There are a number of twists and turns in Deadfall that kept me guessing. I wasn't sure about any of the possible suspects until near the end of the story. I was thinking "wow, where did this person come from?", and I got my answer later on. The crime scenes, the crime lab, the interviews, the timeline... every aspect of the investigation seems authentic.

There is a lot of law enforcement lingo going on and I appreciate it. I should have wikied nearly all the acronyms I had come across while reading, but I just kept reading to see what would happen next. I thought the story was realistic, except for the gruesome homicide which should be in some horror flick instead (which in my opinion, was gruesomely cool to have included it in this story). What made the story entertaining to read are its characters; Kristen really doesn't fit the stereotype of a CSI since she's such a tease, while Detective Philly just doesn't seem like a detective with his one-liners. The characters are believable and well developed. As a reader, you really do hope Mac can solve the case.

I'm not sure what to think about one of the contacts conveniently "coming" to Mac as he was nearly at a dead end, but the investigation picks up and the story makes a lot of sense. If I were a detective, I wouldn't mind some drunkard giving me a lead either. With the last couple of chapters, I was on the edge of whatever I was sitting on while reading. There's a lot happening.

Deadfall is written by Patricia H. Rushford and Harrison James, and it is book #2 of the McAllister Files. Book #3 and #4 should be interesting. I'd read them if I can get my hands on a copy. ( )

Deadfall is as good as Secrets, Lies, and Alibis. It's an easy read and entertaining. If you like detective stories you will like this. If your reading it for suspense, you'll be disappointed. ( )