Since the publication of The Face of Deception in 1998, Iris Johansen’s Eve Duncan series has become one of the most popular long-running suspense thriller franchises. Anchored by brilliant forensic sculptor Eve Duncan, the series spans over 30 books, including fan favorites like Quicksand, Blood Game, and Chasing the Night. The engrossing books follow Eve as she helps track down serial killers and unravel mysteries by reconstructing crime victims’ faces based on their skulls.
With fast-paced plots, chilling villains, and plenty of twists, the Eve Duncan books have earned Johansen hundreds of fans. While the series has evolved over the years and introduced new supporting characters, at its core these page-turners showcase Eve’s resilience and determination to bring closure to families of the missing and murdered.
This article provides an overview of the Eve Duncan books, from early entries to the most recent addition. For longtime fans or new readers getting started, it summarizes the exhilarating, addictive series that made Iris Johansen a household name in crime fiction.
See also: Iris Johansen’s Kendra Michaels Series in Order.
Eve Duncan Series in Order
- The Face of Deception (1998)
- The Killing Game (1999)
- The Search (2000)
- Body of Lies (2002)
- Dead Aim (2003)
- Blind Alley (2004)
- Countdown (2005)
- Stalemate (2006)
- Quicksand (2008)
- Blood Game (2009)
- Eight Days to Live (2010)
- Chasing the Night (2010)
- Eve (2011)
- Quinn (2011)
- Bonnie (2011)
- Sleep No More (2012)
- Taking Eve (2013)
- Hunting Eve (2013)
- Silencing Eve (2013)
- Shadow Play (2015)
- Hide Away (2016)
- Night and Day (2016)
- Mind Game (2017)
- Shattered Mirror (2018)
- Dark Tribute (2019)
- Smokescreen (2019)
- The Persuasion (2020)
- The Bullet (2021)
- A Face to Die For (2022)
- Captive (2022)
- The Survivor (2023)
Similar Authors
- “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson – A gripping thriller that follows a determined female protagonist on a quest for justice.
- “The Bone Collector” by Jeffery Deaver – A suspenseful crime novel featuring a brilliant forensic detective and a relentless serial killer.
- “The Surgeon” by Tess Gerritsen – A chilling medical thriller that delves into the dark world of a sadistic serial killer and the determined female surgeon who must stop him.
See also: Vera Stanhope Books in Order.
Most Recommended Books
- The Killing Game (Eve Ducan series, #2) (4.20 Goodreads score)
- The Search (Eve Duncan series, #3) (4.16 Goodreads score)
- Blood Game (Eve Duncan series, #10) (4.15 Goodreads score)
- Chasing the Night (Eve Duncan series, #12) (4.14 Goodreads score)
- Eve (Eve Duncan series, #13) (4.11 Goodreads score)
Awards
Iris Johansen received the 1996 Romantic Times Historical Romance Winner Award, the 1999 Romantic Times Suspense Winner Award, and the 2016 Romantic Times Career Achievement — Thriller Winner Award.
Upcoming Releases
Book Summaries
The Face of Deception
In "The Face of Deception" Eve Duncan is a forensic sculptor who helps identify the dead by reconstructing their skulls. After her own daughter is murdered and her body is never found, Eve uses her job as a way to cope with her personal tragedy. However, her life takes a terrifying turn when she accepts a job from billionaire John Logan. As Eve reconstructs a skull given to her by Logan, she uncovers a face that was never meant to be seen. Now, she finds herself trapped in a dangerous web of murder and lies. Powerful enemies are determined to hide the truth, even if it means burying Eve with it.
The Killing Game
In "The Killing Game" a relentless murderer is on the loose. Eve Duncan, a grieving mother whose daughter was tragically killed, becomes the target of this killer. As a renowned forensic sculptor, Eve is determined to identify the remains of nine skeletons discovered near Talladega Falls in Georgia. The killer, however, knows Eve's weaknesses and uses them against her. He wants to engage in a deadly game with Eve, and he won't stop until he takes her life. Will Eve be able to outsmart the killer and save herself?
The Search
"The Search" follows Sarah Patrick and her golden retriever, Monty, who are part of a skilled K-9 search and rescue team. However, their latest mission is different and dangerous. Sarah is forced to participate in a deadly mission by a man who knows about her past. Billionaire John Logan's secret project has been attacked, and he needs to find the sole survivor who is being held for ransom. Reluctantly, Sarah joins Logan on his search, but even his promises of safety may not be enough to protect them. As they search, a sadistic killer is plotting revenge and Sarah may become his target.
Body of Lies
In "Body of Lies" Eve Duncan, a forensic sculptor, is reluctantly drawn into a case to identify the remains of a murder victim. Despite wanting to leave her past behind, Eve finds herself caught in a web of deception as she tracks a cunning killer who leaves no evidence behind. As she works to identify the victim's skeleton, another death occurs, and Eve realizes she has stumbled upon a dangerous conspiracy. With her life and the lives of her loved ones at stake, Eve must uncover the truth, even if it means confronting the dead.
Dead Aim
"Dead Aim" is a novel about a photojournalist named Alex Graham who becomes the target of a relentless killer. Alex has witnessed countless tragedies through her camera lens, but her latest assignment leads her to uncover a dangerous conspiracy. As she digs deeper, she realizes that the official story is just a cover-up for a terrifying truth that someone is willing to kill to protect. Billionaire John Logan steps in to help protect Alex, assigning her a bodyguard named Judd Morgan. However, Alex is hesitant to trust Judd, as he is being pursued by his own assassin.
Blind Alley
"Blind Alley" follows Eve Duncan who is in a dangerous battle with a serial killer. Eve's job is to give identity to victims of violent crimes, but her latest case hits close to home when she realizes that the victim is someone she knows. As the killer threatens her and those she loves, Eve must confront her past and put her life on the line to stop him.
Countdown
Jane MacGuire, a young woman, is suddenly attacked and her world is shattered. Determined to find out who is after her and why, Jane goes on the run with Mark Trevor, a mysterious man with his own secrets. As they try to stay one step ahead of a relentless killer, Jane discovers a two-thousand-year-old mystery that could change the world. With time running out, Jane must fight to protect her loved ones and uncover the truth before it's too late.
Stalemate
"Stalemate" follows forensic sculptor Eve Duncan as she is drawn into a dangerous game with a killer. Eve's expertise in identifying murder victims is well-known, but she typically works with law enforcement and innocent victims' families. However, when a man with a dark past contacts her, she is forced to accept his offer to save an innocent family. This decision takes her to a luxurious compound owned by one of the world's most wanted criminals, where she must identify a recovered skull. As Eve embarks on this dangerous mission, she is also driven by a personal desire to solve a painful mystery from her past.
Quicksand
In "Quicksand" forensic sculptor Eve Duncan is determined to find her missing daughter, Bonnie. With the help of clairvoyant Dr. Megan Blair, they use their unique skills to track down Bonnie's kidnapper. As they race against time, the question remains: is Bonnie still alive?
Blood Game
In "Blood Game" Eve Duncan is on a mission to find her daughter's killer. When a senator's daughter is murdered and her blood is drained, Eve becomes entangled with a ruthless serial killer named Kevin Jelak. As Jelak taunts Eve and leaves a goblet of blood in her refrigerator, the stakes become higher. Eve must rely on her loved ones to help her in this deadly game of cat and mouse.
Eight Days to Live
In "Eight Days to Live" Eve Duncan and her adopted daughter Jane Macguire find themselves in a dangerous situation. A mysterious cult has targeted Jane, believing that she must be sacrificed within eight days. The cult is convinced that Jane's painting, titled "Guilt," is a sign of blasphemy. Jane is unaware of how or why she painted the chilling portrait, but the cult sees it as a reason for her death. They also believe that Jane holds the key to an ancient treasure of immense value. With Eve's assistance, Jane must find a way to escape before time runs out.
Chasing the Night
"Chasing the Night" is a thriller about a CIA agent Catherine Ling whose two-year-old child was kidnapped as an act of revenge. Despite being told to move on, Catherine is determined to find her son. She enlists the help of Eve Duncan, a forensic sculptor who is also searching for her own missing daughter. Together, they must confront their worst fears and face a new killer who is tormenting them.
Eve
Eve Duncan is determined to bring closure to families who have lost a child. She uses her skills to reconstruct faces and give identities to unidentified children. However, Eve is haunted by the abduction of her own daughter, Bonnie. With the help of a CIA agent, Eve discovers new evidence that leads her to a man named John Gallo, who has a connection to Bonnie. Gallo's whereabouts are unknown, but he may hold the key to solving the mystery that has tormented Eve for years.
Quinn
"Quinn" is a story about Joe Quinn, a former Navy SEAL turned cop, who falls in love with Eve Duncan. Eve is determined to find her missing daughter and uncover the truth behind her disappearance. With the help of CIA agent Catherine Ling, they make a shocking discovery that puts Quinn in danger. As they delve deeper into a web of murder and madness, Joe and Eve must confront their fears and uncover the chilling truth.
Bonnie
When Eve Duncan became a mother, she felt a love she had never known before. However, her happiness was shattered when her seven-year-old daughter, Bonnie, went missing. Eve, determined to find her daughter, uses her talent as a forensic sculptor to help others find closure. With the support of her partner Joe Quinn and CIA Agent Catherine Ling, Eve gets closer to uncovering the truth. As she delves deeper, she discovers that Bonnie's father plays a crucial role in solving this mysterious puzzle, and that Bonnie's disappearance was not a random event as everyone believed.
Sleep No More
Sleep No More is a thriller about Eve Duncan, a forensic sculptor haunted by her past. When Eve's mother asks for help in finding a missing friend named Beth Avery, Eve becomes suspicious. She learns that Beth has been locked away in a mental hospital for years, making her disappearance even more puzzling. With the help of rogue profiler Kendra Michaels, Eve begins to uncover the truth about Beth's escape and the twisted plot involving the powerful Avery family. As Beth's mind clears, she realizes that her life is in grave danger.
Taking Eve
In "Taking Eve" Eve Duncan is dedicated to helping families find closure for their missing loved ones. Having experienced the pain herself when her own daughter was taken, Eve understands the anguish. Recently, she has found peace after solving the mystery of her daughter's disappearance. However, Jim Doane seeks Eve's help in finding answers about his possibly deceased son. With only burned skull fragments as evidence, Jim cannot involve the police due to his troubled past. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey that leads Eve into the depths of madness and evil, forcing her to confront her own dark history.
Hunting Eve
In "Hunting Eve" Eve Duncan is kidnapped by the deranged father of a serial killer. After escaping her captor, Eve finds herself alone and unarmed, running for her life in the mountains of Colorado. With the help of her friends, she must use all her strength and courage to survive. However, as they search for her, a stranger from her past is closing in, making the hunt for Eve even more dangerous.
Silencing Eve
"Silencing Eve" is a bestselling thriller novel. The story revolves around Eve Duncan, who is believed to be dead but some suspect it may be a hoax. CIA agent Catherine Ling, along with Eve's loved ones, will stop at nothing to find out the truth and save her. The suspense builds up as they race against time to rescue Eve from danger.
Shadow Play
In "Shadow Play" Eve is a renowned forensic sculptor who is dedicated to her work after the tragic loss of her daughter. When a sheriff asks for her help in reconstructing the skull of a young girl, Eve becomes deeply involved in the case. As she communicates with the ghost of the girl, Eve becomes determined to solve the murder and bring the killer to justice. However, the killer is aware of Eve's investigation and will stop at nothing to protect his identity.
Hide Away
In "Hide Away" world-renowned forensic sculptor Eve Duncan finds herself in a heavily guarded hospital room in Carmel, California. However, danger lurks for Eve, her partner Joe Quinn, and the young girl they have vowed to protect, Cara Delaney. With Cara's enemies closing in, Eve decides to escape the hospital against medical advice. Determined to keep them safe, she enlists the help of her daughter, Jane MacGuire, and together they plan to leave the country. Meanwhile, Jane has been avoiding the pressure to search for a hidden treasure in Scotland, but she finally gives in to John MacDuff's pleas. As Eve, Cara, and Jane venture into the remote mountains, they quickly realize that no place is far enough to escape the relentless predators hot on their trail.
Night and Day
"Night and Day" follows Eve Duncan as she risks everything to protect Cara Delaney from dangerous enemies. Their journey takes them from California to the Scottish highlands, where Eve becomes the next target. When Cara is kidnapped, Eve must go after the people who want to kill her in order to save the young girl. With everything on the line, Eve embarks on a heart-pounding mission of rescue and survival.
Mind Game
In "Mind Game" Jane MacGuire returns to Scotland in her ongoing quest for a long-sought treasure. However, she starts having troubling dreams about a girl in peril. Jane must unravel the mystery of this girl's identity and message before it's too late for both of them. To complicate matters, Seth Caleb, a familiar face from Jane's past, finds himself in trouble, and Jane is unexpectedly drawn into his dangerous world as she strives to rescue him.
Shattered Mirror
In "Shattered Mirror" forensic sculptor Eve Duncan finds herself in a dangerous situation when she receives a mysterious package containing a skull and a two-sided mirror. Determined to uncover the identity of the person, Eve embarks on a journey to reconstruct the skull, revealing the face of a beautiful woman. As she gets closer to the truth, Eve becomes caught up in a deadly chase that spans across continents, putting her family at risk. With time running out, Eve and her team must race against the clock to find the killer and prevent further loss of life.
Dark Tribute
"Dark Tribute" is a thriller about Cara Delaney, a talented violinist who has finally found happiness in her career and relationship. However, her peaceful life is shattered when she is kidnapped by a vengeful man seeking revenge against her family. With her loved ones in danger, Cara must rely on her instincts to outsmart her captor and escape the deadly consequences of her family's dark past.
Smokescreen
Eve Duncan is asked for help by a journalist named Jill Cassidy. Jill tells Eve about a devastating attack in an African village, where many villagers, including children, were killed by guerilla soldiers. The families of the victims need closure and healing, so Eve agrees to go to the jungle to assist them. However, as Eve arrives, she starts to suspect that there is more to Jill's story than meets the eye. Feeling isolated and unsure of who to trust, Eve finds herself in a dangerous and unstable country. With violence looming, Eve must rely on her instincts to make it back home to her family alive.
The Persuasion
Jane, the daughter of Eve Duncan and ex-Navy Seal Joe Quinn, finds herself targeted by a dangerous psychopath. With the help of her longtime love interest Seth Caleb, Jane must confront the madman who wants her for himself and also wants Seth dead. As they chase down their adversary, Jane and Seth realize that they must work together to defeat this evil and finally commit to a life together.
The Bullet
Eve Duncan and Joe Quinn find themselves protecting the life of a brilliant scientist, Diane Connors. Diane has made a groundbreaking discovery with global implications, but the wrong people have caught wind of it and are determined to keep it hidden. With no other options, Diane turns to her ex-husband Joe for help, even though he has moved on and remarried to Eve. Now, Eve and Joe must risk everything, including their marriage, to ensure that Diane's discovery is not buried with her. As powerful enemies close in, Eve becomes entangled in a dangerous web of murder and deceit.
A Face to Die For
"A Face to Die For" follows archaeologist Riley Smith as she embarks on a dangerous quest to find the tomb of Helen of Troy. Riley enlists the help of forensic sculptor Eve Duncan to recreate Helen's face, but convincing Eve to join her comes with personal risks. With the murder of Riley's father by tomb raiders, she is determined to reach the burial site first and seek revenge, with the assistance of treasure hunter Michael Cade. As they race against time in a remote part of the world, Riley and Eve must rely on each other and their shared dream to find Helen.
Captive
Jane MacGuire, daughter of Eve Duncan, is living a perfect life with her partner Seth Caleb. However, their happiness is threatened when Seth crosses paths with crime lord Hugh Bohdan. Jane is forced to go on the run, facing danger at every turn. Along the way, they uncover a 200-year-old secret that could change history. Jane and Seth must work together to solve the puzzle and face a final confrontation in the Scottish Highlands.
The Survivor
In "The Survivor" Eve Duncan and Riley Smith, an archaeologist, are faced with a thrilling challenge. They are asked to uncover a mysterious secret hidden on a remote island. Although Eve initially declines due to her lack of expertise in dangerous quests, she becomes intrigued by the prospect of an isolated island holding a locked-in-time secret. Riley, aware of the threat from treasure hunters, successfully evades them and discovers the perfectly preserved body of a female warrior. This discovery entices Eve to help unlock the mystery. Together, these strong women seek answers about this extraordinary past life, and Riley makes a groundbreaking discovery that could change history. However, they must escape the island and survive long enough to share their findings with the world.
