Facing Evil, 2nd Edition by C. L. Hart

by C.L. Hart

Detective Abby Stanfield has worked tirelessly to bring serial killer Billy Ward to justice, but when his case is thrown out of court, Abby loses control and threatens publicly to kill him. Forced to take a leave of absence from her job, Abby heads to a mountain resort where she meets Sarah Murphy. The two women discover love for the first time in their lives, but are soon torn apart. Through twist and turns of the novel, Abby and Sarah experience for themselves the brutality of a serial killer before he ends up dead, and Abby is his accused killer.

Genres: Thriller, Romance, Mystery, Audiobook, LGBT, Lesbian, Crime

Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

“I have always been a writer, pen to paper or fingertips on a keyboard, it doesn't really matter to me, all I want to do it create. Poetry, music, stories or novels, I want to bring you into my world. Climb the rugged peaks of snowcapped mountains, or tumble and stumble down into the darkness of the valleys where we learn who we are and what we are made of. Rise to the challenges of life, following the twists and turns that force us to make the changes and choices, hopefully creating a great story along the way. It's not always pretty, and the stories don't always go in the direction the readers want, but I will take you on a journey.

I write what I like to read. I get bored easily, so my stories have to keep me interested. I like to create characters who may be bigger than life, but who aren't perfect; characters who haven't always made the best or smartest choices. My life hasn't always been perfect, there have been many ups and down, and it has been anything but normal. So I guess that comes out in my writings. It was an accident at work that brought my life to a complete standstill and I was lost. Several people guided me toward the written word... storytelling, and after a few attempts on the internet under the pseudonym Sinful, I finally created my first novel - Facing Evil. Four years later, I finished my award winning novel - From a Distance.”

CL Hart is an avid outdoors woman, whose is as handy with an axe and a hammer as she is with a pen. Her colorful rainbow of occupations has included; police officer, bus driver, truck driver and singer. She resides outside of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada with her wife and their four-footed family.

Reviews

[AnnMaree Of Oz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited. I tried the authors other book From a Distance which I thought was impressive, and decided to try this.

While it is well written, and has a HEAP of investigative detail - unfortunately the plot became overly convoluted and then there's a HUGE reveal that ends up being WTF inducing, and ends up making no freaking sense for the secrecy that surrounds it.
(Or the fact that no one else investigates deep enough to also find out.)

So overall I could only give this 2 for being okay. I ended up skimming a lot, because it became so drawn out, and overly convoluted with so much stacked against our MC and then very little done to actually get her out of it, which felt forced.

I do highly commend the author, as I said it's well written, lots of great detail - but maybe too much and in trying to weave a heap of secrecy and drama in, just unfortunately made it a bit too convoluted to enjoy.

I'd totally recommend From A Distance on KU, to other readers, though!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Although there is a f/f romance story throughout the book it's really the mystery and suspense of the two parts of the book which got me hooked. It's was nice to read about a couple having to work through more than just the normal "I wonder does she like me" questions. I really enjoyed Abby's relationship with Lincoln aswell and of course her loyal dog Buck.

Since I finished reading it I have been wondering about one thing, I won't give away spoilers but there's a few questions raised in the epilogue by Lincoln about the death of Billy Ward that were never answered fully... Is there going to be another book? Or are they never meant to be answers?

[Paulina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't understand how a reporter didn't recognize most wanted serial killer 🤔

[Marie Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Not your predictable everyday romance, intelligent storyline with murder, suspense and a great thriller with 2 likeable MC's. It's a hell of a ride and one I throughly recommend.
I will definitely read more by this author

[Shannon Luchies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book, but almost soap opera convoluted. Not strongly recommended....

[Becky Rosenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was a little too convoluted. Other than that it was entertaining.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I want it to be a movie! But then it wouldn't be as good as the book... ah well.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat. It was twisty, lots of turns, and difficult to put down. This book will not let you down. Lots of action, mystery, and a wonderful, sweet romance. The biggest twisty ending. You will not be disappointed. This is the second book I've read from this author and the other book, "From a Distance", I have already read at least four (4) times and will read again. I will also read this book again. This is definitely for your TBR (to be read) pile.

[Vibeke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic audiobook- very well written crime story!! Kept me listening to the story hours after hours until the end. Only reason it don’t get 5 stars is because of the lack of a book two to solve all the questions from the epilogue

[~lil maso~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This needs a trigger warning for Animal Death.
I was a sobbing mess.
Fantastic story though :)

[Joseph Picard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, involving read. Ms. Hart happily makes the reader suffer with empathy for the protagonist and her love interest. She jerks the carrot away a few times, as you think things are going to turn out.

Of course, you can tell it won't turn out, since there's still a lot of reading ahead each time, but the seed of hope is planted a few times only to be followed by salt, driving you to read on for some kind of vindication, whether bittersweet or otherwise.

All in all, a good murder mystery and romance mix.

[Brittany Gibb · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was fairly predictable and as a mystery/thriller goes it was not awesome in my opinion. However, it was the first of its kind that I've read having main characters with a romance I could actually relate to as a lesbian. I read this more for the romance but unfortunately, I was found wanting in that department.

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the main characters Abby Stanfield and Sarah Murphy were intriguing as well as individuals you want to cheer for as were the supporting characters. The story was a suspenseful page turner. Although a bit gruesome for my taste, I like a good mystery and that it was.

[Elizabeth Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great lesbian main characters in mystery thriller. Shows you can have a good book without sex.

[Hazey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read...

A good murder mystery with romance in the mix... recommended good read.
First book by CL Hart would read another by this author.

[Marie Castaldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I thought this book was great. It mad me cry. It was a very interesting story. The characters seemed real and the story was intriguing. I enjoyed it immensely.

[Ulla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I owned it but gave it away!