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Cover of The Face of Deception

The Face of Deception

by Iris Johansen

Fiction MysteryThrillerSuspenseMystery ThrillerCrimeRomance

Book Description

A chilling game of cat and mouse unfolds as forensic sculptor Eve Duncan finds herself entangled in a web of deceit and danger. Tasked with bringing a long-dead victim's face to life, Eve unknowingly awakens a dark legacy that threatens everyone she loves. Time is slipping away, and sinister forces are closing in, forcing her to confront her own demons, all while unearthing secrets that could shatter lives. Allies become foes, trust is shattered, and the stakes soar higher with each revelation. Will Eve unmask the truth before it costs her everything?

Quick Summary

In "The Face of Deception," forensic sculptor Eve Duncan is recruited for a mysterious assignment: reconstructing the face of a long-dead skeleton found with a hidden identity. As she delves into her work, Eve becomes ensnared in a deadly conspiracy involving political power, assassins, and concealed truths. Navigating danger at every turn, she must rely on her intelligence and instincts to survive. Betrayals loom close as trusted allies reveal ulterior motives, and old traumas resurface, challenging her resilience. Racing against time, Eve battles both external threats and her own emotional wounds, determined to uncover the victim’s identity and unmask the mastermind orchestrating the chaos. The outcome will redefine her life and threaten everything she values.

Summary of Key Ideas

The Cost of Truth and Justice

Eve Duncan is a talented forensic sculptor haunted by the disappearance and presumed death of her daughter Bonnie. Her expertise in reconstructive sculpting has made her one of the best, but also left her emotionally scarred. Approached by billionaire John Logan, Eve is asked to reconstruct the face of a mysterious skull in an effort to identify a decades-old victim. Impressed by Logan’s urgency and the secrecy surrounding the project, Eve accepts with reservations, unwittingly stepping into a volatile undercurrent of danger.

Deception and Manipulation

As Eve works on the skull, it becomes clear that the victim’s identification could have explosive consequences. She soon finds herself targeted by unknown assailants who seem intent on stopping her from unveiling the truth. Complicating matters, Eve must contend with Logan's ambiguous motives and the involvement of powerful figures who want the case closed at any cost. The deeper she digs into the identity of the skull, the more dangerous her world becomes, making her question who she can trust—including Logan himself.

The Shadows of Personal Loss

Through twists and betrayals, Eve’s journey becomes not just a quest for justice for the unknown victim, but a personal battle to find healing and purpose after tragedy. Her search for truth is constantly challenged by manipulation from those with much to lose, and by the resurfacing pain of her daughter’s loss. Even as she finds courage in her vulnerability, Eve is pushed to the brink, forced to confront fears she has long buried.

Trust and Betrayal

Eve’s bond with John Logan evolves, fueled by mutual respect and emerging romantic tension. Their alliance is tested as they uncover a conspiracy reaching into the highest echelons of power. Allies turn adversarial, leaving Eve and Logan isolated as they close in on the truth. In the face of relentless danger, they must pool their skills and rely on their instincts if they are to outwit their ruthless enemies.

Perseverance in the Face of Danger

The climactic resolution brings revelations that change everything Eve thought she knew—about the case and herself. The mystery of the skull’s identity ripples out, exposing corruption, lies, and the deep costs of truth. Triumphant yet irrevocably changed, Eve emerges with newfound resilience and a deeper sense of purpose, having faced the shadows within herself and in the world around her.