Night Fall

NIGHT FALL by NANCY MEHL is a nail biting thriller which I guarantee you will not be able to put down! It is also a novel which clearly shows the truth of God's unchanging Word as opposed to the lies in The Book, which are followed by a cult called the Circle.
Alex Donovan was brought up by her eccentric aunt who is a member of the Circle and who used to read her chilling accounts of angels and demons from her copy of The Book. Alex is now a profiler for the FBI and this knowledge from her past helps in trying to prevent the Train Man, Adam Walker, from murdering any more victims and from letting loose a deadly virus.
Both Adam and Alex had stressful childhoods, but, in spite of a germ phobia and PTSD, Alex has made a success of her life. She is not sure what to think about God, though, and asks many questions of her Christian colleague Logan. Will she call on the Lord when she gets in over her head?
It is a great read with a strong plot and some interesting characters. I highly recommend Night Fall for anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Nancy Mehl has done it again, this is a riveting read, and once you start you won't want to put it down, not without answers.
We are given two examples of what happens to us as children, forms us into the adults we become, and it can go either way, good vs evil.
Our girl has chosen good and now a Behavior Analysis, you will cringe at what happened to her as a child, but she has now gifted her talents to the FBI. Now, the evil one has made this one even more personal, and most of mankind is counting on her and others to save them.
There was one person that I had suspicion about, but put in the back of my mind, so it was a wow, when they appeared on the side of the evil one.
As the murder count mounts, will Alex and the other agents succeed in thwarting the destruction that is planned, and will she begin trusting God? Answers come, and we hope they are what we are for good!
This book is part of a new series, and now I can't wait for the next read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Nancy Mehl has quickly become one of my absolute favorite suspense writers. I love her focus on profiling and find it adds a new element to much of the suspense writing out there. In Night Fall, Mehl has written an intriguing story about BAU profiler Alex Donavan as she works to untangle her troubled past from the new case she's been handed. Night Fall also takes a unique approach because we find out who the perpetrator is from the beginning. While that took one element of suspense out of the story, I truly enjoyed getting to really see the perpetrator's process and thoughts as he committed his crimes. And truly, there was a twist at the end that I hadn't seen coming. 

I would say this story has less action than most suspense stories, but it felt much more true to a criminal profiling job than we see on television or in most books. This is the first book I've read with COVID-19 in it, and I hadn't been prepared to read about that in this story. However, it doesn't come into play in such a way as to feel like it's taking over the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I read it in two days and I can't wait to read more about Alex Donavan!

Nancy Mehl is one of my favorite Christian Suspense Authors.  Her newest novel Night Fall is the first book in the Quantico Files Series.  From the very first page I was captivated and couldn't wait to see how it ended.  The pace is steady with plenty of mystery.  This one is a little different as you know who did it from the beginning, but there is still plenty of mystery.

I also love the message that this brings.  It doesn't matter how you were raised,  you can choose to rise above your circumstance or you can fall into the same pattern of those who raised you. It takes a brave and strong woman to be a better person in spite of her circumstances.

Alexandra (Alex) though she was free from her troubled upbringing.  No one knows about her past and that is just the way she likes it.  She is living out her childhood dream of working for the FBI.  She has just become a member of the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit, when the Kansas and Missouri authorities contacts them about bodies found on freight trains traveling across the country--all killed in the same way.

Alex never expected to be forced into confronting her past in her new job, but she immediately recognizes the graffiti messages the killer is leaving on the train cars.  When the BAU sends her to gather information about the messages from her aunt in Wichita, KS, Alex is haunted by the struggles she thought she'd left behind forever.

In a race against time to solve the case while battling her own weaknesses, Alex must face how far she'll go and what she's willing to risk to put a stop to the train killer.  

***Thanks to Bethany House Publishing for providing me with a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.

Okay, I’m presenting you with yet another opportunity to learn from my mistakes! 🤦🏽‍♀️ Do NOT under any circumstances read the first 8 chapters of this book late at night, alone, in the dark!! Unless of course you want to not be able to sleep!😂 

That said, this book is not THAT creepy! It’s just that it starts with introducing you to the bad guy and his weird, disturbing, cultish upbringing. Once you get past the start, the creepy level calms down a bit. It’s slightly creepy, of course, since we’re dealing with a serial killer, but not too bad. I’d place it as very similar to her Kaely Quinn series if you’ve read those. If you haven’t, it’s creepier than your typical romantic suspense, but not as creepy as a Ted Dekker novel...

I loved the unique approach to a suspense storyline. She introduces us to the bad guy straight up and we meet the investigators second. Both we and the investigators know who the bad guy is from the get go - they just need to find him. One would think that might take the suspense out of the storyline - trust me, it does no such thing!! There are definitely still plenty of twists and turns & even some total blindsides for good measure! 

I may have randomly guessed a couple of the big ones, but that I don’t think it was anything about the book or the writing that gave it away. It was just my overactive, well acquainted with suspense brain going ‘what if..?’ And turning out to be correct! 🤦🏽‍♀️😂 haha oops, totally accidentally destroyed a jaw-dropping twist for myself, but oh well... I still enjoyed finding out I was right! Lol! 

I recommend for sure. You’ll definitely like this one if you enjoy romantic suspense, particularly if you enjoy the more psychological and/or lighter on romance end of romantic suspense. 

A massive thank you @bethanyhousefiction and @netgalley for the ARC. I was only required to provide an honest review in return.

This is the first book in the author's Quantico Files series; it focuses on PTSD, cults, and even biological and spiritual warfare

Alex Donovan has finally realized her long-held dream of joining the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit when she is put on a case that throws her right back into a traumatic part of her past she is desperate to forget. However, her connection to the cult and subsequent insight into the inner workings of their suspect's mind are crucial to stopping him before hundreds of thousands - or even millions - of people die.

There are a few twists and turns, and the psychology is interesting. Although I did figure out part of the mystery early on, it didn't spoil anything. I am excited to read the next book in this series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Nancy Mehl does it again!! Her murder mysteries are fantastic and I have read several of her books and series. She’s often uses Christians as the heroes so this book is no different from her others. I enjoy her play between light and dark, reminding us all that we’re in a spiritual  war. I would recommend this book for all ages as it’s clean enough for younger readers. Amazing characters and plot development, I was never bored!

This is a fast paced story about Alex and Logan, two FBI profiling agents who are partners in a race against time to locate a cult member who is murdering people and is set to release a deadly virus that will kill millions of people. The investigation location is Wichita KS and Kansas City, MO. The characters are well developed and the plot is well thought out. It was a nailbiter.

Nancy Mehl never disappoints.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion

“Nightfall” by Nancy Mehl was an excellent read!  I loved the suspense in this book, although it was a little scary at times!  

This book follows FBI agent, Alex Donovan.  Alex had a very rough childhood.  She joined the FBI to run from that childhood.  Now, her childhood is coming back to haunt her as she, along with other agents, tries to solve the “Train Man” mystery.

I highly recommend this book if you enjoy good, clean, suspenseful novels.

I received this book from the publisher for my honest opinion.

I read this book in a day - I could not put it down. The characters were interesting and 3 dimensional which added to my enjoyment of the book. Since this is the first book in the series, it will be interesting to see if the author continues to develop these characters like I suspect she will.

This book was a great read. I will be rushing out to get the next book in the series. I got this one free in exchange for an honest review. This is one I'd be definitely happy spending my money on.

I love the uniqueness of the storyline, how the antagonist came to think of himself as he did showcased Nancy Mehl's ability to write a truly terrifying story that thrills the reader. Night Fall shows that we all have choices, it's what we do with our choices that decide who we become. Adam and Alex are on opposite sides of the battle, though their upbringings were similar, they became distinct individuals, and the good versus evil rang strong and true in this tale. I enjoyed the spiritual nudges throughout the book as the Train Man shows his scorn for Christians and Alex struggles to reconcile a God who she believes has ignored her. Alex's refusal to believe in God and the challenges she faces make her a character you want to get to know, and I can't wait to see what happens next for this FBI BAU agent. It's bound to be a wild ride. I received a copy of this book from the publisher.. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

The best so far! Alex Donovan had one dream growing up to be a member of the FBI's elite Behavior Analysis Unit. She thought she had left her past behind her until a case involving the BAU brings her back to her nightmares. Alex and her team must race against time to find "The Train Man" before he kills again and unleashes a deadly virus. This book is fast paced, full of intrigue and danger. We get to see what the life of a BAU agent is like firsthand. I cannot wait to read book 2 in The Quantico Files.

This is a fast read and fantastic.  I loved getting to know Alex and the rest of the BAU.  I have always loved hearing and watching shows and books that have things that talk about how criminals are caught.  This gets into the thoughts of the killer.  It was interesting to see how other people can get in to strange beliefs.  I did not want to put this book down.  I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Another great read by Nancy Mehl! In fact, I like Alex better than I liked Kaely! One thing I really like about this story is that there's not a lot of romance. Another is there's a good amount of suspense. I like the plot, even if it's a bit disturbing at times. A good book for anyone who likes mystery and suspense without a lot of mushy stuff. ;)
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance e-copy of this book. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Nancy Mehl’s latest thriller is both solidly Christian and somewhat creepy.

Adam Walker and Alex Donovan were raised in very similar situations: broken homes who were committed to following the Book, the basis for a cult known as The Circle. Yet they turned out very differently because of the choices they made during their lives.

God was working in both their lives. Both would hear his voice, but only one would listen. As the plot makes clear: God loves everyone, but each must individually respond to that love.

These themes are explored in a story that takes the reader from Washington DC to Kansas City KS to Ethiopia. The danger is real and the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit will need to work hard to discover the source of the threat and stop it before millions are killed.

Though it picks up many of the ideas that are familiar to those who watch Criminal Minds on TV, the characters are decidedly different. At the same time, the book echoes some of the creepier stories from that show. Unlike the TV show, the book clearly demonstrates God working in the lives of all who put their trust in Him. I give the book 4 stars.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Alex Donavan has learned to leave her past behind. As an elite FBI agent in the Behavioral Analysis Unit, all her dreams have come true. But when authorities in Missouri contact the BAU about a series of murders, Alex’s nightmares come rushing back.

Can Alex and her team get ahead of the Train Man and stop his plot to bring destruction to the world before it’s too late?

Why I Liked this Book

Mehl knows how to suck a reader into suspense faster than a car spinning on black ice. A protagonist with a troubled background, a strange cult, and deep questions about good and evil keep the reader engaged from beginning to end. 

The author also avoids cardboard antagonists and spends time helping the reader understand what drives people to act the way they do. Matters of faith arise naturally, and the protagonist starts off more agnostic than anything else. I’d share this book with anyone who loves good suspense, no matter what their spiritual beliefs. Fans of Carrie Stuart Parks, Lynette Eason, and Colleen Coble will love this book.

When she's assigned this new case Alex is forced to face her own childhood trauma. Things she thought she had under control surface when she's confronted with the house and the cult of her teenage years. This cult, the Circle, has damaged not only the killer. Alex's insight in his way of thinking might be the only chance to stop him.
Aside from the threat to the world the comparison and similarities between "The Book" and the Bible are stunningly brought into the story.
The story is set after Covid 19 and the threat of a deadly virus talks right into our times.
This novel is so excellently written that I'll ignore the logical gap at the end regarding the virus.

This is a Christian romance and shows how a person deals with their past.  This is the first in her Quantico Files series.  This book has cult connections, FBI profilers, and past childhood trauma.  I was surprised by the ending

I'm a huge fan of police procedurals, thrillers, etc. and this was the first time I've read a story with an FBI main character. How did I wait so long? I loved the story. Night Fall had that criminal minds vibe where they're chasing the bad guy and you're seeing a glimpse of his life and it was absolutely chilling. 

I was really intrigued by the cult lifestyle, I always find something so out of the ordinary for me to be fascinating. There was also the perspective of how it effected our main characters life as well as the villain's and shone a light on the good and dark within us and how we choose to let those situations effect us and our lives. 

My only real note was that there was a large religious undertone with I hadn't expected. This was my first read from Nancy Mehl and after a little goodreads research I believe most of her novels have that, which I understand now but personally was a bit off putting going in not knowing that and makes it a bit harder to pinpoint who I would recommend these books to.

I enjoyed this book a lot.  Alexandra is finally fulfilling her dream of being an analyst for the FBI's behavioral analysis unit.  However, her dream quickly becomes a nightmare when she is forced to reenter a world she hoped to never even think about again.  "Alex" reminded me of Kaely Quinn of the "Kaely Quinn Profiler" series in that she seems to have a tenuous hold on her sanity.  Alex is afraid to get help because she doesn't want it to affect her reputation or her work. 

The characters were believable and real.  I especially liked Logan and Alex. They have a good, trusting work relationship that dips into the personal at times.  The suspense and urgency were great. It's a true race against time to stop the world from facing another major crisis.  There are twists and turns, some were easy to spot while others were not.  It was a great read.  I'd highly recommend it. 

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

Am intriguing idea of a cult with a prophecy a man believes he must fulfill. Add in a heroine who has fought hard to overcome her past and a hero who stays by her side and truly sees her and it’s a compelling read for those who like suspense with a hint of romance and a side of faith.

Alexandra "Alex" Donovan has overcome her past and now is a member of the FBI's elite Behavior Analysis Unit.  When bodies all killed in the same way are found on freight trains traveling across the country, the BAU is called in.  Alex immediately recognizes the graffiti message the killer is leaving on the train cars and realizes she will have to confront her past in this new job.

As usual, Nancy Mehl fills her pages with twists, turns, and surprise endings that keep you turning pages until you have finished the book.  Words like haunting, intense, thrilling and chilling all came to mind as I was reading.  Her partner, Logan Heart, was a kind-hearted young man who stood beside Alex as they fought to track down this psychopathic serial killer.  The author's detailed research shows up in her understanding of OCD, PTSD, and anxiety attacks.  The romance plays a very light thread in the background, and it will be interesting to see if it develops further in the series.

I definitely recommend this intense suspense for those who like page turners!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book  from the publisher through NetGalley.  Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Night Fall is an intense story. Alex Donovan works for the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. Her current case is to profile a serial killer, whose cult-like delusions make him dangerous. He’s got a deadly virus in his possession and his ritualistic killings are ramping up. The case brings Alex back to her childhood, where she was raised with the very same ideology of the cult. Logan Hart is her partner, and the two team up to stop the killer. But Alex has to battle with her own demons to get inside the killer’s head.

This book is not for the faint of heart. There are several points of view, including the killer’s. Alex deals with her past which was quite disturbing. Not much in the way of romance, so hopefully there will be more between Alex and Logan in book two. The story is fast-paced and a fantastic suspense novel. Be sure to check it out! 

Overall Rating: 
5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)

Suspense Rating: 
5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)


I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.