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Whitley & Keal #2
Faceless
Fallsburg, New York has a killer on the loose—one who's leaving their sadistic, telltale marks on innocent victims. A pretty teenage girl is found dead in the woods, her face horribly mutilated. A few days later, a second girl, also strikingly beautiful, is attacked in a similar fashion. Who would do such a brutal thing—and why? Is there some sort of psychopathic monster lurking out there, preying upon vulnerable females? Or are the victims being targeted by someone they know? It's up to two of Fallsburg's finest—Detective Jean Whitley and her new partner, Marty Keal, to find out who's responsible. When she starts digging up clues, Jean is startled to learn that the crime has hit uncomfortably close to home. The victims-and many of the potential suspects-are classmates of Jean's fourteen-year-old daughter, Bethany. To make matters worse, Bethany's behavior has drastically changed. Jean's sweet, loving child has become a sullen, secretive stranger. How much does Bethany really know about the victims-and the crimes that are taking place? Does Bethany's hunky, new heartthrob have anything to do with the crimes? And why does the mounting evidence keep pointing to a popular parish priest? Suddenly deprived of her longtime police detective mentor and friend, Jean is forced to take the lead in this latest investigation while breaking in a new partner. As they dig deeper into the case, Jean encounters threats to her career, her family relationships...and quite possibly to her own daughter's life. Through it all, Jean and Marty must unravel a multi-layered mystery and put a face on the unseen villain before anyone else ends up dead...and faceless.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2013
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637 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
July 15, 2022
As a fan of the mysterious, the creepy, and psychological, twisted thrillers; I have questioned my sanity; but the quest is always short-lived, as I really and truly just want to start reading. When I delightedly ripped open the package containing my (very special, personalized, signed copy) of Faceless and began reading as I stumbled away from the still open mail-box, I was struck by a second, even quirkier query.
I had been stalking my post-man for days, not just because Ms. Whidden spins an alluring, captivating web of mystery, murder and mayhem; but because I knew that I was in for a special reunion, as the very characters I admired and grew fond of in A Child is Torn are the same characters in this tome! But wait. What does that say about me? I am thrilled to see how their lives have changed, what’s new, as if I am checking up on old friends, all the while knowing that, well, something bad is certainly going to happen.
A reader isn’t kept waiting, for indeed there is a gruesome, twisted murder and a delightful cacophony of surly teens that could easily morph into suspects with just a bit of finesse. But, true to form, Ms. Whidden doesn’t dare make the story so simple. Upon closer inspection, we have a respected adult that most certainly could have committed the heinous act, albeit the “why” is not so obvious.
As the townsfolk casually size one and other up, another victim is taken. The act of murder, in and of itself, raises thousands of questions; but when the perpetrator appears to have so much anger and hatred bottled up inside, but behaves normally on the surface, fear and apprehension rise to new terrifying levels. Faceless has all of the quintessential elements needed for a thrilling mystery and while you may think you know who the killer is, I have a feeling that this author will surprise you.
Ms. Whidden masterfully blends the captivating lives of the recurring characters with the turmoil and terror caused by the knowledge of the serial killer among them. These characters that entranced me in A Child is Torn, became beloved in Faceless. So much so, that one day I found myself tearing through chores and errands just so that I could squeeze in some time with my “pals” in Faceless…..until it hit me…..I had finished the book the night before. I had no choice but to immediately order the next chapter of their lives, Stolen. Now, where is that post-man?
I had been stalking my post-man for days, not just because Ms. Whidden spins an alluring, captivating web of mystery, murder and mayhem; but because I knew that I was in for a special reunion, as the very characters I admired and grew fond of in A Child is Torn are the same characters in this tome! But wait. What does that say about me? I am thrilled to see how their lives have changed, what’s new, as if I am checking up on old friends, all the while knowing that, well, something bad is certainly going to happen.
A reader isn’t kept waiting, for indeed there is a gruesome, twisted murder and a delightful cacophony of surly teens that could easily morph into suspects with just a bit of finesse. But, true to form, Ms. Whidden doesn’t dare make the story so simple. Upon closer inspection, we have a respected adult that most certainly could have committed the heinous act, albeit the “why” is not so obvious.
As the townsfolk casually size one and other up, another victim is taken. The act of murder, in and of itself, raises thousands of questions; but when the perpetrator appears to have so much anger and hatred bottled up inside, but behaves normally on the surface, fear and apprehension rise to new terrifying levels. Faceless has all of the quintessential elements needed for a thrilling mystery and while you may think you know who the killer is, I have a feeling that this author will surprise you.
Ms. Whidden masterfully blends the captivating lives of the recurring characters with the turmoil and terror caused by the knowledge of the serial killer among them. These characters that entranced me in A Child is Torn, became beloved in Faceless. So much so, that one day I found myself tearing through chores and errands just so that I could squeeze in some time with my “pals” in Faceless…..until it hit me…..I had finished the book the night before. I had no choice but to immediately order the next chapter of their lives, Stolen. Now, where is that post-man?
September 4, 2014
"Faceless" by Dawn Kopman Whidden, is her second book in the mystery series, and by my opinion...the Best! I must say I was blown away with another gripping murder story. I was happy to see the return of characters from her first novel, "A Child is Torn: Innocence Lost". Once again we find homicide detective Jean Whitley and her partner Marty Keal together again on the trail of a serial killer who is attracted to pretty young teens. This killer is full of anger and burned the victim's beautiful faces beyond recognition, and leaves them for dead.
The two victims, Jamie Camp and Kimberly Weston, both attractive females, had been popular in their high school, but not well liked...and were often referred to as "bitches", as they like to bully their peers. The first victim, Jamie Camp was found by four fellow students in the woods. When the detectives interviewed these four students, their responses were vague and untrue. What was everyone hiding, and Who would do such a thing?
Jean Whitley, the lead homicide detective handling the case, was determined to solve the clues and find the killer. Even her own daughter, Bellany may know something about the murder, but hides it from her mom. Lots of possible suspects, clues and and the reader is drawn into each one. Just when you think you have narrowed down your perpetrator, another devastating clue will surface, and one you never saw coming! I felt just like I was watching an episode of CSI, and couldn't read fast enough to find out whodunit. This author is truly talented, and I am now ready to start her last book in the series, called "Stolen".
If you enjoy reading a "whodunit" murder/mystery, don't miss out on this book. Check it out!
April 2, 2018
This is the second book in the series (although could be read standalone) and yet again Dawn has managed to really tell an intriguing murder mystery but at the same time there are stories around each of the main characters. it's a really good book and I can't wait to listen to Book 3
January 4, 2017
A solid 4 1/2 stars. It is a great stand alone novel and a gripping murder mystery.
Detective Jean Whitley and her partner Marty Keal are on a trail of serial killer who kills and mutilates the faces of teenage girls by burning them. It really hits home for Jean when she realizes the girls are her daughter's classmates and either her daughter or her friends might be involved in these grisly murders.
The characters in this book were very well developed and the tenuous relationship that Jean shares with her daughter was expressed beautifully .
Thoroughly enjoyable read with a great suspense that was very difficult to figure.
Detective Jean Whitley and her partner Marty Keal are on a trail of serial killer who kills and mutilates the faces of teenage girls by burning them. It really hits home for Jean when she realizes the girls are her daughter's classmates and either her daughter or her friends might be involved in these grisly murders.
The characters in this book were very well developed and the tenuous relationship that Jean shares with her daughter was expressed beautifully .
Thoroughly enjoyable read with a great suspense that was very difficult to figure.
October 15, 2013
I enjoyed this book! That says a lot. I read a lot - including a lot I don't end up enjoying. Certainly not to the extent that I will stay up late to finish the book - which I did with this one.
As a detective story this feels rather light on police procedure and factual information. (Unless US police are, in reality, significantly more casual and careless than their UK counterparts?)
As a good story which draws you into the lives of the characters - this book excels. I suppose really this is a story about some interesting characters whose lives, emotions and hopes are explored in fascinating detail - they just happen to get mixed up in a bunch of grizzly murder cases.
For example - I really felt for the mother of a teenage girl in the story. As a parent myself I empathised with the struggle of relating to a growing, developing but inexperienced adolescent. These characters - for example - were superbly developed.
Meticulous crime fiction this book is not. A thoroughly enjoyable, captivating read - it is.
I'd recommend it.
As a detective story this feels rather light on police procedure and factual information. (Unless US police are, in reality, significantly more casual and careless than their UK counterparts?)
As a good story which draws you into the lives of the characters - this book excels. I suppose really this is a story about some interesting characters whose lives, emotions and hopes are explored in fascinating detail - they just happen to get mixed up in a bunch of grizzly murder cases.
For example - I really felt for the mother of a teenage girl in the story. As a parent myself I empathised with the struggle of relating to a growing, developing but inexperienced adolescent. These characters - for example - were superbly developed.
Meticulous crime fiction this book is not. A thoroughly enjoyable, captivating read - it is.
I'd recommend it.
October 20, 2013
I would first like to Thank the author, Dawn Kopman Widden, for giving me this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
"Faceless" is written two years after the debut Thriller from this great author ~ A Child is Torn "Innocence Lost" I really recommend you read them in order as the characters are in both novels as the stories flow.
This book is an excellent follow on, I loved watching the characters continue in their relationships and developing even more.
I found this a very emotional read, one scene actually had me in tears. I quite literally had to keep reading long into the night to discover who was the protagonist who was causing so much angst to other characters. The red herrings were rife in this book and I was convinced I knew who the suspect was, then again, but I was wrong and the reader is left in great suspense until the very end of the book!
I highly recommend this author as a superb new name to look out for and I very much look forward to seeing what Dawn pens next.
"Faceless" is written two years after the debut Thriller from this great author ~ A Child is Torn "Innocence Lost" I really recommend you read them in order as the characters are in both novels as the stories flow.
This book is an excellent follow on, I loved watching the characters continue in their relationships and developing even more.
I found this a very emotional read, one scene actually had me in tears. I quite literally had to keep reading long into the night to discover who was the protagonist who was causing so much angst to other characters. The red herrings were rife in this book and I was convinced I knew who the suspect was, then again, but I was wrong and the reader is left in great suspense until the very end of the book!
I highly recommend this author as a superb new name to look out for and I very much look forward to seeing what Dawn pens next.
January 1, 2015
Another great book by author Dawn Kopman Whidden. I was happy to "meet" once again with Detective Jean Whitley and her now partner Marty Keal, beloved characters from "A Child is Torn: Innocence Lost", as they investigate and follow leads to some brutal crimes: Two teenagers are found dead with their faces burned. Who did this?
As we read about the development of the case, we also learn the victims were Bethany, Jean's daughter, classmates. Is she involved in any of this? Does she know something?
Great thriller, once again, Dawn wrote an amazing book! Just when you thought you knew who was the culprit, a twist made you reformulate everything!
As we read about the development of the case, we also learn the victims were Bethany, Jean's daughter, classmates. Is she involved in any of this? Does she know something?
Great thriller, once again, Dawn wrote an amazing book! Just when you thought you knew who was the culprit, a twist made you reformulate everything!
March 23, 2018
My original Faceless audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
“Faceless” by Dawn Kopman Whidden is the second book in the Whitley & Keal series. I definitely recommend that you read or listen to the first book (“A Child is Torn”) before moving onto “Faceless.” We meet back up with all the characters of book 1 and delve deeper into their lives while a killer is on the loose. The killer seems to be attacking gorgeous girls that are only a few years older than Jean Whitley’s daughter Bethany. They seem to have some activities and friends in common, even with the age difference.
“Faceless” really played on my fears as a mother of a young daughter. She’s 8 years old now and I can see myself in Jean. I can see my daughter in Bethany. While this book still portrayed all the relationships and how they have changed and evolved, this book really focuses on the mother/daughter relationship. I was so pleased with the author! She really portrayed the feelings of a struggling mother; along with the raging hormones of a young girl who is trying to find her footing and who she is as she becomes older.
Not only do we have a killer on the loose but we have some major relationship conflicts happening in “Faceless.” Marty and Hope seriously made me laugh out loud through this book. I love how highly they think of each other. They think the other is so wonderful that they are too good for them! It cracks me up since they are both major catches! The amount of communication problems they have is hysterical as well as ironic with hope being a psychologist. The captain is also a perfect comic relief from such a heavy book!
Whidden brings up a huge societal problem in our schools, and honestly everywhere, bullying. We have a scene unfolding of one girl murdered and a second attacked and left for dead. Both girls are referred to as bullies and “mean girls” or as the book calls them “bitches.” Still, do they deserve to die? Who could be behind these nasty murders that are making these model-gorgeous mean girls, faceless? “Faceless” seemed to be much more of a thriller type book than the first one. It also seemed more suspenseful. I was completely addicted to the story and finished it much quicker than the first book.
The narrator of “Faceless” Amy Deuchler was fantastic! Deuchler was able to portray three different POVs flawlessly. She did a great job inflicting emotions, especially with the females. You could feel the devastation when she portrayed Jean’s character. The sounding was clean with no background noise. I appreciate that! Deuchler is definitely a narrator I would happily listen to again.
Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.
“Faceless” by Dawn Kopman Whidden is the second book in the Whitley & Keal series. I definitely recommend that you read or listen to the first book (“A Child is Torn”) before moving onto “Faceless.” We meet back up with all the characters of book 1 and delve deeper into their lives while a killer is on the loose. The killer seems to be attacking gorgeous girls that are only a few years older than Jean Whitley’s daughter Bethany. They seem to have some activities and friends in common, even with the age difference.
“Faceless” really played on my fears as a mother of a young daughter. She’s 8 years old now and I can see myself in Jean. I can see my daughter in Bethany. While this book still portrayed all the relationships and how they have changed and evolved, this book really focuses on the mother/daughter relationship. I was so pleased with the author! She really portrayed the feelings of a struggling mother; along with the raging hormones of a young girl who is trying to find her footing and who she is as she becomes older.
Not only do we have a killer on the loose but we have some major relationship conflicts happening in “Faceless.” Marty and Hope seriously made me laugh out loud through this book. I love how highly they think of each other. They think the other is so wonderful that they are too good for them! It cracks me up since they are both major catches! The amount of communication problems they have is hysterical as well as ironic with hope being a psychologist. The captain is also a perfect comic relief from such a heavy book!
Whidden brings up a huge societal problem in our schools, and honestly everywhere, bullying. We have a scene unfolding of one girl murdered and a second attacked and left for dead. Both girls are referred to as bullies and “mean girls” or as the book calls them “bitches.” Still, do they deserve to die? Who could be behind these nasty murders that are making these model-gorgeous mean girls, faceless? “Faceless” seemed to be much more of a thriller type book than the first one. It also seemed more suspenseful. I was completely addicted to the story and finished it much quicker than the first book.
The narrator of “Faceless” Amy Deuchler was fantastic! Deuchler was able to portray three different POVs flawlessly. She did a great job inflicting emotions, especially with the females. You could feel the devastation when she portrayed Jean’s character. The sounding was clean with no background noise. I appreciate that! Deuchler is definitely a narrator I would happily listen to again.
Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.
July 25, 2013
Faceless is the second book by the fantastic crime author Dawn Kopman Whidden who just knows how to draw you into the story & makes you live every minute by telling the story through the eyes of the main characters. You experience their ups & downs on the case as well as their home lives & see how such a crime can also affect the families of the officers involved when it happens in a small town.
I just love how the author drops a very subtle hint to whom the killer is and if you are not paying full attention you could easily miss it especially as at the time it is mentioned it has no relevance or so you think.
This is an amazing second book that although following on from her first book A child is Torn: Innocence Lost it is also a book you could pick up & read without having read the first one.
I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next as I just know whatever it is that it will be a thrilling, page turning book that you just can't put down.
5 stars given but would have give more if possible
I just love how the author drops a very subtle hint to whom the killer is and if you are not paying full attention you could easily miss it especially as at the time it is mentioned it has no relevance or so you think.
This is an amazing second book that although following on from her first book A child is Torn: Innocence Lost it is also a book you could pick up & read without having read the first one.
I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next as I just know whatever it is that it will be a thrilling, page turning book that you just can't put down.
5 stars given but would have give more if possible
April 19, 2019
The 2nd Whitley and Keal book did not disappoint. This time they were on the hunt for the killer of a young girl. I really enjoyed this book and love the main characters and learning more about their lives. I’m Drivinb straight in to book three as we speak.
February 27, 2016
I bought this book after I finished the first book "A Child is Torn". This is the second in the series but is an excellent stand alone novel. Dawn Whidden really knows how to tell a story. I was intrigued from the very beginning when a beautiful young girl is found dead in the woods, her face burned off. Another beautiful young girl from the same school is found later, also with her face burned off. I was anxious to find out not only who did these killings, but was this a serial killer and would there be more killings? I also wanted to know why their faces had been burned off.
Jean and Marty are the two homicide detectives working on the case. Widden's characters are very human and likable. They seem like real people. They are ordinary people with their own personal lives and problems. In particular Jean is dealing with her daughter's changing growth; with a particular nasty attitude towards Jean. I recognized in Bethany (the daughter) some of the same teen angst and attitude that I had growing up.
We are left to the very end to find out the who and why of the killings as a good mystery should. I remained engrossed throughout as Whidden does her thing weaving a wonderful tale.
There was a problem with the editing that distracted me from the story a little, but the story was overwhelmingly strong which kept me anxious to keep reading. (I would have read it faster if not for eye problems that kept me from wolfing the story down.)
I am anxious to continue with these characters and this series.
Jean and Marty are the two homicide detectives working on the case. Widden's characters are very human and likable. They seem like real people. They are ordinary people with their own personal lives and problems. In particular Jean is dealing with her daughter's changing growth; with a particular nasty attitude towards Jean. I recognized in Bethany (the daughter) some of the same teen angst and attitude that I had growing up.
We are left to the very end to find out the who and why of the killings as a good mystery should. I remained engrossed throughout as Whidden does her thing weaving a wonderful tale.
There was a problem with the editing that distracted me from the story a little, but the story was overwhelmingly strong which kept me anxious to keep reading. (I would have read it faster if not for eye problems that kept me from wolfing the story down.)
I am anxious to continue with these characters and this series.
November 6, 2016
"Faceless" is much more than your typical mystery thriller; the victims are the young & beautiful, they're from the "right" side of the tracks, they're the elite. But they're also snobs & bullies, they're the "mean girls". Dawn Kopman Whidden introduces us to a great cast of characters, dead & alive, while drawing us into a really good "who dunnit" that leaves you guessing until the very end. "Faceless'" primary character is Jean, a dedicated cop & an even more dedicated wife & mother. Through the desperate race to find who's leaving teen girls (friends of her own daughter) brutally murdered & cruelly burned beyond recognition, Jean has another race she has no choice but to run; the race to protect & save her own teen aged daughter from a killer who's striking far too close to home.
"Faceless" is an excellent read, as a stand alone or part of a series. It had me questioning my own logic right through to the last chapter & every time I thought I had it solved, Whidden threw down just one more clue which carried me right through to the bottom of the very end.
"Faceless" is an excellent read, as a stand alone or part of a series. It had me questioning my own logic right through to the last chapter & every time I thought I had it solved, Whidden threw down just one more clue which carried me right through to the bottom of the very end.
December 21, 2016
Yeah OK it was a mystery, but a pretty cumbersome one. Two pretty but bitchy teenage girls are murdered and have their faces burned off. Sounds promising - yeah? But no.
That's pretty much all there is folks. Nothing further to add to the plot. The police investigation into these horrific crimes was a bit lacklustre. The lead detective, Jean Whitely, acted quite unprofessionally and it all just seemed a bit so-so. Even when Jean's daughter was missing I couldn't get excited. I kept reading to find out who the murderer was but I'd lost interest.
This could have been better. It just needed an injection of some drama or tension or something at stake but the narrative was, for me at least, just too flat.
That's pretty much all there is folks. Nothing further to add to the plot. The police investigation into these horrific crimes was a bit lacklustre. The lead detective, Jean Whitely, acted quite unprofessionally and it all just seemed a bit so-so. Even when Jean's daughter was missing I couldn't get excited. I kept reading to find out who the murderer was but I'd lost interest.
This could have been better. It just needed an injection of some drama or tension or something at stake but the narrative was, for me at least, just too flat.
December 8, 2013
I really like Dawn Whidden’s main character, Detective Jean Whitley. This story progresses at a good pace, moving back and forth between the homefront drama of dealing with a teenage daughter turned surly and the race to find a killer who literally defaces his victims. The tenuous balance Jean has previously maintained between home and work is unraveling and distracting her from the investigation. This is so realistically portrayed that I felt I was inside her living room as she tried to talk to her daughter as well as inside her car with her as she raced to the next crime scene. Kudos to Ms. Whidden for an excellent page-turner.
April 3, 2016
This is the first book I read written by this author and I must say that I really love the style of writing she chose. Every page is interesting, words flow easily, it's not predictable, I didn't found any of the characters unnecessary. I always hate it in crime stories (I read and watch a lot of these) if I figure it out too soon. If I know to early who did it. Who is the killer. Here, I didn't and I really appreciated that. Plus I like how detailed is the style of writing, the words the author chose. This book really deserves five stars.
January 8, 2018
Audiobook Review
This audio kept me on edge the whole way through! The darkness and threats to the girls was rough and a real nail biter. The culprit well there’s another What moment! Really woven in well.
From the 1st book to this I still love the characters. They’re real and you feel for them all. Or dislike them as I did some of the not so nice ones. You’ll know when you listen to who I’m on about.
The extended bits from the families of the main characters was great. They’re padding out and I really want to hear more about them.
More please
This audio kept me on edge the whole way through! The darkness and threats to the girls was rough and a real nail biter. The culprit well there’s another What moment! Really woven in well.
From the 1st book to this I still love the characters. They’re real and you feel for them all. Or dislike them as I did some of the not so nice ones. You’ll know when you listen to who I’m on about.
The extended bits from the families of the main characters was great. They’re padding out and I really want to hear more about them.
More please
March 5, 2016
Second book even better than the first
This is the second book in this series and a dang good one at that...This was sent to me from the great author herself in exchange for an honest review and since I read the first book and participated in the group discussions she was kind enough to send this book and the next book I was drawn in the giveaway she had. Thank you for everything and I hope that others will read all three as well...
This is the second book in this series and a dang good one at that...This was sent to me from the great author herself in exchange for an honest review and since I read the first book and participated in the group discussions she was kind enough to send this book and the next book I was drawn in the giveaway she had. Thank you for everything and I hope that others will read all three as well...
June 3, 2019
Every parent wants what’s best for their child. Faceless takes that idea to the next level.
After a string of high school girls are found with their faces burnt, Detective Whitley fears for her daughter. Even more so because the girls in question were friends with her. Fearful between her daughter’s safety and the nagging suspicion that she was involved, Detective Whitley walks the line between doing her job and protecting her child.
This book is full of suspense and really leaves you to question the idea of morality and what is right and wrong when it comes to your family and those you are close to.
Narration was spot on for this book, the diversity of voices bringing the characters perfectly to life.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
After a string of high school girls are found with their faces burnt, Detective Whitley fears for her daughter. Even more so because the girls in question were friends with her. Fearful between her daughter’s safety and the nagging suspicion that she was involved, Detective Whitley walks the line between doing her job and protecting her child.
This book is full of suspense and really leaves you to question the idea of morality and what is right and wrong when it comes to your family and those you are close to.
Narration was spot on for this book, the diversity of voices bringing the characters perfectly to life.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
July 26, 2019
The second book in the Whitley and Keal series, which built on the characters in the first so you get to know them better. Who killed two young girls causing them horrific injuries, that is the question the detectives face this time, whilst at the same time having personal issues to deal with. The book moves at a fast pace bringing the pieces of the puzzle together. I look foward to listening to book three.
October 24, 2017
Bullying
Bullying happens every day in every school and sometimes you just don't know how it affects certain people. I was on the edge of my seat all the way to the last page. I absolutely love the characters in this book and can't wait to read the next one.
Bullying happens every day in every school and sometimes you just don't know how it affects certain people. I was on the edge of my seat all the way to the last page. I absolutely love the characters in this book and can't wait to read the next one.
May 16, 2018
Not able to identify
This was a excellent story, it kept you not able to put down. Every time I thought I had guessed the killer, I was wrong. If you like excitement nail biting, gruesome murder s, then this is the book for you . I loved this book☺😍👍👍
This was a excellent story, it kept you not able to put down. Every time I thought I had guessed the killer, I was wrong. If you like excitement nail biting, gruesome murder s, then this is the book for you . I loved this book☺😍👍👍
February 6, 2018
Another great book in the series. I didn't figure out who the killer was. Teenage girls are being killed and disfigured. Marty & Jean have a tough time figuring out who they are after.
November 16, 2013
Faceless is a really well written crime novel brimming over with characters that I adore spending time with. This is one of those times where the motto 'don't judge a book by its cover' comes in to play because I hate the cover but loved the content!
My Recap of Faceless :
A teenage girl is found murdered in the woods with her face burnt off. Her friends who find her all act suspiciously and it looks like the police officers have a gruesome and tricky case on their hands. And worse is to come when lead police officer Jean finds her daughter may be implicated in the case too.
First Line of Faceless :
"When you're a homicide detective as well as a mother and the phone rings at 3 a.m., your first instinct is to take inventory of your children."
My Thoughts on Faceless :
I love the way Dawn builds up her characters, they are all so full of life and I feel so involved in their lives. Centre stage for this book is police officer Jean and her work partner Marty. This book is a murder mystery but it's more than that, it's a book about all the characters involved in solving the case plus their families. That is my favourite aspect about it.
The town has a small town feel about it, a gossipy feel and it pulls you in till you feel part of the town too. I really enjoy the home lives of Jean and Marty every bit as much as I enjoyed trying to work out who the killer was. And believe me, that wasn't easy to solve, there are lots of red herrings scattered around to fool you and I have to admit they threw me a bit. I love that it wasn't easy to guess what was really happening.
Jean's teenage daughter gets implicated in the case and her recently fraught relationship with her daughter gets more and more strained. I totally empathised with Jean and her mixed feelings, I think I would have reacted in exactly the same way.
The pace of the book was spot on for me. It made for gripping and stimulating read and I just flew though it as I had to know who-dunnit!
Who should read Faceless?
If you enjoy Mary Higgins Clarke books, then check out this author as she has a similar style of building up a community of appealing characters along with a absorbing mystery for you to solve.
Thanks to Dawn for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
My Recap of Faceless :
A teenage girl is found murdered in the woods with her face burnt off. Her friends who find her all act suspiciously and it looks like the police officers have a gruesome and tricky case on their hands. And worse is to come when lead police officer Jean finds her daughter may be implicated in the case too.
First Line of Faceless :
"When you're a homicide detective as well as a mother and the phone rings at 3 a.m., your first instinct is to take inventory of your children."
My Thoughts on Faceless :
I love the way Dawn builds up her characters, they are all so full of life and I feel so involved in their lives. Centre stage for this book is police officer Jean and her work partner Marty. This book is a murder mystery but it's more than that, it's a book about all the characters involved in solving the case plus their families. That is my favourite aspect about it.
The town has a small town feel about it, a gossipy feel and it pulls you in till you feel part of the town too. I really enjoy the home lives of Jean and Marty every bit as much as I enjoyed trying to work out who the killer was. And believe me, that wasn't easy to solve, there are lots of red herrings scattered around to fool you and I have to admit they threw me a bit. I love that it wasn't easy to guess what was really happening.
Jean's teenage daughter gets implicated in the case and her recently fraught relationship with her daughter gets more and more strained. I totally empathised with Jean and her mixed feelings, I think I would have reacted in exactly the same way.
The pace of the book was spot on for me. It made for gripping and stimulating read and I just flew though it as I had to know who-dunnit!
Who should read Faceless?
If you enjoy Mary Higgins Clarke books, then check out this author as she has a similar style of building up a community of appealing characters along with a absorbing mystery for you to solve.
Thanks to Dawn for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
September 12, 2014
I was gifted this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
After reading her first book and being totally blown away by it, I was looking forward to reading this one.
Dawn has a lovely style of writing and I enjoy every single word.
FACELESS is in no doubt a cleverly woven thriller. I was certain I knew ` who was responsible` and highly disappointed that the author had the upper hand AGAIN! She got me on her first book, she's done it again in this one.
Juggling a job as well as a family brings endless of rewards and problems. This Female Detective is no different especially when her daughter knows things too.
I found this a refreshing change to read. This author has great story telling skills.
Her ability and personality reaches out from the pages of this book. I have got to `know` the author because of the group a friend and I run for authors on Facebook, but this doesn't reflect in my review. If anyone knows me, they also know I am honest.
The only critisim I would have is, I don't like the cover, it doesn't portray the inside story well. That may be down to her editor? I'm not sure. But that is only MHO.
Brilliant! Remarkable. Would I recommend it? Definitely!
I WANT TO LEAVE ANYONE WHO IS READING THIS WITHOUT ANY DOUBT, I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH I CAN'T WAIT FOR ANOTHER BOOK FROM THIS AUTHOR
After reading her first book and being totally blown away by it, I was looking forward to reading this one.
Dawn has a lovely style of writing and I enjoy every single word.
FACELESS is in no doubt a cleverly woven thriller. I was certain I knew ` who was responsible` and highly disappointed that the author had the upper hand AGAIN! She got me on her first book, she's done it again in this one.
Juggling a job as well as a family brings endless of rewards and problems. This Female Detective is no different especially when her daughter knows things too.
I found this a refreshing change to read. This author has great story telling skills.
Her ability and personality reaches out from the pages of this book. I have got to `know` the author because of the group a friend and I run for authors on Facebook, but this doesn't reflect in my review. If anyone knows me, they also know I am honest.
The only critisim I would have is, I don't like the cover, it doesn't portray the inside story well. That may be down to her editor? I'm not sure. But that is only MHO.
Brilliant! Remarkable. Would I recommend it? Definitely!
I WANT TO LEAVE ANYONE WHO IS READING THIS WITHOUT ANY DOUBT, I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH I CAN'T WAIT FOR ANOTHER BOOK FROM THIS AUTHOR
November 5, 2013
Who would murder a beautiful teenaged girl and mutilate her body in such a horrible manner? Why were she and her friends in such a n isolated spot in the middle of the night? How did they get out there when none could drive? The apparent 'leader' of the group seems less than concerned with the situation, the others, while visibly shaken to downright hysterical, don't seem to want to breath without her approval. It takes our police detectives about five seconds to have no doubt the truth was not related to their account of the incident. Well, settle in somewhere comfortable. You'll probably want to just read straight on through.
I don't want to retell the story, I want to encourage you. If you want an interesting read with real people, flaws and all, that is still an easily flowing river of words to sail along, try this one on. Neither fluff nor brain-drain, it keeps you engaged but you do not need to reread or check your notes to hop right back in.
When the next book comes out (there has to be more, I like getting to know all of these people/families/friends) I have hopes of only one change - a little better editing. It wasn't really bad, just every so often my brain (which apparently is always looking for patterns) would point out some out-of-place thing but nowhere near a reason to put it down.
I don't want to retell the story, I want to encourage you. If you want an interesting read with real people, flaws and all, that is still an easily flowing river of words to sail along, try this one on. Neither fluff nor brain-drain, it keeps you engaged but you do not need to reread or check your notes to hop right back in.
When the next book comes out (there has to be more, I like getting to know all of these people/families/friends) I have hopes of only one change - a little better editing. It wasn't really bad, just every so often my brain (which apparently is always looking for patterns) would point out some out-of-place thing but nowhere near a reason to put it down.
July 4, 2013
Wow - a solid 4 1/2 stars! This story about the horrible murders of teenage girls and the subsequent efforts to find the killer grabbed and held my interest from the first page. Add the topic of bullying; the return of some of my favorite characters from the author's previous book (A Child Is Torn: Innocence Lost); and the development of some extremely unlikeable new characters and you have a recipe for a delicious weekend read. I was very surprised by the identity of the killer and it is very hard for a writer to do that to me. I tend to treat each mystery as my very own puzzle and usually figure out who-done-it about half way through the read. Not this one! This author has an uncanny talent for descriptive narrative and her character development is wonderful. If I feel as if I know the characters and can celebrate with them; mourn with them; cheer them on; or, as in the case of Jean, get so angry with her that I had to take a break from reading then the author has more than done her job. I really hope there will be a sequel to this book also. I am not ready to say goodbye to this group of characters yet.
June 14, 2017
An ARC was given to me by the author in exchange for a honest review.
Instant action in this mystery novel. I wasn't a huge fan of the first person Jean, third person Marty switching on and off throughout the whole book. It was kind of annoying. But the story was really good and kept my attention. Whidden kept you guessing and leading you astray! Sneaky! And then boom, you had no idea it was coming. I haven't read the first book in this "series." They are more companion novels than a strict series, the first book focusing on Detective Marty Keal. I do plan on reading it though since I enjoyed this one. I didn't feel like I was in the midst of a story and wasn't missing anything by not reading A Child is Torn. This is a good standalone book.
Instant action in this mystery novel. I wasn't a huge fan of the first person Jean, third person Marty switching on and off throughout the whole book. It was kind of annoying. But the story was really good and kept my attention. Whidden kept you guessing and leading you astray! Sneaky! And then boom, you had no idea it was coming. I haven't read the first book in this "series." They are more companion novels than a strict series, the first book focusing on Detective Marty Keal. I do plan on reading it though since I enjoyed this one. I didn't feel like I was in the midst of a story and wasn't missing anything by not reading A Child is Torn. This is a good standalone book.
June 24, 2015
Loved, loved, loved this second book in the series! It just got better for me. I loved seeing the interaction between the veteran police detective and the rookie. I loved how this killing spree touched Detective Whitley's family and how she handled being a mother and a detective. We also see Marty and Hope again. And how their relationship has blossomed and grown. And we have the Faceless Killer. Called this because the victim always has their faces burned off. At first I thought I had this figured out. Then I scratched that idea. Next I figured it was someone else. Had to scratch that theory too! But I never saw who the killer was. It never occured to me. And that to me makes one hell of a book! Loved every bit of it!!
January 25, 2014
I was given a copy of this book for review from the author.
I had already read A Child is Torn “Innocence Lost” by her last year. When I picked this up, I knew I was in for a treat with the style of writing.
You get to know more about the Detectives and their family in this book. You get taken on a whirlwind ride through all the highs and lows of life in the suburbs.
I loved the characters, the plot and most of all I LOVED way the detectives catch the killer.
I had already read A Child is Torn “Innocence Lost” by her last year. When I picked this up, I knew I was in for a treat with the style of writing.
You get to know more about the Detectives and their family in this book. You get taken on a whirlwind ride through all the highs and lows of life in the suburbs.
I loved the characters, the plot and most of all I LOVED way the detectives catch the killer.
September 11, 2014
THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING.I THOUGHT I HAD IT FIGURED OUT BUT I WAS WRONG.THIS IS A BOOK THAT IS DEFFENTLY WORTH READING AS WELL AS HER OTHER BOOKS.DAWN IS A GREAT WRITER AND I LOOK FORWARD TO READING MORE OF HER BOOKS.TAKE MY ADVICE START READING IN THE MORNING BECAUSE HER BOOKS ARE SO GOOD YOU DONT WANT TO STOP UNTIL YOU READ THE WHOLE BOOK....IF YOU HAVE NOT READ ONE OF HER BOOKS YOU ARE REALLY MISSING OUT.....CANT WAIT FOR HER TO WRITE ANOTHER...I ALSO LOVED HOW SHE KEPT SOME OF THE SAME CHARACTERS BECAUSE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ALREADY KNOW THEM.....
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