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Final Witness
Rachel Ybarra, working her way through law school as a paralegal, is hired by the United States Attorney's Office in downtown Los Angeles, just as an indictment is handed down against Jaraslov Supevsky. Supevsky is suspected of being Russian Mafia and ordering the brutal hit of a rival. The head of the criminal division, Alan Lakewood, appoints Rachel his main legal assistant for the trial.
But when the government's star witness, a man being protected by the FBI, ends up dead, more questions than answers emerge. Rachel is drawn further into a web of danger and intrigue when a notorious, invisible assassin begins to make his presence felt. It becomes clear that this is more than a legal battle. It is a spiritual battle against the forces of darkness, challenging Rachel's Christian faith and putting her life on the line.
Will the government's case against Supevsky survive? Will Rachel? Who will be the final witness for the truth?
684 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
1105 people are currently reading
712 people want to read
About the author
James Scott Bell
132 books1,032 followersJim is a former trial lawyer who now writes and speaks full time. He is the bestselling author of Try Dying, No Legal Grounds, Presumed Guilty, Glimpses of Paradise, Breach of Promise and several other thrillers. He is a winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Inspirational Fiction, and was a fiction columnist for Writers Digest magazine. He has written two books in the Writers' Digest series, Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure and Revision & Self-Editing.
Jim has taught writing at Pepperdine University and numerous writers conferences. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied writing with Raymond Carver.
Series:
* Shannon Saga (with Tracie Peterson)
* The Trials of Kit Shannon
* Ty Buchanan
Jim has taught writing at Pepperdine University and numerous writers conferences. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied writing with Raymond Carver.
Series:
* Shannon Saga (with Tracie Peterson)
* The Trials of Kit Shannon
* Ty Buchanan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
May 29, 2024
Seldom am I as irritated throughout as with this story. The religion input drags it down significantly. So much so that I should give only 1 star.
October 9, 2021
I have read close to 20 books by James Scott Bell and enjoyed everyone one of them (particularly the Mike Romeo series) until now. Although Bell's talent as a writer often shines through, the book is a mess. Every single character, including the heroine, the hero, and the villain(s) are all nitwits. The plot centers on an organized crime murder trial. The Assistant United States Attorney handling the case (I assume he is an Assistant--no United States Attorney can be that dumb), decides that he is going to try the case with the sole assistance of a second year law student working as a paralegal (the nitwit heroine) who is constantly distracted by what only can be described as a middle school crush she has with an FBI agent (the nitwit hero). The plot is full of holes and unresolved issues. Technically the book is also a mess. The Kindle edition has scores of typos. The novel was apparently first published in 1999 but seems to have revised in 2014. As a result--and this is only one example of the inconsistencies-- in the first half of the book, the characters are always looking for pay phones to make a call, but later on they have cell phones--sometimes. Nevertheless, I will still remain a fan of Bell--everyone is entitled to one dud.
April 8, 2020
The Final Witness is not bad but too slow and too steady pace there's no climax (in my opinion). It's a mob on trial and an assassin and a witness story...same old same old. Nothing twisty or surprise for me, too predictable. I thought it would be a legal thriller where the fight is in a courtroom but mostly it's the behind the scene work, outside the courtroom.
I also didn't like that there is too much unnecessary Christianity and God element in the plot. I mean I don't mind belief or faith in any religion in the story as long as it serves something to the story or plot. I guess I prefer something more drama and more serious.
I also didn't like that there is too much unnecessary Christianity and God element in the plot. I mean I don't mind belief or faith in any religion in the story as long as it serves something to the story or plot. I guess I prefer something more drama and more serious.
April 13, 2019
Pleasantly surprised
A plot with substance and ability to hold readers interest. Christian theme that won’t browbeat anyone. Thoroughly enjoyed this novel and recommend it highly. I’m on to the next in this series...
A plot with substance and ability to hold readers interest. Christian theme that won’t browbeat anyone. Thoroughly enjoyed this novel and recommend it highly. I’m on to the next in this series...
July 9, 2017
Finished reading this last night. So drawn into the story that I'm feeling relieved now, as life can return to normal. The chill has finally left my back! Whew! James Scott Bell is not only the best writer of thrillers, but also the finest Christian author of fiction. What's that about 'Christian author of fiction?' Mr. Bell writes about Christians facing hideous challenges in a way which realistically describes how Christians think (when at their best) as they draw upon their faith and pray for help when everything is going very wrong. He is able to do this is a non-preachy way while giving much more depth to his characters in the bargain. His characterizations in this novel, as in all of his I've read, are masterful. His pacing is breathtaking. The plot is absolutely believable and feels like it was covered recently in the Los Angeles Times. The topic is one which contributes to our nation's angst and sense of dread at this moment (yet it is timeless). I don't know Mr. Bell personally, but I've taken some of his classes on writing, read some of his books on the craft, and salute him for this story.
February 28, 2025
Enjoyed this crime/suspense/courtroom novel . . . which is also Christian fiction. It is one of the best - if not THE very best - book of this genre I have read.
The crime/suspense aspect kept me turning the pages and kinda' looking over my shoulder the whole time. The bad guys were creepy, scary, unpredictable.
The spiritual aspect was well done also. A theme I found interesting was the power of speaking Scripture from the vantage point of a faith relationship with God.
To my mind, the depiction of the criminal defense attorney was not entirely believable, but overall this was an engaging and suspenseful tale. Rounding up from 4.5 stars for this review.
The crime/suspense aspect kept me turning the pages and kinda' looking over my shoulder the whole time. The bad guys were creepy, scary, unpredictable.
The spiritual aspect was well done also. A theme I found interesting was the power of speaking Scripture from the vantage point of a faith relationship with God.
To my mind, the depiction of the criminal defense attorney was not entirely believable, but overall this was an engaging and suspenseful tale. Rounding up from 4.5 stars for this review.
September 6, 2018
My kind of book!
I would love to give this more than a 10. It is one of the best thriller books I've read in a very long time. It is a pleasure to be able to read a heart stopping book that is clean! No bad language. No sex. Just a fantastic edge of your seat story. I love how the author weaves Christianity throughout the whole book without being "preachy". Faith in Jesus comes across perfectly. There was some violence, but certainly not gruesome, and added to the storyline very tastefully. I did see a few minor editing errors but it did not distract from the book. I will be reading more of this author soon.
I would love to give this more than a 10. It is one of the best thriller books I've read in a very long time. It is a pleasure to be able to read a heart stopping book that is clean! No bad language. No sex. Just a fantastic edge of your seat story. I love how the author weaves Christianity throughout the whole book without being "preachy". Faith in Jesus comes across perfectly. There was some violence, but certainly not gruesome, and added to the storyline very tastefully. I did see a few minor editing errors but it did not distract from the book. I will be reading more of this author soon.
January 7, 2015
Great Story
As good a book as any of those written by top selling Amazon authors. You should like it too. Th it.
As good a book as any of those written by top selling Amazon authors. You should like it too. Th it.
May 15, 2018
I was quite surprised to find Final Witness on Kindle Unlimited. It is an award winning novel, after all. That being the case, I had high expectations.
Overall, the story is good. The main characters show real struggles. Point of view and voice are handled well enough that you can discern each character's point of view by the language and thought processes presented. So, this book is definitely a step above much of the Christian fiction one finds through Kindle Unlimited.
What threw me with this novel is that articles are sometimes missing. Once "new" was in the place of "news" and a "he" was where "she" should have been. The book did not seem to be very well edited, which led me to wonder if the version of the story uploaded for Kindle was not the final copy sent to print. I don't know whether that is the case, but I hope something like that is what happened.
There were two scenes with glaring errors. The new externs go to work on Monday. They have orientation. After work several of them go out to eat for an informal debrief and have a Friday night restaurant crowd. Shortly thereafter, it is commented that it is still Monday. Something like that should have been caught, especially in award-winning fiction. Later, a description of organized crime suddenly shifts to describing Russian organized crime, but there is no segue that shows the topic has shift to be that specific. The reader is just suddenly reading about Russia without realizing there has been a shift. Again, something that should have been caught in editing. And, I hope this is due to an incorrect draft being uploaded for Kindle readers.
The story is pretty good, but I can't really say that it contained surprises. Legal fiction isn't really my preferred genre, so that may have influenced my feelings toward the overall story.
Overall, the story is good. The main characters show real struggles. Point of view and voice are handled well enough that you can discern each character's point of view by the language and thought processes presented. So, this book is definitely a step above much of the Christian fiction one finds through Kindle Unlimited.
What threw me with this novel is that articles are sometimes missing. Once "new" was in the place of "news" and a "he" was where "she" should have been. The book did not seem to be very well edited, which led me to wonder if the version of the story uploaded for Kindle was not the final copy sent to print. I don't know whether that is the case, but I hope something like that is what happened.
There were two scenes with glaring errors. The new externs go to work on Monday. They have orientation. After work several of them go out to eat for an informal debrief and have a Friday night restaurant crowd. Shortly thereafter, it is commented that it is still Monday. Something like that should have been caught, especially in award-winning fiction. Later, a description of organized crime suddenly shifts to describing Russian organized crime, but there is no segue that shows the topic has shift to be that specific. The reader is just suddenly reading about Russia without realizing there has been a shift. Again, something that should have been caught in editing. And, I hope this is due to an incorrect draft being uploaded for Kindle readers.
The story is pretty good, but I can't really say that it contained surprises. Legal fiction isn't really my preferred genre, so that may have influenced my feelings toward the overall story.
August 26, 2019
Rachel Ybarra works as a paralegal with a lawyer in the prosecution of a member of the Russian mafia. When the main witness dies, apparently by suicide, they work with another witness who is reluctant to testify. Rachel is asked to work with this witness to make her comfortable about testifying. In the process Rachel shares her faith and in doing so, compromises her relationship with the witness. This endangers the case. The suspense is high in this book and in the end shares an interesting twist to the plot when you find out who the final witness is.
I really enjoyed this very suspenseful story. This book was distinctively Christian and Rachel acted according to an ethically high standard. However, the author seems to include baptism as a necessary part of salvation.
I really enjoyed this very suspenseful story. This book was distinctively Christian and Rachel acted according to an ethically high standard. However, the author seems to include baptism as a necessary part of salvation.
May 24, 2023
This is my first book by this author so I'm not familiar with their work. However, not in a million years did I think I'd pick up a legal "thriller" and be proselytized to throughout the entirety of it. I decided to ignore that and push through with finishing it.
I finished but did not enjoy it. I thought the storyline was amateurish and didn't come together well at all. Authors treating marijuana use like it's the equivalent to crack is utterly ridiculous and shows a lack of even a minute amount of research. The main character was insufferable and not believable as a law student/paralegal. This book just wasn't it at all.
I finished but did not enjoy it. I thought the storyline was amateurish and didn't come together well at all. Authors treating marijuana use like it's the equivalent to crack is utterly ridiculous and shows a lack of even a minute amount of research. The main character was insufferable and not believable as a law student/paralegal. This book just wasn't it at all.
July 20, 2018
Everything you want in a crime thriller!
Just wow! Rachel Ybarra gets the chance of a lifetime...an intern position in the U.S. Attorney's Office. Unknown to her, the trouble is just beginning when she's chosen to assist on a case to attempt to convict a ruthless man in the Russian Mafia. Her family and friends face danger, but none like she faces herself, and her dependence on God is only strengthened through it all. I would have given this book a five star rating except for the literary errors, which I personally find distracting.
Just wow! Rachel Ybarra gets the chance of a lifetime...an intern position in the U.S. Attorney's Office. Unknown to her, the trouble is just beginning when she's chosen to assist on a case to attempt to convict a ruthless man in the Russian Mafia. Her family and friends face danger, but none like she faces herself, and her dependence on God is only strengthened through it all. I would have given this book a five star rating except for the literary errors, which I personally find distracting.
October 23, 2018
Amazing
Wow! This book was amazing! This is the first book I've read by this author and I am hooked. I don't usually read thrillers because most are dark and use bad language. But not only was this book clean, it had a strong Christian influence that I enjoyed and respected. The plot was detailed and well written with so much suspense and included many twists and turns. The characters were believable and endearing and I easily became invested in the outcome of their stories. I would definitely recommend this book!
Wow! This book was amazing! This is the first book I've read by this author and I am hooked. I don't usually read thrillers because most are dark and use bad language. But not only was this book clean, it had a strong Christian influence that I enjoyed and respected. The plot was detailed and well written with so much suspense and included many twists and turns. The characters were believable and endearing and I easily became invested in the outcome of their stories. I would definitely recommend this book!
April 9, 2019
Absolutely loved it. Had courtroom drama, the Russian Mafia boss on trial, the hit man threatening the law clerk, Rachel, to get information for the defense team, a mole in the US Attorney's office, and Rachel and the good cop Jeff falling in love as they try to stay one stop ahead of the hit man. I couldn't put it down because the author did a great job in making twists and turns to the story and the suspense was intense. Never figured out how it was going to end so that even made it better.
April 14, 2019
Very entertaining. A law school student is the center of attention in this book, which includes the FBI, the Russian mob, the Feds, a murder, a few escape attempts, kidnappings, threats against grandma, Dui's, a former porn star- girlfriend- junkie, God and beliefs, and a very egotistical competent crooked defense attorney. I might have left out a few things, but I'm not going into any details. Read it and enjoy.
April 6, 2021
This was a great book. I decided to change genres from historical romance to suspense/thriller. I wonder if I'll be able to top this one in the "clean"/Christian category, which is what I want to read. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was excellent. With the exception of the last 5 minutes of the story (the wrap-up), it was suspenseful and kept me on edge throughout the entire book. Highly recommend.
January 6, 2025
Rachel Ybarra is a young law clerk who has been assigned to be the researcher for a Russian Mafia killing. The first witness died suddenly and she is sent to interview another possible witness. When she returns, she is contacted by the hitman to the effect that if she does not reveal information about the case that the defense can use, her grandmother and maybe Rachel herself will be killed. The story explores how she can refuse him with the help of the FBI, her pastor, and even the Word of God. The 2nd witness is discredited but there is another witness that appears.
September 9, 2017
A very intense legal story.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it won't be the last. It is not always easy to read stories based on any part of organized crime. We know it is out there but don't want to think about. The gave me an insight in that life and I have learned that it is a real problem we should be asking God for help in changing that world.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it won't be the last. It is not always easy to read stories based on any part of organized crime. We know it is out there but don't want to think about. The gave me an insight in that life and I have learned that it is a real problem we should be asking God for help in changing that world.
October 15, 2017
One of his best
I am sort of bingeing Bells' books lately, and feel this is one of the best to date. The story follows Rachel Ybarra, a law school student who has her chance sort of interning in the federal court. As always there is a lot of action and intriguing twists and turns and fantastic characters.
You wont regret reading this and other books by this author.
I am sort of bingeing Bells' books lately, and feel this is one of the best to date. The story follows Rachel Ybarra, a law school student who has her chance sort of interning in the federal court. As always there is a lot of action and intriguing twists and turns and fantastic characters.
You wont regret reading this and other books by this author.
July 23, 2018
Rachel gets the intern job at the attorneys office. The case she is to work on, could have consequences for her friends and her. You don’t mess with the mafia, drugs, as her brother is into drugs, and won’t come home. Will her faith, be ought for the task of assisting on this case. Good legal thriller as Bell knows how to write them.
July 25, 2018
Mr Bell has written an outstanding book.
The development of characters was easy to read. The legal background did not founder. And, most importantly, the story of a 3rd year law extern's work ethic and Christian beliefs were tightly written. I seldom critique an author with such plaudits but Mr. Bell has written a sterling novel. Well and masterfully done! Read this book.
The development of characters was easy to read. The legal background did not founder. And, most importantly, the story of a 3rd year law extern's work ethic and Christian beliefs were tightly written. I seldom critique an author with such plaudits but Mr. Bell has written a sterling novel. Well and masterfully done! Read this book.
July 28, 2018
Riveting read
Bell writes a compelling legal thriller, incorporating faith, the Russian mafia and courtroom drama. His articulate description of characters enabled me to visualize the drama played out. On occasion, I will forego sleep to keep on reading, and this was definitely one of those occasions. I will be looking forward to reading more books by this author
Bell writes a compelling legal thriller, incorporating faith, the Russian mafia and courtroom drama. His articulate description of characters enabled me to visualize the drama played out. On occasion, I will forego sleep to keep on reading, and this was definitely one of those occasions. I will be looking forward to reading more books by this author
January 3, 2019
I give very few books 5 stars, but this book was great! I was on the edge of my seat most of the time as I got into the first few chapters. I had forgotten what a good thriller writer James Bell is--and he's a Christian so he has no need to use foul language or gore to get your adrenalin up! He is as good as well-known authors like John Grisham and Patterson. This book was about the Russian Mafia which is apparently present in the US. What happens when they want something you have?? It doesn't bode happy days for some. Recommended book!
April 16, 2019
A REAL THRILLER
A well written plot that should appeal to a broad audience of readers - and of any religious persuasion. Christianity was woven into the story line very effectively and it is a delight to read a real thriller absent references to erotic sex and coarse language. The world needs more books like this one! A real page turner!!
A well written plot that should appeal to a broad audience of readers - and of any religious persuasion. Christianity was woven into the story line very effectively and it is a delight to read a real thriller absent references to erotic sex and coarse language. The world needs more books like this one! A real page turner!!
May 27, 2019
A Cool Read!
From start to finish, a well-crafted story. I have not read a book combining fiction and faith that holds one’s attention, that remains free of “preachiness” like this book. I highly recommend this for those who are fans of John Grisham. Five stars because I did not want to put it down!
From start to finish, a well-crafted story. I have not read a book combining fiction and faith that holds one’s attention, that remains free of “preachiness” like this book. I highly recommend this for those who are fans of John Grisham. Five stars because I did not want to put it down!
June 14, 2019
Best book I have read in years.
I chose a 5 star rating because it was that good. Kept me on edge of my seat until the end. A mystery filled with evil, love of family and Christianity. A strong story. Filled with strong characters and a surprises ending. Hated to see this story end. Try it. You will love it too.
I chose a 5 star rating because it was that good. Kept me on edge of my seat until the end. A mystery filled with evil, love of family and Christianity. A strong story. Filled with strong characters and a surprises ending. Hated to see this story end. Try it. You will love it too.
June 12, 2020
Quit halfway through. I thought I was getting a good courtroom book but it was an espionage book of which I am not a fan. Had a lot of time invested in this book but couldn't keep reading. Like many books in this genre, the characters are pretty dim witted. I am sure they get a lot smarter in the end but I won't be there with them.
October 28, 2020
Full of suspense
This is the first work I have read by James Scott Bell but it will not be the last. Really enjoyed the development of the characters as well as the way he wove in our justice system and trust in God. If you enjoy good, wholesome novels packed with action, this book is for you.
This is the first work I have read by James Scott Bell but it will not be the last. Really enjoyed the development of the characters as well as the way he wove in our justice system and trust in God. If you enjoy good, wholesome novels packed with action, this book is for you.
April 11, 2022
This complex mystery kept me reading to the end. It had plenty of twists and turns--and was well written. The character-driven plot brought me into the story right away. I liked how realistic the court scenes (and private scenes with the judge) were ... all a tribute to the writer's background. All in all, a satisfying read.
October 12, 2023
Faith and fury in the same book
Good look at the price one has to pay as a believer in today's society. Nicely interwoven into the storyline, faith is integral to the plot. This book moves right along with action and drama in every chapter. James Scott Bell does an excellent job of getting readers to understand and relate to his characters. I am a fan of his other works as well.
Good look at the price one has to pay as a believer in today's society. Nicely interwoven into the storyline, faith is integral to the plot. This book moves right along with action and drama in every chapter. James Scott Bell does an excellent job of getting readers to understand and relate to his characters. I am a fan of his other works as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews