Well, taken as comic I got through it, actually laughed a couple of times. But as a thriller? Oh dear. Fortunately this is the last of these books I have so I needn't go any further.
Whew ( )

Face Off is book featuring Evelyn Talbot. I haven't read any books by the author Brenda Novak before but looking at what she has done, she has lots of books to her name.

Firstly I do like to read in order but on this occasion it didn't matter. There are plenty of references to the previous two books.

The story follows a young woman who goes missing from a cabin whilst there with her brother and two friends. Small town story which is normally for me. However this story didn't bring nothing new and I was just not feeling it. I did find some of the situations slightly unbelievable. Over the many years reading, and many thrillers too I'm getting I need that something in a book that has an edge to it.

It's probably a bit unfair to give the book one star but as I have DNF then that is my own rating. I don't worry if I have to DNF as I have a lot more books to try. ( )

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. ( )

Evelyn Talbot has achieved her goal of establishing Hanover House. a residence for some of the worse psychopaths in the world. Evelyn's goals in this was to analyse these vicious killers. Her primary reason was her own horrific experiences when she was kidnapped and tortured by her boyfriend while she was a teenager. As a leading psychiatrist, she certainly is successful, but is she safe? During her few years there in Alaska, there have been some brutal murders, and it is very likely that her previous boyfriend, who was never caught, is right there and she is in danger.

Her current boyfriend, Alaska State Trooper Amarok, finds the eerie truth that the man, Jaspar Moore is there, but where. It is known that he has had reconstructive surgery, so he could be anyone. But there is no one new there. Who is responsible for the two latest brutal murders?

Before I begin writing my actual review, suffice it to say that Face Off is the third book in the Evelyn Talbot series. I do not think this book would do well as a standalone. The series begin with a novella, Hanover House, and was followed by two other novels, Her Darkest Nightmare and Hello Again. I felt it was necessary to mention all of these titles because they should be read in order. However, in the early chapters, readers are familiarized with Evelyn's past, Jasper's sadistic and murderous activity and Evelyn and Amarok's relationship.

It has been a few years for Evelyn at Hanover House and things are changing. While Evelyn's relationship with Amarok is reaching new heights, the formerly quiet Alaskan town is again plagued with murder. Meanwhile, Evelyn finds that her family needs her and this may affect her plans in both a personal and professional level.

As gruesome as the subject of serial killers is, this series is a definite hit and ranks as one of my favorites. One of the things I like most about it is that it is also a romantic suspense. As each story is developed, it was a delight to see the romance abound. For what Evelyn went through at the hands of Jasper, for her to have found such a solid love through Amarok is very rewarding.

I loved the conclusion and was definitely kept on my toes during the twists and turns along the way. What made this story exceptionally chilling is the narrative in Jasper's voice. From the very first book in the series, readers know who Jasper is pretending to be and how he can be among Evelyn, Amarok and her staff. My only complaint is that there are too little books and too little time. If not, I would have devoured this series more quickly. I do hope there is more from Evelyn and Amarok in the future.

Many thanks to St. Martin's and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )

I am so addicted to the Evelyn Talbot series!
Evelyn Talbot is a top psychiatrist who decided to turn a horribly traumatic event into a chance to study psychopaths to try to help heal herself and also to help stop others from becoming victims as well. She is now working in a small town in Alaska at a hospital called Hanover House. Little does she know that her past will soon come back to haunt her and hurt others around her.
I always find Brenda Novak's books well written and researched and am looking forward to reading more in this series. ( )