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Sydney Fitzpatrick #1
Face of a Killer
Facts lie . . . Two decades after the murder that shattered her world, FBI agent and forensic artist Sydney Fitzpatrick confronts her father's killer face to face. But the inmate who's scheduled to be executed for the crime is not what she expected. Heightening Sydney's unease, she receives a photograph sent to her by a man just prior to his suicide, causing her to question everything she believed about her father. Now she wants the truth—no matter where it's hidden, no matter how painful . . . or dangerous. But Sydney Fitzpatrick is about to trespass on sacred ground. And being a federal agent will offer her no security or shelter if it's her own government that wants her dead.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
December 10, 2008
Sydney Fitzpatrick is a forensic artist for the FBI. On the twentieth anniversary of her father's death, she's called in to do a sketch of a rapist. When her suspect starts baring resemblance to a suspect in another rape case, Sydney is partnered up with Tony Carillo to investigate.
Meanwhile, Sydney decides it's time to confront her father's murderer who is awaiting execution at San Quentin. She simply wants to know why he killed her father, but instead she ends up having doubts that the man DID kill her father. Then when her father's old army buddy sends her an envelope before he commits suicide, things looks even more suspicious. Everything seems to be tied to a picture in the envelope. A picture of her father with several other men; a picture of a group of men who look sort of like...special forces.
I'm not sure I know exactly where to start with this review because I loved every aspect of this book. The characters were wonderfully developed. Their interactions together were absolutely smooth and completely believable at every level.
Sydney's ex comes in to town because he's on surveillance. He's surveying Sydney due to a hit the FBI believes has been put out on her. This obviously causes internal conflict for Sydney and tension between the two of them.
Sydney and Carillo cracked me up as partners. Imagine the most fun pairing of law enforcement officers from television or the movies; Sydney and Carillo match if not surpass any great combo! Their banter was so realistic and their personalities fit like Yin and Yang. And the best part about Sydney and Carillo? They DON'T jump in the sack together; don't even hint at doing anything like that. It is so refreshing to have a male/female team that doesn't end up in bed together!
Another refreshing element of this book - the law enforcement characters aren't swearing every other word. They are intelligent enough to carry on a conversation in which they can express themselves without excessive profanity. It's a beautiful thing.
The plot kept me glued to the pages in this book. I was in the dark about the outcome until the very end. And Burcell does an outstanding job of throwing in twists each time the reader thinks they have the mystery nailed. It is also a plot that keeps you guessing without throwing in some unknown factors right at the end. In addition the two subplots kind of weave in and out of each other leaving the reader wondering if they're connected or if it's just all a strange coincidence. The reader is challenged at every page turn in this book.
While the plot was very well constructed, I have to admit that the element of the book that hooked me right away was the authenticity. Or at least in my limited knowledge what I perceived to be authenticity. And, it's very subtle which makes it that much more powerful.
A final element about this novel I really enjoyed is Topper. Topper is a poodle that Carillo calls a sheep:
The endearing thing about Topper is not that he's a poodle; it's that his personality reminds me of my own dog. Very happy-go-lucky, likes to be around people, but if someone is not the "right people" Topper lets you know. If my dog growls about a person, I know something isn't right. I'm sure a lot of people who aren't "dog people" would find Topper unbelievable, but having experienced such a dog myself, I know Topper is realistic, and for me he added a lot to the dimension of the book.
I loved Face of a Killer. The humor, the three-dimensional characters, the authentic plot all make this an outstanding crime fiction novel. I'm looking forward to the next one!
Meanwhile, Sydney decides it's time to confront her father's murderer who is awaiting execution at San Quentin. She simply wants to know why he killed her father, but instead she ends up having doubts that the man DID kill her father. Then when her father's old army buddy sends her an envelope before he commits suicide, things looks even more suspicious. Everything seems to be tied to a picture in the envelope. A picture of her father with several other men; a picture of a group of men who look sort of like...special forces.
I'm not sure I know exactly where to start with this review because I loved every aspect of this book. The characters were wonderfully developed. Their interactions together were absolutely smooth and completely believable at every level.
Sydney's ex comes in to town because he's on surveillance. He's surveying Sydney due to a hit the FBI believes has been put out on her. This obviously causes internal conflict for Sydney and tension between the two of them.
Sydney and Carillo cracked me up as partners. Imagine the most fun pairing of law enforcement officers from television or the movies; Sydney and Carillo match if not surpass any great combo! Their banter was so realistic and their personalities fit like Yin and Yang. And the best part about Sydney and Carillo? They DON'T jump in the sack together; don't even hint at doing anything like that. It is so refreshing to have a male/female team that doesn't end up in bed together!
Another refreshing element of this book - the law enforcement characters aren't swearing every other word. They are intelligent enough to carry on a conversation in which they can express themselves without excessive profanity. It's a beautiful thing.
The plot kept me glued to the pages in this book. I was in the dark about the outcome until the very end. And Burcell does an outstanding job of throwing in twists each time the reader thinks they have the mystery nailed. It is also a plot that keeps you guessing without throwing in some unknown factors right at the end. In addition the two subplots kind of weave in and out of each other leaving the reader wondering if they're connected or if it's just all a strange coincidence. The reader is challenged at every page turn in this book.
While the plot was very well constructed, I have to admit that the element of the book that hooked me right away was the authenticity. Or at least in my limited knowledge what I perceived to be authenticity. And, it's very subtle which makes it that much more powerful.
A final element about this novel I really enjoyed is Topper. Topper is a poodle that Carillo calls a sheep:
The endearing thing about Topper is not that he's a poodle; it's that his personality reminds me of my own dog. Very happy-go-lucky, likes to be around people, but if someone is not the "right people" Topper lets you know. If my dog growls about a person, I know something isn't right. I'm sure a lot of people who aren't "dog people" would find Topper unbelievable, but having experienced such a dog myself, I know Topper is realistic, and for me he added a lot to the dimension of the book.
I loved Face of a Killer. The humor, the three-dimensional characters, the authentic plot all make this an outstanding crime fiction novel. I'm looking forward to the next one!
April 26, 2014
I met Robin Burcell when she spoke as a woman mystery writer during the Leesburg Library Book Festival this year. Aa an FBi trained forensic artist, and a skilled law enforcement officer, she brings authenticity and depth to her writing. When I listened to her on a panel of other women authors I was so impressed with her humor and intelligence.
This book drew me in and kept me reading through the night. I have already ordered another in this series for my Nook.
This book drew me in and kept me reading through the night. I have already ordered another in this series for my Nook.
March 6, 2019
I just finished reading Robin Burcell's novel Face of a Killer. The main character is Sydney Fitzpatrick who works as a forensic artist. She is haunted by the murder of her father, and with the man accused, waiting to be executed in a few days, Sydney is driven to go speak with him at San Quinton prison. During their face to face conversation, Sydney becomes convinced he's not the killer and with some added information, goes on a quest to discover the truth, leading her into a government coverup that puts her life in grave danger.
I loved Sydney's bulldog ferocity and 'never give up' stance. She is strong, relentless, passionate, and very likable. Her interaction with Carillo, their bantering and off-beat humor, worked together like cheese and good wine.
Face of a Killer had a well thought out plot as well as a couple of subplots that kept me on the edge of my seat, making it difficult to put down.
Excellent story, Top-notch characters, and white-knuckle suspense. Nothing else I need to give this a 5-star rating. Loved it.
I loved Sydney's bulldog ferocity and 'never give up' stance. She is strong, relentless, passionate, and very likable. Her interaction with Carillo, their bantering and off-beat humor, worked together like cheese and good wine.
Face of a Killer had a well thought out plot as well as a couple of subplots that kept me on the edge of my seat, making it difficult to put down.
Excellent story, Top-notch characters, and white-knuckle suspense. Nothing else I need to give this a 5-star rating. Loved it.
November 16, 2014
I bought a copy of Face of a Killer at the Great Valley Book fest recently. I didn't know anything about Robin Burcell at the time, but she was there showcasing her book and speaking about her interesting law enforcement background. She was friendly, knowledgeable, hilarious, and made her book sound like a must read. So of course I had to get a copy.
Needless to say I was not disappointed with Face of a Killer. From the very first chapter I was drawn into the world of FBI Agent Sydney Fitzpatrick. I love a story with a strong woman. The family dynamic presented in the book, the suspense, and the fast approaching deadline for it all to come to a head kept me flipping pages quickly to find out what would happen next. The sketches in the book were a creative touch I hadn't seen anyone else do.
I look forward to reading my next Robin Purcell book and finding out what happens next for FBI Agent/Forensic Artist Sydney Fitzpatrick.
Needless to say I was not disappointed with Face of a Killer. From the very first chapter I was drawn into the world of FBI Agent Sydney Fitzpatrick. I love a story with a strong woman. The family dynamic presented in the book, the suspense, and the fast approaching deadline for it all to come to a head kept me flipping pages quickly to find out what would happen next. The sketches in the book were a creative touch I hadn't seen anyone else do.
I look forward to reading my next Robin Purcell book and finding out what happens next for FBI Agent/Forensic Artist Sydney Fitzpatrick.
August 1, 2014
Goodread's description covers the basics. What it doesn't capture is the suspense, the let-me-read-one-more-chapter-before-I-turn-out-the-light pacing that keeps you going relentlessly. Burcell's many years' experience as an agent and a cop give her the knowledge to translate into fine fictional realism, and her sleuth - Sydney Fitzpatrick - is warm and likeable and matures as you watch her work her way to multiple solutions and wrestle with demons. I met the author at a book festival in Mount Dora, FL, and knew Face of a Killer would be good. I was right.
October 19, 2016
Beautiful writing, strong characters, fascinating sub-plot...this book has it all. Highly recommend.
April 13, 2009
This is a first in a new series by Robin Burcell. It features Sydney Fitzpatrick, an FBI agent and forensic artist. Burcell herself is a forensic artist and was a police officer for many years in California. All in all I really enjoyed the book. There is a very good and interesting story line, and I felt connected to and enjoyed spending time with Sydney and the entire cast. It dragged a bit in parts. Burcell also writes a series about Kate Gillespie, and I enjoyed that series greatly.
February 5, 2009
A totally enjoyable book that I did not want to put down. The characters were great and the plot was outstanding. If I have any complaint it was that the romantic plot did not develop the way I wished.
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January 24, 2019This book was amazing. I loved it a lot. At first, there seems to be a lot going on and a bit confusing, but as you read on it gets very interesting. The main character is a Woman named Sydney Fitzpatrick. She became an FBI agent because of her fathers' death when she was younger. Sydney has a lot of issues with her mother and stepfather because Sydney can't let go of her fathers' death. But that is not the main focal point of the story. Sydney starts to uncover deep, dark secrets about the government and a scandal that could be catastrophic if it is leaked to the public. The scandal is so big it could even ruin alliances the US has with other countries. Will Sydney uncover the biggest scandal of the century or will she die trying?
May 2, 2009
I've known Robin Burcell virtually for many years. I didn't actually meet her in person until Left Coast Crime in Hawai'i in March, at which I was pleased to obtain a signed copy of her latest book,
Face of a Killer
.
I have read her previous books, featuring SFPD Homicide Investigator Kate Gillespie. The latest book is not part of the series, although the protagonist, FBI agent Sydney Fitzpatrick, does mention knowing Kate.
Sydney has recently transferred to San Francisco, partially with the ulterior motive of meeting the man who is in prison for murdering her father 20 years earlier. He has maintained since his arrest that he is innocent, and when Sydney visits him, she finds herself believing his story. Beginning to investigate it, she finds herself the object of a serial killer. Or is it a hit man?
This is a gripping story. We learn quite a bit about Sydney's (and Robin's) talent and training as a forensic artist. The character of Sydney is sympathetic, and her thought patterns and relationships with family and co-workers are realistically portrayed.
I had to force myself to read more slowly than usual so I could enjoy the excellent writing. I'm now planning to go back and reread the Kate Gillespie books.
I have read her previous books, featuring SFPD Homicide Investigator Kate Gillespie. The latest book is not part of the series, although the protagonist, FBI agent Sydney Fitzpatrick, does mention knowing Kate.
Sydney has recently transferred to San Francisco, partially with the ulterior motive of meeting the man who is in prison for murdering her father 20 years earlier. He has maintained since his arrest that he is innocent, and when Sydney visits him, she finds herself believing his story. Beginning to investigate it, she finds herself the object of a serial killer. Or is it a hit man?
This is a gripping story. We learn quite a bit about Sydney's (and Robin's) talent and training as a forensic artist. The character of Sydney is sympathetic, and her thought patterns and relationships with family and co-workers are realistically portrayed.
I had to force myself to read more slowly than usual so I could enjoy the excellent writing. I'm now planning to go back and reread the Kate Gillespie books.
January 18, 2014
A new author to me and one that was actually on the police force as a forensic artist, so she writes with 30 years experience in that field.
A different main character - FBI Agent Sydney Fitzpatrick - she's a forensic artist and is good at that aspect of her job. Sydney is a likeable, naive character who matures fairly quickly in this book.
This first book deals with building her background to present day and how the first case comes to be. Bullets are flying, stuff is getting blown up, boat chase, helicopter chase, you name it and it's pretty much covered.
Twists and turns, very little romance although it is hinted at. Not a bad read, so 2 thumbs up and 4 stars.
A different main character - FBI Agent Sydney Fitzpatrick - she's a forensic artist and is good at that aspect of her job. Sydney is a likeable, naive character who matures fairly quickly in this book.
This first book deals with building her background to present day and how the first case comes to be. Bullets are flying, stuff is getting blown up, boat chase, helicopter chase, you name it and it's pretty much covered.
Twists and turns, very little romance although it is hinted at. Not a bad read, so 2 thumbs up and 4 stars.
November 12, 2015
Suspensefull page-turner, nice twists, although some a little too much, too far out.
Also the chemistry between her ex and Sydney was way too much, I could have done without it.
For me, she would be better of without him (as usual for me, prefering the single strong female).
Except for that, very good characters and descriptions.
It will be interesting to see how this develops in the next book, which I will certainly read.
Highly recommended.
Also the chemistry between her ex and Sydney was way too much, I could have done without it.
For me, she would be better of without him (as usual for me, prefering the single strong female).
Except for that, very good characters and descriptions.
It will be interesting to see how this develops in the next book, which I will certainly read.
Highly recommended.
December 11, 2015
Very good book. FBI Agent Sydney Fitzpatrick is forensic artist who follows the rules, until one day she learns she can get more results if she bends the rules. A very fast paced thriller that kept very intrigued through the entire book. Love this character and I guarantee I will be reading all the books in this series.
January 23, 2009
This book was not bad, I think much better at the beginning than the end where they throw in a bunch of details just to wrap it up...I really hate that!! But overall it's a decent govt. agency/human drama/suspense.
March 2, 2009
Robin Burcell knows her police and FBI procedure and it shows in every page of this book. It as a highly complicated plot and the pace never lets up for an instant. It ended in a way that makes me think that it's the first of a series. I certainly hope so. I'll look forward to the next one.
September 25, 2015
If you like government conspiracies, then this would be the book for you. Unfortunately, I am not a fan. I would have preferred if the book stayed with the current and local crimes that Sydney was investigating. 3 stars
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November 30, 2008Really enjoyed this new series
June 8, 2020
Ok thriller with an interesting central character, but suffers from a lack of clarity in the plotting, making it difficult to fully comprehend who is doing what, when and to whom. I have no idea why I picked this off the shelf in a charity shop and cannot see me reading anymore of the writer’s work.
January 17, 2011
Plot Summary: FBI forensic artist Sydney Fitzpatrick questions the guilt of the man about to be executed for her father’s murder twenty years earlier. The first stirrings of doubt occur when one of her forensic sketches on an unrelated case brings forth memories about her father’s homicide that she’d hoped to forget. A mysterious envelope arrives in the mail on the anniversary of her father’s death. She opens the packet and discovers a blackmail letter written by her father, an old photo of his army buddies, and a deposit slip from a bank long closed.
Sydney, a cop for eight years, now with the FBI for four years, has recently transferred from Washington, D.C. to the San Francisco office, having dumped her former fiancé, also an FBI agent.
Refusing to believe that her father was involved in any blackmail scheme, she searches for evidence to clear his name. Her investigation leads to a trail of corruption by high-ranking US political officials, and a meticulous and deadly cover-up by the military and the CIA. The more Special Agent Fitzpatrick digs into her father’s past, the more she finds it riddled with dark secrets and truths, including the fact that her father’s seemingly ordinary military career was anything but stellar or even routine.
Review: After penning four Kate Gillespie novels, Burcell decided to leave her fictional world in the San Francisco PD and start over with Sydney Fitzpatrick in the FBI. Burcell did this to expand her story world, meaning more gadgets to play with and a larger jurisdiction to mine for intrigue. *Per authors Bio*
Burcell herself spent more than 20 years in law enforcement before finally retiring and writing full time. This novel is one with conspiracies think with blackmail and cover-ups.
Although this story starts out a bit slow for my tastes, (then again, lots of books do), the story gets better and better escalating to a fear pitch. Sydney, herself, is a damaged character with something to prove to herself and others. I enjoy books written by those who have been in the law enforcement world themselves. And as you can see, Brucell is a retired law enforcement agent. This story takes Sydney from San Fran to Houston, Texas, and Mexico, and back to San Fran again.
Definitely a good read in my opinion, just make sure you pay attention to certain facts uncovered along the way.
3.5 stars, bordering on 4.0
Sydney, a cop for eight years, now with the FBI for four years, has recently transferred from Washington, D.C. to the San Francisco office, having dumped her former fiancé, also an FBI agent.
Refusing to believe that her father was involved in any blackmail scheme, she searches for evidence to clear his name. Her investigation leads to a trail of corruption by high-ranking US political officials, and a meticulous and deadly cover-up by the military and the CIA. The more Special Agent Fitzpatrick digs into her father’s past, the more she finds it riddled with dark secrets and truths, including the fact that her father’s seemingly ordinary military career was anything but stellar or even routine.
Review: After penning four Kate Gillespie novels, Burcell decided to leave her fictional world in the San Francisco PD and start over with Sydney Fitzpatrick in the FBI. Burcell did this to expand her story world, meaning more gadgets to play with and a larger jurisdiction to mine for intrigue. *Per authors Bio*
Burcell herself spent more than 20 years in law enforcement before finally retiring and writing full time. This novel is one with conspiracies think with blackmail and cover-ups.
Although this story starts out a bit slow for my tastes, (then again, lots of books do), the story gets better and better escalating to a fear pitch. Sydney, herself, is a damaged character with something to prove to herself and others. I enjoy books written by those who have been in the law enforcement world themselves. And as you can see, Brucell is a retired law enforcement agent. This story takes Sydney from San Fran to Houston, Texas, and Mexico, and back to San Fran again.
Definitely a good read in my opinion, just make sure you pay attention to certain facts uncovered along the way.
3.5 stars, bordering on 4.0
July 17, 2016
Overall, not bad. There was a lot of drama and intrigue, but what do you expect from a crime/murder mystery. I enjoyed the action and th banter between Sydney and Carillo was amusing. However, the annoying mom and step dad knocked it down a few pegs for me. I get they're doing the parent thing, and looking out for their youngest, but they came off as selfish assholes angry that their little princess wasn't an only child and got reminders that there are paths other than the ones chosen by daddy dearest.
Basically, Sydney's dad was murderes 20 yrs ago and the killer is about to be executed when she decides she needs to know why she was raised by her dad's friend most of her life instead of her dad. Of course, this upsets mom and sends stepdad into a fit that she'd dare look for answers there y upsetting a mother that was quick to move on. A few key words has Sydney convinced she can't know why her dad was killed because the killer in jail isn't really the killer. So she breaks the rules looking for answers and starts a mess of events with her always up to something ex fiancé never far from the trouble and always telling half truths at best. Flip flopping over who's trying to kill her and why, if the guy in jail is really her father's killer, and what to do with the convieniently appearing ex, the action keeps coming, the lies to her immediate boss never stop, and her step dad is constantly trying to bitch her out for not doing what he tells her and or choosing the career he wants HIS daughter to do instead of what she's decided to do with her life. Her half sister is awesome, but her mom is caught up in the life she created with a new man and daughter and cries or bitches about reminders and the stepdad only cares about his own daughter and their constant angry pop ups detract from the story and tick me off. Really hoping they die off or aren't featured in subsequent books!
Basically, Sydney's dad was murderes 20 yrs ago and the killer is about to be executed when she decides she needs to know why she was raised by her dad's friend most of her life instead of her dad. Of course, this upsets mom and sends stepdad into a fit that she'd dare look for answers there y upsetting a mother that was quick to move on. A few key words has Sydney convinced she can't know why her dad was killed because the killer in jail isn't really the killer. So she breaks the rules looking for answers and starts a mess of events with her always up to something ex fiancé never far from the trouble and always telling half truths at best. Flip flopping over who's trying to kill her and why, if the guy in jail is really her father's killer, and what to do with the convieniently appearing ex, the action keeps coming, the lies to her immediate boss never stop, and her step dad is constantly trying to bitch her out for not doing what he tells her and or choosing the career he wants HIS daughter to do instead of what she's decided to do with her life. Her half sister is awesome, but her mom is caught up in the life she created with a new man and daughter and cries or bitches about reminders and the stepdad only cares about his own daughter and their constant angry pop ups detract from the story and tick me off. Really hoping they die off or aren't featured in subsequent books!
November 13, 2011
This is an outstanding novel, smoothly, dynamically written, and rooted in recent and scary history in the United States. Because the novelist is writing about her own life in law enforcement—she’s an FBI trained forensic artist—the emotional level evoked is high. Burcell has written other crime novels and her experience shows. But this is obviously an environment close to her psyche.
FBI agent Sydney Fitzpatrick is a forensic artist, often required to sit with victims of some of the most horrific crimes imaginable. She has to do it as soon after the crime as the victim is able to respond. This means Fitzpatrick has to try to get meaningful information from a rape victim, for example, who has no motivation whatsoever to try to recall the face of her rapist. It can not be a pleasant experience for the agent, either. The scenes in which she develops sketches, working patiently, often over a long period of time are compelling. They ring with authenticity, are page-turners, to resort to an over-used cliché.
Fitzpatrick is dealing with another highly emotional and personal circumstance. Her beloved father was murdered twenty-years ago and the convicted killer is about to be executed. Suddenly, evidence that casts doubt on the conviction seems to come to light. Fitzpatrick begins to struggle with the emotional upheaval, even in the face of family resistance, of considering that the man may have been wrongly convicted. The more she pokes at this sore, the more questions arise. The twisting path leads the agent to alarming revelations about our society.
Burcell has added several minor characters with distinctive and distinct characteristics which add spice, rhythm and interest to the novel. All in all a fine effort and a strongly recommended novel.
FBI agent Sydney Fitzpatrick is a forensic artist, often required to sit with victims of some of the most horrific crimes imaginable. She has to do it as soon after the crime as the victim is able to respond. This means Fitzpatrick has to try to get meaningful information from a rape victim, for example, who has no motivation whatsoever to try to recall the face of her rapist. It can not be a pleasant experience for the agent, either. The scenes in which she develops sketches, working patiently, often over a long period of time are compelling. They ring with authenticity, are page-turners, to resort to an over-used cliché.
Fitzpatrick is dealing with another highly emotional and personal circumstance. Her beloved father was murdered twenty-years ago and the convicted killer is about to be executed. Suddenly, evidence that casts doubt on the conviction seems to come to light. Fitzpatrick begins to struggle with the emotional upheaval, even in the face of family resistance, of considering that the man may have been wrongly convicted. The more she pokes at this sore, the more questions arise. The twisting path leads the agent to alarming revelations about our society.
Burcell has added several minor characters with distinctive and distinct characteristics which add spice, rhythm and interest to the novel. All in all a fine effort and a strongly recommended novel.
July 15, 2015
I'm generally wary when the first book of a series introduces a mystery that directly involves the main character or her family. But in the case of this book it seemed to work okay. Perhaps because Burcell intertwined quite a good solid mystery as a secondary story with the main one of Sydney Fitzpatrick, who's looking into the man who is in jail on death row for killing her father.
Sydney is a special agent of the FBI. She is a forensic artist who does sketches of people, either unidentified victims or perpetrators as well as age progression etc. It's nice that Burcell doesn't forget these facts halfway through the book as a lot of authors do. They give their main character a job, and then they forget about it halfway through and the main character instead turns into just another avenging angel with a gun and sometimes a badge (though that doesn't seem to be a requirement). That loss of the central core of the character didn't happen here.
I liked the details of how the character did the sketches, and it was just the right amount of info about the process and then she went back to the story.
Another cool thing was the picture of the fact that slowly took shape at the beginning of every chapter. Very cool.
The only complaint I had about the story was that it did seem to start slowly, but I persevered and it sped up a bit after the first few chapters.
All in all, both a book and an author I'd recommend to anyone who likes suspense mysteries.
Sydney is a special agent of the FBI. She is a forensic artist who does sketches of people, either unidentified victims or perpetrators as well as age progression etc. It's nice that Burcell doesn't forget these facts halfway through the book as a lot of authors do. They give their main character a job, and then they forget about it halfway through and the main character instead turns into just another avenging angel with a gun and sometimes a badge (though that doesn't seem to be a requirement). That loss of the central core of the character didn't happen here.
I liked the details of how the character did the sketches, and it was just the right amount of info about the process and then she went back to the story.
Another cool thing was the picture of the fact that slowly took shape at the beginning of every chapter. Very cool.
The only complaint I had about the story was that it did seem to start slowly, but I persevered and it sped up a bit after the first few chapters.
All in all, both a book and an author I'd recommend to anyone who likes suspense mysteries.
October 2, 2013
This is my first Robin Burcell novel and I have to say I'm impressed, a real page turner.
The protagonist of the story is Sydney Fitzpatrick an FBI agent/sketch artist whose father was murdered 20 years ago - enter the prisoner soon to be executed and the father's colleague who commits suicide after sending a mystery letter to Sydney.
The plot & subplots were excellent and all tied in nicely, the writing is gripping and there were no holes in the story to jar your enjoyment, overall just a very enjoyable book that was hard to put down.
The protagonist of the story is Sydney Fitzpatrick an FBI agent/sketch artist whose father was murdered 20 years ago - enter the prisoner soon to be executed and the father's colleague who commits suicide after sending a mystery letter to Sydney.
The plot & subplots were excellent and all tied in nicely, the writing is gripping and there were no holes in the story to jar your enjoyment, overall just a very enjoyable book that was hard to put down.
January 20, 2014
The political corruption and intrigue kept me reading. I especially found the clandestine aspects believable, and was fascinated by the authors notes about the real events that spawned this bit of fiction. Too many characters to have much character development, but I feel drawn to Sydney Fitzpatrick and think she can be further developed. As for the men, I much preferred her partner over her former lover, who was a total turn off for me. Guess I'll expect further development as the series unfolds.
September 16, 2014
Ok, I have to admit up front that I only read the first 100 pages and the last 100 pages of this. However, if it hadn't been due back at the library (already renewed to its limit, see review for Judgement Calls), I would have read the whole thing. I was able to get into it and was very interested in the outcome. I feel the 4 star rating is legitimate, based on what I read, and my attraction to the book.
April 7, 2010
This exciting, complex mystery is a real page turner. Its likable, intelligent heroine, Sydney Fitzpatrick, is an FBI agent and forensic artist, something the author knows about, as Ms. Burcell is an FBI-trained forensic artist herself. I really enjoyed this book and strongly recommend it to fans of fast-paced, action-packed suspense fiction.
September 25, 2015
Sydney gets caught up in a government coverup from decades past. It's personal since her fathers murder may have been part of this. She and her partner meanwhile are trying to catch a rapist/murderer.
March 17, 2018
WOW, extreme "thrill ride" read. This author is definitely on the top of my most favorite mystery authors. And there more to come, also my favorite kind of author. And there was a tiny, very brief mention of Kate Gillespie, (her other series character). Very cool!!!
July 25, 2020
the first sydney book, interesting storyline. seems a little short-sighted beginning but hopefully it will go somewhere interesting.
December 5, 2020
An Exciting and Well Crafted Crime Novel!
Robin Burcell brings FBI forensic crime artist Sydney Fitzpatrick to life in this fast paced novel. Faced with the impending execution of the man imprisoned for her father’s murder, Sydney is taken on an unexpected journey of discovery as she seeks closure for a crime committed twenty years before. On the way she encounters serial killers, political intrigue, and the interoffice politics of being a highly talented woman in a male dominated profession. Burcell’s own background working in the FBI and as a police officer adds an authenticity to the story that can only come from having lived and breathed the life of a law enforcement officer with her life on the line.
However, it is Burcell’s unique ability to paint a verbal picture of her surroundings, to show you what she as the author imagines and that her characters are feeling, that ties you into the story and keeps you turning pages.
My only regret in reading Face of a Killer is that it has taken me this long to discover Robin Burcell’s standalone work. While I’d been familiar with her collaborative work with the Clive Cussler brand, I’d not taken the time in the past to dig further. Now that I’ve found Face of a Killer, I’ll be adding the remainder of her works to my Kindle immediately!
Face of a Killer
Robin Burcell brings FBI forensic crime artist Sydney Fitzpatrick to life in this fast paced novel. Faced with the impending execution of the man imprisoned for her father’s murder, Sydney is taken on an unexpected journey of discovery as she seeks closure for a crime committed twenty years before. On the way she encounters serial killers, political intrigue, and the interoffice politics of being a highly talented woman in a male dominated profession. Burcell’s own background working in the FBI and as a police officer adds an authenticity to the story that can only come from having lived and breathed the life of a law enforcement officer with her life on the line.
However, it is Burcell’s unique ability to paint a verbal picture of her surroundings, to show you what she as the author imagines and that her characters are feeling, that ties you into the story and keeps you turning pages.
My only regret in reading Face of a Killer is that it has taken me this long to discover Robin Burcell’s standalone work. While I’d been familiar with her collaborative work with the Clive Cussler brand, I’d not taken the time in the past to dig further. Now that I’ve found Face of a Killer, I’ll be adding the remainder of her works to my Kindle immediately!
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