If you’re looking for a new long-running series to invest your time in, we’re here to introduce you to the Eve Duncan series, written by New York Times bestselling author, Iris Johansen. Here’s every Eve Duncan installment in order, and what you need to know about each book.
About The Eve Duncan Series
The Eve Duncan Series is written by American author Iris Johansen, and the first installment, The Face of Deception, was published in 1998.
Protagonist Eve Duncan is a forensic sculptor who pursues this career in an attempt to help her heal from her own trauma – her daughter’s murder case.
Throughout the series, Eve builds strong relationships with a collection of compelling characters and is drawn into a number of mysterious and suspenseful cases that require her expertise, but often leave her, and the people she loves, in danger.
Author Iris Johansen regularly gives other main characters their time to shine, too, by offering installments dedicated solely to their own storylines, with few Eve making the occasional appearance.
The Eve Duncan series is a long-running mystery series that remains popular with lovers of murder, suspense, and intrigue.
The Face of Deception is the first of the Eve Duncan books. In her debut, forensic sculptor helps identify remains from their skulls. When Eve’s own daughter was murdered, she took up the job to help her cope.
However, when she accepts work on behalf of a billionaire, she’ll have a new nightmare on her hands…
In the second installment, The Killing Game, nine skeletons are discovered on a bluff in Georgia.
It seems the killer knows Eve too well, and as she begins her investigation, he starts playing a string of sadistic games that will bring her troubled past to the forefront… will Eve make it out alive?
The Search reintroduces the search and rescue team seen in the last installment. A familiar billionaire needs their help in his own dangerous mission; to find and rescue a kidnapped scientist.
Sarah, Monty the dog, and Logan are the main characters in this unique, and slightly romantic, installment in the series.
In the fourth installment, Body of Lies, a government official requests Eve to identify the remains of a murder victim. Although she wants nothing to do with the case, she soon finds herself embroiled in a terrifying conspiracy, and the only person who knows the truth is dead…
Dead Aim tells the story of photojournalist Alex. When a dam collapses in Arapahoe Junction, Colorado, she becomes witness to a conspiracy that will shake the world… it turns out this was no accident. However, such knowledge comes at a price, and now, Alex is in danger.
In Blind Alley, Eve is asked to identify a Jane Doe found murdered. Although her face has been mutilated, it seems that whoever killed her wasn’t trying to hide her identity – the actual plan is more sinister than you can imagine, and it turns out Eve knows the victim…
In Countdown, longtime character Jane Maguire is forced to track down the suspects of a kidnapping attempt, but as they’re so desperate to hurt anyone close to her, she’s got to go this one alone. In this book, the past is returning to uproot her life, and there’s no mercy. The countdown is on.
Stalemate brings the main character Eve back to the forefront. This time, one of the world’s most dangerous, wanted men needs Eve’s help, and she’ll leave everything behind to take on the case – but she can’t admit it to those around her.
Eve is in grave danger, and if she makes the wrong choice, she’s dead.
In the next installment, Quicksand, Eve receives a chilling, anonymous phone call that takes her back to the most traumatic events of her past.
When a killer wants nothing more than to prevent her from finding her daughter’s remains, she must bring the best minds onto the case to help her navigate his madness.
Blood Game places Eve in the midst of a ruthless killer that’s set on taunting her. When a senator’s daughter is found dead and drained of her blood, Eve thinks she may know the man behind the madness – but he’s not going down with a chilling game of cat and mouse.
This suspenseful plot is sure to keep readers hooked until the end.
Pros
A tense storyline that can sometimes feel uneasy
Exciting plotline
Mysterious
Cons
Some supernatural elements may be unappealing to some readers
In Eight Days to Live, Eve and her adopted daughter Jane, find themselves pitted against a mysterious cult who are out for blood – Jane’s blood. In just eight days they plan to make her their ultimate sacrifice. It’s a race against time, but will Eve be able to save her?
In the next book, Chasing the Night, Eve is called to help investigate the disappearance of a CIA agent’s two-year-old child.
Eve is called on to the case by a frantic mother, Catherine Ling, and the two must work together, drawn into each other’s horror, to catch the person responsible. Is her child alive, and where will the investigation take them?
In Eve, Catherine and Eve’s mission to locate her child continues on from the previous book. Now, Catherine has a name: John Gallo. Could John have the answers to Eve’s own mystery?
This unique installment takes a look at Eve’s own past and provides a brilliant narrative that will keep readers intrigued.
In the next installment, Quinn, the long-term character Joe Quinn makes a puzzling discovery that may help Eve find the answers to Bonnie’s abduction – but it doesn’t come without a price, and now, Joe is in danger.
It seems that John Gallo really is a threat after all… Will Joe and Eve make it out of this twisted story safely?
Pros
Readers get to learn more about Eve and Joe’s past
Interesting character development
Cons
Lacks as much mystery and suspense as the other installments
In Bonnie, the trail of new clues into Bonnie’s disappearance continues, and this time, Eve is closer than ever to discovering the truth.
However, the more she learns, the more she realizes that Bonnie’s father may have a sinister role to play in the case. It’s an unexpected twist that will leave readers scratching their heads.
In the next book, Sleep No More, Eve is trying to pick up the pieces following the events of the last book. However, when her mother asks for help when her friend goes missing, a series of bizarre circumstances throw up a twisted plot and a wealth of unexpected suspects.
Pros
New characters are interesting and have depth
A suspenseful storyline that will keep you guessing
Quick read, perfect for those who are short on time but need a dose of action
Taking Eve follows the story of Eve and her troubled parent Jim Doane, who is seeking the same answers that Eve found in Bonnie’s case.
With limited evidence and a lack of police intervention to crack the case, Eve gets tied up in a series of twisted, evil events that stir up some old demons and leave her feeling vulnerable. Can she find the answers, and is she safe?
Pros
Action-packed, with a good balance between dialogue and action
In Hunting Eve, Eve is on the run. Following on from the last installment, she’s managed to escape the clutches of her evil kidnapper, but when he gets back on her trail, she must act fast to save herself. Will she make it out the other side of this personal, twisted tale?
Pros
Interesting plot that ties in well with the previous book
New side stories and characters make for interesting reading
Cons
Lacks action and some aspects of the plot feel monotonous and drawn out
The next book, Silencing Eve, works to untangle Eve’s own mystery. The big question on everyone’s lips is “Is Eve dead or alive?”. Or is she faking her death in an attempt to ensnare her capturer?
CIA Agent Catherine Ling must work hard to find out the truth, and provide the answers, but things aren’t as easy as they seem.
Pros
Mysterious plotline
Suspenseful with plenty of action
Emotional read
Cons
An overly descriptive dialogue can distract the reader from the main plot
InShadow Play, Eve is contacted by a sheriff who needs to reconstruct the remains of a nine-year-old girl. However, in a unique paranormal twist, the girl’s ghost starts communicating with Eve.
Everything that’s revealed to her will leave her tangled up in one of her most puzzling cases to date, and readers will love trying to unravel the mystery with her.
Pros
Good character relationships
Quick read
Fast-paced
Cons
The way some characters talk to each other feels badly written
Our next installment, Hide Away, delves into the relationship between Eve and Joe, alongside a complex plotline.
When Eve needs to protect a young girl with dangerous enemies, she must run to the Scottish Highlands for safety, and a quest to find treasure… However, danger lurks behind each corner, and finding refuge may not be so simple.
In Night and Day, Eve must continue her battle to protect Cara from her dangerous enemies.
However, Eve finds herself in danger when her mission to protect Cara leads to her becoming the main target… Night and Day brings a conclusion to the events that have left readers on the edge of their seats.
In the next story, Mind Game, Jane takes to the Scottish highlands in search of a mystery she’s been hunting for years.
However, Jane soon finds herself disturbed by dreams of a girl in need of rescue – what’s the meaning of these dreams, who is the girl, and can Jane track her down?
In Shattered Mirror, Eve once again finds herself in the midst of an intriguing and deadly game, when she receives a package containing a skull, with detailed instructions on how to reconstruct it…
When Eve recreates the image of the deceased, she must race to protect the life of her twin.
In the next book, Dark Tribute, former character Cara returns – despite her twisted history, she’s managed to make a life for herself. However, her livelihood is threatened when she is kidnapped, and a chilling chain of events unfolds that puts everyone in Cara’s life in harm’s way.
Pros
Plenty of action and suspense
Twists and turns
Good character relationships
Cons
Some dialogue, especially from child characters, feels unnatural and too forced
Next up, we have Smokescreen. In this story, Eve is tracked down by a journalist in need of help. In a small African village, many children and adults have been killed by guerilla soldiers, and their bodies burned beyond belief.
Eve’s help is requested to help identify the victims. However, when Eve arrives in the jungle, she suspects that journalist Jill may not be who she says she is…
Pros
Suspenseful
Mysterious and hard to guess
Interesting character development
Cons
Some character personalities and dynamics feel unbelievable
In The Persuasion, Jane is in danger, and it’s up to Seth, her strongest ally, to protect her. However, Jane is forced to take things into her own hands, which makes it almost impossible for Seth to protect her.
When they both become targets, their epic love story becomes entangled with suspense and plenty of risks.
The Bullet follows the story of Eve and Joe, who must work together to protect and save a scientist whose latest discovery is at risk of being sabotaged. Doctor Diana is sitting on the world’s biggest secret, and if it gets into the hands of the wrong people, it’s game over.
Pros
Well crafted storyline
Suspenseful
Thrilling
Cons
Some characters feel shallow with repetitive dialogue
In A Face to Die For, archeologist Riley is obsessed with Helen of Troy and seeks the help of Eve, to help her recreate her face, and breathe new life into Helen’s place in history.
However, when Riley’s father is murdered by tomb raiders, Eve finds that her new job may come at great risk to her and her family…
Captive follows the story of Jane, who seems to have built her perfect life with her partner Seth until an unhinged madman threatens to rip it all apart.
When Jane finds herself on the run, there’s danger around every corner, and Jane and Seth must work together to crack a true mystery.
In The Survivor, archeologist Riley Smith is once again asking Eve for help, but this time, Eve has to turn down the request.
However, as she learns more about Riley’s proposition, she ends up traveling to Southeast Asia to unravel a mystery involving a female warrior, and some archeological discoveries that could change history.
There’s just one catch: Eve and Riley will need to survive long enough to unlock the mystery and share the discovery…
Pros
Mystical storyline
Good character relationships
New setting
Cons
Lacks action and suspense
Final Thoughts
The Eve Duncan series is celebrated for its unique characters, thrilling plots, and suspenseful mysteries.
Although some additions are weaker than others, Iris Johansen has proved herself a capable mystery writer, who can bring her characters and settings to life, and dazzle her readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iris Johansen Still Writing?
Iris Johansen is still writing, with a strong focus on crime fiction, suspense fiction, and romantic fiction.
Do The Eve Duncan Books Have To Be Read In Order?
Yes, you should read this series in order. Many of the plotlines are interconnected, and you’ll struggle to understand the character development without chronological order.
Noah Burton works as a Librarian full time, and is a blogger in his spare time. His goal is to write compelling recommendations for all of the most popular books he can find, from science fiction to romance.
With a passion for books, a drive to find new reads to get stuck into, and a love for sharing book recommendations with others, Noah can help you find the next novel for your bucket list.
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