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The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles #3
Face Off
Tortured and left for dead at sixteen, Evelyn Talbot turned her personal nightmare into her life’s work—studying the disturbing psychopathy of some of the world’s most vicious serial killers. Now a leading psychiatrist at Hanover House in a small Alaskan town, she tries to believe the past will never come back to haunt her—until a woman goes missing from a cabin nearby, and every clue points to the man who once brutalized her…
As her boyfriend, who is the area’s only police, begins to investigate—and finds not one but two bodies—Evelyn can’t forget that her would-be killer, Jasper Moore, was never caught. But there are no new faces in tiny Hilltop, no one who seems suspicious or potentially violent. In this twisted game of cat and mouse, Evelyn is certain of only one thing—Jasper must be hiding in plain sight. And if she can’t find him before he comes for her, she won’t be lucky enough to survive twice…
As her boyfriend, who is the area’s only police, begins to investigate—and finds not one but two bodies—Evelyn can’t forget that her would-be killer, Jasper Moore, was never caught. But there are no new faces in tiny Hilltop, no one who seems suspicious or potentially violent. In this twisted game of cat and mouse, Evelyn is certain of only one thing—Jasper must be hiding in plain sight. And if she can’t find him before he comes for her, she won’t be lucky enough to survive twice…
416 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2018
672 people are currently reading
2254 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
238 books6,985 followersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 571 reviews
August 14, 2018
Face Off by Brenda Novak is third full length novel in the The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles but there was also a prequel novella setting up the series before the full length books began. The story is ongoing from book to book so it is a series that needs to be read from the beginning to be completely understood but the author also does a wonderful job refreshing readers with each addition.
This series really is a bit of romantic suspense mixed into a harder edge thriller story as there is a relationship that developed in the early installments that does have some steamier moments. But with the plot being centered around serial killers it is definitely a bit more than just “suspense”.
The character that the series is centered around is Dr. Evelyn Talbot who was once a victim of a killer herself when she was attacked and abused by her high school sweetheart who went onto becoming a serial killer himself. Evelyn has lived with the fear of him being out there but has tried to move on with her life as best she could by going into studying psychopaths and setting up a maximum security prison in Alaska to house the worse of the worse offenders.
Each book in the series picks up from the last with this being no exception. Again the sleepy little Alaskan town is hit with the disappearance of another young woman. Readers are immediately drawn right back into the action as Evelyn and Amarok are drawn into the investigation and the intensity slowly increases page by page.
I’ve been a huge fan of this series from the beginning and can’t recommend it enough. The setting is so wonderfully done, the characters fully fleshed out and the story keeps a steady pace keeping me completely engrossed from beginning to end and always wanting to see what will happen next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
This series really is a bit of romantic suspense mixed into a harder edge thriller story as there is a relationship that developed in the early installments that does have some steamier moments. But with the plot being centered around serial killers it is definitely a bit more than just “suspense”.
The character that the series is centered around is Dr. Evelyn Talbot who was once a victim of a killer herself when she was attacked and abused by her high school sweetheart who went onto becoming a serial killer himself. Evelyn has lived with the fear of him being out there but has tried to move on with her life as best she could by going into studying psychopaths and setting up a maximum security prison in Alaska to house the worse of the worse offenders.
Each book in the series picks up from the last with this being no exception. Again the sleepy little Alaskan town is hit with the disappearance of another young woman. Readers are immediately drawn right back into the action as Evelyn and Amarok are drawn into the investigation and the intensity slowly increases page by page.
I’ve been a huge fan of this series from the beginning and can’t recommend it enough. The setting is so wonderfully done, the characters fully fleshed out and the story keeps a steady pace keeping me completely engrossed from beginning to end and always wanting to see what will happen next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
September 10, 2018
This series has a continuing story arc. I do not recommend reading the books out of order.
The Set Up
Evelyn Talbot is the head psychiatrist at Hanover House, a maximum security prison for serial killers, located in Hilltop, Alaska. The facility is devoted to the psychological study of these criminals and it’s her mission to somehow discover what drives them so she might better understand the one who tried to kill her when she was sixteen years old. Benjamin (Amarok) Murphy is an Alaska State Trooper assigned to the community and is in a relationship with Evelyn. He’s recently returned from the lower 48 after coming very close to capturing Jasper Moore, the man who has haunted Evelyn for most of her life.
The Issues
Unbeknownst to Evelyn and Amarok, Jasper is hiding in plain sight. He surgically altered his appearance years ago, moved to Alaska eight months ago and is a corrections officer at the prison. Jasper’s methodically plotting his final face off with the one that got away and who he’s obsessed with. When two women are found murdered, both Amarok and Evelyn know instinctively that Jasper is now among them.
The Bottom Line
It was chilling getting the alternating narratives, particularly Jasper’s, holding my breath as they investigated and searched for him, trying to figure out his identity. The close calls and near misses kept me off balance and so highly stressed I had to keep putting the book down. This final confrontation was one I was anticipating and looking forward to reading. I just didn’t think about how suspenseful, thrilling and downright scary it would be. There wasn’t any relief at all and that’s what made this SO good!
(I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review)
The Set Up
Evelyn Talbot is the head psychiatrist at Hanover House, a maximum security prison for serial killers, located in Hilltop, Alaska. The facility is devoted to the psychological study of these criminals and it’s her mission to somehow discover what drives them so she might better understand the one who tried to kill her when she was sixteen years old. Benjamin (Amarok) Murphy is an Alaska State Trooper assigned to the community and is in a relationship with Evelyn. He’s recently returned from the lower 48 after coming very close to capturing Jasper Moore, the man who has haunted Evelyn for most of her life.
The Issues
Unbeknownst to Evelyn and Amarok, Jasper is hiding in plain sight. He surgically altered his appearance years ago, moved to Alaska eight months ago and is a corrections officer at the prison. Jasper’s methodically plotting his final face off with the one that got away and who he’s obsessed with. When two women are found murdered, both Amarok and Evelyn know instinctively that Jasper is now among them.
The Bottom Line
It was chilling getting the alternating narratives, particularly Jasper’s, holding my breath as they investigated and searched for him, trying to figure out his identity. The close calls and near misses kept me off balance and so highly stressed I had to keep putting the book down. This final confrontation was one I was anticipating and looking forward to reading. I just didn’t think about how suspenseful, thrilling and downright scary it would be. There wasn’t any relief at all and that’s what made this SO good!
(I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review)
February 5, 2019
She drew a deep breath. "We're a small community, Amarok. We shouldn't have that kind of crime here. We never had it before."
But Dr. Evelyn Talbot seems to be leaving a trail of hardcore breadcrumbs from her home town of Boston to a small remote village in Alaska. Evelyn was brutely attacked when she was sixteen years old. It's still etched solidly in her mind and in her spirit. As a research psychiatrist, she understands fully that such things become a second layer of skin.
Evelyn takes on the directorship at Hanover House which specializes in the psychopathy of serial killers. Some individuals continue to sleep with the lights on. Our girl Evelyn jumps into psychiatry with the emphasis on killer crimes. She has become involved with Amarok, the only police officer in Hilltop. It's taken many years for Evelyn to become comfortable in a relationship. But she's torn with guilt over her aging parents still living in Boston and a sister who has picked up her side as well of the family commitment.
Brenda Novak sets the stage with fright night in the first few chapters with a lone woman awaiting the return of her brother and his friends from a day of hunting. Going outdoors for more logs for a dying fire can lead to being snuffed out yourself. When she goes missing, Amarok is called in to investigate, but an oncoming storm wrecks havoc with the search party.
As the story progresses, we'll find that Sierra will not be the only victim of an insatiable killer. Evelyn and Amarok fear that Hilltop may have its own serial killer......or is it someone more familiar with Evelyn herself?
In truth, I have not read the first two books in this series. Novak fills in the blanks quite well in this third book. Although an entertaining read, there were sections that seemed forced and contrived for the storyline to play out. I questioned quite a few avenues that Evelyn continued to blindly travel down. I know....it's fiction. But let's not stretch my patience so thin. I think the author was going for a bit of an Anthony Hopkins vibe here.
Loving all things Alaska, I kicked this one up from a 3.5 to 4 stars. I know that it's gotten higher ratings out there from fans of the series. As always, take it out for a spin (or a dog sled ride) and see what you think.
But Dr. Evelyn Talbot seems to be leaving a trail of hardcore breadcrumbs from her home town of Boston to a small remote village in Alaska. Evelyn was brutely attacked when she was sixteen years old. It's still etched solidly in her mind and in her spirit. As a research psychiatrist, she understands fully that such things become a second layer of skin.
Evelyn takes on the directorship at Hanover House which specializes in the psychopathy of serial killers. Some individuals continue to sleep with the lights on. Our girl Evelyn jumps into psychiatry with the emphasis on killer crimes. She has become involved with Amarok, the only police officer in Hilltop. It's taken many years for Evelyn to become comfortable in a relationship. But she's torn with guilt over her aging parents still living in Boston and a sister who has picked up her side as well of the family commitment.
Brenda Novak sets the stage with fright night in the first few chapters with a lone woman awaiting the return of her brother and his friends from a day of hunting. Going outdoors for more logs for a dying fire can lead to being snuffed out yourself. When she goes missing, Amarok is called in to investigate, but an oncoming storm wrecks havoc with the search party.
As the story progresses, we'll find that Sierra will not be the only victim of an insatiable killer. Evelyn and Amarok fear that Hilltop may have its own serial killer......or is it someone more familiar with Evelyn herself?
In truth, I have not read the first two books in this series. Novak fills in the blanks quite well in this third book. Although an entertaining read, there were sections that seemed forced and contrived for the storyline to play out. I questioned quite a few avenues that Evelyn continued to blindly travel down. I know....it's fiction. But let's not stretch my patience so thin. I think the author was going for a bit of an Anthony Hopkins vibe here.
Loving all things Alaska, I kicked this one up from a 3.5 to 4 stars. I know that it's gotten higher ratings out there from fans of the series. As always, take it out for a spin (or a dog sled ride) and see what you think.
August 29, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I enjoyed this book. I don't think that poor Evelyn is ever going to catch a break. This is the third book in the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles which is a series that is best read in order since much of this book builds on the events in previous installments. I was eager to see how things were going for Evelyn and Amarok when I picked up this book and I found that I was quickly pulled into the story. I found this newest installment in the series to be quite entertaining.
In a lot of ways, this book felt like a continuation of the story that started in the previous installment, Hello Again. Evelyn is still very focused on her work with psychopaths at Hanover House. Her relationship with Amarok is in a very similar place since Evelyn can't seem to offer Amarok the commitment he wants. The threat of the man who nearly killed Evelyn all those years ago is having a big impact on the daily lives of both Evelyn and Amarok.
This book really focused on Jasper and it was nice to finally let that story play out. The reader knows who Jasper is posing as in the book and we get to see things from his point of view quite often. It was really interesting to see things from all the key players perspectives as the story played out. It was interesting watching Amarok and Evelyn figure things out and get themselves out of a few dangerous situations.
There were a few other things going on in this book that also worked to keep things interesting. There is a missing woman from an area cabin that Amarok has to deal with. He also has an old girlfriend that is back in town and determined to rekindle their relationship. To top things off, Evelyn's sister comes to Alaska for a visit and causes some stress of her own and causes Evelyn to make some pretty big decisions.
I did find parts of this story to be a bit unbelievable. I had no problem just accepting the story as told but I did find a few things rather far fetched. I also thought that some of the relationship issues between Amarok and Evelyn felt a bit manufactured and added unnecessary drama to the story. These issues didn't stop me from enjoying the book even though I did take notice.
I would recommend this series to others. I thought that this was a nice way to wrap up the Jasper story arc and I actually felt that it wrapped up the series quite nicely. I was surprised to find an excerpt for a fourth book in this series and I have to admit that I am very curious about how this series will go moving forward. I wouldn't hesitate to read more from Brenda Novak in the future.
I received a digital review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I enjoyed this book. There were times that some of the things that happened seemed completely unrealistic but I still had fun with it. Some of the relationship drama between Evelyn and Amarok felt a bit manufactured. Why can't we just let these two be happy for a little while?! This is the third book in the series following two full length books and a novella and I do think that this is a series that is best read in order. This book was very focused on Jasper. The reader knows who he is but I had a great time watching the other characters try to figure out how to stop him.
I enjoyed this book. I don't think that poor Evelyn is ever going to catch a break. This is the third book in the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles which is a series that is best read in order since much of this book builds on the events in previous installments. I was eager to see how things were going for Evelyn and Amarok when I picked up this book and I found that I was quickly pulled into the story. I found this newest installment in the series to be quite entertaining.
In a lot of ways, this book felt like a continuation of the story that started in the previous installment, Hello Again. Evelyn is still very focused on her work with psychopaths at Hanover House. Her relationship with Amarok is in a very similar place since Evelyn can't seem to offer Amarok the commitment he wants. The threat of the man who nearly killed Evelyn all those years ago is having a big impact on the daily lives of both Evelyn and Amarok.
This book really focused on Jasper and it was nice to finally let that story play out. The reader knows who Jasper is posing as in the book and we get to see things from his point of view quite often. It was really interesting to see things from all the key players perspectives as the story played out. It was interesting watching Amarok and Evelyn figure things out and get themselves out of a few dangerous situations.
There were a few other things going on in this book that also worked to keep things interesting. There is a missing woman from an area cabin that Amarok has to deal with. He also has an old girlfriend that is back in town and determined to rekindle their relationship. To top things off, Evelyn's sister comes to Alaska for a visit and causes some stress of her own and causes Evelyn to make some pretty big decisions.
I did find parts of this story to be a bit unbelievable. I had no problem just accepting the story as told but I did find a few things rather far fetched. I also thought that some of the relationship issues between Amarok and Evelyn felt a bit manufactured and added unnecessary drama to the story. These issues didn't stop me from enjoying the book even though I did take notice.
I would recommend this series to others. I thought that this was a nice way to wrap up the Jasper story arc and I actually felt that it wrapped up the series quite nicely. I was surprised to find an excerpt for a fourth book in this series and I have to admit that I am very curious about how this series will go moving forward. I wouldn't hesitate to read more from Brenda Novak in the future.
I received a digital review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I enjoyed this book. There were times that some of the things that happened seemed completely unrealistic but I still had fun with it. Some of the relationship drama between Evelyn and Amarok felt a bit manufactured. Why can't we just let these two be happy for a little while?! This is the third book in the series following two full length books and a novella and I do think that this is a series that is best read in order. This book was very focused on Jasper. The reader knows who he is but I had a great time watching the other characters try to figure out how to stop him.
October 10, 2018
Face Off
An enthralling suspense thriller set in Alaska with an amazingly strong female lead character.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SUMMARY
Dr. Evelyn Talbot is a leading psychiatrist at Hanover House in Hilltop, Alaska, studying psychopaths and serial killers. Her study is motivated by her experience, when at 16, she was tortured and left for dead, by serial killer Jasper Moore. Jasper was never caught and is on the run by hiding in plain sight. He continues to be obsessed with raw lust for Evelyn and will stop at nothing to be near her again. He has special plans just for her. Evelyn’s handsome boyfriend, Amarok is the chief of police in Hilltop and promises her he will keep her safe. Amarok is working day and night to find Jasper, especially after two young women are found dead, not far from Hanover House.
REVIEW
My favorite part of this book was Evelyn’s perseverance and strength. My focus in reading this year has been on books with strong women characters, women that would serve as role models for our daughters. Dr. Evelyn Talbot fits the bill. She has risen up from devastating circumstances and has used what happened to her as motivation to study how the psychopath’s brain work. I was impressed by how well her character was developed and by the nuances of her relationships with a variety of people, particularly with Amarok, her sister, co-workers and her parents. FACE OFF has a ruggedly perfect cast of characters.
BRENDA NOVAK’S writing is smart, sharp and easy to read. Her story is suspenseful and meticulously built. She had me with the torture cellar in Anchorage. I mean who sets a story in Alaska! Love it! This is the third book in a series featuring Dr. Evelyn Talbot. The first two books were Her Darkest Nightmare, and Hello Again. While I had not read the previous book I had no difficulty getting into, or following the story. I am however, highly motivated to read these earlier books in the series, since this one is such a well written suspense thriller.
Thanks to Netgalley, Headline and Brenda Novak for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher St Martin’s Paperbacks
Published August 28, 2018
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
An enthralling suspense thriller set in Alaska with an amazingly strong female lead character.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SUMMARY
Dr. Evelyn Talbot is a leading psychiatrist at Hanover House in Hilltop, Alaska, studying psychopaths and serial killers. Her study is motivated by her experience, when at 16, she was tortured and left for dead, by serial killer Jasper Moore. Jasper was never caught and is on the run by hiding in plain sight. He continues to be obsessed with raw lust for Evelyn and will stop at nothing to be near her again. He has special plans just for her. Evelyn’s handsome boyfriend, Amarok is the chief of police in Hilltop and promises her he will keep her safe. Amarok is working day and night to find Jasper, especially after two young women are found dead, not far from Hanover House.
REVIEW
My favorite part of this book was Evelyn’s perseverance and strength. My focus in reading this year has been on books with strong women characters, women that would serve as role models for our daughters. Dr. Evelyn Talbot fits the bill. She has risen up from devastating circumstances and has used what happened to her as motivation to study how the psychopath’s brain work. I was impressed by how well her character was developed and by the nuances of her relationships with a variety of people, particularly with Amarok, her sister, co-workers and her parents. FACE OFF has a ruggedly perfect cast of characters.
BRENDA NOVAK’S writing is smart, sharp and easy to read. Her story is suspenseful and meticulously built. She had me with the torture cellar in Anchorage. I mean who sets a story in Alaska! Love it! This is the third book in a series featuring Dr. Evelyn Talbot. The first two books were Her Darkest Nightmare, and Hello Again. While I had not read the previous book I had no difficulty getting into, or following the story. I am however, highly motivated to read these earlier books in the series, since this one is such a well written suspense thriller.
Thanks to Netgalley, Headline and Brenda Novak for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher St Martin’s Paperbacks
Published August 28, 2018
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
July 29, 2018
I have read all of the books in The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles and Face Off is absolutely EXCELLENT, 4.5 out of 5 stars! I feel like there was definitely enough backstory given that you could read this book as a standalone if you wanted to but don’t, read them all or at least read Hanover House which tells of the brutal attack of the main character, Evelyn Talbot and why she became a psychologist. It’s a very quick read and if you have a couple hours you can knock that baby out in a sitting, it’s THAT good.
Dr. Evelyn Talbot is a living in the small town of Hilltop, Alaska where she runs the mental health side of a prison that houses some of the United Stated scariest Psychopaths. Evelyn and her team run experiments on the men of Hanover House trying to learn more about them so she can discover how to treat this sordid group of individuals. Evelyn has gone through her own personal nightmare involving a serial killer, her high school boyfriend, Jasper Moore, he murderer her three best friends, then did unimaginable things to her before slitting her throat and leaving her for dead all at just 16 years old.
Now 22 years later Evelyn is feeling stressed at work, torn in her relationship with the towns one police man, Benjamin Murphy (Amarok), missing her family in the lower 48 and dealing with the daily knowledge that the monster who tried to kill her not once but twice is still on the loose. When a woman disappears from a cabin and is found murdered days later it rocks Evelyn to the core, she feels in her gut that her ex-boyfriend is in Alaska and wants to finish the job he started 22 years later but in this small town of Hilltop there is no place to hide, there are no new comers, no strangers. The town is so small that by lunch everyone knows what you had for breakfast. Where is Jasper hiding? Or does Hilltop have their very own serial killer?
Evelyn is a very likable main character; she seems realistic with her own flaws. Her boyfriend, Amarok is my first book crush- I won’t lie, I love that guy!
I can’t wait to read the next in the series- Blindspot, the excerpt at the back of the book was absolutely delicious!!! How long do I have to wait!?!
***Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Dr. Evelyn Talbot is a living in the small town of Hilltop, Alaska where she runs the mental health side of a prison that houses some of the United Stated scariest Psychopaths. Evelyn and her team run experiments on the men of Hanover House trying to learn more about them so she can discover how to treat this sordid group of individuals. Evelyn has gone through her own personal nightmare involving a serial killer, her high school boyfriend, Jasper Moore, he murderer her three best friends, then did unimaginable things to her before slitting her throat and leaving her for dead all at just 16 years old.
Now 22 years later Evelyn is feeling stressed at work, torn in her relationship with the towns one police man, Benjamin Murphy (Amarok), missing her family in the lower 48 and dealing with the daily knowledge that the monster who tried to kill her not once but twice is still on the loose. When a woman disappears from a cabin and is found murdered days later it rocks Evelyn to the core, she feels in her gut that her ex-boyfriend is in Alaska and wants to finish the job he started 22 years later but in this small town of Hilltop there is no place to hide, there are no new comers, no strangers. The town is so small that by lunch everyone knows what you had for breakfast. Where is Jasper hiding? Or does Hilltop have their very own serial killer?
Evelyn is a very likable main character; she seems realistic with her own flaws. Her boyfriend, Amarok is my first book crush- I won’t lie, I love that guy!
I can’t wait to read the next in the series- Blindspot, the excerpt at the back of the book was absolutely delicious!!! How long do I have to wait!?!
***Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 24, 2018
An enthralling suspense thriller set in Alaska with an amazingly strong female lead character.
SUMMARY
Dr. Evelyn Talbot is a leading psychiatrist at Hanover House in Hilltop, Alaska, studying psychopaths and serial killers. Her study is motivated by her experience, when at 16, she was tortured and left for dead, by serial killer Jasper Moore. Jasper was never caught and is on the run by hiding in plain sight. He continues to be obsessed with raw lust for Evelyn and will stop at nothing to be near her again. He has special plans just for her. Evelyn’s handsome boyfriend, Amarok is the chief of police in Hilltop and promises her he will keep her safe. Amarok is working day and night to find Jasper, especially after two young women are found dead, not far from Hanover House.
REVIEW
My favorite part of this book was Evelyn’s perseverance and strength. My focus in reading this year has been on books with strong women characters, women that would serve as role models for our daughters. Dr. Evelyn Talbot fits the bill. She has risen up from devastating circumstances and has used what happened to her as motivation to study how the psychopath’s brain work. I was impressed by how well her character was developed and by the nuances of her relationships with a variety of people, particularly with Amarok, her sister, co-workers and her parents. FACE OFF has a ruggedly perfect cast of characters.
BRENDA NOVAK’S writing is smart, sharp and easy to read. Her story is suspenseful and meticulously built. She had me with the torture cellar in Anchorage. I mean who sets a story in Alaska! Love it! This is the third book in a series featuring Dr. Evelyn Talbot. The first two books were Her Darkest Nightmare, and Hello Again. While I had not read the previous book I had no difficulty getting into, or following the story. I am however, highly motivated to read these earlier books in the series, since this one is such a well written suspense thriller.
Thanks to Netgalley, St Martin’s and Brenda Novak for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher St Martin’s Paperbacks
Published August 28, 2018
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Dr. Evelyn Talbot is a leading psychiatrist at Hanover House in Hilltop, Alaska, studying psychopaths and serial killers. Her study is motivated by her experience, when at 16, she was tortured and left for dead, by serial killer Jasper Moore. Jasper was never caught and is on the run by hiding in plain sight. He continues to be obsessed with raw lust for Evelyn and will stop at nothing to be near her again. He has special plans just for her. Evelyn’s handsome boyfriend, Amarok is the chief of police in Hilltop and promises her he will keep her safe. Amarok is working day and night to find Jasper, especially after two young women are found dead, not far from Hanover House.
REVIEW
My favorite part of this book was Evelyn’s perseverance and strength. My focus in reading this year has been on books with strong women characters, women that would serve as role models for our daughters. Dr. Evelyn Talbot fits the bill. She has risen up from devastating circumstances and has used what happened to her as motivation to study how the psychopath’s brain work. I was impressed by how well her character was developed and by the nuances of her relationships with a variety of people, particularly with Amarok, her sister, co-workers and her parents. FACE OFF has a ruggedly perfect cast of characters.
BRENDA NOVAK’S writing is smart, sharp and easy to read. Her story is suspenseful and meticulously built. She had me with the torture cellar in Anchorage. I mean who sets a story in Alaska! Love it! This is the third book in a series featuring Dr. Evelyn Talbot. The first two books were Her Darkest Nightmare, and Hello Again. While I had not read the previous book I had no difficulty getting into, or following the story. I am however, highly motivated to read these earlier books in the series, since this one is such a well written suspense thriller.
Thanks to Netgalley, St Martin’s and Brenda Novak for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher St Martin’s Paperbacks
Published August 28, 2018
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
December 11, 2018
This book was perfection from beginning to end. I was a nervous wrecked the entire time, this author writing is phenomenal. I was fascinated with all the point of views specially the serial killer's mind. The strong love and connection between the hero and heroine was on point and i jut loved it all, the action, the suspense, the angst and the end. I honestly didn't know how on the world this was going to end but it was just perfect. Readers who enjoy a good romantic thriller full of suspense and action will find this book appealing. This book a total page turner and you will be asking for more.
I listen to the audio copy via my library overdrive.
I listen to the audio copy via my library overdrive.
February 20, 2020
Face Off by Brenda Novak is the third book in the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles. I have been following this series from the beginning and I found this installment to be most exciting and intense of them all. This was the point where a notorious serial killer has his most desirable prey in his grasp. The one victim who managed to escape twenty-two years ago. He just needs to find the right moment to make his move where we would have the ultimate showdown between hunter and prey.
Evelyn Talbot was focused on her work at Hanover House and her relationship with Amorok, but she was not settled. Anxiety plagued her as she waited for the day when the terror from her past, Jasper Moore, will catch up to her. What she did not know was the terror was closer than she could imagine. Hiding in plain sight, Jasper has managed to infiltrate Evelyn and Amarok's life without their knowledge.
From the beginning, I found Evelyn to be an inspiring character. I admired her strength and determination. To have experience such a traumatic event at the hands of a psychopath but was willing to work with such persons on a daily basis to learn what made them tick.
I loved how patient Amorak has been with Evelyn. Their relationship has grown, however, uncertainties and family drama on Evelyn's part had the potential to derail it. These two could not get a break.
Jasper was the focus of this story. I got a glimpse of his personality in the previous installment, however in Face Off I had the chance to delve deeper into his mind. Narcisstic and sociopathic to the core, you cannot help but fear for everyone he encounters..
There was a lot happening in this installment to keep everyone on their toes. A tourist has gone missing, a mystery Amarok has to solve. Then there was his ex who would do anything to rekindle their relationship and Evelyn’s sister who had her own share of drama came for a visit. This visit led to Evelyn making a major decision, which would likely affect both her personal and professional life.
Conclusion/Recommendation
I loved how nicely Jasper's story ended and Evelyn and Amarok can finally enjoy their relationship to the fullest.
I enjoyed the series, and I would recommend it to fans of romantic suspense.
Narration
I enjoyed the narration by Therese Plummer. This isn't my first time listening to her narration. She did an excellent job with a great cast of characters. The way she portrayed each one was on point.
Evelyn Talbot was focused on her work at Hanover House and her relationship with Amorok, but she was not settled. Anxiety plagued her as she waited for the day when the terror from her past, Jasper Moore, will catch up to her. What she did not know was the terror was closer than she could imagine. Hiding in plain sight, Jasper has managed to infiltrate Evelyn and Amarok's life without their knowledge.
From the beginning, I found Evelyn to be an inspiring character. I admired her strength and determination. To have experience such a traumatic event at the hands of a psychopath but was willing to work with such persons on a daily basis to learn what made them tick.
I loved how patient Amorak has been with Evelyn. Their relationship has grown, however, uncertainties and family drama on Evelyn's part had the potential to derail it. These two could not get a break.
Jasper was the focus of this story. I got a glimpse of his personality in the previous installment, however in Face Off I had the chance to delve deeper into his mind. Narcisstic and sociopathic to the core, you cannot help but fear for everyone he encounters..
There was a lot happening in this installment to keep everyone on their toes. A tourist has gone missing, a mystery Amarok has to solve. Then there was his ex who would do anything to rekindle their relationship and Evelyn’s sister who had her own share of drama came for a visit. This visit led to Evelyn making a major decision, which would likely affect both her personal and professional life.
Conclusion/Recommendation
I loved how nicely Jasper's story ended and Evelyn and Amarok can finally enjoy their relationship to the fullest.
I enjoyed the series, and I would recommend it to fans of romantic suspense.
Narration
I enjoyed the narration by Therese Plummer. This isn't my first time listening to her narration. She did an excellent job with a great cast of characters. The way she portrayed each one was on point.
July 19, 2018
I wish to extend my thanks to the Publisher - St. Martin’s Paperbacks; the Author - Brenda Novak and NetGalley for the advanced copy of Face Off (The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles #3), for an honest review.
Having read the previous books in this series, I was very excited to have been approved for the ARC of Face Off.
As I read the story I found that not much has changed from the two previous books. I felt the book was thematically repetitive:
• A series of thinly described murders of young women – many who share physical traits of Evelyn.
• The true identity of Andy Smith still hidden
• The town’s folk still not in favor of Hanover House being in their town, and blaming it for the problems now occurring in the area
• Internal discord within Hanover House between the doctors
• The harsh Alaskan climate
• Jasper still after Evelyn
• The relationship between Amarok and Evelyn
• Samantha’s dislike for Evelyn, and her desire to get Amarok back in her life
I found that I easily lost interest in the story. Even the new elements such as Evelyn’s sister Breanne visiting didn’t offset it much (in fact some of her storyline was predictable), and the new female prisoner really didn’t develop into too much page time – seemed like more of a distraction overall.
Evelyn has been through enough in my opinion, I wish the story would have brought us a new killer, more descriptive scenes, more on the studies going on at Hanover House, and how they could benefit the medical profession, more suspense etc. The Jasper wants to get back at Evelyn theme has just gone on too long in my opinion.
For me, this was a high 2.75 out of 5-star read which I’ll round up to 3 stars. I’m also not sure at this time if I will continue with the series – the teaser for the next book wasn’t enough to hook me.
Having read the previous books in this series, I was very excited to have been approved for the ARC of Face Off.
As I read the story I found that not much has changed from the two previous books. I felt the book was thematically repetitive:
• A series of thinly described murders of young women – many who share physical traits of Evelyn.
• The true identity of Andy Smith still hidden
• The town’s folk still not in favor of Hanover House being in their town, and blaming it for the problems now occurring in the area
• Internal discord within Hanover House between the doctors
• The harsh Alaskan climate
• Jasper still after Evelyn
• The relationship between Amarok and Evelyn
• Samantha’s dislike for Evelyn, and her desire to get Amarok back in her life
I found that I easily lost interest in the story. Even the new elements such as Evelyn’s sister Breanne visiting didn’t offset it much (in fact some of her storyline was predictable), and the new female prisoner really didn’t develop into too much page time – seemed like more of a distraction overall.
Evelyn has been through enough in my opinion, I wish the story would have brought us a new killer, more descriptive scenes, more on the studies going on at Hanover House, and how they could benefit the medical profession, more suspense etc. The Jasper wants to get back at Evelyn theme has just gone on too long in my opinion.
For me, this was a high 2.75 out of 5-star read which I’ll round up to 3 stars. I’m also not sure at this time if I will continue with the series – the teaser for the next book wasn’t enough to hook me.
August 28, 2018
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookworms
*I received a free copy of [title] from [publisher] via Author. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *Face Off was a good story, but I have to admit I’m starting to think Evelyn will never ever find any peace. And it took quite a bit of suspension of disbelief to get that she could go through so much and still be sane.
I really enjoy Evelyn and her thoughts on what makes a psychopath a dangerous person. However, in Face Off, I just started to feel a bit tired because Evelyn can never catch a break! She never had a moment of peace, between her one-time boyfriend from her youth, and Amarok's ex who was trying to get to Amarok any way she could.
The overall story in Face Off was very exciting, especially because I as the reader knew who was after Evelyn now. And we got glimpses into his thoughts and how he was planning to recapture her. Face Off really did make it so he had to show his face in the end - and there was a show down in a way. But that also felt a little rushed to me.
The secondary mystery was good, even if the readers knew who was behind the murders, seeing how Amarok worked to find him was very well done. All in all, I enjoy this series, even if Face Off made me want some kind of relief for Evelyn.
Of course, Novak knows how to do romance, and I really enjoyed all the interactions between Evelyn and Amarok, especially as Evelyn trusted both herself and him more and more as time went by.
*I received a free copy of [title] from [publisher] via Author. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *Face Off was a good story, but I have to admit I’m starting to think Evelyn will never ever find any peace. And it took quite a bit of suspension of disbelief to get that she could go through so much and still be sane.
I really enjoy Evelyn and her thoughts on what makes a psychopath a dangerous person. However, in Face Off, I just started to feel a bit tired because Evelyn can never catch a break! She never had a moment of peace, between her one-time boyfriend from her youth, and Amarok's ex who was trying to get to Amarok any way she could.
The overall story in Face Off was very exciting, especially because I as the reader knew who was after Evelyn now. And we got glimpses into his thoughts and how he was planning to recapture her. Face Off really did make it so he had to show his face in the end - and there was a show down in a way. But that also felt a little rushed to me.
The secondary mystery was good, even if the readers knew who was behind the murders, seeing how Amarok worked to find him was very well done. All in all, I enjoy this series, even if Face Off made me want some kind of relief for Evelyn.
Of course, Novak knows how to do romance, and I really enjoyed all the interactions between Evelyn and Amarok, especially as Evelyn trusted both herself and him more and more as time went by.
July 15, 2018
Wow - there is nothing better than reading a Brenda Novak book. This one, third in a series of Evelyn Talbot is mind blowing. I was lucky enough to get a copy from NetGalley.com to read and review. One of the things I love about her books is even reading the 3rd book, Ms Novak lets you go over what happened in the first two by bringing back part of the story. So if it has been awhile between books, you are brought up to date right away.
Again, we find Evelyn in the situation where Jasper Moore, who tortured her and killed her friends, when she was 16, coming up against him being in her life again. But life in Alaska, running Hanover House has been good for her and her love, Amorak.
So 20 years later, she again is frightened for her life. But this time evil has a new look, and Evelyn is unaware of how much danger she is in. Until the killings start....
Again, we find Evelyn in the situation where Jasper Moore, who tortured her and killed her friends, when she was 16, coming up against him being in her life again. But life in Alaska, running Hanover House has been good for her and her love, Amorak.
So 20 years later, she again is frightened for her life. But this time evil has a new look, and Evelyn is unaware of how much danger she is in. Until the killings start....
September 11, 2020
Dopo un primo libro intrigante e ben scritto, questa serie della Novak è andata via via peggiorando. Non posso dire che sia brutto, ma l'ho trovato molto forzato in più punti, quasi che non avesse idea di come allungare il brodo della caccia a Jasper. La protagonista femminile è diventata irritante oltre ogni limite, e anche idiota. Mai come la sorella, comunque, un' emerita deficiente. Sufficienza risicata.
August 31, 2018
Brenda Novak has done such a phenomenal job with this series. I have been on the edge of my seat the entire ride. This book, like the previous ones, has been very unpredictable and full of twists. I love Thrillers and Romantic Suspense novels, and Brenda Novak is definitely an amazing author who can write really gritty and dark stories. She is no rookie in this genre, and I am not one either as a reader. I have read a lot of thrillers, so my expectations are pretty high. And Brenda has met every one of them. The villains were really evil, and I was intrigued by them just like Evelyn. I am pretty interested in how the minds of serial killers work, so I love reading about them in both fiction and non-fiction books. So any Thriller/Romantic Suspense book about serial killers will catch my attention. I just can't get enough of this series and awesome characters. I feel such a strong connection to Evelyn and Amarok , and I just loved seeing how much they have grown throughout this series.
Face Off was another perfect addition to this series, and I wouldn't change one thing about this book. I thought for sure that Face Off was the last book in The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles. But imagine my surprise when I got to the end and saw an excerpt from the next book. Why did I think that this would be the last book? Because the whole series has been a build-up to this book. Evelyn will finally come face to face with the person who tortured and left her for death. How do I feel about this book not being the end? I don't know yet, it will depend on which direction the author will take this series in the upcoming books.
September 1, 2018
As a fan of The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles, I've been on pins and needles since the cliffy ending of Hello Again and anxious to see where Novak would take the story and characters next. I'll say now that if you haven't read the previous books, you should snatch them up and settle in for a chilling marathon of thriller action. Novak does a fantastic job of catching readers up on backstory with each book so they can be read as standalones, but you're missing some great reading time if you skip the previous books.
Face Off picks up right where Hello Again ended, and I soon found myself transported right back into Hilltop, Alaska, and the tumultuous lives of Evelyn, leading psychiatrist at Hanover House, and her love interest, local law enforcement officer, Amarok. Their relationship development is key in this book as ultimatums are issued forcing some major decisions and changes. The author does a fantastic job exposing the differences that threaten their relationship and highlighting major hurdles they will need to overcome in order for them to move forward. Novak wastes no time ramping up the chilling action with tension escalating from the opening chapters all the way through to the shocking ending. I found the pacing to be brisk as I maneuvered the many twists and turns the author wove into this riveting plot line. The interesting thing in this book is that even though readers are aware of the identity of the villain all the way through, I still found myself burning through pages while screaming, "Take off the blinders and SEE who's standing right in front of you!" It certainly begs the question: Is there any better hiding place than in plain sight?
I'm not going to discuss any plot details here as there's only one way to experience this thriller - read it for yourself! I will say that dead bodies are surfacing once again, and Evelyn is sure that it's a warning for her from Jasper, the psychopath who's come close to killing her twice. If there's one thing Evelyn knows to be true, it's that Jasper will never rest, never stop stalking her . . . until she's dead. Question is: Where is he hiding??
Face Off is an intense, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will have readers looking over their shoulder at things that go bump in the night. While it can be said that the plot line is repetitive in some ways with Evelyn once again in a serial killer's sights, the story's chilling, threatening, atmospheric delivery makes it another Must Read in the series! After the ending, I'm anxious to see where the story and these characters go next. Another winner by Novak!
*Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for an arc copy of this book!
**Reviewed at Cross My Heart Reviews
Face Off picks up right where Hello Again ended, and I soon found myself transported right back into Hilltop, Alaska, and the tumultuous lives of Evelyn, leading psychiatrist at Hanover House, and her love interest, local law enforcement officer, Amarok. Their relationship development is key in this book as ultimatums are issued forcing some major decisions and changes. The author does a fantastic job exposing the differences that threaten their relationship and highlighting major hurdles they will need to overcome in order for them to move forward. Novak wastes no time ramping up the chilling action with tension escalating from the opening chapters all the way through to the shocking ending. I found the pacing to be brisk as I maneuvered the many twists and turns the author wove into this riveting plot line. The interesting thing in this book is that even though readers are aware of the identity of the villain all the way through, I still found myself burning through pages while screaming, "Take off the blinders and SEE who's standing right in front of you!" It certainly begs the question: Is there any better hiding place than in plain sight?
I'm not going to discuss any plot details here as there's only one way to experience this thriller - read it for yourself! I will say that dead bodies are surfacing once again, and Evelyn is sure that it's a warning for her from Jasper, the psychopath who's come close to killing her twice. If there's one thing Evelyn knows to be true, it's that Jasper will never rest, never stop stalking her . . . until she's dead. Question is: Where is he hiding??
Face Off is an intense, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will have readers looking over their shoulder at things that go bump in the night. While it can be said that the plot line is repetitive in some ways with Evelyn once again in a serial killer's sights, the story's chilling, threatening, atmospheric delivery makes it another Must Read in the series! After the ending, I'm anxious to see where the story and these characters go next. Another winner by Novak!
*Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for an arc copy of this book!
**Reviewed at Cross My Heart Reviews
January 19, 2023
Il terzo romanzo.. Le citazioni dei serial killer all'inizio di ogni capitolo sono sempre belle e spaventose allo stesso tempo.. finalmente entra in gioco Jasper e la sua scaltrezza abilmente contrastata da quella di Amarok..
"L'unico modo per cambiare le persone è ucciderle."
"L'unico modo per cambiare le persone è ucciderle."
October 3, 2021
SERIE THE EVELYN TALBOT CHRONICLES n. 3
Era da tanto che volevo leggere questo libro. Purtroppo un po’ mi ha deluso.
Lo scorso volume mi aveva fatto ben sperare in una evoluzione. È vero che è un rosa crime, ma secondo me ci sono più parti rosa, tralasciando così la parte crime, che avrebbe dovuto essere secondo me più incisiva.
Si perché in questo volume finalmente si arriva alla resa dei conti, e mi è dispiaciuto vedere
In più Negli scorsi volumi ogni capitolo si apriva con una frase detta da serial killer realmente esistiti. Qui purtroppo non c’erano e mi sono mancate. Davano un aspetto sinistro a tutto il libro.
Se vi aspettate di leggere il thriller dell’anno, cambiate libro. Se volete leggere una storia d’amore con un po’ adrenalina è il libro che fa per voi.
Che poi mi è piaciuto, eh intendiamoci. Ma ripeto avrei preferito un po’ più suspance e meno chiacchiere.
Ora non mi resta che leggere l’ultimo libro.
Era da tanto che volevo leggere questo libro. Purtroppo un po’ mi ha deluso.
Lo scorso volume mi aveva fatto ben sperare in una evoluzione. È vero che è un rosa crime, ma secondo me ci sono più parti rosa, tralasciando così la parte crime, che avrebbe dovuto essere secondo me più incisiva.
Si perché in questo volume finalmente si arriva alla resa dei conti, e mi è dispiaciuto vedere
In più Negli scorsi volumi ogni capitolo si apriva con una frase detta da serial killer realmente esistiti. Qui purtroppo non c’erano e mi sono mancate. Davano un aspetto sinistro a tutto il libro.
Se vi aspettate di leggere il thriller dell’anno, cambiate libro. Se volete leggere una storia d’amore con un po’ adrenalina è il libro che fa per voi.
Che poi mi è piaciuto, eh intendiamoci. Ma ripeto avrei preferito un po’ più suspance e meno chiacchiere.
Ora non mi resta che leggere l’ultimo libro.
August 31, 2018
A supercharged triller set in the isolated town
of Hilltop, Alaska. This story will chill and haunt
you from the first to the last word. A real page
turner.
A group goes on a hunting trip to Hilltop. A brother,
his two friends and his sister. The men go out to
hunt while the sister stays in the cabin. As it gets
late, she goes to the woodshed to get more logs
to keep the fire going. After breaking through the
door, she is horrified by finding a dead body!!!
The killer returns taking the sister and dead body
away with him.
Unknown to others this monster is the same serial
killer that had tortured forensic psychiatrist, Dr.
Evelyn Talbot when she was a teenager. Evelyn is
the only victim of this killer who managed to escape
after being kidnapped, tortured and left to die. Then
the serial killer disappeared but Evelyn knows he is
still out there and has a feeling he is close. But never
guessing that she sees him at work. He has changed
his appearance and works as a guard in the Hanover
House
The Hanover House is a high security penitentiary
where the worst serial killer are housed. They are
here for to study the psychopathology of their
behavior patterns.
Both Evelyn and Alaskan State Trooper, Sergeant
Amarok are in danger now!!
A blood chilling, terrorizing, horrifying and intriguing
read filed with tension, drama and plenty of twists
and turns.
The characters are very well defined, interesting,
colorful and filled with emotions.
I volunteered to read Face Off. Thanks to the author
for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
A Highly Recommended Read!!
of Hilltop, Alaska. This story will chill and haunt
you from the first to the last word. A real page
turner.
A group goes on a hunting trip to Hilltop. A brother,
his two friends and his sister. The men go out to
hunt while the sister stays in the cabin. As it gets
late, she goes to the woodshed to get more logs
to keep the fire going. After breaking through the
door, she is horrified by finding a dead body!!!
The killer returns taking the sister and dead body
away with him.
Unknown to others this monster is the same serial
killer that had tortured forensic psychiatrist, Dr.
Evelyn Talbot when she was a teenager. Evelyn is
the only victim of this killer who managed to escape
after being kidnapped, tortured and left to die. Then
the serial killer disappeared but Evelyn knows he is
still out there and has a feeling he is close. But never
guessing that she sees him at work. He has changed
his appearance and works as a guard in the Hanover
House
The Hanover House is a high security penitentiary
where the worst serial killer are housed. They are
here for to study the psychopathology of their
behavior patterns.
Both Evelyn and Alaskan State Trooper, Sergeant
Amarok are in danger now!!
A blood chilling, terrorizing, horrifying and intriguing
read filed with tension, drama and plenty of twists
and turns.
The characters are very well defined, interesting,
colorful and filled with emotions.
I volunteered to read Face Off. Thanks to the author
for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
A Highly Recommended Read!!
March 23, 2019
Taking a break from some awards reading this week, I spied this book on my library shelf and decided to use it as a bit of a palate cleanser. I'd read Novak's novella that set up the background to her Evelyn Talbot series a couple of years ago, and although I'd been a wee bit underwhelmed by that tale, the potential of the characters and the Alaskan setting were enough for me to give this one a go.
Perhaps with a full length novel Novak would have the room to thread in more layers, subtext, and depth, and remove the feeling of superficiality that had marred an interesting storyline in her novella.
Unfortunately, I quickly discovered that things were much the same, just on a larger scale. All readers have their pet peeves, and FACE OFF pinged a few of mine in the first few pages, including my dislike for expository dialogue which feels unnatural and is clearly the author just trying to deliver recaps and other information to the reader. And doing so in a clunky way, 'on the nose' with no touch for subtext or subtlety. There are some 'nice bones' to this story, plenty for the author to work with when it comes to creating a really excellent, tense thriller in an interesting location, but the fleshing out of those things falls flat. It's a shame. I possibly would have been more forgiving if there hadn't been such an accumulation of clunky prose, stilted and expository dialogue, and storyline set-ups and plot leaps (even holes) that had my eyes rolling more than having me on the edge of my seat.
Let me clear - this isn't a terrible book. Novak has a good underlying story and I'm sure many readers may enjoy this tale of a damaged psychiatrist still being stalked by her teenage nemesis while trying to get on with her life and delve into the nature of psychopathology in remote Alaska. For me there are just too many little things that make it meh' rather than meaningful. My early reactions probably created a bit of a snowball effect - once the obvious 'author hand' of poor dialogue and clunky prose pulled me out of the story, I wasn't as engaged and the novel didn't deliver as much emotional oomph for me that it may do for readers who aren't bothered by such things or aren't pulled out of the story.
Stepping back, this third novel in the Evelyn Talbot series significantly advances both Evelyn's relationship with local cop 'Amarok' and the ongoing storyline relating to her sadistic high school boyfriend, a serial killer who left Evelyn for dead as a teenager but hasn't completely left her life.
Novak does a good job setting the hook and making the reader want to turn the page and want to find out what happens to Evelyn and the Hilltop community. Despite the book hovering towards the DNF category for me at times, I persevered because I was curious. It's an easy read with some narrative drive. I just didn't care as much as I could have. Which was a shame. I kind of feel like Novak needs a stronger hand from her agent or editor, but then again perhaps this is just her writing style. And while it didn't really do it for me, taking a squiz at Good Reads, it seems plenty do love the Evelyn Talbot tales (FACE OFF has a 4.49 average from more than 1,200 ratings, whereas Jane Harper's sublime THE DRY, one of my top reads of the past couple of years, only has a 4.07 average).
So while FACE OFF wasn't really for me, in terms of the quality crime writing I'm looking for, it was an at-times interesting diversion and I think it could be the kind of book that some crime readers will really enjoy. Probably one for the fans of James Patterson and Chris Carter.
This review was first published on Crime Watch
Craig Sisterson writes for newspapers and magazines in several countries. He has interviewed 200 crime writers, discussed the genre onstage at books festivals on three continents, on national radio and popular podcasts, and has been a judge of the Ned Kelly Awards, the McIlvanney Prize, and is the founder of the Ngaio Marsh Awards.
Perhaps with a full length novel Novak would have the room to thread in more layers, subtext, and depth, and remove the feeling of superficiality that had marred an interesting storyline in her novella.
Unfortunately, I quickly discovered that things were much the same, just on a larger scale. All readers have their pet peeves, and FACE OFF pinged a few of mine in the first few pages, including my dislike for expository dialogue which feels unnatural and is clearly the author just trying to deliver recaps and other information to the reader. And doing so in a clunky way, 'on the nose' with no touch for subtext or subtlety. There are some 'nice bones' to this story, plenty for the author to work with when it comes to creating a really excellent, tense thriller in an interesting location, but the fleshing out of those things falls flat. It's a shame. I possibly would have been more forgiving if there hadn't been such an accumulation of clunky prose, stilted and expository dialogue, and storyline set-ups and plot leaps (even holes) that had my eyes rolling more than having me on the edge of my seat.
Let me clear - this isn't a terrible book. Novak has a good underlying story and I'm sure many readers may enjoy this tale of a damaged psychiatrist still being stalked by her teenage nemesis while trying to get on with her life and delve into the nature of psychopathology in remote Alaska. For me there are just too many little things that make it meh' rather than meaningful. My early reactions probably created a bit of a snowball effect - once the obvious 'author hand' of poor dialogue and clunky prose pulled me out of the story, I wasn't as engaged and the novel didn't deliver as much emotional oomph for me that it may do for readers who aren't bothered by such things or aren't pulled out of the story.
Stepping back, this third novel in the Evelyn Talbot series significantly advances both Evelyn's relationship with local cop 'Amarok' and the ongoing storyline relating to her sadistic high school boyfriend, a serial killer who left Evelyn for dead as a teenager but hasn't completely left her life.
Novak does a good job setting the hook and making the reader want to turn the page and want to find out what happens to Evelyn and the Hilltop community. Despite the book hovering towards the DNF category for me at times, I persevered because I was curious. It's an easy read with some narrative drive. I just didn't care as much as I could have. Which was a shame. I kind of feel like Novak needs a stronger hand from her agent or editor, but then again perhaps this is just her writing style. And while it didn't really do it for me, taking a squiz at Good Reads, it seems plenty do love the Evelyn Talbot tales (FACE OFF has a 4.49 average from more than 1,200 ratings, whereas Jane Harper's sublime THE DRY, one of my top reads of the past couple of years, only has a 4.07 average).
So while FACE OFF wasn't really for me, in terms of the quality crime writing I'm looking for, it was an at-times interesting diversion and I think it could be the kind of book that some crime readers will really enjoy. Probably one for the fans of James Patterson and Chris Carter.
This review was first published on Crime Watch
Craig Sisterson writes for newspapers and magazines in several countries. He has interviewed 200 crime writers, discussed the genre onstage at books festivals on three continents, on national radio and popular podcasts, and has been a judge of the Ned Kelly Awards, the McIlvanney Prize, and is the founder of the Ngaio Marsh Awards.
September 14, 2018
Face Off
Brenda Novak
Series Recap:
At sixteen two of Evelyn Talbot’s friends were brutally murdered and she was tortured and left for dead by her then high school boyfriend Jasper Moore and even with multiple agencies looking for him has been killing ever since.
Because of what she survived Evelyn became a psychiatrist and has devoted her life to the study of the psychopathic mind. She also knew she needed a facility to exclusively study these conscienceless killers and thanks to her fierce determination Hanover House Prison in Hilltop Alaska became a reality and she agreed to be in charge for at least five years. She’s also found a home and thanks to his tenderness finally against all odds, love with Alaska State Trooper Amarok. But not everything is perfect because he wants a commitment and she’s not sure she can until Jasper is once and for all put behind bars.
Story 5:
Novak’s latest, Face Off, #3 in her Evelyn Talbot Chronicles is and unforgettable chilling tale about madness, murder and resolution. A non-stop, emotional rollercoaster ride giving readers goose bumps and not just from the cold Alaska weather.
The storyline is fantastic, the landscapes lush, unforgiving and the perfect place for a serial killer to hide and to thrive. The content is horrifyingly provocative and the characters both the good and evil costars and the fantastic main stars of Evelyn and Amarok are unforgettable.
It’s the extremes that make this installation in the series so memorable, the internal battle Evelyn is constantly going through, Amarok’s futile feelings of being able to protect Evelyn and also the battle of the prison vs the townspeople who want it and it’s dangerous inmates gone. And Novak, the master of romantic suspense puts together all the puzzle pieces perfectly right up to the “OH MY GOD” ending.
This is one of those series that will leave lasting impressions long after “the end”, and is a must read for romantic-suspense and thriller fans. This, soon to be a bestseller, story stands well on its own but as in all great series, is best read in order.
Narration 5:
The narration by Therese Plummer is absolutely marvelous and will leave listeners biting their nails waiting for the next terrifying happening. The emotion she puts into the story at the exact right times is exceptional and gives the audience more of a 360º enjoyment of the novel. She’s got all characters (especially female) down pat, but it’s definitely her depiction of Evelyn that is flawless.
SUMMARY:
When a woman visiting from Louisiana goes missing from a hunting cabin in Hilltop Sergeant Amaraok from the state police is on the case. When two bodies are found and evidence points to Jasper, Amarok is both elated to be this close to being able to catch the man who once almost murdered the woman he loves and terrified that he could once again get his hands on her. And now he’ll also have to be extra vigilant to protect not only the woman but the town an people that he loves.
Evelyn is also hopeful that Jasper can be caught because she doesn’t know how much longer she can take the stress of not knowing when or if he’ll get her again. And she’s not sure even as much as she loves Amarok if she can stay in Alaska.
While Amarok and Evelyn search for clues a sadistic killer ups the body counts and is convinced that he’ll not only never be caught but that he’ll be able to at long last torture and kill the only victim who got away.
Brenda Novak
Series Recap:
At sixteen two of Evelyn Talbot’s friends were brutally murdered and she was tortured and left for dead by her then high school boyfriend Jasper Moore and even with multiple agencies looking for him has been killing ever since.
Because of what she survived Evelyn became a psychiatrist and has devoted her life to the study of the psychopathic mind. She also knew she needed a facility to exclusively study these conscienceless killers and thanks to her fierce determination Hanover House Prison in Hilltop Alaska became a reality and she agreed to be in charge for at least five years. She’s also found a home and thanks to his tenderness finally against all odds, love with Alaska State Trooper Amarok. But not everything is perfect because he wants a commitment and she’s not sure she can until Jasper is once and for all put behind bars.
Story 5:
Novak’s latest, Face Off, #3 in her Evelyn Talbot Chronicles is and unforgettable chilling tale about madness, murder and resolution. A non-stop, emotional rollercoaster ride giving readers goose bumps and not just from the cold Alaska weather.
The storyline is fantastic, the landscapes lush, unforgiving and the perfect place for a serial killer to hide and to thrive. The content is horrifyingly provocative and the characters both the good and evil costars and the fantastic main stars of Evelyn and Amarok are unforgettable.
It’s the extremes that make this installation in the series so memorable, the internal battle Evelyn is constantly going through, Amarok’s futile feelings of being able to protect Evelyn and also the battle of the prison vs the townspeople who want it and it’s dangerous inmates gone. And Novak, the master of romantic suspense puts together all the puzzle pieces perfectly right up to the “OH MY GOD” ending.
This is one of those series that will leave lasting impressions long after “the end”, and is a must read for romantic-suspense and thriller fans. This, soon to be a bestseller, story stands well on its own but as in all great series, is best read in order.
Narration 5:
The narration by Therese Plummer is absolutely marvelous and will leave listeners biting their nails waiting for the next terrifying happening. The emotion she puts into the story at the exact right times is exceptional and gives the audience more of a 360º enjoyment of the novel. She’s got all characters (especially female) down pat, but it’s definitely her depiction of Evelyn that is flawless.
SUMMARY:
When a woman visiting from Louisiana goes missing from a hunting cabin in Hilltop Sergeant Amaraok from the state police is on the case. When two bodies are found and evidence points to Jasper, Amarok is both elated to be this close to being able to catch the man who once almost murdered the woman he loves and terrified that he could once again get his hands on her. And now he’ll also have to be extra vigilant to protect not only the woman but the town an people that he loves.
Evelyn is also hopeful that Jasper can be caught because she doesn’t know how much longer she can take the stress of not knowing when or if he’ll get her again. And she’s not sure even as much as she loves Amarok if she can stay in Alaska.
While Amarok and Evelyn search for clues a sadistic killer ups the body counts and is convinced that he’ll not only never be caught but that he’ll be able to at long last torture and kill the only victim who got away.
September 12, 2018
In this third instalment, as the title states, it’s time for Evelyn to face off with Jasper. Books one and two, in this series, have been building to this moment; this continuous story arc means you may feel lost if you jump straight in with this book. I highly recommend starting at the beginning of this series, each instalment is brilliant, and continuously builds the suspense, and will guarantee you are wholeheartedly invested in this novel. Not only will you be privy to the build-up of events, but you’ll get an insight into the mind of several psychopaths, for that is Evelyn’s job – she studies psychopathy at Hanover House, and one of my favourite things about this series is the conversations she has with some of the inmates – it’s such an adrenaline rush, yet disturbing as hell!
In Face Off, the focus is on one psychopath in particular, someone who has evaded capture for over 20 years, someone so twisted your nightmares will have nightmares! No conscience, no remorse, no moral guide whatsoever, Jasper Moore will not rest until he finishes what he started all those years ago. But this time, Evelyn’s not running, with her boyfriend, Amarok, by her side, she knows this face off has to happen if she is ever to live a normal life, to stop looking over her shoulder.
Evelyn is a great character, and Novak has got the balance of her character just right. She’s not portrayed as some fearless psychiatrist who laughs in the face of a psychopath. No, she’s afraid, she knows what Jasper is capable of; she studies some of the most depraved individuals on the planet in the hope of understanding psychopathy and how to beat it. But, Evelyn also knows, whether she lives or dies, she cannot live forever in fear. And I felt that fear right along with her, there were several moments, I was holding my breath, thinking the end was near. The suspense was intense, this novel was fantastic in creating that nervous tension.
Face Off is set in a remote town in Alaska, and no matter how long between instalments, every time I pick up a book in this series, I’m transported to the setting. The dark, cold, winters of Alaska, no one has a mobile phone because reception is so poor, so if you get caught stranded, you really are on your own. And with, arguably, the most dangerous psychopath hunting Evelyn, isolation and darkness are the last two things you want to experience, that’s how people end up dead! I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t live there, I get freaked out in a power cut, I don’t know how to change a tire, nor shoot a gun, I have no survival skills whatsoever – I’m afraid of the Alaskan darkness!
I absolutely recommend Face Off, but as mentioned above, read this series in order to maximise your enjoyment. Journey with Evelyn as she studies psychopaths, attempts to have a normal relationship, and faces off with the most dangerous psychopath of them all!
*My thanks to DaVaughn Smith (Author Brenda Novak Representative) for providing me with a digital copy of this title*
In Face Off, the focus is on one psychopath in particular, someone who has evaded capture for over 20 years, someone so twisted your nightmares will have nightmares! No conscience, no remorse, no moral guide whatsoever, Jasper Moore will not rest until he finishes what he started all those years ago. But this time, Evelyn’s not running, with her boyfriend, Amarok, by her side, she knows this face off has to happen if she is ever to live a normal life, to stop looking over her shoulder.
Evelyn is a great character, and Novak has got the balance of her character just right. She’s not portrayed as some fearless psychiatrist who laughs in the face of a psychopath. No, she’s afraid, she knows what Jasper is capable of; she studies some of the most depraved individuals on the planet in the hope of understanding psychopathy and how to beat it. But, Evelyn also knows, whether she lives or dies, she cannot live forever in fear. And I felt that fear right along with her, there were several moments, I was holding my breath, thinking the end was near. The suspense was intense, this novel was fantastic in creating that nervous tension.
Face Off is set in a remote town in Alaska, and no matter how long between instalments, every time I pick up a book in this series, I’m transported to the setting. The dark, cold, winters of Alaska, no one has a mobile phone because reception is so poor, so if you get caught stranded, you really are on your own. And with, arguably, the most dangerous psychopath hunting Evelyn, isolation and darkness are the last two things you want to experience, that’s how people end up dead! I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t live there, I get freaked out in a power cut, I don’t know how to change a tire, nor shoot a gun, I have no survival skills whatsoever – I’m afraid of the Alaskan darkness!
I absolutely recommend Face Off, but as mentioned above, read this series in order to maximise your enjoyment. Journey with Evelyn as she studies psychopaths, attempts to have a normal relationship, and faces off with the most dangerous psychopath of them all!
*My thanks to DaVaughn Smith (Author Brenda Novak Representative) for providing me with a digital copy of this title*
November 28, 2018
Face Off, the third novel in the Dr Evelyn Talbot series from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak, has only just shown up on my radar and I haven't read the previous two books so I didn't know what to expect. What I discovered was a criminally underrated author and series. As I have a fascination with the warped ideology of psychopaths the fact that this is based around psychiatrist Dr Talbot's dangerous patients residing at Hanover House in Alaska really appealed to me. Given Talbot was subjected to a horrifying ordeal at the hands of her then-boyfriend she has a vested interest in discovering why these perpetrators do what they do and has turned her traumatic experience into a positive by taking the job in order to help others who have been in the same situation.
This was one of the best surprises of 2018 for me. It's endlessly compelling, compulsively readable and holds you in its grasp for the duration. It takes very little time when you begin to be completely engaged which turns this into a tense and exciting one-sitting read. There are twists and turns the whole way through and I loved Dr Talbot as a character - she turns her near-death experience into her life's work trying to care for others. She is strong, fearless but still, naturally, haunted by the incident with ex Jasper despite time having passed. This was definitely a five-star surprise for me! I literally cannot wait for further additions to the series to be published and I've already nabbed copies of the previous two novels. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Headline Eternal for an ARC.
This was one of the best surprises of 2018 for me. It's endlessly compelling, compulsively readable and holds you in its grasp for the duration. It takes very little time when you begin to be completely engaged which turns this into a tense and exciting one-sitting read. There are twists and turns the whole way through and I loved Dr Talbot as a character - she turns her near-death experience into her life's work trying to care for others. She is strong, fearless but still, naturally, haunted by the incident with ex Jasper despite time having passed. This was definitely a five-star surprise for me! I literally cannot wait for further additions to the series to be published and I've already nabbed copies of the previous two novels. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Headline Eternal for an ARC.
June 14, 2018
Another wild page turner in this highly addictive series. Evelyn has opened Hanover House to study Serial Killers. At sixteen, she was violently attacked and left for dead by her boyfriend, Jasper who has continued to avoid capture. When murders begin to happen around the area, Evelyn is worried that Jasper is back and finally ready to finish what he started all those years ago. A true edge of your seat thriller! Highly recommend! I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 24, 2018
Face Off is a continuation of the psychological thriller series that takes place in Hilltop, Alaska where Dr. Evelyn Talbot is a psychiatrist and director of Hanover House, a prison where psychopaths are studied to find out what makes psychopaths commit crimes that they do. She and her team look at the way their brain is made to see how it affects them.
At age sixteen, she was attacked and left for dead by her boyfriend along with three of her friends who he did kill. She has devoted her life to studying these criminals in the hope to make the world a safer place. That happened more than twenty years ago Her old boyfriend, Jasper Moore, is at large but did try to kill her a couple of years ago. She lives in fear that he will show up again. Thankfully, her current boyfriend, Sergeant Benjamin "Amarok" Murphy of the Alaska State Troopers has the experience, determination and ability to keep her safe. But, what Evelyn and Amarok don't know is that Jasper is right under their noses and has been working as a correction officer at the prison as Andy Smith for eight months. He changed his looks so he is not recognizable. He is waiting patiently to take Evelyn to his home in Anchorage where he has a torture chamber where he plans to exact his revenge and sick passion on her. When women's bodies start showing up, Amarok and Evelyn begin to think that maybe Jasper is back. In addition to the worries of finding who murdered the women and finding Jasper, there are complications that pull at Evelyn and Amarok's relationship by an old girlfriend of Amaroks, Evelyn's sister from Boston and the usual problems at Hanover House.
This is another book in the series that draws one into the book from the first page until the end with intense nail biting scenes. I have read all of the books in the series and recommend that it be read in order for the best understanding and enjoyment.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author. Opinions and thoughts stated are mine only.
At age sixteen, she was attacked and left for dead by her boyfriend along with three of her friends who he did kill. She has devoted her life to studying these criminals in the hope to make the world a safer place. That happened more than twenty years ago Her old boyfriend, Jasper Moore, is at large but did try to kill her a couple of years ago. She lives in fear that he will show up again. Thankfully, her current boyfriend, Sergeant Benjamin "Amarok" Murphy of the Alaska State Troopers has the experience, determination and ability to keep her safe. But, what Evelyn and Amarok don't know is that Jasper is right under their noses and has been working as a correction officer at the prison as Andy Smith for eight months. He changed his looks so he is not recognizable. He is waiting patiently to take Evelyn to his home in Anchorage where he has a torture chamber where he plans to exact his revenge and sick passion on her. When women's bodies start showing up, Amarok and Evelyn begin to think that maybe Jasper is back. In addition to the worries of finding who murdered the women and finding Jasper, there are complications that pull at Evelyn and Amarok's relationship by an old girlfriend of Amaroks, Evelyn's sister from Boston and the usual problems at Hanover House.
This is another book in the series that draws one into the book from the first page until the end with intense nail biting scenes. I have read all of the books in the series and recommend that it be read in order for the best understanding and enjoyment.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author. Opinions and thoughts stated are mine only.
September 9, 2018
Face off is the third book in The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles. As you already know Jasper has gotten very close to Evelyn and we were waiting to see what was going to be his next move and if Evelyn was ever going to find out who Andy was. I must admit that I was frustrated and thinking of giving up the series for half if not more of the book. I honestly, thought that the author was going to drag this Jasper plotline forever and all the books would be about him. I am still worried that that's gonna happen in the next book, but I hope that once again the inmates and Evelyn's research will be on the spotlight. I don't even care if her fictional findings will be based on reality or not. I just want her not to think about him. There was a female inmate introduced in the story and maybe we can explore her mind.
Amarok and Evelyn's relationship is on the rocks and I was wondering why. Things seem to be going fine, then there is talk about Evelyn leaving and in the end, I just wanted her to make up her mind and either leave or stay. I didn't get her thinking. She wanted a baby, but she was thinking that in 3 years she would leave Alaska and take the child with her. So basically, Amarok was the sperm donor and not the man she was supposed to be in a relationship with. Evelyn's sister entered the picture and she was even worse. I hated her and I kind of wished she was one of Jasper's victims. Both sisters were a source of frustration and disappointment.
The series started so well but I don't know where is going on now. I will read the next book and I will hope that it will be the last one because I feel like it's dragging a little.
Amarok and Evelyn's relationship is on the rocks and I was wondering why. Things seem to be going fine, then there is talk about Evelyn leaving and in the end, I just wanted her to make up her mind and either leave or stay. I didn't get her thinking. She wanted a baby, but she was thinking that in 3 years she would leave Alaska and take the child with her. So basically, Amarok was the sperm donor and not the man she was supposed to be in a relationship with. Evelyn's sister entered the picture and she was even worse. I hated her and I kind of wished she was one of Jasper's victims. Both sisters were a source of frustration and disappointment.
The series started so well but I don't know where is going on now. I will read the next book and I will hope that it will be the last one because I feel like it's dragging a little.
October 31, 2020
Si arriva finalmente alla resa dei conti tra Evelyn e Jasper. Mi aspettavo un po' di suspance, colpi di scena, effetti a sorpresa...
Invece il libro è stato vagamente noioso. Aspettavo solo le pagine sui problemi personali di Evelyn e Amarok ma anche quelli erano abbastanza anonimi.
Non so se leggerò il quarto
Invece il libro è stato vagamente noioso. Aspettavo solo le pagine sui problemi personali di Evelyn e Amarok ma anche quelli erano abbastanza anonimi.
Non so se leggerò il quarto
February 13, 2020
Niente da fare, la protagonista non mi è stata simpatica fin dal primo volume di questa serie... e con questo ho avuto un'ulteriore conferma e mi ha "rovinato" la lettura, ancora una volta.
La parte suspense è scritta bene e ho proseguito la serie perché volevo sapere come sarebbe andata a finire tutta la faccenda.
La parte suspense è scritta bene e ho proseguito la serie perché volevo sapere come sarebbe andata a finire tutta la faccenda.
July 23, 2018
Face Off by Brenda Novak
The thrilling third novel in the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles.
Edge of the seat reading.
Psychological thriller best read in series order.
Jasper has been hunting Evelyn for a very long time. From the prior book we know he’s very close to her, even working in the same prison under an assumed name. Killing for him is a need. Since he is waiting for the perfect opportunity to capture Evelyn, it’s inevitable that there are other casualties to quell his obsession.
Her sister is visiting Evelyn. Is it safe? No. It is not! Look over your shoulders everyone.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley.
The thrilling third novel in the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles.
Edge of the seat reading.
Psychological thriller best read in series order.
Jasper has been hunting Evelyn for a very long time. From the prior book we know he’s very close to her, even working in the same prison under an assumed name. Killing for him is a need. Since he is waiting for the perfect opportunity to capture Evelyn, it’s inevitable that there are other casualties to quell his obsession.
Her sister is visiting Evelyn. Is it safe? No. It is not! Look over your shoulders everyone.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley.
August 29, 2018
I have been anxiously awaking the release of what I thought was the final book of the Hanover House/Evelyn Talbot series. Spoiler alert 🚨 it’s not!
I started reading it the night it appeared on my kindle, lost sleep because I was reading it, and finished it within the first 24 hrs it was out. And that’s with working all day, but who needs sleep anyway. 😂
It was suspenseful, heart wrenching, and had me ready to throw my Kindle across the room at times. The only downfall was that it’s been so long between each book, especially the first one to this that I didn’t remember all the secondary characters. I’ll have to go back and re read the series before the next book comes out next August. A whole year of waiting again?!? 😭
I started reading it the night it appeared on my kindle, lost sleep because I was reading it, and finished it within the first 24 hrs it was out. And that’s with working all day, but who needs sleep anyway. 😂
It was suspenseful, heart wrenching, and had me ready to throw my Kindle across the room at times. The only downfall was that it’s been so long between each book, especially the first one to this that I didn’t remember all the secondary characters. I’ll have to go back and re read the series before the next book comes out next August. A whole year of waiting again?!? 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2020
Inaspettato! Ultimo libro della trilogia Evelyn Talbot, una suspence continua. Non do 5 stelle perché nelle prime 100 pagine c'è una suspence per me inutile, nel senso che sembra quasi che Jasper riesca nel suo piano immediatamente ma, proprio perché siamo all'inizio del libro, è inverosimile che ci riesca perché altrimenti... Di cosa parlerebbero le altre 200 pagine?
Finale quasi a sorpresa, sono contenta che Samantha ha avuto quello che meritava!!
Brava Brenda, una piacevole scoperta.
Finale quasi a sorpresa, sono contenta che Samantha ha avuto quello che meritava!!
Brava Brenda, una piacevole scoperta.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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