Double Blind
by Iris Johansen
Kendra Michaels, blind for the first twenty years of her life, uses her extraordinary observational skills to hunt a brilliant serial killer in this pulse-pounding thriller.
Spoiler Warning
This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own discretion if you haven't finished the book yet.
Overview
Double Blind is a riveting thriller featuring Kendra Michaels, a former blind woman with extraordinary observational abilities, hunting a brilliant serial killer. It's smart, intense, and utterly compelling.
What Makes This Exceptional
Kendra Michaels
Her backstory (blind until twenty) gives her unique skills. She notices micro-expressions, environmental details, and patterns others miss. She's brilliant, complex, and thoroughly engaging.
The Villain
The killer is genuinely intelligent and threatening - not just a plot device but a formidable opponent.
The Plot
Complex, layered, and full of genuine surprises. Johansen plays fair with clues while still delivering satisfying twists.
The Pacing
Relentless but not exhausting. The tension builds chapter by chapter.
The Writing
Clean, effective prose that serves the story without getting in the way.
What I Loved
- The protagonist: Kendra is smart, capable, and fascinating
- The mystery: Genuinely challenging and well-constructed
- The tension: Constant but not overwhelming
- The resolution: Satisfying and earned
- The character relationships: Developed and believable
Why 5 Stars?
This is thriller writing at its best. The plot is intelligent, the protagonist is compelling, the pacing is perfect, and the resolution is satisfying. Johansen delivers exactly what the genre promises and then exceeds it.
Who Should Read This
- Thriller fans looking for intelligent plots
- Readers who love strong female protagonists
- Fans of the Kendra Michaels series
- Anyone who enjoys procedural mysteries
- Readers who want suspense that respects their intelligence
Final Thoughts
Double Blind is a brilliant, pulse-pounding thriller that showcases everything Iris Johansen does best. It's smart, suspenseful, and features one of the most unique protagonists in the genre.
If you love intelligent thrillers with complex plots and compelling characters, this is a must-read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Notes & Takeaways
Brilliant Thriller
Double Blind is a masterclass in suspense. Iris Johansen delivers a heart-pounding thriller with a unique protagonist and a brilliantly crafted mystery.
The Protagonist
Kendra Michaels was blind for the first twenty years of her life. After gaining sight, she developed extraordinary observational skills - noticing details others miss.
She's a music therapist, not an investigator, but her unique abilities make her invaluable to the FBI.
The Case
A serial killer is targeting victims in a chillingly calculated pattern. The killer is brilliant, careful, and always one step ahead.
Kendra is pulled into the investigation when the case becomes personal.
What Makes It Exceptional
Unique Protagonist: Kendra's background and abilities set her apart
Intelligent Plot: No easy answers or convenient coincidences
Pacing: Relentless tension that keeps you reading
Character Depth: Even supporting characters are well-developed
Twists: Genuinely surprising without feeling cheap
The Suspense
Johansen builds tension masterfully:
- Each chapter raises stakes
- The killer is truly threatening
- No one feels safe
- The personal stakes are high
- The resolution is satisfying but earned
Why It's 5 Stars
This is thriller writing at its best - smart, suspenseful, character-driven, and impossible to put down.
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