Readers' Responses to Deception

Deception

I am a first time reader. Just finished Deception. WOW!!! Are you planning any other Ollie Chandler books? I'm on my way out the door to pick up Deadline and Dominion! —J.M.

I hope you write a sequel or ten more sequels to Deception. I REALLY love Ollie Chandler's character—his love of food, and rather cynical attitude which makes the spirituality far more palatable for me. I do not care for church or most Christians at all. But I do enjoy your books. You ask hard questions that help skeptics think. I lost a baby daughter years ago and can relate to Ollie Chandler far better than some Billy Graham type. Ollie understood grief. —M.W.

I am reading Deception, my third Randy Alcorn book, and honestly, laughing so hard that I cannot see the words on the page. Thank you for this journey of characters and inspiring novels. I search for books which will challenge my mind and keep my heart pure...there are few on the market. —C.M.

I just finished reading Deception. I enjoyed the mystery and humor so much that I read a passage aloud to my husband, and then had to hurry and finish the book so he could read it. The most moving parts to me were the commentaries “from heaven” made toward the goings-on of Earth. Coming up this April 13th is the first anniversary of the passing of my 54-year-old mother into her new address—Heaven. To quote Ollie: “…we couldn’t own her any more than you can own…a sunset…when they’re gone, instead of being mad, maybe you should just be grateful they were there for you in the first place.” Thanks for the fun and touching read during a challenging time. — C. S.

I just finished reading Deception and want you to know that I have not enjoyed a book this much in some time.  I'm usually a techno-thriller reader, but this was great.  I'll be reading more of your books. —P.M.

Recently read my first book by Randy Alcorn, Deception. My mind was blown. Awesome piece of literature. Loved the Green Lantern references, along with the four guns thing. Hilarious! —B.D.

This book 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. 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. — B. H.

See what happens as this thriller unfolds with all the twists and turns you’ll be amazed at the outcome. This book is absolutely amazing. It’s Sam Spade and C. S. Lewis all rolled into one. It’s as suspenseful as a John Grisham novel. Randy Alcorn does an awesome job with this page turner. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, even get mad as you read—you won’t be able to put this one down! It is a must read for any Christian, but great for the unsaved as the questions unfold from Chandler as he questions God’s existence. Even the discussion questions in the back of the book make it great for a book group or reaching the unsaved. Don’t miss this suspense thriller as it is a must, great read and one of the best of novels—Christian or not. — C. C.

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.

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