Unlike the coastal settings of earlier books, this story takes place in the inland mountains of Gipuzkoa, specifically around the town of Oñati .
Ibon Martín has mastered a style that blends Nordic noir's cold tension with Basque folklore and scenery.
His background as a travel writer shines through in his vivid descriptions of the Aizkorri mountains, deep caves, and majestic gorges.
The novel is set in May 2021, capturing the tense atmosphere of the post-pandemic era, where local lockdowns and masks are still part of daily life.
Crucially, the killer—dubbed "The Apostle"—takes a mold or copy of the victim's face at the moment of death, a fetishistic act that gives the novel its title.
If you are downloading the .epub for your e-reader, it is highly recommended to read the series in order to fully appreciate the character arcs:
The author is known for "playing fair" while still delivering a shocking reveal, leaving clues that only make sense in retrospect. The Ane Cestero Series Order
Readers see significant evolution in Ane and her colleague Julia, making it rewarding for fans who have followed the series from the beginning. Why Read "El Ladrón de Rostros"?
The story begins with a gruesome discovery at the humble shrine of , carved into a rock face. A woman has been murdered while performing an ancient fertility rite; her body is mutilated to mirror the hollowed-out apostles sculpted by Jorge Oteiza on the facade of the Basílica de Arantzazu .
If you are looking for an immersive, ritualistic thriller rooted in the rugged landscapes of the Basque Country, (The Face Thief) by Ibon Martín is a standout choice for your digital library. This third installment in the popular Ane Cestero series combines atmospheric "Euskandinavo" noir with a chilling serial killer hunt. Plot Overview: A Macabre Ritual
