Readers' Responses to Deception

After reviewing one of Randy Alcorn's books a few months ago (Safely Home) I already knew that I would be seeking out other titles by this gifted author. When he offered to send me a copy of his newest novel (Deception) for review, I was eager to see what his latest offering held. The book arrived and I set it aside to read on my vacation. I'm glad I did! Be forewarned. This is the kind of book that keeps you up turning pages long after you should be sleeping.
    Deception is a detective novel with a Christian under-theme. In the grand tradition of such novels, the story of Ollie Chandler twists in your hands until you have been convinced of the guilt and innocence of almost every character in the story. In the book, a well-known professor has been murdered in a bizarre way and Detective Chandler, a tough eccentric cop, is assigned to the case. (Fans of the Colombo television series will especially welcome the bumbling, be-wrinkled style of Ollie Chandler). But the truly unique part of the story is the way in which the author gives the reader frequent glimpses of the parallel reality of what is happening in Heaven. Ollie's wife, who had a long battle with cancer, had become a believer before she died but Ollie became bitter and rejected God. Her prayers for him as she watches him battle through this case, and God's incredible concern for a man's soul, are played out as a sub-theme to this gripping story.
    Randy Alcorn's writing style is refreshingly believable. As in Safely Home, the novel Deception has no off-putting loopholes of logic that one often finds in such stories. I now look forward to reading his other bestsellers, Deadline, Dominion and Heaven. - V. R.

I recently read Deception and greatly enjoyed it. It seems like each book is better than the last. I really enjoyed Ollie's character. I'm an airline pilot, and having a good supply of reading material when I'm away from home one or two weeks at a time is a must. Many times a Christian writer has a good message in a novel, but too often the writing is second-rate. Your writing, and especially your character development, kept me turning the pages. And that's when the message comes through the clearest. Keep up the good work. I'm anxiously awaiting your next novel. - L. W.

Wow. Randy Alcorn's last novel was Safely Home, which was one of the very first books I reviewed. It's been six years. He's written non-fiction, of course, but it's great to see him return to the fiction world. In this case, he's returning to a very specific fiction world, the one he created in previous novels Deadline and Dominion.
    Somewhat surprisingly, Deception is really a straightforward murder mystery. That's certainly not to say it's simple. Instead, it's a gripping thriller on par with just about anything else in the genre.
    Ollie Chandler, the homicide detective introduced in the previously-mentioned novels, is the central protagonist this time. Previous lead characters Jake Woods and Clarence Abernathy (both journalists) each have their parts to play, too (not the least of which is their continual witnessing to Ollie).
    When Ollie is called in on the murder of a Portland State University professor, he never expects things to go in the direction that they do. A plethora of evidence points in surprising directions, including at his own department. Could another homicide detective actually be the murderer? Most troubling of all, Ollie can't account for his own whereabouts that night, having blacked out after drinking too much.
As he tries to unravel the case, Ollie has to deal with the chief's obsessions with the department's image, trouble from the media, and physical danger from surprising sources. His own brushes with death force him to think more deeply about his Christian friends' words about the afterlife.
    In the past, some of Randy Alcorn's novels were too heavy on exposition, detracting from the storyline (except in the "letters" books where the exposition was a writing technique that worked extremely well). This time around, there's much less exposition and what's there fits in smoothly. Ollie and his two friends have frank discussions about the claims of Christianity, but never at the expense of the storyline. It's a natural outgrowth of the characters' personality and it also springs repeatedly from the actual murder case under investigation. I'm reminded (in a good way) of the 1980's series, the Baker Street Mysteries, by Thomas Brace Haughey, in which two Christian detectives had frequent debates about a myriad of spiritual issues, all of which tied into the case at hand.
    Alcorn's trademark, if you will, has been intense and vibrant images of eternity woven into his stories. Usually, this involves characters in Heaven (who are connected to those on earth) watching what is transpiring and discussing it with each other, the angels, and Jesus Himself. In previous novels, this added an amazing element and revealed many things about the characters' past and how they fit into events in a much broader perspective. The heavenly scenes continue in Deception, and while intriguing, they fail to add very much to the overall story. It's almost as if he included them just because he always had before. They're not bad; they just don't seem to expand this particular story much.
    Regardless, this is a spectacular mystery novel and easily one of Alcorn's best fiction works. I highly recommend it. - K. L.

Deception was actually the first detective novel I have ever been enticed to read. I did so, on the strength of your other novel Safely Home. I am pleased to say you did not disappoint me. I have also recommended it to several people in my congregation as a great end-of-summer read.
    After posting my comments on Safely Home I did receive several e-mails from people who bought the book based on my review and were glowing in their praise of your style and storytelling. Be faithful to your gift! - C. C.

Be warned, this novel deals with real issues that effect us all. Who hasn't at one time thought' Why would a God allow this evil to happen? Or allow my family member to die? This novel addresses such issues around a gripping thriller. To gain maximum enjoyment from this novel, I would recommend that reader's search out, Deadline, and Dominion from the same author, as the characters mentioned here and their relationship with each other is explained. I was gripped with excitement with this novel, and enjoyed how Mr. Alcorn worked a great story around important life issues. I also loved getting to know Ollie Chandler better as a person, and also catching up with Jake Woods, and Clarence Abernathy. A rewarding read. - D. J.

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." - K. K.

I finished Deception and thought it was Alcorn's best novel yet, and in fact, the best novel I have ever read. I'm a retired, cynical FBI agent who doesn't have a degree in literature, so maybe my opinion is somewhat skewed, but I loved it. He really did a great job of capturing the essence of law enforcement and bringing a realistic story with a faith-based message. Thanks. I bought a couple extra copies and sent them to my Marine friends in Iraq. What a great witnessing tool! Well done. - B. H.

Deception had me laughing out loud at our local Starbucks. It brought a lot of people to my table asking what I was reading. Now my husband is reading Deception. Whenever he has a few minutes to read he tells me he has to "spend some time with Ollie"! Stay in His Presence. His words flow generously through you. - W. B.

Our 14-year-old daughter just read Deception. Usually when we recommend a book to her, she is a little leery. But Sunday afternoon she picked up the book and by 11 PM had almost finished it! It was both exciting and spiritually uplifting to her. Our daughter is in junior high here in France—it's often rough for her to keep on for Jesus—but books such as yours really contribute to her faith. Now she wants to read Deadline and Dominion as well! Praise God for the imagination, talent, and longing for Heaven that He has given you. - D. M., Angers, France

Ever read a book that affects you at a deep level? I mean more than entertainment or tugging at your heartstrings? Deception 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 and stop the baby from dying, why is my mom dead when a child killer still lives? Why? 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 twiddling His thumbs, but involved in our everyday lives, 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. Alcorn in a manner that his words would reach the bottom of our hearts and begin to apply a healing balm.
    Even if you're not into the police procedural mysteries, you ought to read this one. It's an eye-opener 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. - L. B.

Deception is everything we've come to expect from Randy Alcorn: a good story, interesting characters, and strong Christian themes. Imagine Sherlock Holmes, Nero Wolfe, Jack Bauer, and C. S. Lewis gathering in the same room to write a mystery, and you'll have an inkling of the fun Alcorn had in writing this book.
   Billed as a sequel to Deadline and Dominion, this novel has a much different feel since it's told through the eyes of the cynically loveable, spiritually skeptical, Detective Ollie Chandler. Although Chandler's constant interior monologue and quirky similes (and annoyingly repetitive references to 24's Jack Bauer) are often distracting, his character grows on you as the story progresses. He's a guy you'd want to hang around. He makes us chuckle. He loves his dog and a good double cheese, double pepperoni pizza.
    Chandler finds himself heading up a murder investigation that seems to point to a culprit within the ranks of his own homicide department. Chandler's fellow detectives resent his poking and prodding, making life difficult for him. Of course, his constant detours from legal procedure fail to endear him to the others—and do seem a bit extreme, considering he's a state employee, not a private investigator. He shows a stubborn craftiness, though, that leads to the crime's ultimate solution.
    Alcorn does a great job of mixing a serpentine plot, lots of clues, and sermonettes about God's justice and involvement in the lives of men and women. As is his custom, he also tosses in some scenes from the perspective of Heaven. Many readers will appreciate these tidbits, while I found them a bit generic and forced. Regardless, Alcorn gives us much to contemplate. He brings to light issues of grief, loss, death, and sovereignty. In conclusion, Ollie Chandler begins to see God's hand in his own life, giving him clues, nudging him toward the solution of a more eternal mystery. - E. W.

Randy Alcorn's first book Deadline was a highly-charged suspense book that took on corruption and political agendas of the fictitious newspaper, the Portland Tribune. He continues with another of the characters of that book, in this case police detective Ollie Chandler.
    The first several chapters of the book deliver nearly every detective cliché ever written. From trench coats to voice-overs, I kept waiting for a chapter to begin with "It was a dark and stormy night." However, just keep reading.
    Once I got into the story, I simply couldn't put it down. This is a classic mystery, with even the lead himself as a suspect. One funny aspect of this story is that the author must have been always hungry when he wrote it. It seems he is describing a meal every three pages. I had to head out to eat after reading one chapter in particular where the cheeseburger description seemed to stretch a couple paragraphs.
    As a mystery, it kept my attention. I was intrigued throughout and it wasn't until the last few chapters that I felt I knew who did it. While this is not a literary masterpiece, it is in fact a very engaging mystery and a fun book to read. - M. E.

I got hooked into this series by starting with the second book, Dominion. Fortunately, you don't have to read them in order to appreciate them. Characters are shared between the books, but each one is a good stand-alone read.
    Having said that, I'm really glad to see this story written from the perspective of Detective Ollie Chandler. He had me in stitches in Dominion and he's just as funny in Deception. But more importantly, Ollie asks the kinds of questions and wrestles with the kinds of tragic life experiences that prevent many people from seeing the goodness of God and taking the step of saving faith in Jesus Christ. Ollie's Christian friends Jake and Clarence are ready with answers to his questions, so we can learn from them, but I think we can learn more from observing the honest pain and doubt that Ollie struggles with. These are hard issues that keep many people out of the Kingdom.
    Randy Alcorn writes compelling, thoroughly-researched fiction that entertains as it instructs. I highly recommend this book. Read it for yourself, then pass it along to others (on either side of the Christian fence) who could be helped by its message. - P. H.

I loved it from beginning to end! I laughed out loud so many times, that I had to read passages to my curious husband! Randy is a unique author, able to combine intrigue and suspense with humor and wonderful faith lessons.
    When I pick up a book by Randy Alcorn, I'm already convinced it'll be worth the read. The man is already up there with Frank Peretti as far as spiritual warfare is concerned. And he's just as good as Ted Dekker. For me, I can usually count on a slow read, mainly because I don't want to miss something great. So I saw the title and cover to Randy's new book and thought, "Hmm, it only looks promising." Deception is a powerful word. Will this really live up? Can Randy do just as good as he did with Deadline and Dominion? Not really...he did better!! And I couldn't believe it. With Ollie Chandler in the driver's seat as your first person narrator, hold on for the ride! I'm here to tell you that Ollie Chandler brings out a more snappy, witty, and a more slick Randy Alcorn then you could've imagined.
    Take some time out for Alcorn's latest classic. Grab your chips and dip...Ollie Chandler would! See if there's any justice within these hallowed pages. If you're like me, you might find some great laughs, along with some humble tears. Hey, you might be like Ollie Chandler—a man's man. You might be wrestling with a few things. You might even love this book! I did. Be prepared for a new side of Randy Alcorn. Snap, boom, BANG!! It'll hit you like a ton of bricks, and you'll really enjoy it. - D. T.

Be warned, this novel deals with real issues that effect us all. Who hasn't at one time thought' Why would a God allow this evil to happen? Or allow my family member to die? This novel addresses such issues around a gripping thriller. To gain maximum enjoyment from this novel, I would recommend that reader's search out, Deadline, and Dominion from the same author, as the characters mentioned here and their relationship with each other is explained. I was gripped with excitement with this novel, and enjoyed how Mr. Alcorn worked a great story around important life issues. I also loved getting to know Ollie Chandler better as a person, and also catching up with Jake Woods, and Clarence Abernathy. A rewarding read. - D. J.

Randy Alcorn may be the most underrated author in the country. That is mainly because he focuses on the Christian fiction market so does not get the media attention that many others do.
    He has written several terrific novels. The best of these are Deadline and Dominion. Although Deception has some of the same characters as those two, it is not quite as good in some ways as those. It is still terrific from the standpoint of examining doubts about Christianity, the difficult questions such as why God would allow suffering, evil, etc.
    Perhaps the reason that I don't like it quite as well is that the detective type story is not my favorite genre. Some of the dialogue of the lead character, Ollie Chandler, is just a bit too corny for me.
    Nevertheless, this story will keep one's attention, it has lots of twists and turns, and it is a fun story. It is also very though provoking. Some of the parts that I find to be particularly good are as follows: The author ties the work of being a homicide detective (Ollie Chandler) into a challenge to ponder the question of who killed Jesus Christ and why. He also asks extremely good questions for the skeptic to consider such as why would the apostles be willing to die for a belief system based upon a lie.
    Another great question for Christians to ponder is why so many "store their treasures there (Earth)" so that "every day they move toward their deaths, they're moving away from their treasures. But if they store their treasures here (Heaven), every day they're moving toward their treasures."
    Another excellent point that Mr. Alcorn makes in this book as well as others (such as the two previously mentioned and Heaven) is that oftentimes the way that Heaven is portrayed by many Christians "made me not want to go there." It is portrayed in a vastly different way by Alcorn.
   I recommend this book, but would suggest that readers enjoy Deadline and Dominion first. They are even better than this one. I also think that Heaven is a must read. - S. P.

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.
    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's an entertaining thing to 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 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. - K. L.

This is an outstanding read. Alcorn again does a great job keeping you on the edge of your seat. Great deliverance of the Gospel message! - T. L.

My husband and I fought over this one! We are both huge fans of Randy Alcorn's work, both fiction and nonfiction. Having loved Deadline and Dominion, we were really excited to hear he was writing a spin-off and couldn't wait until it came out. When it did, we bought it immediately and it didn't disappoint us—neither of us could put it down! - A. K.

I visited my mother the week before Mother's Day and brought along two copies of this book. It was the most memorable activity of our week. My mom and I read our books in the same room, alternating our laughter and calling out the funny things that were happening. "The problem with morning is that it comes before my first cup of coffee." The book is about a cynical homicide detective who has been waiting all his life to hear good news at 3 a.m. Will that ever happen?
    Randy Alcorn is my favorite author and he has written excellent books. In this one, his versatility really stands out. This book would be a great book to give for Christian outreach. - T. T.

I couldn't wait to get into another Randy Alcorn book! It truly is a wonderful book. It made me laugh, cry and sit in wonder of God. Don't miss this book. Deadline is my all-time favorite book and now I had to read it again for the third time. Please don't stop writing Randy. Your scenes of Heaven are awesome! - G. A.

I have loved everything I've read by Randy Alcorn—his fiction and non-fiction. Deadline is probably my all-time favorite novel. Deception had an intricate plot, believable characters and excellent humor. - N. S.

Randy Alcorn has done it again. Ollie is so much like us, loveable, confused, searching. I could not stop reading this book, and I do not rate many books this high. I believe that Randy has done the unusual. This 3rd in the series is the best of the three, yet all stand alone and all are super. However, there is something special about Deception. I really think God helped Randy write this one. Awesome, you will be loathe to give this one away, so you will have to buy some for those you love! - L. F.

I love sarcasm and clever writing. 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 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." - K. K.

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! - A. C.

A thought-provoking, sarcastic, and laugh out loud read. Randy Alcorn has outdone himself again. - K. A.

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 superb. This book is a must have for mystery lovers and people who just love a good book. - N. S.

Deception is a wonderful book I would recommend for anybody who enjoys a good, suspenseful mystery. Randy Alcorn is a talented author who knows how to capture an audience. Every chapter leaves you hanging, and you can't wait to read the rest. You can't put this book down! - P. S.

Deception is a well-written police procedural starring a crusty alcoholic cop who pays homage to Rex Stout and others. The religious elements are brought forth during breakfast between Ollie, Clarence (see Dominion) and Jake Woods (see Deadline), but are handled deftly to allow insight into the lead character still mourning the death of his beloved "Saint" Sharon and the estrangement with his two daughters; though there are some heavenly scenes that feel intrusive to this earthbound mystery. Still this is a delightful whodunit as Ollie chewing his black juicy gum investigates a complex homicide with the media watching his every move. - H. K.

A murder mystery unfolds through the eyes of an experienced Portland homicide detective. Written with plenty of tension to keep the reader in suspense, the book also includes laugh-out-loud humor as the protagonist makes witty asides about life, police work, human nature, and other topics.
    Central character Ollie Chandler is crafted with enough strengths to make him seem like a reliable friend, yet also with enough flaws that we all can identify with him. Life, and all its characters, can be imperfect and puzzling.
    As the chapters rush forward, emerging clues point to a member of the police department as a possible suspect. Eventually Chandler even questions his own motives and doubts his own alibi for the time of the murder. Whodunnit?
    A couple of Chandler's friends serve as comic relief and yet also point the central character to his need for redemption through Christ. This is done in a way that is natural and not preachy; this is the gospel unfolding via relationships.
    Randy Alcorn is a pastor and successful writer with six best-selling novels and a long list of nonfiction books to his credit. After reading Deception, I am ready to look for anything else Alcorn has written, or will write in the future! - A. R.

Deception by Randy Alcorn is an amazing novel. I literally couldn't put it down and finished it in three days. It's obvious the research Randy does before writing—the characters are extremely well-developed and are no joke!
    I also appreciated how life's biggest issues around who God is, why we should care, and what it ultimately means to us in terms of eternity where discussed among the characters. - N. B.

I couldn't stop reading this book! As a fan of Sherlock Holmes, I loved the chapter headings with quotes from Sherlock. But the best part was the main character, Ollie Chandler. Ollie is a many-layered piece of work, and his funny side was very funny indeed. This book never became predictable or shallow. I hated to finish it because then it would be over! - R. G.

Deception was a great read! The mystery had many twists and turns and kept me guessing. I especially liked the friendship development of the lead characters and the practical, persuasive arguments for Christ. You won't want to put this one down! - A. F.

Randy Alcorn's latest novel, Deception, is a masterfully written story. The detailed and meticulous plot takes several very interesting and surprising turns as we watch homicide detective Ollie Chandler untwist the lies, deceit and arrogant attitudes of the characters around him. Simultaneously, Alcorn forces Ollie to face and ultimately deal with his own pain and relational failures. As in his past novels, Alcorn also effectively weaves significant spiritual truth throughout the chapters as he inches Detective Chandler from cynic to skeptic to...well, I won't give it away. I would highly recommend Deception to any murder mystery fan, but its potential spiritual impact is the reason I will be buying several copies for friends and family. - J. T.

Today's Christian fiction is often in danger of falling prey to overdone themes and excessively sappy endings, or in some cases, lack of creativity and originality. Not so with Alcorn's newest novel. With Deception being almost 500 pages, I initially feared that the plot might soon become monotonous, but the plot twists and the question of "who done it" kept me hooked until the very end.
    I especially appreciated that Alcorn chose to write in the first person—is writing finds a fresh voice in the words and thoughts of the gruff yet likeable Detective Ollie Chandler. Alcorn's writing style in Deception is similar to that of its predecessor Deadline, but I found the characters more believable and the plot more intriguingly complicated. Those who enjoyed Deadline and Dominion will certainly not want to miss Deception. - S. H.

Deception was absolutely fantastic. Your writing is so polished and original. It encourages me more than I can tell you. Thank you for the work that went into that project. - Chuck Holton, Author of Bullet Proof and The Task Force Valor Series

Safely Home was extremely moving and heartrending; Dominion was an exciting journey through black culture and the dangers of gangs. Both books had God throughout them. But how do I categorize Deception? It amazes me how you can have a very serious and sometimes morose murder investigation going on, and yet on a second level, I found myself busting out laughing every couple of lines! Detective Ollie Chandler is a wonderful character who does and says all the things we wish we could! I've never laughed at a novel from cover to cover, and still enjoyed the riveting suspense of solving a murder! Bravo! — R. F.