Title: Dark Summer
Author: Iris Johansen
First published October 21, 2008
378 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780312368081 (ISBN10: 0312368089)
Rating: 3.95
Overview
Dark Summer is a heart-pounding tale of revenge and survival. Devon Brady, a skilled veterinarian, never imagined that a single gunshot would turn her mission into a nightmare.
When Jude Marrock arrives with his wounded dog, she soon finds herself embroiled in a dangerous game of life and death. With each passing moment, the stakes get higher, and the body count continues to rise.
Devon doesn’t trust Jude, but she has no choice but to rely on him as they fight to save innocent lives, including the enigmatic Ned and his pack. Will they be able to survive the violent onslaught and uncover the secrets that Jude is protecting?
This unforgettable thriller, filled with unforgettable characters and heart-stopping action, is a testament to Iris Johansen’s masterful storytelling.
About the Author
Have you heard of Iris Johansen? She’s a highly successful author who’s known for her captivating stories.
What you might not know is that she didn’t start writing until after her children had left for college. Her career began in the 1980s with category romances, but it wasn’t until 1991 that she found her true calling with suspense historical romance novels.
Then, in 1996, she shifted gears and started writing crime fiction – a decision that has paid off tremendously.
Johansen is based in Georgia and is happily married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an accomplished screenwriter and novelist who has won an Edgar Award.
Her daughter, Tamara, works alongside her as a research assistant.
In addition to her solo work, Johansen has also coauthored books with her son, such as the Eve Duncan series and the Kendra Michaels series. It’s clear that writing runs in this family’s blood, and we can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
Editoral Review
Dark Summer by Iris Johansen explores the complex dynamic between family, betrayal, and redemption. Johansen is a prolific writer within the thriller genre, known for her captivating characters, intricate plotlines, and fast-paced action.
Dark Summer, first published in 2008, exemplifies Johansen’s talent in weaving intrigue and suspense into an emotionally-charged story. The novel’s protagonist is Sarah Patrick, a former CIA operative who has left her past behind to pursue a quieter life running a horse ranch in Wyoming.
However, when her son is kidnapped by a ruthless group seeking information on her former colleagues, Sarah is forced to confront her demons and use her skills to rescue her son. Along with her estranged husband and a current CIA agent, Sarah embarks on a dangerous mission to save her son and uncover the truth behind his capture.
Johansen excels at creating multi-dimensional characters, and Dark Summer is no exception. Sarah Patrick is a fierce and determined protagonist, haunted by her past mistakes and driven by her love for her son.
Her husband, Alex, is equally well-drawn, struggling with his own demons and trying to make amends for past mistakes. The villain of the story, Viktor Gunnarsson, is a chilling and calculating antagonist, whose motivations and background are gradually revealed over the course of the novel.
The novel’s setting the sprawling expanse of Wyoming’s plains provides a vivid backdrop for the story’s action sequences and moments of introspection. Johansen’s descriptions of the natural beauty and harsh realities of the Wyoming landscape are vivid and immersive, adding to the novel’s emotional depth.
Despite its strengths, Dark Summer is not without flaws. The plot can at times feel formulaic, following a familiar pattern of kidnapping, chase sequences, and eventual confrontation with the villain.
The dialogue, while serviceable, does not always feel natural, with characters speaking in exposition-heavy monologues or overly dramatic declarations. Overall, however, Dark Summer is a gripping and thrilling read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Johansen’s expertise in crafting suspenseful plotlines and dynamic characters shines through, and the emotional depth of the story elevates it above other thrillers in the genre. For fans of spy and action thrillers, Dark Summer is a must-read.
Additionally, the novel explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the bonds of family, making it a compelling read for those interested in exploring the human experience. On a scale of one to five, I would rate Dark Summer a solid four, with points docked for its occasionally formulaic plot and stilted dialogue.
However, these shortcomings are outweighed by the novel’s thrilling action sequences, emotionally resonant characters, and immersive setting.
