Look behind you by Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen.
Kendra Michael didn't think the police would need her help again. But di Roland Metcalf ask Kendra for help. Ds Gina Carson doesn't believe she can help. So Metcalf ask her to show of her gift. Kendra ends up helping but she doesn't know that the killer wants her attention. Why? What are his motives? A fantastic read. With twist and shocks galore. 5*.

Kendra Michaels is a great character, in my opinion! She has honed her senses due to being blind for a large part of her life. She uses those skills in a manner that reminds you of Sherlock Holmes.

This chapter in the Kendra saga finds her drawn into a serial killer case that spans 10 years. She picks up the fact that the killer leaves items taken from a prior victim at the murder of the current victim. She quickly becomes the target of the killers taunts. The book is suspense at it's best, with twists and turns at every corner. The ending came crashing down on me, as I had not pegged the killer! I had suspicions and both of those were wrong. Great story, suspense, mind-games, characters....great book!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery, suspense, psychological thrillers, or just a darn good book!

**Received from NetGalley for my honest review.**

(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

A serial killer is on the loose in San Diego with a most unusual M.O. With each kill, the perpetrator leaves behind mystifying random objects. In this confusing array of unrelated evidence, the one thing that is clear is that the murders all have one characteristic in common: they all require the specific skills of Kendra Michaels, hired gun for both the CIA and FBI. Kendra, who was blind for the first twenty years of her life, gained her sight through a revolutionary surgical procedure and now uses her acute powers of observation to assist in cases all over the United States.
FBI investigators soon make a startling discovery: the left-behind objects are actually souvenirs of other unsolved serial murder cases from around the country. And the new crimes feature “holdback” characteristics never disclosed to the general public—meaning that one single killer was behind the nation’s most notorious serial murder cases and has now come to challenge and taunt Kendra.
The investigators – a “dream team” of profilers– join Kendra in the pursuit, but as the body count rises and the detectives themselves become the newest targets, Kendra must risk everything to defeat a psychopath whose terrifying plan is years in the making…

*4.5 stars*

Having not long ago read "Night Watch", the characters were fresh in my mind and this story developed a little differently to the last one. In that, it was the kidnapping that brought Kendra into the action - in this one, it is a prolific serial killer, terrorising San Diego. The local law enforcement are at a loss - enter Kendra...

As was the case in the previous book, Kendra is the star of the show and a character that is very easy to get to like. She displays the powers of deduction equal to Sherlock Holmes, and her toughness and ability to work under pressure makes her almost the complete character (and investigator!)
Unlike the previous book, I felt that these secondary characters were far better in this one. Lots of more rounded characters which I found missing in the previous title. Jesse and Olivia, both friends of Kendra's, were particularly well-written.

The story was a lot more violent than the last one - I guess that is to be expected when dealing with a serial killer, but it also made the tension ratchet up from the very beginning and really made this story one heck of a ride.

The relationship between Kendra and Lynch continues to grow. We are at book five in the series and one does wonder if anything will actually happen between the two. It is fun to watch the cat-and-mouse between them but, surely, at some point, they will either have to become a couple or break their partnership. It is getting a bit long in the tooth now...and that is really my only complaint.

A completely engrossing thriller / romantic suspense novel by possibly the finest combination going today!


Paul
ARH

This Kendra Michaels book was back to form. Gripping from the moment it started. A serial killer is leaving clues that no one can figure out, until Kendra gets on the case.

This book was non-stop from the start, and though I rated it high because I love these stories, I was a LITTLE disappointed with the killer. It took me a little longer than usual to figure it out, but once I did, I was a tad disappointed, as it's been done over and over. Can't say more without spoiling it. But most books have been done over and over in one way or another, so it was still enjoyable, and it's Kendra, the books are really not bad ever.

We see Jessie again in this one. I have a feeling she might get her own series, I guess we'll see. I don't like her as much as Kendra, and wouldn't mind just seeing her pop in and out of the Kendra stories, but I'd read 'em if she gets her own book. She's a good character, just not as interesting as Kendra.

Setting = A
Plot = A
Conflict = A
Characters = A+
Theme = A

I received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

This one was good, but not as good as the last Kendra thriller, so a weak 4 stars from me. Kendra is still her strong willed, do what she wants, the way and when she wants, in this novel, which is how she should be! If you liked Jessie Mercado, she is back in this one. Adam Lynch is also back, but it takes half of the book for him to show up, so some of his fans may be disappointed, especially after their chemistry hangover from the last book.

What makes this book for me is the villain. It is a creepy serial killer that is written in a way that leaves goose bumps. I haven't had that level of creepy from the Johansens in awhile. You actually wanted to look behind you. I didn't have everything figured out either, which is always a bonus. I liked the added aspect that this was not the serial killer's first rodeo either. Read the book to find out what I mean.

I am sure Kendra will be back for another novel!

I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced story from beginning to end. Very suspenseful with an ending I didn't see coming. I look forward to the next book in this series.

This was a great book. It has been purchased for our library.

I received a copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first book I read in the Kendra Michaels series. I enjoyed this book without reading the first 4 books in the series. However, my preference would be to read them all in order to get the full details on all the characters. The main character, Kendra Michaels, was well developed. I thought the author did a good job developing her unique investigative skills. I think I would have enjoyed her romance with Lynch if I had read the previous books.

It was a fast paced book that held my attention until the end. The ending was a surprise. However, the end was not well developed or very believable.

This book does contain graphic violence.

This is a fast-moving thriller that keeps secrets until the very end. Good writing, interesting characters, and a plot to please any mystery-lover. What more can one ask?!.

Another solid performance by Iris Johansen in the Kendra Michaels series. This is the 5th book in this particular series but any of them could easily be read as stand alones.

For those that have read IJ's books, this will be nothing new....Kendra Michaels spent a majority of her life blind, until a surgery was performed and her eye sight restored. After years of developing her other senses, little gets past her so various law enforcement agencies independently contract her to help them with cases. Can I just interject here to say that I am 100% over her turning down cases only to take them on anyhow. Each time, it's the same thing, "no, I won't do it." Then she can't stop thinking about it and then does it. Can we just have her do them? Skip all the yada, yada, yada in the middle.

This book also brings back Lynch, another recurring character who helps with her cases. As with all the other books in this series, there's tons of sexual tension but no sex (just let them have at it already)

ALL of this being said, it's a solid book and a real page turner for me when I got to the end. Normally I have the whodunit aspect solved, but didn't with this one (though I'm terrible, I read the endings of books first. I HATE surprises, I always have to know what's going to happen)

It's worth picking up! Special thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1916445373

When Kendra Michael's is asked to consult on a murder case linked to other killings, little does she know it will lead to other murders connected to the same killer in different cities.. The killer known as" Zachary" is determined to outsmart Kendra and a team of skilled FBI agents.
The story was intense with plenty of twists to keep you guessing. The pages seem to fly by as you try to figure out what comes next. A must read for suspense lovers and especially Kendra Michael's fans.

Kendra was a music therapist and studied the chart of a nine year old Ryan who was in a wheelchair. He was borderline catatonic, he has been suffering from spine and head injuries from the same boating accident that had killed his dad. Music therapy had been recommended to Janice who was Ryan’s mother. Then Special FBI agent Roland Metcalf entered Kendra’s studio. Kendra had known Roland a couple of years but didn’t know the woman with him. Special FBI agent Gina Carson. Then Rolland said said there has been three murders in eight days - the third one not far from Kenda’s studio. Roland’s boss Special Agent in Charge Griffin wanted Kendra to join them. For the first twenty years of her life Kendra had been blind. Then an experimental surgical procedure had given Kendra her sight. Kendra had helped crack over a dozen cases in the past few years. Many of the cases would have went unsolved without Kendra stepping in. Her last case with the FBI had been physically and emotionally draining and she needed to step back and heal for a time but if she owed Roland’s boss Griffin as he had helped out when of friend of Kendra’s had been in deep trouble. So Kendra agreed to go to the crime scene. Zachery sat on the bench and wondered if Kendra had met Pretty Amanda yet. Zachery was no amateur and there was no one like him in all their books and chats. He didn’t know if Kendra was even there he had already been disappointed twice. It was a plan years in the making he could wait a little longer. When Kendra finally gave Zachery the attention he deserved then his game would be on. Kendra best friend was Olivia. Olivia and Kendra had attended a school for visually impaired. Olivia had lost her sight in a childhood car accident and still hoped one day she too would see like Kendra. Kendra and Olivia lived in the same building Kendra was one floor above Olivia. Lynch called Kendra from China to see what was going on. Lynch and Kendra’s chemistry was hot but as of yet nothing had been done about it. Lynch then finds out Kendra is being targeted by Zachery and Kendra awakes to a furious Lynch in her bedroom. Lynch was so mad because Kendra hadn’t told him about being targeted and Lynch did what he had t do to find out what he needed to know as he knew Kendra was keeping something important from him.
This was a great book that I really enjoyed. The plot was great as was the pace. I also loved the surprises and action of this story. I loved how Kendra was so protective of those she cared about even her client Ryan and his mom. I also loved how protective Lynch was of Kendra and wouldn’t take no from her for the most part and it was for her own good. I also loved how Kendra reacted when Zachary had hurt Lynch it showed how very human she was.I couldn’t find anything to complain about. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I highly recommend.

I'm a fan of Johansen's writing and devour everything she writes. This series with her son is a great collaboration and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Iris Johansen is able to write stories with very strong female leads, Kendra Michaels is no exception. Kendra, born blind but had her sight restored as a young adult, has heightened senses that prove extremely valuable when working with the FBI. Her job as a music therapist is her love, but when called upon, her morals will not let her ignore the serial killers out there.

In this story, Kendra is called in when the third body is found and the cases are linked. She reluctantly agrees and before you know it, they are able to link the deaths to 23 other cases around the United States. Kendra puts all her talents to use and when her friend, Olivia is threatened, Lynch hops on a plane from China to join the hunt. With the "dream team" made up of investigators from the other crime cities they continue their search but do not seem to be getting any closer. Kendra breaks rank and her and Lynch head off on their own investigation. Will they find the murderer before more people end up dead? Will any of those close to Kendra be killed? Is Kendra in danger? Once again "a keep you on the edge of your seat" mystery/thriller kept me turning the pages quickly to reach the surprising conclusion. The familiar characters are basically the same, but the romantic suspense between Lynch and Kendra continued to build in this story. Her friendships with Jessie and Olivia, both strong women in their own right, were tested a bit in this story but they come out okay. A great read for any suspense lovers out there.

3.5 STARS

I’ve been invested in the Kendra Michaels series for the last five years and it’s easily my favorite series from Johansen. The chemistry between Adam and Kendra is off the charts, and I can never get enough of their banter and sexual tension. The moment I saw Look Behind You on NetGalley, I had to request an advanced copy. This is a solid addition to the series and left me longing for the next installment.

Even though I’ve read countless serial killer books, I found the criminal element in this one interesting. Kendra is an intelligent and a snarky heroine I’ve come to adore completely. I find her insight into crime scenes and people in general fascinating. With the addition of the sidekick PI, Jessie there has been a softening of Kendra’s character. While I like the Jessie storyline, it appears to detract from the Adam/Kendra piece. I was heartbroken to see Adam Lynch missing for a significant portion of the book. It’s just not the same storyline without him. The last half is easily a 4 to 4.5 Star read. Sadly, I was distracted for the first half awaiting his arrival. I wanted a little more at the end; things were wrapped up too quickly, but overall I enjoyed this one.

If you are a fan of romantic suspense, I recommend this series. You definitely need to start from the beginning to fully appreciate this complex duo. It’s one the best “slow burn” couples I’ve read in this genre.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for my advanced copy in exchange for my review.

Wow, that was a corker. This is the first book I've read in this series, and I'm happy to say it works as a standalone. I know I'm missing a lot of backstory, but the author manages to introduce you to the characters and give you a feel for who they are without being incredibly obvious and beating you over the head with it, which would no doubt be tiresome to readers that are reading the series in order. I'm very interested in this series now, not only because I think Kendra is fascinating but because it's written very well.

Our main character spent the majority of her life blind. They say that those missing one of the senses experience stronger senses that they do have, in a way to make up for the missing one. Kendra experienced that, but she now also has her sight thanks to an incredible surgery. Experiencing vision for the first time as an adult, she jumped right into it, determined to make the most of it. Now it seems all of her senses are heightened. She's not a superhero, but her keen powers of observation are unmatched. She can tell things about you by just observing you for a short time... her knowledge seems almost like magic until she shares how she came to her conclusions. No magic, just Kendra.

Her abilities have led to a lot of attention from law enforcement and the FBI, who use her as a consultant on cases, pulling her from her work as a music therapist. Though she can be much more sensitive to violence crime scenes than they are, her power is incredibly useful. She notices things about victims and killers alike far before any of them would.

They've come to her again with a huge case: a new serial killer. At first they think he's killed a few people, but Kendra quickly realizes it's more like over two dozen. The killer has placed items from previous victims around his latest kills as a clue. He's taunting them... or more specifically, Kendra. He knows who she is and what she can do. He's gotten her attention on purpose... and there's no telling what he'll do to get to her. She's doing her best to make sure her loved ones are safe and insisting on them being cautious and protective, while stubbornly refusing protection herself. Girl. There's a serial killer after you. It's not the time to be stubborn.

I'm sure this book features many repeat characters, but this is my first introduction to them. I know I'm supposed to like Lynch, the freelance former FBI agent and love interest, but most of the time he grated on my nerves. Too overpowering, too arrogant, too much posturing, too perfect looking. Maybe I'd like him more if I'd read the other books. I did really like or at least appreciate the other characters.

Fascinating and well-written characters and an interesting case with an ending that managed to stun me made this book. 4.5 rating. Now where's the rest of the series?

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and St. Martin's Press, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.

This was my first book by either author. Honestly, I was looking forward to it. I have heard nothing but great things about both authors. So when the opportunity to read this book arose, I jumped on it. Overall, this book was an okay book. For it's genre, it fell a little flat for me.

I kind see why this pair always has such hype. The plot of the story is very intriguing. So much so, I couldn't pass this one up. The delivery of the story is where the book fell some for me. I would have assumed, this being a part of a series, the main characters would have been more developed and shown more chemistry with one another. None of the characters seems to flow with one another. Their interactions and the telling of their story was choppy and slow moving.

I will say, I didn't figure out who the killer was beforehand. I usually do. However, there were no clues either. No hints. Usually with these type of books there are some bread crumbs to pick up here and there, but there were none in this one. The story kept moving along, then, BAM! it was over. I felt a little cheated, if I am being honest.

I am not saying that this is necessarily a bad book. But for a book in crime thrillers and suspense, it is not the best example for the genre.

Look Behind You is book five in the Kendra Michaels series. I have only read the previous book, Night Watch in this series, but I have read several of Iris Johansen's Eve Duncan books.

I was curious to see how I would about this book. Night Watch was OK, but not as interesting as the Eve Duncan books usually are. Eve is such a wonderful character and I haven't warmed up to Kendra in the same way. However, I did find that the storyline in this book was much more interesting than in Night Watch, and I have slowly started to come to like Kendra. It helps that I think the female characters in this book are pretty awesome, besides Kendra do we have her best friend Olivia and showing helping Kendra is private detective Jessie who once was a bodyguard to a famous singer. However, my big problem is Adam Lynch. I just can't seem to warm up to him. And, yes like I wrote in my review for Night Watch does he remind me of Quinn, Eve's significant other. Just less interesting. Lynch macho man style just annoys and bores me. I hope one day to warm up to him. But, his over protecting style and know it all just makes me grind my teeth.

Nevertheless, the story is not at all bad, the hunt for the serial killer is interesting and intense and I was really baffled over the identity of the killer. Truly, and utterly stunned! Too bad that Adam had to get back from China. I was thinking of giving the book four stars, but a big heart to heart between Adman and Kendra made me realize that I was not totally enjoying the book. But, still, the revelation of the killers must be rewarded so I give it 0.5 more stars just because of that! It really sucks when the main character falls for someone and you don't feel any chemistry between them. Still, it's a good book and I wouldn't mind reading the ones I've missed.

It starts with an unknown young woman who takes an Uber rider with a killer.  Being that Uber is a popular way to go place to place these days the story starts out resonating on a personal note since I'm a frequent Uber rider. This of course is just the beginning of a spine chilling thrills and chills ride that will keep you guessing all the way to the end.  I couldn't put it down. For me this is the best book yet in this series by the dynamic mother and son duo.  Kendra Michaels is called in to do her magic on the gruesome crime scene by her friends at the local FBI office.   She is not too happy about getting involved in a case since she has just had a break through with a difficult patient.  Regardless, she goes to the scene and in her usual fashion gives the police and FBI clues that they had not seen. Ready to leave and carry on with her life she suddenly spots some thing under the chair where the killer is positioned. It's like she's opened Pandora's Box.  Soon the body count is rising and each kill while it has the same signature leaves behind trophies from other killing sprees around the country.  It's soon clear that the killer is seeking the ultimate challenge by daring the legendry Kendra Michaels.
The FBI assembles a dream team of detectives who had worked each of the sprees to come together to catch this killer who is stalking and preying on innocents. Soon its clear the killer isn't content to just taunt Kendra from afar. He's ready to get close and personal and stalk her friends, family and clients. Adam Lynch who's been on assignment out of the country flies back to guard Kendra's back.  I like how the killings are interspersed with the hopeful tone of the newest patient that Kendra is treating and the breakthroughs she makes with him.
As the story progresses it's like Kendra, the FBI and the readers are all one step behind.  The details of the killings and the killer's mind and psychosis is shared without revealing any clues about the who it might be. I'm afraid to say too much because the book really needs to be experienced.  I will say that its a page turner and you'll be hard pressed to put it down once you start.  A fair warning, I do believe I slept with the lights on for many nights after reading this one.