“Presumed Guilty” by James Scott Bell
Disclaimer: As an Active Christian Media book reviewer, I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan, and have received no further compensation for writing this review.
Pastor Ron Hamilton’s star is rising. His 8,000-strong church is thriving. His good looks and charisma make hima n exceptional speaker on family values. And his book on pornography in the church has become an unexpected bestseller. Everything is perfect.Until a young woman’s body is discovered in a seedy motel room. The woman is a porn star. And all the evidence in the murder points to one man: Ron.
I had never heard of James Scott Bell before reading Presumed Guilty, but I will be purchasing his other books sometime soon, that’s for sure.
When I sat down to read Presumed Guilty, I wasn’t sure what to expect. After reading the back cover, I thought it sounded very interesting and I could not wait to start. I was not disappointed.
It took me two days to read the book, but only because I started very late the first night. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. The plot was very well written and surprises came around every corner.
While the book ended the way I had expected, and hoped, the path getting there did not take the direction I thought it would. I must say that Mr. Bell’s ability to conceal the plotline of his major players was done excellently, and his masterful job of dealing with some very ugly issues, pornography, adultery, physical abuse, and murder was second to none. Everytime I thought one thing was going to happen, something else entirely began to emerge, throwing me for a loop.
I don’t often find murder mysteries that are unpredictable, or that keep my attention past page four, but Presumed Guilty was not only unpredictable, but I could hardly wait to turn every page.
My favorite character, by far, was Jared. His life journey, growing up with God, serving in wartime, losing touch with God, and then finding his way home, was heart wrenching, yet uplifting.
If you’re looking for a good, suspense filled murder mystery, then this is definitely the book for you. I highly recommend it.
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