Scan barcode
A review by kbranfield
Face Off by Brenda Novak
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.