What Doesn't Kill You (sometimes makes you stronger and sometimes just injures you!)

What Doesn't Kill You    

by Iris Johansen features many of the characters that we have been introduced to in the multi-volume series that detailed Eve Duncan's extensive search for the daughter who was snatched from her so many years ago.  Ms Johansen has a deft hand at creating memorable characters and chilling situations and she is finally giving a glimpse at some of their backgrounds.  Eve Duncan won Catherine Ling's undying loyalty a few books back by helping her rescue her son Luke from the madman who had kidnapped the young boy and spent the subsequent years brainwashing him.  Catherine repaid the favor by aiding Eve in her own search during which time she became involved in a cat and mouse hunt with John Gallo, a tortured individual with long-standing ties to Eve.  This book spotlights Catherine, John, Luke and several others in a suspenseful tale that naturally involves an earthshaking secret that requires the efforts and remarkable skills that have been honed through unspeakable trials.  The deep emotions that tie many of these damaged individuals together are explored while they race against time to prevent an insidious crime from being perpetrated.  I was not quite as enthralled with this work as I have been with others in the series but it is nevertheless an intriguing addition to the series.  My Amazon review is at this link under ELF2060.  If appropriate, a 'yes, this was helpful' vote is always appreciated.

On a personal note, I had the wonderful opportunity to listen to some of the top smooth jazz musicians in the field this weekend.  I recommend these live concerts to anyone who likes this type of music as one can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air, sip on a libation of your choice (yum, pineapple juice!), and soak up the wonderful music.  I also can highly recommend the Neutrogena sunblock spray SPF 70 since it did a fantastic job of keeping my very fair skin from becoming sunburned...pretty amazing since I was seated in the sun for about 12 hours over two days.  I wasn't sure how effective something that is a spray on would work but it was great everywhere except a small area on my foot that I must have inadvertently wiped off.  It does have a pretty strong smell when it is first applied and by all means, spray it away from others since even a slight breeze will make it travel to the neighbors.  I tended to spray it into my hand and apply the liquid so that I could put it on my face and ears without blinding myself!  I was very pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness so it is something those of you who need such a thing should consider when you are going to be in the sun for long periods of time.