Captive by Iris Johansen: Book Review
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Captive by Iris Johansen had something working against it before I even started: it was the 29th book connected to the Eve Duncan series.
I love a long-running series, but let’s face it – sometimes they go on long enough that a few books simply don’t live up to the earlier ones. I wondered if Captive might be one of those.
Instead, it exceeded my expectations. And although Eve Duncan herself doesn’t appear in this installment, two of my favorite characters – Jane MacGuire and Seth Caleb – are front and center.
My Take: Captive exceeded my expectations, especially considering how far into the Eve Duncan series it appears. Jane MacGuire and Seth Caleb are two of my favorite characters, and putting them together in Scotland with Earl MacDuff, a castle, plenty of danger, and a fast-moving plot worked for me. My verdict? Read. Long-running series don’t always maintain their momentum, but this installment certainly did.
What Captive Is About
Captive shifts the focus from Eve Duncan to her daughter, Jane MacGuire, and Jane’s partner, Seth Caleb. When Seth crosses powerful crime lord Hugh Bohdan, the danger follows Jane to Scotland, where she’s working at MacDuff’s Run.
With Earl John MacDuff involved, Jane and Seth find themselves facing both a dangerous criminal operation and a mystery involving a secret that has remained hidden for 200 years.
The result is part romantic thriller, part historical mystery, with the Scottish Highlands providing the backdrop – and a major development in Jane’s life that I’m definitely not spoiling here.
Captive by Iris Johansen – What I Liked
Jane, Seth, and MacDuff
Despite the fact that Eve Duncan herself doesn’t actually appear in this book, Captive features some of my favorite characters from the series: Jane MacGuire, Seth Caleb, and Earl MacDuff.
We’ve seen Jane and Seth together in previous books, and I particularly enjoy their relationship and the way they work together. Adding plenty of MacDuff to the mix only made this installment more enjoyable for me.
And Jane has a wonderful surprise in this book. That’s all I’m saying. No spoilers here!
The Scottish Setting
The entire book is set in Scotland, much of it at MacDuff’s Run, Earl MacDuff’s castle.
Naturally, I loved imagining myself hanging out at MacDuff’s Run for an indefinite amount of time. What can I say? I’m a castle hound!
The Scottish setting added a lot to the atmosphere for me and was an especially good backdrop for the historical mystery woven into the thriller plot.
The Pacing
This is a fast-paced book, which is something I’ve come to expect from Iris Johansen’s Eve Duncan novels.
There was plenty happening throughout the story, and even though we’re very deep into a long-running series by this point, Captive never felt like an installment that existed simply to keep the series going.
That’s probably what impressed me most. Book #29 still kept me turning the pages.
Captive by Iris Johansen – What I Didn’t Like
There really wasn’t anything I disliked about Captive. I went into it wondering whether a series this long could still deliver a book that felt fresh and exciting, and this one did.
Captive by Iris Johansen – Read, ReRead, or Reconsider?
And now, for my 3 Rs of book reviews! Should you read, reread, or reconsider Captive by Iris Johansen?
This is a definite Read!
If you already know and enjoy Jane MacGuire and Seth Caleb, I’d especially recommend this installment. Their relationship, the Scottish setting, the historical mystery, and that surprise involving Jane made this one of those later-series books I was very glad I didn’t skip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Captive
Is Captive part of the Eve Duncan series?
Yes. Captive is part of Iris Johansen’s long-running Eve Duncan series, although the story focuses primarily on Eve’s daughter, Jane MacGuire, and Seth Caleb.
Can you read Captive without reading the other Eve Duncan books?
Technically, you could follow the main thriller plot, but I wouldn’t recommend starting here. Much of the appeal comes from Jane and Seth’s existing relationship and the history of these recurring characters. Readers familiar with the earlier books will get much more from it.
Does Eve Duncan appear in Captive?
No. Despite being part of the Eve Duncan series, Eve herself doesn’t appear in Captive. Jane MacGuire, Seth Caleb, and Earl MacDuff are among the major returning characters.
Is Captive Worth Reading?
Yes – particularly if you’re already an Eve Duncan reader.
Although Captive doesn’t actually feature Eve herself, Jane MacGuire and Seth Caleb are strong enough characters to carry the story. I enjoyed the Scottish setting, the fast-moving thriller plot, and seeing where Jane’s story goes next.
I wouldn’t choose Captive as my introduction to the Eve Duncan world, though. Because so much of my enjoyment came from already knowing these characters and their history, this is one I’d recommend reading as part of the series rather than picking up completely on its own.
What To Read Next
- The Omega Factor by Steve Berry – Try this next if you like fast-paced thrillers that mix present-day danger with secrets from history.
- Portrait of an Unknown Woman by Daniel Silva – Another long-running thriller series featuring familiar characters, international settings, and a mystery rooted in the past.
- The Murders at Fleat House by Lucinda Riley – A good choice if you’re in the mood for a standalone mystery with a strong female lead and an atmospheric setting.
- Explore Mystery & Thriller – Browse more mystery and thriller reviews, reading-order guides, and recommendations on Looks Like Books.
