Since the 2012 debut of Close Your Eyes, Iris Johansen’s Kendra Michaels books have electrified thriller fans. At the heart of the series is Kendra Michaels, a woman who was blind for the first twenty years of her life and then had her sight restored. Because of her years in darkness, she developed incredible observational skills. These skills now aid her in solving complex crimes, often assisting the FBI. As the series progresses, readers get to know Kendra better, understanding her personal relationships and the challenges she faces in each new book. Johansen’s mix of suspense and character development ensures readers stay engaged throughout.
If you’re interested in crime novels where the protagonist has a unique edge in solving mysteries, the Kendra Michaels Series is worth exploring. Join in as Kendra uses her unique skills to unravel each case.
Kendra Michaels Books in Order
- Close Your Eyes (2012)
- With Open Eyes (2012)
- Sleep No More (2012)
- Sight Unseen (2014)
- The Naked Eye (2015)
- Night Watch (2016)
- Look Behind You (2017)
- Double Blind (2018)
- Hindsight (2020)
- Blink of an Eye (2021)
- Killer View (2022)
- More Than Meets the Eye (2023)
- Flashback (2024)
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: Iris Johansen Eve Duncan Books in Order.
Most Recommended Books
- The Naked Eye (4.19 Goodreads score)
- Sight Unseen (4.16 Goodreads score)
- Look Behind You (4.13 Goodreads score)
- Night Watch (4.07 Goodreads score)
- Close Your Eyes (4.02 Goodreads score)
Awards
Iris Johansen received the 1996 Romantic Times Historical Romance Winner award.
She also won the 1999 Romantic Times Suspense Winner award.
In 2016, she was honored with the Romantic Times Career Achievement — Thriller Winner award.
Upcoming Releases
Iris Johansen will release “Flashback” from the Kendra Michaels Series on February 27, 2024. Additionally, she has “On the Hunt” set for release on June 25, 2024, not connected to the series.
Book Summaries
Close Your Eyes
In "Close Your Eyes" the FBI seeks the assistance of music therapist Kendra Michael, who possesses exceptional powers of observation and analysis. Despite her disinterest in investigative work, Kendra's unique skills have made her a sought-after asset for law enforcement agencies. Former FBI agent Adam Lynch, known as The Puppetmaster, approaches Kendra for help in locating her ex-boyfriend, Agent Jeff Stedler, who may have crossed paths with a serial killer. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that there is a much larger and more dangerous conspiracy at play, involving millions of dollars and a deadly secret.
With Open Eyes
"With Open Eyes" is a story about Kendra Michaels, a woman with extraordinary powers of observation and analysis. After being blind for the first twenty years of her life, Kendra's other senses became hyper-developed, making her an invaluable asset to law enforcement agencies. Now that she has regained her sight through a revolutionary surgery, Kendra assists in investigations across the country. In her latest case, she is determined to find her mentor's missing fiancé. As Kendra delves deeper into the mystery, she discovers unsettling secrets and realizes that powerful individuals may be trying to prevent the truth from being uncovered.
Sleep No More
In "Sleep No More" forensic sculptor Eve Duncan is haunted by her past. After her daughter Bonnie was taken from her, Eve fought for closure. Now, as she tries to move on, she can't shake the feeling that something terrible is about to happen. When her mother asks for help finding a missing friend named Beth Avery, Eve becomes suspicious. As she learns more about Beth's identity and her connection to their lives, Eve realizes they are all in danger. With the help of profiler Kendra Michaels, Eve sets out to uncover the truth and save Beth from a twisted plot.
Sight Unseen
"Sight Unseen" is a novel about Kendra Michaels, a woman who gained her sight through experimental surgery. With her heightened senses, Kendra can identify things by their unique characteristics. Law enforcement agencies often seek her help, but this time, Kendra discovers a murder scene on her own. As the body count rises, it becomes clear that someone is copying Kendra's past cases and sees themselves as an artist. With danger closing in, Kendra must confront her fears and face a ruthless enemy who hides in the shadows.
The Naked Eye
Kendra Michaels believes that serial killer Eric Colby is still alive, despite his supposed execution. When a reporter who humiliated Kendra is murdered, she becomes the prime suspect and realizes that Colby is framing her for the crime. With suspicions mounting, Kendra embarks on a dangerous journey to clear her name and catch the elusive killer. As everyone believes Colby to be dead, Kendra must use all her skills to uncover the truth and save her own life.
Night Watch
With her heightened senses and newfound vision, Kendra Michaels becomes a sought-after investigator for law enforcement agencies. However, when she uncovers the truth about the mysterious organization behind her transformation, Kendra is thrown into a dangerous case. With the help of government agent Adam Lynch, she follows a twisted trail that leads to a shocking discovery and a deadly secret. Kendra must use her abilities to fight for her survival and stop the killing.
Look Behind You
In "Look Behind You" a serial killer is terrorizing San Diego. The killer leaves behind puzzling objects at each crime scene, but the only person who can make sense of them is Kendra Michaels. Kendra, who was blind for most of her life, now uses her exceptional observation skills to assist the CIA and FBI. As the investigation progresses, the FBI discovers that the objects are actually mementos from other unsolved serial murder cases across the country. It becomes clear that a single killer is behind all these crimes and is now targeting Kendra. With a team of profilers, Kendra must stop the psychopath before more lives are lost, even if it means risking everything.
Double Blind
In "Double Blind" Kendra Michaels is approached by the FBI to help with a case. Reluctant at first, Kendra changes her mind when she discovers that the victim was found near her home and had an envelope with her name on it. Inside the envelope is an SD card containing a seemingly harmless video. As Kendra and the FBI try to unravel the purpose behind the video, the bride from the video is kidnapped. Now, Kendra, along with private investigator Jessie Mercado and agent-for-hire Adam Lynch, must work together to stop a killer with a sinister plan involving a powerful law firm and a multi-billion dollar corporation. With the body count rising, they race against time to prevent a terrifying conclusion.
Hindsight
"Hindsight" is a thrilling book about Dr. Kendra Michaels, a former blind woman who gained her sight through surgery. Kendra is known for her exceptional investigative skills, developed during her years of blindness. When two staff members are murdered at the school for the blind where Kendra grew up, she is called upon to solve the puzzling crimes. With the killer still at large, Kendra must risk her life to uncover a dangerous conspiracy. Along the way, she realizes that she may hold the key to the most deadly secret of all.
Blink of an Eye
"Blink of an Eye" is a novel about Delilah Winter, a popular pop star who gets kidnapped during a performance at the Hollywood Bowl. Dr. Kendra Michaels, who has a unique ability to observe details others miss, is determined to solve this seemingly impossible case. With the help of Jessie Mercado, the singer's former bodyguard, and Adam Lynch, an agent-for-hire, Kendra races against time to rescue Delilah.
Killer View
In "Killer View" Kendra uses her heightened senses to help her friend Jessie Mercado, a former bodyguard, in a perplexing case. They are hired by Owen Blake of Mamertine Consulting to find his missing partner, and their investigation leads them to a dangerous world of white-collar criminals, drug kingpins, and murderers. As they uncover deadly secrets and face life-threatening situations, Jessie and Kendra must race against time to stay ahead of disaster.
More Than Meets the Eye
"More Than Meets the Eye" is a thrilling crime novel. After a notorious serial killer, James Michael Barrett, leads law enforcement officers to the body of his last victim, a shocking explosion occurs, killing Barrett and most of the officers. FBI consultant Kendra Michaels is drawn into the case when similar murders in Barrett's style continue. With the help of survivor Tricia Walton, Kendra and her team must unravel the killer's terrifying plan.
Flashback
"Flashback" is a novel co-written with Roy Johansen. The story follows Investigator Kendra Michaels, who was once blind but now possesses extraordinary observational abilities.
