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As part of an elite K-9 search and rescue team, Sarah Patrick and her golden retriever, Monty, have a gift for finding what no one else can. But their latest assignment is not like the others. This time Sarah is being forced to take part in a deadly mission ... by a man who knows enough about her past to ensure her cooperation.
Billionaire John Logan's top-secret venture has been sabotaged, its facilities destroyed, and its handpicked staff massacred. The sole survivor is being held for ransom. Logan knows that the only way to save the man — and the secrets he holds — is to find him as soon as possible.
Sarah is furious when she is strong-armed into joining Logan on his search. And once she takes the perilous assignment, not even Logan's promises that she and Monty will be safe may be enough to protect them. Because a killer is devising a sadistic vengeance ... and he may soon find use for Sarah.
Building on her series featuring forensic sculptor Eve Duncan, bestselling suspense writer Iris Johansen takes a slightly different tangent with her latest thriller, The Search. The search and rescue team of Sarah Patrick and her golden retriever, Monty, first appeared in The Killing Game, where they helped Eve track down a kidnapped child and a maniacal killer. Now, John Logan, the billionaire who wooed Eve only to lose her to Joe Quinn, needs to utilize Sarah and Monty's talents in a quest of his own.
Although it has it rewards, the rescue work Sarah and Monty do demands a hefty emotional toll from them both. Sarah is highly protective of Monty, and when Logan first approaches her with what's obviously a very dangerous mission, Sarah is quick to say no. But Logan brings his powerful resources to bear and more or less forces Sarah to agree to the mission or face the loss of her job, her peace of mind, and Monty. The task at hand involves finding and rescuing a highly valued scientist who has been kidnapped and is being held somewhere in Colombia. But the man who took the scientist is a ruthless and heartless killer whose primary objective is carrying out his sadistic revenge on Logan.
Sarah, none too happy about being coerced into helping Logan, becomes even less inclined toward him when Monty is wounded in the rescue attempt. Logan is wounded too, and after their mission has been accomplished, the threesome end up back at Sarah's isolated cabin. Sarah does everything she can to make Logan leave but finds it hard to be too insistent given his wounds. Besides, when Logan pays his debt to her for completing the mission, it is something Sarah could never have anticipated, an act that leaves her stunned, confused, and indebted. As for Logan, he refuses to leave Sarah alone because he knows that his nemesis, Rudzak, saw her and Monty in Colombia. And because of the nature of his relationship with Rudzak and the secret history they share, Logan knows the psycho will eventually come after Sarah.
Holed up together and fighting a wide array of emotions, Sarah and Logan discover a spark of passion between them. Though they both try to resist, eventually the spark ignites a full-fledged conflagration that leaves both of them stunned, puzzled, and forever changed. By the time the inevitable confrontation with Rudzak occurs, Logan will be forced to risk both his life and his heart in hopes of keeping Sarah and Monty safe. And Sarah must risk everything she holds dear if she ever hopes to find a happiness she is only now beginning to realize.
Fans of Johansen's previous books in this series, The Face of Deception and The Killing Game, will enjoy brief though hair-raising appearances by Eve, Joe Quinn, and Jane -- the spunky, street-wise child Eve adopted in the last book. Also filling out the character roster is an intriguing love interest for Monty: an injured gray wolf named Maggie. But the best parts of Johansen's latest effort are her characteristically explosive mix of chilling terror and heated passion and her gift for weaving a tale of intrigue where seeing isn't necessarily believing.
—Beth Amos
Early on in her career, Johansen developed the habit of following characters from book to book, sometimes introducing minor characters in one novel who then become major figures in another. She developed families, relationships, and even fictional countries in her romance novels, which "stretched the boundaries of the standard formulas," according to Barbara E. Kemp in Twentieth-Century Romance and Historical Writers. In 1991, Johansen broke out of category romance (a term for short books written to conform to the length, style and subject matter guidelines for a publisher's series) with The Wind Dancer, a romantic-suspense novel set in 16th-century Italy. She followed it with two sequels, Storm Winds and Reap the Wind, to form a trilogy, then wrote several more stand-alone romance novels before The Ugly Duckling was published in 1996.
The Ugly Duckling was her first book to be released in hardcover -- and the first to significantly broaden her readership beyond her romance fan base. Since then, Johansen's plots have gotten tighter and more suspense-driven; critics have praised her "flesh-and-blood characters, crackling dialogue and lean, suspenseful plotting" (Publishers Weekly). Some of her most popular books feature forensic sculptor Eve Duncan, who first appeared in The Face of Deception in 1998. But Johansen seems equally comfortable with male protagonists, and her books have crossed the gender division that often characterizes popular fiction. Indeed, Publishers Weekly called The Search "that rarity: a woman's novel for men."
Many of her early novels were written for the Loveswept series from Bantam Books; bestselling authors Sandra Brown and Kay Hooper also wrote for the series.
"Get out of there, Sarah," Boyd yelled from outside the house. "That wall is going to tumble any minute."
"Monty's found something." Sarah carefully moved over to the pile of rubble where the golden retriever was standing. "Be still, boy. Be very still."
Child?
"How do I know?" Monty always hoped it would be a child. He loved kids and all these lost and hurt children nearly killed him. They nearly killed her too, Sarah thought wearily. Finding the children and the old people were always the most painful. So few survived these catastrophes. The earth trembled and the walls fell and life was snuffed out as if it had never been.
Out.
"You're sure?"
Out.
"Okay." She absently patted Monty's head as she gazed at the rubble. The second story of the small house had caved in, and chances of anyone being alive beneath the wreckage were minimal. She could hear no groans or weeping. It wouldn't be responsible of her to bring anyone else from the search and rescue team into the building. She should get out herself.
Child?
What the hell? Stop wasting time. She knew she wasn't going to leave until she investigated more closely. She reached for a stool and tossed it aside. "Go to Boyd, Monty."
The retriever sat down and looked at her.
"I keep telling you that you're supposed to be a professional. That means you obey orders, dammit."
Wait.
She tossed a cushion to one side and tugged at the easy chair. Jesus, it was heavy. "You can't help me now."
Wait.
"Get out of there, Sarah," Boyd yelled. "That's an order. It's been four days. You know you probably won't find anyone alive."
"We found that man in Tegucigalpa alive after twelve days. Call Monty, will you, Boyd?"
"Monty!"
Monty didn't move. She hadn't thought he would, but there was always a chance. "Stupid dog."
Wait.
"If you're going to stay there, I'm coming in to help you," Boyd said.
"No, I'll be out in a minute." Sarah glanced warily at the south wall, then tugged at the mattress until she got it to one side. "I'm just looking around."
"I'll give you three minutes."
Three minutes.
She pulled frantically at the carved headboard.
Monty whined.
"Shh." She finally heaved the headboard to one side.
And then she saw the hand.
Such a small, delicate hand, clutching a rosary...
"A survivor?" Boyd asked as Sarah walked out of the house. "Do we need to send in a team?"
She numbly shook her head. "Dead. A teenage girl. Two days, maybe. Don't risk anyone's neck. Just mark the site." She snapped on Monty's leash. "I'm going back to the trailer. I've got to get Monty out of here. You know how upset he gets. I'll be back in a couple of hours."
"Yeah, it's only your dog that's upset." Boyd's tone dripped sarcasm. "That's why you're shaking like a leaf."
"I'm fine."
"I don't want to see you take a step out of that trailer until tomorrow morning. You've gone without sleep for thirty-six hours. You know exhausted workers are a hazard to themselves and the people they're trying to help. You were incredibly stupid to run that risk. You're usually smarter than that."
"Monty was sure there was someone— " Why was she arguing? He was right. The only way to stay alive in situations like this was to stick to the rules and not act on impulse. She should have gone by the book. "I'm sorry, Boyd."
"You should be." He scowled. "You're one of my best people, and I won't have you thrown off the team because you're thinking with your heart instead of your head. You endangered not only yourself but your dog. What would you have done if that wall had fallen and killed Monty?"
"It wouldn't have killed Monty. I'd have thrown myself on top of him and let you dig the wall off me." She smiled faintly. "I know who's important around here."
"Very funny." He shook his head. "Except you're not joking."
"No." She rubbed her eyes. "She had a rosary in her hand, Boyd. She must have grabbed it when the quake started. But it didn't help her, did it?"
"I guess not."
"She couldn't have been over sixteen, and she was pregnant."
"Shit."
"Yeah." She gently tugged on Monty's leash. "We'll be back in a little while."
"You're not listening. I'm in charge of this search, Sarah. I want you to rest. We've probably found all the live ones. I'm expecting the order to pull out tomorrow. The Russian team can finish searching for the dead."
"All the more reason to work harder until the order comes. None of the Russians' dogs has Monty's nose. You know he's incredible."
"You're not so bad yourself. Do you know the other members of the team are making bets on whether or not you can actually read that dog's mind?" "That's pretty dumb. They're all close to their own dogs. They know that when you live with an animal, you get to learn how to read them."
"Not like you."
"Why are we talking about this? The important thing is Monty is unique. He's found survivors before when everyone had given up hope. He may find more today."
"It's not likely."
She walked away.
"I mean it, Sarah."
She glanced back over her shoulder. "And how long has it been since you slept, Boyd?"
"That's none of your damn business."
"Do as I say and not as I do? I'll see you in a couple of hours." She could hear him swearing behind her as she picked her way through the rubble toward the line of mobile homes at the bottom of the hill. Boyd Medford was a good guy, a fine team leader, and everything he said made sense. But there were times when she couldn't be sensible. Too many dead. Too few survivors. Oh, God, too many bodies...
The rosary...
Did that poor girl have time to pray for her own life and the life of her child before she had been crushed? Probably not. Earthquakes took only a heartbeat to destroy. Maybe she should hope that death had come quickly and the girl had not suffered.
Monty pressed against her legs. Sad.
"Me too." She opened the door of the mobile home for Monty. "It happens. Maybe next time it won't be that way."
Sad.
She filled up Monty's water dish. "Drink, boy."
Sad. He lay down in front of the metal dish.
He'd drink soon, but she'd wait for an hour or two before she tried to feed him. He was too upset to eat. He never got used to finding the dead.
I give this book four out of five stars. The characters re-appear from the first and second books. John Logan comes in from the first, and Sarah comes in from the second. The plot takes place in a jungle, wich is really cool. The writing style of Iris Johansen is very good in this book, as well as her others. The book is original. The book cover kinda describes the book. The book is a little dramatic, and somewhat thrilling.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Monty is a search and rescue dog who, along with his human companion Sarah Patrick, is dedicated to saving people from disasters. They seek survivors, but mark the locale of the dead. Manipulative billionaire John Logan knows the dramatic success of this team, having used them once before. He needs them again, but knows Sarah would never voluntarily help him. He manipulates the situation so that Sarah has no choice but to assist John.
A scientific research team working for John in the Colombian jungle was attacked, leaving everyone dead except an irreplaceable scientist who was kidnapped. John needs Sarah and Monty to locate the man so that his team can rescue the victim. The mission turns into a partial success as they rescue the scientist, but fail to kill the culprit. John knows that the perpetrator is his most deadly enemy, who will continue to attack him unless John kills him. John also knows that Sarah and Monty have been marked by his foe. He places them under his protection over Sarah¿s objection. The danger brings them closer together but they must live long enough to enjoy the feelings that are developing between them.
Fans of Iris Johansen will be excited by the lead appearance of the magnetic secondary character from THE FACE OF DECEPTION and THE KILLING GAME. The charming, manipulative anti-hero meets his match in the strong-willed, exasperating, but intrepid heroine. The complex charcaters enhance a rich, fast-paced story line that turns into a thrill a page. Readers do not have to search any further than this novel to find Ms. Johansen¿s next trip to the bestseller lists.
Harriet Klausner
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 23, 2011
Great book in the series of Eve Duncan. Have just started the whole series and find it most entertaining.
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Posted September 26, 2011
This is a must read series.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This is by far my favorite novel! I borrowed it from my mother who swore it was the best book she'd ever read and I have to agree with her. I bought a hard copy edition for my personal library AFTER having read it. The story is fantastic! Johansen goes from romance and comedy to death and mystery in the blink of an eye, keeping you on the edge of the seat and tuning the pages. It was a one day read for me as I couldn't put it down and once I'd finished I found myself wishing that there was another adventure for the main characters to go on. As a Dog Lover I adored Maggie and Monty! And there was just enough humor and romance to keep the darker parts light and enough murder and suspense to keep the fluff from becoming too much. You don't have to read the others in the Eve Duncan series to read this one. Until I found it online I didn't even know it wasn't a stand alone novel. This book is NUMBER 1 in my Must Read!
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Posted August 8, 2011
I am never disappointed in the Eve Duncan books! They are always so exciting and keep me wanting to read more. I read this book in a matter of days. I was a little surprised that the book was mainly about Sarah, Monty, & Logan and had very little Eve in it. However, with all of these characters reoccuring, it is very necessary to expand on their personalities, experiences, etc. In the end, it all circles back to Eve in some sort of way so you aren't disappointed. I love the way Ms. Johansen doesn't wait until the very end to give you twists & surprises... they happen throughout the book, which is a great way to keep the reader interested! I am anxious to read the next book!! Loving this series!! :)
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Posted November 21, 2009
plot jumps around too much
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 21, 2008
Im not into reading books but a friend of mine said 'here read this book and you will love it.' So I read it and I can honestly say I love this book. Its the only book Ive ever been able to sit down and actually read. I love it.
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Posted July 17, 2006
I loved this book. It had a good theme to it. Its hard to stop reading it. The dog was a cute add to the book. It never gets boring.I love the ending
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Posted July 2, 2006
This was my first Iris Johanson book, and I'm hooked. Tension and suspense throughout, full of emotion and heart. I love the dog, and I love the hero. It's time to go shopping for all of her backlist!
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Posted July 18, 2005
This is the best book I have read by Iris Johansen. Sarah Patrick is my favorite character. I couldn't stop reading it!
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Posted June 15, 2005
One of her best books I've read! I was happy to see Logan settle down. I couldn't put the book down!
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Posted November 18, 2003
and then the Killing Game. Read Body of lies after. If you read this one first, it doesn't really explain the other charecters. I thought it was great. I read it in a matter of hours because I couldn't put it down.
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Posted August 20, 2002
Sorry to bash Johansen, but I felt like I was reading books written for a fourth grader! I would rather read something more mind stimulating. The Search was so drawn out and boring! I was disappointed!
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Posted October 26, 2001
I absolutely loved this story! Johansen ranks right up there with the storytelling of Mary Higgins Clark, Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, and Catherine Coulter. If you like suspensful romance novels, read 'The Search'.
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Posted October 12, 2001
I thought the Killing Game was outstanding, wait until you read this. Same characters from the first book, but more in depth development of Sarah Patrick and John Logan. Iris you've done it again, can't wait to read your next book.
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Posted June 10, 2001
This was the best book out of her three part series, The Face Of Deception, The Killing Game,and The Search. The book startes off slow, but the supense builds up every chapter. I didn't think that Sara and Logan would become lovers, which caugh me off gard, But it made the book more intense and interisting. This book was one of my favorite, and it only took me about one day to read it. Once i started it i couldn't put it down and i love books like that! Iris Johansen's books are so good i got my friends to start reading them!
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Posted July 6, 2001
I'm really not into reading much and I never really have been, but I thought I would try it to help me out in college. I picked this book simply because the salesman at Hastings suggested it to me. And I can honestly say that this was the first time in my life I have totally enjoyed reading and have actually finished a book like this. It includes suspense, romance, and evil throughout the plot; and it makes you want to read more just to see what happens. I really enjoyed it and plan on reading more of this authors' stories.
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Posted May 7, 2001
This book is EXCELLENT - both from a story and plot standpoint, and from a craft appreciation viewpoint. Iris' skill for dialogue is fabulous - never any idle, boring chatter, and always imparting sharp wit. The story winds itself around in such a web that the reader gets totally absorbed...and turns pages at double the rate! Not too much of the over-used back story, either - just enough to add incredibly colorful background. Thank you, Iris!
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Posted May 29, 2001
I have read all Iris Johansen books and enjoyed them all but this one has to be the worst. It takes a long time before anything happens and then it just slows down again and doesn't seem to know where to go next. It didn't hold my attention and I found the book boring. This book seems to be written fast & furious just to please the fans of Sarah & Monty.
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Overview
He strikes without warning.He kills without mercy.
He's only just begun.
As part of an elite K-9 search and rescue team, Sarah Patrick and her golden retriever, Monty, have a gift for finding what no one else can. But their latest assignment is not like the others. This time Sarah is being forced to take part in a deadly mission ... by a man who knows enough about her past to ensure her cooperation.
Billionaire John Logan's top-secret venture has been sabotaged, its facilities destroyed, and its handpicked staff massacred. The sole survivor is being ...