Deception will bring you back to the style of the old detective novels featuring such famous sleuths as Sam Spade, Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, and references them throughout, as well as sticking to the ideals of those heroes. There is very little in the way of “bad language,” as you might expect from a Christian author, but despite the modern setting, this all seems very natural as Ollie Chandler (although most definitely not believer himself) is a man of principle and honour.
    There are frequent Bible and religious references from Chandler’s very Christian friends, but they don’t intrude on the story—quite the opposite, the actually enhance it and the frantic pace builds as the mystery and danger deepens.
    All the characters have very human flaws, making them very easy to identify and sympathise with them from start to finish, the plot is sufficiently winding and intriguing to keep the reader hooked, yet still gives just the right amount of clues to keep those “little grey cells” ticking, and the writing is tight. It has everything you could possibly want from crime fiction and more. — K. S.

Deception is definitely the best of the series in terms of Ollie Chandler solving a mystery and grappling with personal issues and the meaning of life. This time he is front and centre. The mystery and the solving of it are core to the story and the God/Heaven/suffering/sin issues are tucked in around it, rather than loaded down with specific themes (racial discrimination, gangs, personal ambition vs. God’s will, abortion, homosexuality) as in previous books.
    I’m glad Ollie really gets a go this time. Although he is going through lots of personal struggles, he wants to get the job done. Clarence and Jake are his sounding boards and they have opportunity to reflect Jesus to him. The biggest catch is that the clues are mounting up against him and point to him as the murderer....and he isn’t sure of himself. — M.

Deception was one amazing read! From the hilarious dialogue of smart-alec Ollie Chandler, to the perfect dose of Christian apologetics, and finally the mind-blowing plot twist at the end...Wow!
    Alcorn’s presentation of Chandler is brilliant. He succeeds in his portrayal of a down-on-his-luck detective. I thoroughly enjoyed Ollie’s interactions with his dog and his two friends Jake and Clarence. The way Jake and Clarence challenge Chandler’s faith through discussions is solid and touches on many key points an unbeliever might ask.
    I highly recommend this book and was encouraged in many different ways. — M. D.

Deception is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Carly’s faith is amazing and she really inspires me to be a strong person for the Lord, like she was. Even in her physical weakness, she was strong in spirit, and that is the type of person I strive to be. — B. B.