Reviews

Shadow Play by Iris Johansen

theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition

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4.0

Shadow Play by Iris Johansen is the nineteenth book in the Eve Duncan series (wow!). Eve Duncan, a forensic sculptor, receives a call from Sheriff John Nalchek (from Sonderville, California) asking Eve to do a reconstruction for him. They just found the body of a nine-year-old little girl. She has been buried for about eight years. He would like Eve to put the little girl ahead of her other cases. Eve understands because of the loss of her daughter, Bonnie. Eve agrees and starts work on the skull when she receives it. For some reason, Eve feels drawn to this skull and then she starts hearing the little girls voice (Eve calls her Jenny). The girls spirit is still around (this has not happened with any other reconstruction since Bonnie). She does not know why (yet). But someone does not want Eve to complete the reconstruction. The killer is watching. When the reconstruction, note, and photos are all stolen, Eve and her significant other, Joe Quinn (a police officer) head to California. They insist on helping the sheriff with his case. Eve cannot let this case go. The killer is keeping a close eye because he does not wish to be caught. Can Eve catch the killer and help Jenny move on?

Shadow Play can be read as a stand-alone book, but it would help if you read the other books in the series (to understand Eve, the relationships, etc.). I enjoyed Shadow Play, but I felt it went on a little too long. I liked the paranormal element, but it was not used enough in the story (found it a little lacking). The book is well-written and engaging. You keep reading to find out what happens next. It just got a little slow in the middle (it was just too long). I give Shadow Play 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I will definitely be reading more of Iris Johansen’s books.

I received a complimentary copy of Shadow Play in exchange for an honest review.

Check out my blog--The Avid Reader--for additional information and details: http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/2016/02/shadow-play.html

tayluhg's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this book! I typically have a hard time finding thriller/mystery books that I like but oh how I loved the tale of Eve Duncan reconstructing the face of a dead child, whose ghost tries to warn her that the killer is still on the loose and trying to go after another victim. I know this came out a while ago, like my mom and I talked about how much she loved the series, but holy heck I wish I had discovered this so much earlier. Cheers to Iris Johansen cause girl this book was good! Joe Quinn? Who DOESN’T want a man like Joe Quinn? Protective, accepting, damn near obsessive?! I love it. I need it. The ending surprised me cause it didn’t seem like he was really happy about the news he had heard from the doctor but I’m wondering if that’ll be tackled in the next book? Crazy. Absolutely loved this book though!

beastreader's review against another edition

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4.0

It has been a while since I have read a book in this series. Yet as I read this book I was reminded how much I miss Eve and Joe. Eve is just so loveable but at the same time she has a smart head on her shoulders. The love that she and Joe share is real. They are such a great couple. I have a few other books on my to be read shelf that I plan to go back and read soon.

The way that Eve communicated with the victim in this case was cool. I thought that I gained a closer connection with the victim. Thus in turn I was more interested in the story and solving the case. Which Eve did not disappoint me in this aspect. There was plenty of action as well. Then there is the ending, which left me with a smile. I can't wait to follow Eve and Joe on their next journey.

adierose74's review against another edition

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2.0

I don't even know why I bother with this bullshit series.

It is the same crap over and over and I think I may be a masochist or something because I keep reading them.

If you read the last ten books, this is pretty much more of the same. Eve and Joe have THE creepiest/most disgusting relationship ever. He is gross.

Other than that, swell book! ;)

kasmith629's review against another edition

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5.0

This is another excellent book by Iris Johansen. The latest Eve Duncan has Eve and Joe and the ever mysterious Margaret working on the mystery of a child's skull.

It starts off with a straightforward request by a local sheriff; child's bones were located buried and they needed to identify her. Without spoiling the plot, it turns into anything but a straightforward case when the remains draw the attention of the killer and Eve and Joe are thrust into the middle of a deadly conspiracy.

As always, Ms. Johansen's writing pulls you into the adventure and bond between Eve and Joe is the glue that holds it all together. I love watching their relationship and the honest communication that occurs even when they are at odds.

Loved this book and can't wait for the next adventure!

neclinton's review against another edition

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2.0

The characters are whiny and annoying. They all have severe ego problems. The mystery has many holes and is not realistic at all - not even because a ghost helps solve it!

jmilberg's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious medium-paced

4.0

katsmiao's review against another edition

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5.0

I've read every book in this series and am a huge fan, not only of the series, but also of the author and the characters.

I absolutely love each and every one of the books, and this one did not disappoint. The plot is unique and new in every book, and just as suspenseful and surprising as the first book. The writing is great, and I'm spell bound from the first page to the last. Awesome, just awesome.

asalters's review against another edition

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4.0

This is my first book from this author and though I realize that I picked up in the middle it won't deter me from going back to the beginning to start the series. I enjoyed this book. I felt the characters were well developed. I enjoyed the twists and turns and look forward to reading from the beginning.

lalabristow's review against another edition

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5.0

4.5 stars