Veena’s review of Shadow Play (Eve Duncan, Book 19) by Iris Johansen
Suspense Thriller published by St. Martin’s Press 29 Sep 15
I am so glad that Ms. Johansen isn’t done with Eve Duncan yet. Shadow Play marks the first in a new trilogy which brings together all that is the best of Eve, Joe, and Jane, as well as the psychic elements that first drew me to this author. I stayed glued to my seat as I raced with Eve and Joe to save a little girl from a rapacious murder who will stop at nothing to execute his objectives.
A late-night phone call and a new skull take Eve out of her doldrums of bidding her foster daughter Jane goodbye. Suddenly Eve is hearing voices and having conversations with a ghost as she works rapidly to bring Jenny home. Jenny, it seems, is feeling her way as a spirit. She wants to protect another little girl from the same predator who killed her and seeks Eve’s help to keep this little girl safe.
It seems as though the safety of the little cottage in the woods where Eve and Joe live has been compromised. They need to venture out to find and neutralize the threat. Along the way they are assisted by some old friends as they make new ones who have a role to play. Is the sheriff, who first brought the case to Eve, a friend or foe? The jury is out until almost the end.
Eve’s and Joe’s relationship seems to be so perfect, with Joe braving danger when it brushes too close to Eve or Jane. For the first time I saw little seeds of discord when Eve refuses to stay out of the face of danger and will do all she can to keep Joe safe. They definitely need to work together to beat the murderer to the punch. The adrenaline remains high as they play hide and seek with the killer.
The ending is so intriguing, and I can’t wait to see the next book. This looks like it’s going to be a great series.
Grade: A
Summary:
Eve Duncan is the most sought-after artist in the field of forensic sculpting. Dedicated to her work ever since her daughter Bonnie was taken and killed at the age of seven, Eve feels a sense of duty to those whose lives were lost and whose bones are now in her hands. When a sheriff in California contacts her with a request for help on the reconstruction of the skull of a nine-year-old girl whose body has been buried for eight years, his intensity and investment in the case puzzle her. But when the ghost of the girl begins communicating with her, Eve finds herself wrapped up in the case more intensely than she could have ever imagined. Not since Bonnie has Eve had such an experience, and suddenly she finds herself determined to solve the murder and help the little girl find peace. Except that the killer is still out there, and he knows Eve is on the case. And he won’t rest until anything and anyone that could reveal his identity is eliminated…
Other books in this series
