Iris Johansen

"If your feet are firmly planted on the ground you'll never be able to dance"

IRIS JOHANSEN is the New York Times bestselling author of Eight Days to Live, Shadow Zone, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Silent Thunder (with Roy Johansen), Pandora’s Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On the Run, Countdown, Firestorm, Fatal Tide, Dead Aim, No One to Trust, and more.

Johansen began writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success. She had seventeen consecutive New York Times bestsellers as of November 2006.

Johansen lives near Atlanta, Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.

What genres does Iris Johansen write?

She began with category romances, moved into suspense historical romance in 1991 (The Wind Dancer), and in 1996 switched to crime fiction and thrillers. She writes both romantic and suspense crime novels.

What are Iris Johansen's main series and their general focus?

Major series include the Eve Duncan crime/thriller series, the Wind Dancer historical suspense series, the Sedikhan series (romantic/saga titles), and the Lion's Bride romance series. She also has standalone thrillers.

Where is a good place to start reading her work?

If you prefer crime thrillers, start with The Face of Deception, noted as the first Eve Duncan novel. If you prefer historical romance, begin with The Wind Dancer. For other series, begin with the first book in that series.

Do I need to read her books in order?

Many of her books are part of series and are best read in publication or series order for character and plot continuity. She also publishes standalone novels that can be read independently.