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mdpbernal's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
3.0
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.
dennyhb's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kbranfield's review against another edition
3.0
Face Off by Brenda Novak is a suspenseful, tension-filled mystery. This third installment in the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles can be read as a standalone.
Picking up eight months after the previous novel left off, Sgt. Benjamin "Amarok" Murphy's investigation into a missing person's case stokes fears in Hilltop, AK that a killer is once again in their midst. Amarok's search for missing tourist Sierra Yerbowitz is hindered by an early winter storm. Dr. Evelyn Talbot who lives with Amarok, is afraid her nemesis, Jasper Moore, is now in Alaska and responsible for whatever happened to Sierra. However, without evidence, she tamps down her fears but unbeknownst to Evelyn and Amarok, Jasper is much, much closer than either of them could possibly imagine. Will Jasper finally finish what he started twenty-two years earlier? Or will Evelyn and Amarok outsmart the wily serial killer?
With this latest outing, not much has changed for Evelyn. She is still deeply devoted to her study of psychopaths at Hanover House. She remains conflicted over her future with Amarok who is looking for a commitment she is unable to give. Amarok's ex-girlfriend is still waging a campaign to win him back. Evelyn's extended family continues to pressure her to give up her work to return to Boston and set up a private practice.
Amid fears Jasper is in Alaska, Amarok invites Evelyn's sister Brianne to visit. Her visit is fraught with tension and resentment and she lays a big guilt trip on Evelyn. Will Evelyn decide it is time to give in to her family's demands even though she is uncertain she is ready to give up her relationship with Amarok or her study of psychopaths?
As for Jasper, he is integral to the unfolding story and he has many more on page scenes than earlier installments. In almost a comedy of errors, his attempts to nab Evelyn are stymied time and again yet he remains steadfast in his efforts to kidnap her. With his frustrations growing, Jasper makes foolhardy mistakes and numerous missteps, but will this (FINALLY) lead to his capture?
Face Off by is a well-written mystery but the story arc with Jasper has worn thin. The storyline contains virtually the same elements as the previous installments which is extremely frustrating. Evelyn remains the quintessential "woman in peril" and her insecurities, indecision and continual handwringing over her family have become tedious. Amorak is a fantastic character and while he wants a future with Evelyn, he makes it clear that she needs to make a decision about their relationship. Much of the Japer story arc is unrealistic and the lack of discretion concerning evidence is absolutely mindboggling. It will be interesting to see what direction Brenda Novak takes the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles in the next book in the series, Blind Spot.
Picking up eight months after the previous novel left off, Sgt. Benjamin "Amarok" Murphy's investigation into a missing person's case stokes fears in Hilltop, AK that a killer is once again in their midst. Amarok's search for missing tourist Sierra Yerbowitz is hindered by an early winter storm. Dr. Evelyn Talbot who lives with Amarok, is afraid her nemesis, Jasper Moore, is now in Alaska and responsible for whatever happened to Sierra. However, without evidence, she tamps down her fears but unbeknownst to Evelyn and Amarok, Jasper is much, much closer than either of them could possibly imagine. Will Jasper finally finish what he started twenty-two years earlier? Or will Evelyn and Amarok outsmart the wily serial killer?
With this latest outing, not much has changed for Evelyn. She is still deeply devoted to her study of psychopaths at Hanover House. She remains conflicted over her future with Amarok who is looking for a commitment she is unable to give. Amarok's ex-girlfriend is still waging a campaign to win him back. Evelyn's extended family continues to pressure her to give up her work to return to Boston and set up a private practice.
Amid fears Jasper is in Alaska, Amarok invites Evelyn's sister Brianne to visit. Her visit is fraught with tension and resentment and she lays a big guilt trip on Evelyn. Will Evelyn decide it is time to give in to her family's demands even though she is uncertain she is ready to give up her relationship with Amarok or her study of psychopaths?
As for Jasper, he is integral to the unfolding story and he has many more on page scenes than earlier installments. In almost a comedy of errors, his attempts to nab Evelyn are stymied time and again yet he remains steadfast in his efforts to kidnap her. With his frustrations growing, Jasper makes foolhardy mistakes and numerous missteps, but will this (FINALLY) lead to his capture?
Face Off by is a well-written mystery but the story arc with Jasper has worn thin. The storyline contains virtually the same elements as the previous installments which is extremely frustrating. Evelyn remains the quintessential "woman in peril" and her insecurities, indecision and continual handwringing over her family have become tedious. Amorak is a fantastic character and while he wants a future with Evelyn, he makes it clear that she needs to make a decision about their relationship. Much of the Japer story arc is unrealistic and the lack of discretion concerning evidence is absolutely mindboggling. It will be interesting to see what direction Brenda Novak takes the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles in the next book in the series, Blind Spot.
chicktaylor_'s review against another edition
4.0
Again, I enjoyed the novel. The usual annoyance of too much backstory was ever present. If there was not as much repetition, I think it would be quite a bit shorter. I enjoy the series nonetheless. If you like serial killer stories, thrillers, suspense... give this series a go.
Onto nunber 4.
Onto nunber 4.
doloresofcourse's review against another edition
5.0
Am I wrong to feel smug about the fate of the ex? I think not.
imme2461's review against another edition
5.0
WOW!
This book from the Hanover House series by Brenda Novak is just amazing. It is a nail biting, edge of your seat, book. Filled with multiple surprises, twists and turns, this series of stories is so well-written that even before I finish it, I want to read it all again!
This book from the Hanover House series by Brenda Novak is just amazing. It is a nail biting, edge of your seat, book. Filled with multiple surprises, twists and turns, this series of stories is so well-written that even before I finish it, I want to read it all again!
aspygirlsmom_1995's review
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0