The Justice Game (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Christy Award–winning novelist and lawyer Singer (Directed Verdict) lets the action sprint out of the gate with a murder in the first few pages. With murderer and victim dead, the moral issue of gun control takes center stage in the book, with a number of side dilemmas. The opposing counsels in the gun control case are young, ambitious lawyers, and both have hidden sins that could sink their careers. A law firm that both worked for further complicates the action. Singer piles the moral and plot complexities a bit too high; the backstories of main characters Jason Noble and Kelly Starling are relevant, but the tangled relationship between Jason and his cop father bogs down the action. The legal-thriller genre lends itself to the pattern of conversion that evangelical Christian novels require, and Singer offers logical character developments that aren't heavy-handed. The only stock feature in this well-plotted novel is the generic, fakey-sounding names (Brad Carson, Kelly Starling). But that's a quibble about a book that will entertain readers and make them think—what more can one ask? (July)
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Review

“At the center of the heart-pounding action are the moral dilemmas that have become Singer’s stock-in-trade. . . . An exciting thriller.”
Booklist on By Reason of Insanity

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Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (June 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414316348
• ISBN-13: 978-1414316345
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #38,531 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #72 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Literature & Fiction > Mystery
  #89 in	Books > Mystery & Thrillers > Thrillers > Legal

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ...a rich reading experience..., July 4, 2009

By	C.J. Darlington "TitleTrakk.com Co-founder & ... - See all my reviews

Based on a real-life case attorney Randy Singer tried ten years ago, The Justice Game artfully portrays both sides of the gun rights debate. Interestingly, Singer didn't set out to convert anyone. He told me, "I wanted to write a book so balanced that both sides would look at it and say, `That fairly represents our case.'"

The Justice Game opens in TV news reporter Rachel Crawford's point of view. A crazed gunman named Larry Jamison, the subject of a scathing news report, barges into the studio and shoots Rachel dead. The crime is clearly caught on film, but it's not the killer who ends up in court during The Justice Game. Rachel's grieving husband sues the manufacturer of Jamison's assault weapon for her wrongful death. He believes they are responsible since they knew the gun store who sold the weapon was known for illegal straw sales.

But this story isn't about Rachel as much as it's about young and ambitious defense attorney Jason Noble and up-and-coming prosecutor Kelly Starling. Both believe in their clients. Both are on top of their games. And both have pasts worthy of blackmail. Mix in the intriguing concept of a cutting edge company who predicts the outcome of trials for financial gain using shadow juries, and you have a true Randy Singer plot--full of delightful twists and turns you never saw coming.

Pay careful attention during the beginning chapters. Because so many of these concepts are unfamiliar, and many key players aren't introduced until later in the story, there's the potential for confusion. But there's also a great glimpse into the fascinating aspects of shadow juries and we come to understand why gun control is such a visceral issue to so many. At times you'll find yourself nodding in agreement with the defense as they present their case; then you'll empathize with the prosecution as they present theirs. Which just goes to show Singer has succeeded in what he set out to write--a novel that evenly presented both sides.

The Justice Game doesn't feel like an issue novel. We're never pounded over the head with its message. Instead, we're subtly led to our own conclusions as we examine the facts. Should a gun manufacturer be held responsible for a crime committed with one of their guns?

Before Singer finished writing The Justice Game a four minute interactive promotional video was created that presented the closing arguments of his fictional case. Then readers were asked to cast their vote on the verdict, and that would become the ending of the book. Their decision would be final. According to Randy the side that started out ahead stayed ahead.

Randy singer is one of the best Christian legal thriller writers out there in the purest sense. His complex plot spins and colorful, realistic characters combine to bring us a rich reading experience in The Justice Game.

--Reviewed by C.J. Darlington for TitleTrakk

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, July 7, 2009

By	Mark A. Buzard (Lisbon, Ohio) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This may be Randy Singer's best book yet. Inspired by true events, though story line is different. The author did something unique. He had his readers vote on the verdict on his website, and went with the majority.
A young pregnant woman is killed with an illegally-purchased gun. The grieving husband sues the gun manufacturer, claiming they knew the gun store sold guns illegally.

I am all for the second amendment and against gun control, but the author did such a tremendous job of showing both sides, I didn't know how I wanted the verdict to come out. I felt for the grieving husband, but yet, was it right to sue the gun manufacturer? To add to the mix, the lawyers for both sides were likable in their own way.

There were some unexpected twists and turns. Blackmail of both lawyers, a kidnapping, and attempted murder. Want to know who wins? Read the book.
:-)
If you like John Grisham, check out Randy Singer, especially his new book. He gives Grisham a run for his money, and there is no cursing.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Personal Story, July 2, 2009

By	Jake Chism "www.FictionAddict.com" (Krum, TX USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

After a tragic shooting on the set of a television news station, two lawyers from two different worlds go head to head to try a gun control case with long lasting implications. While both Jason Noble and Kelly Starling hold nothing back in their quest for justice, it seems outside influences will stop at nothing to get their verdict. Both Jason and Kelly must find a way to try a fair case in the midst of deception, conspiracy, and the public eye.

With The Justice Game, Randy Singer wasn't content to just write another compelling legal thriller. This time around he decided to let his fans decided the verdict in an online poll taken months before publication. An author who lets his fans determine the outcome of his novel? Surely Singer has lost his mind. Well, not only has Randy Singer not lost his mind, but he has given his fans one of his most riveting novels to date.

Singer is always at the top of his game with his ability to throw large chunks of information at his audience while somehow making each line interesting and relevant. Gun control has and always will be a hot topic in our society and Singer gives both sides of the argument equal screen time. The characters of Jason Noble and Kelly Starling are masterfully crafted helping the reader see the issue impartially through their eyes. It's not often that you find a legal thriller where you like both the defense and the prosecution, but Singer uses this storytelling device effectively with strong character back story throughout.

In case the gun control issue isn't enough of a catalyst for a strong story, Singer introduces us to the shady and elusive company, Justice Inc. To give too much detail would spoil the story, but let's just say that Randy Singer has potentially thrown a major wrench into the Justice system with the creation of this fictional company. We can only hope that companies like this remain in the realm of make believe. As frightening as the implications are, Justice Inc. adds another welcome level of depth to this story.

The Justice Game is different from Randy Singer's earlier novels because of the personal nature of this story. Early in his own career, Singer tried a very similar case after a young man gunned down a teacher at the school Randy's kids attended. Thankfully they were not in attendance that day. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Randy Singer in this brave endeavor to tackle difficult subject matter while entertaining at the highest level.