Dead Fall - (The Quantico Files) by Nancy Mehl

Nancy Mehl has created an intense thriller filled with danger, adventure, and surprising twists, and she once again weaves a compelling faith message into her story. Dead Fall is an intriguing psychological drama and I recommend it to all who enjoy Christian suspense novels. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts

Wow! This book was an absolute page turner!! Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down! Alex Donovan works for the FBI’s elite Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) and she wants to leave behind the most personal case of her career, wanting to focus on her future at the BAU. But when one of the BAU’s cofounders is discovered dead in his hotel room, they are called to work on the strangest case ever. It’s not clear if Mr. Davis was murdered, or if he committed suicide, he has been stabbed through the heart, after receiving a threatening call from his wife’s number. Then, the second cofounder apparently commits suicide too. Are they really suicides or is there something evil at work behind these deaths? What’s stranger even, if they are not suicides, how can a killer kill his victims from afar, without touching them? Then, things get even more dangerous as members of the team start getting deadly messages, and threats to hurt their loved ones. I was impressed with what they were all capable of doing in order to protect their loved ones! The villain is one of the vilest I’ve ever read of. He’s pretty astute and seems to be always one step ahead of the FBI in his lethal moves. I loved the characters is the story. Alex’s determination and courage, yet her vulnerable and kind heart. And I loved that Kaely Quinn appeared (from the Kaely Quinn Profiler Series). She’s a wonderful character and I loved how she and Alex bonded. She became like the mentor and role model Alex needed. This was a special part in the book, their dialogues, the way Kaely helps Alex. It was inspiring. There’s also a bit of romance, but I think it will progress in the next book. This story was not so focused on romance, more on the case and on the team friendships. Logan and Monty were great characters too. I liked that it had a faith thread about trusting God, and letting Him define your worth, and not be defined by other’s expectations. I also loved how the team worked and searched for clues to discover the criminal. They all were great assets to the team. I don’t want to spoil the story, just to say that it was thrilling and totally captivating. And scary too. The villain felt so real I had to look over my shoulder to see if he was not watching me! It had unique plots and twists, included the way the mystery is resolved at the end! Wow! I definitely recommend it to everyone who loves suspense! You’re in for a wild ride! I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the reappearance of Kaely Quinn (from the Kaely Quinn Profiler Series) in Dead Fall. The main female protagonist is Alex Donovan who is a gifted profiler in the BAU unit. They have the opportunity to work together solving the identity of the villain committing the crimes aimed at FBI profilers. The case is complicated in that the methodology of the criminal is not consistent with that of serial killers. The author has delved deep into the dark to write this story. The action is dark. The spiritual aspect reveals a darkness that the profilers work through as they sift details seeking solutions. And the lives of all the profilers and their teams and their families are at risk. I was surprised, totally, by the ending on two counts. One who the perpetrator was and then there was a very nice other surprise about the case. There is a simple romance. The characters are well drafted and real seeming (though I personally don't know anyone in this line of work by which to gauge realism). I totally enjoyed reading this book two in the series and wonder what Nancy Mehl has planned next in The Quantico Series. I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

3.5 stars "Those in law enforcement pay a heavy price when they constantly look into the dark minds of evil." Unfortunately, the man who penned those words is now dead, police finding the eerily prophetic words written on a note that was presumably slipped underneath the door of John Davis' locked hotel room. Before his fellow behavioral analysts have time to create a viable profile of John's killer, another bizarre death occurs, under similar, yet very different circumstances. Both men had been killed from afar; hands off from their murderer so to speak, with clear indication that more dead bodies should be expected to surface. When the F.B.I.'s highly trained Behavioral Analysis Unit begins to review the cases, two impressive team members unite their skills; Alex Donovan and Kaely Quinn. But will it be enough? Honestly, the ebbs and flows of this book made it a little difficult to rate . . . . . the story line is an interesting combination of cerebral investigative collaboration and a boots-on-the-ground frenzy to the finish line. Refreshing spiritual depth is combined with creepy psycho vibes, but it works. It really does, and suspense fans will be just that . . . . . fans.

This book was an intense and high-octane read, with a plot that was twisted and totally absorbing. When a serial killer finds a way to have his victims die without being there, the action ramps up and the story took off to parts that were unexpected and highly entertaining. The FBI’s BAU team seems to be the ones targeted and even protection inside the academy is not keeping them safe. They know someone on the inside is helping out the killer, but they have to find out who it is before the next person dies. Sound fascinating? It really was! With believable characters who are struggling with their faith and their personal relationships this book had me mesmerized and waiting for the next victim to fall, trying to guess the identity of the next one to die as well as the perpetrator. The author did a stellar job of creating a dark and eerie atmosphere and so much suspense that it made my heart race from beginning to end. This is a romantic suspense, with a little romance and tons of suspense. Fans of this genre will be missing a real treat if they pass up this book! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Author Nancy Mehl has once again proven to be a master at her craft in her brilliant, riveting, chilling new suspense novel, Dead Fall! How she comprises so many twists, turns, and intricate pieces of the puzzle—seamlessly bringing it all together is totally beyond my realm of understanding! I have become so vested in each of these characters—their personal battles, the demons of the past each must fight, their work ethics, and mounting faith—and was especially delighted at the return of agent Kaely Quinn and her unorthodox methods of profiling. No worries if you haven't "met" these agents in previous books since the author does a great job of recapping. Putting their own lives on the line, each work together using their unique, individual talents and skills to help bring a cunning serial killer to justice. Mehl's expertise of the inner workings of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit is second to none and I was right there with them the entire time...going over clues and scraps of evidence, trying to figure out who this maniacal psychopath was. When I finally figured it out, the author pulled a twisty on me, and boy, was I ever wrong! So I gladly retire from my position of armchair sleuth—until Nancy Mehl's next book, that is! ;-) *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own and I received no monetary compensation for this review.*