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Finally! I don’t know about you, but I love the CSI type of stories, the problem-solving, clue gathering kind of mystery. Rushford and James deliver in a big way, giving the action and crime solving I love with an integrity that is often missing in them. Secrets, Lies & Alibis takes us along on the first homicide investigation to which new detective Mac McAllister is assigned–and it’s a doozy. He and his veteran partner, Kevin Bledsoe, have the interesting problem of too many leads and not enough evidence to know which one to follow up. From page one, this narrative grabs you and doesn’t let go until you’re biting your nails in an attempt to figure out whodunnit. To me, the best part about this book is the artful melding of what can often be two very different worlds–the Christian and the secular. These authors manage to present a picture of reality in which shades of gray are often more plentiful than black or white. Our main character, Mac, is one of those shadowy colors. He was raised by women of faith, shared it in his childhood, but fell away when the cruelties of the world snuck in. Unlike a lot of literary characters, Mac doesn’t just turn back to the Lord when it’s convenient for the story. Instead, he struggles much like a real person would do, often embarrassed by his partner’s strong, unabashed beliefs. He portrays the perfect picture of a conscientious man who has some trouble admitting prayer actually helps. What’s more, the entire book carries through with that too-true reality. There are dirty-mouthed men of the world working side by side with Bible-toting men of God, and they maintain peace and even humor through mutual respect. There might be silent head-shaking, but there are no gasps of horror when someone says something they shouldn’t, which I appreciate. After all, we all live in this world, and those who work in law enforcement are probably more accustomed than most of us to the grittier side. I really liked the honesty the authors employed here, making it clear that there is a right and wrong, that the characters know it, but that their role isn’t to condemn, but to help. On a different note, this was one of the most informative books I’ve read in a long time. The attention to detail is amazing and intriguing. Since Mac is new to the job, it allows for explanations for all the practices we laypeople don’t know anything about without sounding like a textbook. The people he works with explain things in basic, demonstrative ways that are easy to follow and incredibly interesting. The jargon isn’t too heavy, but present enough to sound convincing–Rushford and James definitely did their homework. If you get queasy at even the mention of blood, then steer clear; this murder tale is gruesome, but imaginations, unlike eyes, can clean it up for our own comfort, at least. Similarly, if you like your stories to be from a strictly Christian perspective, this won’t cut it. It’s stance is more godly-in-a-godless world, with no wincing away from the stark reality these men of faith face in their hard-core jobs. I say, if you’re not faint of heart, it’s worth reading. Integrity Publisher promises a "Guaranteed Good Read!" and they gave one.
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