Look Behind You (Kendra Michaels, #5)by Iris Johansen, Roy Johansen

Hardcover, 352 pages
Published July 18th 2017 by St. Martin’s Press
4.5 Stars 

Synopsis: A serial killer is on the loose in San Diego, and he has a most unusual M.O.: With each kill, he leaves behind objects with unclear meanings. Most of the recent killings are centered near Kendra Michaels’ home and office, so it comes as no great surprise when the FBI shows up at her door. The investigators soon make a startling discovery: the left-behind objects are actually souvenirs of other unsolved serial murder cases in various U.S. cities. And the new cases feature “holdback” characteristics of the other murders unknown to the general public. Kendra realizes that the killer has come to challenge and taunt her. The investigators become his newest targets, even as Kendra slowly begins to suspect that one of them may be the killer himself. She must find the killer as the body count rises, and to do so she relies on her own ”dream team” of agent-for-hire Adam Lynch and private investigator Jessie Mercado. They must risk everything to defeat a psychopath whose terrifying plan is years in the making.

My Review: Iris Johansen is able to write stories with very strong female leads, Kendra Michaels is no exception. Kendra, born blind but had her sight restored as a young adult, has heightened senses that prove extremely valuable when working with the FBI. Her job as a music therapist is her love, but when called upon, her morals will not let her ignore the serial killers out there.

In this story, Kendra is called in when the third body is found and the cases are linked. She reluctantly agrees and before you know it, they are able to link the deaths to 23 other cases around the United States. Kendra puts all her talents to use and when her friend, Olivia is threatened, Lynch hops on a plane from China to join the hunt. With the “dream team” made up of investigators from the other crime cities they continue their search but do not seem to be getting any closer. Kendra breaks rank and her and Lynch head off on their own investigation. Will they find the murderer before more people end up dead? Will any of those close to Kendra be killed? Is Kendra in danger? Once again “a keep you on the edge of your seat” mystery/thriller kept me turning the pages quickly to reach the surprising conclusion. The familiar characters are basically the same, but the romantic suspense between Lynch and Kendra continued to build in this story. Her friendships with Jessie and Olivia, both strong women in their own right, were tested a bit in this story but they come out okay. A great read for any suspense lovers out there. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.