Veena’s review of The Death Mask (Eve Duncan, Book 31) by Iris Johansen
Romantic Suspense published by Grand Central Publishing 24 Jun 25
Once again danger and intrigue swirl around Eve Duncan, famous forensic sculptor. While Eve is preparing for a nice vacation with her family, Ezra Caldwell, a master criminal, is plotting to force Eve into sculpting a death mask for a newly discovered Egyptian queen by kidnapping her son Michael.
The author introduces a new character, Celine Kell, beautiful surgical resident, who is chosen to be the model for the mask. Celine, however, has a fierce will and strong desire to survive having been trained in martial arts by her military father.
Soon all the characters are on a collision course deep in jungle, where the grave goods are stored in preparation for creating a museum and a worldwide launch. The story takes on the usual action adventure as Eve’s husband Joe, accompanied by his son-in-law Caleb, and a host of other guerilla-type characters are assembled to help destroy the criminals and rescue the prisoners.
Ms. Johansen is one of my favorite authors and whose books I enjoy reading, even as I recently find myself being far more selective of what I have time to read. While this book delivers a good story that has enough action adventure to keep a reader engaged, it seemed to fall a little short of being the superb fiction that I have grown to expect from her.
Grade: B
Summary:
World-renowned forensic sculptor Eve Duncan’s skills frequently make her a target. And in this epic adventure, they make her the first choice to create an Egyptian death mask for a nefarious potential client. But Eve cannot be bought, not for all the riches in a gold mine. Her would-be employer soon realizes that he must threaten the lives of those she holds dear to procure Eve’s services and force her to travel to Africa to mold the priceless mask.
Eve knows that her husband, Joe Quinn, is out there somewhere, searching tirelessly for a way to help. Joe has back-up from Alex Dominic, a mercenary for hire, but nothing will make it easier to set his emotions aside in order to navigate the impenetrable jungle and mastermind a breathtaking escape.
Against an unpredictable enemy, Eve and Joe must each focus on their own unique abilities to get out alive. The future of their love and their family depends upon it.
