Cody McFadyen - The Face of Death

review by show host
this is the first book I have read by this author and I would certainly read another of his. the only thing that spoils it are the cheesy names.
Its billed as 'A new Smoky Barrett thriller'
Agent Smoky Barrett works in the LA branch of the FBI hunting child & serial killers. Smoky is trying to carry on with her life after a crazy she was hunting extinguished her husband and child, then scarred her physically for life.
It's because of this that a victim in a murder case has asked to speak to her. the victim, Sarah, was found amidst the carnage of her mutilated foster family. But Police are also looking at Sarah as the possible perpertrator.
Sarah has known pain & suffering before, her own loving parents were killed in the same manner on her 6th birthday, as were anyone else she loved. Nobody believed Sarah on that day, when she told the police her mother hadn't commmitted suicide then killed herself. The Stranger had done it. So she stopped telling them. Except one policewoman, who for some reason found some truth in what Sarah was saying, but she couldn't convince her supriors.
Now, 10years and many lost lives later, Sarah is asking for Smoky Barrett. Sarah knows Smoky will undrstand her pain, may even believe her about 'The Stranger'. Smoky and her team realise that Sarah didn't have the strength to carry out the murder. They are being unwittingly led by 'The Stranger' who cleverly leaves false trails.
Nobody has seen teh Strangers face, even Sarah, but she has seen his body, the tattoo and will never forget his voice, nor the brutality she endures in Foster Care.
The Stranger is out to ruin Sarahs life just as his own was ruined and also avenge the corrupt federal agents who sold out his childhood.
This was well worth the money I paid for it in the charity shop and a good book to take on holiday if you like crime novels. I woke each morning wondering who the Stranger might be but I didn't guess. It is a bit unrealistic at times but worth a space in my bag. Will be looking for his first book 'Shadow Man' ...