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Monday, February 14, 2011

Chasing the Night

This review is long overdue.  A special thanks to the Ann-Marie Nieves who offered this book to me in the first few days of October.  My mother was very ill at that time and I had stopped reading during her illness and I thought a riveting book by Iris Johansen would be just the thing to hold my attention.  I was right but I wasn't able to start reading it for many weeks after I received it.  Ann-Marie was so sweet and patient during a hard time in my life.

My 88-year-old mother started feeling sluggish last spring and repeated doctor appointments didn't find any reason for her declining health.  Her doctor and I kept reminding her that she was getting older.  At one point I commented to her that I was finally able to keep up with her!  Finally in August the problem was discovered -  Mom had stage 4 stomach cancer.  During the last 2 months of her life I was fortunate to be at her house for extended periods and had plenty of time to read but I would start one after the other books only to reach page 100 or so and loose interest.  One book, that I can't even recall its title, I only had 50 pages to finish and found I just didn't care enough to finish.  Meanwhile reading gave Mom something to occupy her mind and she read almost nonstop during her waking hours.  I am so grateful that there are so many good books and that they are so readily available to us.  Mom passed from this life on Oct. 15.  Let me tell you - she is sorely missed.

Chasing the Night was the first book I read after Mom's passing.  It did hold my interest and I can't wait to read Johansen's next book which comes out in April.   I read the first 2 or 3 books in this series years ago and loved them.  I wonder now what interrupted my continuing with it.  I plan to go back and read the ones I've missed.

Eve Duncan is a forensic sculptor who works to bring closure to families of missing children.  Her work touches a cord of heartache for her because Eve's own daughter was kidnapped years earlier and has never been found.  In Chasing the Night, Eve helps a CIA agent try to find her kidnapped son Luke by discovering what Luke might look like today.  That brief description does not sound particularly suspenseful, but trust me, there is plenty of intensity in this book.  The man who has a hold  on the CIA agent is pure evil.  And scary.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this last installment in the Eve Duncan series and being reintroduced to a literary character that I like a lot.  I'm sure it would be nice to have read all the books in order but this book could easily be enjoyed as a stand alone.  I liked this book so well that I want to pass it along to a fellow reader.  If you like mystery/suspense books and would like to win an advanced reader copy of In Chasing the Night, leave a comment and a way for me to contact you when you win the drawing.  I will draw a name on Monday, Feb 21 - One week from today.

10 comments:

Kailana said...

I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I am very happy to see a post from you, though! Take care of yourself!

raidergirl3 said...

Oh, Cheya, I'm so sorry to hear of your mother. I'm glad she was able to read even while she was sick - I know you shared your reading love with her.

I'm glad to see you back again and sending a virtual hug your way, to you and candleman.

(I'd read that book)

Zibilee said...

I am so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. I know how hard it can be to find the motivation to read when bad things are happening, and I hope that you take a lot of time for yourself in the upcoming months. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cackleberry Homestead said...

I'm sorry to hear about your mother, but glad you were able to spend time together during those last months.

I have wanted to start reading this series, but never have so I would love to win this and get started on it finally.

crystalfulcher(at)ec.rr.com

Natalie~Coffee and a Book Chick said...

My thoughts are with you during this very difficult time - my mother passed away 6 years ago on Mother's Day and I still feel her presence and miss her. Sending good thoughts and a hug your way.

Glad to see that you have returned, but do take your time in getting back into the flow of enjoying to read again. At the least, it's definitely one way to distract yourself, hopefully.

I'd be interested to read this book as well - you can contact me at coffeeandabookchick at gmail dot com

Margie said...

I'd like to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway. A very moving post....
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Inside A Book said...

I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I lost my dad this summer to complications from cancer surgery. It was all so unexpected and sudden. I felt like I was reliving it all over again when I read your post.

I felt much the same way you did only I felt it after he died. I seemed to wander from book to book and seemed almost afraid of completion somehow. I don't know what it was all about yet it was there. I am so glad that your mom found solace and purpose in reading during her illness.

As a lurker to your site this just felt like the time to delurk - - with a Iris Johansen book. I hadn't even heard of this last one. I would love a chance to win!

Again, thanks for the chance AND please accept my heartfelt condolences.

gayevaterlausATgmailDOTcom

Framed said...

Sounds like a good mystery. I've been able to finish books since Mom died but I have a hard time deciding on the next one. None of the hundreds I have seem interesting. So don't put my name in the drawing. I don't have room for another book.

Booklogged said...

I appreciate everyone's sweet responses. Each have made their way to a spot in my heart and have bolstered my spirit.

Susan said...

I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I hope this year finds her memories bringing you comfort. Take care of yourself.

As for the books - I haven't read any of this series yet, and your post has made me determined to add her to my pile! thanks! I'm too late for the draw, sadly.....