Blind Alley

By: Iris Johansen

Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne

Eve Duncan unwittingly walks into an obsessive killer’s trap—and enters into a deadly game that awakens her own darkest nightmares—in this “expertly plotted, eminently entertaining novel” (Publishers Weekly) from #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen.

“Stunning and terrifying.”—RT Book Reviews, 4½ stars

Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan puts a face on the victims of violent crimes. She’s working on the skull of a newly discovered Jane Doe, her face destroyed beyond recognition. But whoever killed this poor girl wasn’t trying to hide her identity. The plan is far more horrifying. As the face begins to appear under Eve’s skilled hands, she gets the shock of her life: The victim is someone she knows all too well. Someone who isn’t dead. Yet.

To stop a twisted psychopath, Eve must put her own life on the line. But that’s not the worst of it—when her adopted daughter, Jane, reveals a bizarre connection to the case, Eve can’t stop her from joining the hunt for the killer . . . a chase that will lead to a harrowing confrontation.©2004 Iris Johansen; (P)2004 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

“Stunning and terrifying . . . The Eve Duncan books are always emotionally charged and gripping, but now Jane is about to give Eve a run for her money as great heroine material.”—RT Book Reviews, 4½ stars

“Johansen brings back forensic sculptor Eve Duncan for a nonstop thriller as the path of a serial killer leads right to her front door. . . . From captivating descriptions of the culture and times prior to the devastation of Mount Vesuvius, to the delightful characterization of Eve’s adopted daughter, Jane, Johansen once again comes up with just the right combination of story, suspense, romance and values. . . . With customary ease, Johansen takes an obsessive killer, dedicated police, a mysterious champion, various archeologists and dramatic settings, and molds them all together to ‘bring home’ another bestseller.”—Bookreporter

“Johansen has become adept at mixing supernatural elements with intriguing suspense, and her new tale will please both fans and new converts with its unpredictable journey from Atlanta to the archaeological digs of Herculaneum in Italy.”—Booklist

“Johansen’s back. . . . Solid thriller, intriguing setting.”—Kirkus Reviews

“[An] expertly plotted, eminently entertaining novel.”—Publishers Weekly

Fun, ending doesnt work, might be better abridged

This was my first Iris Johansen book. Apparently, she writes psychological thrillers with a psychic angle. I found much of the book very engrossing, but it sort of petered out towards the end, and the ending was simply not satisfying. While I generally do not prefer the abridged versions, I thought this one might benefit from some abridgement. It got a little repetitive. I am interested, however, in listening to more of her work.

This was a pg rated book, only a few swear words, and those were near the end. No sex scenes. Would be ok for kids 12 and up; does have some gruesome scenes which make it unsuitable for younger listeners.

Fans of Eve Duncan will not be disappointed

Good plot, typical Johansen characters (including a new Sean Galen-esque character named Mark Trevor). Fans of Johansen's Eve Duncan series will not be disappointed. I'm glad this was available unabridged; it would have lost something in abridgement.

Can't Wait For Countdown Now

Have been listening to Iris Johansen Books for years. Eve didn't seem as strong in this book. It IS a Jane/Mark Trevor book with Eve and Joe in the side lines. Still enjoyed it. Makes us very anixous to start Countdown (the rest of Jane and Trevor's Story) Think Iris has taken Eve and Joe thru enough, Jane's turn.

Great storyline

I’ve started the series over from the beginning. Different narrator for each book doesn’t help in a continuous series. Again, male characters should sound male. Trevor should have had a British accent not American. This narrator makes Eve sound like an “old crone.” I enjoy the Jane of these early books- tough, street savvy, confident, independent, and intelligent. Not sure when Iris’s Jane changes and so completely changes. I won’t describe the unappealing changes since I don’t want to ruin the stories for anyone else. I’m sure a lot of the concerns I have with the characters are related to narrator interpretation. Using a duet format with the same duo throughput would greatly improve my view. My first time through the series was in written format and MY interpretation definitely colors how I view the narrator’s interpretation. I do have problems with the timeline of each book. Jane seems to age quickly but not Eve nor Joe. This continues throughout the series. The age gap between Jane and her love interests and their future daughter’s love interest is also off-putting. This may all sound negative, but Iris did hook me on this series and,overall, I have enjoyed the storyline. If my first time through had been the audible version, I’m not so sure I would have been hooked.

Blind alley

As usual Iris Johansen didn't let me down with this story. Have been a fan of hers for a very long time. Her characters are very believable in a take me away escape for a while. Love books and stories where I can get into the story so much I can forget daily problems, she manages this with her Eve Duncan and Joe Quinn relationship...I think we all would like that relationship with another.