Deception

I found Alcorn when I moved into an office and someone left a copy of "Dominion" on the bookshelf. Since then I've read at least a dozen of his books and recommended them to many others. "Deception" is an excellent example of a tongue in cheek hard boiled detective story where nothing is quite what it seems, but it's not so unreal you want to slap yourself and then the author for writing the drivel. The twists and turns keep you on your feet and the tongue in cheek references to many things kept my attention with the occasional chuckle e. There are several points where you think, "hey, it's solved", but the book has many pages left, so you think, "how could that be? Well how sharp are you? You're not explicitly invited to solve the case, but hey, it'a sn entertaining thing t think of when you have a new detective novel. A previous reviewer labels this book "Jesus junk". Well, Ollie admits in the first five pages that he's not sure if there is a God, and the characters from two previous books that the author wrote are in there and they are Christians, so if the concept of Christianity offends you, then maybe you shouldn't read the book. IF YOU'RE NOT A Christian, then read can still read it and and see what a fun read it is. If you want to read the series in order, Read "Deadline" then "Dominion" and then this one. It's a fun read, but one that stretches your brain. And Randy Alcorn is a director of Eternal Perspectives Ministries, which tries to get people to see beyond today into their life in heaven. If Christianity is the thing that offends your tolerant heart the most, then you probably won't like his novels, though you could still learn something. Enjoy

I love sarcasm and clever writing. Man, did I hit the jackpot in "Deception." Chances are that if you pick up a book that carries the picture of an eye surrounded by jagged glass, you wouldn't expect humor. I laughed out loud... several times. From author Randy Alcorn's use of trendy Chuck Norris jokes, to a spotlight loving police chief who uses more clichés that Carter has pills (sorry, couldn't resist), to clever references subtly mocking commercialism, this novel is hilarious. If you'd think that a novel, first person, classic crime detective Sam Spade-style, chock full of humor couldn't be a true mystery, well, you'd be wrong on that count, too. Multiple plot twists, red herrings and some creative surprises await mystery lovers. Finally, the book is the third in a series, and they all center around lost people needing Jesus. Ollie puts up a fight, and it feels as realistic as, well, as talking to people who are angry with God, looking forward to the big party in Hell, and a few dozen other issues non-Christians have with Christianity. The truth is handled well, and honestly. Hypocrisy is a fact of life. Bad, awful, tragic things happen, and people carry around some serious complaints against God. Deception handles these issues with work gloves rather than kid gloves. The only thing I didn't fall in love with were the very few scenes where different point of view characters shared from heaven. These scenes pulled me from the story, and in my opinion, didn't add to the unfolding story. But because this is a book in a series, I believe Alcorn stuck close to the original design of the books. I recommend "Deception." If you don't like classic detective novels or characters you may not love it. If you find Ollie's quote above at all amusing, I think Chief Lennox would tell you "Deception" is right down your alley. And if nothing else convinces you, Chuck Norris "strongly recommend[s] that you read [Alcorn's] books." [...]

Deception is a cleverly crafted suspense novel that had me laughing out loud one moment and tearing up the next. I've read one too many books with formulaic plots and overdone messages, but this is not one of them! The story is engaging, and the message is subtle yet thought provoking. And how many murder mysteries are clean enough for a child to read? My 12-year-old daughter has already read it twice! The only bad thing about this book is once you start reading it, you won't be able to put it down. Kudos to Alcorn!

First off, if you haven't read Randy Alcorn's other two books Deadline and Dominion, you just need to go and buy them right now. Go ahead, I'll wait.....I'm serious. His books are so good that they will make every other book you read seem bad, honestly. Deception's main character is Detective Ollie Chandler. He was a minor major character in the above mentioned books, but we get to know him so much better in the pages of this book. Ollie is a son of a gun, no frills, let's fry the bad guys, Jack Bauer and Chuck Norris worshipping kinda guy. Alcorn makes Chandler instantly likeable, and molds his character like someone out of a 30's detective novel. Clarence Abernathy (main character of Dominion) and Jake Woods (main character of Deadline) both make appearances in Deception. They added some very deep, soul-searching dialog to match our loveable homicide detective's cynical and dark thoughts on life. Alcorn does not handle the problem of evil and living in a broken world with kid's gloves in this novel. Ollie is on the forefront of a lot of bad stuff, thus his very cynical look on life and God. He just can't believe there's a God while so much evil goes unchecked. What ensues through the novel is Ollie's journey through a very complicated murder, always delving for new clues and always not sure who he can trust. Alcorn is a master wordsmith, and his mastering of the 1930's detective novels is suberb. This book is a must have for mystery lovers and people who just love a good book.

Ever read a book that affects you at a deep level? I mean more than entertainment or tugging at your heartstrings? Deceoption does. Ollie is a real character who struggles with the events happening on earth because we live in a fallen world. I admit, I've struggled with some of those same questions. Why didn't God step in a stop the baby from dying, why is my mom dead when a child killer still lives? Why? And, Ollie tries to numb the pain of his everyday torment with alcohol. Although I don't do that, I do, on occasion have a bit more sedative food than I should, to sort of lure me into a forgetting mode. But, all is not lost for Ollie, or me, or you. And, two characters from previous books in this series - Jake and Clarence try to explain the great love and sacrifice of our God who isn't sitting in a far off corner twidling his thumbs, but involved in our everyday lifes, patiently waiting for the time when he can be with his created beings on the new earth (Revelation 2:7) Maybe it is because I'm reading his Heaven book too....and the two sort of blend that I am so changed by the book. Maybe it is because the Holy Spirit moved Mr. Alcron in a manner that his words would reach the bottom of our hearts and begin to apply a healing balm. Anyway..even if you're not into the police pocedural mysteries, you auhta read this one. It's an eyeopener and a must read if you're into intricate plots and great characters and if you ask the big 'what if' questions about life. I cannot wait to get more copies to give my family.