Faces of Evil

I couldn't put this book down. True compassion for victims and survivors of crime and fascinating cases. I just picked this book up for a quick look and ending up sitting for hours. Lois Gibson is an artist in so many ways: technically gifted with insight and kindness for the survivors that she helps. Highly recommended.

The Faces of Evil is a very compelling book about how a tenacious forensic artist can help to put murderers, kidnappers, and rapists behind bars. The story of Lois Gibson is a very interesting one, as a victim of a violent crime herself, she brings much more when she visits when a crime victim than a person who was not a crime victim. Lois Gibson fell into becoming a forensic artist. Her early training was drawing portaits at an amusement park. In her early career she spent time specializing in portraits, not foresenics. She would go on to pester the police department until she could prove that she could draw someone from description. Once allowed to do this, she proved she could do the job. While she wasn't immediately hired on at the Houston police department she would convince them to hire her full time, and later they did so. She has drawn pictures of many different criminals that the end result was bringing many different criminals to justice. At times these pictures were the only way to bring in criminals. She has helped to catch abusive parents, murderers of children, rapists, and so much more. This is a story of one woman's journey to aide the public is solving crimes as well as a personal story of what can happen if you set your mind to succeede.

I read this book within 2 weeks, mostly during my break hours and riding the subway in NYC. Amazing book, from the beginning to the end is exciting. I just had to find out what happens next. I'm a college student and I'm just interested in something like CSI. I recommend this book to anyone, even if you aren't a forensic artist. This is truely amazing book of her life and the crimes she helped solved.

Ever watched CSI? Been consumed by a forensics novel? Well those two have nothing on this book. This is the real deal, a look into forensic art and its artists. As a fellow forensic artist I was naturally drawn to the book, but in reality it is quite a page turner for any reader. The book contains anecdotes as well as an instigative look into the art its self. After reading this book you will be convinced that forensic art is a necessary tool in criminal investigation. This book is a great read for forensic artists, those interested in forensic art, those involved in criminal investigation, as well as anyone who has ever wanted to get the real scoop. After reading this book it is truly evident how successful Lois Gibson is as a forensic artist due to her overwhelming compassion for the field.

As a practicing forensic facial reconstruction specialist (what is now called forensic art) and instructor in the field, I am always looking for the published works of true crime forensic artists. Lois Gibson's new book, Faces of Evil, is a true `from the heart' story of both her life and her passion for her work. Without embellishment, I read the book with tears and laughter, with sadness and hope. Lois' account of her work is a true crime story that validates the reasons forensic artists choose to practice in this field. While the stories of her cases are exciting and most interesting, I found a kindred spirit in Lois when I read Chapter 14. I think if more law enforcement individuals read this chapter alone, forensic art would be more to the forefront of fighting crime and the public would be better served. Lois gives every forensic artist a gift in the last chapter as she tackles the difficult art of the composite interview. I highly recommend this book to every forensic artist, law enforcement person, and anyone in the general public.