Dark Summer

I read about the plot of Dark Summer somewhere: probably the New York Times Book Review. I thought that it sounded intriguing--ordinary person gets swept up into extraordinary circumstances. I always enjoy books or movies that start with that pattern. Unfortunately this book turned out to be a disappointment. Poorly written and populated by two dimensional characters, it became more and more of a grind to read as I progressed. Worst of all was a plot that was ridiculously implausible. Dark Summer was reasonably well paced and that's all that's keeping me from giving it one star.

Not worth the time and trouble.

I expected more from Iris Johansen. This story about a lonely Veterinarian who assists a search and rescue dog and its owner while at the site of an earthquake and then becomes embroiled in his mysterious quest to save the 'dogs of summer' is at best hokey. The contrived situations are too incredible and reminiscent of Johansen's previous works which were far better written.

What century is this author thinking about?? The endless, and I mean constant, reference to half breed and savage is just dated. Also, how many times are Devon and Marrok going to argue if she is capable of taking care of herself or not. We get it! She's an independent woman, although she spends so much time arguing the point vs. just doing, I had to wonder. Other than these two annoying points, the book was an OK read. Interesting plot from the author.

Being a dog lover and thoroughly enjoying a story with engaging characters and a story that pulls my imagination along with every scene, every question, and every revelation, I must say I very much enjoyed this story. A delightful vacation for my mind. At the end of the book I was smiling, happy and hoping Iris Johansen had written more books like this one.

Vet and rescue dog at earthquake site searching for victims... not a bag beginning but it went downhill from there: Dogs on drugs, people dying, thinly-developed characters, romance and hot sex - not a bad idea, but the timing seemed off, just kind of thrown in the middle of chaos, like an attempt to keep us interested.

I just found the whole thing implausible. I don't always mind far-fetched plots if they entertain me, but this didn't hold my attention.

A reminder to browsers: A yes or no click on my review is not meant to be whether or not you agree with me... you click yes if it at all helped you decide whether or not you want to try the book being reviewed. I find that many reviewers will click on "no" if they don't agree with the review, which defeats the purpose of opinions.

I have been reading Iris Johansen books for several years - her books engage you at the very beginning - keeping up your interest until the end. Her characters are engaging and easily related to. Dark Summer does not disappoint - I even felt myself relating to the different dogs in this story - their personalities were developed as well as the people in the book. If you are looking for a fast paced read, Dark Summer will not disappoint.

Six days ago the 7.5 earthquake devastated several villages on Santa Marina Island in the Caribbean. Former Navy SEAL Jude Marrok and his dog Ned are part of the Red Cross rescue effort hoping to find survivors. However, whereas Jude has given up in this small hamlet, Ned keeps searching when someone starts shooting at them; Ned is hit. Jude vows to find the sniper and rip out his or her heart after he takes his canine buddy to the rescue effort veterinarian Dr. Devon Brady.

Kingston reports to his superior Raymond Danner informing him he shot the dog, but Jude is unharmed. Raymond warns him to kill both or else; Kingston knows hunting the SEAL is safer

Jude brings Ned to Devon ordering her to fix his dog before vanishing like a magician. The note he left her says he will come for Ned as soon as he can. Devon and Ned return to her home in Colorado where his Caribbean caper follows Ned there. Jude arrives to protect his buddy, one of the "Dogs of Summer" while Danner and his business associates use her as a target to get to him.

Although over the top of the Pike's Peak and overloaded with too many angles, fans of Iris Johanson will enjoy her latest romantic suspense thriller due to the gender war between the battling buddies of Ned. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with non-stop action even as the various prime support cast groups at times seem overwhelming for the reader and Marrok to handle. Still, with Ned matchmaking and refereeing, DARK SUMMER is a fun read.

Harriet Klausner

I usually do not write negative book reviews, but after spending 19.00 on this book , i hope to save you some money. One of the worst books from her, I am not sure why. There is little information on her characters, you dont really feel for any of them. The story is so dumb I cant really explain it. Really a bad book. Sorry, i wouldnt even read it in paperback. Please authors, no matter how many books your publishers tell you that you have to write.. Save yourself time and your readers money, please write from your heart. Really one of the worst books i have read this year.

Have been a Johansen fan for years! Usually snatch her books up right away and impatiently await next one. Was disappointed in Dark Summer. Didn't fit in to any of the other books; was hum drum. Hopefully; next one will take me back to the fast pace excitement she usually creates.

I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Summer as it linked back to the Sarah Logan character. Sarah if you remember worked with rescue dogs in remote areas, and this has a different twist on that tale. Anyone that loves animals with love this book.

Whilst it was an easy read I found that I would always want to read just one more chapter before putting it down.

Definetly worth reading.

This book started out pretty good but quickly went from there to "this cannot really happen". Then it got boring toward the third quarter, then even more unbelievable. I was impressed with the way the writer filled out her characters, but was not impressed with the story. I would read her books again because she is talented, perhaps a more believable story next time?