Eve Duncan returns as a forensic sculptor - this time she is asked to sculpt a death mask of an Egyptian queen. She is not going to do the job, instead wanting to spend some much needed time with her husband and son. But then the ruthless people behind the ask kidnap her son, forcing to take on the job. We are introduced to a new character, Celine. She is a surgical resident who was raised to take care of herself. She is also involved with the death mask, as she has been chosen by the criminals to be the model for the face of the queen. For fans of the Eve Duncan series, this will be a welcome read. I have always enjoyed the series but I must admit this one was not my favorite. It was all a little too predictable. The story moves along at a good pace and it kept me interested, but not to the extent that the series usually grabs me. I give the book 3.5 stars out of 5.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. The book is set for publication on June 24, 2025.

The latest installment in the Eve Duncan series plunges readers into a chilling new chapter where ancient ritual meets modern-day evil. This time, Eve is confronted by two ruthless killers with a disturbing demand: to craft an Egyptian death mask intended for use in a sacrificial ceremony. The chosen victim? Celine Kelly—a woman whose uncanny resemblance to Nefertiti makes her a key part of the ritual.

Eve refuses to take part in their twisted plan, but that only escalates the danger. The killers will stop at nothing to force her compliance, threatening the lives of those she loves most. With high stakes, mounting tension, and a dark historical twist, this thriller delivers both suspense and emotional intensity.

The character development in this book is outstanding and what we all expect from Iris Johansen. I highly recommend this book and this author.

Alex Dominic shows up again, but this time he is trying to prevent Eve from becoming entangled in a situation that would force her to use her talents. While doing so, he finds that someone else may be in harm's way.

I did like the introduction of Celine and appreciated how capable she was of taking care of herself. Celine was presented as someone who could save herself not wait to be saved. I did miss the "build up" to the relationship, but many of these stories are repetitive so it was sort of a welcome change.

Michael, Joe and Caleb all have a role with callbacks to other characters. I always appreciate how characters from other books are mentioned with an update, or utilized.

The thread of "family" and everyone being connected is ever present but although Eve/Joe are the central I find I am usually more engaged with the installments where they are not the focus.

Eve Duncan books are always intriguing, but I went back and forth on whether it would be ok as a stand alone.

As always, thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to express my views!

How can you go wrong with an Iris Johansen novel. I have been reading her for years and this is one of my favorite series. Pick this one up and continue the series!

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

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.