Close Your Eyes

My Thoughts

Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen team up to launch the Kendra Michaels series with "Close Your Eyes," a thriller that offers a fresh take on the investigator archetype through its compelling protagonist. While the plot hits familiar thriller beats, Kendra's unique perspective makes this an engaging read.

Kendra Michaels is blind but possesses extraordinary observational skills honed through years of compensating for her lack of sight. This premise could have been gimmicky, but the Johansens handle it well—Kendra's abilities feel grounded in plausible training and heightened remaining senses rather than magical powers. Her "deductions" work more like Sherlock Holmes than supernatural insight.

The plot involves Kendra being drawn into an FBI investigation by her ex-lover, and the story unfolds with competent pacing. There's a serial killer, personal danger, complicated relationships, and the gradual unraveling of clues. Nothing groundbreaking here, but it's executed with enough skill to keep pages turning.

What elevates the book is Kendra herself. She's prickly, independent, and unapologetically difficult—a refreshing change from more accommodating heroines. Her blindness is integral to her character without defining her entirely, and her reluctance to be drawn into danger feels authentic. The Johansens give her a fully realized life beyond the investigation.

The romantic/ex-lover subplot with the FBI agent adds tension without overwhelming the mystery. Their history is revealed gradually, and the complicated feelings between them feel genuine. The push-pull of their relationship provides emotional depth alongside the thriller plot.

The father-daughter writing team creates smooth, readable prose that moves quickly without sacrificing character development. The pacing is strong—action scenes are well-executed, and quieter moments allow for character growth and relationship development.

That said, the mystery itself follows fairly predictable thriller patterns. Experienced readers of the genre will likely anticipate some reveals, and the villain's motivation, when revealed, feels somewhat conventional. The supporting cast is functional but not particularly memorable.

Why You'll Love It

• Unique Protagonist: Blind investigator with exceptional skills
• Strong Character: Kendra is prickly and compelling
• Good Pacing: Keeps you engaged throughout
• Series Starter: Introduction to an intriguing character
• Grounded Premise: Kendra's abilities feel plausible
• Readable Prose: Smooth, accessible writing

Perfect For

Fans of thriller series with distinctive protagonists (like Jeffery Deaver's Lincoln Rhyme), readers who enjoy mysteries with sensory/perceptual twists, those looking for disabled protagonists in genre fiction, and anyone seeking a solid page-turner with a compelling lead character. Great for fans of both Johansens' individual work.

Final Verdict

Close Your Eyes is a solid series starter that introduces a memorable protagonist in Kendra Michaels. While the thriller plot itself doesn't break new ground, Kendra's unique perspective and prickly personality make it worth reading. The Johansens write with competence and clarity, delivering a page-turner that balances action, character, and mystery. If you're looking for a new thriller series with a distinctive lead, this is worth your time.