[.ca] The Face of Deception (ISBN 0553106236)

From Amazon.com:
After losing her beloved child to a serial killer, forensic sculptor Eve Duncan survives by focusing on her career. The best in her field at rebuilding faces from bare skull bones, Eve specializes in identifying missing children. When billionaire John Logan requests her help in identifying an adult skull, Eve--already swamped with work--tells Logan that she isn't interested. But when he volunteers to donate a large sum of money to a charity for missing children in exchange for her time, Eve reluctantly agrees. Logan neglects to tell her that there are powerful, desperate people who are determined to keep the skull's true identity a secret at any cost. Eve's gut instincts tell her that Logan is holding back vital information: Does the billionaire really believe that he's uncovered new insight into the Kennedy assassination? Or does the skull tie him to a mysterious murder? Eve's wildest guesses don't even come close to the stunning truth that she discovers when she at last studies the restored face. Now she and Logan have proof of a dark secret that could get them killed. And it will take all of their combined cunning and sheer nerve to survive. Well plotted, meticulously researched and spine-tingling, The Face of Deception is a fast-paced game of hide-and-seek, as Eve and Logan race to stay one step ahead of relentless pursuers while accomplishing the delicate, high-tech restoration for which Eve is famous. Leave all the lights on if you read this one at night alone. --Lois Faye Dyer

A Bad Book on Every Count:
I've read hundreds of police procedurals, mysteries, thrillers, fictional spy yarns, and horror tales. This is the first, so far as I can recall, that I couldn't bring myself to finish! Besides wasting $10.95 (Canadian) to buy the book, I squandered several hours struggling to reach the end--getting as far as page 328 before giving up. (Another reader-reviewer, less of a martyr than I, wrote that he "threw the book against the wall" at page 300.) I surrendered after learning from a reader that the plot has no closure--essential in this genre. Everything in this novel is substandard: ridiculous plot, boring characters (even their names are dull), plodding story line, tacky--and padded--dialogue. The author has several annoying mannerisms, including her ending many dialogue lines with 3-em dashes, presumably to indicate interruption (or maybe breathlessness). I bought the book expecting to learn something about forensic sculpting, the main character's alleged profession, but there was no evidence the author had done any serious research. It's absurd to compare this author to Patricia Cornwell, whose preparation is meticulous and who is a fine writer. Enough said, as others have made detailed comments. Who so many readers gave this hokey book four or five stars baffles me. I would rate it with NO stars if that was an option.

contrary to other reviews, a good book!:
i really enjoyed this book. i read the other reviews and even though she's a sappy character, i like the plot and the idea around the facial reconstructions. I also really enjoyed the character logan. worth reading

Tight, Detailed, but not much thrill!:
I liked the story, but it wasn't exactly a nail biter. I enjoyed the way the story weaved the characters together and each one had good depth. However, the main character seemed too super human. Over all, it was an interesting tail, but it won't keep you awake at night thinking about it.

Another Great Book...:
Iris Johansen does it again with another great book that could easily be made into a television movie or series. The novel shows a great command of words and literature. The detective work and mystery are great, but the characterization is superb!

A great novel of mystery and suspense!:
The Face of Deception, by Iris Johansen, is a suspenseful novel telling the story of forensic sculptor Eve Duncan who gets tossed into a no-win situation where she must face death, blackmail, and her toughest decision by far. Fast to speak her mind, one would not imagine Eve to fall victim to bribery; but when a man named John Logan enters the picture, and desperately offers her anything to reconstruct a skull for him, she takes the job without realizing the horror that would befall her. I would recommend borrowing this novel rather than buying it strictly because you learn information towards the end that will ruin the suspense at the beginning, making it less exciting to read the second time. All readers seeking mystery and suspense should give this book a try as well as those interested in forensic sciences.