Dead Aim

Eve Duncan, a forensic sculptor who reconstructs faces from skulls, takes on a case involving an unidentified murder victim in Louisiana. Her work draws the attention of a ruthless killer who begins targeting both Eve and those close to her. The investigation leads Eve into dangerous territory as she partners with reporter Joe Quinn to uncover the truth behind the murder. Their pursuit is complicated by the involvement of John Logan, a mysterious businessman with his own agenda regarding the case. The story moves between multiple locations - from Eve's Atlanta studio to the bayous of Louisiana - while building tension through interconnected mysteries. The forensic sculpting details provide a unique framework for this suspense thriller. The novel explores themes of obsession, justice, and the complex motivations that drive both killers and those who hunt them. Through Eve's work giving faces to the dead, the narrative examines questions about identity and closure.

Readers found Dead Aim to be a fast-paced romantic suspense novel that delivers action but follows predictable thriller formulas. Many appreciated the chemistry between main characters Eve Duncan and Joe Quinn, though some felt their relationship lacked depth. Likes: - Quick, engaging pace - Detailed forensic elements - Strong female protagonist - Satisfying conclusion Dislikes: - Formulaic plot twists - Underdeveloped villains - Too much focus on romance over mystery - Repetitive descriptions - Similar to other books in the series Review quotes: "The forensics were fascinating but the romance felt forced" - Goodreads reviewer "Same Eve Duncan formula as always - wish there was more originality" - Amazon review Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (11,123 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (284 ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.1/5 (89 ratings) The book ranks in the middle of reader ratings compared to other Eve Duncan series entries.

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🎯 Dead Aim features a protagonist who is a photojournalist, drawing from author Iris Johansen's own experience as a former photographer. 🔍 The book was published in 2003 and marked Johansen's twentieth thriller novel, showcasing her established expertise in the genre. 💫 The story's underwater photography scenes were inspired by real-life marine photography techniques used to document shipwrecks and marine life. 🌟 Iris Johansen transitioned from romance writing to thrillers in 1991, and Dead Aim represents her mature thriller style, blending suspense with romantic elements. 🎨 The author conducted extensive research into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to accurately portray the psychological effects on characters who witnessed violent crimes through a camera lens.