First, I want to say that I had some trepidation about reading this book. I do find this series wonderful, but the last book just didn't do much for me. So, I really wanted to like this book, but I was worried that I would be disappointed again. Thankfully, this book worked better for, although it's still far away from the best ones I read in this series. At least Eve Duncan has a more prominent role to play in this book than in the last. I do like Jane Macguire, but I do prefer to have Eve as the main character rather than a secondary. Unfortunately, Eve had to share the limelight with Cara Delaney, who she saved a couple of years ago. This review contains spoiler about the previous book and I will also deal with things about what is going on in this book. So if you want a spoiler-free review, should you perhaps stop reading here.

Shattered Mirror takes place a couple of years later on than the previous book. Eve and Joe's son Michael is now six and Cara is eighteen. This felt like a big leap, but it was necessary for the story, or rather for Cara's story since the connection she has had with Jock since she was twelve hardly could evolve with her being underaged. Yeah, this part of the book was hardly surprising, Cara has grown up and she has always had a soft spot for Jock. This is probably a good thing since I have to admit that Cara's and Jock's "thing", felt borderline creepy when she was so young. Cara is now studying music and has a roommate Darcy, but after Cara is attacked by an unknown enemy do they both go home to Eve and Joe. Meanwhile, Eve has gotten her hands on a mystery skull. And, the unknown enemy out there seems to be having a torn on the side to both Eve, Cara and Cara's criminal grandfather.

I'm a bit on the fence when it comes to this book, on one side is it refreshing to be back to Eve trying to find out the identity of the woman whose skull she is working on. On the other hand, was I not so thrilled about Cara's story, nor Darcys. The whole Darcy is so beautiful she turns everyone's head around was boring from the first time I heard about her. She was a character that I felt never really got to me. And, Cara and Jock's "dance" through this book was also something that bothered me.

What worked for me was Eve, Joe and Michael. I like Michael, he's a special book and I've always liked Eve. The best part of the book was about them. Eve's worry now when Michael is the same age as Bonnie was when she lost her. And, as always do I enjoy her work with reconstructing skulls.

This book is OK. I was pleased that Eve took a more central role, but I would love to read a book without Cara in it, or with her in a smaller role. Right now I'm thinking of going back to the beginning of the series and pick up where I left off.

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review! ( )

I have always gotten new Iris Johansen books as soon as I can, ever since I read The Ugly Duckling. This one is just another in a long line of wonderful stories! I love that the Eve Duncan series continues and brings in more characters that enhance the series in their own way. Darcy was a welcome addition, I wonder what is going to happen with her and Kaskov? Cara and Jock need to be together, the tension is growing and needs to be released. Can't wait until the next book is released!

This review is based on a galley copy from netgalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions are my own. ( )

In this 23rd novel in the Eve Duncan series, we meet new characters and see new and different situations, including some special weapons. Once again the story begins with a skull that Eve reconstructs. Michael, her six year old son, calls it Sylvie. Cara, Eve and Joe's ward is in New York at the Carnegie School boarding with Darcy, a child actress who is now a beautiful woman who is training to be a singer. Jock Gavin, Cara's BFF and soulmate is visiting her when she is attacked in her dorm room. She heads off home to Atlanta and Darcy goes with her. When they arrive home, Darcy recognized the reconstruction, in fact, it looks just like her. It is determined that it is her twin sister, who is supposed to be living in a home for people with developmental issues. The mystery begins. Of course Eve has been targeted as well as Cara by this mysterious psycho who left the skull in Joe's vehicle for Eve to find in the first place. Add in Cara's Russian mob grandfather to the mix and there is a lot of adventure, some murders, kidnapping, mind melding and more. I have enjoyed this series, but I think I might be ready to move on. I hope she continues to write some of her other series that have not gone on as long and are still fresh. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. ( )

Shattered Mirror is part of the Eve Duncan series, which is an all-time favorite of mine, by Iris Johansen. Sometimes when a series gets to book #23 (or another higher number) the story becomes predictable, boring, or repetitive. Yet, Iris Johansen writes each Eve Duncan book as its own story. Each story has a unique mystery, new interesting characters, and a different setting. While all of that is new and exciting, there are the old favorite characters, relationships, and familiar settings that have always made this series a must-read.

Shattered Mirror focus’ on Cara. Her family, her history, her present, and her future are all shared to allow the reader to get to know her better. Of course, Eve, Joe, and their son Michael are all featured characters since they are now the family that Cara never had growing up. Jock, I picture him as a rough around the edges sexy alpha male who always seems to be around, is a huge part of the story since the connection between Cara and Jock has always been part of any story that Cara is part of. I will always be an Eve Duncan fan but it is fun to get the chance to know the secondary characters from her other books.

Read this series, start it in any order, but read it. Iris Johansen has a great talent for suspense, thrills, twists, and turns. ( )

I love Iris Johansen and this book is no exception! I have not read all of the Eve Duncan books but when I was approved for a review copy I knew I had to grab this one and I am glad I did. I will be going back and reading the entire series so that I can understand all of the characters. Eve is a forensic sculptor and when she receives a skull she sculpts it. there is a lot of action and suspense as the identity and what happened to the person is revealed.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my advanced review copy. ( )