Throw-Away Faces

Alton’s premiere novel is an interesting novel set in the 1800’s in Seattle and follows a Scottish gentleman from Glasgow, as he investigates a series of murders which further involves his life the deeper he gets involved.

This is a richly poetic written novel which involves the reader with colourful characters and a fantastic plotting device that shows Alton to be an author to be reckon with should he decide to go down this artistic path.

It is a murder mystery thriller with grisly murders happening catching the reader unawares. When I started to read this excellent book, I wasn’t expecting it to go down the dark path it went. It kept the tension reeled to a factor 7 and really doesn’t let up until its explosive ending.

The characters are richly written with interesting dialogue. They propel the story forward without bogging down the plot with unnecessary exposition. The characters add levity to proceedings and seem to be alive, springing from the page in a very three dimensional fashion.

The plotting is told in the first person and the time frame does jump back and forth between a couple of time frames. This device is used to frame the murder and the main protagonist and used very effectively. The main character is very likable and although he appears to be a rogue for the time period, he is very endearing and a winning personality that keeps you interest.

Overall, this is a well written work of fiction using a poetic narrative and interesting murders to keep the reader plunging forward. With its strong plot and characterisations, this should be a sure fire winner and highly recommended.

Throw-Away Faces, Josef Alton's historical crime debut, is a wonderful way to begin the new year, and with a very intriguing cover which was what initially piqued my interest I jumped right in to it. Not only is the cover art strangely mesmerising and a little bit creepy, but the story contained within its pages is even more compelling. For once in a long time, the artwork reflects or hints towards the ominous atmosphere that builds up and surrounds you with each new turning of the page. Alton has crafted an instantly engaging and immersive work which shows tremendous talent and an awe-inspiring depiction of time and place. The main character is well-drawn, likeable through and through and is also very human. This manifests itself in the form of a certain loveable roguishness and had me heavily invested in him early on.

If you enjoy crime fiction set in a bygone era this a great choice; Alton really knows how to make his settings and characters come alive and sing from the pages. It'll also appeal to those who appreciate dark, powerful and claustrophobic stories that are well written and with a multitude of different facets keeping you on your toes. Perfectly plotted, with many intelligent observations and a narrative that is far richer and more lyrical than I ever imagined to find when picking this up; It all feels very authentic and believable, and it becomes clear that Mr Alton has spent a considerable amount of time researching the time and place thoroughly, and I appreciate that a lot. He is also adept at slowly building up the tension, turning the screw right up until the explosive conclusion. I look forward to reading more from Mr Alton in the future. Highly recommended.

Many thanks to Black Rose Writing for an ARC.

Throw Away Faces, by Josef Alton is a fast-paced historical fiction thriller. I chose to pick up this book due to the description of the novel, and it is hard for me to pass up what may sound like a good mystery.
An intriguing part of this book is the historical facts of Seattle, Washington used. Part of the story takes place in early Seattle times while its current events take place in Ireland. When I picked up the book, I felt somewhat confused as to what was going on with the main character Enoch as I thought he might be a mad character one sees from an Edgar Allan Poe story. There was some confusion as to his insane mother and himself as if something was leading to her having visions of the future and maybe Enoch had something similar that went unexplained or not there at all, but that became not much of an issue for me as the story progressed and its conclusion.
As far as the book being mysterious is was not so much, but figuring out if Enoch was a nut job or not I felt was more important to me than who was the killer. Reading the fictional take on real events and people was more fun getting to discover who is the killer. I have the notion that there needs to be a second book to continue Enoch and his doctor’s adventure as the ending seemed abrupt and more on and an end to the killer.
I rate this book 2 ½ out of 4 stars. I liked the story and its details. The only thing that I could say is negative are minor typos or errors sprinkled throughout this story. Alton makes good use of fictional events that go along well with the historical events he uses. This book I recommend for all those who enjoy historical fiction and mysteries. Even though I will not reread this book, I would pick up a sequel if one comes.

I love me some Historical Fiction, so when Author Josef Anton sent me a request to read and review Throw-Away Faces I accepted.

This book takes us from Seattle 1889 to present-day Dublin, 1916. It was a superb read, Josef Anton gives us a piece of Seattle while at the same time twisting it in a mind-bending and intriguing story of murder and political waywardness. It's a whodunnit that will both surprise you and yet not, for the mind of man is easily corruptible.

Enoch Campbell, a young Lawyer is sent to Seattle in 1889 by his father who thought it would be good for him to get away from the tragic events that happened their family. Unfortunately for Enoch, he immediately becomes sucked into a sadistic murderer's games.

In going along with Enoch Campbell's account of what happened during the year 1889 patricides that took place and his near obsession of trying to solve these Gruesome murders. The narrative between Enoch and the killer leaves you wondering just who is this homicidal killer that rants on about philosophy, what is he trying to show Enoch, what kind of deep conspiracy lies at the base of his murder spree.

In 1916 horrific murders are now happening in Dublin, as the murders pile up Doctor Thomas Dooley receives a manuscript from Lawyer, Enoch Campbell detailing the murders that happened in 1889, Seattle. Dooley wonders if it's just the ramblings from an obsessed mind, nothing more than fantasy or might Enoch be the actual killer. Can Enoch Campbell's manuscript help Dr. Dooley solve these monstrous crimes?

"Mr. Enoch Campbell appeared to be as unreliable a narrator as the editor to Hoggs' <em>Justified Sinner</em> [LX], and in suit used his title and education to legitimize his bias. Dooley stared into the mirror. He was aware he was an unhealthy doctor. He thought about his own stories and how unreliable they were."

In Seattle's infancy, it must grapple with the threat of being destroyed, both physically and financially along with its human structures. For there are those with enough malice, darkness and, greed to bring this young city to its knees.

In the end, it is a testament to man's continuous ambition to obtain wealth and power and the length they would go to obtain them. The motivations of the men within this novel will rock your belief system in certain men and wonder if such men can be granted some form of redemption whether in life or in death.

This is a well-researched novel, with the historical information cataloged through extensive endnotes that are meant to be read with the main narrative.

I enjoyed this novel, Alton gives us a rich setting, well-developed characters and a story that will bind you to its pages until the very end.

I recommend this novel to all book lovers out there especially those who enjoy a great <strong>Historical Crime Fiction</strong>.

<strong>Thanks to the author Josef Alton and Netgalley for a digital copy of Throw-Away Faces.</strong>

<b>My thoughts:</b>
I decided to leave my comfort zone (thrillers/suspense) for this historical fiction because a Goodread’s group was reading/discussing this book and the author was joining in.

Ok, so I didn’t entirely leave my comfort zone, this historical novel is filled with murder and suspense, I just added a little history to it, but that still counts...right?

I’m glad I did! This is the author’s debut novel and it’s a doozy!

I have to admit that the GR discussion was what first brought my attention to the book. Then the cover caught my eye and the description totally hooked me. I thought it was awesome that the author engaged with readers in a GR’s group and answered their numerous questions. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to read the book at that time, but I checked in on the comments periodically.

The book takes place in Seattle and Dublin and contains footnotes for anyone who wants to read more on the subjects.

Doctor Dooley receives a manuscript from someone he’s crossed passed paths with years ago—Enoch Campbell. Enoch is now a lawyer and informs the doctor of similarities between patricides of June 1889 in Seattle and current patricides of 1916 in Dublin.

Historical murders have always interested me. In fact, that was about the only thing that kept my attention in History class. This was a quick read and the author did a great job of researching!

<b>My Rating: </b> 4 ⭐️’s
<b>Published:</b> January 10th 2019 by Black Rose Writing
<b>Pages:<b/> 205

<b>Recommend:</b> Yes!

Thank you to NetGalley / Black Rose Writing and Josef Alton for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
#Netgalley #ThrowAwayFaces

Thank you to NetGalley, Black Rose Writing and the author, Josef Alton, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of Throw-Away Faces in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I thought this book was a taut, gripping novel. There are twists and turns that keep you guessing. The author draws you in and keeps hold of your imagination until the final pages. 3.5 stars.
Worth a read.