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Annie Graham #6
The Face Behind the Mask
The greatest show on earth may pose the greatest danger…
1950: Tufty the clown is a circus favourite, drawing fans from miles around. But behind the painted white face, the upturned red lips and bouncy wig, there lurks something far more sinister…
Present Day: When Walter discovers an old clown suit, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to it. Putting on the suit feels electric, but that’s when the voices in his head get louder, and suddenly, he finds himself acting in ways he never would have imagined.
Police officer Annie Ashworth is enjoying her maternity leave spending time with baby Alfie. Until there is a new serial killer on the loose in Barrow, which might explain the cold presence she senses in her house. She’s sure a spirit needs to be put to rest, and she’s always been right in the past. But who is the man in the mask who haunts her nightmares? And why is he wearing a clown suit…
1950: Tufty the clown is a circus favourite, drawing fans from miles around. But behind the painted white face, the upturned red lips and bouncy wig, there lurks something far more sinister…
Present Day: When Walter discovers an old clown suit, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to it. Putting on the suit feels electric, but that’s when the voices in his head get louder, and suddenly, he finds himself acting in ways he never would have imagined.
Police officer Annie Ashworth is enjoying her maternity leave spending time with baby Alfie. Until there is a new serial killer on the loose in Barrow, which might explain the cold presence she senses in her house. She’s sure a spirit needs to be put to rest, and she’s always been right in the past. But who is the man in the mask who haunts her nightmares? And why is he wearing a clown suit…
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2017
114 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 14, 2017
A very quick and sufficiently creepy read. I finished it in one evening. I didn't know when I requested it that it was part of a series, and I wish I had. The author does a decent job of trying to fill you in on the background of the characters, but I might have enjoyed it a little more if I'd read them in order. It features a couple of twists that definitely surprised me.
Back in 1950, a young man has run away and joined the circus. He's now Tufty the clown, clad in a black and white suit and strange orange wig. He's good at his job, but one can't call him a good clown... he's definitely not someone you want around your children. Or yourself.
In the present, a different young man named Walter has come across a strange clown suit he's mysteriously drawn to. The voices in his head now come from the suit... making him put it on and do terrible things.
Annie is a former policewoman on maternity leave. She has a few months left to enjoy her time with her charming eight month old son Alfie. She is also a bit of a psychic, much to the dismay of her police officer husband. We don't get many details, but it's very clear that the powers she has have led her to trouble in the past and put her in grave danger. She hasn't been experiencing anything otherworldly for some time, but that all changes with a dream. She sees a house where a woman has been murdered, and again feels like there's spirits around. Husband Will is on the case she dreamt of, and eager to keep her far away from it and out of harm's way... but that might not be an option.
I was given an ARC of this book from Net Galley and HarperCollins UK, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
Back in 1950, a young man has run away and joined the circus. He's now Tufty the clown, clad in a black and white suit and strange orange wig. He's good at his job, but one can't call him a good clown... he's definitely not someone you want around your children. Or yourself.
In the present, a different young man named Walter has come across a strange clown suit he's mysteriously drawn to. The voices in his head now come from the suit... making him put it on and do terrible things.
Annie is a former policewoman on maternity leave. She has a few months left to enjoy her time with her charming eight month old son Alfie. She is also a bit of a psychic, much to the dismay of her police officer husband. We don't get many details, but it's very clear that the powers she has have led her to trouble in the past and put her in grave danger. She hasn't been experiencing anything otherworldly for some time, but that all changes with a dream. She sees a house where a woman has been murdered, and again feels like there's spirits around. Husband Will is on the case she dreamt of, and eager to keep her far away from it and out of harm's way... but that might not be an option.
I was given an ARC of this book from Net Galley and HarperCollins UK, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
April 9, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ Digital for and advance copy of Face Behind The Mask, the sixth novel to feature police officer and psychic Annie Graham.
Annie is on maternity leave when she gets plagued with bad dreams about a white house with a blue door. She is horrified to see it on tv the next day as the site of the murder her husband, Will, is investigating. The reader is much better informed as it seems to be a clown suit which incites the wearer to murder so there are two narratives that of Gordy the original owner of the suit in 1950 and Walter who finds the suit in a house clearance in the present day.
I confess that I do not enjoy paranormal books as I find it impossible to suspend my disbelief far enough to enter into them and was unaware when I downloaded this book that it had these elements. For this reason I have rated it at 3 stars. If, however, you enjoy this genre there is much to like about the novel.
Ms Phifer does an excellent job with her characters. They are pleasant people with a strong friendship (except, obviously Gordy and Walter) and they bring a warmth to the novel the subject matter doesn't. She has a good ear for dialogue and it seems natural. The plot is well thought out and has an unexpected twist at the end.
Face Behind The Mask is not for me but it is well done.
Annie is on maternity leave when she gets plagued with bad dreams about a white house with a blue door. She is horrified to see it on tv the next day as the site of the murder her husband, Will, is investigating. The reader is much better informed as it seems to be a clown suit which incites the wearer to murder so there are two narratives that of Gordy the original owner of the suit in 1950 and Walter who finds the suit in a house clearance in the present day.
I confess that I do not enjoy paranormal books as I find it impossible to suspend my disbelief far enough to enter into them and was unaware when I downloaded this book that it had these elements. For this reason I have rated it at 3 stars. If, however, you enjoy this genre there is much to like about the novel.
Ms Phifer does an excellent job with her characters. They are pleasant people with a strong friendship (except, obviously Gordy and Walter) and they bring a warmth to the novel the subject matter doesn't. She has a good ear for dialogue and it seems natural. The plot is well thought out and has an unexpected twist at the end.
Face Behind The Mask is not for me but it is well done.
April 17, 2017
Couldn't put it down
I love every one of the Annie Graham books and this one certainly didn't disappoint. Although I was racing to the end to see what happens, I feel quite sad now I've finished. I love Annie and Will and might have to re-read the whole series so I can spend more time in their company.
I love every one of the Annie Graham books and this one certainly didn't disappoint. Although I was racing to the end to see what happens, I feel quite sad now I've finished. I love Annie and Will and might have to re-read the whole series so I can spend more time in their company.
April 18, 2017
Let's just talk about the cover for this book first. I love a cover that instantly has me wanting to read a story, and this is one of those. As soon as I saw it I was hooked, and I couldn't wait to read the book.
As a fan of this series I wasn't sure what to expect with this one as the main female character, Annie Graham, wasn't actually part of the investigating team as she was at home with her newborn baby Alfie. I needn't have been concerned, however, as she manages to find herself embroiled in the mystery regardless. With her gift Annie is able to gain information which otherwise would have remained hidden, but is she able to decipher it properly?
The story itself gripped me instantly and I honestly found myself unwilling to put the book down once I started. The author shocked me a little near the end of the story, and I'm now unsure as to what may happen next. However another little twist gave me hope at the very last sentence. I cannot wait to see what she brings us next.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.
As a fan of this series I wasn't sure what to expect with this one as the main female character, Annie Graham, wasn't actually part of the investigating team as she was at home with her newborn baby Alfie. I needn't have been concerned, however, as she manages to find herself embroiled in the mystery regardless. With her gift Annie is able to gain information which otherwise would have remained hidden, but is she able to decipher it properly?
The story itself gripped me instantly and I honestly found myself unwilling to put the book down once I started. The author shocked me a little near the end of the story, and I'm now unsure as to what may happen next. However another little twist gave me hope at the very last sentence. I cannot wait to see what she brings us next.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.
December 29, 2019
Intriguing fast-paced story full of terrible dialogue and cliches. The climax was predictable except for the way it was handled, which was awful. The only reason I give it three stars instead of two is because the plot is fun.
July 25, 2021
I loved this series
I read this whole series in a week. My new favourite author. Would recommend to anyone who loves a great ghost story.
I read this whole series in a week. My new favourite author. Would recommend to anyone who loves a great ghost story.
August 1, 2017
Hard for me to review this book as I didnt realise it was part of a series and so as I started reading I felt like I had just walked into a party late without a clue who was who, what had happened or why. The first few chapters had so many names and people and references to other stories that I lost interest pretty quickly. Also didnt realise it was a paranormal story, which in my opinion very rarely make good books.
Obviously this is down me not reading the blurb or doing my research on the book before requesting.
Just not for me.
Obviously this is down me not reading the blurb or doing my research on the book before requesting.
Just not for me.
May 6, 2021
Fantastic
Book number six in the series once again didn't disappoint. Really clever plot and interesting characters and a page turner of an ending . Read this book really quickly couldn't wait to see what happened next . Only bad thing is I have become to the end of this series .
Book number six in the series once again didn't disappoint. Really clever plot and interesting characters and a page turner of an ending . Read this book really quickly couldn't wait to see what happened next . Only bad thing is I have become to the end of this series .
January 21, 2024
I can't say enough good things about this author. I have now read almost every single book she has written and have not been disappointed once. I have stayed up past midnight more than once finishing up the books in this series because you really can't put them down. This one was a bit more creepy than the others, but clowns are just freaking scary anyway.
July 23, 2025
Brilliant crime thriller
Kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The characters are so realistic that this book was like a movie, so gripping and chilling also loved the ending of the book. I would love to see characters in the detective Morgan Brookes books that would be so cool!
Kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The characters are so realistic that this book was like a movie, so gripping and chilling also loved the ending of the book. I would love to see characters in the detective Morgan Brookes books that would be so cool!
December 26, 2025
loved it! contained everything you could wish for in a good satisfying thriller
Loved it. Ok so any more in this series would be overkill, absolutely loved them all but they have to end as they have for any hint of reality (and true it is already pushing the boundaries) but it’s feel good entertainment and well-written so who cares??
Loved it. Ok so any more in this series would be overkill, absolutely loved them all but they have to end as they have for any hint of reality (and true it is already pushing the boundaries) but it’s feel good entertainment and well-written so who cares??
April 17, 2019
Love this series of books, thank you Helen for writing such great books!
The story line is great and the characters almost seem like friends as I've read all the Annie Graham books and hope this isn't going to be the last.
The story line is great and the characters almost seem like friends as I've read all the Annie Graham books and hope this isn't going to be the last.
May 9, 2023
An Excellent story yet again.
I have enjoyed all of the Annie Graham series I was engrossed right till the end of the very last chapter
Glad that it ended the way it did an Absolutely Excellent series
I have enjoyed all of the Annie Graham series I was engrossed right till the end of the very last chapter
Glad that it ended the way it did an Absolutely Excellent series
November 24, 2025
Fantastic as usual. Scary enough to make the hairs on my neck tingle but not scary enough to stop me reading at night, when alone and the imagination running wild....Helen never fails to deliver and I hope that this is not the last that we hear about Annie and Will ?????
May 8, 2017
.
I have loved all the books in the Annie Graham! series. I hope it isn't the last we see of her and Will. They always send a tingle down my spine.
I have loved all the books in the Annie Graham! series. I hope it isn't the last we see of her and Will. They always send a tingle down my spine.
May 28, 2017
A brilliant as ever Annie Graham thriller. Hope there are more.
June 2, 2017
A brilliant story...
Thank you for a thrilling read right up to the end, I'm not a great lover of clowns anyway but I have to admit I did enjoy reading this book, Brrrr.
Thank you for a thrilling read right up to the end, I'm not a great lover of clowns anyway but I have to admit I did enjoy reading this book, Brrrr.
June 15, 2017
I love the Annie Graham series, saying that I hate clowns so for me this was a hard read although I can highly recommend this series.
November 30, 2017
I loved this series I'm sad it might be over
September 7, 2020
Oh I so wish I could give Helen's books more stars, have absolutely loved this series. Don't know if there will be any more if this particular series but I do hope so.
January 14, 2021
I really loved this book. It was thrilling and exiting. It hit all the right spots for me, and I only figured out the twist shortly before it was revealed. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
April 18, 2021
Fantastic
I have read all 6 so far in this series. You get hooked from the start. Hard to out down.
I have read all 6 so far in this series. You get hooked from the start. Hard to out down.
July 18, 2024
Great book
December 8, 2025
I love this Annie Graham series
November 27, 2017
Few chapters in & I stopped reading it at night, certainly has the scare factor. My dislike (fear) of clowns made for an interesting read. But as usual Helen didn't disappoint.
April 7, 2017
I love stories that combine procedurals with the supernatural, which is why I was surprised that I'd never hear about the Annie Graham series. At first, it was a little hard to follow all the personal history between the characters, so reading the volumes in order would be recommended. However, it's not really necessary, as the background morsels buried in the new story quickly helped me catch up. Will, Annie's husband, is investigating a stabbing for which they have no motive or suspects. Annie, who is on maternity leave, keeps having visions of a clown doing it. And what can be scarier than a creepy clown. Tufty seems to be the culprit because he is ugly, scary and has homicidal tendencies. But Tufty died a long time ago. We quickly find out who's the killer and why, but the police are behind and if only Will listened to Annie, he would have solved it already. I liked Annie and the whole team, I loved their interactions and their gallows humor. I just didn't like Will, probably because I'm missing so much backstory. But, seriously, listen to your wife! I will be adding the older books to my TBR list, because this is such an enjoyable series.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/HarperCollinsUK!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/HarperCollinsUK!
April 18, 2017
Oh God. Nooooooo. Why didn't I follow my first instinct with Helen Phifer? The first of her books that I read left me a bit cold. But then I read another, and really enjoyed it. Then I read this, not knowing it was part of a series. AND NOW I HAVE TO READ THEM ALL!!!! I just don't have time (*cries into her kindle....hopes it's water resistant*)
So Annie Ashworth (nee Graham) should be enjoying her maternity leave while her husband deals with the nastier elements of life. But the spirits have other ideas and her dreams are haunted by a creepy clown with a knife. Meanwhile in Barrow Walter discovers an old clown suit that seems to be able to control him, and make him act in ways that he previously found unimaginable. But this suit belonged to Tufty the clown, a clown happier to get screams than laughter....
What I liked about this book was it does what it says on the tin (or cover if you like). It's a very creepy tale, but not overly gruesome. The story is well told and although it's number 6 in a series enough was revealed to let me know about the characters but also withheld enough to make it worth going back and reading the rest. Now I just need to find time to do it!
Thank you Netgalley, HQ and Helen Phifer for this advance review copy for an unbiased review.
So Annie Ashworth (nee Graham) should be enjoying her maternity leave while her husband deals with the nastier elements of life. But the spirits have other ideas and her dreams are haunted by a creepy clown with a knife. Meanwhile in Barrow Walter discovers an old clown suit that seems to be able to control him, and make him act in ways that he previously found unimaginable. But this suit belonged to Tufty the clown, a clown happier to get screams than laughter....
What I liked about this book was it does what it says on the tin (or cover if you like). It's a very creepy tale, but not overly gruesome. The story is well told and although it's number 6 in a series enough was revealed to let me know about the characters but also withheld enough to make it worth going back and reading the rest. Now I just need to find time to do it!
Thank you Netgalley, HQ and Helen Phifer for this advance review copy for an unbiased review.
April 21, 2017
Loved itr!
The latest in the Annie graham series, I really hope there are more. I want to see Alice and Alfie grow up! And a scary clown! No spoilers but Annie gets her usual problems and the action switches from past to present with ease. I didn't want the book to end as I miss the characters now.
The latest in the Annie graham series, I really hope there are more. I want to see Alice and Alfie grow up! And a scary clown! No spoilers but Annie gets her usual problems and the action switches from past to present with ease. I didn't want the book to end as I miss the characters now.
April 22, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this latest book in the series. Couldn't put it down! Creepy story and enjoyed the way the characters are moving along! As always I can't wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews