SINS OF THE FATHERS

James Scott Bell

Zondervan

ISBN: 0-310-25330-6 (trade paperback)

April 2005

Inspirational /Legal Thriller

When a thirteen-year-old boy shoots and kills five boys and one adult at a ball game, LA is outraged. They want this boy, Darren DeCinni, tried as an adult and put away forever; many even want the death penalty for him. Families are destroyed and their faith is put to the test.

Into the mist of all this walks Lindy Field, she is asked to represent Darren, but she isn’t sure she can. Lindy is still struggling with the aftermath of a previous case and doesn’t know if she can handle another tough case. She decides to at least talk to the boy and get him through his arraignment, then she’d go from there. She soon finds more going on than what first appears, if she can only piece it all together, she may just be able to get this child, who says God told him to do it, the help he so desperately needs.

LA deputy DA Leon Colby is sure this case is not only a slam dunk, but will also help his bid for district attorney in the next election. All he has to do is win the case, but with Lindy trying to get the boy’s mental state questioned, it’s going to be harder than he first thought. As Lindy looks into the troubled past of a child she must confront her own, as well as face her own questions about God. Leon has his own struggles as well, with a career to think about, a father who is dying, questions about a case that should have none, and a faith he turned away from. They both find themselves not only fighting for justice in court, but also an outside source neither expects. When danger gets close to Lindy, can she overcome her fears and hurt to fight for the life and soul of a thirteen-year-old boy, one everyone else has given up on?

As LA struggles with the pain of loss, will the truth win or will another child be lost to a world tired of child murderers? Can two lawyers find faith and truth mixed in all the lies?

SINS OF THE FATHERS is one of those stories that not only reaches your heart, it touches your soul. Mr. Bell takes a situation that sadly has happened far too often and looks at it from a new viewpoint. What if the child really isn’t responsible for his actions? What if a parent has so distorted the truth a child doesn’t know what’s right or wrong? Those questions as well as ones about how our legal system treats child murderers are asked within the telling of SINS OF THE FATHERS.

While those who have experienced a situation like the one told by Mr. Bell may have a harder time reading this story, I found it to be a rewarding read. Mr. Bell shows how faith can help us through our darkest hour as well as how hate can turn our lives into a greater turmoil. While the inspirational message is there and plays a large part in this story, it does not overpower the suspense. I found the characters to be will defined and the plot engaging. I have to say I didn’t want to put this book down and I found myself hoping to see these characters again in the future.

In SINS OF THE FATHERS we see that sometimes we need to look deeper than surface level to see the full picture and find the truth behind other’s actions. As we watch God have a hand in things we can’t help but wonder why he didn’t stop the event, and we are reminded that he walks beside us and hopefully opens our eyes to see not only the truth but also the way to forgiveness. If you want a book that will at times have you in tears, has a touch of romance, lots of suspense and a wonderful message, then you’ll need to pick up SINS OF THE FATHERS as soon as possible!

 

Reviewed by Wendy Keel

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