Nancy Mehl always delivers a shivery good read! Dead Fall, the second book in her Quantico Files series, steps it up a notch! The creep-factor is strong with this romantic suspense. The FBI’s BAU is back to uncover what is behind some truly bizarre suicides. Or is is murder? Kaley Quinn, the main character from the first book in the series, shows up, but the novel centers on Alex Donovan who looks up to Kaely as a mentor. The strange technique that Kaley employs intrigues Alex, but it opens up a lot of spiritual issues that Mehl does a good job exploring. The crimes are chilling, especially since they seem very much in the realm of possibility. This book gave me a lot to think about! While the suspense narrative is the main emphasis of the novel, there is a romantic thread. I like when the romance is second to the suspense — this book does it right. 😉 If you are looking for a thrilling novel to keep you up all night, then this one is for you.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults

(Thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy. All opinions are mine alone.) ( )

This new book emphasizes Nancy Mehl's amazing ability to get into the minds of those who are intent on evil, and I was fascinated with the villain that she's created for Dead Fall. This madman is targeting the members of the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit, and it becomes apparent that the murders are being done from afar. Alex Donovan and Logan Hart are back, from the first book of this series, and they're both caught in a frantic race to discover the killer, before they lose more of their team members. Kaely Quinn is also involved, and I'm once again impressed with just how special she really is. I became her fan after reading the Kaely Quinn, Profiler series, and Kaely's own tortured past offers her special insight into Alex's personal issues. She is there to help and encourage Alex, and I loved seeing the friendship that evolves between two women who have each overcome so many obstacles.

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, I thoroughly enjoyed this contemporary suspense book. Although it is second in the Quantico Files series, it is pretty much a stand-alone story. But I must admit, I want to read the first one in the series as soon as possible! The characters are strong and realistic, with their flaws and foibles evident along with their strengths. The plot moved quickly and with several interesting twists and turns. The suspense was great as the author keeps the villain under wraps until the end. I had a hard time putting the book down as I wanted to find out who the bad guy was and how things would end. I also enjoyed catching up with Kaely Quinn from the Kaely Quinn Profiler series. Fast-paced action, a diabolical villain, a couple of FBI behavioral analysts, and a touch of romance are all blended together to bring an intense and entertaining story. I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own. ( )

Title: Dead Fall (The Quantico Files #2)
Author: Nancy Mehl
Pages: 336
Year: 2021
Publisher: Bethany
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Alex Donovan is a member of the elite Behavior Analyst Unit (BAU) of the FBI. Her last case was very personal, so she is ready to put that one behind her and tackle a new case. This new case is trying to decide if their victim, one of the three founding members of the BAU, has committed suicide or was he murdered. The man appears to have stabbed himself through the heart. Then, the second founder of the BAU is watched as he jumps off a cliff. Are these truly suicides, or is there something more sinister at work here? Then, members of Alex’s team become targets.
As the investigation continues, Alex’s boss decides to sequester her 4-person team at an FBI facility. Surely, no one can breach the security here, right? Much time is spent going over and over the same material, presenting differing scenarios or trying to see things in a new light. As the tension mounts, can the team discover the who, what, how and why of exactly what is happening before anyone else dies?
I liked how Alex and Kaely were able to discuss faith with each other and offer support and encouragement. I so enjoyed having Kaely involved in the story! There was a lot of time spent with the BAU sitting around and working on the killer’s profile. There was not the typical amount of action throughout the story that some readers might expect. Instead, the BAU members were shown as real people with personal struggles, questions, frustrations, etc. The time spent on seeing how various members worked together or separately and watching their character grow and change was an interesting change of scope from my perspective. I enjoyed the story with the tension-filled ending and look forward to book three in the series being released in June 2022.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )

Fantastic. This story will keep you guessing almost to the end as to who is the murderer. There were a lot of twists and turns. The characters grow in their knowledge of being BAU analysts and in what they can do with their lives. I cannot wait to see what will come next in this series. This really has you thinking about what people are capable of doing. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House and the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )