No Legal Grounds, by James Scott Bell

Here's the very fun thing about limiting review copies these days. I can FINALLY take the time to read books that friends recommend and loan to me. Hurrah!

One such book was No Legal Grounds, by James Scott Bell which I have had on my shelf for longer than I am willing to admit. (But I was finally able to give it back to the friend who loaned it to me!) That said, it did come down off the shelf at the perfect time because Jonathan and I have recently gotten into the legal drama/comedy/murder mystery series - Castle. (Raise your hand if you are fan! Sometimes gruesome murders aside, the show is written remarkably well and kudos to the other friend who recommended to us in the first place! She was right! We love it.)

No Legal Grounds is a piece of Christian fiction published by Zondervan. I say that because if you are at all familiar with Zondervan, that should leave you with a certain impression which I'm wondering whether or not I should spell out. (I have a certain impression of Zondervan and the laxness which I witness in their "Christian" materials. There. I've sort of spelled it out.) In the case of a legal thriller though, it almost rather suits. I dislike a lot of Christian fiction because it's written poorly, is not very believable, and is just sloppy stuff. I did, however, very much enjoy No Legal Grounds.

This is a legal thriller and kept me in suspense. Because of that, it's open to spoilers if I say too much about it. Instead I'll just tell you that the protagonist is an attorney named Sam who is a relatively new believer with some family struggles as a result of their past. Without warning, a "voice from the past" comes into his present and wrecks havoc with his family.

From the back cover:

"Suddenly Sam faces a danger more real than he ever imagined - danger from someone who will not rest until Sam's life comes crashing down around him. Desperate, Sam seeks protection from the law he's served all his life. But when the threats are turned on his family, and the law seems powerless to protect them, Sam must consider a choice that strikes at the heart of his life and faith - whether to take the law into his own hands."

Content that I would say is most important to be aware of:

Sam's daughter is a seventeen year old on the run from God. She wants to get into the rock music scene, and there are alcohol and drugs involved. Her life is in danger at a certain point as well. If you have a daughter (or one on the way!) this can be mentally and emotionally disturbing in points.

Otherwise, if you take it for a good, fun legal thriller - it is that. If you like either the Monk or Castle television shows, chances are you will like this book as well. It also reminded me of a good Harrison Ford "family-man-protecting-his-loved-ones" flick. Apparently James Scott Bell has written several such books and I think I'd like to read some others. Not any time soon, mind you. But it's good to know of him for when I'm feeling "in the mood" for some legal action that doesn't directly involve or affect me. (smile)