Face Off (Dr. Evelyn Talbot Novels)

Face Off is a continuation of the psychological thriller series that takes place in Hilltop, Alaska where Dr. Evelyn Talbot is a psychiatrist and director of Hanover House, a prison where psychopaths are studied to find out what makes psychopaths commit crimes that they do. She and her team look at the way their brain is made to see how it affects them.
At age sixteen, she was attacked and left for dead by her boyfriend along with three of her friends who he did kill. She has devoted her life to studying these criminals in the hope to make the world a safer place. That happened more than twenty years ago Her old boyfriend, Jasper Moore, is at large but did try to kill her a couple of years ago. She lives in fear that he will show up again. Thankfully, her current boyfriend, Sergeant Benjamin "Amarok" Murphy of the Alaska State Troopers has the experience, determination and ability to keep her safe. But, what Evelyn and Amarok don't know is that Jasper is right under their noses and has been working as a correction officer at the prison as Andy Smith for eight months. He changed his looks so he is not recognizable. He is waiting patiently to take Evelyn to his home in Anchorage where he has a torture chamber where he plans to exact his revenge and sick passion on her. When women's bodies start showing up, Amarok and Evelyn begin to think that maybe Jasper is back. In addition to the worries of finding who murdered the women and finding Jasper, there are complications that pull at Evelyn and Amarok's relationship by an old girlfriend of Amaroks, Evelyn's sister from Boston and the usual problems at Hanover House.
This is another book in the series that draws one into the book from the first page until the end with intense nail biting scenes. I have read all of the books in the series and recommend that it be read in order for the best understanding and enjoyment.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author. Opinions and thoughts stated are mine only.

I have been anxiously awaking the release of what I thought was the final book of the Hanover House/Evelyn Talbot series. Spoiler alert ? it’s not!
I started reading it the night it appeared on my kindle, lost sleep because I was reading it, and finished it within the first 24 hrs it was out. And that’s with working all day, but who needs sleep anyway. ?
It was suspenseful, heart wrenching, and had me ready to throw my Kindle across the room at times. The only downfall was that it’s been so long between each book, especially the first one to this that I didn’t remember all the secondary characters. I’ll have to go back and re read the series before the next book Blindspot comes out next August. A whole year of waiting again?!? ?

The premise behind Brenda Novak’s Evelyn Talbot Chronicles series is simple — tortured by her high school boyfriend and left for dead at age 16, Evelyn Talbot has spent the next 22 years working to understand the minds of psychopaths. Her life’s work has resulted in Hanover House, a maximum-security prison in Alaska that houses nothing but psychopaths who have been convicted of their varied crimes. Evelyn oversees the mental health staff who study them.

Novak's execution of this premise and the stories she creates is anything but simple.

In FACE OFF, Book 4 of the series, Evelyn is in trouble:

• She knows in her bones that her teen tormenter, Jasper Moore, is closing in on her.
• Her lover Amarok, the town’s sole law enforcement officer, wants her to commit to a future.
• His ex-girlfriend wants Evelyn gone so she can pick up her relationship with Amarok.
• Her family in the Lower 48 need her.
• And new bodies have appeared, which may mean Jasper has indeed come for her.

That’s a lot of plot points to fit into one book, but Novak is superb. Writing from multiple points of view, including Jasper’s, allows us to be part of the action.

I’ve enjoyed all of the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles titles, but FACE OFF is, indeed, the best from author Novak. Thank Criminal Minds with a bit of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Forensic Files thrown in. And, yes, I’m a fan of all three shows.

Normally, I would say readers could jump into a series anywhere. In this case, I highly recommend you start at the beginning and read in order — HANOVER HOUSE (prequel), HER DARKEST NIGHTMARE and HELLO, AGAIN — before tackling FACE OFF.

You won’t regret it!

Received in exchange for a honest review

This series gets better and better. Brenda Novak has created a set of characters that just have you drawn into their story and anguish. Evelyn is still living on the edge of fear. She is wondering when Jasper will show and she is also having to deal with her personal life as well. she loves Manorak but she also can’t decide if Alaska is where she wants to be and can’t fully commit to him like he can her.

Saying this she still has jealous tendencies when it comes to his ex. His ex is a winner as well. She takes green eyed monster to a whole new level. Than we have the murders that are happening and threatening all they have built and what she has built at Hanover house. Meanwhile, Jasper is right there and Manorak is so close to stopping him. With all this, Evelyn’s family is having problems and Manorak wants more. So Evelyn has a lot on her plate as does Manorak.

The story itself is thrilling and intriguing. The characters draw you in and don’t let you go especially Manorak. He is my favorite. Has been from book one. Evelyn is trying to hold it together but is close to the line and the mystery and suspense surrounding this latest round of murders is addictive. You can’t put the book down with the suspense build up, the romance and the side characters having a role in what is happening as well. A great story from beginning to end and can’t wait for the next one for just when you think all is going smoothly....

Evelyn Talbot anxiety just keeps increasing with her life, trying to find Jasper and has family issues back in Boston. The only good thing in her life is Amarok her boyfriend, who is the police officer in this small remote town but even their relationship is tested. Now to find Jasper, who is hiding in plain site.

This is a book that I read in one day, could not put it down. A cat and mouse game at it's best, trying to hunt Jasper before he kills the next person. So many twists and turns till the very end! I thought this would be the last book in the series but so excited we will get more of Evelyn Talbot. This is book three in the series but can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book

This book is another one of Brenda's great suspense novels. I must admit it scares the crap out of me when I am reading these novels. I hear the sounds that the people in the book hear. That is how good the books are. Dr Talbot's series is awesome and her story is believable. She has chosen a profession out in Alaska in a prison that only houses psychopaths and she is dealing with them and trying to find out why they turned out this way but her journey from early on keeps coming back to haunt her. She isn't even aware of the dangers right in front of her. You must read this series from the beginning and then you wont be able to wait for the next book to come out. I really recommend this series!!

Face Off by Brenda Novak is another brilliant installment to this series. I was intrigued. The entire time, I was waiting for Evelyn’s past killer to attack her. Yet each moment never seemed like the right time for Jasper. Jasper like any other serial killer, ended up making many mistakes. He became careless and it took him spiraling out of control. Everything he worked for, was doomed. The intensity of the big moment, kept me on edge. I was expecting a dark, creepy, and deadly read.

Brenda Novak provided me with just that. The characters were funny, entertaining, and added to the flavor of this read. I had to roll my eyes and bite my tongue at the humiliation that Jasper put up with as he planned his future killings. He hated the men who told him what to do and when to do his work. It was interesting to watch as his temper was pushed and how he barely reined it all in…I kept expecting him to lose his patience at the facility every time. Yet, he surprised me. So many turns and twists…Even knowing the background, I was still kept in the dark as to what would happen. The ending was epic. I would have wanted a bit more darker satisfying end with Jasper. But I will have to wait for the next tale to see what happens next. Overall, I recommend this thriller to all.

The title of this book lives up to my expectations in this next installment of the Evelyn Talbot series. Jasper is hiding in plain sight and Amarok and Evelyn are trying to hunt him down before he gets his next victim.

I admit - I thought this book was the end of the series. I loved the thrill of the chase in this book and the ending was a perfect ending. I have loved the journey of Evelyn and Amarok and they deserve happiness. This book even reads like the end of the series. The book is a true page turner and I love how it didn’t go the way you may expect it to.

My biggest disappointment in this book is not even with the book itself - it’s the sneak peek at the end for the next book - I rolled my eyes and said really? I regret reading it. I’m going to pretend I didn’t and bask in the awesomeness of the end of this book and probably stop reading the series given the direction the sneak peek went in.

Whether this is the first book you’ve read in the series or you’re invested in these characters, lovers of suspenseful thrillers will enjoy this book and the series up to this point.

Many thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.

Face Off did not disappoint. I had so many goose bumps during reading this book that I can't tell you. I think this book is my favorite so far, in the series. Evelyn Talbot is still working in Alaska and is considering going back home, at least for awhile. She was attacked twenty years ago and her attacker is watching her very closely. He is creepy to say the least.
Her sister comes to visit and to settle things between them. She is taking care of their parents and would like some help. The book has a lot of twists and turns. If things He ever read any of Brenda's books this one is very good. Try this if you enjoy a good suspenseful read.

It's finally time for the showdown between Jasper and Evelyn! Both of them are equally determined to come out the winner, both are ready for it to be over. The life that Evelyn has been able to build for herself after all that she's suffered is nothing short of miraculous. It just doesn't seem possible, especially when her attacker is still at large. In the true definition of "obsession" we have Jasper that can't let her go or won't let her go. The lengths that he's gone to in order to hide in plain sight are nothing you wouldn't expect from the psychotic he is. The best thing about this book overall is that it never loses the "human factor". With all the crazy going on it would be easy to get lost in that side of it but Brenda Novak's skill as an author shine through in her ability to not lose sight of the relationships, all of the relationships between the loving, caring people in this book. We also get another view of the humanity that Evelyn has been able to hang onto and grow throughout her ordeal and recovery. This was an amazing journey to go on, from the streets of Boston to the wilds of Alaska it was beautiful, heartbreaking, exciting and gripping!

This is a great book! The suspense is exciting, and keeps you on the edge. Dr. Talbot is on the edge, she has been fighting her personal demons for years, but now it is becoming too much. She needs some resolution so that she can get on with her life. Her personal nightmare, Jasper is close, she can feel it. He is getting ready, making plans, and she and Amarok need to catch him before he can finally get his hands on her.
This book was fantastic and such a great addition to the series. I found myself on the edge of my seat, and there was a moment in this story that I actually had tears running down my face. If you read anything at all, don't miss this one!

I had forgotten how scary this series could be. Face Off is a great reminder. Brenda Novak writes beautifully written romances and small-town stories, she brings that incredible talent to the psychological thrillers too. However, the Hanover House Series is nail biting; the kind that I don’t read just before bed kind of scary stories.

Evelyn Talbot is one tough woman, who has overcome her own terrorized kidnapping. Instead of breaking her, it made her a resilient psychiatrist. Studying sadistic serial killers comes with a price, which includes her often in danger. This story hits close to home for her. You have to admire this woman, you just wouldn’t want to be her.

Well-structured plot with the irrepressible Evelyn. It even has a bit of romance. Yet the focus remains fixed on the disturbing case. No lag in the pacing of this addition to the series. Each story follows the last, so I would suggest that the series be read in order.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Page turner! Unputdownable! I stayed up late reading this book Face Off by Brenda Novak! Evelyn survived Jasper cutting her throat over 20 years ago but with decades gone by, plastic surgery had and thousands of miles from where he had her the first time, can and will Jasper be able to grab her and finish what he started? Evelyn knows in her heart Jasper has followed her to Alaska and she knows he is biding his time and the body count is rising but will they be able to get him before he gets her....
Awesome read! Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC book in turn for giving my honest opinion

This is the final showdown between Evelyn and Jasper. It will have you glued to the pages and up late at night. The reader is taken through a roller coaster of emotions. And just when you think you know everything that's coming, the author twists things and takes you on a surprising journey. With her hunky investigator boyfriend by her side, Evelyn will have to face her worst nightmare. Will Jasper finally get what's coming to him? With a unique conclusion to the case, readers will be satisfied but anxiously awaiting the next chapter of the Evelyn Talbot series. I received an ARC. This is my honest review.

UNBELIEVEABLE! Face Off was a very good book that grabbed you from the very first page and had you on the edge of your seat to the very end. Brenda Novak certainly knows how to write suspense! This book follows Evelyn Talbot's continuing search for the man who tortured her 20 years ago and got away. Little does she know that he has been working with her every day unnoticed. Unfortunately, I couldn't read the book as fast as I would have liked to because I was too afraid to read it at night when I was alone. Thank you Brenda Novak for the great entertainment! Looking forward to see what will happen next!

Only for Brenda Novak would I read a psychological thriller and enjoy it! I do not read or enjoy these kind of books, but because I love Ms.Novak’s writing and characters, I will always read her work. Face Off is the third in this series about Dr. Evelyn Talbot, and although this can be read as a standalone and I believe enough of the back story is told, I do think for a richer experience, the books read in order are preferred. Dr. Talbot runs a psychiatric hospital (that studies the behaviors of serial killers) in a small town in Alaska, and has a romantic relationship with the town sherif. As is the case for the other books in this series, the tension is thick, the plot intense, and this all makes for quite the page turner. Although I won’t say these are my favorite kind of books, i have really enjoyed this series and i will read anything Ms Novak writes. She can plot a story like no other, and even if she can scare the wits out of me with her stories, i wouldn’t miss the ride.

Thank you NetGalley and Brenda Novak for the ARC of Face Off by Brenda Novak that I read and reviewed.
This book was the third book in the Evelyn Talbot series and it was the showdown that we have all been waiting for between Evelyn and her ex boyfriend, Jasper Moore, who has been stalking her for over twenty years since he did not kill her when he tried he high school. This book was full of action and suspense and a bit of romantic turmoil between our beloved couple of Evelyn and Amarok, her boyfriend and also the sheriff of the town she lives in and the man whose mission it is to protect her from Jasper.
Overall, this was an excellent read the only thing that I had a problem with was that anticlimactic end. I was expecting a bit more with everything that was leading up to it but that was just my take on it. Someone else may love how it ended.
However, I am still giving Face Off five out of five stars.

FACE OFF by Brenda Novak
From New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak comes Face Off, the next installment of Dr. Evelyn Talbot and her murderous home for psychopaths.
SHE VOWED NEVER TO BE A VICTIM AGAIN. BUT NOW A KILLER HAS HER IN HIS SIGHT. .
Tortured and left for dead at sixteen, Evelyn Talbot turned her personal nightmare into her life’s work―studying the disturbing psychopathy of some of the world’s most vicious serial killers. Now a leading psychiatrist at Hanover House in a small Alaskan town, she tries to believe the past will never come back to haunt her―until a woman goes missing from a cabin nearby, and every clue points to the man who once brutalized her…
As her boyfriend, who is the area’s only police, begins to investigate―and finds not one but two bodies―Evelyn can’t forget that her would-be killer, Jasper Moore, was never caught. But there are no new faces in tiny Hilltop, no one who seems suspicious or potentially violent. In this twisted game of cat and mouse, Evelyn is certain of only one thing―Jasper must be hiding in plain sight. And if she can’t find him before he comes for her, she won’t be lucky enough to survive twice…
This is Evelyn Talbot and Amarok's story.
I heard and saw of you on TV when you were lobbying for Hanover House to be built a few years ago, you’re incredibly dedicated to your work.” If she did, she knew Amarok would want to talk about marriage. He had every right to ask for a lifelong commitment instead of gambling with his heart.
Amarok felt the tension that’d been knotting his muscles ease as soon as he saw a call from his home number come into the trooper post. “Where have you been?” he barked into the phone as soon as she picked up.
Alaskan State Trooper Sergeant Benjamin “Amarok” Murphy, untangles clues uncovered from some of his other crimes.
I highly recommend reading.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
FACE OFF by Brenda Novak is a wonderful well written 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Brenda Novak.
Department 6 Complete Collection
(Hired Gun)
The Secret Sister / The Secrets She Kept
(Fairham Island)
Face Off
(Evelyn Talbot, book 3)
Face Off
No Place Like Home
Bulletproof Complete Collection
(Bulletproof)
Suspense on the Edge of Romance Collection
On a Snowy Christmas
Before We Were Strangers
Unforgettable You
(Silver Springs, book 5)
Blindspot.

An enthralling suspense thriller set in Alaska with an amazingly strong female lead character.

SUMMARY
Dr. Evelyn Talbot is a leading psychiatrist at Hanover House in Hilltop, Alaska, studying psychopaths and serial killers. Her study is motivated by her experience, when at 16, she was tortured and left for dead, by serial killer Jasper Moore. Jasper was never caught and is on the run by hiding in plain sight. He continues to be obsessed with raw lust for Evelyn and will stop at nothing to be near her again. He has special plans just for her. Evelyn’s handsome boyfriend, Amarok is the chief of police in Hilltop and promises her he will keep her safe. Amarok is working day and night to find Jasper, especially after two young women are found dead, not far from Hanover House.

REVIEW
My favorite part of this book was Evelyn’s perseverance and strength. My focus in reading this year has been on books with strong women characters, women that would serve as role models for our daughters. Dr. Evelyn Talbot fits the bill. She has risen up from devastating circumstances and has used what happened to her as motivation to study how the psychopath’s brain work. I was impressed by how well her character was developed and by the nuances of her relationships with a variety of people, particularly with Amarok, her sister, co-workers and her parents. FACE OFF has a ruggedly perfect cast of characters.

BRENDA NOVAK’S writing is smart, sharp and easy to read. Her story is suspenseful and meticulously built. She had me with the torture cellar in Anchorage. I mean who sets a story in Alaska! Love it! This is the third book in a series featuring Dr. Evelyn Talbot. The first two books were Her Darkest Nightmare, and Hello Again. While I had not read the previous book I had no difficulty getting into, or following the story. I am however, highly motivated to read these earlier books in the series, since this one is such a well written suspense thriller.

Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin’s and Brenda Novak for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 – 4 stars

Since finishing I have sort of been all over the place in my thoughts on this book. It has taken me a while to compile my thoughts and I am still not sure they aren’t going to be as jumbled and all over the place as they were originally.

First and foremost this book was easy to sink into and hard to turn away from. Evelyn and Amarok are in the honeymoon stage of their relationship and working on making a little piece of happily ever after for themselves.

Then there was frustration. Evelyn continues to pull away from Amarok – at the same time she’s trying to create permanent ties. The constant back and forth and wishy washy emotions have long since made me seasick. Amarok has the patience of a saint. Any other guy would have kicked her, her baggage, and the black cloud that looms over to the curb.

Then there was hope. In the midst of all her crazy – you are able to see what people who really care for each other are willing to do, willing to sacrifice, to find their HEA. I find myself happy that he hasn’t kicked her to the curb. I want their happy for them.

Besides the relationship in this story between Evelyn and Amarok we have some insight into Jasper. Jasper is the man who has tortured her, almost killed her and has haunted her since her dreams. He’s up close and personal in this book and we get to see how he really thinks. It was unsettling to say the least. I was afraid for her through this entire book.

At the end I was elated to find one chapter of Evelyn’s life end and baffled at the opening of another. I thought this book would be the series end. It makes sense to me, but apparently we are going to continue on. I can’t help but fear that will make all that I love about Hanover House, the doc and her cop, turn into something I’m not too fond of anymore. If any author could pull it off, it would be her, but I guess I’m left wondering why.

Cherise Everhard, August 2018

Face Off is a continuation of the psychological thriller series that takes place in Hilltop, Alaska where Dr. Evelyn Talbot is a psychiatrist and director of Hanover House, a prison where psychopaths are studied to find out what makes psychopaths commit crimes that they do. She and her team look at the way their brain is made to see how it affects them.
At age sixteen, she was attacked and left for dead by her boyfriend along with three of her friends who he did kill. She has devoted her life to studying these criminals in the hope to make the world a safer place. That happened more than twenty years ago Her old boyfriend, Jasper Moore, is at large but did try to kill her a couple of years ago. She lives in fear that he will show up again. Thankfully, her current boyfriend, Sergeant Benjamin "Amarok" Murphy of the Alaska State Troopers has the experience, determination and ability to keep her safe. But, what Evelyn and Amarok don't know is that Jasper is right under their noses and has been working as a correction officer at the prison as Andy Smith for eight months. He changed his looks so he is not recognizable. He is waiting patiently to take Evelyn to his home in Anchorage where he has a torture chamber where he plans to exact his revenge and sick passion on her. When women's bodies start showing up, Amarok and Evelyn begin to think that maybe Jasper is back. In addition to the worries of finding who murdered the women and finding Jasper, there are complications that pull at Evelyn and Amarok's relationship by an old girlfriend of Amaroks, Evelyn's sister from Boston and the usual problems at Hanover House.
This is another book in the series that draws one into the book from the first page until the end with intense nail biting scenes. I have read all of the books in the series and recommend that it be read in order for the best understanding and enjoyment.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author. Opinions and thoughts stated are mine only.

I have been anxiously awaking the release of what I thought was the final book of the Hanover House/Evelyn Talbot series. Spoiler alert ? it’s not!
I started reading it the night it appeared on my kindle, lost sleep because I was reading it, and finished it within the first 24 hrs it was out. And that’s with working all day, but who needs sleep anyway. ?
It was suspenseful, heart wrenching, and had me ready to throw my Kindle across the room at times. The only downfall was that it’s been so long between each book, especially the first one to this that I didn’t remember all the secondary characters. I’ll have to go back and re read the series before the next book Blindspot comes out next August. A whole year of waiting again?!? ?

The premise behind Brenda Novak’s Evelyn Talbot Chronicles series is simple — tortured by her high school boyfriend and left for dead at age 16, Evelyn Talbot has spent the next 22 years working to understand the minds of psychopaths. Her life’s work has resulted in Hanover House, a maximum-security prison in Alaska that houses nothing but psychopaths who have been convicted of their varied crimes. Evelyn oversees the mental health staff who study them.

Novak's execution of this premise and the stories she creates is anything but simple.

In FACE OFF, Book 4 of the series, Evelyn is in trouble:

• She knows in her bones that her teen tormenter, Jasper Moore, is closing in on her.
• Her lover Amarok, the town’s sole law enforcement officer, wants her to commit to a future.
• His ex-girlfriend wants Evelyn gone so she can pick up her relationship with Amarok.
• Her family in the Lower 48 need her.
• And new bodies have appeared, which may mean Jasper has indeed come for her.

That’s a lot of plot points to fit into one book, but Novak is superb. Writing from multiple points of view, including Jasper’s, allows us to be part of the action.

I’ve enjoyed all of the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles titles, but FACE OFF is, indeed, the best from author Novak. Thank Criminal Minds with a bit of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Forensic Files thrown in. And, yes, I’m a fan of all three shows.

Normally, I would say readers could jump into a series anywhere. In this case, I highly recommend you start at the beginning and read in order — HANOVER HOUSE (prequel), HER DARKEST NIGHTMARE and HELLO, AGAIN — before tackling FACE OFF.

You won’t regret it!

Received in exchange for a honest review

This series gets better and better. Brenda Novak has created a set of characters that just have you drawn into their story and anguish. Evelyn is still living on the edge of fear. She is wondering when Jasper will show and she is also having to deal with her personal life as well. she loves Manorak but she also can’t decide if Alaska is where she wants to be and can’t fully commit to him like he can her.

Saying this she still has jealous tendencies when it comes to his ex. His ex is a winner as well. She takes green eyed monster to a whole new level. Than we have the murders that are happening and threatening all they have built and what she has built at Hanover house. Meanwhile, Jasper is right there and Manorak is so close to stopping him. With all this, Evelyn’s family is having problems and Manorak wants more. So Evelyn has a lot on her plate as does Manorak.

The story itself is thrilling and intriguing. The characters draw you in and don’t let you go especially Manorak. He is my favorite. Has been from book one. Evelyn is trying to hold it together but is close to the line and the mystery and suspense surrounding this latest round of murders is addictive. You can’t put the book down with the suspense build up, the romance and the side characters having a role in what is happening as well. A great story from beginning to end and can’t wait for the next one for just when you think all is going smoothly....

Evelyn Talbot anxiety just keeps increasing with her life, trying to find Jasper and has family issues back in Boston. The only good thing in her life is Amarok her boyfriend, who is the police officer in this small remote town but even their relationship is tested. Now to find Jasper, who is hiding in plain site.

This is a book that I read in one day, could not put it down. A cat and mouse game at it's best, trying to hunt Jasper before he kills the next person. So many twists and turns till the very end! I thought this would be the last book in the series but so excited we will get more of Evelyn Talbot. This is book three in the series but can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book

This book is another one of Brenda's great suspense novels. I must admit it scares the crap out of me when I am reading these novels. I hear the sounds that the people in the book hear. That is how good the books are. Dr Talbot's series is awesome and her story is believable. She has chosen a profession out in Alaska in a prison that only houses psychopaths and she is dealing with them and trying to find out why they turned out this way but her journey from early on keeps coming back to haunt her. She isn't even aware of the dangers right in front of her. You must read this series from the beginning and then you wont be able to wait for the next book to come out. I really recommend this series!!

Face Off by Brenda Novak is another brilliant installment to this series. I was intrigued. The entire time, I was waiting for Evelyn’s past killer to attack her. Yet each moment never seemed like the right time for Jasper. Jasper like any other serial killer, ended up making many mistakes. He became careless and it took him spiraling out of control. Everything he worked for, was doomed. The intensity of the big moment, kept me on edge. I was expecting a dark, creepy, and deadly read.

Brenda Novak provided me with just that. The characters were funny, entertaining, and added to the flavor of this read. I had to roll my eyes and bite my tongue at the humiliation that Jasper put up with as he planned his future killings. He hated the men who told him what to do and when to do his work. It was interesting to watch as his temper was pushed and how he barely reined it all in…I kept expecting him to lose his patience at the facility every time. Yet, he surprised me. So many turns and twists…Even knowing the background, I was still kept in the dark as to what would happen. The ending was epic. I would have wanted a bit more darker satisfying end with Jasper. But I will have to wait for the next tale to see what happens next. Overall, I recommend this thriller to all.

Wow! This is Book 3 in the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles and although I had not read Books 1 or 2, I was able to follow the story. Actually, this was so good I will probably go catch up by reading Books 1 & 2 very soon.

Dr. Evelyn Talbot is a leading psychiatrist at a prison for the criminally insane, which includes some of the worst murderer's in the country. Located in a small town in Alaska, and living with the town's top cop, you would think Evelyn would be relatively safe from the man who abducted and tortured her, leaving her for dead when she was only sixteen years old. But is she safe? Since that time, Jasper Moore has had extensive plastic surgery and positioned himself practically in Evelyn's lap, waiting and biding his time until he's ready for her.

I'm not saying much more than that because I don't want to give away any spoilers, but Brenda Novak will have you biting your fingernails and cringing in your seat as she describes what this psychopath does to his innocent victims and what his plans are for Evelyn. Even without gross details, Brenda Novak allows your mind to "see" what you will have a difficult time "un-seeing".

The title of this book lives up to my expectations in this next installment of the Evelyn Talbot series. Jasper is hiding in plain sight and Amarok and Evelyn are trying to hunt him down before he gets his next victim.

I admit - I thought this book was the end of the series. I loved the thrill of the chase in this book and the ending was a perfect ending. I have loved the journey of Evelyn and Amarok and they deserve happiness. This book even reads like the end of the series. The book is a true page turner and I love how it didn’t go the way you may expect it to.

My biggest disappointment in this book is not even with the book itself - it’s the sneak peek at the end for the next book - I rolled my eyes and said really? I regret reading it. I’m going to pretend I didn’t and bask in the awesomeness of the end of this book and probably stop reading the series given the direction the sneak peek went in.

Whether this is the first book you’ve read in the series or you’re invested in these characters, lovers of suspenseful thrillers will enjoy this book and the series up to this point.

Many thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.

Face Off did not disappoint. I had so many goose bumps during reading this book that I can't tell you. I think this book is my favorite so far, in the series. Evelyn Talbot is still working in Alaska and is considering going back home, at least for awhile. She was attacked twenty years ago and her attacker is watching her very closely. He is creepy to say the least.
Her sister comes to visit and to settle things between them. She is taking care of their parents and would like some help. The book has a lot of twists and turns. If things He ever read any of Brenda's books this one is very good. Try this if you enjoy a good suspenseful read.

It's finally time for the showdown between Jasper and Evelyn! Both of them are equally determined to come out the winner, both are ready for it to be over. The life that Evelyn has been able to build for herself after all that she's suffered is nothing short of miraculous. It just doesn't seem possible, especially when her attacker is still at large. In the true definition of "obsession" we have Jasper that can't let her go or won't let her go. The lengths that he's gone to in order to hide in plain sight are nothing you wouldn't expect from the psychotic he is. The best thing about this book overall is that it never loses the "human factor". With all the crazy going on it would be easy to get lost in that side of it but Brenda Novak's skill as an author shine through in her ability to not lose sight of the relationships, all of the relationships between the loving, caring people in this book. We also get another view of the humanity that Evelyn has been able to hang onto and grow throughout her ordeal and recovery. This was an amazing journey to go on, from the streets of Boston to the wilds of Alaska it was beautiful, heartbreaking, exciting and gripping!

This is a great book! The suspense is exciting, and keeps you on the edge. Dr. Talbot is on the edge, she has been fighting her personal demons for years, but now it is becoming too much. She needs some resolution so that she can get on with her life. Her personal nightmare, Jasper is close, she can feel it. He is getting ready, making plans, and she and Amarok need to catch him before he can finally get his hands on her.
This book was fantastic and such a great addition to the series. I found myself on the edge of my seat, and there was a moment in this story that I actually had tears running down my face. If you read anything at all, don't miss this one!

I had forgotten how scary this series could be. Face Off is a great reminder. Brenda Novak writes beautifully written romances and small-town stories, she brings that incredible talent to the psychological thrillers too. However, the Hanover House Series is nail biting; the kind that I don’t read just before bed kind of scary stories.

Evelyn Talbot is one tough woman, who has overcome her own terrorized kidnapping. Instead of breaking her, it made her a resilient psychiatrist. Studying sadistic serial killers comes with a price, which includes her often in danger. This story hits close to home for her. You have to admire this woman, you just wouldn’t want to be her.

Well-structured plot with the irrepressible Evelyn. It even has a bit of romance. Yet the focus remains fixed on the disturbing case. No lag in the pacing of this addition to the series. Each story follows the last, so I would suggest that the series be read in order.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Page turner! Unputdownable! I stayed up late reading this book Face Off by Brenda Novak! Evelyn survived Jasper cutting her throat over 20 years ago but with decades gone by, plastic surgery had and thousands of miles from where he had her the first time, can and will Jasper be able to grab her and finish what he started? Evelyn knows in her heart Jasper has followed her to Alaska and she knows he is biding his time and the body count is rising but will they be able to get him before he gets her....
Awesome read! Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC book in turn for giving my honest opinion

This is the final showdown between Evelyn and Jasper. It will have you glued to the pages and up late at night. The reader is taken through a roller coaster of emotions. And just when you think you know everything that's coming, the author twists things and takes you on a surprising journey. With her hunky investigator boyfriend by her side, Evelyn will have to face her worst nightmare. Will Jasper finally get what's coming to him? With a unique conclusion to the case, readers will be satisfied but anxiously awaiting the next chapter of the Evelyn Talbot series. I received an ARC. This is my honest review.

UNBELIEVEABLE! Face Off was a very good book that grabbed you from the very first page and had you on the edge of your seat to the very end. Brenda Novak certainly knows how to write suspense! This book follows Evelyn Talbot's continuing search for the man who tortured her 20 years ago and got away. Little does she know that he has been working with her every day unnoticed. Unfortunately, I couldn't read the book as fast as I would have liked to because I was too afraid to read it at night when I was alone. Thank you Brenda Novak for the great entertainment! Looking forward to see what will happen next!

Only for Brenda Novak would I read a psychological thriller and enjoy it! I do not read or enjoy these kind of books, but because I love Ms.Novak’s writing and characters, I will always read her work. Face Off is the third in this series about Dr. Evelyn Talbot, and although this can be read as a standalone and I believe enough of the back story is told, I do think for a richer experience, the books read in order are preferred. Dr. Talbot runs a psychiatric hospital (that studies the behaviors of serial killers) in a small town in Alaska, and has a romantic relationship with the town sherif. As is the case for the other books in this series, the tension is thick, the plot intense, and this all makes for quite the page turner. Although I won’t say these are my favorite kind of books, i have really enjoyed this series and i will read anything Ms Novak writes. She can plot a story like no other, and even if she can scare the wits out of me with her stories, i wouldn’t miss the ride.

Face Off is Book 3 of The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles by Brenda Novak. Book 4 if you count Hanover House. Talk about a heart pounding, nail biting, pulse racing ride. I highly recommend reading this series from start to finish as each story builds upon the next.

There were so many twists and turns I didn't see coming in this book. It felt like a bad wreck. You're afraid to look. Don't want to look but you can't be pulled away.

The only reason I'm rating this story 4 stars instead of 5 is the ending. Considering that practically the entire story was an intense thrill ride that kept me on the edge of my seat, the ending seemed rushed and a bit anti-climatic. After everything these characters have done and been through, my first thought was "that's it?"

Overall though, this is one of Ms. Novak's best series and while this particular storyline may seem concluded, I suspect she's not quite finished with us.

Thank you NetGalley and Brenda Novak for the ARC of Face Off by Brenda Novak that I read and reviewed.
This book was the third book in the Evelyn Talbot series and it was the showdown that we have all been waiting for between Evelyn and her ex boyfriend, Jasper Moore, who has been stalking her for over twenty years since he did not kill her when he tried he high school. This book was full of action and suspense and a bit of romantic turmoil between our beloved couple of Evelyn and Amarok, her boyfriend and also the sheriff of the town she lives in and the man whose mission it is to protect her from Jasper.
Overall, this was an excellent read the only thing that I had a problem with was that anticlimactic end. I was expecting a bit more with everything that was leading up to it but that was just my take on it. Someone else may love how it ended.
However, I am still giving Face Off five out of five stars.

Evelyn Talbot was tortured and left for dead at only 16 years old. She's worked hard to build a life for herself, a life where she tries to understand why people kill others. She's created a prision, Hanover House, in a remote town in Alaska, with hopes to gain more understanding of these psychpaths.

Her boyfriend, is the local police force. When a woman goes missing he starts digging into it. Evelyn can't shake the feeling that her kidnapper has never been caught and maybe he's back to haunt her.

Additionally, you toss in some family drama with Evelyn's sister and you have a story filled with suspense, romanace and drama. all the needed ingredients for a fantastic read.

It only took me a day to read this book. Once I started, I coulnd't put it down because I had to know what was going on with Evelyn, if she was going to be ok, and how her life was going to pan out.

I can't wait to read the next installment. This was the best Brenda Novak book i'd read thus far.

Tortured and left for dead at sixteen, Evelyn Talbot turned her personal nightmare into her life’s work—studying the disturbing psychopathy of some of the world’s most vicious serial killers. Now a leading psychiatrist at Hanover House in a small Alaskan town, she tries to believe the past will never come back to haunt her—until a woman goes missing from a cabin nearby, and every clue points to the man who once brutalized her…

As her boyfriend, who is the area’s only police, begins to investigate—and finds not one but two bodies—Evelyn can’t forget that her would-be killer, Jasper Moore, was never caught. But there are no new faces in tiny Hilltop, no one who seems suspicious or potentially violent. In this twisted game of cat and mouse, Evelyn is certain of only one thing—Jasper must be hiding in plain sight. And if she can’t find him before he comes for her, she won’t be lucky enough to survive twice…

This is the third installment in this psychological thriller series and things really heat up in this one. Evelyn Talbot's past has caught up with her as Jasper's killing spree takes hold of the small Alaskan town of Hilltop. After twenty years Jasper's obsession with Evelyn has taken over his every thought. Unfortunately he's the master of disguise and can blend in with ease. With all the new people in Hilltop he could be anyone. The current rash of murders have the residents up in arms and blaming one of Evelyn's inmates as being the guilty party. Amarok, the town sheriff and Evelyn's boyfriend, doesn't believe that. He knows Evelyn's past and is certain Jasper is moving between them. Question is can he discover who Jasper is before he gets to Evelyn?

This series is truly fantastic and recommend you read them in order to have a clear understanding of all the twists and turns the story takes.

This is book 3 in the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles and we return to Hilltop, Alaska with Evelyn and Amorak. This is another brilliant game of cat and mouse between these two and Jasper. He’s starting to make mistakes and the kill count is rising but it’s far from over.

The story line is built so well that you get ensnared and dinner has to be postponed until you read just one more chapter. I love it! The small taste we get at the end of this book has me waiting so impatiently for the next book in this brilliantly written series.

I have loved this series from the beginning and this book is probably the best. When a woman goes missing, they are thinking she wondered off, but her brother knows better. Someone had to take her. As Amarok looks into the disappearance more, he finds evidence of another missing woman. Is this Jasper's work? Evelyn is sure it is. With her sister visiting, Evelyn realizes that she needs to help with her parents more, but how can she leave Amarok. Even temporarily. Things heat up as they find evidence that Jasper committed more murders and then Amarok is forced to deal with his ex, Samantha. She just won't give up and she is trying to find Jasper so he can help her get rid of Evelyn. She doesn't care if Evelyn lives or dies, she just wants her out of Amarok's life. Will Evelyn stay in Alaska and will they find Jasper before he kills more people?

Evelyn is still leading the work at the prison in Alaska, hoping to finally find the man who murdered her friends and, almost murdered her 20 years ago. Her boyfriend Amarok, the chief of police, is constantly on alert for any danger to her. Problem is that women are, again, starting to disappear, then being found dead and, in the same shape is Jasper's previous victims. The action in this story is non stop and, at times, terrifying. You literally do not want to put this book down!!! I can't wait for the next one!

Evelyn Talbot was brutally assaulted, left for dead and her friends were killed when she was a teen. Her attacker, Jasper, is still on the loose. Now she is a psychiatrist who has created a prison called Hanover House. Hanover is located in remote Alaska. The worst psychopaths are sent there to be studied to try and find out what makes them do what they do. When a woman disappears from the area Evelyn and her boyfriend, police officer Amorak, suspect her attacker is back. They have to find him before he gets away again.

This is part of the Evelyn Talbot series but I think it could be read as a stand alone. This book will draw you in from the first pages and keep you guessing til the end. There is mystery, suspense and great characters. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Brenda Novak has created several series of books, but in my humble opinion, her Evelyn Talbot Chronicles surpasses all of the others. In her latest addition, “Face Off,” Evelyn Talbot and her law enforcement boyfriend are continuing the hunt for the man who tortured and almost killed Evelyn many years ago. The constant pressure of the hunt for Jasper Moore and an uncomfortable visit from her younger sister makes Evelyn question her research and her relationship with Amarok, the love of her life. Together Evelyn and Amarok believe that finding Jasper is tantamount to them having any type of future together. This is a fast-paced read that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I was given an advanced copy of this book, and all of the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

In anticipation of this book I read the prequel to the series so I could familiarize myself with the characters and their pasts. I do not feel like I was lost at any point not having read the first two books in the series.

Evelyn Talbott is a strong woman and a fascinating protagonist. Her life's work is to study and understand psychopaths because she was attacked by her boyfriend when she was 16. She has a ton of gumption and is dedicated to learning as much as she can. I am always interested in learning more about sociopaths and psychopaths, so I really enjoyed this aspect of the novel.

I could have done with less of the romance angle. In general I find them to be overdone and eye roll inducing in thrillers, so I found myself often skimming those parts. However, that is just my opinion, many people have no issues with romance in thrillers!

I felt that this book was on the lighter side of thrillers, and with the subject matter I was expecting it to be a bit more intense. I also found it to be fairly repetitive and it seemed like much of the psychiatry dialogue was taken directly from a textbook. It therefore felt stiff and unnatural to the characters.

This book has gotten great reviews, so I think many people will love it a lot more than me. It was entertaining read, I was just expecting more from it.

Brenda Novak continues to craft thoroughly engaging and suspenseful stories that pull you in from the beginning. Evelyn continues to be pulled in opposing directions as the head of Hanover House, a controversial prison for sociopaths and psychopaths. She's more determined than ever after previous events and committed to the love of her life, the loyal, steadfast, and determined State Trooper, Amarok. Evelyn and Amarok try to manage their ever-present fear that Jasper is closer than they expect. Meanwhile, Jasper is definitely closer and planning for a face off with Evelyn, the one woman he lives to torment and torture. Face Off is a psychological thriller you won't want to put down with suspense, mystery, and surprises around every corner. Face Off could be read as a standalone.

Another wild page turner in this highly addictive series. Evelyn has opened Hanover House to study Serial Killers. At sixteen, she was violently attacked and left for dead by her boyfriend, Jasper who has continued to avoid capture. When murders begin to happen around the area, Evelyn is worried that Jasper is back and finally ready to finish what he started all those years ago. A true edge of your seat thriller! Highly recommend! I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Face Off is another good installment in the Evelyn Talbot series. It was good to go back to Alaska - though with the description of the weather in the book, I am certain I couldn't live there. The story picks up where the last one left off. I enjoyed knowing Jasper's real identity, but found I wanted to "shake" the characters for not recognizing him. The book kept a good pace and had a satisfying ending. I enjoyed seeing how Evelyn and Amarok's relationship has been growing. The story showed more of the long term effects of Evelyn's horrifying attack on both her and her family. It gave me a lot of things to think about. If you like suspense, this story will not disappoint. I received an advance copy in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. Evelyn has drama at work, at home with Amarok, and with her parents & sister back in Boston. Is there any wonder her anxiety is worse & she’s having trouble dealing with memories? As a reader, we are let in on the murderer’s identity early in the plot but the characters are still working to figure it out. The interactions between the characters are realistic & lifelike. As a reader you find yourself hoping Evelyn stays safe & you are invested in her happy ending. The dynamics of her family’s relationship in understandable & you can understand why it’s hard on Evelyn & on her sister. This has been a great series but there is enough background in this book that it can be read as a stand alone.

Finally, the showdown we have been waiting for. Jasper comes face to face with the person he had been obsessed with claiming since the very beginning, but first he must get to her without slipping up. Can he resist not killing or will his need to destroy beauty be his undoing?

Oh my.... this was sure a suspenseful story filled with edge of your seat frights and of course, slightly creepifying affection. Book three of Hanover House will have you leaving the lights on and your dog near your side as Jasper and Evelyn finally have a face off that will really thrill even the fussiest of fans.

**Thanks to the publisher allowing me to read and review. My own opinions throughout..**

My first recommendation is that you read the previous Evelyn Talbot Chronicles first, they are necessary to understand what happens in this story.

Evelyn is living peacefully in Alaska with Amarok, her boyfriend. They were even interested in starting a family . . . until a young woman disappears from a cabin nearby.

Sierra, the young woman, found something she shouldn't have and was killed because of it.

So starts the story of how Jasper Moore was finally caught and Evelyn Talbot was given the justice she'd been searching for since she was 16 years old.

This story starts slowly, but once Jasper begins to feel the heat, the story picks up.

Face Off by Brenda Novak is the third full length book in the Evelyn Talbot Series. There also was a novella to start out the series. Hopefully you have read the other books in this series if you have not I suggest you do, but if not the author does catch you up with the back story. This book kept me turning the pages and sitting at the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to see what the next installment brings. Very well done Brenda Novak.

OMG awesome awesome read. Thrilling and captivating.
I haven't read the other two books but definitely will.
I was able to read this as a standalone though it is book 3 of The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles.
Thrilling story of trying to catch a psychopath serial killer. Different perspectives from the victim to the doctor to the family the police and also the killer. I was beyond thrilled every word on each page

Evelyn Talbot Chronicles Book Three

Evelyn and Amarok are racing to find Jasper before he comes after them, but he may already be in Hilltop. The discovery of two bodies convinces the two that Jasper is killing in their hometown. When the lab results come in that prove Jasper's involvement in several previous murders, including his own parents, Amarok believes he has enough evidence to request the flight manifests linking those murders. If they can only find out Jasper's current alias, maybe they can stop him for good.

If you've been waiting for Evelyn's resolution of her experience with her tormentor, this is the book for you!

I love the Eveln Talbot Chronicles---she is the reason I started reading Brenda Novak. To get the whole picture it's best to read them in order. I was so excited when this book came out! After reading Hello Again, I couldn't believe I had to wait till this year to see how the story ends. The suspense of if Jasper would be caught, and the cat and mouse game he plays with Eveyln kept me on edge and not able to put the book down. I was shocked at what I thought was the ending--there is a nice twist there. I thought I'd have closure, but do I? If you want a fast paced thriller, all of the Evelyn Talbot books are worth your time!

This is the third book in The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles and it is SO good. Full of suspense, danger, and twists! While I will suggest that you read the previous two books before this one, there is enough information given that will fill in any holes that there might be if you just started with this one. In this one, Evelyn is still looking over her shoulder waiting for Jasper to show up and finish what he started so many years ago. Jasper is just waiting for the right time to strike and put his plan into motion. I couldn't put it down once I started it and that ending?!? Seriously?!? WOW!

Face Off by Brenda Novak was everything I thought it would and WOULDN’T be. And more. It had plenty of twists and turns for Dr. Evelyn Talbot.

The book was absolutely fantastic! It answered some questions, but definitely left things open to another book.

I will be a forever fan of Brenda Novak, and Face Off is one book you don’t want to pass up!

This was a great addition to the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles, one I've been waiting for. It was just as good as the other books in this series and moved the series along well.

I enjoy that Ms. Novak allows her characters in this series to grow and change, as we all do in life. It keeps things more interesting. I was surprised at the ending, but imagine that it won't be long before we have another in this series that deals with the worst of the worst psychopaths.

If you've followed this series, definitely get this book!

This Evelyn Talbot book was chilling and downright creepy. While I could hardly wait to turn the next page, I wasn't sure I wanted to! Jasper is still determined to torture and kill Evelyn; in fact, he is so obsessed that I was afraid all the way through that he would succeed. In the meantime, her boyfriend, Amarok, is equally determined to see Jasper suffer and pay for what he has done to her. Who (if either) will be successful? You'll really want to read this and find out for yourself. If you love a good thriller, don't miss this one!

FACE OFF by Brenda Novak
Evelyn not only endured a nightmare at sixteen, to live with the thought the guilty man, was never caught. Living in a small town, the connection when two bodies are found, and seems to be that of Jasper, who tortured her. The plot is filled with tension, the thoughts of who it could be, when you know everyone around you. Readers will be caught up and wondering how it will end. Her books don’t disappoint her readers. Given ARC by Net Galley and St Martin’s. Press, for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

Wow! Cliff hanger ending to faceoff!! How long do we need to wait for the next book???? Not fair thought was going to be a happy ending. You outdid yourself! Waiting for book 4!!
Pat yourself on the back. Take a little rest and then....Start typing! Fans want to know what happens next. Lol..
Seriously great book! Can't wait for next one.

Brenda has given us another great suspense novel . Definitely it was a stay up until it is finished and be on the edge of the seat until you do. I am so glad she has gone back to doing suspense stories because she is great at doing so. If you haven't read the first two in the series ( and you should), you can still follow the action and suspense. Can't wait for the next in the series.

Oh Brenda, this Talbot series just keeps getting more and more intense with each book. This one had me literally sitting on the edge of my seat. I don’t know if I can handle having to wait for Blindspot to come out! That is pure torture LOL! Thanks Brenda!

I was gifted this book and so very glad I was