Search - On the Run

Over the last few years, when I've seen an Iris Johansen book I've automatically assumed it would be an Eve Duncan thriller. I was wrong about ON THE RUN, but I'm still glad I picked it up. A quick read full of passion and suspense, this book is written in the typical Iris Johansen style and is still a really good read.

Nine years ago, Grace Archer worked for the CIA under the direction of Jake Kilmer. Their job was to infiltrate the compound of Marvot, an evil kingpin who ruled El Tariq, Morocco with an iron hand. Disappoint the man once, and he might give you another chance. Do it a second time, and you'll end up dead. Jake's job was to recover something from Marvot that he prized more than anything--the Pair. Known collectively as a single unit, the Pair consisted of two white Arabian horses, a stallion and a mare, with blue eyes and destructive personalities. Their mission failed nine years ago, and Grace left the CIA--alone and pregnant.

Now she's found a home for herself and her daughter, Frankie, on a horse farm in Tallanville, Alabama. Frankie is devoted to horses, but she's also a child prodigy when it comes to playing the piano and composing. Grace, who hates to be compared to horse whisperer even though she does have a remarkable affinity with horses, is content with her new life. Until the forces she's feared for nine years, Marvot's men, come to town and tear her world apart.

Suddenly, Kilmer is there, whisking Grace and Frankie away to a farm far from Alabama, and Grace finds that the old passion is still as strong as ever. As Kilmer tries to keep his former lover and his daughter safe, he plans retribution upon Marvot--which is brought to a halt when Frankie is kidnapped and blackmailed into going back to El Tariq to work, once again, with the Pair.

ON THE RUN is a fast-paced read with lots of suspense. I agree that some cliches are used in this story, but that doesn't make it any less of an entertaining read. Iris Johansen's writing style reminds me a lot of that of James Patterson. Although Johansen's chapters are novel-length compared to Patterson's two or three-pagers, the action hurries along at a fast clip.

If you enjoy romantic suspense, you'll like ON THE RUN.

She is great at spinning a tale of mystery, love, and excitment. If you have not tried this Author before, now is your chance!!

I appreciate the fact Iris Johansen is a hugely popular author, but this is the first book of hers I've read, and I don't see it. Never mind the entire premise of the book is a tad beyond believable; I'm wondering why on Earth did she create this intriguing action-hero type female and she never gives her any action! Even the male hero, Jake, does all his heroism as an after-thought.

("Jake, please be careful while rescuing other hero guy! I'll be so worried as you undertake this incredibly suspenseful mission that will require all your unparalleled counterintelligence techniques, and you still are unlikely to both return alive from the middle east!" So, can't wait to hear all about this mission, right? How's Iris going to lay this out? Well,let's see...
Cut to....
"Jake! You're both back and safe! Got your postcard...")

Anyway, I suppose if you want a female action hero whose only real action is between the sheets (plenty of that, but again, most merely discussed ex post facto-- no literotica here), then this is the book for you. It's an interesting story that seems to take the wrong path to resolution.

Johansen has a very formulaic style...tough girl loves tough guy no one wants to admit it blah blah and throw in some fast-paced story and there you have it. Having said all of that, I enjoy her books. I am drawn in almost immediately and despite the simple (sometimes silly) dialogue between the main male and female characters, I enjoy the struggling push and pull of their relationship. All in all, nothing to blow you away but a quick enjoyable read nonetheless.

Another great one.

I found this book to be attention holding and the premise believable. It reads like a modern tv drama show. That is, there is action and adventure as well as believable characters and of course, a few cliff hangers. Worth the read.