Very good story, but something was missing....

books:

	• Countdown Iris Johansen, 2005 - 416 pages view larger image
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Fast Paced Suspense, but Little Heart

Though I'm sad to have to say so as a long-time Johansen fan, Countdown was a bit of a disappointment, especially compared to Johansen's earlier books in the Eve Duncan series. The book began with a bang, kept up a clipped pace and included Johansen's usual sharp dialog as well as a bit of mysticism reminiscent of the Wind Dancer series. However, there was very little character development (of anybody), the book didn't seem very emotional, and the story felt episodic-like the author wanted to hold her audience captive to the next book in a series, without resolving the conflicts in the present book.

Countdown began when Harvard artist Jane MacGuire was whisked away by love-interest Mark Trevor to a remote Scottish castle to solve the murder of a friend and trace the roots of a terrorist plot. Jane and Mark are joined by a cadre of alpha-male types, including the castle's owner and a couple of anonymous mercenaries working for Mark. Mark discovered that the terrorists in question intend to finance their plot with a chest of Roman Gold, lost in the Pomeii era by Cira-a courtesan-and Jane's doppelganger.

While the mystical hints of historical memory and glimpses into Cira's flight from volcanic destruction were fascinating, it seemed a little far-fetched that the terrorists involved were equally obsessed with history, and had no other way to raise funds than to seek out this particular buried treasure. With a nod toward artistic license, the flaw could be overlooked, but the overwhelming problem with the book was that the characters didn't seem to develop or emote at all. Mark did reveal a tragic childhood to Jane, but it was discussed (and received) without any particular passion. We know little to nothing about him that didn't come up in the previous book (Blind Alley). Likewise, Jane has a lot of potential as a character, but aside from a few hints about her roots, she doesn't seem to grow very much in this book at all, and comes across as cool and detached throughout. Secondary characters like the Laird and his ward are, if anything, better developed and more boldly drawn than the main characters.

Though Johansen does bring Jane and Mark closer together it seems like a purely sexual relationship, without any exchanges to reveal an emotional or romantic connection. In fact, both characters jokingly mention that they really ought to get to know each other--go on a real date, etc.; but it never goes farther than that. At one point, the author even hints that Jane may end up with another man in a future book. It feels a lot like Johansen is artificially prolonging the romantic conflict to keep readers buying her next book--which is kind of a dirty trick considering this is the second book to draw out the same conflict.

For fans of the series, the book is worth reading (though I'd lean toward the library on this one). However, for anyone hoping for a romantic resolution or a better picture of familiar characters (note, Eve and Joe only have cameos in this book), you're likely to be disappointed.

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Hard to put down!!

This book is really a continuation to "Blind Alley" as the Cira legend is back. Eve Duncan's ward, Jane MacGuire, is now at Harvard and is 21 so 4 years have passed since the last book. She is close to Mike who is a ward of Eve's mom. Jane is always helping people out of scrapes and feels particularly responsible for Mike. His roommate calls her that Mike is drunk and morose at a bar. Jane goes to get him and take him home but on the way to the car they are attacked and Mike is shot and killed.

It turns out the kidnappers were really after Jane and Mike was just in the way. Mark Trevor, from "Blind Alley", has been keeping an eye on Jane due to the search for Cira's gold. He decides to "rescue" her and persuades her to come with him to Scotland where he has a translator working to discover where Cira's gold is.

Lots of secondary characters are introduced including the laird of the castle, MacDuff, his ward, Jock who is a very disturbed young man, and Mario Donato, the translator. Back from the last book also is Barlett who is a very loyal and funny character.

While we do know the villain(s) in this book early on, the possible tragedies setup and the dicey situations keep the suspense going. Also, the bit of mysticism with Jane's strange and realistic dreams of Cira also keep the story very interesting. We get to know Jane and Trevor quite a bit better although I would still like to know them more.

Eve and Joe have only minor parts while some of the secondary characters are developed pretty well and play major roles. If you liked "Blind Alley", you will probably like this book. If you didn't like it or don't like any "mysticism", this will not be a good plot for you.

I loved it and recommend it!!

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Very good story, but something was missing....

I have read the whole Eve Duncan series and although I found COUNTDOWN to be a very good story there was something missing. It was fast paced and I read it quickly, but it revolved around Eve & Joe's adopted daughter Jane, and I was really disappointed that they were hardly ever mentioned. I hope when she writes the next one she brings them back because I really like those two characters.

I'm the only one who can save the world

I've been buying these books as soon as they come out, but I'm about to start passing them by. All of the female characters have a common attribute -- they seem to believe that they alone are capable of confronting the evil adversary and saving the world. In this installment, never mind that the CIA and Homeland Security can't do the job, Jane isn't about to let the bad guys get away with being bad. Come on Iris. It's too far-fetched to continue having these amateur characters assume such epic responsibilities.

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reviews: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, page 14

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