chang in China...very James Bond :/
Luke is scarred, both in body and spirit, but he feels strong enough in himself to go with Catherine and see what happens...first he makes her promise him that he could leave her whenever he wanted to....rough road ahead.
CIA agent, Catherine Ling comes to Eve for help. She needs to find her son, Luke, who was kidnapped from her 9 years ago when he was 2 years old by a sadistic, maniacal Russian named Rakovac. She does not have a skull, although, one is offered to them by Rakovac later as Luke's. This is really a sick animal not worthy of being called a human being. Anyway, she asks Eve to do a computer progression of Luke as he would look today at 11 years old. Catherine truly believes that he is still alive.
Long story finally came to an end with a dramatic rescue...oh, but first of course Eve had to be kidnapped and Joe was not around to prevent it...hmmmm Everyone ends up at the same place, Luke helps Eve and Kelly (she is a 14 year old held captive in Peru and rescued by Catherine and now she is attached to Catherine...her father was murdered by their captors), escape the room he has spent most of his life in. He had been secretly digging his way out and waiting for the right moment to escape. Joe shows up just at the right moment to help kill the 3 guards who were chasing and shooting at them...Catherine ends up exacting her revenge by killing Rakovac with mambo venom stored in one of her teeth by her friend, Hu Chang in China...very James Bond :/
Luke is scarred, both in body and spirit, but he feels strong enough in himself to go with Catherine and see what happens...first he makes her promise him that he could leave her whenever he wanted to....rough road ahead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2010
Eve Duncan is one of the best forensic sculptors in the world. This is why when CIA agent, Catherine Ling need someone to help her learn the truth about her son, Luke, she turns to Eve. Cause only the best will do for Catherine.
Nine years ago, Luke was kidnapped by Sergei Rakovac. Sergei is one of the most powerful members of the Russian mafia. All this time, Catherine has wondered if Luke is dead or alive. Sergei can not be touched. He made a deal with the CIA. In exchange for helping Catherine; Catherine will help Eve learn the truth about what happened to her daughter, Bonnie.
It has been a long while since I have read an Iris Johansen novel. Chasing the Night has me wondering why it took me so long between the last book and this one. It was not long once I sat down to start reading that I was instantly hooked. Eve makes forensic sculpting intriguing. Catherine is like the female version of Rambo. She comes in blazing with guns and lots of attitude to boot. Eve and Catherine make a great team. They are Thelma and Louise, only they don’t die. There was lots of butt-kicking action going on in this book. Chasing the Night almost had me reading finishing this book through the night.
Nine years ago, Luke was kidnapped by Sergei Rakovac. Sergei is one of the most powerful members of the Russian mafia. All this time, Catherine has wondered if Luke is dead or alive. Sergei can not be touched. He made a deal with the CIA. In exchange for helping Catherine; Catherine will help Eve learn the truth about what happened to her daughter, Bonnie.
It has been a long while since I have read an Iris Johansen novel. Chasing the Night has me wondering why it took me so long between the last book and this one. It was not long once I sat down to start reading that I was instantly hooked. Eve makes forensic sculpting intriguing. Catherine is like the female version of Rambo. She comes in blazing with guns and lots of attitude to boot. Eve and Catherine make a great team. They are Thelma and Louise, only they don’t die. There was lots of butt-kicking action going on in this book. Chasing the Night almost had me reading finishing this book through the night.
January 26, 2012
Chasing the Night by Iris Johansen is about a women named Eve Duncan. Her daughter Bonnie was killed in cold blood and now eight years later Catherine Ling is facing the same hardship. Catherine is trying desperately to find her son Luke who was taken away from her. All of Catherine's colleagues are convinced that Luke will never be found but she refuses to give up. When no one else would help her she seeks out Eve Duncan's assistance. Now Eve and Catherine must do whatever they can to find Luke.
I really enjoyed this book because it was full of action and suspense. There wasn't one page I read that wasn't interesting. I liked how Johansen was able to take Eve and Catherine, who live completely different lives and make them come together and bond because of the one thing they have in common. I also liked how she developed her characters to make them seem more realistic. Just from reading a couple of pages I was able to get a sense on the feelings, thoughts and characteristics of the different characters throughout the story. I also liked how this book had a plot with a mystery so as you read the book you were able to put the pieces together and figure out what was really happening in the story. Overall, this is a great book and it's one that people should read.
I really enjoyed this book because it was full of action and suspense. There wasn't one page I read that wasn't interesting. I liked how Johansen was able to take Eve and Catherine, who live completely different lives and make them come together and bond because of the one thing they have in common. I also liked how she developed her characters to make them seem more realistic. Just from reading a couple of pages I was able to get a sense on the feelings, thoughts and characteristics of the different characters throughout the story. I also liked how this book had a plot with a mystery so as you read the book you were able to put the pieces together and figure out what was really happening in the story. Overall, this is a great book and it's one that people should read.
August 16, 2012
Goodbye to this series! I continued to read it because I wanted to see if Eve ever found Bonnie.
11 books later and the storylines are so similar I wonder if have read it before. Badass hero with terrible mysterious past drags Eve into a another conflict with a psychotic killer. Bad ass ends up falling for a side character rescued along the way and finds what he or she was looking for. Eve gets her hopes up but doesn't find Bonnie. Sound familiar?
In addition the dialogue is so forced and stilted. It seems to get worse with every book.
All done with this author.
April 25, 2013
More like 3.5 stars definitely better than the book before it. This story didn't really center around Eve or Joe...but rather Catherine Lin, CIA agent whose son was abducted when he was only 2 years old. Nine years later she's still looking for him...and hoping that she will find him alive. Nine years is a long time to believe that a child is still alive...but this is Iris Johansen...so you have to suspend belief...and keep hope alive.
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