Scary, But Could Have Been a Little BetterNovember 10, 2008 Once again, horror/suspense novelist John Saul has written an imaginative and scary story but, in my opinion, it could have been just a little better.
The story revolves around Alison Shaw. Risa Shaw, Alison's mother, has learned that her husband Michael has been having an affair with another man. Risa and Michael divorce, both moving on to new lives. Michael begins his life with Scott, while Risa becomes involved with Conrad Dunn, a wealthy and well-respected plastic surgeon. Conrad is suffering from his own loss; his beautiful supermodel wife Margot has just committed suicide. Margot was distraught after a boating accident left her million-dollar face disfigured. No longer able to look herself in the mirror, Margot flung herself head-first off a cliff. Conrad is distraught after his wife's suicide, but he finds solace in Risa's arms. Soon, Conrad and Risa are married, and Alison and her mother move into Conrad's luxurious mansion.
Also occurring during this time are a series of ghastly murders. Women are being disemboweled and different body parts are being removed, such as noses, lips, and ears. Reporter Tina Wong, one of Michael Shaw's reporters, dives head-first into the story and wants to air a special on television about the murders. Meanwhile, Conrad has taken a new interest in his young step-daughter, insisting that she get breast implants. As time moves forward, Alison begins to realize that Conrad's intentions may not be what they seem. Risa has also discovered a secret shrine that Conrad has set up in honor of his dead wife. What's even more chilling is a photograph Conrad has taken of Alison wearing one of Margot's old dresses. Risa finally begins to unravel the truth about her new husband, but will it be too late for her and Alison?
This is a very good book. John Saul has done a good job of developing his characters and making them believable. The story is well-conceived and it flows at a good pace. The only problem I had with the book was with the rapid conclusion of the events. It seemed to me that Saul might have been in a hurry to finish the book, because everything is resolved rather quickly. Despite this one point, I thought the book was very good overall.
I recommend this book highly. The story is good, and the characters are real and believable. I did like "The Devil's Labyrinth" and "In the Dark of the Night" better, though. Still, "Faces of Fear" is definitely worth reading.
THE ENDING LEAVES A LOT TO BE DESIRED!November 8, 2008 I couldn't put this book down it was so good, but the last 2-3 chapters really sucked!! It almost was like John Saul was in a hurry to write an ending.
Beauty is only skin deep...and this book is just as shallowNovember 7, 2008 Dull, predictable suspense (??) thriller from Saul. I barely got thru this one. Normally a solid read with some spooky stuff but this one has no spooks and is quite tame. The ending is predictable but the motives and in depthness of the main antagonist are missing. I think Saul mailed this one in to meet a deadline. Does no author with a long list of books under their name (read Patterson, Cornwell, etc) have someone overseeing this dribble. At this point in his career, Saul does not need to meet any publishing demands.
Faces of Fear by John SaulOctober 3, 2008 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
"Faces of Fear" is simply John Saul at his best. One to read with the sun shining or the house lights on, doors locked,and dog at your side! John Saul never fails to give his fan's his best--this one is one that won't leave my bookcase--a keeper for sure. Highly recommend this one...a gret read.
Good ReadingSeptember 24, 2008 0 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book was very good, I have every one of John Saul's books, and this is one of the best by far. The characters were different, this is a must read!!!!!
