No Easy Target by Iris Johansen is a high octane thriller that will have you chewing your nails to the quick and gasping regularly with Margaret’s challenges. Going from hunted to hunter is a boss move that ramps up the suspense. Highly recommend.

Wow, this has it all! It is suspenseful and entertaining, as well as romantic and disturbing. There is so much packed into this book that I was truly impressed with the content! You go, Iris Johansen, you have skills! Was this for me - maybe, maybe not. I did give it a try.

This one should have been titled, No Easy Read. I felt like I stepped into the story, missing the first 100 pages of the tale. The dialogue was stilted and unrealistic and the characters themselves as well. Sorry not good for me and disappointing as I have read prior books for Iris Johansen and enjoyed them.

It seemed to take forever and I am not sure if it was because of the book or just me. This was a pretty dark book abut it had a great premise with the communicating to animals flow.. Eve wasn't in this one, but it still followed that writing style.

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

When an enemy from her past threatens to return, Margaret Douglas must go on the run. But danger is in hot pursuit, and Margaret finds herself matching wits with a man who refuses to be stopped. Turning from the hunted to the hunter, Margaret must use everything she has to not only survive, but defeat evil and prove she’s No Easy Target in this high-octane thriller.

If you have read an Iris Johansen novel before, you know what to expect: a strong female protagonist; an edge-of-your-seat thriller; a romantic love interest for the MC; and a bad guy who is pretty deranged and lurks around the edges of depravity. That's all pretty normal. And that is what this book delivers. Very well.

However, the whole "talk to the animals" thing was a case of WTF? I have no idea what relevance that had to the story. Or why the author thought that would be a good idea.

A decent romantic suspense novel - nothing more than I would expect from Johansen.


Paul
ARH

Received from NetGalley for my honest review
Completed 12/31/17
349 page ebook

Sometimes I think I should only stick with the Kendra Michaels books from this author because they are really the only ones that I enjoy anymore. I got tired of the Eve Duncan books 12 or so in and any other ones seem to just bore me.

Like this one. It was good, not great. It wasn't awful it was just lacking. Maggie's abilities to communicate with animals was super cool and how she could coax the animals was neat but she herself was so dull and boring as a character. I didn't get into her at all and I definitely couldn't get behind the very weird relationship between her and John. Their conversations were very off putting, and of course they have to fall in love because UGH that's what all books are about. Can't have a book without a love interest. It didn't sit right with me at all. Might have been better if he just used her and they walked away.

If you are a fan of Iris, then give this one a shot if you really like her. If you haven't read her, try Kendra Michaels instead. Even though she spins off from the Eve books, beyond a call here and there from a previous character, you really don't have to have read through the Eve books to appreciate Kendra.

Setting = B
Plot = C
Conflict = C
Characters = D
Theme = B

Iris Johansen has created some truly awesome and memorable characters and she very skillfully integrates some of them – her favorites perhaps - in many books. Eve Duncan, forensic sculptor, is one of my favorites Iris Johansen characters and I proudly admit to not missing any of her stories.

At first, I must confess, being a bit puzzled about just where Iris Johansen is heading in NO EASY TARGET but I know better than to jump to any conclusion until she has put all the necessary facts together for us. And voila moment arrives when there is clarity.

Margaret Douglas has the ability to listen to animals. She connects to them which has made her an invaluable asset in the many jobs she has held. An unfortunate side effect is at times making those around her feel rather uneasy – gross understatement actually. People don’t handle things they can’t understand by usual means, doesn’t fit their sense of logic and rationality I suppose. And Margaret is really good at making people scratch their heads.

But there is no denying Margaret mentally connects with animals and can figure out the source of pain, etc. Bottom line – Margaret has the gift of empathy – on a level most just don’t understand or acknowledge – or as in the case of her father – punish.

John Lassiter needs her help. Margaret is a sort of ransom for what he needs and is willing, at first, to do anything with no regard for the cost to anyone else. Margaret has already had an encounter with the madman Nico who is pulling Lassiter’s strings. Nico is evil incarnate and the last person Margaret ever wants to see again. She is still haunted by nightmares from their previous encounter.

But Lassiter has touched a part of Margaret that makes it almost impossible to turn her back and walk away from his plan. A plan that has possible repercussions for them all.

There are times when Margaret is fine – accepting – of her gift and uses it wisely. Then there are times when it is a burden. She is not sure which is the case in dealing with Lassiter. Doesn’t really matter. Margaret’s gift won’t allow her to turn her back on helping an animal in pain. Any animal.

When I originally downloaded the reviewer copy of NO EASY TARGET Iris Johansen had titled it No Easy Prey. By the middle of the first chapter I got that title. Then by the end of NO EASY TARGET I got why Iris Johansen decided to change the name of this story. She had stepped up the strength of the characters starring in this epic thriller. Mystery should be Iris Johansen’s middle name. Like the talented sleuths she writes about Iris Johansen follows each trail to the end, circumvents all roadblocks, and makes sure to dot all her I’s and cross all her T’s. And her lucky fans and loyal readers love to join her on these journeys. NO EASY TARGET is absolutely a stand-alone novel that is not to be missed. The plot is huge and somewhat convoluted intentionally. NO EASY TARGET by Iris Johansen is entertainment at its best. Don’t take my word for it – find out for yourself.

An Eve Duncan extension. Psychic talents, chase scenes, well developed characters, and an engaging plot. You will feel on the run with Margaret and wonder if someone will have her back. The ending answers your questions but leaves the door open for more.

As an Iris Johansen and, her character, Eve Duncan fan already, I found this book did not disappoint! This author has such a way of holding you spellbound to the very end. I know when I pick up one of her books that I am in for the long hall and may be missing a little sleep.

I received the ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
And once again Iris Johansen writes a winner. This time she has taken a character we've met before in the Eve Duncan books and gives her her own book. We learn the backstory of Margaret, we meet some extremely horrible bad guys (some of the worst she has ever created) and someone people might call an anti-hero. Very compelling read. Loved it!

Margaret has a gift, she can telepathically talk to animals. She wants to lead a quiet life, but her past comes rushing right at her. Enter John, the swashbuckler type guy who wants what he wants. In this case, he wants Margaret as bait, until things heat up between them. Suspend belief and go with the flow, otherwise it is a little outlandish in plot. Go read it already!

I'm never disappointed! I have read everything from Iris! She has certainly done it again this woman can write! Please hurry to get the next one done I can't wait!

I love a good mystery thriller book. It;s my favorite genre, my fave authors being Lisa Unger, Alex Kava and Lisa Gardner. I haven't tried any of Johansen's novels and she has been recommended to me. I received a copy through NetGalley and this is so not my cup of tea. The conversations are redundant and over-detailed. The characters were limited in depth and IMO, boring. There's young girls being kidnapped and sexually assaulted and that in itself was written like it was an after thought. I agree with a reader who stated "If you bring up something so horrendous don't brush it away."

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This one is a little too far-fetched for me. Margaret's ability to communicate with animals was way out there. Too much fantasy.

This is classic Johansen with a new thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat as one women attempts to outrun a threat to her existence. Its a brilliantly done mix of fast paced writing, thrilling sequences and great characters .
For every fan of her writing this is a welcome addition and a must read.
Thank you for the ARC that did not influence my review.

Johansen reintroduces us to Margaret ( the main character in this novel) who made a brief appearance in her Eve Duncan series. Having been on her own for many years and running from Nicos ( a psychopath and the head of a drug cartel) for three years, she finds solace and peace in the woods communing and communicating with animals. Enter John Lassiter, a CIA agent who needs to enlist Margaret as bait to get to Nicos in order to free his friend who has been kidnapped by him. As she gets involved in his plan there is obviously going to be violence, romance and a bit of the other-worldly thrown in for good measure. Fast paced novel but her involvement with talking to animals left me scratching my head a bit. I much prefer the Eve Duncan series.

Sandy M’s review of No Easy Target by Iris Johansen
Paranormal Romantic Suspense published by St. Martin’s Press 25 Apr 17

A number of years ago I used to read Iris Johansen religiously, as I did a few other authors such as Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, and Linda Howard. Those were my four go-to authors. Then I discovered new horizons – hundreds of other authors to see what they had to offer. Thus, my reading of my fave four diminished a bit over the years. Suffice it to say, I’ve not read many books by Ms. Johansen over the last several years. To my detriment, of course. I’m way behind in the Eve Duncan series. I didn’t know about the Kendra Michaels series until just recently. But as I have lately with Nora and Sandra, I’m determined to pick up more of Iris’ books as they hit the shelves in coming years. As I did with No Easy Prey. And it was like coming home. An exciting and suspenseful read with characters you hate to leave behind when it’s all over.

Margaret Douglas has been on the run for several years, off the grid of the man who held her captive and gives her nightmares to this day. He uses mental and physical torture to keep his captives under his thumb, and Margaret is especially valuable to him because of her gift to communicate with animals. She’s currently working at the San Diego Zoo, trying to coax a tigress into mothering the cub she’s rejected. That’s when she learns a man named John Lassiter is looking for her. Knowing when it’s time to run to keep not only herself safe, but also those she befriends during her journeys, Margaret packs up to move on.

However, Margaret has finally met her match. John, who is with the CIA, has been only one step behind Margaret for a while now, and this time he catches his prey. He’s been after Stan Nicos to find and rescue John’s mentor, Sean Patrick. Margaret is the one he needs to take him straight to Nicos. She, of course, has other ideas about that when John finally catches up to her. I love the dialogue between two strong characters, and Iris Johansen is one of the best to give readers just that. John promises Margaret he’ll keep her safe, won’t let Nicos have her, but Margaret has the idea that the only way to rid herself of the madman is to confront him, pretend to give him what he wants, and then strike.

When she’s back in Nicos’ hands, you can’t turn the pages fast enough to see what’s going to happen – because you know that plans never go the way they’re supposed to. Another way in which Ms. Johansen is a master, the suspense just keeps coming. The added element of communicating with animals is wonderfully done, especially when Margaret encounters a heartbroken dog who lost his human. But every animal contact Margaret has in the book is special and intriguing. I really enjoyed the slow chemistry build between John and Margaret. Just when you think they’ll never come together, it all changes with heat and sizzle. Nicos is the perfect villain, so confident and nasty you know you’re going to enjoy his end when it comes.

I’m so very glad I decided to read this book. Another way I’m back to my roots, so to speak, with Iris Johansen, Nora Roberts, and Sandra Brown. Now I have to get Linda Howard back on that list. Four terrific authors who have grown so much over the years and never let readers down and who I still enjoy to no end to this day.

Grade: A

Thank to Netgalley, St Martin's press and Iris Johansrn for the ARC. I just didn't like this book. Sorry. There was not much character development and it was more like a a rambling storyline. I liked other books by this author but would not reccommed this one. I had a hard time getting through this one.

The premise was unique---loved the animal communication element---and the characters were believable and well-developed.
While the suspense was great through most of the book, I did feel it tended to lag in spots, or became overly detailed. Still, it kept me reading and turning the proverbial Kindle pages! A good read, and I would definitely check out more of Ms. Johansen's efforts.

For the opportunity to read and review, I thank the author, her publisher (St. Martin's Press) and Netgalley.com.

This book introduces Margaret Douglas, who can communicate telepathically with animals. She is on the run from an evil drug lord, and being used as bait by an ex-CIA agent.

I really like the premise of this book, and for me, the animal communication was well-done, and those were my favorite parts of the story. (Not that I didn't like the rest.) One thing I also liked about Margaret was that she was sincerely concerned about the animals she communicated with, and didn't just use them for her own agendas.

The rest of the story was also good and I'd love to see more books about this character!

Note: I got this book from netgalley, which did not influence my review. Thanks for the fun read!