If you love gripping thrillers filled with mystery, romance, and unforgettable characters, you’re likely already familiar with the bestselling author Iris Johansen. From her early days writing romance novels to the pulse-pounding Eve Duncan thrillers, Johansen’s literary journey is nothing short of impressive.
Whether you’re new to her work or a longtime fan looking to read in order, this complete guide to Iris Johansen books by release date will help you navigate her expansive bibliography with ease.
You’ll find valuable insights to navigate Johansen’s literary world efficiently and enjoy every twist and turn in her compelling narratives.
Who Is Iris Johansen?
Iris Johansen began her career in the 1980s writing romance novels, and over time transitioned into romantic suspense and full-on thrillers. Exploring Iris Johansen’s earliest novels reveals the foundations that shaped her storytelling mastery. Titles like Seed of Doubt (1979) and Zaak (1980) illustrate her initial focus on romance and mystery, blending emotional depth with suspenseful plots.
Her most notable contribution is the Eve Duncan series, a collection of thrillers centered around a forensic sculptor whose mission is to bring closure to families of missing children. The books have not only garnered critical acclaim but also a loyal readership around the globe.
List of Iris Johansen Books by Release Date
Here’s a comprehensive list of Iris Johansen’s books, grouped by category and arranged chronologically. This format makes it easy for readers who want to experience her storytelling as it evolved over time.
Early Romance Novels (1983–1990)
Before thrillers, Johansen was known for passionate romance stories under the Loveswept line:
- Stormy Vows (1983)
- Tempest at Sea (1983)
- The Golden Valkyrie (1984)
- The Trustworthy Redhead (1984)
- A Summer Smile (1985)
- Touch the Horizon (1985)
- A Tough Man to Tame (1986)
- The Reluctant Lark (1986)
- The Bronzed Hawk (1987)
- Notorious (1988)
- The Magnificent Rogue (1990)
Historical & Romantic Suspense (1991–1998)
As her style matured, Johansen started incorporating historical intrigue and suspense. Here we have presented the list of her historical and romantic suspense masterpieces.
- The Wind Dancer (1991)
- Storm Winds (1991)
- Reap the Wind (1992)
- The Tiger Prince (1993)
- Lion’s Bride (1996)
- The Beloved Scoundrel (1997)
- The Ugly Duckling (1996) — her first major suspense breakout
The Eve Duncan Series (1998–Present)
Eve Duncan is Johansen’s most beloved character. Here are the books in publication order:
- The Face of Deception (1998)
- The Killing Game (1999)
- The Search (2000)
- Body of Lies (2002)
- Dead Aim (2002)
- Blind Alley (2004)
- Countdown (2005)
- Stalemate (2006)
- Quicksand (2008)
- Blood Game (2009)
- Eight Days to Live (2010)
- Chasing the Night (2010)
- Eve (2011)
- Quinn (2011)
- Bonnie (2011)
- Sleep No More (2012)
- Taking Eve (2013)
- Hunting Eve (2013)
- Silencing Eve (2013)
- Shadow Play (2015)
- Hide Away (2016)
- Night and Day (2016)
- Mind Game (2017)
- Shattered Mirror (2018)
- Dark Tribute (2019)
- Smokescreen (2019)
- The Persuasion (2020)
- The Bullet (2021)
- A Face to Die For (2022)
- The Survivor (2023)
This gripping series blends suspense, psychological mystery, and character-driven drama. A must-read in Iris Johansen books by release date.
Catherine Ling Series (2010–2019)
Featuring CIA operative Catherine Ling, this series is packed with action and international intrigue:
- Chasing the Night (2010)
- What Doesn’t Kill You (2012)
- Live to See Tomorrow (2014)
- Your Next Breath (2015)
- Vendetta (2018)
- Chaos (2019)
Standalone Thrillers
If you’re in the mood for a one-and-done novel, Johansen has several standalone thrillers:
- And Then You Die (1998)
- Long After Midnight (1997)
- Final Target (2001)
- No One to Trust (2002)
- Fatal Tide (2003)
- On the Run (2005)
- Pandora’s Daughter (2007)
- Dark Summer (2008)
Collaborations with Roy Johansen
Iris has co-written several novels with her son, Roy Johansen. Together they created the Kendra Michaels series, a hybrid of mystery and high-tech investigation.
Kendra Michaels Series
- Close Your Eyes (2012)
- Sight Unseen (2014)
- The Naked Eye (2015)
- Look Behind You (2017)
- Double Blind (2018)
- Hindsight (2020)
- Blink of an Eye (2021)
- A Deeper Darkness (2022)
Where to Start Reading?
If you’re new to Iris Johansen:
- Start with the Eve Duncan series – especially the first three books to get hooked.
- Catherine Ling series is ideal for spy-thriller fans.
- Explore standalones if you want a single-story commitment.
- Check out Kendra Michaels if you enjoy forensic-style modern crime solving with a twist.
Reading Iris Johansen books by release date provides a deeper appreciation for the character development and interconnected narratives across her work.
Wrap it Up!
With more than 100 novels under her belt, Iris Johansen has proven herself to be a master of suspense and drama. Her stories captivate readers with high stakes, intelligent characters, and emotional undertones. From romantic beginnings to pulse-pounding thrillers, her literary journey is a testament to creative evolution.
Organizing your reading list using Iris Johansen books by release date will ensure a richer, more immersive experience—especially as recurring characters and evolving plots are core to her storytelling legacy.