How to Read the Faces of Evil Series
Debra Webb’s gripping Faces of Evil saga is a masterclass in romantic suspense. The narrative centers on Deputy Chief Jess Harris, a brilliant former FBI profiler who returns to her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. There, she must confront the trauma of her past, rebuild a complicated relationship with Police Chief Dan Burnett, and hunt down a serial killer known as "The Player" (Eric Spears). Because the overarching cat-and-mouse game spans multiple books, reading the series in the correct order is crucial to understanding the character development and the slow-burn romance.
The Recommended Reading Path
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the publication order. The main plotline surrounding Jess Harris's pursuit of The Player, along with her evolving relationship with Dan Burnett, progresses chronologically from the first novel, Obsession, through the final showdown in Depraved, and wraps up nicely in The Dying Room. While there are prequel novellas, reading them in publication order prevents spoilers and allows you to enjoy the mystery as the author intended.
Publication Order of the Faces of Evil Books
Here is the complete order of the main series, including the main novels and the essential novellas that flesh out the background of Birmingham's major crimes division:
- Obsession (2011) – Book 1. Jess Harris returns to Birmingham to investigate missing women and is targeted by a killer from her past. We are introduced to Police Chief Dan Burnett, her former lover.
- Impulse (2011) – Book 2. The pressure increases as Jess and Dan discover a dark conspiracy, and a serial killer begins targeting Jess directly.
- Power (2012) – Book 3. Jess investigates a series of murders targeting Birmingham's most influential and powerful brokers.
- Rage (2012) – Book 4. Jess is confronted with a horrifying crime scene that echoes a historical cult-like massacre, forcing her to push her profiling skills to the limit.
- Revenge (2013) – Book 5. A cold-blooded killer targets individuals for vengeance, and Jess must uncover the connection before the body count rises.
- Ruthless (2013) – Book 6. The investigations take an intensely personal turn, threatening the fragile peace Jess has built.
- Silence (2013) – Book 6.5 / Prequel. This Christmas-themed novella explores the backstory of Jess and Dan, flashing back ten years before the events of Obsession to explain their history.
- Vicious (2013) – Book 7. The stakes escalate as Jess hunts a brutal killer who leaves a trail of torture in their wake.
- Vile (2014) – Book 8. Jess navigates a complex case that reveals deep-seated corruption and darkness in the heart of the city.
- Heinous (2014) – Book 9. A high-profile kidnapping case tests Jess’s investigative skills and emotional limits.
- Depraved (2014) – Book 10. The climax of the series' main arc, bringing Jess’s long-running confrontation with Eric Spears (The Player) to a head.
- The Wedding (2014) – Book 10.5. A celebratory novella that provides a brief respite and romantic resolution for fans of Jess and Dan.
- The Dying Room (2015) – Book 11. The final full-length novel in the Jess Harris saga, bringing closure to the remaining emotional and suspenseful threads.
Publication Order of Faces of Evil: Private Eyes Books
After finishing the main Jess Harris storyline, readers can transition to the spin-off series, Faces of Evil: Private Eyes. This sub-series shifts focus to private investigators solving gritty cases while maintaining ties to the characters and setting of the original series.
- Envy (2016) – Book 0.5. A prequel novella that sets up the private investigation firm and introduces the new cast of characters.
- Dark Whispers (2016) – Book 1. The first full-length spin-off novel, diving into private investigations, secrets, and high-stakes suspense in Birmingham.
- Still Waters (2016) – Book 2. A tense, fast-paced case involving dark secrets, domestic dangers, and private investigative work.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order: Navigating the Prequels
The main question readers face is when to read the prequel novella, Silence. Chronologically, the events of Silence take place ten years before Obsession. However, reading it first is not recommended for new readers. Silence is best enjoyed after Ruthless (Book 6) or after completing the main series, as it serves as a nostalgic look back at the characters' origins once you are already invested in their fates. Reading it first can disrupt the mystery of Jess and Dan's estranged relationship introduced in Obsession.
Similarly, the spin-off prequel novella, Envy, should be read right before diving into Dark Whispers to establish the context for the private investigators' careers.
What to Know Before You Start
The Faces of Evil series is a classic example of romantic suspense, blending procedural police work, psychological profiling, and romantic tension. Unlike traditional mysteries where each book features a self-contained case, the overarching threat of "The Player" connects the books. This means reading them out of order will lead to major spoilers regarding the identity and actions of the serial killers. The setting of Birmingham, Alabama, acts as a character itself, with its rich atmosphere and gritty history adding depth to every crime scene Jess investigates.