The Mask

by Clarise Foster

She thought she knew who to trust.
But when the mask slips, the truth is more terrifying than she ever imagined.

Women are vanishing. A masked figure is haunting the nights.
And every new disappearance brings the danger closer to her door. She can’t ignore the signs any longer. The truth is far closer. Far deadlier. And when she finally sees what’s been hiding in plain sight, it will be too late to run.

Behind every mask is a monster.
And the monster is closer than she thinks.

Genres: Psychological Thriller

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2025

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mask ARC Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Biggest takeaway: You never truly know someone!
The author had me at the edge of my seat the entire time and I was so conflicted about who the man behind the mask was. Needless to say the suspense was intense and the epilogue left me wanting more chapters. When you think it's over, you have let your guard down!

This was a true psychological thriller!

🖤 Thank you to the author for selecting me as an ARC Reader!

[K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mask turned out to be a good read although it was very predictable. It was entertaining for what it was. I wasn't a fan of the MC. She was annoying beyond measure. The pacing was good and steady.

Thank you Bookfunnel & Clarise Foster for the eARC. This review is that of my own.

[Brad Audiobibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

This psychological thriller delivers strong pacing, with action and scares arriving in steady waves. While the plot leans toward predictability, it remains engaging — provided you're willing to overlook several inconsistencies and, for me at least, a notably skewed timeline.

The most confusing aspect is the ambiguous relationship timeline between Grace and Ryan. Early on, their relationship appears to be in its infancy, with Grace having only recently met Ryan. Yet without any indicated passage of time, she frequently refers to things he "always" does or says, and mentions his long-established habits of teasing her about certain things. These references suggest a much more established relationship, creating jarring contradictions and clash with later suggestions that their connection is still in its early stages. Similarly, Ethan claims Ryan has "always been like this" despite never having met him and only knowing about him through Grace's accounts.

The narrative also contains unexplained gaps. Grace contacts a detective she "previously spoke with," though no prior conversation is ever mentioned—leaving me wondering if a chapter was cut during editing.

The later action sequences become repetitive and occasionally contradictory. Without spoiling key plot points, I found myself questioning several developments aloud, my suspension of disbelief seriously tested by choices that strained credibility.

Despite a compelling premise, this novel ultimately fell short of its potential. While the strong pacing kept me reading, the inconsistencies and timeline confusion detracted from what could have been a much more satisfying thriller.

I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this honest review.

[DianaRaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE MASK by Clarise Foster is a story filled with too many secrets, twisted minds, and deceit. There's a slow build-up of suspense in this storyline that pulls you in and won't let you go. The characters are  interesting with a storyline that leaves so much to the reader's imagination.

Ethan has been Grace's best friend for over twenty years. Always there when she needs him. Now, with women going missing, he's constantly reminding her to lock her doors and windows. Then she meets Ryan. He may be the one for her. But Ethan warns her that she knows nothing about him. And women keep going missing always with a weird mask left behind. Every creak and shadow has Grace jumping and her nerves tingling. She doesn't know what is happening to her, is she losing her mind,

I targeted Ryan as the killer due to his strange hobby. Then, could it be  Ethan. He's awful protective and knows everything about her. But they are so obvious, Could there be a third person out there taking women? 

Keep the lights on when you read this story. Maybe wear headphones too. Those house settle noises just might be something else.

The epilogue will leave you  wondering about the future. Could there be a Mask 2 in the queue.

But I didn't enjoy it the five times Grace's name changed to Claire☹️

I received an advance copy of this book from the author, and the above is my voluntary and honest review.

[Harriet Flowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride!!! This book keeps your heart beating rapidly from the very beginning!! Grace is a Nurse that’s very good at her job and her life is complete except for one thing, she’s never found “the one”. She has a best friend. She and Ethan have grown up together. Each one always being there for the other. As a serial killer abducts women in her town, Ethan seems more concerned for Grace than ever. He’s constantly reminding her to lock her doors. Be careful. She meets Ryan and wonders if he’s the one. Until Ethan has her wondering if Ryan is the one abducting the women. This book is such a roller coaster of a ride!! It makes me glad that I no longer date!!

I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review

[Sheri Corriero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn in as soon as the book started. I can’t resist a masked man. Women were disappearing and one was taken right at the start. Then we start the story with Grace, the FMC. She has this friend that she grew up with named Ethan who creeps me out. He is always there. Always checking on her. She feels safe with him. After Grace meets Ryan, things start to get weird. Things go missing and other things show up. Grace doesn’t know what to think and who to trust. This is a great psychological thriller and I was not disappointed. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cover the picture is creepy and the story just carries on being creepy and chilling that kept me on the edge of my seat. Can you ever trust anyone!!! Women keep going missing always with a weird mask left behind. Every creak and shadow has Grace jumping and her nerves tingling. She doesn't know what is happening to her, is she losing her mind.

I really enjoy Clarise’s style of writing and she really draws you in wanting more.

I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review

Clarise Foster

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mask: A Slow-Burn Psychological Thriller, my fifth psychological thriller read from author Clarise Foster. A 382-page serial killer thriller that ebbs & flows over the length of the book. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author with Obsession: Psychological Thriller Novella high on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Melissa Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and will be voluntarily be giving my honest review. OMG what did i just read mind blown!! This book had me from the very beginning to the very end!! This is a great spooky season book!!

“She thought she knew who to trust.
But when the mask slips, the truth is more terrifying than she ever imagined.”

“Behind every mask is a monster.
And the monster is closer than she thinks.”

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this as an ARC and it did not disappoint. Dark, chilling, and impossible to put down—it hooks you from the first page. Clarise Foster masterfully blends suspense and horror, creating a story full of secrets, tension, and haunting twists. A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers with a supernatural edge.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who should you trust?? The new boyfriend or the life long friend?? Who will keep you safe? Who is lying and who is telling the truth? Or is it Grace's exhausted mind playing tricks on her. This story kept the horror and suspense going until the end. I enjoyed this book start to finish.

This is an ARC read provided by the author and I have provided an unbiased review.

[Cin (cinsnextchapter) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mask was a chilling story that kept me on the edge of my seat! There’s a killer on the loose leaving masks as calling cards. Could Grace be in danger? Did she remember to lock the door? This pulse pounding thriller kept me guessing and questioning what would happen next. This book is the perfect spooky read for fall!

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was captivating from the very beginning. It’s fast paced. I read this book in one sitting and once I started I just couldn’t put it down. If you like masked killers and thriller I highly suggest you read this book!!

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced thriller that had me from the beginning. Young women being kidnapped and a mask is left behind. Grace finds things out of place and a window left open. She does not recall doing any of those things. Things may not be as they seem. A page turner.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy, slow burning, atmospheric story that calls into question about who you trust in your life. Great build up with some twists thrown in. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.

[Christine Pisarek · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mask grabbed my attention from the very beginning. Clarice Fosters writing is so detailed that I felt completely pulled into the story. I couldn’t put it down and stayed hooked until the end. A great read!

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was supposed to read this book, so I could be an ARC reader on her next book, The Copycat. “Slow burn Psychological Thriller”? More like snooze fest. I read to 60% and decided life is too short for bad books. I will not finish the rest.

[Miss_curly_tots · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a good read, was creepy, had me hooked

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an edge of your seat nail biter! The plot is tense and gripping! It’s a quick, chilling psychological thriller. I enjoyed it a lot.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good.

[Lisa Noble]

This book made it hard for me to sleep. I had a feeling who the murderer was. I was right. This book has a lot of suspense. I couldn't put it down!

[Casey · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Kathy Butterworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC. I'm in shock. This is a book that you'll want to read in the daylight. This kept me on the edge of my seat. It will also keep you guessing the whole time. I loved it!

[Angie Brennan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing and suspenseful, it had me changing my mind and going back and forth on who-done-it. Page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat. It ended with some lingering suspense that there could be more to the story...

[Hooked on books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this one as an ARC, my first time reading this author. I was hooked from page one, halfway through it was a bit slow and drawn out, it ended with a cliff hanger which I’m hoping means a second book to tie up loose ends?? I will read more from this author.