Countdown

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A young woman finds herself caught in a maze of secrets and stalked by a merciless killer in this breakneck Eve Duncan novel from renowned author Iris Johansen.

“Top-notch . . . a unique supernatural twist on the classic thriller.”—Booklist

“Don’t kill her. She’s no good to us dead.” These words haunt Jane MacGuire. She thought she’d escaped a random kidnapping, but she’s about to learn that the truth is far more terrifying. . . .

Now Jane is running for her life. Her adoptive parents, forensic sculptor Eve Duncan and Joe Quinn, of the Atlanta PD, can’t help. The FBI can’t help. No one can. Except a man who may be more dangerous than those pursuing her. A smuggler, a con man, Mark Trevor had his own mysterious reasons for wanting to keep Jane safe from a relentless killer and a two-thousand-year-old mystery that could rock the modern-day world.

For the past is returning with a vengeance that knows no mercy. The countdown has begun, and it’s closer to zero than anyone thinks.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs