cnorbury's review against another edition
4.0
I think this was my first read by Johansen. I regret not having read her books sooner. She's got serious mystery/suspense/thriller chops.
I'm not sure about a forensic sculptor being a longlasting character because her field of expertise seems so limited, but it was interesting to learn a bit about how that job is done and how personally involved (for lack of a better term) Eve Duncan got involved with the skulls she worked on.
The premise was a bit over the top (but I won't divulge here) although it certainly is plausible except for the extreme difficulty of keeping "the secret" secret from everyone in the White House. I'll definitely read another Eve Duncan story before passing judgment on the long-term viability of the series. (Despite there already being a large handful of Eve Duncan books in print. :-) ) Better late than never.
I'm not sure about a forensic sculptor being a longlasting character because her field of expertise seems so limited, but it was interesting to learn a bit about how that job is done and how personally involved (for lack of a better term) Eve Duncan got involved with the skulls she worked on.
The premise was a bit over the top (but I won't divulge here) although it certainly is plausible except for the extreme difficulty of keeping "the secret" secret from everyone in the White House. I'll definitely read another Eve Duncan story before passing judgment on the long-term viability of the series. (Despite there already being a large handful of Eve Duncan books in print. :-) ) Better late than never.
toxicmasquerade's review against another edition
4.0
I decided to read this because I had already read one of her 'Eve Duncan' novels from later in the series. I loved it. So, of course I had to go back to the beginning of the series to see where it all started.
Now, I will admit that it wasn't as good as the first novel I read. But, it was still a great read for me. Yes, the writing is simple. I don't mind that though. It did not make it a terrible novel. I absolutely love Eve's character and I can not wait to start the second in the series to see how she grows.
I have recommended Iris Johansen to a co-worker and she loved her. It you don't mind the simple writing and a simple mystery, she is definitely worth reading. With her writing style, it was a fast read.
Now, I will admit that it wasn't as good as the first novel I read. But, it was still a great read for me. Yes, the writing is simple. I don't mind that though. It did not make it a terrible novel. I absolutely love Eve's character and I can not wait to start the second in the series to see how she grows.
I have recommended Iris Johansen to a co-worker and she loved her. It you don't mind the simple writing and a simple mystery, she is definitely worth reading. With her writing style, it was a fast read.
maggymags's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Audio version. My first read from this author. I liked the story, it moved at a steady pace and kept my interest. Eve....meh! I still have to decide whether I actually like her, at the moment she leaves me cold. I don't like her interaction with Bonnie - a little sappy for my taste and it feels like I am forced to have it tug at my heartstrings. It doesn't. Quinn....also meh! I liked Logan and Margaret. Will see how I feel after book 2 though.
johnnyb1954's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
The premise is ridiculous.
I hate the excessive graphic violence against people
I hate pets being killed
I hate that the good guys, bad guys, and somewhere in between guys are able to tap every phone, follow anybody they want to track, surveil anyone anywhere.
I was sort of interested in seeing how the plot developed and I might have tried to finish this book if it was 300 pages but 424 was just too depressing.
So I read the first 150 and the last 50
I hate the excessive graphic violence against people
I hate pets being killed
I hate that the good guys, bad guys, and somewhere in between guys are able to tap every phone, follow anybody they want to track, surveil anyone anywhere.
I was sort of interested in seeing how the plot developed and I might have tried to finish this book if it was 300 pages but 424 was just too depressing.
So I read the first 150 and the last 50
stephs_bookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
This was an amazing book! A thrill ride from start to finish! I'll definitely be continuing this series!
ambercristofaro's review against another edition
4.0
Early Iris Johansen is better than later in my opinion. I keep waiting for more like the early novels.
kamrynjo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
zorozuya's review
Spoiler
Me interesó al inicio por la profesión de Eve. Me atrapó, pero desde el momento que fueron a desenterrar la cabeza me aburrió demasiado.
bibliogirl0511's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0