Dark
Tribute by Iris Johansen shows why she is such an amazing
author. The story has a riveting plot, very likable protagonists,
and a completely evil antagonist.
Fans of Johansen finally get their wish. This book highlights
Cara Delaney, whose guardians are forensic sculptor Eve Duncan
and Atlanta Police Detective Joe Quinn. Now as a grown woman
she desires to pursue her love of playing the violin with
her love of longtime friend, Jock Gavin. He was solely her
protector when Cara was younger, but throughout the years
the bond between them has only strengthened, and their feelings
for each other have increased. Yet, Jock is afraid to act
on his feelings because he feels like Cara deserves better
than him, and a relationship with him will just put her in
danger because of his being a cold-blooded killer. But their
desires for each other have been put on hold after a mysterious
man, John Svardak, kidnaps Cara, payback for what happened
to his family.
Manipulation versus persuasion is present "in all of
my books. Clever characters can be manipulated, but then know
how to overcome it. I do think there is a difference between
manipulation and persuasion. Manipulation is deliberate and
has an undertone that could be good or bad. I think persuasion
is softer and silkier."
Many years ago, Svardak's father and brother broke Cara's
grandfather's Sergai Kaskov's fingers in the gulag where they
were imprisoned together. Kaskov settled the score by murdering
Svardak's sister Anna, his father, and his brother. Now the
kidnapper wants revenge and plans on torturing Cara while
hiding out in the wilds of West Virginia. Eve, Joe, Jock,
and Kaskov race against time to find and rescue her. Even
her ten-year-old stepbrother, Michael, gets involved because
of his telepathy and psychic skills. They all must use their
skills and instincts to find Cara before something dreadful
happens to her.
Music also played a strong role. “Music is a strong
part of Cara’s life. I used it as a dark, dark draw
into the retribution. I think the violin is very important
to Cara, and she has a strong bond with it. She says, “I
love it because it makes beautiful music. We complete each
other. We make beautiful music together.” During dark
times people turn to music for comfort.”
This book as with all Johansen novels shows how strong family
bonds can protect each other. It also has a criminal that
is immoral and psychotic. Readers will not want to put the
book down.
Reviews
of the Eve Duncan series
Mind
Game #21
Shattered
Mirror #23
Dark
Tribute
#24
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