Dark Deception (Defenders of Justice #2) by Nancy Mehl from Bethany House Publishing (Christian fiction)

ISBN: 9780764217784

My thoughts:  The author, Nancy Mehl, writes books of mystery or suspension with a touches of romantic interest. Often set in a small town where a strong conservative religious community abides, her stories have heretofore been quite receptive to the Christian fiction reading audience.

In the new Defenders of Justice series, we are given stories set in the average city or town and populated by characters that take the reader into emotional journeys beyond the pale. Book two  exposes the raw depravity of the criminal that is the serial killer.

Dark Deception truly lives up to the title that graces the cover of the book. The story has a darkness that permeates and that embraces several planes of life. There is deception that is incomprehensible and which creates a case that proves difficult or near impossible to be solved by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

I am not fond of stories that delve into the mentally warped mind and actions of a serial killer, the emotional storm that pervades the lives of survivors, or the twisted connections lives take from youth into adulthood as a result of cruelty imposed on their childhood. While not a favorite, Dark Deception is most certainly a good read and within the bounds of acceptable Christian fiction. If readers enjoy having their mind rather immersed in the element of society that is portrayed in Dark Deception, this is definitely one to read. If readers simply want to brush shoulders a bit with suspense or mystery, then perhaps they would want something a bit milder. I did enjoy Nancy Mehl's writting and the character development was really good. I particularly enjoyed Detective Leon and his wife. I liked Tony Deluca and his penchant for sticking to Kate's situation and going the extra mile. I look forward to more from the pen of Nancy Mehl.

About the book:  
Four years ago, Kate O'Brien and her twin were attacked by a serial killer and only Kate survived. She's been in witness protection ever since her testimony led to a conviction. When new evidence is found suggesting they got the wrong man, Kate is terrified. With a target on her back, can U.S. Marshal Tony DeLuca keep her safe until the new trial begins?

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House a division of Baker House Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and freely given.