Chasing the Night: An Eve Duncan Novel

Not up to the author's past books. Too unbelievable that fairly ordinary people can visit a foreign country and not have any trouble navigating around or with the language. Guess that what makes it fiction.

I haven't read anything by this author before, so I have no other works to compare this one to. I bought this because I love suspense/police fiction, and have finished all the Lisa Gardner, Dennis Lehane and Michael Connelly books. I know Johansen has written a lot of books, but frankly I was astonished at the amateur quality of this one. First, the writing. She misuses words--"persevere" isn't a synonym for "prevail"--and she's an adverb addict. "She said, dryly...tersely...shyly, regretfully." But mostly, it's very very poorly plotted. She gets all the main characters into one house--in a pretty unbelievable way, and they TALK. And talk and talk. Occasionally the talking is interrupted by a call from the villain, who threatens dire, comic-book villainous things. I mean, this guy is like something from a Batman movie. "Your son is dead. No, he's not. Yes, he is. Come here and let me kill you..." And the tough, Angelina-lookalike CIA operative invariably melts, in exactly the same way, every time she takes one of these calls. Talk about phoning it in! This book is a perfect example of how not to write. About a third through the book I'm skimming, trying to get through the morass of boring dialogue and repetitive threats. I was like, yeah, let him kill you! Right now! Put this dull story out of its misery. I frankly can't believe this author has published so many books, and that she has any kind of following. I have to hope some of the early ones were better, but I won't be wasting my money to find out.

Wondering about the two stars? I thought the premise of the book was interesting--digital aging, facial reconstruction. Intriguing idea. Too bad Johansen can't write worth a damn. Show, Iris, don't tell. Stop using the same tired sentimental tropes, like the dead girl who comforts her mom every time she goes for a walk and needs a pep talk. I have no objection to wise ghosts, or anything, but this one didn't move the plot, or even affect character development, at all.

What's sad, it seems to me, is that I'm sure there are a ton of good writers out there who can't even get a publisher to look at their stuff. And people like me, who love to read, are left desperately searching for good, engrossing fiction. Take it from me, gentle reader, this isn't it. Save your money, and your time.

Book Evaluation

This review includes a review of the audio book performance found on audible.com. This is the first book I have read that is self-described as a "forensics thriller". The forensics specialist in this novel is a woman named Eve Duncan. Catherine Ling is the woman who like Eve has a missing child. In this novel they are both driven to help each other in finding their child. It is a very powerful motive to be sure. How many people in the real world would travel to another country to search for our lost child? Fortunately for these two women, they have the resources of the United States government because both have work ties to the CIA. They are able to travel and find out information that most of us would have no way of finding out.

I could identify with the parental motive, but not the resources the FBI brought to bear on the situation. Both women play the hero, but in this case they don't do it alone. They plan and deduce and take action together. They are not afraid to kill the bad guys. They are not afraid to put themselves in harm's way. This makes the characters admirable and noble. They follow the cause of right, no matter the personal cost to themselves.

The book has a satisfying ending. I won't give away how the book ends, but I'll just say that I wasn't disappointed. Like the Lee Child book I just read, it is the action that moves the book's plot along. There's not much by way of symbolism or foreshadowing. Johansen doesn't use complicated plot devices, but keeps the story fairly straightforward. The book of course is serialized: Eve Duncan (the serialized character) plays her part, but is not the central character; Catherine Ling is. This is the main difference between the Lee Child book and this one. The serialized character in this book is secondary; she is more of a willing helper than the main actor.

Johansen takes the reader inside her Catherine's feelings and thinking. We understand her fears, her courage, her determination to get her son Luke back after 9 years (missing at age 2). Luke's captor torments her with phone calls telling her lie after lie about what he has done with Luke. Ling bides her time - this book is that crucial right time. It is the climax (if you will) of 9 years of pain with a brilliant resolution.

Ling reminds me of a James Bond character. She is deadly and resourceful. She seems to be able to stay one step ahead of her opponent. It forced me to reflect: "I wouldn't be able to do what you're doing, but I admire you for doing it". The book does inspire courage. Would I do all I could to protect the ones I love? Catherine Ling inspires us to follow her example (as well as the other good characters).

Book Recommendation

I think I would recommend this book. I liked the action and I thought the characters presented us with a positive role model of facing our fears and doing all we can to protect the ones we love. The characters seem real: their sins are evident in the narrative. But at the same time they are honest and try to work things out if they hurt others.

I enjoyed reading my first "forensics thriller" mainly because I have a science background (engineering). I appreciated the parts of the book that were more scientific: technical details of facial reconstructions and age progressions. It added some spice to the book.

Audible Book Version Review

I thought the voice actor Jennifer Van Dyck was superb. Her voice was engaging and very nuanced. She was able to portray several characters consistently. It made listening to the book a pleasure. I would recommend any audio recording that she takes part in (providing of course that the book is a good one).

I read Iris Johansen's STORM CYCLE several months ago, so when the opportunity to review this one popped up, I took it. While thrillers and crime fiction are not part of my regular reading, I do enjoy a good one once in a while, and Johansen is a writer I feel I can turn to.

Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan is preparing for her latest reconstruction --- a murdered young girl. With memories of her dead daughter, Bonnie, swirling in her head, she knows it will be a rough case emotionally but believes she can help the child and her family find peace. At the start of the case, she gets a call from a CIA operative she has worked with in the past, Venable, who wants her to do him a favor. She declines but soon after finds herself playing host to Catherine Ling.

Catherine is an agent of Venable's and a woman tormented by the loss of her son. She asks Venable to convince Eve to help her, and when Eve refuses, she decides to tell her about Luke. Her story breaks Eve's heart, and before she knows what she's agreed to, Eve tells Catherine that she will do the age progression for her. Eve will never be able to bring back Bonnie but wants to help Catherine in any way she can. Even if the only help she can reasonably provide is giving her a picture of her son at his current age. Catherine believes Luke is alive but knows that the madman who kidnapped him when he was only two may have killed him. Her unwavering belief that he may still be living is what convinces Eve to help her.

What looks like a few days of trying and emotional work turns out to be much more complicated when the man who kidnapped Catherine's son gets Eve involved. Without knowing what horrors await them, Catherine and Eve leave for Russia, and with a little help from Eve's friend and lover, Joe Quinn, and some CIA assistance, they set out to find Luke.

There is one thing I always remind myself when reading a book like this one --- suspension of disbelief. So much happens in such a short period, and most of the time particulars are left out of the picture. And when I start to think about how people manage to cross international borders without the aid of things like passports, I get bothered. Johansen makes you forget about all of this with her story. In fact, she doesn't even give you much time to think; you'll be reminding yourself to breathe because her characters and the story move so fast with a million twists and turns.

I can see why people are such fans of Eve Duncan. She is a flawed woman with so much emotional baggage that you wonder how she makes it through the day. But that's also what makes her interesting. Besides her work, there is nothing clinical about her, and you like her for those reasons. The story here is heartbreaking --- although I can't imagine how tales of missing children couldn't be --- and that's what keeps you riveted. Catherine is a high-strung character who is very intense. She's not likable, but Eve makes her quest for her son very human, and when she drops the facade she put in place to help her deal with finding Luke, she becomes much more relatable.

Not wanting to ruin the ending, I won't say much more than this: fans will be left with eager anticipation for the next installment as this one leaves off with a bit of a cliffhanger. CHASING THE NIGHT is only my second Johansen book and first foray into the Eve Duncan series, but even I want to know how the story will continue.

--- Reviewed by Amy Gwiazdowski

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.

Pulse-pounding with a side of soothing familiarity, means you must be reading the newest installment in the Eve Duncan series, "Chasing the Night" by Iris Johansen. Never a dull moment, Johansen flawlessly tangles the haunting and seemingly hopeless hunt for a stolen child and global pursuit for a monster with her compassionate and competent heroine.

Having risen to the top of her field, Eve Duncan uses more than advanced knowledge of science in order to meet the demands of her job. Eve instinctively knows how to piece together the shards of bone to bring closure to families in turmoil and as the best, some people will do anything to get her help. Even if that means invading the peace and serenity that Eve and her long time beau have carefully constructed over time.

Active CIA Agent, Catherine Ling has been living a nightmare since the night her young son was taken by a lunatic and thief. Years of verbal torture--at the hands of his abductor--and the possible threat to national security have kept her in line, but she can no longer idly sit back and continue her quiet search. She will move mountains to find her son and the obvious starting point for Catherine is to seek the assistance of Eve Duncan no matter the price.

What initially appears to be a simple--yet unwelcome--request for a facial reconstruction quickly speeds into a large-scale hunt where everyone involved has the potential to become a victim. As Johansen breathes life into her deeply drawn characters, it's an easy reminder to fans why this talented author is viewed with such high esteem.

Reviewed by Shannon Raab with Suspense Magazine

Eleventh book featuring expert forensic facial sculpturer, Eve Duncan, who is practically forced to do a computer age progression on the son of desperate CIA agent, Catherine Ling. Luke had been kidnapped by Rakovac in Russia as a means to hurt her when her son was only two and still calls her periodically to get as much pain out of her as possible. Rakovac has fed the CIA just enough intel over the years to keep them off his back. But something big is going on. The CIA needs to know what Rakovac is planning and needs him alive. Catherine has had enough with being held back for the greater good and just wants her son back.

As Catherine predicted, Eve's passion in her work hooks her and her lover, Joe Quinn, into becoming involved in the search and rescue of the now eleven year-old boy. Add to the mix Kelly, a fourteen year-old genius who can see patterns and is now devoted to Catherine after being rescued from a rebel camp in South America.

This is my first book by this author of thrillers and it does well as a stand-alone book with plenty of action and political intrigue, although I probably would have enjoyed the relationship between Eve and Joe more if I'd read prior books. The story moves along at a good clip and the characters are interesting.

I very much enjoyed the explanation Eve gives about facial structure at different ages when doing the age progression and facial reconstruction.

Reviewed for Library Thing

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.

Once an avid Iris Johansen fan, I quit reading her books because her characters rarely changed, no matter what book I was reading, and I just got bored. Plus, I think Johansen confuses a strong woman with a headstrong one. Refusing to listen to the advice of other, more knowledgeable, characters just to prove her independence and feminine strengths, only proves the main character is stubborn and foolish, not a strong, smart, capable person worthy of admiration that Johansen makes her out to be. I got to the point that I did not actually like the main female character in too many of her books, therefore losing interest in the story. Of course, if the main character did not make so many mistakes and misjudgments, the books would be much shorter. I'm going to try to read a few of her new books because of the reviews...I hope to be happily surprised.

02/23/2013: Just finished another Iris book and my opinion has not changed. Her heroine was a stubborn & self-righteous twit and I never felt any interest or empathy for her...just frustration.

Finally! A character the reader can like and respect!

Catherine doesn't do stupid things and put people in danger. She isn't rude nor ungrateful as Eve and Jane is to the men around them and those who try to help them. Catherine is lethal, smart, strong AND honest in her relationships.

The best thing about Catherine is the way Joe came off. Book after book TRIED to portray him as a man's man, lethal and dangerous...someone only Eve and Jane could tame. Unfortunately, all the stuff that Eve put him though (other men, doing stupid things like putting herself in danger time and time again, her obsession with Bonnie) made him look like an idiot sap. This book stated that Catherine was Joe's female version--and because she was so dangerous in a low, understated way, Joe also came off as sizzling hot; someone no one wanted to mess with.

I even like her side kick! Kelly is no Jane; she actually contributes to the group, not just with her talent but with her ability to read people--she worms her way into the character's AND the readers' heart, simply by not needing to be rescued every other chapter!

Now this is the writing I remember from the days when Iris wrote romance. I await with barely controlled excitement for her next book!

This book caught my eye because it was on clearance. I have several other Iris Johansen books and knew that this was going to be great. I wasn't disappointed. I absolutely love the Eve Duncan character books so I was excited to read this one. I enjoyed this book mainly because of the calculating killing that went on: A hammer in the face! Ouch! I love the way she described how certain characters were killed. There wasn't much about this book I didn't like. As a matter of fact, I love the way it flowed as it caught my attention from beginning to end. Although, I will say the little girl in the story is terribly annoying and I think that could have been written a bit better. Overall, this book was a page turner that I read in two days.