I have yet to read something by Jones that wasn't superbly written, and this book based on a true story was no exception. The flavor and feel of the location and period of time that these events occurred in is described with very vivid and illustrious details. Jones has a special way with words that effortlessly transports you to wherever he is describing. I felt like I had a front row seat, not only in the court room for the trial proceedings, but also in the small, stark jail cells occupied by some of the characters. I could hear the distinctive, plaintive squeak of the prison's book cart. I could smell the salty, ocean breeze, hear the gulls cry and feel the stifling heat and sticky, oppressive humidity. The characters were brought to life in a way that made me feel as if they were people I actually knew. I became invested in them to the point of sharing the elation of their triumphs and feeling the depths of their sorrows. It is difficult to expand too much on the plot of this book without being in danger of giving away some of Jones' delightful, trademark twists and splendidly-stunning shockers. But, I personally felt this story was about a journey to self-discovery. I think that it was a portrait in learning what and who is important in life, understanding what love really is and embracing the opportunities of a second chance. I also recognized and appreciated the subtle lesson in faith and trust by which Jones showed how God can mold and shape someone, even through tragedy, and how He is always in control and can see the big picture, even when we cannot. Jones did a magnificent job of blending the facts of the actual case with complementary, fictional elements in order to create a well-rounded, all-encompassing and utterly captivating story experience. If you have never read Jones before, this book is an excellent introduction to his unique and expansive literary talents. If you are debating whether or not to read something written by Jones... take a chance. I don't think that you will be disappointed. In fact, I think that you will be most pleasantly surprised! --Amazon customer Tamara Windsor

The Hand Of God by John Isaac Jones is a story of murder, redemption and the search for God. It is a fictionalized story based on Florida's Chillingworth murders. Bobby Lincoln, a young African American, is the central figure in this tale. The book is beautifully written and very deep. You can't read this book without being influenced by the undertones of religion, God, redemption and forgiveness. However, it is not a religious novel but more a novel about Bobby's search for a deeper meaning of life. Bobby is a lost soul in the beginning of the novel and basically believes there is no meaning to life. As much as he thinks about religion, he can't believe in what's written in the bible and preached about on Sundays. Finding himself in jail charged with murder, he begins reading books that may help him understand what God is, the meaning of life, what his purpose is and how to lead a better life. With the help of Bags, a knowledgeable inmate who delivers books to inmates, he finally realizes he has to change if he's going to find redemption. The character development in this book is wonderful. The reader forms a great understanding of Bobby and Bags as well as all the other characters. I knew there was something special about Bags and his influence on Bobby and it was confirmed at the very end of the book. The story is really well-developed and transitions easily through all the influences and changes in Bobby's life. As Bobby grows as a human being, the story grows with him. It's an easy read that grabs the reader and doesn't let go. As Bobby questions life the reader explores the questions right along with him. I highly recommend this book. It makes you think and question your own beliefs and actions. I was never sure of Bobby's or the authors belief in organized religion until a little wink from Bags at the end. --Seraphim0731 Amazon customer

The Hand of God is a fictionalized tale of true events that happened in Palm Beach in the fifties. I really liked the story and found it interesting on so many levels. First, for the story, second, for the slice of life of Palm Beach in the fifties and third, for the writing. The story is seen through the eyes of one of the characters who happened to be involved in this event almost accidentally. I cannot say too much about the story because I don't want to give any spoilers. It moves along fairly quickly and reaches a point where I was saying to myself, what can possibly happen next? Several serendipitous twists later, I thought, Aaahhh---that was clever! The events are horrific, but not sensationalized. I appreciated that, because there was room, if the author was so inclined, to go into gruesome detail. This is a good book, one I very much enjoyed reading. Jones has done a fine job of mixing fiction with truth, making for an engaging, interesting and satisfying read. I highly recommend The Hand of God and feel sure you will enjoy it also. --Patricia A. Adams Amazon customer

John Isaac Jones is a retired journalist currently living at Merritt Island, Florida. For more than thirty years, John I., as he prefers to be called, was a reporter for media outlets throughout the world. These included local newspapers in his native Alabama, The National Enquirer, News of the World in London, the Sydney Morning Herald, and NBC television. He is the author of six novels, a short story collection and four novellas.