While Ted Dekker's Sinner is a compelling read, I found the pacing to be uneven. The early chapters were engaging, but the middle portion felt sluggish. 

The ending was a bit rushed and tied up too neatly. Dekker's books typically have a more intricate and satisfying conclusion, so this was a bit disappointing. 

Despite these minor flaws, Showdown is still a worthwhile read. Dekker's exploration of faith and government corruption is thought-provoking and relevant. However, the portrayal of Christianity as a cult-like force and the unclear consequences of the faith-based law raised some concerns. 

Overall, Showdown is a solid addition to Dekker's oeuvre, but it falls short of his best work.