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Summary: One of my All-Time Favorites
Review: This was the first book I'd ever read by Iris Johansen (about 4 years ago), and I LOVED IT!!! After reading it, I went straight to the library and checked out every other book she'd ever written (even the romance novels-- not my usual genre.) Since then, I've come to recognize a lot of similarities in her books. In many cases, it seems like she re-uses the same characters, just giving them different names in each book. But I still read them all. And "The Ugly Duckling" is still my favorite.
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Summary: An ugly duckling turns into a beautiful killer swan
Review: The back cover of "The Ugly Duckling" asks: "If fate suddenly made you more beautiful than you ever dreamed possible, would it be the beginning of a fairy tale, or your worst nightmare...?" However, that rhetorical question does not even come close to scratching the surface on this thriller by Iris Johansen because by the time Nell Calder is transformed into a beautiful swan she is already living a horrible nightmare. As a little girl it was pounded into Nell's head by her mother than she was never going to be the swan, always the ugly duckling. As an adult Nell is married to a handsome executive and has a four-year old daughter, but the doubts are always there. Then there is an attack on a party at which her husband and child are killed and Nell is horribly scarred. Yes, she emerges as a stunning beauty, but inside is that creature of doubt, transformed not so much by the amazing surgery but by the brutality of events. If this is a fairy tale then Johansen is clearly writing a very grim fairy tale. Because Nell was not just an innocent bystander, she was a target of the attack and the killer is still after her. As much as Nell would like to know why this is still happening to her, the more primal part of her sees the opportunity not just to fight back but to claim revenge for her loved ones and finally get back at those nagging voices her mother put inside her brain. With her new face, Nell has effectively disappeared from the killer's radar. But then she figures out that the only way to catch the killer is to let him think he has caught her. Surely this book is in development somewhere off in Tinsel Town with actresses fighting over the role and trying to figure out how they will make themselves look like the "before" Nell. I like a story of revenge as much as the next person and this one delivers just desserts to all of the characters. "The Ugly Duckling" is not great fiction, but it is a first class, fast moving thriller where the psychological dimensions of survival are given as much play as the physical. Of course, if you stop and think about it, most fairy tales have their nightmarish aspects, so maybe that back cover blurb was not off as much as we might have thought.
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Summary: Fantastic
Review: Iris Johansen's The Ugly Duckling can only be the work of a genius.I couldn't put the book down.I lived through every chapter of the book with the characters.I would recommend this book to anyone who loves thrills and romance.
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Summary: one of the best books ive ever read
Review: to be honest, i wasnt so psyched about reading this book, but once i read the first page, i had to read the rest. it really is one of the best books i've ever read. if Nicholas Tanek were a real man, i think i'd fall in love with him. its just some way that he is presented in this book that draws me to him. i highly recommend it. theres a twist at the end, definately worth reading. you won't want to put it down.
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Summary: Johansen writes one mean Romantic Thriller!!
Review: I have enjoyed every novel I have read written by Iris Johansen. This story is one of her best. What if you were suddenly beautiful beyond your dreams? What if you finally found true love? What if your past relentlessly strove to catch up with you? What if that past will kill you if it catches you?
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Summary: A GREAT READ!!
Review: Wow! The first book I read by IJ was Last Bridge Home and I thought it was horrible. I didn't buy another IJ book until just recently. It was pretty good so I ordered The Ugly Duckling. This book just blew me away. Great adventure, love story, survival, revenge - WOW! The back of this book says, "A real knockout. . .[an] intense thriller. . .bravo!" I couldn't agree more. The female lead goes from a timid woman to a strong in-control heroine. She and our anti-hero have great chemistry. Buy it! You won't regret it for a minute. A real keeper.
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Summary: You CAN judge a book by its cover
Review: Ironically, I picked up this book for the most superficial of reasons: The blue lettering on the white background was a beautiful combination. It sounded interesting and I was in the mood for a mystery. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I couldn't wait to finish the book so I could discover what would happen to Nell, yet I was very sad when I finished the book. I was left wanting more.
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Summary: Amazing Characters
Review: Its cover was attracting me. A stunning and bandaged face it was. At least during I fell in love this book, Nell and Nicholas and others were real. Just like me in this world. I could feel everything what they feel. When I was reading the book, I could see all scenes of it. They were represented in my head. I was too shocked when I had come to know Nell's ex-husband, Richard was still alive moreover with Nadine. What a pity of Nell! Nell was betrayed by her ex-husband! Richard you bad guy! I don't know whether this book was screenplayed once but I don't think so. If this story adapts for a movie, that will be great. Maybe it should be very suspensive and blockbusting and romantic. Who can be starred in? ....
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Summary: Absolutely Wonderful
Review: ...I have to admit that the cover had my interest from the beginning. The way the author tunes herself into the charcters is amazing. The storyline is great, and always has new twist to keep your interest. I didn't stop reading until I finished the book (which happened to be on a work night). I have recommened this book to all my friends, and now have a personal copy of my own that I re-read when I am not busy. I have read many more of Iris Johansen's books, but this one is my favorite. This is a must read!!!!
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Summary: IJ At her BEST!!!
Review: Once again Ij has captivated me with a old, but new, and refreshing story. I listened to the audio cassettes and was captivated from start to finish. I highly recommend this one for all of you who want an adventure that will keep you up all night.
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