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Stealing Faces
Twelve years ago Kaylie McMillan fell victim to serial killer John Cray's sick obsession -- and escaped. So did Cray.
Twelve years later, the nightmare still haunts Kaylie, putting her sanity in jeopardy -- and her life at stake. Because Cray is still out there.
And tonight, he's going to finish what he started...
Twelve years later, the nightmare still haunts Kaylie, putting her sanity in jeopardy -- and her life at stake. Because Cray is still out there.
And tonight, he's going to finish what he started...
424 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 1999
302 people are currently reading
1083 people want to read
About the author
Michael Prescott
49 books167 followersA pseudonym used by Douglas Borton, aka Brian Harper.
Douglas Borton grew up in New Jersey and attended Wesleyan University, then moved to Los Angeles and pursued a career as a screenwriter. After working with several independent producers, he eventually switched to writing novels, a much less stressful occupation. He has published 25 thrillers, starting with horror novels in the 1980s and continuing with suspense and crime novels in the '90s and beyond. His latest book is Bad to the Bone (2015), a sequel to Blood in the Water (2014). After twenty years in traditional publishing, he went the indie route in 2011 and has become one of America's bestselling ebook writers.
Douglas Borton grew up in New Jersey and attended Wesleyan University, then moved to Los Angeles and pursued a career as a screenwriter. After working with several independent producers, he eventually switched to writing novels, a much less stressful occupation. He has published 25 thrillers, starting with horror novels in the 1980s and continuing with suspense and crime novels in the '90s and beyond. His latest book is Bad to the Bone (2015), a sequel to Blood in the Water (2014). After twenty years in traditional publishing, he went the indie route in 2011 and has become one of America's bestselling ebook writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
March 27, 2012
I've been reading and reviewing a fair amount of books this year, all of them quite good, and most of them on Kindle. Of course, I vet them before I accept a review request by reading the first few pages and the synopsis. There's nothing worse than reviewing a book that bores you to tears or that just isn't your cup of tea. So I almost always love the titles I accept.
In the midst of all these excellent books, however, came STEALING FACES. This high suspense thriller literally knocked my socks off.
Mr. Prescott's writing style is what hooked me from the beginning. Smooth, tight, and fast flowing, the prose held me as spellbound as the suspense. Frankly, STEALING FACES is one of the best-written novels I've come across in a very long time, and I can't believe I haven't discovered Mr. Prescott's work to date.
Cray has been stalking and killing women for over a decade. Well-respected by day, savage hunter by night, the man's character is impeccably drawn using inner thoughts and dialog. The contrast between his day job (revealed partway through the book) and his secret, sick obsession, accentuates his evil.
Now, meet protagonist Elizabeth Palmer. Desperate, broke, resourceful, and lovely, this woman has fixated on finding and bringing Cray to justice since she escaped his clutches twelve years earlier.
From the first primal scream of Cray's victim to the kaleidoscope of terror-filled memories experienced by Elizabeth, Prescott doesn't let his readers relax, or even take a breath. Both characters, juxtaposed brilliantly against each other, drive the story forward to its very satisfying conclusion.
The plot is well recounted in many of the 100 plus reviews on Amazon, so let it suffice for me to say that many plot threads and themes are tightly woven into this book, with shock after shock and absolutely no letting down of the tension. I would actually recommend STEALING FACES as a primer for those interested in pursuing a career in writing thrillers.
Thank you, Mr. Prescott, for showing us all how it should be done, and for several nights of delicious, exhilarating thrills.
Highly recommended by Aaron Paul Lazar.
Aaron Lazar
In the midst of all these excellent books, however, came STEALING FACES. This high suspense thriller literally knocked my socks off.
Mr. Prescott's writing style is what hooked me from the beginning. Smooth, tight, and fast flowing, the prose held me as spellbound as the suspense. Frankly, STEALING FACES is one of the best-written novels I've come across in a very long time, and I can't believe I haven't discovered Mr. Prescott's work to date.
Cray has been stalking and killing women for over a decade. Well-respected by day, savage hunter by night, the man's character is impeccably drawn using inner thoughts and dialog. The contrast between his day job (revealed partway through the book) and his secret, sick obsession, accentuates his evil.
Now, meet protagonist Elizabeth Palmer. Desperate, broke, resourceful, and lovely, this woman has fixated on finding and bringing Cray to justice since she escaped his clutches twelve years earlier.
From the first primal scream of Cray's victim to the kaleidoscope of terror-filled memories experienced by Elizabeth, Prescott doesn't let his readers relax, or even take a breath. Both characters, juxtaposed brilliantly against each other, drive the story forward to its very satisfying conclusion.
The plot is well recounted in many of the 100 plus reviews on Amazon, so let it suffice for me to say that many plot threads and themes are tightly woven into this book, with shock after shock and absolutely no letting down of the tension. I would actually recommend STEALING FACES as a primer for those interested in pursuing a career in writing thrillers.
Thank you, Mr. Prescott, for showing us all how it should be done, and for several nights of delicious, exhilarating thrills.
Highly recommended by Aaron Paul Lazar.
Aaron Lazar
November 27, 2011
A predator who only feels alive when hunting women, who believes that there is no ghost in the machine, and people are just animals, is being stalked by a woman from his past... the one that got away - literally.
Unfortunately, John Cray is a cliche wrapped in another cliche, prone to dramatic preachy monologues that were so unoriginal it was all I could do to not groan aloud. The lack of attention to developing the villain as a character made the book feel plastic and 2D - a hammer horror - and this was all the more evident when reading what should have been the most gripping parts of the story. Was glad to reach the end.
Unfortunately, John Cray is a cliche wrapped in another cliche, prone to dramatic preachy monologues that were so unoriginal it was all I could do to not groan aloud. The lack of attention to developing the villain as a character made the book feel plastic and 2D - a hammer horror - and this was all the more evident when reading what should have been the most gripping parts of the story. Was glad to reach the end.
August 3, 2014
I struggled on whether I should give this book one or two stars. The opening scene was really good: well written and enticing, if not a little disturbing - it got me excited for the book. And then the rest of the book was disappointing. The writing was poor. I'm pretty sure the author used a lot of big words just to fool people into thinking that he is a good writer. Apparently it worked because a lot of people have rated this book highly. Meanwhile, I'm pretty sure he just had a thesaurus handy every time he sat down to write.
The characters were intriguing at first but they ended up getting dull - even while the story line picked up the pace. The author also tried to create a sense of mystery by leaving every single question unanswered in the first half of the book. Yeah, this was overkill but it sort of worked...until he answered every single possibly lingering question in the second half of the book and the epilogue. I think he would have been better off leaving a little more to the imagination. By the time I was halfway through with the book, I raced to finish it just so that I could move onto another book.
This will be the last time I trust Amazon to recommend books.
The characters were intriguing at first but they ended up getting dull - even while the story line picked up the pace. The author also tried to create a sense of mystery by leaving every single question unanswered in the first half of the book. Yeah, this was overkill but it sort of worked...until he answered every single possibly lingering question in the second half of the book and the epilogue. I think he would have been better off leaving a little more to the imagination. By the time I was halfway through with the book, I raced to finish it just so that I could move onto another book.
This will be the last time I trust Amazon to recommend books.
August 27, 2011
Clever, great characterization, and one of those books where the suspense is so great, you just MUST read one more page, just one more...and then you're at the end.
March 31, 2014
Excellent thriller involving a psychiatrist, serial killer, and the girl that just will not go away. Is Dr. Cray the killer? Or does the girl suffer from a mental illness? Frightening. There is enough madness in this story to scare anybody. Then there is the big surprise.
Dr. Cray is a brilliant character. I love him. I loved reading his thoughts, as brilliant/crazy as they were. The girl is almost perfect for the role she plays, except she's simply not smart enough. So, she's not as believable as I wanted her to be. All of the supporting characters are necessary.
The mind trips are addicting. Dr. Cray's thoughts are just insane. Aren't they? This is a deep look into the mind of a psychiatrist who kills.
Oddly, I don't like the ending. I must be crazy.
Even the epilogue leaves me wondering.
Had the girl been a bit more savvy, I would have easily given Stealing Faces 5 stars.
Dr. Cray is a brilliant character. I love him. I loved reading his thoughts, as brilliant/crazy as they were. The girl is almost perfect for the role she plays, except she's simply not smart enough. So, she's not as believable as I wanted her to be. All of the supporting characters are necessary.
The mind trips are addicting. Dr. Cray's thoughts are just insane. Aren't they? This is a deep look into the mind of a psychiatrist who kills.
Oddly, I don't like the ending. I must be crazy.
Even the epilogue leaves me wondering.
Had the girl been a bit more savvy, I would have easily given Stealing Faces 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2011
This was an incredibly by-the-numbers thriller. And sadly, I don't think the author meant for it to be. It seemed to be trying so hard to burst out of the mold, but it was formulaic and boring as anything you'd find in this genre. Worse yet, the killer was a long-winded blowhard who wasn't in the least intimidating. The female lead seemed intent on making every rookie mistake she could. And the final hero of our story was the same old cop with the same old sordid past you'd see in any cop drama. The most I can say for it is that it was actually well written. Aside from that, it's not worth the time really.
January 26, 2012
This book started a little bit slow but suddenly I was completely engrossed in it. Very easy to associate with the characters. As soon as you're invested in this you start cheering for Kaylie at every turn she makes. Dr. Cray is the bad guy but only she knows it. Its hard for her to convince others because everyone thinks she's crazy. She has to stop Dr. Cray on her own and how she does it is great. Truly enjoyed this book. Michael Prescott always surprises me & I love it!
June 24, 2013
Scared the crap of out me. Great book!
October 27, 2011
When I first started reading, I thought that maybe I had read it before. A serial killer who rips off people's faces? Was that in a different book? Or had I just read this book before? I don't know. As I kept on reading, the book started to seem new to me. I didn't remember reading all of the stuff in the middle before. The ending was slightly familiar.
I enjoyed reading this book. I shared in the main character's frustration that nobody believed that Dr. Cray was evil. And that poor Kaylie could not go to the authorities because everyone thinks she is crazy. The plot moved along at a nice pace, and there were several suspenseful moments. A story set in a mental institution is always creepy, and the fact that Cray is in charge of one makes him all the more creepy. I will definitely seek out more books by Michael Prescott in the future.
I enjoyed reading this book. I shared in the main character's frustration that nobody believed that Dr. Cray was evil. And that poor Kaylie could not go to the authorities because everyone thinks she is crazy. The plot moved along at a nice pace, and there were several suspenseful moments. A story set in a mental institution is always creepy, and the fact that Cray is in charge of one makes him all the more creepy. I will definitely seek out more books by Michael Prescott in the future.
July 8, 2011
Easy read picked from "Recommended for You" list on Kindle Store. Kind of disturbing the way the author dove into the killer's psyche. Had me wondering more than once, "Is this how this guy thinks in real life?" Creepy.
Kept me entertained (I wanted to find out what happens next) although the writing was less polished than some. The characters were real enough, and I found myself rooting for the protagonist.
Rating says it all: It was OK. Wouldn't recommend and wouldn't read again.
Kept me entertained (I wanted to find out what happens next) although the writing was less polished than some. The characters were real enough, and I found myself rooting for the protagonist.
Rating says it all: It was OK. Wouldn't recommend and wouldn't read again.
July 20, 2011
so far so good. I have enjoyed the book. Only about halfway done with it but I can't seem to put my Kindle down for very long before I'm reading it again. LOVED IT
August 2, 2021
This is the first book I bought when I got my nook. That should tell you how long ago I got it.
I bought it because I like serial killer books, and because it was set in Tucson, where I used to live.
If there was a drinking game where every time the author mentions something specific about Tucson (streets, areas, intersections - this dude loves intersections) and had to take a shot every time he actually writes "Tucson", you'd be dead of alcohol poisoning by page 50. "Tucson" is on nearly every single page, sometimes twice, throughout the ENTIRE book.
Dude. You know Tucson and the surrounding areas. WE GET IT.
For real, it was actually distracting. Around page 60, I almost wanted to go back and count how many times he wrote "Tucson." I realized that was madness, so just kept reading.
This book is really good! It's got good pacing, genuinely gross and genuinely terrifying areas. Cray's justification was... pretentious as fuck, not gonna lie. And I thought there was a huge plot hole of how Cray met that most important person in his life, but nope, that got all sewn up beautifully later in the book.
The final discovery of trophies was a bit... abrupt? anticlimactic? But the bit after that was stellar!
This book would have been 4 or maybe even 5 stars for me, but that Tucson nonsense was, quite frankly, distracting to the point of annoyance.
Also, the part with the desk clerk at the resort having all those final thoughts, like he was going to be something other than a periphery character? That was weird. And the TSA guy that gave Kaylie a ride? I was really hoping he'd show up again later, and he didn't.
Finally, this almost got 2 stars because of this line:
"She had thin, pale, lightly freckled arms prone to goose bumps and she held them tight against her body, her wrists crossed ever her small, shy breasts."
Why the fuck d o male authors feel the need to describe women's breasts at all, much less with stupid shit like this?
I told some friends and had some good laughs trying to come up with the opposite of "small shy breasts".
Large and gregarious breasts?
Huge and outgoing breasts?
Enormous and fun-at-party breasts?
Ugh. just.... ugh.
I bought it because I like serial killer books, and because it was set in Tucson, where I used to live.
If there was a drinking game where every time the author mentions something specific about Tucson (streets, areas, intersections - this dude loves intersections) and had to take a shot every time he actually writes "Tucson", you'd be dead of alcohol poisoning by page 50. "Tucson" is on nearly every single page, sometimes twice, throughout the ENTIRE book.
Dude. You know Tucson and the surrounding areas. WE GET IT.
For real, it was actually distracting. Around page 60, I almost wanted to go back and count how many times he wrote "Tucson." I realized that was madness, so just kept reading.
This book is really good! It's got good pacing, genuinely gross and genuinely terrifying areas. Cray's justification was... pretentious as fuck, not gonna lie. And I thought there was a huge plot hole of how Cray met that most important person in his life, but nope, that got all sewn up beautifully later in the book.
The final discovery of trophies was a bit... abrupt? anticlimactic? But the bit after that was stellar!
This book would have been 4 or maybe even 5 stars for me, but that Tucson nonsense was, quite frankly, distracting to the point of annoyance.
Also, the part with the desk clerk at the resort having all those final thoughts, like he was going to be something other than a periphery character? That was weird. And the TSA guy that gave Kaylie a ride? I was really hoping he'd show up again later, and he didn't.
Finally, this almost got 2 stars because of this line:
"She had thin, pale, lightly freckled arms prone to goose bumps and she held them tight against her body, her wrists crossed ever her small, shy breasts."
Why the fuck d o male authors feel the need to describe women's breasts at all, much less with stupid shit like this?
I told some friends and had some good laughs trying to come up with the opposite of "small shy breasts".
Large and gregarious breasts?
Huge and outgoing breasts?
Enormous and fun-at-party breasts?
Ugh. just.... ugh.
September 13, 2024
*Stealing Faces* by Michael Prescott is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The story centers on Elizabeth "Kaylie" McMillan, a woman who has spent years on the run from a sadistic serial killer known as "John Cray." The novel plunges you into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, with a relentless pace that makes it nearly impossible to put down.
One of the strengths of Prescott's writing is his ability to create tension and suspense, building an atmosphere of constant danger. Kaylie is a compelling protagonist—she's resourceful, intelligent, and driven by a fierce determination to survive. Her character is both relatable and inspiring, showing the power of resilience in the face of unimaginable fear.
The antagonist, John Cray, is chillingly well-crafted—a predator who is both cunning and terrifying. Prescott does a masterful job of getting into the mind of a killer, making Cray's presence loom large throughout the novel. The psychological aspect of the story adds depth, as you see how both Kaylie and Cray are shaped by their pasts and how their paths collide in a deadly confrontation.
*Stealing Faces* isn't just about the thrill of the chase; it's also about the inner strength and courage it takes to confront your worst fears. The book’s fast pace, unexpected twists, and strong female lead make it a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. While the violence and intensity might be unsettling for some, it’s this very darkness that makes the story so gripping and unforgettable. Prescott has crafted a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
One of the strengths of Prescott's writing is his ability to create tension and suspense, building an atmosphere of constant danger. Kaylie is a compelling protagonist—she's resourceful, intelligent, and driven by a fierce determination to survive. Her character is both relatable and inspiring, showing the power of resilience in the face of unimaginable fear.
The antagonist, John Cray, is chillingly well-crafted—a predator who is both cunning and terrifying. Prescott does a masterful job of getting into the mind of a killer, making Cray's presence loom large throughout the novel. The psychological aspect of the story adds depth, as you see how both Kaylie and Cray are shaped by their pasts and how their paths collide in a deadly confrontation.
*Stealing Faces* isn't just about the thrill of the chase; it's also about the inner strength and courage it takes to confront your worst fears. The book’s fast pace, unexpected twists, and strong female lead make it a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. While the violence and intensity might be unsettling for some, it’s this very darkness that makes the story so gripping and unforgettable. Prescott has crafted a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
March 8, 2020
I really liked it. After reading several reviews of this book before I even started it I was somewhat worried it'd be a dog. But no. Right out of the chute this one was a fast paced suspense thriller that delivered. Well thought out and fleshed characters made a big difference to keeping the plot going at high speed. With an interesting conclusion that even though I knew would be coming it did not let up in the suspense. Five stars out of a possible five stars. This is the first book I've read from author Michael Prescott and I'm very excited to go out searching for more ! Check it out.
January 8, 2023
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. He explains the characters personality that would result in their choices to align with their motives which I appreciate. He also reveals information at the right time which adds more suspense and thriller into it. I love the cat and mouse games. If I had to nitpick, I would say that he explained a lot at the end of the book. He gave enough information to draw our own conclusions at 3/4 of the story but I didn’t mind it. I still enjoyed it
December 26, 2021
Wow. This was in the rental condo I was staying in Maui and let me just say… the guy who wrote this book was dark AF! I read it in 24 hours so it definitely keeps the pace and is a well done thriller, but I contemplated not reading it because it was so creepy. If you like creepy serial killer fare, definitely a book for you. I’m left wondering about the author. It’s just… shivers.
January 5, 2022
John Cray has spent the last twelve years stalking women, kidnapping them then releasing them in the mountains of eastern Arizona. Then he tracks them, kills them, removes their faces. He has left no clues behind, and only one has gotten away from him.
Now, as he searches for his next victim, he is aware someone is stalking him.
This is a suspenseful well-written, mystery.
Now, as he searches for his next victim, he is aware someone is stalking him.
This is a suspenseful well-written, mystery.
April 28, 2018
A young woman escapes from a psychiatric hospital and remains on the loose for years. She has some outlandish accusations against the director of the facility, a great story that keeps your interest throughout.
October 15, 2018
Very exciting read. A real mystery cover to cover. It was
more descriptive than I like, but the story keeps you guessing. My mind questioned every character's motive and I couldn't wait to get to the end.
more descriptive than I like, but the story keeps you guessing. My mind questioned every character's motive and I couldn't wait to get to the end.
February 13, 2022
Enjoyable read
This is the second book I've read by this author. I am quickly becoming a fan. His stories are intriguing. This was a little more predictable of upcoming events but enjoyable just the same.
This is the second book I've read by this author. I am quickly becoming a fan. His stories are intriguing. This was a little more predictable of upcoming events but enjoyable just the same.
February 26, 2018
This is one of my favorite books ever. I have read it 4 different times and I still love it so much
September 10, 2018
The book isn't without it's flaws but it gripped me so deep. I've read it twice.
October 28, 2018
What a read!
Well written and suspenseful. Couldn't put it down. Great plot developed to pique the curious reader's need to know what happened.
Well written and suspenseful. Couldn't put it down. Great plot developed to pique the curious reader's need to know what happened.
January 19, 2019
One of the best thrillers I have read. Should be a movie!!
May 20, 2019
A genuine thriller
This book kept me awake, I couldn’t stop reading. I wanted to know what came next, and there were some interesting twists. Very good story.
This book kept me awake, I couldn’t stop reading. I wanted to know what came next, and there were some interesting twists. Very good story.
September 26, 2019
Great book, gory, but a top thriller
November 23, 2019
A thriller
A good read. Keeps you turning pages. A bit gory so be prepared, but not overly so. If you like serial killer stories...
A good read. Keeps you turning pages. A bit gory so be prepared, but not overly so. If you like serial killer stories...
November 15, 2021
I love this book. A real page turner. Highly recommended
December 31, 2022
I’ve loved this book since I first read it. The opening scene was intense, but I’ve read it at least twice. It’s the very last book a friend of mine let me borrow before he passed. It’s on my shelf to this day.
March 27, 2024
I couldn't stop reading this!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews