Presumed Guilty
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| Presumed Guilty
Rating: 5 stars (out of five) Author: James Scott Bell Publisher: Zondervan Genre: Fiction (Legal Suspense) |
“My life is marked by contrasts – then and now, light and darkness. Heaven and Hell.” That is the first line of James Scott Bell’s latest book Presumed Guilty. I’ve copied these sentences into a journal where I keep brilliant beginnings, dramatic descriptions, rib-tickling repartee, and enduring endings. I study them in the hopes that one day I too can write compellingly.
I admire the opening lines of Presumed Guilty because they are interesting. They draw you in leaving you wanting to know more. They promise that this book will indeed take you on a journey from the darkness to the light. The hope is that along the way the reader will gain valuable insight helpful to one’s own spiritual expedition. Presumed Guilty definitely delivers.
James Scott Bell is gutsy and so is Presumed Guilty. The plot revolves around Ron Hamilton, the senior minister of a thriving mega-church, who finds himself dealing with mega-problems. He’s been accused of murdering a porn star just as his book on pornography is becoming a bestseller. Ron and his family are either directly or indirectly coping with a number of other issues like alcohol and drug abuse, post-traumatic-stress syndrome, adultery, and spousal abuse as well. It’s fascinating to watch Ron and his wife, Dallas, come to grips with each of these issues. It’s what prompted me to finish this page-turner in a record two days.
It’s good to see realistic Christian characters for a change. People with flaws, pasts, struggles, doubts. A friend who is a Christian counselor remarked recently that she is seeing a lot of young Bible college students in her office that are really struggling with addictions to pornography. The plot line of Presumed Guilty is not that much of a stretch from the real world as it might seem at first glance. Having a Scarlett O’Hara “I’ll think about that tomorrow” attitude won’t help anyone. Tackling the tough issues head-on through Christian fiction (and non-fiction) shows readers there is the light of God’s grace beyond the darkness. That is the overall theme of Presumed Guilty. That’s what makes it gutsy. And, that’s what makes it terrific.
Three years ago my son and I had the pleasure of meeting James Scott Bell. We attended Mt. Hermon’s Christian Writers' Conference in California. A few days prior to our departure for the conference my husband read a very positive review of a James Scott Bell book in National Review. He asked me, "Have you read any of this guy's stuff?” I hadn’t but knew he was going to be teaching at the conference. I pledged to find out more.
Mt. Hermon is one of the largest and best Christian Writers' Conferences in the country. One of the great features is the networking opportunities it offers. Every lunch and dinner conferees have the chance to eat with editors, agents, guest speakers and teachers. It’s a first-come first-served race to your favorite’s table. My son and I dined with James Scott Bell (along with seven others)one meal. We found him to be fascinating, patient, and kind. After all, how many times can you answer the question, “How did you get started in writing?” without falling face-first into your soup.
| My son bought The Darwin Conspiracy at the conference which Mr. Bell signed for him at the autograph session. This is a terrific little book that weaves the evolution debate within the confines of a very unique and interesting story. Sean finished the book in one night and loved it. But, that’s a review for another day. |
| For those of you, like me, who dream of one day graduating to fiction writing James Scott Bell has written an excellent book on the craft entitled Plot and Structure. |
| James Scott Bell is a former trial lawyer. He is also a Christy Award recipient. The Christy Awards recognize excellence in the Christian book market. James Scott Bell was awarded it in 2000 for Final Witness in the Suspense category. |
| He’s nominated this year for Glimpses of Paradise in the Historical Fiction category |
Disclaimer: Presumed Guilty was provided free of charge from Mind and Media in exchange for my honest review. If you are interested in reviewing Christian products, please contact Stacy Harp at Active Christian Media.
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