Sleep No More

My Thoughts

Sleep No More is solid entry in Iris Johansen's long-running Eve Duncan series, delivering the reliable thriller elements fans expect—forensic sculpting, dangerous villains, romantic subplots, and Eve's fierce protective instincts—while adding hypnosis and psychic abilities that push into paranormal territory. It's well-executed commercial thriller that entertains consistently even when it doesn't surprise.

Eve Duncan is reconstructing the skull of a murder victim when she's approached by a man claiming the victim was killed by someone using hypnotic mind control. The mysterious stranger, who possesses his own psychic abilities, warns Eve that the killer has targeted her next. As Eve investigates, she uncovers a conspiracy involving military experiments, mind control, and a killer with terrifying abilities to make victims kill themselves.

The hypnosis/mind control premise is inherently creepy and Johansen exploits it effectively. The idea that someone could control your actions, force you to harm yourself or others, and leave you without clear memory is nightmare fuel. The scenes depicting victims under control create genuine tension and horror.

Eve as series protagonist remains appealing—competent forensic sculptor, devoted mother and partner, fierce when those she loves are threatened, haunted by her daughter's murder decades ago. Long-time series readers know her history; newcomers get enough context to follow without being overwhelmed by exposition.

The mysterious psychic helper provides interesting dynamic. His abilities—reading emotions, seeing flashes of others' thoughts—raise questions about trust and privacy. Eve's skeptical acceptance (she doesn't fully believe but can't deny results) feels realistic for her character. The romantic tension between them complicates the professional partnership.

Joe Quinn, Eve's long-time love, and Jane MacGuire, her adopted daughter, provide emotional grounding and stakes. The killer threatening Eve's family gives her personal investment beyond professional curiosity. The family dynamics are well-established from previous books and add warmth to dark thriller.

However, the paranormal elements may not work for all readers. The psychic abilities, hypnotic mind control, and quasi-military conspiracy push credibility. Readers who prefer realistic procedural thrillers may find these elements too fantastical. Those comfortable with paranormal suspense will accept them as genre convention.

The villain is appropriately menacing but not particularly dimensional. His abilities make him threatening, but his motivation is fairly standard thriller megalomania. The military experiment backstory provides context but doesn't add much psychological complexity.

The pacing is brisk—chapters are short, scenes end with hooks, and action sequences are frequent. Johansen is professional who knows how to keep pages turning. At 352 pages, this is quick read that maintains momentum throughout. The plotting is efficient if somewhat predictable.

The forensic sculpting elements, Eve's specialty, are present but not central this time. Readers who enjoy the detailed forensic work from other series entries may miss that focus. The emphasis here is more on action thriller elements than procedural detail.

The prose is Johansen's typical clear, accessible style—focused on story and character rather than stylistic innovation. Dialogue is natural, descriptions are vivid enough to create atmosphere without overwhelming, and pacing is prioritized. It's professional thriller writing that makes reading easy.

The series continuity is both strength and limitation. Long-time fans will appreciate catching up with familiar characters and seeing relationships develop. Newcomers can follow the plot but may feel they're missing emotional context for some character interactions and references.

The romance subplot develops predictably but pleasantly. The attraction, resistance, and eventual connection follow familiar patterns. The emotional beats are earned even if the path is well-worn.

The resolution ties up the immediate threat while leaving series elements unresolved for future books. The ending is satisfying for this installment while clearly setting up continued series. Some plot threads dangle intentionally.

Why You'll Love It

• Eve Duncan: Beloved series protagonist
• Creepy Premise: Mind control creates real tension
• Fast-Paced: Keeps momentum throughout
• Series Continuity: Characters develop over time
• Family Stakes: Threat to loved ones raises intensity
• Paranormal Elements: Psychic abilities add dimension
• Professional Writing: Smooth, easy reading
• Quick Read: Perfect thriller pacing

Perfect For

Eve Duncan series fans, readers who enjoy paranormal suspense, those seeking fast-paced thrillers with familiar characters, people who like forensic elements mixed with action, and anyone wanting reliable entertainment from proven series. Best for readers invested in ongoing series rather than standalone.

Final Verdict

Sleep No More delivers solid thriller entertainment with creepy mind-control premise, beloved series characters, and professional execution. Eve Duncan remains appealing protagonist—competent, caring, fierce when threatened. The hypnosis plot creates genuine tension, the psychic helper adds interesting dynamic, and family stakes provide emotional grounding. Pacing is brisk, prose is accessible, and Johansen demonstrates why she's reliable commercial thriller writer. However, paranormal elements may strain credibility for readers preferring realistic thrillers, the villain lacks psychological complexity, and the plotting is efficient but predictable. Forensic elements are less central than some series entries. Romance subplot is pleasant but familiar. The series continuity rewards long-time fans but may leave newcomers feeling they're missing context. As series installment delivering expected pleasures reliably, this succeeds. Recommended for Eve Duncan fans and readers comfortable with paranormal suspense elements in thrillers. Solid, entertaining commercial thriller that does exactly what it promises.