Randy Singer Reviews

Page Four

Added March 29, 2008

By Reason of Insanity

Author: Randy Singer
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: May 2008
Genre: Fiction: Christian/Legal/Suspense
Format: Hardcover
Price: $22.99
ISBN-13: 978-1-4143-1633-8
Author Email/Website: http://www.randysinger.net/index.shtml
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Readers won't try to get out of "jury duty" as author Randy Singer presents his most baffling case. Using the rationale and the ambiguity surrounding the insanity plea, a definitive decision seems as elusive as the evidence.

As a journalist, Catherine O'Rourke reported the facts, but when her dreams contained confidential details about an ongoing murder investigation, she quickly becomes a person of interest to the police. The line between her visions and reality blurs, making her wonder if she actually committed the crime under an alternate personality. Quinn Newberg, a lawyer who specialized in the insanity defense was called in, but Catherine's unique situation was beyond his legal expertise. In fact, it was beyond the boundaries of traditional law altogether.

Randy Singer has once again created a riveting legal thriller, leaving the surprising verdict to the last few pages. Centering the novel on the insanity plea gives readers a close up look at the arguments both for and against this type of defense. Catherine O'Rourke's apparent innocence is contrasted with a case that steadily builds against her. Each turn of the page seems to change the direction of the legal proceedings as facts vie against feelings. The inclusion of the supernatural element lends a new tone to the case, as the possibility of her visions is weighed against their actual probability.

Running parallel to the main story line is the legal situation Quinn's sister was facing. Although seemingly separate from Catherine's case, there is a shocking connection that fits purposefully and powerfully.

In a wonderfully creative way, Randy Singer writes himself into a corner with this book. And the only way to get out is straight up. Hold on for the ride, readers!

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Added August 16, 2007

False Witness

Author: Randy Singer
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: May 2007
Genre: Fiction: Christian/Suspense
Format: Trade Paper
Price: $13.99
ISBN-10: 1400073340
ISBN-13: 9781400073344
Author Email/Website: www.randysinger.net
Reviewer: Phillip Tomasso III

A couple of years ago I read my first Randy Singer novel. Dying Declaration. It blew me away. At that moment I was sold, a huge Randy Singer fan. But I worried. What if his other books let me down? Many authors had let me down in the past. Great plots with cheap endings. Weak characters. Recycled storylines. You know what I'm talking about. Let me tell you this, to date not only has Singer never let me down (with his fiction or his non-fiction), he has only gotten better and more intense. His latest novel, False Witness, just might be my all-time favorite Singer thriller ever. (Quite a lead in to the review, right? Believe me, this book is worth the hype).

When a professor and his protégé develop something they refer to as the Abacus Algorithm, they can barely contain their excitement. This "formula" will allow computers to factor huge prime numbers in minutes instead of centuries. They know that whoever posses the Abacus will have the power to secretly control the world since all internet security features operate on factored prime numbers. Cautiously, but admirably, they plan to unveil their discovery in a way that would prevent world domination. However, their innocent plan is quickly shattered when they realize the Chinese Mob is involved and now keeping the Abacus out of dangerous hands becomes the professor's purpose.

When a bounty hunter is contacted about tracking down the professor, he has no choice but to help. To ensure the enlistment of his talented skills they use the art of blackmail. Like it or not, the bounty hunter will stop at nothing to find the professor. And once found, he will give the mob whatever they as long as they give him back what is rightfully his.

When a team of law students represents a couple whose identity in the witness protection program was compromised, they are quickly baptized by fire into their chosen professions. The mob will stop at nothing to get what it wants. With the exact whereabouts of the Abacus still unknown, the young lawyers find that they have to offer up more than mere due diligence for the sake of their clients, instead their very lives are at stake.

The action in False Witness is relentless. The abundant corkscrew twists and turns shake you up, but keep you turning pages. I hate clichés. Hate them. However, I was engrossed from page one until page three-forty-one, and practically read the book in one sitting. Singer amazes me. The story is complex, but written in a way that makes it easy to follow. His characters are detailed, and well crafted. I have nothing but high praise for False Witness. I cannot wait to see what Mr. Singer comes out with next!

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