Christian Novels for Summer Reading 3 - Murder Mysteries!

Here are three murder mysteries by Randy Alcorn. I’m a fan of his writing. The books are a series and should be read in the order listed.

Deadline

by Randy Alcorn

Deadline is a well written, intriguing 424 page Christian mystery revolving around three friends and a car accident. The book is full of detailed and engrossing conversations on the issues of our day especially political correctness and moral relativism. In addition it offers many intriguing insights into the newspaper business and police and detective affairs. As always, Randy Alcorn also gives us a view of heaven that is inspiring and even thrilling. I don’t usually read novels or mysteries but on this one I took notes of things I want to remember. It is well worth reading!

Dominion

by Randy Alcorn

Dominion is a well written, fast paced murder mystery revolving around a black newspaper columnist and a white detective. The book is full of detailed and engrossing thoughts and feelings blacks experience on a daily basis and gives information and perspective about the history of slavery and racism in the United States. The intense emotions of an angry black man are exposed throughout. In addition there are many intriguing insights into police, detectives, teenage gangs, and the roadblocks to solving crimes. As always, Randy Alcorn includes a thrilling view of heaven. I don’t usually read novels or mysteries but on this one I took notes. Dominion is a valuable book!

Deception

by Randy Alcorn

This is the third book in a series of murder mysteries by Randy Alcorn. The first two – Deadline and Dominion – were better than this one. At least I didn’t enjoy this one as much. Nevertheless, Alcorn has a very clever plot. Ollie Chandler, detective appears in all three books but is the main character in this one. A college philosophy professor is murdered and Chandler and his partner are the investigators. As the plot unfolds it looks as though one of his fellow detectives is the murderer. In addition Ollie is uncertain about his own whereabouts at the time of the murder. The book is written with some humor especially around Ollie’s love of food and his dog Mooch. Jake Woods and Clarence Abernathy join him throughout this tense and suspense filled journey. As always, Alcorn has some scenes of heaven, with those who have passed away watching the drama on earth and praying for their loved ones still on this earth. These scenes of heaven aren’t as lengthy as in the prior books and so intrude less on the story. However, the Christian message may be lost in the dark story of a number of murders and the capture of the murderer.

Blessings, Dottie