Faces of Fear: A Novel

This was the first time I had read anything by John Saul and, given my immense disappointment in the last 45 pages, it may very well be the last. The first 348 pages were intense and I enjoyed them as much if not more than my favorite work by Dean Koontz. But everything changed in those last 45 pages - everything was wrong. It was as if the author was tired of the story he had created and didn't know how to end it so he handed it off to someone else. I would actually feel better if this were the case because I would be more apt to invest my time in another of his works if I thought it would be as enjoyable as those first 348 pages. So if I shuffle the chapters around in my head and let the novel end earlier, without the deluge of waste material that makes up those last 45 pages, then this was a five star experience. If I accept the novel as it stands, I simply don't know how to rate it. One last thing which was rather disturbing: the description on the backside of the paperback copy I read was wide off the mark. It's as if the covers were printed before the ending was written and (a) either no one bothered to notice the huge discrepancies, or (b) nobody knew how to incorporate these highlights into the story. A terrific storyline, with potential for greatness, robbed of it's glory. I feel let down by the publisher, the editors and the author.

John Saul has a penchant for showing abuse of children. This isn't much different. Without blabbing away vital plot points, I have to admit that I enjoyed "The Faces of Fear" more than others. I've read some other reviews; yeah, you might've guessed it, but I was genuinely surprised to discover who the REAL killer was... I enjoyed the character of Alison, no dummy, confused about her true friendships. I can't recall Mr. Saul introducing positive gay characters in the past, and those characters are well portrayed. After reading almost everything available by Mr. Saul, I enjoyed this book more than most. He went in a new direction from his norm, and I found it a good, fast read. I'm glad he stayed away from the idea of hurting little children. Call me a wuss. I enjoyed it.

"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.

EXCELLENT FAST READ, GRIPPING, DIDN'T WANT TO STOP READING IT. JOHN SAUL IS AN EXCELLENT WRITER, KEEPS YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

A very good book from start to finish. Once I got started, I had to keep on reading. Good plot with interesting characters. I love all of John Saul books, and he has never disappointed me. His books are true to form and you can always look forward to reading something new and different. I will be looking forward to the next book. S.L. Chessor author of Poodlums, Boogeymen and Booglers and My Tongue Fell Out.Poodlums, Boogeymen and Booglers: A Poetry Collection