Revenge

Faces of Evil #5

by Debra Webb, Carol Schneider (Narrator)

Pages torn from a journal . . . brutal murders . . . dark, ugly secrets. Jess Harris has a new case, one that is sure to shake the very foundation of Birmingham's wealthy and powerful. More than a decade ago the "Five" had it all. In twenty-four hours they would graduate and head off to their Ivy League destinations. Except one last midnight celebration ended in death, and now, twelve years later, someone wants revenge. Determining exactly who is out for revenge is the easy part; stopping him before someone else dies has Jess and her team working overtime. As Jess uncovers the truth and solves the case, she receives a package from the Player, the serial killer obsessed with her. He is about to start a new game and she just got her invitation to play.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Fiction

MP3 CD

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 170 novels, including reader favorites the Finley O'Sullivan and Devlin & Falco series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel.

With more than four million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book of her series the Faces of Evil-Revenge. Here is some fact about the main characters that you need to get to know. Dan Burnett is Chief of the Birmingham Police Department, and Jess Harris, the Department's Deputy Chief of the Special Problems Unit. Dan and Jess were lovers twenty years ago. Jess, is a former FBI profiler, who has returned home to Birmingham following a botched case involving serial killer. Fast forward Dan is now Jess boss, and they have rekindled their love for each other. Let me say there a sufficient amount of deceit and, betrayal, and unknown killers, with a lot twist and turns so that you can’t put this book down to the very end.

Debra writes books that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very end. One more thing I will have to say is that you need to start from book one of this series so that you will be in the know of what is going on. Because let me tell you something the next book in this series will be out on August 27, and it is call Ruthless. Yes, I am recommend this series, because you will not be able to put it down, and let me tell you I can’t wait until the next book to comes out.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!!! MY NEIGHBOR IS LOOKING FOR OTHER BOOKS FROM DEBRA WEBB

[Spanxmcb (Yovanka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid turn in the Faces of Evil Series! Can't wait till "Ruthless"!!

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

All I can say is wow. This was not a disappointing book. I read it in one day-couldn't wait to get through each page to see what would happen next. I must say I didn't see it coming as to who the actual killer was of the famed Five. A group of rich friends, who bullied two guy during school, then before graduation, they were all up on a roof top of a building. One of the guys that was bullied jumped off the top. Twelve years later, they are being murdered, one by one. Everyone assumes it is the friend of the one that jumped-getting revenge on the ones he feels caused his friends death. All the while Harris is investigating these murders, she receives texts from who she calls the Player. At first she doesn't tell Burnett, but he inadvertently finds out by way of her ex husband who contacted him after being contacted by a former co worker of Harris's. Also, along the way, another person from her past comes into play-Corlew, a former police officer, who was ousted after Burnett became Chief and then became a PI. He claimed to have information about the murders taking place, but never gave up a lot of information. One may have believed he was involved with them. Harris's apt was broken into, by someone she feels either the Player or one of his people he has that will work for him. Her car was attempted to be broken in, but everyone feels that may have been the work of a police officer who butted heads with her and now is missing and no one seems to be able to locate. So, many are blaming her for him disappearing. She asks her landlord if they can come check his property, he says it is fine. He still strikes Harris as a bit strange. Only working at night, never offering up too much information about himself or his past. A check showed nothing on him. The ME remembers when his sister died years ago but other then that, no one knows much about him. Does make you wonder what his story is. He always seems to be lurking about Harris' apt, doing odd things, like fixing something, painting something, putting a glider on the patio for her. During all this, she gets a call from her brother in law that her sister is in the hospital asking for her. Tests are still coming up abnormal but they don't know why. And then Harris discovers she has missed a few of her birth control pills and she is late. Hmmm, really makes you wonder how a baby would fit into all she is going through. Even with all that is happening to her, she still won't back down and let everything get to her. She realizes she needs to take more precautions and installs a state of the art home security system. For the most part, she is never alone. This book ends with her and Burnett at her place and a package on her porch. After the bomb squad is called, they say it is safe to open. She opens it, a scarf is inside and three photos of women. This comes after she learns that the Player aka Spears, may have entered back into the states a week ago undetected. I am looking forward to reading the last book in this series. But will have to wait until the end of the next month. It will be hard to wait that long. Such a good series this is.

[Mary Gramlich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is every act of violence driven by something?

Jess Harris is a Deputy Chief fighting off a stalking serial killer, attempting to get her new team on the same page, establish the whereabouts of a fellow office that tried to kill her, and figure out why her hair dryer keeps blowing a fuse. The additional complication is the rekindled romance that she is having with her boss Chief Dan Burnett, a man that can stop the rhythm of her heart just by hearing his voice. Trying to maintain rules and regulations when the heat is this strong is very difficult even for a kick butt woman who has convinced herself she does not need anyone taking care of her.

This day finds Jess helping her former teacher not be convicted of murdering the man who ran her retirement home. Being a good businessman meant stepping on many toes but it should not mean getting your head bashed in, or so one would think. When a second victim is discovered and the pattern is repeated Jess knows something wicked is going on and believes the chain of effects happening now was created years ago by a group of teenagers with more money than good sense. When you are young and invincible you never think the terror you inflict on another would become your destiny.

As the days move on, the violence increases, and more clues reveal themselves a deeper web of confusion around who really is the killer. Was this one of the supposed all together to the bitter end friends or a ghost from the past? The question becomes why now after all these years would the tables turn and the tormentor become the victim. If Jess can figure all this out and try just once to follow a direct order from her boss and lover it might just be a good day.

This book is so mesmerizing that you will not let your put it down until it is completely finished and then wait anxiously for the next one in the series

[Anna's Herding Cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, Webb has officially won me over. Unlike the last book, Rage, I went into Revenge knowing there was going to be practically no romance even though it's marketed as a 'romantic suspense' and I think that really helped me love it. The suspense/murder mystery as Jess and her team race to find a killer slowly murdering a group of high school friends was exciting and interesting and kept me glued to the pages as they put it all together.

I really like Jess. She's no nonsense, slightly older than your average heroine-- coming in in her early 40s--and she doesn't mess around or play games. If something needs to be done she gets it done. I love watching her mind work things out when she's on the job and seeing her deal with her skittish feelings about her boss Dan.

Like I said the romance is so incredibly light it could easily be taken out of the book and not make a difference. But what's there is moving in the right direction and I'm hoping will play a bigger part at some point as she and Dan tow the line of having a private and professional relationship. You don't see too much of Dan but I'm so loving his over protective self.

The series is ongoing--each book completely solves a murder mystery but it's the same lead characters throughout-- so I really recommend reading it in order for full impact. Webb's writing flows very smoothly and quickly as the teams works to solve the murders that are piling up. I really enjoyed trying to figure it all out and piece it together and kinda liked that I wasn't able to catch everything or see it all coming. If you like cop murder mysteries this one is definitely one I'd recommend.

Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. It was good, but I wanted more. I thought there should be more. I have been waiting since book 2 for the story arc with Eric Spears to move forward, and it does...sort of. However, it looks like book 6 is where Spears is going to engage Jess. I keep waiting for the relationship between Jess and Dan to move forward in a meaningful way, and it does...sort of. Lori and Chet's relationship is the one moving forward, with Lori especially showing a lot of development, whereas Jess and Dan seem to be stuck on replay.

I thought Revenge was weighed down by Jess' self doubt and insecurity, when Dan doesn't really do much to make her feel that way. I realize that each book only covers a week in the life of Jess, but a lot of her thoughts about herself are repetitive, and I'm a little concerned she's not showing much growth.

All of the above concerns aside, I would be lying if I say that I didn't enjoy this book, and that overall it wasn't a great read. And I am anxiously awaiting book 6.

[Suzy Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

A group of rich, spoiled kids known as the "Five" are all grown up and just as convinced they own the world as they were in when in high school. Now one has been murdered.

DC Jess Harris and her unit are investigating. Jess knew them when they were in HS but not well. After all, she wasn't from the right part of town. But a favorite teacher feels she may be a suspect and appeals to Jess for help.

The plot thickens and there are more murders. A death after graduation seems to have been murder instead of suicide and twelve years later rears its head.

Jess is still being harassed by a villain from her past with the FBI. Her relationship with her boss and lover, complicates things as the "Five" are from his social circle, not hers.

Another classmate, not of the elite group, adds to the mix with allegations against the "Five".

Where will it go? Who did what to whom? Read it and find out!

[Tracey Berthiaume · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVENGE - A masterful continuation of the Faces of Evil.

Debra Webb is at it again. She continues to keep us on the edge of our seats and begging for more.

Jess is wondering why in the world the head of the Gang Task force Captain Ted Allen may have been trying to kill her. Now he has disappeared. The newest murder for Jess's team has the first suspect being Jess's 75 year old teacher. Jess is determined to prove she is innocent even though she was overheard threatening him. As if that isn't enough Jess suspects that serial killer The Player Eric Spears is back and at the very least has someone watching her.

This is a must read, but make sure you read books one through four first so you are ready for the twists and turns of book five.

You won't want to miss this.

Revenge: The Faces of Evil Series: Book 5 Kindle Edition

Revenge: The Faces of Evil Series: Book 5 Paperback Edition

[Terry Gregson · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one writes edge of your seat suspense better than Debra Webb. Revenge grabs your attention on page one and doesn't let go even after you have finished the book. Just when you think you know the answer to whodunit, she changes tactics. The Faces of Evil series is definitely at the top of my list of favorite suspense series. I just can't get enough. The relationship between Jess and Dan keeps you on the edge as well. And I can't wait to see if there is another surprise in the next book. Lori and Harper's romance works well in the stories as well. Will Lori win little Chester over? I hope so! If you love romantic suspense as much as I do, I highly recommend that you read anything by Debra Webb, but especially the Faces of Evil series. Debra Webb will always leave you wanting more. I can't wait for Ruthless!!

[Mandy Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better! You won't be able to put this one down... like the other 4, I lost many hours of sleep staying up anxious to see what happens next!

[Marijane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting Romantic Suspense is synonymous with Debra Webb's Faces of Evil series. Revenge is no exception. The series succeeds, and only gets better, because Ms. Webb deftly integrates action-packed plots with character-driven plots. Equally important, Ms. Webb's recurring characters are well-developed, likeable, and genuine, compelling the reader to care about them.

The main characters are Dan Burnett, Chief of the Birmingham Police Department, and Jess Harris, the Department's Deputy Chief of the Special Problems Unit. Dan and Jess were lovers twenty years ago. Jess, a former FBI profiler, returned home to Birmingham following a botched case involving serial killer, Eric Spears, who still is obsessed with her. Dan now is her boss and her lover.

Jess is an acutely intelligent, independent, and driven heroine whose continual determination to do things her own way, even if they are outside of police protocol, drives Dan crazy. Dan always has her back which is not always easy since he is her boss. Dan also is very protective of Jess much to her annoyance.

Since her return to Birmingham about one month ago, Jess has dealt with murderers, a serial killer, drug lords, and threats to her life. Nothing, however, prepares Jess for the revelation by Frances Wallace, her favorite high school teacher, now 75, that she may be charged with the murder of Scott Baker. While Ms. Frances and the other “widows” at Vestavia Village may have had motive since Mr. Baker planned to build a complex that would block the views from their condos, Mr. Baker's past leads Jess's team's investigation in a different direction.

Twelve years ago, Scott Baker was one of the Five, offspring of Birmingham's wealthiest and most influential families. The Five ruled high school through cruelty and bullying. Matters became totally out of control when one of the school “geeks,” Lenny Porter, committed suicide at a pre-graduation party. The Five agreed to keep secret the occurrences of that night.

The remaining members of the Five are convinced that an old classmate, Todd Penney, is seeking revenge for the death of his friend Lenny. Jess is not convinced that the killer is Penney. But, as members of the Five are murdered one by one, Jess and her team are intent on solving the case before the next murder.

Amidst the frantic investigation, Jess also must cope with the taunting texts and gifts from Spears. Known as “The Player” to the FBI, Spears makes it clear that he is ready to play the game with Jess.

There is sufficient deceit, betrayal, unknown killers, and twists to keep the reader captivated.

Ms. Webb effortlessly interweaves the personal and professional lives of the characters. As in each prior book, the characters continue to cope with their flaws, personal growth issues, and intimate relationships at the same time that they are dealing with murder and mayhem.

In Revenge, Jess's character evolves more than in any other book. She finally begins to face the demons that have haunted her since childhood. She recognizes that she fears letting people get close to her because there is a risk that she may lose them. Jess questions her personal decisions, embraces the idea of having friends and, most importantly, admits her feelings for Dan. Jess and Dan continue to progress cautiously in their relationship.

Revenge is the fifth book in this series. While it is a stand-alone read, the reader may prefer reading the predecessors, Obsession, Impulse, Power, and Rage. I guarantee that if you read Revenge first, you will go back and read the earlier books. 

There is a reason Revenge received 4 ½ stars from RT Magazine. It is that good.

I highly recommend Revenge, and the other books in the Faces of Evil series, to any reader who genuinely enjoys Romantic Suspense, that is, a balance between the two genres.

[Becca Booksreview · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off this is the 5th book of the Faces of Evil Series! you really are going to want to read them in order:

Books in order:

Obsession
Impulse
Power
Rage
Revenge

With that said I have been a big fan of Ms. Debra Webb's for a while, I love interacting with her. But with that said I really do love her books, her writing style, the mystery of her books. I hate when I read a mystery book and I have it figured out in the first few chapters of the book. but with Ms. Webb's books I don't have that. this one I really had to try and figure out who done it, and I didn't until the end.

In the month or so that Jess Harris has been back home in Alabama she has been on a never ending cycle of cases, she doesn't even have time to unpack her new apartment when the next case is dropped in her lap. she is still getting over the last case and now this new one she has bodies ending up at her feet every day. This book is different the last few books. their wasn't the interoffice crap going on, the other sides of the department aren't fighting over cases, detectives, etc. its seems like the group is gelling well together.

They are still missing a few cop from the last book as well, the Player is still texting her every other day, her sister is sick and they don't know why yet, Dan is making his way back in her life.

I am a huge fan of this series and am looking forward to the next books of the series..

[Thelma Banzhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debra Webb has done it again in “Revenge,” book five (5) of the Faces of Evil series. Jess Harris is Deputy Chief of the Special Problems Unit of her hometown Police Department. She is a former FBI Special Agent who has returned home after a failed investigation allowed a serial killer to go free. To make matters worse, she and her boss, Chief of Police Dan Burnette, were lovers many years ago. The serial killer hasn’t just gone away, but instead has been taunting her – now escalating from text messages to leaving items in her apartment. Throw in the suspicious disappearance of a coworker who criticized her handling of a recent case and a mystery centering around a questionable suicide from her high school years and you have quite a thrilling yarn.

One comment about Debra’s work – she starts the new story for the new book right where she left off with the old one in the last book. While it is understood that any book in a series must reveal enough of the back story for the reader to be fully informed, many authors take a chapter or more to bring a new reader “up to speed.” This is quite clumsy and tedious. Somehow Debra deftly weaves the back story into any new book, informing the new reader so smoothly that it almost goes unnoticed by one who has kept up with the series. I truly appreciate this quality of her writing along with her masterful storytelling.

[Kellie Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess blew a fuse again in her new apartment so instead of bothering the landlord she chose to fix it herself. On the way backup to her surprise was her elderly teacher from way back, the teacher who made Jess the woman she is today. To Jess's dismay her teacher thinks shes going to be charged with MURDER! In this book there is many twists and turns and it also touches base with Jess's and Dans love life, and lets not forget about Spears the serial killer, hes leaving little reminders and gifts so Jess wont forget. Debra brought it and hit it out of the park with this book. This mind needs more Webb dont just read this book read the whole series and theres more to the series after this book keep an eye out. Debra is awesome

[Rl Banzhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

One evening I picked up my wife’s book, “Revenge,” book five (5) of the Faces of Evil series by Debra Webb. I was immediately drawn into the world of Jess Harris, Deputy Chief of the Special Problems Unit of the Birmingham Police Department. A former FBI Special Agent, she left the Bureau and came home after her mistakes let a serial killer go free. She has renewed an old love affair with her boss, Chief of Police Dan Burnette. An accusatory coworker has disappeared throwing suspicion on her, a recent murder hails back to a questionable suicide back in her high school years, and the serial killer from her FBI days escalates from taunting her by text message to full blown stalking. I couldn’t put it down, and read it cover to cover. This book is a great read!

[Linda Lonetto · Rating 5 out of 5]

i have read all these books and they just keep getting better and better. This is book 5 of the faces of evil series and Jess is trying to find somone who is murdered and the blame points to a much loved teacher. The Five were a group of friends who pledged loyalty but somone doesn't agree and they are being eliminated one by one,meanwhile the ongoing Eric Spears,serial killer,is getting ever closer plus looking for Ted Allen the former head of the gang squad. With her hands full Jess still finds time for the developing romance with former boyfriend,Dan Burnett(eho happens to be her boss)what a series!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs Webb has done it again. She has brought Jess and Dan back for a story filled with page turning suspense that keeps the reader captivated! While Jess and Dan's relationship continues to grow there appears to be another killer in Birmingham and Jess has to figure out who it is. While working the case she also deals with the Player who seems to be back in action. Now this reader is waiting for the next book to find out what is next for the super couple!

[Vanetta Quintana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge! OMG... what another great read from Debra Webb! I have loved this series from the beginning and I think it just keeps getting better and better! You never know what's next for Jess and so many twist you think you have it and then gosh darn it.. the twist takes you to a whole new level.! I don't give spoilers.... so this is definitely a must read! -Vanetta

[B.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Webb nails it again. The central suspense for the whole series weaves nicely through the storyline for this book, and wow, what a storyline. Just when I thought I knew who dun it, she shifted it and then shifted it again. Too cool. Thanks for another edge-of-my-seat read. Can't wait for the next.

[Jo Ann Reinhold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent! I love where this series is headed and wow, what a ride!
Thanks Debra Webb for another great book! So ready for the next one!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome i love the Faces of Evil Series if u havent read them yet what are u waiting for get started u wont regret it

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Ms. Debra Webb..Loved the book... Jess is growing and learning to love and solve mysteries. I will be reading the rest of the series!

[Tamibates BlackRoze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debra done it again, A great story , that makes me feel like im in it. Debra stories is also riveting and realistic

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always....Fantastic book!!

[Tasha Clanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. This book begins right on the heels of book 4. We find Jess dealing with Eric Spears, the disappearance of another cop, and her relationship with Dan. In this book Jess's former teacher shows up at her door with a plea for help. She believes she's about to be charged with murder. As Jess begins to investigate a death at a local retirement community, she's drawn into the uglier side of Birmingham's elite.
We also get to meet a new character in this book, Corlew. He, Jess, and Dan have a past together. He's an interesting character, you're always left wondering what his true motives really are. Also in this book, we get to see the relationship between Jess and Dan progress a little more. They finally break down some of the walls surrounding themselves and admit how they feel about each other.
These books are fast paced, I usually read them in a day because I just can't put them down. You truly get involved with these characters. You want everything to work out for them and you really feel for them when they're at their lows. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a great suspense

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

They would have their Revenge.
Webb amps up the pressure in Revenge, the fifth installment in the Faces of Evil series. This time old high school mistakes have come back to haunt the “Five,” a tight-knit group of Birmingham’s elite. One of the Five ends up dead and Jess Harris sets out to investigate. In the process she runs into an old high school classmate of her own: Buddy Corlew. At the same time, the Player is back and begins ramping up his surveillance of Jess. Webb keeps the story moving at a brisk pace while keeping all the threads fresh and relevant. You don’t know who the killer is until the big reveal at the end of the book. Once again, it leaves us with a big opened ended question related to the player at the very end. Sadly, we have 7 more books to get through before he is taken down.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book gets progressively better. In this book, Jess and her team are working on a case of someone killing some of Birmingham's elite. They all have the same tat with a 5. Also Spears keeps on the harassment of Jess.
Debra Webb definitely knows how spin a mystery tale with romance and humor mixed in. She also knows her stuff as far as police procedures and forensics.
I still say if you have not started the Faces of Evil series, start at book 1 and read until you catch up. You won't be sorry. Debra is good, really, really good.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the Faces of Evil series. Ms. Webb doesn't disappoint! This book finds Jess Harris looking for someone killing "The Five". Five former high school students with a secret to hide. Also, things are starting to heat up with the Player. Can't wait to start #6! Highly recommend this series!

[Wendy W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy this series. Normally I say it does not matter if you read books in order. BUT read these in order!!!! Debra Webb has done a great job and continues to do so. I really though I had it figured out and knew who the killer was, I was wrong.