The Darwin Conspiracy: The Confessions of Sir Max Busby: A Novel [Paperback]

James Scott Bell (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

First published in 1995, this debut novel of Christy Award-winning author Bell tackles the issue of natural selection vs. creationism vs. intelligent design. Sir Max Busby is a researcher who encourages Darwin and his theory of natural selection, but later has a change of heart. After his death, his housekeeper follows his instructions to give attorney Bell a manuscript correcting his mistake a mistake he realized when the God he defamed spoke to him. An intriguing addition to any collection and an opportunity to replace battered copies.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: B&H Publishing Group (May 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805425004
• ISBN-13: 978-0805425000
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,235,012 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

JAMES SCOTT BELL is a bestselling and award winning suspense writer. He was the fiction columnist for Writer's Digest magazine and has written four popular books for the Writers Digest line: Plot & Structure, Revision & Self-Editing, The Art of War for Writers and Conflict & Suspense. Jim taught writing at Pepperdine University and numerous writers conferences in the United States, Canada and London. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied writing with Raymond Carver. He lives and writes in L.A. He blogs weekly at Kill Zone -- www.killzoneauthors.blogspot.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real appreciation of fiction., April 27, 2006

By 

M. Grieve (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Darwin Conspiracy: The Confessions of Sir Max Busby: A Novel (Paperback)

It is amazing what lengths some readers will go to to criticize an author. Can anyone just read a fictional novel without completely analyzing every detail? I am appalled and insulted by what some reviewers think regarding this book, that a thinking, intelligent person would shy away from this book for good reason. However, wouldn't a truly intelligent person be open minded and appreciate a work of art for what it is regardless of what their PERSONAL RELIGIOUS VIEWS may be. Don't let your religious or non-religous perspective cloud your vision as you read this wild adventurous tale of possibility. The author did a fair amount of research to concoct his tale and it is always interesting to read the possibilities even if they aren't true or support your faith. Take a walk on the wild side as it will only make you more enlightened.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Do I hear shades of Max Busby in some of the anti-reviews?, January 13, 2007

By 

3bells (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Darwin Conspiracy: The Confessions of Sir Max Busby: A Novel (Paperback)

I have enjoyed other works by James Scott Bell but haven't read this before because some of the negative reviews influenced me.

I am a Christian and have read enough on the evolution theory to think that it takes more faith to believe it than it does to believe in Intelligent Design, but that's not why I decided to post this review. Whatever you believe about evolution, the book is a good read -- unless you have an intense agenda of your own. It was far from "second grade writing" as I think one critic suggested. I would probably classify it as part fantasy, part historical fiction.

I read a lot of mystery/suspense/lawyer novels for enjoyment and relaxation -- which is what this book offered me. Sure the author writes from his own beliefs and, yes, he has an agenda. If you look closely, all books, Christian or non Christian reflect the author's world view, even though not always so obviously (and Bell makes no attempt to pretend he doesn't have a viewpoint on the subject).

I have never had to accept an author's world view to enjoy a good book. Dig further into nonfiction works on evolution if it raises questions for you, but unless you are an anti-creationist fanatic you will enjoy this novel. If you believe firmly in evolution it's not likely it will turn your world upside down.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I love this book!, August 20, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Darwin Conspiracy (Paperback)

I love it mainly because it does what Phillip Johnson says it will do: "Darwinists will be outraged." That proves the point of the book - Darwinism is a religion, and nobody gets more upset about finding that religion bogus than the Darwinists themselves! The book does remind me of Vonnegut - only turned on his head. Great Reading