Lauraine Reads: The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney

It seems so strange to me that schools here in California start in August. In my mind, school starts right after Labor Day, unless you are attending college which usually begins later in September. I guess this is another one of those things that don’t remain the same. I’m finding there are a lot of those, especially as I get older. From what I hear, I’m not the only one experiencing this phenomenon.

So I guess that’s why I chose an older book to review this month: The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney, which was released in 2006. Not old in my mind but it is to the publishing industry. Author Randy D. Singer is a teaching pastor and maintains a law practice, besides writing legal thrillers, all of which he calls his Jekyll and Hyde routine. If you go on his website, http://www.randysinger.net , you’ll find a list of all of his thrillers. Unfortunately you will need to look for The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney under used books, as it has been taken out-of-print.

Oliver Finney is a cancer ridden, spitfire judge who is chosen to defend Christianity in a bizarre reality show, put together by a billionaire who is dying. Other characters defend other religions, each of them suffering some life threatening disease. All is filmed on an island, with the location kept secret and no contact with the outside world. When one of the finalists is suspected of being murdered, Finney uses special codes to communicate with his legal assistant. The codes are revealed in Singer’s other book, The Cross Examination of Jesus, a clever hook that ups the ante in this novel.

Since this was another of those sleep prohibiting thrillers, I was sluggish for a day or so after reaching the end. It was well worth sacrificing a little shut eye and searching for it on a used book website.

I have also read Randy’s Directed Verdict and plan to purchase his other books. A riveting read is a good description for all of his novels. Others have called them, page-turning fiction, a gripping story that makes readers think as well as be entertained. I really like books that do that. Randy’s novels make great candidates for reader’s groups because there is so much possibility for discussion. For example, The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney both raises questions and provides answers to many questions about scripture. Great let’s talk-about topics.

I just finished writing one book and am starting another, due to release next year. The end of September will see To Everything a Season on bookstore shelves, book one in a brand new series called Song of Blessing. And yes, this continues the saga of the Bjorklunds, my town of Blessing and all the other characters who live in this dream town of mine. Readers still ask for more, which also gives me a chance to find out what the Bjorklunds are up to. Perhaps you might do some writing too. How about jotting a note to someone you’ve not heard from in a long time? That’s called “Passing on the Joy,” a continuing campaign of mine. Happy autumn to all and happy reading all year.