🩸 Horror Fiction

The Face of Fear

✍️ R J Torbert
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$17.00
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A police procedural thriller involving ferry kidnappings and supernatural dread in Long Island.

Torbert constructs a narrative where the initial kidnapping on the Cross Island Ferry serves as the catalyst for subsequent violent events. The plot follows Detective Powers and Johnson as they work under Lieutenant Cronin to untangle the web of clues linking these crimes. The story highlights the strain placed on the officers by external pressures from federal agencies and the press. By focusing on the specific geography of Port Jefferson, the author grounds the supernatural elements in a tangible setting. The investigation reveals how personal lives become entangled with professional obligations during the pursuit of justice.

Key Themes
police investigation ferry kidnapping supernatural mystery
Literary Context

This work is set in Port Jefferson, Long Island, New York. It engages with American police procedural traditions and gothic fiction conventions. The narrative reflects the tension between local law enforcement and federal oversight during high-profile criminal cases.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Stephen King · Peter Straub · Tana French
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Two Harbors Press 📅 2013 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781938690778

📝 Description: The Face of Fear

R J Torbert presents a thriller centered on the village of Port Jefferson in Long Island, New York. The narrative begins with a kidnapping aboard the Cross Island Ferry, an event that quickly escalates into a string of murders. Detective Powers and Detective Johnson, operating under the direction of Detective Lieutenant Cronin, face intense pressure from national media outlets, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the general public to resolve these interconnected cases before additional victims are lost. The story examines how professional duties clash with personal complications as the detectives investigate the mystery that eventually becomes known as The Face of Fear. Torbert draws on the traditions of police procedural fiction and supernatural suspense to structure this account. The work focuses on the investigative process and the psychological toll on law enforcement officers during a high-stakes crisis. This book suits readers who enjoy detailed accounts of criminal investigations and gothic atmospheres set in specific American locales. It may not appeal to those seeking purely historical texts or non-fiction analyses of crime statistics.

💎 Our verdict on The Face of Fear

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Torbert effectively merges police procedural rigor with supernatural suspense, creating a tense atmosphere anchored by the specific geography of Port Jefferson. The narrative succeeds in portraying the strain on detectives as they navigate federal interference and media scrutiny while pursuing justice. By grounding eerie events in a tangible setting, the author enhances the sense of dread without relying on abstract horror. This approach suits readers who prefer detailed accounts of criminal investigations over pure fantasy. The focus on the psychological impact on law enforcement adds emotional weight to the plot. While it may not satisfy those seeking historical analysis or non-fiction crime statistics, the blend of genres offers a distinct reading experience for horror enthusiasts interested in procedural realism.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate the intricate mechanics of criminal investigation combined with supernatural dread will find this narrative compelling. The book offers a unique blend of procedural detail and gothic atmosphere, appealing to those interested in how law enforcement professionals cope with extraordinary pressures. It is ideal for audiences who enjoy stories where personal lives intersect dramatically with professional duties during high-stakes crises. Fans of regional horror set in distinct American landscapes will value the specific focus on Long Island geography. The text provides a thorough examination of the psychological toll on officers, making it suitable for those seeking depth beyond simple scares.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Torbert effectively merges police procedural rigor with supernatural suspense, creating a tense atmosphere anchored by the specific geography of Port Jefferson. The narrative succeeds in portraying the strain on detectives as they navigate federal interference and media scrutiny while pursuing justice. By grounding eerie events in a tangible setting, the author enhances the sense of dread without relying on abstract horror. This approach suits readers who prefer detailed accounts of criminal investigations over pure fantasy. The focus on the psychological impact on law enforcement adds emotional weight to the plot. While it may not satisfy those seeking historical analysis or non-fiction crime statistics, the blend of genres offers a distinct reading experience for horror enthusiasts interested in procedural realism.

📖 From the series “Powers and Johnson Novels”

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