*3 stars*
Deadline by Randy Alcorn is a Christian mystery novel, with adequate faith content depicted throughout the story. The overall message of redemption is hopeful; however, the synopsis of the book is a bit misleading in that it promises more of a suspenseful and thrilling plot that is actually depicted as the subtext of the novel. Themes of spiritual conversion, the afterlife, and societal issues such as abortion are the primary focus of the novel.
“those who pursue holiness can find both holiness and happiness, while those who pursue happiness can fine neither” (Deadline).
Main character Jake Woods is a respected newspaper journalist, who is most known for his unapologetic approach to the liberal views presented in his weekly column. Jake has comfortably lived his life with a self-centered attitude, caring little about how his actions affected those around him, including his ex-wife and estranged teenage daughter. However, his life drastically changes when he experiences a tragic event involving his two closest friends, that shatters his worldview and agnostic spiritual beliefs. When Jake discovers foul play was involved in the incident with his friends, he is thrust into a mystery that challenges his liberal views, selfish ambitions, and spiritual convictions.
Having read author Randy Alcorn’s other novel, Safely Home, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I know that he is a fantastic writer. Likewise, in this novel, Alcorn’s writing is enjoyable. However, the thoroughly detailed approach to the writing in this story was excessive. Several pages were devoted to certain scenes in the novel that had nothing to do with the main synopsis of the story. Most of the story focused on the afterlife as well as controversial societal issues. Although initially published in 1994 and with the story set in the early 1990’s, most of the topics discussed such as premarital sex, abortion, and biased media remain relevant today, some 30 years later. While these are interesting topics, the author’s attention to these matters overshadowed the outlined synopsis of the book. This is also a very plot driven novel with not as much emphasis given to character development.
The Christian faith content was phenomenally captured in the story. The power of Christ’s mercy as well as his sovereignty were adequately depicted in the plot. I enjoyed the scenes portraying the afterlife in heaven, although it did at times overshadow the main premise of the story. Ultimately, I appreciate any novel that confidently points to Jesus and the life-altering power of the Gospel. I was just left disappointed in the thrilling aspect of the story.
