Customer Reviews

Body of Lies (Eve Duncan)

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(19)

 

 

Though I've normally enjoyed Iris Johansen's books in the past, this one fails to pass muster. The plot is rather far-fetched (3-4 persons out to illuminate and destroy a secret society comprised of world leaders) but it could have worked if the writing was more vivid/emotional/passionate. In actuality, the writing was flat and emotionless; Eve resembles more a bitter and sarcastic has-been, than the smart, sassy, and intelligent character she portrayed in her previous books. For instance, when a helpful FBI agent was killed in a car bombing, "Eve turned and looked at the burning car. Poor Jennings..." and then "Eve nodded numbly. She was so stunned...." "Poor Jennings" to "stunned" was quite a reach. You'll probably want to read it because of the past characters you've come to know (Eve, Quinn, Logan, Jane, and Galen), but save yourself the [money] and check it out of the library.

This book is a very quick read with enough action to keep you interested. I do not believe this should be your first book in the series. The returning characters are not developed enough for the first time reader (knowing them prior helps), but the book still stands alone. Eve seems strong and passionate, while sometimes unaffected and Joe becomes more interesting with his warrior side. Some of the story seems a little far fetched and very convenient for the timing, but it isn't impossible and will make you think of the goings on in the world. In addition, Galen (my favorite reoccurring character) is back in this novel to add danger, intrigue, and even some comic relief.

I liked the plot. But PLEASE! The writing! Ms Johansen is supposed to be a WRITER! The heroes don't just sigh, they constantly "draw a deep sigh" (every time they get which is a lot!) Question: Why does Eve often (too often!) "moisten her lips"? Does she suffer from some unknown disease? Why does she or Joe or Galen or everybody else never "look" but "gaze" - and frequently(!!!) "OVER the SHOULDER"? And how many times can Joe just appear and stand in the doorway? English is not my native language, but I love and respect it. Ms Johansen apparently, does not. Is the rule number one in writing not to repeat the same word twice in a row? Ms Johansen, did you know that? I love to read, but this book is not a "good reading". I am sorry

This book was just as formulaic as the last few from this author. However, while that problem led me to really rate her last book low, because I just didn't like the characters, I like the Eve Duncan character so much that even the author's stilted and sometimes silly writing and plot twists cannot dissuade me from wanting to find out what happens. Basically, I give Johansen credit for having created very memorable characters(all she needed to add was more Logan and the characters would have been perfect), but I just can't understand why her writing ability has dropped so much from her early books(for example, the Ugly Duckling, which was just great). All in all, if you like the Eve Duncan series, read this; if you don't, or if this is your first Johansen, it will probably not make much of an impression on you.

In the latest book, "Body of Lies", Eve is becoming a bit too "precious" and is in imminent danger of becoming unlikable. Eve calls all the shots and makes it clear that her job is more important than anyone else's. This is reinforced by the fact that everyone around her seems to tread delicately on eggshells and think nothing of leaving home/job to support her. Plausible? What I enjoyed about prior books was the give and take between the main characters, which appears to be absent in "Body of Lies". However, Galen is a good inclusion that nicely offsets the neurotic Eve. Jane also has good potential for her own lead, but Joe, unfortunately, is too tragically besotted to be anything but a crutch.

I have read all of Johansen's books and until the last one, loved them all. This book is just plain awful. No plot, no dialogue, Jane is a silly character, Eve has grown boring. If it weren't for Joe and Galen I would never have finished this book....

I don't know what has happened to the writing...perhaps she is being forced by a publisher just to churn out books to meet a deadline. I am sorry to say that this may be my last Johansen book.

Actually, it's hard to rate a book that I didn't finish, but it's so seldom that I don't stick with one to the end, I guess I owe it at least one star. I had read the two previous Eve books and had enjoyed them. I was, however, quickly disappointed with a plot that was too far-fetched to be at all believable. The dialog was redundant and unrealistic, especially that of the twelve-year-old Jane. Yes, some preteens are insightful and understanding, but Jane's comments and actions are more appropriate for Eve's mother than her daughter. I will read another of Johansen's books but not another featuring Eve as the protagonist. Galen, perhaps, but definitely not Eve. (Oops, I didn't finish the book. Perhaps Galen met the same end that at least four other characters had already met by page 144!)

The characters of Eve and Bonnie need to be retired. This book is mundane, the conversations stilted and boring. I have gone from liking Eve in the first book to really disliking her in this book. The tough, smart women has disappeared and left a whiny, self-centered "girl" behind. I won't read another Eve/Bonnie book.

I got the unabridged recorded book from the library. I kept listening to it (9 CDs!) amazed by how flat and stupid it was. It's hard to believe that the author has any experience in writing novels. The dialog is terrible, and the relationships unbelievable. The conspiracy behind the whole plot is ludicrous.

The reader, Cristine McMurdo-Wallis, is very boring to listen to. One character is supposed to be from Liverpool, but he almost never sounds English, let alone "Liverpudlian." The other characters are all from the south, but they seldom sound southern. Her voice just drones on and on. . .

This was by far, the worst book I have read in a number of years. It was lent to me by a friend and I have to admit, I owe him a beer because he made me promise not to burn it and I did anyhow.

The dialogue is laughable. The characters ridiculous. A gradeschooler with ADHD probably could have polished this novel. In short, don't waste your time with this book. It will make you hate your self and hate the world.

That is all.