Customer Reviews

Mr. Inside: The Adventures of Lost and Found International

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
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I picked up this book, hoping to find Frank in the pages, something to hang on to, of a man that has been a pastor and friend for years. This book made me laugh and cry as I found little Frankisms hidden in the dialogue and verbiage, but what kept me from putting this book down was an amazing story. Fast paced, intriguing and touching, I was hooked by chapter two. Feeling the characters come to life, and wondering what was around the next corner, this story was artfully crafted and woven together. Whether you knew Frank or not, this one of a kind book is well worth your time in reading. This book reflects the heart and mind of a great man, who is greatly missed.

In 1947 in Kenya, twelve years old Gustov Miller and his younger brother Andy watch as a native witchdoctor viciously massacres their turn the other cheek missionary parents. The brutality of that fatal day stays with the siblings who return home to Missouri as orphans. Neither found closure as both struggle for decades with why God allowed their believing parents to be murdered like this. The two siblings not only were no longer best friends as they had been as preadolescents, but drifted apart as each fails to understand and doubt God's plan with Gus becoming a devout atheist.

In spite of being a recluse by the 1970s internationally recognized archaeology and historical anthropology expert Gustov has opened up Lost & Found International. He employs two people, his personal assistant devout Christian Miss Beatrix Peeters and his Mr. Outside field agent James Morrison, who searches for the artifacts that his employer (Mr. Inside) assigns him to find or recover in the case of stolen items. However, thugs invade Gustav's home demanding that he give to them a priceless ancient parchment or else a close associate will die.

This is a fascinating Christian allegorical thriller in which the main player, Gustav has turned from God completely based on his logical mind working out that if the Lord exists why he would allow good people doing good deeds to die in horrific ways. The story line is action-packed from the moment the parents are murdered, but even before that the audience learns much about how Gustav the child thinks when he works out where his friends and brother are hiding in hide and seek. This is a winning tale as Gustav begins to comprehend that if he believes in free will than bad things can happen to good people. Fans will wonder if Gustav and Jim will survive and whether the brothers will reconcile with each other and with God as their hearts are filled with rage, bitterness, and loathing. MR. INSIDE is a metaphysical spiritual tale at its thrilling uplifting best.

Harriet Klausner

I wanted to read this book when I heard the tragic story behind the author's death. Reading this book is like watching an old detective flick. Even the characters' dialogue sounded like it came from an old black and white film. This really intrigued me how Frank James did this.

If you're a film noir lover, you will enjoy this book. Kudos to James for his dedication to his his faith and bringing God's message of love out in the story.

Mr. Inside surprised me more than once.

The novel began with a flashback to main character Gustov Miller's classic and typical preacher kid's childhood including the homey neighborhood and church potlucks. After his parents pursue a new call, one into missions, a horrifying and tragic scene unfolds in Africa sending Miller down a road that was both understandable and sad.

Then began an alternating slap-stick cat and mouse game interjected with character studies and spiritual discussions. Some were well done, others fell into stereotypes and all managed to come together at the end and get tied up neatly. There were a few twists and plenty of quirky characters. Mr. James handled the art of mystery and storytelling very well. He also covers quite a bit of spiritual ground with minimal preaching.

I would like to go back and read An Opened Grave: Sherlock Holmes Investigates His Ultimate Case which received critical acclaim.

Those who love quick reads, plot twists and classic detective style characters might want to check into Mr. Inside.

I loved this book! It's so sad that the series will never be continued, it's so well written! It kept my attention the whole time and was SO Frank!! The way it's written is just so like him, it's like having him here still! I just loved it