The Face of Deception - Iris Johansen

I just read a fantastic murder/mystery by Iris Johansen. The Face of Deception is the first in the Eve Duncan series. I know I am probably behind the times in reading this series as the book was published in 1998.

However, I really became interested in this series when I heard about it on Mystery Reader Cafe message board. I ordered it from the library and started reading it on the 17th. I couldn't put it down, finally couldn't keep my eyes open any longer and had to wait till the next day to finish it up.

Eve Duncan is a forensic sculptor. She works at reconstructing the identity of the long dead from their skulls and helps bring closure to parents of missing children. We learn at the beginning of the book that Eve's own daughter was murderd and her body never found.

Because of her unique ability and gift, she is approached by billionaire John Logan to reconstruct the face of an adult murder victim. She refuses because she only works on children. However, his promise of a sizable contribution to a missing children's charity persuades her to accept. What he neglects to tell her is that there are powerful, desperate people who are determined to keep the identity of the skull a secret. It is too late for Eve, though, because the skull has begun to reveal its shocking identity.

This book held me hostage until the very end. The disclosures were well-timed and definitely had me guessing at the outcome. I thought I had it figured out once, but then the story took a twist that I didn't see coming, and I was once again trying to decide how the book would end. Underlying the mystery and suspense was the meticulously researched information about forensic sculpting and DNA processing. There is just the right amount of background information about sculpting and reconstructuring that draws the reader in but doesn't bog down the plot. I had always wondered how they could create a face from just having the skull and no pictures. I found the research fascinating.

I can't wait to read the second book in the series and already have it ordered at the library. I am so glad that I discovered "reading" message boards as they have introduced me to a world of new books and series. Thanks to all you wonderful readers out there who take the time to blog about the books that you have read and posted such great reviews.

Rating: 4.5/5
Pages: 354
Completed: 6/18/08

The Face of Deception - Iris Johansen

http://worldaccordingtobooks.blogspot.com/2008/06/face-of-deception-iris-johansen.html