If you’re a fan of thrillers, you may have come across Smokescreen by Iris Johansen and Burn by Lars Emmerich. Both books boast strong female protagonists, epic plot twists, and enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. But when it comes to comparing the two, which one reigns supreme? In this article, we’ll delve into an in-depth analysis of both books in terms of writing style, character development, themes, and reader reactions, before making our final verdict.
An Overview of the Authors, Iris Johansen and Lars Emmerich
Iris Johansen is an American author who has authored over 50 best-selling novels in the suspense and romance genres. Known for her strong female characters, Johansen’s books are a perfect blend of action, mystery, and intrigue. Lars Emmerich, on the other hand, is a German-born author who has made a name for himself in the thriller genre. He has authored four books, all of which have been highly praised for their unique and unpredictable plots.
Despite their different backgrounds and writing styles, Johansen and Emmerich have collaborated on several projects together. Their first collaboration was the novel “Pandora’s Daughter,” which was published in 2007. The book was a huge success and led to the creation of a series of novels featuring the character of forensic sculptor Eve Duncan.
In addition to their collaborations, both authors have received numerous awards and accolades for their work. Johansen has been nominated for and won several awards, including the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Daphne du Maurier Award. Emmerich has also been recognized for his writing, winning the Independent Publisher Book Award for Best Mystery/Thriller in 2016.
Plot Summary: Smokescreen by Iris Johansen
Smokescreen follows a woman named Eve Duncan, who happens to be a forensic sculptor. The book opens with Eve being approached by a billionaire named John Logan, who enlists her to help him identify the remains of his niece, who has been missing for years. The catch? The body was burned beyond recognition. Logan believes that his niece was murdered by a notorious serial killer named Jim Doane and is willing to pay any price to put him behind bars. But as Eve delves deeper into the case, she realizes that there’s more to the story than meets the eye, leading to a heart-stopping conclusion.
As Eve continues to investigate the case, she discovers that there are several people who have a motive to kill Logan’s niece. She also uncovers a web of lies and deceit that has been carefully constructed to cover up the truth. With the help of her team, Eve races against time to uncover the real killer and bring them to justice.
Throughout the book, the author weaves in themes of family, love, and loss. Eve’s own tragic past is a constant reminder of the importance of finding closure for the families of victims. The book also explores the lengths that people will go to protect their loved ones, even if it means breaking the law.
Plot Summary: Burn by Lars Emmerich
Burn follows a woman named Sara Eden, a CIA operative who has been on the run for years. She’s been framed for a crime she didn’t commit and is desperately trying to clear her name. The book opens with Sara barely escaping an assassination attempt and realizing that she has to go into hiding to prevent further attempts on her life. As she tries to unravel the conspiracy against her, she’s forced to confront her past and face the demons that have been haunting her for years. The book is full of twists and turns, not to mention plenty of action, leading up to a shocking conclusion.
Throughout the book, Sara is aided by a former colleague and love interest, Jack. Together, they navigate the dangerous world of espionage and uncover a web of corruption that goes all the way to the top. Along the way, Sara also discovers a shocking truth about her family that shakes her to her core. As the stakes get higher and the danger intensifies, Sara must decide who she can trust and what she’s willing to sacrifice to clear her name and bring the conspirators to justice.
Character Analysis: Protagonists of Smokescreen and Burn
Eve Duncan and Sara Eden are both strong female leads who carry their respective stories with elegance and strength. Eve is an unconventional heroine, a forensic sculptor who has been through a lot of loss in her life. She’s determined to get to the bottom of the case, even if it means putting her own life on the line. Sara is a trained CIA operative who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. She’s resourceful and determined, and her resilience is what keeps her going as she struggles to clear her name.
Despite their similarities, Eve and Sara have distinct personalities that set them apart from each other. Eve is introspective and analytical, often taking a step back to assess the situation before making a move. On the other hand, Sara is impulsive and quick to act, relying on her instincts to guide her through dangerous situations.
Another notable difference between the two protagonists is their approach to relationships. Eve is guarded and hesitant to let people in, due to the trauma she’s experienced in her past. Sara, on the other hand, is more open and willing to form connections with others, even if it means putting herself at risk.
Character Analysis: Antagonists of Smokescreen and Burn
Jim Doane is the main antagonist in Smokescreen, a notorious serial killer who is as twisted as they come. He’s a master manipulator who enjoys playing mind games with those around him. In Burn, the antagonist is much more elusive, with Sara struggling to determine who her true enemies are. However, when the truth is revealed, it’s just as shocking as anything Jim Doane could come up with.
Theme Comparison: Love, Betrayal, and Revenge in Smokescreen and Burn
Both books have strong themes of love, betrayal, and revenge that drive the story forward. Smokescreen explores the lengths people will go to for love, as well as the devastating consequences of betrayal. Burn, on the other hand, is more focused on revenge, with Sara’s desire for it playing a central role in the book’s plot. Both books showcase how far people will go for those they care about, and how that can either lead to redemption or destruction.
Writing Styles of Iris Johansen and Lars Emmerich
The writing style of Iris Johansen is smooth and engaging, with vivid descriptions and characters that feel real. The pacing is steady, with enough action and suspense to keep the reader interested. Lars Emmerich’s writing style is more gritty and dark, with a sense of danger lurking around every corner. His characters are flawed and complex, and the plot twists are unexpected and jaw-dropping.
Pacing and Suspense in Smokescreen and Burn
Both books have excellent pacing and suspense, with the tension building up slowly until it reaches a boiling point. Smokescreen keeps the reader guessing until the very end, with plenty of red herrings and unexpected plot twists to keep them on their toes. Burn, meanwhile, is more action-packed, with plenty of adrenaline-fueled scenes that keep the heart racing.
Similarities and Differences in the Endings of Smokescreen and Burn
Without giving too much away, the endings of both books were surprising and satisfying, leaving the reader feeling both elated and shaken. While there are similarities in terms of how the main conflict is resolved, the resolutions are different enough that they feel unique to each book.
Reader Reactions to Smokescreen vs Burn
Both books have been highly praised by readers and critics alike, with many citing the strong characters, intricate plot, and unpredictable twists as the reasons for their praise. Smokescreen has been commended for its emotional depth and nuanced character relationships, while Burn has been praised for its intense action and fast-paced storytelling.
Which Thriller Novel Reigns Supreme? A Final Verdict on Smokescreen vs Burn
While both books are fantastic thrillers that are sure to leave an impression, we have to give the edge to Burn by Lars Emmerich. Emmerich’s writing style and characters are simply more compelling and unpredictable, and the book’s plot twists and turns are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. That’s not to say that Smokescreen by Iris Johansen isn’t worth a read, but if you’re looking for a thriller that will leave you gasping for breath and turning pages until the wee hours of the morning, then Burn is the way to go.