I care about these characters and really love the series, but it's feeling more formulaic than it used to. Additionally, often the conversations and dialogue are very rooted in therapy-speak, which is healthy, but not realistic for every character to speak that way. Also some advancements of relationships feels too forced for happiness and connection. I can suspend a lot of "reality" in books, but this series isn't as exciting or enticing anymore. It was a bit of a struggle to finish this book...sadly. I also didn't get any Jane and Cira, even though they were discussed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for early access to review this book.

I've always loved this author, and Eve Duncan, but this series has started disappointing me. The whole international angle and the ancient history parts just aren't as exciting as the original Eve at the beginning of the series. I also feel like that character development has become stilted. There is a lot of talk about Jane's daughter, Cira, but she never actually makes a showing in the book. There just seems to be several hanging points that leave me feeling dissatisfied.

Thank you to Net Galley and Grand Central Publishing for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was immediately captivated by the high-stakes adventure that Eve found herself thrust into. I felt her strength and resolve as she stood her ground, refusing to be bought, even when faced with such an ominous threat. I admired her courage and commitment to protecting those she loves, despite the danger. I was on the edge of my seat as Joe Quinn and Alex Dominic ventured through the impenetrable jungle. I couldn’t help but root for Joe as he faced impossible odds, fueled by his unwavering determination to save Eve. I found Alex's role as a mercenary both intriguing and essential to the heart-pounding escape. I was particularly drawn to the dynamic interplay between Eve and Joe. I loved how their bond and unique abilities complemented one another, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see how they would overcome their unpredictable enemy. I felt deeply invested in the outcome, knowing that their love and family’s future hung in the balance. I also appreciated the vivid and immersive descriptions of Africa, which brought the setting to life for me. I felt transported into the heart of the story, experiencing the tension, danger, and hope alongside the characters.

Another great Eve Duncan book. Michael is kidnapped and Eve will have to reconstruct another mask to have any chance of saving him. Joe and a few new characters are on the hunt for them. I loved this book and always enjoy catching up with Joe and Eve.

Eve Duncan is being asked/coerced to come create another mask. Her husband and son are out of the country and she’s waiting for them to return to the lake house for the summer. You know problems develop. We have a new character named Celine, who becomes a main character and gets involved with all of regular characters. This was a great trip to Africa and I highly suggest reading it!

I was thrilled to see a new Eve Duncan book out for 2025. It's been a few years since we've visited Eve, Joe and the family. While I wish Eve had a mystery that didn't involve her being in mortal danger, this was an amazing story. We have some new characters to fall in love with, and hopefully enjoy in future books.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

This was such a great book. I loved every second of it. I was wondering the whole time if Eve was going to be saved or if it would be too late. I love that the book is from Eve and her friends perspectives. The book starts with action and honestly never stops with action and suspense. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in a good thriller.

Another fast-paced, action-packed Eve Duncan book in the Iris Johansen Eve Duncan series (#31). I love the character of Eve and enjoy when new characters are introduced into the series that can perhaps have their own series moving forward (e.g. Celine and Dominick). Highly recommend this one though Michael seems way too old for his age. Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own. Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: June 24, 2025

A heinous character has discovered a valuable tomb in Africa and wants forensic sculptor Even Duncan to make the death mask for the woman whose tomb it is. He has chosen beautiful Bostonian Celine to serve as the model for it and enlists evil characters to “persuade” both women to participate. It is up to Eve’s husband, detective Joe Quinn and Alex Dominic, a wealthy mercenary, to save them and all they hold dear.

For me, this was a poor choice. I should not have picked up a novel that was the 31st in a series, knowing nothing about it. However, I did want to read something by a new to me author and Iris Johansen is a prolific and popular writer. I wasn’t familiar with the characters, their relationships, or their histories. The synopsis did not provide a lot of information and because of that, I realized it was not a book that I would typically select.

As the book progressed, I did learn some things about the repeating characters, but still had a lot of questions about them.

This will be a welcome addition for fans of this series. There is action, excitement, adventure, kick ass female characters. There are also some extremely despicable players who were a turn off for me. There will be a big audience for this book, but unfortunately, I am just not it.

Bullies who seek retribution for people who insult them not my thing. Seeing enough of that in real life right now. Not fond of characters

I love the Eve Duncan series, and this one did not disappoint. It brings together a couple of new characters along with some old favorite ones. Eve is doing what she does best, sculpting and protecting her family. Iris Johansen is an exceptional writer, but one of the things she truly excels at is writing strong independent FMCs along with MMCs that love and support them.

Iris Johansen does it again. Filled with Mystery, suspense, a wonderful plot, and amazing characters, You won't want to put this one down.

I had so much fun reading this book. I used to be a die-hard Iris Johansen fan (specifically the Eve Duncan series!) but fell into other genres the past decade or so.
The Death Mask really revived my love for Johansen and the murder mystery genre.

Something that I have always loved about Johansens's work is how well she writes STRONG women-and this latest installment is no exception. Eve, Celine, and Kontara are all strong in their own ways and I love that there are so many dimensions to them.

I also think it's written so expertly that it allows for both the strength of the women with just a little twinge of allowing for the firm/protective men archetype as well.

I'm obsessed!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC!

A suspense with a lot of historical information. It did start out slow but I still enjoyed the book. A good cast of characters with an interesting plot. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Iris Johansen is an auto buy author for me. Her latest, The Death Mask, was a five star read for me. Pick it up this summer.

As a long time Eve Duncan/ Iris Johansen fan, I was so excited to see a new book in the series published! I absolutely love to read about Eve’s work, and what could be cooler than working on a recreation of a death last for a lost Egyptian queen. There was a ton of action and some new characters.
I loved the historical element of the book and the description of the setting but the beginning moved a bit slow for me. I enjoyed Celine as a main character but she frustrated me at points though out the book. Overall a fun read back in Eve Duncan’s world!

Absolutely loved it! She never fails to deliver worth every book she writes! I would love to read that s book again!

A real thriller. I liked the characters especially the strong women. Plot is entertaining with lots of twists and turns.

This was very exciting!

I absolutely loved the plot in this one and found myself very worried for our characters.

There's a romantic storyline that definitely works and these characters need their own books in the future.

I did find myself a bit nonplussed by Michael. I mean, I understand who he is and why he is that way, but he also speaks like he should be a 65 year old tenured college professor wearing tweeds and smoking a pipe. He should still sound more like...a kid?

But definitely a good and exciting read!

As with every Eve Duncan book, this one was tension from the beginning to the end. There is rarely a slow moment in this series, and the characters are very well done.
Some very unscrupulous people need Eve. They will not take no for an answer and when her son is kidnapped, she has no choice but to work with them.
There are some characters we know and some new ones, and as always, this one is a winner!


NetGalley/ Grand Central Publishing June 24,2025

Okay, how to describe this book? Sometimes words are hard to come by when you experience a book so profound. Full of heart-pounding action, I felt transported into another world. Yes there is some darkness, but life is not always a bed of roses. The reality is painful but necessary to encompass this story and the brave men and women who fight for justice. Good fighting evil maybe a trite saying but it's true. For romance fans you will not be disappointed. I started reading Ms. Johansen many years ago and will end this by saying "Kudos!" I received an ARC e-book from NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you for this opportunity.