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Smoky Barrett #2
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Szesnastoletnia Sarah zostaje odnaleziona na miejscu makabrycznego potrójnego morderstwa. Przyciska do skroni broń, twierdząc że jej adopcyjna rodzina padła ofiarą Obcego. Tego samego, który od lat podąża jej tropem, zabijając wszystkich, których dziewczyna pokocha.
Agentka specjalna Smoky Barrett jest szefową jednostki specjalnej - wydziału FBI ścigającego najbrutalniejszych seryjnych morderców, istne bestie w ludzkiej skórze. Jego członkowie zostali wyselekcjonowani spośród najlepszych, stanowią elitę. Niezmordowani i dręczeni obsesjami, niemal jak ci, których ścigają.
Kolejna brutalna zbrodnia naprowadza ich na ślad mrocznej krucjaty mordercy, pełnej śmierci i cierpienia. To zwyrodnialec pełen chorych, artystycznych wizji. Chce uczynić z Sarah ofiarę doskonałą i zarazem swą ostateczną broń.
Smoky Barrett ma jednak inny, bardziej osobisty powód, dla którego chce schwytać Obcego: adoptowaną córkę i nowe życie, które warto chronić za wszelką cenę.
Agentka specjalna Smoky Barrett jest szefową jednostki specjalnej - wydziału FBI ścigającego najbrutalniejszych seryjnych morderców, istne bestie w ludzkiej skórze. Jego członkowie zostali wyselekcjonowani spośród najlepszych, stanowią elitę. Niezmordowani i dręczeni obsesjami, niemal jak ci, których ścigają.
Kolejna brutalna zbrodnia naprowadza ich na ślad mrocznej krucjaty mordercy, pełnej śmierci i cierpienia. To zwyrodnialec pełen chorych, artystycznych wizji. Chce uczynić z Sarah ofiarę doskonałą i zarazem swą ostateczną broń.
Smoky Barrett ma jednak inny, bardziej osobisty powód, dla którego chce schwytać Obcego: adoptowaną córkę i nowe życie, które warto chronić za wszelką cenę.
604 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2007
229 people are currently reading
3557 people want to read
About the author
Cody McFadyen
36 books1,157 followersCody McFadyen was an international bestselling author of six thrillers. Five of those thrillers are centered around FBI special agent Smoky Barrett, who hunts serial killers. In 2011 his stand alone thriller Der Menschenmacher was published in Germany with no English translation. Before releasing book five in the Smoky Barrett series in 2016, McFadyen took four years off to care for his ailing parents. According to his German publisher he was the father of a daughter and lived in Southern California. Cody McFadyen passed away in May 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 605 reviews
July 27, 2025
Step aside, Hannibal!
FBI Special Agent Smoky Barrett is one of those uniquely gifted and probably twisted individuals who have the ability to peer into the turbulent black minds of psychopathic serial killers. On the basis of a minimum of clues, scattered forensic evidence, behaviour patterns and bewilderingly brilliant intuitive foresight, they prepare profiles and stalk the stalkers - the killers that are the very essence of human evil.
A sixteen year old girl, the sole survivor at the blood-drenched scene of a gruesome triple homicide, is holding a gun to her head and seems bent on suicide. She insists she will talk only to Special Agent Barrett and reveals that someone she calls "The Stranger" has killed her entire family and that he has killed everyone she ever loved. No one has ever believed Sarah's tale of the existence of "The Stranger" and even Barrett is finding it a tough story to handle. The evidence slowly but surely mounts and Barrett comes to understand that she is on the trail of a killer who is a living nightmare. But she also realizes that Sarah and The Stranger can also teach her a great deal about her relationships with her own adopted daughter, also traumatized by a close brush with violence!
THE FACE OF DEATH is a long novel and it isn't easy to read. The plot is complex; the procedural trail is twisted and difficult to follow; and the violence is bloody and graphic to a fault. But Cody McFadyen's writing is positively hypnotic. He has personified evil in a fashion that I haven't shivered to since I first read a Hannibal Lecter novel. His descriptions of family love, friendship, loyalty and teamwork are compelling and their juxtaposition with the graphic tales of violence make his story all the more frightening and heart-wrenching. McFadyen has achieved the near impossible feat of writing a blood-soaked thriller that is capable of provoking tears and putting an emotion laden lump into the throat of the most hardened readers.
Five stars for the hypnotic writing and the near impossibility of putting this amazing thriller down. One star off for the rather Byzantine complexity of the plot (which would never have caused me to set the book aside under any circumstances ... his writing is THAT good!). That leaves THE FACE OF DEATH as a highly recommended four star thriller.
Paul Weiss
FBI Special Agent Smoky Barrett is one of those uniquely gifted and probably twisted individuals who have the ability to peer into the turbulent black minds of psychopathic serial killers. On the basis of a minimum of clues, scattered forensic evidence, behaviour patterns and bewilderingly brilliant intuitive foresight, they prepare profiles and stalk the stalkers - the killers that are the very essence of human evil.
A sixteen year old girl, the sole survivor at the blood-drenched scene of a gruesome triple homicide, is holding a gun to her head and seems bent on suicide. She insists she will talk only to Special Agent Barrett and reveals that someone she calls "The Stranger" has killed her entire family and that he has killed everyone she ever loved. No one has ever believed Sarah's tale of the existence of "The Stranger" and even Barrett is finding it a tough story to handle. The evidence slowly but surely mounts and Barrett comes to understand that she is on the trail of a killer who is a living nightmare. But she also realizes that Sarah and The Stranger can also teach her a great deal about her relationships with her own adopted daughter, also traumatized by a close brush with violence!
THE FACE OF DEATH is a long novel and it isn't easy to read. The plot is complex; the procedural trail is twisted and difficult to follow; and the violence is bloody and graphic to a fault. But Cody McFadyen's writing is positively hypnotic. He has personified evil in a fashion that I haven't shivered to since I first read a Hannibal Lecter novel. His descriptions of family love, friendship, loyalty and teamwork are compelling and their juxtaposition with the graphic tales of violence make his story all the more frightening and heart-wrenching. McFadyen has achieved the near impossible feat of writing a blood-soaked thriller that is capable of provoking tears and putting an emotion laden lump into the throat of the most hardened readers.
Five stars for the hypnotic writing and the near impossibility of putting this amazing thriller down. One star off for the rather Byzantine complexity of the plot (which would never have caused me to set the book aside under any circumstances ... his writing is THAT good!). That leaves THE FACE OF DEATH as a highly recommended four star thriller.
Paul Weiss
January 17, 2016
A man Sarah calls The Stranger took control of her life on her sixth birthday. Now Sarah is 16 years old, sitting in the middle of a horrific crime scene, again. She holds a gun to her head and says she will talk to only FBI Agent Smoky Barrett. No one believed her last time, but she's going to make damn sure someone believes her this time.
Smoky's team from the first book is here, except for Leo. Perhaps he saw "too much" on the last case. Callie and Alan are like old friends, and James remains an enigma. Kirby is new, and after Leo’s apparent exit, I wonder if she will stick around in the next book.
This book is no less gruesome than the first. The author sure knows how to pull me in emotionally. Unlike the first book, a couple of heartstrings were pulled in this one as Sarah tells her story. The author also knows how to create some really sick characters, and the one in this book is seriously crazy. How McFadyen can write beautiful, loving scenes in the middle of despicable human acts is a wonder to me.
The fight between good and evil continues, will always continue. I hope it’s not driving the author mad. On to book #3.
Smoky's team from the first book is here, except for Leo. Perhaps he saw "too much" on the last case. Callie and Alan are like old friends, and James remains an enigma. Kirby is new, and after Leo’s apparent exit, I wonder if she will stick around in the next book.
This book is no less gruesome than the first. The author sure knows how to pull me in emotionally. Unlike the first book, a couple of heartstrings were pulled in this one as Sarah tells her story. The author also knows how to create some really sick characters, and the one in this book is seriously crazy. How McFadyen can write beautiful, loving scenes in the middle of despicable human acts is a wonder to me.
The fight between good and evil continues, will always continue. I hope it’s not driving the author mad. On to book #3.
July 27, 2016
Sechs von fünf Sternen mit einem dicken Ausrufezeichen❕
August 5, 2016
The Face Of Death is the second book in the Smoky Barrett series. I had read book one on high recommendation so thought it was high time that I undertook book two.
Time has moved on since the last book and Smoky is now faced with a new challenge. (Gotta say, I'm still struggling with the name .... but hey ho!). We know from the blurb that a sixteen year old girl asks for Smoky at a crime scene. It's not clear initially what has gone on, is the girl a killer or a victim? But as the book progresses all becomes clear. In this instance it's difficult to talk about plot line without giving too much away. What is clear, however, that this is an exciting rollercoaster thrills and spills with gruesome touches of a read. It doesn't hold back at times on the gruesome factor and I actually found it quite chilling in places; senses alarminghly heightened when reading in the dead of night. Here I'm going to admit to turning on an extra light as I was feverishly turning from right to left. My bravery levels are impressive!
I was glad to see that there was less character background as all that had been fleshed out in the previous and it really focused more on storytelling. There is no doubt that McFadyen writes extraordinarily well with much interweaving and never really giving anything away until near the end. It's more of a FBI procedural that's done very well giving us information on the requisite agencies and databases used. Smoky's story too moves on and we get to see where her adopted daughter, Bonnie, is now. I just love her, a real favourite character of mine.
The Face Of Death really is a heart stopping, not for the fainthearted, thrilling read that never lets up until the very last page. I enjoyed it hugely (when I was able to breathe that is!) and went straight onto book three in the series.
Yeah, I know, I'm a sucker for a good book!!
Time has moved on since the last book and Smoky is now faced with a new challenge. (Gotta say, I'm still struggling with the name .... but hey ho!). We know from the blurb that a sixteen year old girl asks for Smoky at a crime scene. It's not clear initially what has gone on, is the girl a killer or a victim? But as the book progresses all becomes clear. In this instance it's difficult to talk about plot line without giving too much away. What is clear, however, that this is an exciting rollercoaster thrills and spills with gruesome touches of a read. It doesn't hold back at times on the gruesome factor and I actually found it quite chilling in places; senses alarminghly heightened when reading in the dead of night. Here I'm going to admit to turning on an extra light as I was feverishly turning from right to left. My bravery levels are impressive!
I was glad to see that there was less character background as all that had been fleshed out in the previous and it really focused more on storytelling. There is no doubt that McFadyen writes extraordinarily well with much interweaving and never really giving anything away until near the end. It's more of a FBI procedural that's done very well giving us information on the requisite agencies and databases used. Smoky's story too moves on and we get to see where her adopted daughter, Bonnie, is now. I just love her, a real favourite character of mine.
The Face Of Death really is a heart stopping, not for the fainthearted, thrilling read that never lets up until the very last page. I enjoyed it hugely (when I was able to breathe that is!) and went straight onto book three in the series.
Yeah, I know, I'm a sucker for a good book!!
April 6, 2018
Sick. Sick. Sick.
But I loved it.
I liked this one a little bit more than the first one, but this one was really messed up. Also, absurdly correct about all the violence and sh*tstorms that people can face. Wet still, it will be a long time until I decide to read the next one.
I need something “happy” now.
But I loved it.
I liked this one a little bit more than the first one, but this one was really messed up. Also, absurdly correct about all the violence and sh*tstorms that people can face. Wet still, it will be a long time until I decide to read the next one.
I need something “happy” now.
January 1, 2015
Another great Barrett book in this awesome series. I enjoyed this fast read but felt it wasn't as good as the others in the series. Hope the rest ate better.
August 16, 2019
For full review - The Limit of Books Does Not Exist
This is a book that will not be for everyone. This is a book that is scary and horrible and upsetting. I’m a huge fan of mysteries and thrillers and there were nights that I couldn’t read this novel before I went to sleep because I didn’t want to go to sleep upset. It’s a tough, tough read.
The first thing that I loved about the novel (and the series) is the cast of characters. Each character is flawed and scarred both physically and mentally. Put everyone together and you have a team that won’t let anyone hurt one of their own and will protect one another to the death. I loved it.
I also really enjoyed the mystery and how Sarah’s diary came into play with solving the mystery. It was really hard to read about what Sarah went through, but it was also really important to understand where her mind was at when she meet Smoky.
So my husband read the novel before I did (he loved it) and he mentioned that I would probably tear up at the end of the novel. We were commuting home on the train and he saw that I was approaching the end of the book. He watched my face completely crumble during the last paragraph and I sobbed like a baby. Face of Death just pulled at all of my emotions and I loved it when a novel does that to you.
I would recommend this novel (and series) to those that enjoy dark thrillers. Make sure to start the series from the beginning since there are spoilers from book 1 (Shadow Man) that are in book 2.
This is a book that will not be for everyone. This is a book that is scary and horrible and upsetting. I’m a huge fan of mysteries and thrillers and there were nights that I couldn’t read this novel before I went to sleep because I didn’t want to go to sleep upset. It’s a tough, tough read.
The first thing that I loved about the novel (and the series) is the cast of characters. Each character is flawed and scarred both physically and mentally. Put everyone together and you have a team that won’t let anyone hurt one of their own and will protect one another to the death. I loved it.
I also really enjoyed the mystery and how Sarah’s diary came into play with solving the mystery. It was really hard to read about what Sarah went through, but it was also really important to understand where her mind was at when she meet Smoky.
So my husband read the novel before I did (he loved it) and he mentioned that I would probably tear up at the end of the novel. We were commuting home on the train and he saw that I was approaching the end of the book. He watched my face completely crumble during the last paragraph and I sobbed like a baby. Face of Death just pulled at all of my emotions and I loved it when a novel does that to you.
I would recommend this novel (and series) to those that enjoy dark thrillers. Make sure to start the series from the beginning since there are spoilers from book 1 (Shadow Man) that are in book 2.
February 21, 2018
Лицето на смъртта е ужасяващо: http://knigolandia.info/book-review/l...
”Човекът сянка” започна със Смоуки Барет на дъното на пъкъла – обезобразена, с погубено семейство и мисли за самоубийство. Преследването на наследника на Джак Изкормвача ѝ даде цел и смисъл, които отдалечиха дулото от главата ѝ, а в края се наложи да поеме отговорност и за чужд живот. Сега нещата са по-добре – но и не съвсем, защото Бони продължава да не говори след кошмара да бъде завързана дни наред за трупа на майка си. А скоро става още по-страшно, когато излязлата в отпуск Смоуки получава неочаквано обаждане. В една оплискана в кръв къща, пълна с мъртви тела, младо момиче – Сара, е допряло пистолет до челото си и заплашва да го използва, ако не говори с Барет. Специалната агентка веднага отива там и се оказва забъркана в кошмар, продължил прекалено дълго време.
CIELA Books
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/l...
”Човекът сянка” започна със Смоуки Барет на дъното на пъкъла – обезобразена, с погубено семейство и мисли за самоубийство. Преследването на наследника на Джак Изкормвача ѝ даде цел и смисъл, които отдалечиха дулото от главата ѝ, а в края се наложи да поеме отговорност и за чужд живот. Сега нещата са по-добре – но и не съвсем, защото Бони продължава да не говори след кошмара да бъде завързана дни наред за трупа на майка си. А скоро става още по-страшно, когато излязлата в отпуск Смоуки получава неочаквано обаждане. В една оплискана в кръв къща, пълна с мъртви тела, младо момиче – Сара, е допряло пистолет до челото си и заплашва да го използва, ако не говори с Барет. Специалната агентка веднага отива там и се оказва забъркана в кошмар, продължил прекалено дълго време.
CIELA Books
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/l...
February 21, 2018
4,5* -Определено не е за всеки!Аз въпреки,че съм чела много такива книги,на моменти ми идваше too much.Смея да кажа,че е по-добра от първата-дано прогреса да продължава и занапред!
December 5, 2023
Fully a 5 star book. This is the second book in the Smoky Barrett series. If possible, I liked this better than the first one. This series is tied for my all time favorite series I have ever read. This series is DARK. Dark, gruesome, gory, mind bending, shocking, and everything in between. I don't do trigger warnings but proceed with caution if very dark isn't your thing.
Cody keeps getting better and better with the writing. The book will grab you and not let go. I had to stop a few times and just decompress from it all. Smoy is one strong and tough lady. She is surrounded by strong tough females who hold her up instead of putting her down. Cody has a way with words that is seldom seen by authors anymore. I didn't realize how old this book was. I believe 2007. It shows in the way he just writes it as it is without regard to feelings or offending anyone. You are either going to like this book or you won't, he is saying. Take it or leave it. I took it and am now reading the third one. The ending is superb and ends with quite a shocker. I cannot recommend this series more highly.
Cody keeps getting better and better with the writing. The book will grab you and not let go. I had to stop a few times and just decompress from it all. Smoy is one strong and tough lady. She is surrounded by strong tough females who hold her up instead of putting her down. Cody has a way with words that is seldom seen by authors anymore. I didn't realize how old this book was. I believe 2007. It shows in the way he just writes it as it is without regard to feelings or offending anyone. You are either going to like this book or you won't, he is saying. Take it or leave it. I took it and am now reading the third one. The ending is superb and ends with quite a shocker. I cannot recommend this series more highly.
March 22, 2016
A psychopath is after FBI Special Agent Smokey Barrett and he is using innocent people to get to her.
Sarah is a young girl who has been haunted her whole life by a man who has chosen to kill everyone she becomes remotely attached to. At his most recent killing of the family she had been fostering with, Sarah is found unharmed but despondent and keeps asking for Smokey. In the past atrocities the authorities have not believed Sarah about what had happened because of her young age and over whelming evidence, however, this time it is very evident that the killer wants to change that. Sarah has been composing a diary of her horrendous life and it is up to Smokey's crack team to read between the lines before it is too late for other innocents.
I am getting more attached to the characters of Smokeys eclectic team, they each have very specific strengths that are vital in helping her to solve her cases. Looking forward to our buddy read of book three.
Sarah is a young girl who has been haunted her whole life by a man who has chosen to kill everyone she becomes remotely attached to. At his most recent killing of the family she had been fostering with, Sarah is found unharmed but despondent and keeps asking for Smokey. In the past atrocities the authorities have not believed Sarah about what had happened because of her young age and over whelming evidence, however, this time it is very evident that the killer wants to change that. Sarah has been composing a diary of her horrendous life and it is up to Smokey's crack team to read between the lines before it is too late for other innocents.
I am getting more attached to the characters of Smokeys eclectic team, they each have very specific strengths that are vital in helping her to solve her cases. Looking forward to our buddy read of book three.
September 10, 2016
Dear reader,
They say you should beware of strangers, and oddly enough,this statement has never been more true or pertinent than in this tale!!
Avenging past wrongs,the Stranger,an evil and sadistic serial killer,seems to have targeted sixteen year old child Sarah Langstrom for no apparent reason.
Found covered in blood,and threatening suicide,in the front garden of her foster parents' home,we wonder what Sarah has done that necessitated her witnessing the macabre slaying of her latest foster family,and why Smoky is the person she demands to speak to in this,her hour of need?
Sarah,forced to watch the heinous deaths of her parents as a young innocent six year old child,a survivor of not only several foster homes but also the state run home for children yet to be fostered,seems to lose everyone that has ever loved her or endeavoured to help her and the question that begs to be answered is 'why?'
Tasked with discovering the facts is none other than Smoky and her team members Callie,Alan and James.
I must admit to loving this team of clever, perceptive,hardworking people,who,while not blood related,are always there for each other.
Their backstories add an essential element of realism to the tale as although trying their best to trace this practically invisible killer,they must also deal with their own troubles,health worries and day to day woes.
This was an utterly compelling story,which I raced through. I was totally engaged from the very start as I just couldn't figure out the killer's motivation,or their identity.
This being a second book in the Smoky B. series,I very much appreciated the author reminding us of the past histories of the key characters.
Overall,this was a fantastic journey into a depraved killer's desire for revenge and the quest to destroy his plan before it reached its ultimate conclusion.
Highly recommended for all Smoky and crime lover fans!
They say you should beware of strangers, and oddly enough,this statement has never been more true or pertinent than in this tale!!
Avenging past wrongs,the Stranger,an evil and sadistic serial killer,seems to have targeted sixteen year old child Sarah Langstrom for no apparent reason.
Found covered in blood,and threatening suicide,in the front garden of her foster parents' home,we wonder what Sarah has done that necessitated her witnessing the macabre slaying of her latest foster family,and why Smoky is the person she demands to speak to in this,her hour of need?
Sarah,forced to watch the heinous deaths of her parents as a young innocent six year old child,a survivor of not only several foster homes but also the state run home for children yet to be fostered,seems to lose everyone that has ever loved her or endeavoured to help her and the question that begs to be answered is 'why?'
Tasked with discovering the facts is none other than Smoky and her team members Callie,Alan and James.
I must admit to loving this team of clever, perceptive,hardworking people,who,while not blood related,are always there for each other.
Their backstories add an essential element of realism to the tale as although trying their best to trace this practically invisible killer,they must also deal with their own troubles,health worries and day to day woes.
This was an utterly compelling story,which I raced through. I was totally engaged from the very start as I just couldn't figure out the killer's motivation,or their identity.
This being a second book in the Smoky B. series,I very much appreciated the author reminding us of the past histories of the key characters.
Overall,this was a fantastic journey into a depraved killer's desire for revenge and the quest to destroy his plan before it reached its ultimate conclusion.
Highly recommended for all Smoky and crime lover fans!
February 19, 2018
Без капка обмисляне мога да определя Смоуки Барет, като любим женски герой. От друга страна, Коуди Макфейдън, като любим автор. Очаквах с огромно нетърпение издаването на втората книга в България, а сега започвам да паля свещи за третата.
Още с първата книга Майфейдън ме спечели като читател/фен, до гроб, а втората книга само утвърди това.
Споменах ли, че обожавам главните и второстепенните герои? В частност Барет и нейното семейство (и екип). В тази книга се запознаваме с още един-двама, които се надявам да виждам и за напред. Блондинката от Холивуд е една от тях!
Тук историята се развива по-различно. Имаме оцеляла жертва, изключително умен и организиран психопат убиец, един дневник, купища мъртви и хиляди въпросителни. Динамиката не липсва, но е изпипана така, че да даде възможно най-много информация.
Най-много се очаровах от тактикатя на Макфейдън в тази книга. Чрез Смоуки и нейните умения в рязгадаването на убийства, ние несъзнателно ставаме част от разследването. В един момент се усетих, че подобно на главната ни героиня обмислям кое, защо, как. Само дето убиеца го хванах кой е малко преди Барет, но беше интересно да видя развръзката и последвалите събития.
А Бони? О, милата ми Бони!
Още с първата книга Майфейдън ме спечели като читател/фен, до гроб, а втората книга само утвърди това.
Споменах ли, че обожавам главните и второстепенните герои? В частност Барет и нейното семейство (и екип). В тази книга се запознаваме с още един-двама, които се надявам да виждам и за напред. Блондинката от Холивуд е една от тях!
Тук историята се развива по-различно. Имаме оцеляла жертва, изключително умен и организиран психопат убиец, един дневник, купища мъртви и хиляди въпросителни. Динамиката не липсва, но е изпипана така, че да даде възможно най-много информация.
Най-много се очаровах от тактикатя на Макфейдън в тази книга. Чрез Смоуки и нейните умения в рязгадаването на убийства, ние несъзнателно ставаме част от разследването. В един момент се усетих, че подобно на главната ни героиня обмислям кое, защо, как. Само дето убиеца го хванах кой е малко преди Барет, но беше интересно да видя развръзката и последвалите събития.
А Бони? О, милата ми Бони!
March 21, 2016
I loved loved loved it! Not for the faint of heart.
Review to come shortly.
Review to come shortly.
September 21, 2021
Super recomendable esta segunda entrega de Smoky Barrett.
Una novela muy negra, que pone los pelos de punta y está escrita de manera que no puedas dejar de leer hasta saber el desenlace.
Una novela muy negra, que pone los pelos de punta y está escrita de manera que no puedas dejar de leer hasta saber el desenlace.
May 10, 2017
Možeš imati ponos i možeš imati ljubav, ali ne možeš uvijek imati oboje.
Znaš li što sam, između ostalog, shvatila? Shvatila sam da pas zaista jest čovjekov najbolji prijatelj.
Dok ih god hraniš i voliš, psi će ti uzvraćati ljubav. Neće krasti od tebe, tući te ili te izdati. Iskreni su. Ono što vidiš na površini ono je što se nalazi i u unutrašnjosti.
Za razliku od ljudi.
Prepoznajem krivnju koja mu buja u očima. To je vrsta krivnje koja dolazi uz osjećaj odgovornosti za nešto što nikako nisi mogao spriječiti. Krivnja koja se ponavljuje kad je odgovorna sudbina, ali ti si taj u kojeg je uperen prst.
Dokazi koje je najteže uočiti nisu oni koji su prisutni, već dokazi koji bi trebali biti, ali nisum Promiče nam izostavljeno jer je po svojoj prirodi odsutno.
Naslonim se prema naprijed i prislonim joj usne na uho. Šapćem joj i u glas uložim svu silu vlastitih bića, vlastite proživljene boli. Obje smo anđeli bez krila, ranjeni iznutra i izvana, krvarimo iz rana koje nikako da zacijele. Odluka nije između dobra i zla, sreće ili tuge, nade ili očaja. Odluka je najjednostavnija od svih: živjeti ili umrijeti. Kockati se da će, kako život bude išao dalje, patnja jenjavati, a nešto bolje naići.
Koliko god stvari postale loše, zli ljudi pobjeđuju samo kada im to dopustimo.
Znaš li što sam, između ostalog, shvatila? Shvatila sam da pas zaista jest čovjekov najbolji prijatelj.
Dok ih god hraniš i voliš, psi će ti uzvraćati ljubav. Neće krasti od tebe, tući te ili te izdati. Iskreni su. Ono što vidiš na površini ono je što se nalazi i u unutrašnjosti.
Za razliku od ljudi.
Prepoznajem krivnju koja mu buja u očima. To je vrsta krivnje koja dolazi uz osjećaj odgovornosti za nešto što nikako nisi mogao spriječiti. Krivnja koja se ponavljuje kad je odgovorna sudbina, ali ti si taj u kojeg je uperen prst.
Dokazi koje je najteže uočiti nisu oni koji su prisutni, već dokazi koji bi trebali biti, ali nisum Promiče nam izostavljeno jer je po svojoj prirodi odsutno.
Naslonim se prema naprijed i prislonim joj usne na uho. Šapćem joj i u glas uložim svu silu vlastitih bića, vlastite proživljene boli. Obje smo anđeli bez krila, ranjeni iznutra i izvana, krvarimo iz rana koje nikako da zacijele. Odluka nije između dobra i zla, sreće ili tuge, nade ili očaja. Odluka je najjednostavnija od svih: živjeti ili umrijeti. Kockati se da će, kako život bude išao dalje, patnja jenjavati, a nešto bolje naići.
Koliko god stvari postale loše, zli ljudi pobjeđuju samo kada im to dopustimo.
November 14, 2022
Czy ja to zaczęłam wczoraj wieczorem i skończyłam dziś przed 12? Tak. Czy mi się podobała? Tak, chociaż twierdze, że pierwszy tom był jednak lepszy - więcej emocji, bardziej mnie zaskoczyła i mocniej wciągnęła. Ale to wciąż naprawdę dobry kryminał, fajnie było znowu spotkać Smoky i kontynuować przygodę :D.
Jedyne, co mi się nie podobało to długość - bardzo duzi retrospekcji, które wydłużały objętość, a cześć z nich była jednak kompletnie niepotrzebna. Poza tym jestem naprawdę zadowolona!
Jedyne, co mi się nie podobało to długość - bardzo duzi retrospekcji, które wydłużały objętość, a cześć z nich była jednak kompletnie niepotrzebna. Poza tym jestem naprawdę zadowolona!
April 17, 2016
Genius, brilliant, powerful and engaging---This series is a MUST read for all suspense junkies!
You know that sad feeling you get when the book you are completely engrossed in is finally over and you have to get back to the real world? You're going to feel this with this book, but multiply that feeling times 10.
I have to admit that part of this feeling goes to the fact that I am reading this series with my favorite book buddy Christine. We both put our super sleuth hats on and dug in. It wasn't long before we were knee deep with questions and theories and observations-oh my! So. Much. Fun!
McFadyen likes to drop hints and clues along the way (or are they?) and trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together really kept us on our toes, not to mention completely engaged from start to finish.
About the book:
This is part 2 of a police procedural series starring Smokey Barrett, scarred and emotionally damaged after a mad man killed her husband and daughter. And because that wasn't enough for one person to go through, she has to live knowing the death of her best friend was at her expense...but silver linings can be found throughout. Her best friend's daughter Bonnie is placed with her, and these 2 broken birds somehow find a way to help each other heal. (The relationship between these 2 is written so beautifully, you have to question how this could have been written by the male gender. No offense to all the guys out there, but...)
I'm not going to go any further into the details of the book-it is just too intricate for me to do it any justice. It really is something that you need to read...to experience.
As mentioned in my review of Shadow Man, McFadyen once again is a master at creating such amazing characters. They each have their own unique qualities that you love, or love to hate. Another aspect of his writing style that I adore is his ability to create tension...quite a few times I would start a chapter and my heart would sink, anticipating what was coming next.
And last-the biggest surprise to me still is McFadyen's ability to write such emotionally charged scenes-ones that will make you cry, or at least bring out a few sniffles. How this man can make me FEEL is something no author has ever been able to do to me. To be able to write such dark and disturbing characters and murder scenes, then turn around and give the reader hope, happiness and love it a true talent.
So-have you figured out that I really liked this book?
Do it-go get this series. (If you can't find them at your library, my buddy and I bought ours for cheap on the Amazon used book section) And if you can, grab a buddy along for the ride. You will thank me later, I promise!!!
You know that sad feeling you get when the book you are completely engrossed in is finally over and you have to get back to the real world? You're going to feel this with this book, but multiply that feeling times 10.
I have to admit that part of this feeling goes to the fact that I am reading this series with my favorite book buddy Christine. We both put our super sleuth hats on and dug in. It wasn't long before we were knee deep with questions and theories and observations-oh my! So. Much. Fun!
McFadyen likes to drop hints and clues along the way (or are they?) and trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together really kept us on our toes, not to mention completely engaged from start to finish.
About the book:
This is part 2 of a police procedural series starring Smokey Barrett, scarred and emotionally damaged after a mad man killed her husband and daughter. And because that wasn't enough for one person to go through, she has to live knowing the death of her best friend was at her expense...but silver linings can be found throughout. Her best friend's daughter Bonnie is placed with her, and these 2 broken birds somehow find a way to help each other heal. (The relationship between these 2 is written so beautifully, you have to question how this could have been written by the male gender. No offense to all the guys out there, but...)
I'm not going to go any further into the details of the book-it is just too intricate for me to do it any justice. It really is something that you need to read...to experience.
As mentioned in my review of Shadow Man, McFadyen once again is a master at creating such amazing characters. They each have their own unique qualities that you love, or love to hate. Another aspect of his writing style that I adore is his ability to create tension...quite a few times I would start a chapter and my heart would sink, anticipating what was coming next.
And last-the biggest surprise to me still is McFadyen's ability to write such emotionally charged scenes-ones that will make you cry, or at least bring out a few sniffles. How this man can make me FEEL is something no author has ever been able to do to me. To be able to write such dark and disturbing characters and murder scenes, then turn around and give the reader hope, happiness and love it a true talent.
So-have you figured out that I really liked this book?
Do it-go get this series. (If you can't find them at your library, my buddy and I bought ours for cheap on the Amazon used book section) And if you can, grab a buddy along for the ride. You will thank me later, I promise!!!
June 11, 2016
Streckenweisen sehr erschreckend, beklemmemd und abartig pervers, das Buch hat aber ein gutes Tempo um sich zu erholen und der Schreibstil war anspruchsvoll und flüssig zu lesen. Die Charaktere sind sympatisch, vielleicht etwas zu perfekt, amerikanisch und manchmal etwas übertrieben cool aber das macht die nötige lockere Atmosphäre zwischendurch aus und trotz krankem Psychopathen gibts auch ein paar Emotionen. Es hat mich nicht in Mark und Bein erschüttert, an den richtig schlimmen Stellen wurde auf plastisches ausmalen (Gott sei Dank?) verzichtet. Da geht also noch mehr
July 31, 2018
Нямам нерви и психика вече за подобни книги. И макар, че сцените в първата ми бяха по-силни и по-шокиращи и тук нищо не ни беше спестено. Но някак тук сякаш всичко се повтаряше. Да, различна история, но сходен начин на убиване и мъчения и хем ми беше прекалено, хем не ми се четяха вече подобни извращения. Иначе самата книга започва доста лежерно и спокойно, доста време нищо не се случва, докато изведнъж Бам и вече сме във вихъра. На този етап спирам да чета подобни книги.
May 11, 2009
With just a few pages to go, I have found the most believable characters to be the two labrador retrievers who make a brief appearance.
September 22, 2020
Тази книга за мен е повече драматична, отколкото криминална. Но въпреки това ми харесват темите, които са заложени: за последствията от убийствата, как ги изживяват жертвите, как променя живота им. Това създава една дълбочина на преживяването, което е различно от стандартния екшън, стрелба, преследване, кървища... не че няма и тук кървища де.. :)
Но има нещо различно при този писател - една дълбочина, която отличава от обикновения криминален роман.
Но има нещо различно при този писател - една дълбочина, която отличава от обикновения криминален роман.
June 18, 2016
The Face of Death is book 2 in Cory McFadyen’s Smoky Barrett series. Last month I read book 1, Shadow Man, and declared nothing could possibly beat it for my book of the year. I was wrong. The Face of Death is even better. It now holds the honor of my favorite thriller book ever.
Where to start? I do not want to give any of the story away, so for a brief outline of the plot, please see the blurb. Cory McFadyen is unlike any other author I have come across. This is a police procedural, plus so much more. The plot is deliciously complex and involves dark and grievous transgressions with deep religious undertones, human trafficking, and more importantly, the destruction and salvation of human souls. The depth of Mr. McFadyen’s storytelling is highly unusual, especially since he is a he. The characters are so real and evoked an incredible emotional response in me. My emotions were all over the place with this one. I felt love, hate, rage, tension, shock, empathy, sympathy, sadness, heartache, and joy. I cried at the end of each of the last 2 chapters. The characters are so well drawn that I am sure many of them will stick in my mind for years to come.
A significant portion of the story is told through the diary of a young girl (Sarah) from the time she was 6 through age 16. This works really well and is a brilliant plot device in my opinion. We watch as Sarah goes from a happy love-filled early childhood to a well-plotted “ruined life”, trying her very best not to lose all hope. I really don’t have the words to express how well her story is told.
A couple of warnings: There is a brief though shocking allusion to animal abuse; fortunately, we are not subjected to the actual deed. There are also some horrendously abominable acts of murder that are not for the faint of heart.
With the above caveats, I cannot recommend this novel and the Smoky Barrett series more highly. It has now clearly become my favorite series of all time. Thriller fans, don’t let these books pass you by.
Special thanks to my book buddy Jan for reading this series with me and adding another layer of joy to the experience.
Where to start? I do not want to give any of the story away, so for a brief outline of the plot, please see the blurb. Cory McFadyen is unlike any other author I have come across. This is a police procedural, plus so much more. The plot is deliciously complex and involves dark and grievous transgressions with deep religious undertones, human trafficking, and more importantly, the destruction and salvation of human souls. The depth of Mr. McFadyen’s storytelling is highly unusual, especially since he is a he. The characters are so real and evoked an incredible emotional response in me. My emotions were all over the place with this one. I felt love, hate, rage, tension, shock, empathy, sympathy, sadness, heartache, and joy. I cried at the end of each of the last 2 chapters. The characters are so well drawn that I am sure many of them will stick in my mind for years to come.
A significant portion of the story is told through the diary of a young girl (Sarah) from the time she was 6 through age 16. This works really well and is a brilliant plot device in my opinion. We watch as Sarah goes from a happy love-filled early childhood to a well-plotted “ruined life”, trying her very best not to lose all hope. I really don’t have the words to express how well her story is told.
A couple of warnings: There is a brief though shocking allusion to animal abuse; fortunately, we are not subjected to the actual deed. There are also some horrendously abominable acts of murder that are not for the faint of heart.
With the above caveats, I cannot recommend this novel and the Smoky Barrett series more highly. It has now clearly become my favorite series of all time. Thriller fans, don’t let these books pass you by.
Special thanks to my book buddy Jan for reading this series with me and adding another layer of joy to the experience.
November 4, 2014
Great book. I read it when we were in the woods camping and that wasn't the smartest choice. Not for the faint of heart but so engrossing. Smokey is a wonderful character and I look forward to reading more about her.
June 5, 2019
Напълно покъртителен и опустошителен стил на писане. Обожавах всяка една секунда в която книгата беше в ръцете ми.
Смоуки, а също така и всеки един от героите в предната книга бяха още по добри от преди.
А новите герои...нямам думи.
Това беше едно невероятно приключение!
Препоръчвам!!!!
Смоуки, а също така и всеки един от героите в предната книга бяха още по добри от преди.
А новите герои...нямам думи.
Това беше едно невероятно приключение!
Препоръчвам!!!!
April 23, 2020
Il mio secondo incontro con Cody McFadyen e con la sua Smoky Barrett, poliziotta tosta, dal passato tragico e dal volto deturpato. Questa volta Smoky dà la caccia a una assassino brutale, denominato “Lo straniero” il quale, per vendetta (e per sadismo) uccide i genitori adottivi (e si scoprirà, ha ucciso anche quelli naturali) di una ragazzina, Sarah, un’anima devastata, una vita rovinata.
Di fatto, ci sono tutti gli elementi che fanno di “Gli occhi del buio” un ottimo romanzo thriller.
Non mancano tensione, suspense, colpi di scena e la narrazione scivola via, con un buon bilancio fra parti dialogate e parti narrate. I flashback relativi alla vita della povera Sarah, che scopriamo grazie al diario che lei lascia a Smoky e che si alternano alla vicenda del presente, sono la parte che più ho gradito: la storia di un’anima smarrita e schiacciata che, nonostante la violenza di cui è vittima, cresce mantenendo in sé il desiderio di amare e di essere amata e la speranza di un nuovo inizio, malgrado il buio che l’ha circondata, malgrado tutto. In queste parti, nelle quali ho percepito un ottimo ritmo narrativo, emerge tutta la psicologia del personaggio femminile, il suo sguardo sul mondo, la sua sensibilità, le sue forze, le sue debolezze, e si legge con particolare avidità (quasi più che nelle altre parti!) tanto che mi sono ritrovata a pensare che McFadyen, del quale non conosco altro se non il precedente “L’ombra”, potrebbe rivelarsi un ottimo scrittore anche di romanzi di altro genere.
Insomma, il romanzo è ben scritto e costruito, non stanca e tiene il ritmo in maniera impeccabile.
Cosa non va allora?
Semplice, è “troppo”. Troppe sventure, troppe tragedie, troppe crudeltà, troppa violenza gratuita rendono la storia di Sarah (e della stessa Smoky) inutilmente esagerata e poco credibile. Dopo un po’ viene da storcere il naso di fronte a tanto eccesso. Le vicende poco fortunate di Sarah andavo smorzate e magari il passato sull’assassino andava approfondito, e ne sarebbe venuto fuori un miglior thriller. L’assassino è il punto focale di un romanzo thriller, parte tutto da lui e tutto a lui ritorna: perché molti scrittori gli riservano così poca importanza, come se fosse solo una mosca da trovare, isolare e schiacciare e via, tutti felici e contenti? Dietro al suo gesto c’è sempre dolore, dietro a ogni sua scelta una spiegazione, e i suoi passi, la sua presenza, dovrebbero fare paura, come in un bel film alla Dario Argento che si rispetti….per questo le parti in cui lui progetta, pensa, si muove nell’ombra, secondo me sono fondamentali, ma spesso vengono tralasciate, per dare spazio a indagini su indagini e a sparatorie su sparatorie, e qui non si fa eccezione. Peccato.
Poi, sarò che ormai di romanzi del genere ne ho letti tanti, ma comincio a trovare i thriller americani tutti troppo simili: tanta azione (spesso troppa), i dialoghi dell’FBI, la scientifica, gli ostaggi e le sparatorie appunto. Ma il “thrilling”, dove sta? Dove? Uno scrittore deve saperlo creare col dono della scrittura, tramite atmosfere, flashback, passaggi mirati, e gli intermezzi dedicati all’assassino appunto. Un vero thriller non deve solo inchiodare alla pagina e far riflettere, deve anche e soprattutto fare accapponare a pelle. A parte alcuni maestri intoccabili come Deaver noto negli scrittori americani una tendenza all’appiattimento, con la sensazione di leggere sempre un “déjà vu”, cosa più rara nei thriller europei. Mi sbaglierò?
In conclusione, comunque, alla seconda prova di Smoky quattro stelle piene non le toglie nessuno.
Di fatto, ci sono tutti gli elementi che fanno di “Gli occhi del buio” un ottimo romanzo thriller.
Non mancano tensione, suspense, colpi di scena e la narrazione scivola via, con un buon bilancio fra parti dialogate e parti narrate. I flashback relativi alla vita della povera Sarah, che scopriamo grazie al diario che lei lascia a Smoky e che si alternano alla vicenda del presente, sono la parte che più ho gradito: la storia di un’anima smarrita e schiacciata che, nonostante la violenza di cui è vittima, cresce mantenendo in sé il desiderio di amare e di essere amata e la speranza di un nuovo inizio, malgrado il buio che l’ha circondata, malgrado tutto. In queste parti, nelle quali ho percepito un ottimo ritmo narrativo, emerge tutta la psicologia del personaggio femminile, il suo sguardo sul mondo, la sua sensibilità, le sue forze, le sue debolezze, e si legge con particolare avidità (quasi più che nelle altre parti!) tanto che mi sono ritrovata a pensare che McFadyen, del quale non conosco altro se non il precedente “L’ombra”, potrebbe rivelarsi un ottimo scrittore anche di romanzi di altro genere.
Insomma, il romanzo è ben scritto e costruito, non stanca e tiene il ritmo in maniera impeccabile.
Cosa non va allora?
Semplice, è “troppo”. Troppe sventure, troppe tragedie, troppe crudeltà, troppa violenza gratuita rendono la storia di Sarah (e della stessa Smoky) inutilmente esagerata e poco credibile. Dopo un po’ viene da storcere il naso di fronte a tanto eccesso. Le vicende poco fortunate di Sarah andavo smorzate e magari il passato sull’assassino andava approfondito, e ne sarebbe venuto fuori un miglior thriller. L’assassino è il punto focale di un romanzo thriller, parte tutto da lui e tutto a lui ritorna: perché molti scrittori gli riservano così poca importanza, come se fosse solo una mosca da trovare, isolare e schiacciare e via, tutti felici e contenti? Dietro al suo gesto c’è sempre dolore, dietro a ogni sua scelta una spiegazione, e i suoi passi, la sua presenza, dovrebbero fare paura, come in un bel film alla Dario Argento che si rispetti….per questo le parti in cui lui progetta, pensa, si muove nell’ombra, secondo me sono fondamentali, ma spesso vengono tralasciate, per dare spazio a indagini su indagini e a sparatorie su sparatorie, e qui non si fa eccezione. Peccato.
Poi, sarò che ormai di romanzi del genere ne ho letti tanti, ma comincio a trovare i thriller americani tutti troppo simili: tanta azione (spesso troppa), i dialoghi dell’FBI, la scientifica, gli ostaggi e le sparatorie appunto. Ma il “thrilling”, dove sta? Dove? Uno scrittore deve saperlo creare col dono della scrittura, tramite atmosfere, flashback, passaggi mirati, e gli intermezzi dedicati all’assassino appunto. Un vero thriller non deve solo inchiodare alla pagina e far riflettere, deve anche e soprattutto fare accapponare a pelle. A parte alcuni maestri intoccabili come Deaver noto negli scrittori americani una tendenza all’appiattimento, con la sensazione di leggere sempre un “déjà vu”, cosa più rara nei thriller europei. Mi sbaglierò?
In conclusione, comunque, alla seconda prova di Smoky quattro stelle piene non le toglie nessuno.
April 9, 2012
I am completely impressed with Cody McFadyen. He is a creative writer. I know that the genre of serial killers is kind of a strange thing to enjoy reading, and that there could be a formulaic banality or redundancy. So it is even more satisfying to see someone attempt and succeed at rising above the mediocre and run of the mill thriller. This is his second book and it is brilliant, compelling (I finished it within three days), surprising, deep, rich and intense.
There are aspects of the story which made me ask," how did he (Mcfadyen) think of that or come up with that?" The question is not so much what goes on the mind of a serial killer, but rather what goes on the mind of someone who is writing a novel depicting the evil and darkness of this kind of criminal.
The story at times was so gruesome that I had to take a break. And the abyss of despair into which the perpetrator hurled his victim(s) is sometimes too much to take. I had to stop a few times, but came back and read it nearly straight through once I finished the first third.
I won't recommend this for anyone who is too squeamish about terror and evil.
One other thing. I normally reject books written in the first person present tense. It bother me usually. But for some reason, this style with Smokey telling the story has never grated on me. And I normally don't like women as the leader in homicide investigations. But Smokey is captivating and bright, as well as emotionally vulnerable.
I can think of no negative criticism for eithe3r of the first two books written by Cody McFadyen. They are superb. I already have the next one checked out from the library...
There are aspects of the story which made me ask," how did he (Mcfadyen) think of that or come up with that?" The question is not so much what goes on the mind of a serial killer, but rather what goes on the mind of someone who is writing a novel depicting the evil and darkness of this kind of criminal.
The story at times was so gruesome that I had to take a break. And the abyss of despair into which the perpetrator hurled his victim(s) is sometimes too much to take. I had to stop a few times, but came back and read it nearly straight through once I finished the first third.
I won't recommend this for anyone who is too squeamish about terror and evil.
One other thing. I normally reject books written in the first person present tense. It bother me usually. But for some reason, this style with Smokey telling the story has never grated on me. And I normally don't like women as the leader in homicide investigations. But Smokey is captivating and bright, as well as emotionally vulnerable.
I can think of no negative criticism for eithe3r of the first two books written by Cody McFadyen. They are superb. I already have the next one checked out from the library...
January 13, 2009
I've never read anything by Cody MdFadyen before. WOW!! In my opinion, he is right up there with Harlan Coben, Dennis Lehane, Ridley Pearson to name a few.
I'm generally turned off by boks and movites that have gratuitous violance/blood and guts in them that isn't supported by a great plot and character depth. This book was intriguing to me from the beginning. The antagonist in this book really was evil personified and I think that is what captivated me, to be honest. To see how evil works in a life to bring total destruction to themselves and anything they touch.
This is not a book for the faint of heart or general mystery enthusiast. But, if you're up for a good thriller/horror book, this could be a good one for you.
I'm generally turned off by boks and movites that have gratuitous violance/blood and guts in them that isn't supported by a great plot and character depth. This book was intriguing to me from the beginning. The antagonist in this book really was evil personified and I think that is what captivated me, to be honest. To see how evil works in a life to bring total destruction to themselves and anything they touch.
This is not a book for the faint of heart or general mystery enthusiast. But, if you're up for a good thriller/horror book, this could be a good one for you.
March 27, 2013
Oh my, definitely not for the faint of heart and most definitely a heart wrenching book - wow, kleenix alert.
Getting more use to first person writing, Smoky Barrett is a very likable and real character (to me), that Cody has managed to portray with ease.
The only fault I find with the book, is that Mr. McFadyen was more verbose in this book than the first one. Yes the storyline was a bit complex and woven with lots of suspense, some action, and still a question of who is the psycho behind all these atrocities. Very difficult subject matter, but still a bit too wordy - could have been shortened a bit, but I still liked this book.
Two thumbs up - not for everyone to read, seriously.
Getting more use to first person writing, Smoky Barrett is a very likable and real character (to me), that Cody has managed to portray with ease.
The only fault I find with the book, is that Mr. McFadyen was more verbose in this book than the first one. Yes the storyline was a bit complex and woven with lots of suspense, some action, and still a question of who is the psycho behind all these atrocities. Very difficult subject matter, but still a bit too wordy - could have been shortened a bit, but I still liked this book.
Two thumbs up - not for everyone to read, seriously.
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October 8, 2021The Face of Death by Cody McFadyen
Series: Smoky Barrett, book #2
Thriller / Mystery / Suspense
I enjoyed 1st book Shadow Man but I did not like this one and skipped a lot. There was just too much violence, blood, cruelty and gruesome details. It was impossible to really enjoy the storyline and the characters. I prefer less sick and disturbing thrillers.
Series: Smoky Barrett, book #2
Thriller / Mystery / Suspense
I enjoyed 1st book Shadow Man but I did not like this one and skipped a lot. There was just too much violence, blood, cruelty and gruesome details. It was impossible to really enjoy the storyline and the characters. I prefer less sick and disturbing thrillers.
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