At this point, I have only finished the first book, and must say it was great! I love Randy Alcorn, his books always make you think. This novel follows journalist Jake Woods through a car accident and the subsequent death of his best friends, one Christian and one...definitely not. As Jake assists in investigating the deaths, his experiences lead to change in his political beliefs and faith and his relationships with his ex-wife and teenage daughter. The book discusses hot and controversial issues such as abortion, sex ed in schools, and gay rights. As a christian, I agree with the views promoted but it may come on a bit strong for someone with the opposite views. Overall, I felt there was an excellent story line and lots of thought provoking discussion of important issues. I'm not sure why its called the Ollie Chandler collection, as the detective Ollie Chandler is a rather supporting character to Jake's. I've begun the second and it appears that it will follow another supporting character, a co-worker of Jake's at the newspaper, Clarence. I assume that there will be some mystery Ollie will be involved in, but either way, I'm looking forward to the last 2 books in the series and would definitely recommend them!

Update: I just today finished Dominion, the second book, and enjoyed it as well. I started out a bit more skeptical, as the story follows Clarence, Jake's co-worker, and I really felt like he was a completely different person from the one we met in Jake's story. By the end, that didn't really matter as much though. I thought the mystery was a bit slower to get going, but it was excellent and had a twist I missed coming! I love that there is some follow-up on characters from the first book, and this story continues with giving one lots to think on as it deals with the hot topic of racism. I really felt that Mr. Alcorn balanced the issue well; it wasn't presented at all as a way to make "white people" feel guilty, but was very thought provoking. Clarence's change is interesting to follow throughout the story. Both books so far have also given the author's interpretation of heaven and hell (definitely is a great emphasis on heaven and only touches on hell). It's so inspiring and interesting to read. I have not read anything yet that I have doubted has a biblical basis, though one must remember that it is the author's idea of what heaven may be like. The final book is in the voice of Ollie Chandler himself and I'm looking forward to seeing what's in his head!

Update 2: excellent third book! The mystery in this was great; lots of twists and intrigue and when you thought it was over, it had barely just begun! This didn't have as much of a hot topic as the other two, but dealt with Ollie's inner struggle as he listens to Clarence and Jake urging him to consider Christ, yet sees so much injustice and suffering in thr world. I appreciated that the author stayed true to Ollie's character and didn't let his journey tuen false and I would definitely recommend this series to mystery lovers and even as a way to reach someone with Christ's story, especially if they are seeking.

Update 2: Excellent final installment to the series. The mystery in this was the best yet and had so many twists and turns! It follows Ollie as he investigates a murder for which he begins suspecting one of his fellow homicide detectives. This one doesn't have so much of a hot topic like the previous books, but follows Ollie's journey as Clarence and Jake witness to him while he struggles with seeing so much injustice and suffering which he sees as contradictory. I appreciated that the author stays real to Ollie's character and doesn't add any unnatural, contrived spiritual revelations.

I would recommend this to any mystery lover and even as a way to share Christ with a book loving, seeking friend! I cried (and laughed) throughout this series, inspired by the lives and faiths of the Christian characters as well as the peek at the author's idea of heaven and the joy that awaits us there!

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.