"Filled with intriguing twists and characters and an overarching mystery that will keep fans coming back."― Kirkus Reviews In this New York Times bestselling thriller from Iris Johansen, Doane needs Eve's skills and he'll do anything to get them…even if it means Taking Eve . As a forensic sculptor, Eve Duncan's mission is to bring closure to the families whose loved ones have vanished. She knows their anguish―her own beloved daughter, Bonnie, was taken from her when Bonnie was just seven years old. It is only recently that this mystery was resolved and Eve could begin her journey to peace. Now Jim Doane wants the same kind of answers that Eve always longed for. His twenty-five-year-old son may or may not be dead, and he has only burned skull fragments as possible evidence. But he cannot go to the police for answers without exposing his dark past, so instead he chooses a bold step to find the truth―one that takes Eve down a twisted path of madness and evil and into the darkest heart of her own history. “The suspense and action will entertain all, even those new to the series.” ― Library Journal (starred) on Eve “Johansen's intense storytelling style drags readers into a whirlpool of danger and treachery that can have horrifying results. It's awesome!” ― RT Book Reviews on Quinn “A stunning conclusion to a very popular trilogy.” ― Booklist on Bonnie Iris Johansen is the New York Times bestselling author of Chasing the Night , Blood Game , Eve , and Eight Days to Live , among others. She began writing after her children left home for college, and first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, she began writing suspense historical romance novels, and in 1996 she turned to crime fiction, with which she has had great success. She lives near Atlanta, Georgia. Taking Eve By Johansen Iris, Iris Johansen St. Martin's Press Copyright © 2013 Johansen Iris All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-250-03433-5 Excerpt CHAPTER   1 Goldfork, Colorado 7:35 A.M. HE WAS READY. Jim Doane drew a deep breath as he locked the front door of the small cedar house behind him. All the searching and planning was at an end, and now it was time to put the plan into action. Soon, Kevin. I know it’s been a long time, but I had to be sure before I moved forward. Everything has to be in place. He threw his suitcase into the trunk of the car, then carried his metal toolbox and shoved it onto the passenger seat. Then he climbed into the driver’s seat and started the car. “Doane, wait.” His neighbor Ralph Hodder was running toward him across the postage stamp–sized lawn that separated their houses. “Did you think you were going to get away before I saw you?” He was breathing heavily as he stopped beside Doane’s car. He was overweight, and even the short run had robbed him of breath. “No way, man.” “Yeah?” He tensed, then deliberately forced himself to relax. Hodder was no threat. He was overreacting. “Do you need something, Ralph?” “Yeah, I need to thank you. My son said that you were going to be gone for quite a while, and I just wanted you to know I’d keep an eye on your place.” He clapped him on the shoulder. “We’ll miss you. You’ve been a good friend to Matt, a real role model, and Leah and I appreciate it. Raising a teenage kid is always a headache, but having you next door, helping him work on that old car, and letting him talk to you has made it easier.” “No problem. Matt’s a fine boy, and I was glad to help. In the end, the most precious things we have are our children.” “You’re right there.” His smile faded. “Matt said you were leaving because you had family trouble. I hope that everything will be okay.” “It will be fine. But it may take a little while, so I’m grateful that you’re going to watch the place.” He’d better pretend to be concerned. It wouldn’t do to let Hodder know he’d been tempted to burn the place to the ground. “I’ll call you now and then and check on it if that’s all right.” “We’ll be glad to hear from you. I’ll have Matt cut your grass until you get back.” He stepped back from the car. “You’ve been a great neighbor, Doane. I’ll try to be one, too. Thanks for being good to my son.” “Take care of that boy,” Doane said as he backed down the driveway. “You never realize how much you love them until you lose them. Believe me, I know.” But that wasn’t true; he had known how much he had loved his son from the moment he had been born. It hadn’t taken loss to drive that truth home. His Kevin had been extraordinary in every way, and being his father had dominated his life. Until that bastard had taken away his son. He controlled the flare of rage that went through him. He could not afford anger now that the game had begun. Everything must go according to plan. All the sorrow and rage must be put away until he had the weapon he needed to satisfy it. He checked his GPS, which was already set for Atlanta, Georgia, and pulled out his address book. He hesitat