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Faces of Fear: A Novel | 
| Author: John Saul
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Category: Book
List Price: $26.00
Buy Used: $6.98
You Save: $19.02 (73%)
Rating:  23 reviews
Sales Rank: 32058
Media: Hardcover
Edition: Large Print
Pages: 336
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.7
Dimensions (in): 9.4 x 5.8 x 1.2
ISBN: 0345487052
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780739476918
ASIN: 0345487052
Publication Date: August 12, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
New York Times bestselling author John Saul is a master at writing novels that chill the bones, curdle the blood, and tap into our darkest fears. He creates characters so real that you’ll feel as if they’re friends or family, and throws them into situations so terrifying that you won’t be able to look away until you turn the final page. Now, in Faces of Fear, Saul proves that there’s a fine line between perfection and madness.
Fifteen-year-old Alison Shaw may not be beautiful, but she doesn’t really care: She’d much rather read a good book than primp in front of a mirror anyway. But Alison’s gorgeous mother, Risa, knows that beauty can be a key to success and wishes only the best for her daughter, especially when Risa marries a widowed plastic surgeon and moves Alison from Santa Monica to Bel Air. Beauty may be only skin deep, but to the denizens of Bel Air it means the world. Everywhere mother and daughter look, they are surrounded by beautiful people, many of whom have benefited from the skills of Alison’s new stepfather, the charismatic Peter Dunn. Peter is certain he can turn Alison into a vision of loveliness, and Risa–drawn in by his cool confidence–is delighted. Reluctantly, Alison agrees to undergo the first procedure, and her transformation begins.
But soon Alison discovers a picture of Peter’s first wife. To Alison’s horror, she notices a resemblance between the image in the photo and the work her stepfather is doing on her. Though Risa refuses to acknowledge the strange similarity, Alison becomes increasingly frightened. Digging further into her stepfather’s murky past, Alison uncovers dark secrets–and even darker motives–and realizes that her worst fears are fast becoming her reality.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 18 more reviews...
 I enjoyed it a lot December 30, 2008
R. Gawlitta (Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA)
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.
 Scary, But Could Have Been a Little Better November 10, 2008
Jeffrey T. Munson (Dixon, IL)
Once again, horror/suspense novelist John Saul has written an imaginative and scary story but, in my opinion, it could have been just a little better.
The story revolves around Alison Shaw. Risa Shaw, Alison's mother, has learned that her husband Michael has been having an affair with another man. Risa and Michael divorce, both moving on to new lives. Michael begins his life with Scott, while Risa becomes involved with Conrad Dunn, a wealthy and well-respected plastic surgeon. Conrad is suffering from his own loss; his beautiful supermodel wife Margot has just committed suicide. Margot was distraught after a boating accident left her million-dollar face disfigured. No longer able to look herself in the mirror, Margot flung herself head-first off a cliff. Conrad is distraught after his wife's suicide, but he finds solace in Risa's arms. Soon, Conrad and Risa are married, and Alison and her mother move into Conrad's luxurious mansion.
Also occurring during this time are a series of ghastly murders. Women are being disemboweled and different body parts are being removed, such as noses, lips, and ears. Reporter Tina Wong, one of Michael Shaw's reporters, dives head-first into the story and wants to air a special on television about the murders. Meanwhile, Conrad has taken a new interest in his young step-daughter, insisting that she get breast implants. As time moves forward, Alison begins to realize that Conrad's intentions may not be what they seem. Risa has also discovered a secret shrine that Conrad has set up in honor of his dead wife. What's even more chilling is a photograph Conrad has taken of Alison wearing one of Margot's old dresses. Risa finally begins to unravel the truth about her new husband, but will it be too late for her and Alison?
This is a very good book. John Saul has done a good job of developing his characters and making them believable. The story is well-conceived and it flows at a good pace. The only problem I had with the book was with the rapid conclusion of the events. It seemed to me that Saul might have been in a hurry to finish the book, because everything is resolved rather quickly. Despite this one point, I thought the book was very good overall.
I recommend this book highly. The story is good, and the characters are real and believable. I did like "The Devil's Labyrinth" and "In the Dark of the Night" better, though. Still, "Faces of Fear" is definitely worth reading.
THE ENDING LEAVES A LOT TO BE DESIRED! November 8, 2008
CR (PA)
I couldn't put this book down it was so good, but the last 2-3 chapters really sucked!! It almost was like John Saul was in a hurry to write an ending.
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