Shadow Zone by Iris Johansen & Roy Johansen

About the Book: While mapping the ancient underwater city of Marinth in the Atlantic Ocean, submersible designer Hannah Bryson makes a shocking discovery: she may have finally uncovered the truth about the once-glorious city’s mysterious demise. Long ago it was a thriving metropolis bursting with culture and life—Marinth’s sudden disappearance has plagued scientists for years. But now, with her unexpected new findings, Hannah realizes that the ancient city’s explosive secret could have dire consequences for the modern-day world.


But Hannah isn’t the only one who realizes it. When her key artifact is hijacked en route to a research lab, she is thrust into an adventure in which she must match wits against a terrifying enemy who will kill anyone who stands in his way. And when Hannah becomes his target, she knows that her best hope for survival lies with Kirov, a mysterious and deadly man from her past. Together they will race to unravel Marinth’s last great secret in order to prevent a catastrophe of global proportions. Before the lethal game is over, however, Hannah will realize that no one is above suspicion.
 
First line: "Hey, I didn't see you in the galley for breakfast, Hannah," Josh Carnaby said as he strolled down the deck toward her.
 
My thoughts: First I have to say that I did not realize this was part of a series, so I'll have to go back to get a feel of the characters and the circumstances. I did not get to know these characters as well as I'd like to.  Even so the story was fast paced, a quick entertaining read with plenty of adventure and excitement. In a way it reminded me of Clive Cussler's work.
 
Lost civilizations facinate me and I wish there was more written about this one, even if it is fictional. The dolphins were interesting too, I'd like to know what makes them tick.
 
Rating: C

Eve by Iris Johansen

About the book: Could John Gallo, a man from Eve’s past, be the missing piece to the puzzle that has haunted her for years? Why was he in Atlanta just before Bonnie’s disappearance? Find out in this brilliant narrative that goes back to Eve Duncan’s early life, exploring her history and motivations like no other novel before.


Finally the answers surrounding the disappearance of Eve Duncan’s daughter, Bonnie, will be revealed in EVE, the first book in a spellbinding trilogy from Iris Johansen.

My Thoughts: I have been keeping up with Eve Duncan and Joe for years. As usual, Eve tries to cut Joe out because she doesn't want him to be hurt. And as usual he goes along anyway. This is something that has not set well with me over the course of the series. Poor Joe. by the end of this novel I knew a lot more about Eve than had ever been revealed before and a lot more about Bonnie's kidnapping. Of course it is the first in a trilogy within the series so the end was left in a cliff hanger. Of course I'll have to read the other two.

Rating: B-

Countdown by Iris Johansen

About the book: At age twenty-two, Jane MacGuire has already packed more drama into her life than most people would ever dream of. Saved from a life on the streets by forensic sculptor Eve Duncan and her husband, Joe Quinn, she was almost snatched from her new loving family by a deranged serial killer. Now she's studying art and pursuing a fascination with archaeology, the first steps to what Eve knows will be a bright future--until one day Jane's childhood friend Mike is shot in a kidnapping attempt gone wrong, and suddenly the past and present collide in an explosion of violence that will thrust Jane into her worst imaginings.

First line: Find the key.

My thoughts: First off I'm a fan of this author's Eve Duncan books and I thought that this was another in that series. I quickly realized, once I started reading it, that it was centered on Jane, Eve & Joe's adopted daughter. I've liked reading about Jane in the past so this was ok. Although this isn't one of my favorites from this author, it kept me reading. I hate to say it, but Jane was one of those characters that annoys me. She knows it all, ignores advice, accepts no help, and runs blindly into danger. Even so, I enjoyed suspending belief as Jane and her friends chased bad guys and searched for an ancient treasure. There was a twist at the end and I'm interested to see where it will lead Jane.

Rating: B

Quote: He saved my life. He saved Joe. He saved you. It's hard to dislike a man who has stacked up that kind of credit. That doesn't mean I approve of him.