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Reviewed Titles By Reason of Insanity The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney -- Review 1 The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney -- Review 2 The Cross Examination of Jesus Christ False Witness Irreparable Harm The Judge Who Stole Christmas The Justice Game Self-Incrimination	Randy Singer Reviews Page Two Added May 25, 2006 The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney Review 1 Author: Randy Singer Publisher: WaterBrook Press Available At: Bookstores everywhere Publishing Date: March 2006 Genre: Fiction: Christian/Suspense Format: Trade Paper Price: $13.99 ISBN: 1-4000-7166-6 Author Email/Website: www.randysinger.net Reviewer: Joyce Handzo Rating: 9 Gargoyles Don't expect to just read this book; these pages encourage everyone to actively decipher the clues that are found in The Cross Examination of Jesus Christ. Randy Singer has creatively tied the two books together with a secret code that is guaranteed to reveal the truth. Although each book is complete in itself, the interlocking plots pack an intriguing kind of power. Judge Oliver Finney has been chosen to represent Christianity in a reality television show. The world's major religions are represented, and each contestant is literally put on trial for their beliefs. However, someone has an ulterior motive, which places everyone's life in jeopardy. After the contestants are flown to an island paradise, they are cut off from any communication with the outside world while their every move is recorded on camera. The atmosphere quickly disintegrates into one of distrust, as the contestants are forced to play by the demanding rules of the producers. Oliver Finney devises a rescue plan, yet he needs the cooperation of his fellow players. Can these people of different faith join together for the common good? The ingenious use of fiction in a book on apologetics brings the subject to life in amazing ways. While the dialogue in the courtroom setting carefully examines the various beliefs of the major religions, it's the action of the characters that highlight these tenets. Each contestant lives out his professed precepts in a realistic and remarkable manner. Readers will be absolutely astonished at the simple devotion and dedication Oliver Finney has for the words of Christ. Yet, there is also a mystery to be solved. The identity and the hidden motive of the person financing this reality show keep the pages turning. The spotlight of suspicion travels over several of the characters, as subtle hints are dropped. The use of a hidden code, carefully concealed in The Cross Examination of Jesus Christ gives this book a wonderfully interactive feel. Oliver Finney uses this form of communication to reach the outside world in an attempt to get help. As the characters seek to decipher his hidden messages, readers will enter into the spirit of adventure. In fact, the author has even set up a web site for those who would like to tackle some of the more difficult codes that weren't solved in these pages. The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney invites everyone to sit on the jury of a lifetime! Return to top of page. Added May 25, 2006 The Cross Examination of Jesus Christ Author: Randy Singer Publisher: Waterbrook Press Available At: Bookstores everywhere Publishing Date: March 2006 Genre: Nonfiction: Christian Life/Apologetics Format: Hardcover Price: $12.99 ISBN: 1-4000-7167-4 Author Email/Website: www.randysinger.net Reviewer: Joyce Handzo Rating: 9 Gargoyles Randy Singer slices through the rhetoric and gets to the real in this up close and personal look at the trial of Jesus of Nazareth. Keen analytical reasoning, combined with penetrating spiritual insights, provide these pages with crisp and compelling writing. Yet, this is not simply an intellectual pursuit; the author examines several key elements of this case while urging readers to render a verdict. A unique twist is added as the nonfiction segment of the book is framed with fictional accounts by Pilate's legal advisor. The centuries creatively roll back in time to show the trial firsthand, while fast forwarding to a current and more personal application. Scripture passages recount key conversations between Jesus and the religious leaders. The author uses these verses to highlight the evidence while also pointing out the prejudice that steadily mounted against the Lord. This bias continued into His trial, resulting in a miscarriage of justice that paradoxically became part of God's perfect plan. Randy Singer doesn't shy away from some of the more controversial and perplexing topics; he gives insightful commentary on these Bible verses while applying them to the reader's life. This interactive feel makes the book seem more like a conversation than a theology course, and also creates a sense of urgency and expectancy. The words of the author are straightforward and often searing, carefully explaining both the spiritual and the legal aspects of the trial of Jesus Christ. The verdict made by each individual reader will have life-changing and eternal consequences. The Cross Examination of Jesus Christ certainly takes jury duty to a whole new level! Return to top of page. This page was last updated on August 14, 2009 This page and all its contents are Copyright© 2002-2009 In the Library Reviews and the individual reviewers. Except where noted, all graphics are Copyright© Eos Development and are used with permission. All book covers are Copyright© their respective publishers and are used with permission. The In the Library Reviews logo is Copyright© 2002 by In the Library Reviews/Sharyn McGinty. Site maintained by In the Library Reviews.