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The Trials of Kit Shannon #5
A Higher Justice
Book 2 of The Trials of Kit Shannon. Kit Shannon takes on the case of a woman whose young son is tragically killed on a turn-of-the-century Los Angeles trolley. She soon finds herself up against a powerful coalition of railroad men and politicians--all of whom seem to have something to hide. In her attempt to unravel the secret, Kitbs suspicions may blow the lid off a conspiracy of corruption. Unwilling to compromise her belief in justice, Kitbs very life is at risk. Powerful people will stop at nothing to keep her from finding out the truth.
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2003
93 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
James Scott Bell
132 books1,036 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 34 reviews
May 28, 2019
.
Is Mousy Malloy doomed or can Kit save her?
This installment is a legal conundrum involving two cases that may or may not be connected . . . Without a doubt, there are secrets, mystery, and a possible murder. Kit Morgan needs to dig deep to determine the truth about the cases she is currently working on. She possesses a sharp and bright mind, and determination most men did not have in her day and time, which ultimately ided in the progress of her accomplishments that lead to her success.
Was the death of little Sammy Franklin an accident? Or could it have been avoided?
This volume again portrayed how basic rights were non-existent. It clearly depicts how dramatically the legal field has changed. The elite in the social ladder that continuously ruled with prejudice and hatred seems so completely contrary to nature, reason, or common sense, it was absolutely absurd, senseless, and utterly foolish.
I was beyond thrilled when she tenaciously overcame obstacles that obstructed or hindered her progress. The demonstration of her duty to help others, based on her faith in God, was awe-inspiring and magnificent.
I found myself cheering for the courageous heroine, who was almost always looked down upon because she was a woman, working in a man's world, trying to fight legal battles for those less fortunate that had been under the stronghold of the legal system. I am estatic that I did not live in that era.
This series provides compelling entertainment, accurate historical facts, and spotlights many injustices of the times, and detailed courtroom drama, based in the early 1900s in California. It a time of great changes in the world, many positive and some negative. Fascinating things were happening, which allowed Kit Shannon, a female, to actually stand up for those who needed legal assistance, which had blatantly been a men's world up to that point. This legal thriller follows suit with the other installments previously published in this series, with very strong and engaging characters.
This book is able to stand on its own, it is clean, and there is a prevalent H.E.A.
Is Mousy Malloy doomed or can Kit save her?
This installment is a legal conundrum involving two cases that may or may not be connected . . . Without a doubt, there are secrets, mystery, and a possible murder. Kit Morgan needs to dig deep to determine the truth about the cases she is currently working on. She possesses a sharp and bright mind, and determination most men did not have in her day and time, which ultimately ided in the progress of her accomplishments that lead to her success.
Was the death of little Sammy Franklin an accident? Or could it have been avoided?
This volume again portrayed how basic rights were non-existent. It clearly depicts how dramatically the legal field has changed. The elite in the social ladder that continuously ruled with prejudice and hatred seems so completely contrary to nature, reason, or common sense, it was absolutely absurd, senseless, and utterly foolish.
I was beyond thrilled when she tenaciously overcame obstacles that obstructed or hindered her progress. The demonstration of her duty to help others, based on her faith in God, was awe-inspiring and magnificent.
I found myself cheering for the courageous heroine, who was almost always looked down upon because she was a woman, working in a man's world, trying to fight legal battles for those less fortunate that had been under the stronghold of the legal system. I am estatic that I did not live in that era.
This series provides compelling entertainment, accurate historical facts, and spotlights many injustices of the times, and detailed courtroom drama, based in the early 1900s in California. It a time of great changes in the world, many positive and some negative. Fascinating things were happening, which allowed Kit Shannon, a female, to actually stand up for those who needed legal assistance, which had blatantly been a men's world up to that point. This legal thriller follows suit with the other installments previously published in this series, with very strong and engaging characters.
This book is able to stand on its own, it is clean, and there is a prevalent H.E.A.
August 24, 2021
Yet another historical novel/legal thriller in this series that works very well. My only complaint is that the cliffhanger ending--which I won't reveal here--makes me wish I had the sequel on hand.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2022
Nice story with the historical difficulties of the early 1900's.
June 20, 2019
As one of the few female attorneys in Los Angeles, Kit Shannon has a great deal stacked against her. Despite this, she is not afraid to fight for truth and justice. In the second book in The Trials of Kit Shannon series, Kit finds herself defending two different clients, both with the odds stacked firmly against them.
Winnie Franklin's young son is killed in a trolley car accident. Despondent with grief, she clings to hope that Kit may be able to recover damages from the company. However, greed and corruption run rampant in the municipal transport industry, and Kit is shut out at every juncture. As the pieces to the puzzle start to fall into place, Kit finds that those involved with the incident will stop at nothing to discredit her both personally and professionally.
Mousy Malloy is accused of the attempted murder of Ellis Dyke, son of a prominent railroad owner. Mousy, a drunkard, was challenged to a drinking contest by Dyke that got out of control. Kit sees that the case will be a difficult one to win due to the people involved, but she believes in Mousy's innocence. Just how far will the sinister people behind the crimes go to cover up their actions? How are the two cases connected?
James Scott Bell has written another intriguing novel in which he weaves together historical fact and fictional characters into a seamless and engaging tale. The inclusion of actual people and events from America's past reflect a great deal of research. This gives life to history that might be dull if read only from a textbook. Famous people such as Jack London and Carry Nation add reality and name recognition to the story. Kit is a strong female character and her assertiveness makes her a role model for women of all ages. She clings to her faith in God even when it seems the world is falling apart around her.
The information about the legal system of the early 1900's is fascinating, and shows just how far things have come legally, but also reminds the reader of the groundbreaking that attorneys accomplished during that time period. The cases Kit tries are multi-layered and show how deep corruption can go. I would like to see Kit's response to a client who is truly guilty explored in a future book, since it seems unlikely that one attorney could represent so many wrongfully accused clients.
The final chapters of A Higher Justice make reading this entire novel worthwhile. I honestly did not see the conclusion coming. It is an exciting ride to the end! Fans of legal thrillers and Christian fiction should check out The Trials of Kit Shannon series. The main characters continue from each book, but A Higher Justice can stand alone. The third book, A Certain Truth, is due out in the summer of 2004.
Winnie Franklin's young son is killed in a trolley car accident. Despondent with grief, she clings to hope that Kit may be able to recover damages from the company. However, greed and corruption run rampant in the municipal transport industry, and Kit is shut out at every juncture. As the pieces to the puzzle start to fall into place, Kit finds that those involved with the incident will stop at nothing to discredit her both personally and professionally.
Mousy Malloy is accused of the attempted murder of Ellis Dyke, son of a prominent railroad owner. Mousy, a drunkard, was challenged to a drinking contest by Dyke that got out of control. Kit sees that the case will be a difficult one to win due to the people involved, but she believes in Mousy's innocence. Just how far will the sinister people behind the crimes go to cover up their actions? How are the two cases connected?
James Scott Bell has written another intriguing novel in which he weaves together historical fact and fictional characters into a seamless and engaging tale. The inclusion of actual people and events from America's past reflect a great deal of research. This gives life to history that might be dull if read only from a textbook. Famous people such as Jack London and Carry Nation add reality and name recognition to the story. Kit is a strong female character and her assertiveness makes her a role model for women of all ages. She clings to her faith in God even when it seems the world is falling apart around her.
The information about the legal system of the early 1900's is fascinating, and shows just how far things have come legally, but also reminds the reader of the groundbreaking that attorneys accomplished during that time period. The cases Kit tries are multi-layered and show how deep corruption can go. I would like to see Kit's response to a client who is truly guilty explored in a future book, since it seems unlikely that one attorney could represent so many wrongfully accused clients.
The final chapters of A Higher Justice make reading this entire novel worthwhile. I honestly did not see the conclusion coming. It is an exciting ride to the end! Fans of legal thrillers and Christian fiction should check out The Trials of Kit Shannon series. The main characters continue from each book, but A Higher Justice can stand alone. The third book, A Certain Truth, is due out in the summer of 2004.
March 29, 2020
Kit Shannon defends Mousy Malloy. She also takes on the case of a woman whose young son is tragically killed by an LA trolley.
Set in the early 1900's, this historical novel moved me with its quick pace and interesting scenes.
Kit Shannon's spunk and fire lit the pages and burned memory, I'll soon not forget.
The railroad, powerful, wielded its power, attempting to crush anyone who would stand in their way. That, someone, was lawyer, Kit Shannon.
I give five ratings of book that give me an "experience." A Higher Justice did that and more. I loved the references to the Bible and Christianity played out on the pages of this novel. Yet, it wasn't preachy.
I look forward to the next book in this series.
Set in the early 1900's, this historical novel moved me with its quick pace and interesting scenes.
Kit Shannon's spunk and fire lit the pages and burned memory, I'll soon not forget.
The railroad, powerful, wielded its power, attempting to crush anyone who would stand in their way. That, someone, was lawyer, Kit Shannon.
I give five ratings of book that give me an "experience." A Higher Justice did that and more. I loved the references to the Bible and Christianity played out on the pages of this novel. Yet, it wasn't preachy.
I look forward to the next book in this series.
March 26, 2011
Once again James Scott Bell had created a thought provoking novel based on the adventures of Kit Shannon. As a rare female attorney in 1905, Kit faces the battle of fighting for the underprivileged and against the politically corrupt government of that time period in Los Angeles. Bell's attention to historical detail and interweaving of Kit and her friends' Christian faith as they face injustices make this a fascinating read.
December 11, 2021
Everyone is probably getting tired of my writing WOW for Mr. Bell's writing.
I can't help it. I have read 5 of the books in this series. So far I have loved all 5 of them. I look forward to number 6. Mr. Bell writes beautiful stories. They have suspense, love, intrigue, hate, politics, murder, and tenderness. It's all there. Hope you enjoy him like I do .
I can't help it. I have read 5 of the books in this series. So far I have loved all 5 of them. I look forward to number 6. Mr. Bell writes beautiful stories. They have suspense, love, intrigue, hate, politics, murder, and tenderness. It's all there. Hope you enjoy him like I do .
January 10, 2018
Interesting tale showing window into power and law relating to public transportation and politics in the early 1900's. Tantalizing details makes the reader want to know more and ask their own questions in the trials. Respectful descriptions of women and their abilities is refreshing.
August 1, 2019
Love the faith aspect of these stories, the legal lessons, the integrity of the heroine and how God uses her to make the world a better place. Wish the author would write more in this series, because I am starting the last one!
March 8, 2020
Kit & Carry Nation
Another amazing book! James Scott Bell keeps you on a rope with all the happenings with Kit, her best friend/associate, Corazon, Carry Nation and her clients. Fighting the evils with Christ guiding her. Wonderful book!
Another amazing book! James Scott Bell keeps you on a rope with all the happenings with Kit, her best friend/associate, Corazon, Carry Nation and her clients. Fighting the evils with Christ guiding her. Wonderful book!
September 20, 2020
Smashing Read
I love not only the characters and stories in this series but also the historical followup. I often wonder as I read what real characters and true facts are in the story and it is a joy to and each story with this knowledge.
I love not only the characters and stories in this series but also the historical followup. I often wonder as I read what real characters and true facts are in the story and it is a joy to and each story with this knowledge.
August 21, 2021
I always enjoy the Kit Shannon books. The way she finds unknown evidence and works through problems to win cases is fascinating. This is good Christian historical fiction. I highly recommend it if you like mysteries/legal court cases.
July 20, 2019
Page turner
March 30, 2020
A Higher Justice( The Trials of Kit Shannon #5)
This is the fifth book in this series and it is a good story about love of God and good over evil
This is the fifth book in this series and it is a good story about love of God and good over evil
May 8, 2020
Queen of the courts
Kit Shannon takes her authority to rule the streets of Los Angeles from the true ruler of our world, God. Wish there were more lawyers like her in reality.
Kit Shannon takes her authority to rule the streets of Los Angeles from the true ruler of our world, God. Wish there were more lawyers like her in reality.
June 29, 2022
Great story line.
June 3, 2023
A Higher Justice (The Trials of Kit Shannon #5) by James Scott Bell – When she takes the case of a murdered girl, she finds herself against a web of corruption. Happy Reading!
October 19, 2024
Excellent story with strong, well-written characters! It's got some really interesting historical facts made into fiction along with historical characters. I enjoyed this more than I expected!
March 13, 2025
Very interesting and gripping! I am thankful for a clean Christian book.
January 24, 2021
Favorites?
At this point in my leisure reading I must confess that James Scott Bell is one of my favorite authors. I love his liberal use of Scripture and the way he weaves mystery and suspense together.
At this point in my leisure reading I must confess that James Scott Bell is one of my favorite authors. I love his liberal use of Scripture and the way he weaves mystery and suspense together.
January 26, 2023
So well-written! I really enjoy reading this series! This one was very difficult to read (emotionally) because it deals with a tragic death of a 4 year old who was killed by running in front of a train. His mother was a widow and Kit Shannon wanted to change the laws to help protect future accidents. She also was trying to defend a drunken man from being falsely accused of murder, change child labor laws (not having them deliver beer), and talk about Prohibition for alcohol with those who were historically famous for it (Jack London the writer and Carry Nation, who was famously known for walking into bars carrying an ax).
March 3, 2017
An interesting lawyer story about the early 20th century.
December 29, 2012
This is the second book in the Trials of Kit Shannon series. Once again Miss Shannon, one of the few women attorneys in America at the time, fights for justice and human rights for all. In my opinion, these books are written from a fundamendalist Christian viewpoint, but while this is not my viewpoint, I am a strong advocate for justice and human rights. I enjoy historical fiction such, as A Higher Justice, which highlights significant people and events of the era of the book. I am also very fond of strong female characters such as Kit Shannon.
I sometimes think of these books as "Nancy Drew" for adults!
I sometimes think of these books as "Nancy Drew" for adults!
March 19, 2015
Another exciting book by James Scott Bell
This is a excellent story about the rampart corruption uncovered by attorney Kit Shannon during the turn of the century in California. As the story unfolds , the corruption by the political machine in place at that time, parallels our society today in so many ways. I admire the writers attention to history, content of story ,and once again providing a story that holds your interest from beginning to end. A very uplifting, book , you will not be disappointed in reading.
This is a excellent story about the rampart corruption uncovered by attorney Kit Shannon during the turn of the century in California. As the story unfolds , the corruption by the political machine in place at that time, parallels our society today in so many ways. I admire the writers attention to history, content of story ,and once again providing a story that holds your interest from beginning to end. A very uplifting, book , you will not be disappointed in reading.
October 24, 2012
This novel is the 2nd in the series "Trials of Kit Shannon", a female attorney in 1905 Los Angeles who practices law with the hand of God on all her decisions. Sort of a Perry Mason style (i.e. Library Journal)- the protagonist takes on the railroads and the court system to uncover corruption in both.
November 19, 2015
Have loved this series from the first one. James Scott Bell does not disappoint! Kit Shannon and Ted Fox are permanently fixed in my imagination. The intelligent woman of character who loves God's law, and the dashing aviator who cannot resist her. So many intriguing sub-plots. Very interesting glimpse of the early days in Los Angeles. Unforgettable!
August 27, 2007
An OK book. The plot seemed contrived but there were parts that were intensely interesting.
Read
October 12, 2007Bell, James Scott pb
Read
December 2, 2012religious lawyer, ridiculous
February 4, 2015
Great
Started sort of slow then non stop mystery and twists. It was great. I used to think I wanted to live back then. I have changed my mind!
Started sort of slow then non stop mystery and twists. It was great. I used to think I wanted to live back then. I have changed my mind!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews