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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Iris Johansen's BLIND ALLEY.
Anniesdragon@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Iris Johansen?
I have read most of Iris Johansen's previous books, with the exception of FIRESTORM which I am currently listening to on audio.
What other suspense/thriller writers do you read?
I am a big fan of this type of suspense novel and keep my eyes open for new authors of suspense as well. I enjoy Sandra Brown, Heather Graham, Elizabeth Lowell and Kay Hooper as well.
What did you think of BLIND ALLEY?
I loved BLIND ALLEY. There were some fabulous twists and turns that made the book a good read. Eve Duncan and Joe Quinn are familiar characters for fans of Iris Johansen as well as their adopted daughter Jane. Although the book's jacket indicates that this is another Eve Duncan story, this is really Jane's story. By the end of the book the reader is completely caught up in the storyline and I hated to see it end.
Iris Johansen indicated at the end of the book that she is continuing on with Jane's story and I for one can hardly wait!
clee@dppl.org
Have you previously read a book by Iris Johansen
I have read every one of Iris Johansen's books!
What other suspense/thriller writers do you read?
I enjoy James Grippando, Lee Child, Joseph Finder, Jeff Lindsey, Chris Mooney, Linda Howard, Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, Elizabeth Lowell and more.
What did you think of BLIND ALLEY?
I really enjoyed Jane being the central character involved in the suspense this time. Her being in the main, and Eve having to work sort of behind the scenes, made Eve seem more human.
Would you ever read a future title by Iris Johansen?
Absolutely --- I look forward to every one!
Grjade@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Iris Johansen?
Yes --- started reading her books when she wrote for Loveswept.
What other suspense/thriller writers do you read?
James Patterson, Lisa Gardner, Minette Walters, Linda Howard, Linda Fairstein, Catherine Coulter, Beverly Barton, Robert Ludlum, Genntia Low, Lee Child, William Kent Kreuger, Michael McGarrity, James Grippando, Marcia Muller, Jan Burke, Charles Todd, Elizabeth George, J. A. Jance, Tony Hillerman, Elmore Leonard, Stephen White, T. J. MacGregor and Robert Crais (partial list).
What did you think of BLIND ALLEY?
Not one of her best, but still an interesting read.
Would you ever read a future title by Iris Johansen?
Yes.
mot123@bellsouth.net
Have you previously read a book by Iris Johansen? Not a book...all her books!
What other suspense/thriller writers do you read?
James Patterson, Jonathan Kellerman, Lisa Gardner, Lisa Scottoline, Jan Burke and Patricia Cornwell, just to name a few.
What did you think of BLIND ALLEY?
Was hooked as soon as it mentioned Birmingham...I'm a Bama girl.
Would you ever read a future title by Iris Johansen?
I will as soon as COUNTDOWN hits the market!!!
soho2west@yahoo.com
Have you previously read a book by Iris Johansen?
No.
What other suspense/thriller writers do you read?
I also read Tony Hillerman, John Le Carre, James Lee Burke, James Ellroy, Dan Fesperman, Christopher Fowler, Robert Crais, Miyuki Miyabe, Walter Mosley, Tess Gerritsen and T. Jefferson Parker, among others.
What did you think of BLIND ALLEY?
There's a reason why CSI, and its spin-offs, dominate the US TV ratings. The world of forensic science is quite compelling and it was this aspect of the book that initially drew my attention. Another reason CSI is popular is that the characters are interesting. BLIND ALLEY has less forensic science than I expected (although it had interesting historical references I hadn't), but is replete with interesting characters, intrigue, issues of identity and trust, romance --- within a fast-paced storyline. I enjoyed Jane's story in particular --- haunted by memories, menaced by a maniacal stalker --- and look forward its continuation.
Would you ever read a future title by Iris Johansen?
Yes.
sunfunn2002@yahoo.com
Have you previously read a book by Iris Johansen?
YES. All of them.
What other suspense/thriller writers do you read?
I enjoy James Patterson, David Ellis, Harlan Coben, Janet Evanovich, Minette Walters, John Grisham, T. Jefferson Parker and Jodi Compton.
What did you think of BLIND ALLEY?
I thoroughly enjoyed it! I have to admit I was hoping that some of her other characters would make an appearance, but still I enjoyed it. I am eager to see Jane grow up. With any luck, she'll discover she has a special skill or ability. I also enjoy Bonnie's visits with Eve. I hope they will continue as well. I liked Trevor and Bartlett and also hope to see them again in the future. (NOTE: I am eager to read Iris Johansen's next release. COUNTDOWN).
Would you ever read a future title by Iris Johansen?
I have read all of Johansen's books and continue to do so!
pembry@cvok.net
Have you previously read a book by Iris Johansen?
Yes, I have read FACE OF DECEPTION and LONG AFTER MIDNIGHT.
What other suspense/thriller writers do you read?
Mainly I read literary novels, but for my “sweet tooth” I read a couple of romance writers --- Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz tends to have mystery/suspense in her novels, as well as does Kat Martin in her contemporary. Have read some Patricia Cornwell, but that is all. In the past, I read Ms. Johansen because her writing was very good.
What did you think of BLIND ALLEY?
Well, I am sorry to say I did not like the book and had to force myself to finish it. I had previously read two other books by Ms. Johansen (see above), and had found them to be fun, easy, engaging reads, but at the same time, not “dumbed down.” There was a level of intelligence in the plots and in the writing. The perfect beach books or curl up on the sofa on a rainy day books. So, I had looked forward to reading BLIND ALLEY with great anticipation. But almost from the beginning, there was a problem. The plot is far-fetched, but really, that is OK. It was an intriguing idea, and I would have willingly suspended my disbelief and emotionally invested in the story if the author had done the same. But I did not believe for more than a moment here and there that she, the author, bought into her own premise. That is death for any book. Also, the character of Jane is unbelievable. As in, not one bit realistic. She did not act like a teenager, she had no teenage traits (other than leaping into danger in odd moments, but this was NOT believable, instead more like those teens in slasher movies who do really STUPID things). The fact that Joe and Eve often comment to one another that she is her own person, that she is not like any other teen, blah blah blah… well, that simply DOES NOT CUT it. I have teenagers, have been around some very grownup teens, around teens passed around foster homes, etc., and no matter what, a child is still a child with a child’s view of the world. We should have seen that BENEATH Jane’s need to always act grown up. And that NEED to always act grown up and solicitous of other people’s well being only works in a teen character if said behavior signifies a larger problem (emotionally, that is). Then there were Jane’s dreams. The idea was great. Far-fetched, but great, and quite topical, considering “Medium” on NBC. But the dreams were not dream like. She focused too much on long conversation with Antonio. The mishandling of the dream sequences only made the novel worse. Also, the exposition of Aldo’s story was handled incorrectly. Really, the success of the entire novel hinged on us believing Aldo and believing Jane. So, she failed with Jane, but Aldo could have saved the novel, but did not. And here is why: she chose to convey this bit of exposition – Aldo’s story --- via a cell phone call, and a very stilted on at that. Bringing forward backstory in this manner is something only inexperienced writers do. Ms. Johansen should and does know better. The novel would have been so much better if she would have moved back and forth in the time sequence, letting us SEE Aldo and his relationship with his father… we need to have that buildup of ice cold fear in our guts as we see the character evolve and move inexorably towards Jane (Ms. J. should read Capote’s IN COLD BLOOD before writing one more suspense story). And, finally, I am sorry, but Trevor’s interest in Jane… how icky is that. 17 vs 30. This is not a historical romance where this can be overlooked. This should have been handled more as a crush on her part and deep friendship on his… or at least made her 19 or 20.
I sincerely hope you give these comments to Ms. Johansen. She has real talent, and I am amazed she let this book get published. It is more like a rough draft…or an outline, flat, absent of feeling, the author is clearly emotionally absent from this book. Yes, she has written many bestsellers (so who is this idiotic woman writing this email, she might think), but does Ms. Johansen want to write good or even great stories or does she want something else? If this is what a million dollar 2-book a year contract did to my own writing, I would renegotiate the contract or simply walk away.
You, Ms. Johansen, are better than this. And the fans who buy your books, who have made you successful, deserve better than this. Please accept these criticisms as concern from someone who appreciates your past efforts.
Would you ever read a future title by Iris Johansen?
Yes, but not the upcoming one about Jane. I just did not find the character believable so I will not read that book. I will try one more time in the future, and hope Ms. Johansen goes back to writing the way she used to.
rormsbee@rochester.rr.com
What other suspense/thriller writers do you read?
I am an avid suspense reader and devour books by Dan Brown, John Sandford, James Patterson, Jonathan Kellerman and Patricia Cornwell.
What did you think of BLIND ALLEY?
I came away from the book not knowing much about the characters and really not caring all that much. This is my first novel by Ms. Johansen so I may be missing her character study from other books with these characters included. I found them to be one dimensional. I did not care for the characters, the villain was too easily defeated and the heroine in this case didn't really do much. I found the premise of this book intriguing, but was sorely disappointed at the lack of plot development and "edge of your seat" seduction of most suspense "thrillers."
WilddOrkid@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Iris Johansen?
Yes, I have read everything from LONG AFTER MIDNIGHT through BLIND ALLEY.
What other suspense/thriller writers do you read?
James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell, Jonathan Kellerman and Lisa Scottoline among others.
What did you think of BLIND ALLEY?
I enjoyed it, as I do all of the Eve Duncan series, but didn't find it quite as suspenseful as some of her other works.
Would you ever read a future title by Iris Johansen?
Most definitely --- whatever she writes, I'll read!
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