If a Wicked Man: True Freedom Behind Bars

by John Sealey

Finding True Freedom Behind Bars

John Lawson's fighting skills and fearless reputation made him a man to be respected in the nightclubs of Manchester, Liverpool and Edinburgh. Leading a team of ex-soldiers and riding with a biker gang, he graduated to working for the Maltese Mafia running the sex industry in London's Soho. Returning to Scotland he trained as a bodyguard working for the rich and famous and soon became embroiled in a world of kidnap, violence and extortion as an enforcer for gangsters. Even the law couldn't tame him as his pride and arrogance extended to the courtroom where he was convicted for the third time and sent down for five years. It was in that high security prison where a profound encounter changed the direction of his life.

A remarkable true story capturing the life of one man's escape from his past as he found true freedom behind bars.

'Read it, and believe that there is always hope.' — Anne Perry, New York Times Bestselling author

'If A Wicked Man is a book I can easily relate to, the love of money and a cold heart can drive violent men like us to take by force what we feel society owes us. Brutally honest, deadly serious and yet strangely funny at times. A compelling story of a wicked and violent man... with an unexpected twist that will leave you challenged.' — Rocco Morelli

'A truly powerful account of a life changed.' — Major General Tim Cross, CBE

Audible Audio

Published July 3, 2024

Reviews

[Kristy Kravchenko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have so much to say about this book, and I don’t know how to go about it nicely... John Lawson is an amazing man who deserves a good book written about him, but this ain’t it. The book looks like it was just typed or dictated once and not edited or proofread at all. My eyes hurt reading it and I kept getting stuck. I only kept reading out of respect for John Lawson. As some other online reviews said, just watch some videos about him and his story.

[Celia Shopton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the earlier edition which was incredibly compelling although the publishers did a very bad job proofing it. This new version does justice to this fantastic page turner, Kudos to Bridge Logos for taking this book and publishing it the way it should have been done in the first place. I can truly say that this is one of the best biographies I have read. I shall be ordering more copies to give away now that I have confidence in the publisher. This is a great book

[Stacey McArthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting this book to be so compelling! I thought it might just be a ‘junk food read’ between serious biographies. I was wrong, it is incredibly readable and I could not put it down. I’m not a Christian but thorough enjoyed that part of the story as it did not attempt to become preachy in any form. This book should be made available to schools, prisons and of course all people as it shows a life dictated by bad choices under difficult circumstances and yet there remains hope

[David Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just got this book yesterday and I stayed up overnight to finish it. Compelling, honest and down to earth. A real True Crime story written in simplistic style that captured my attention. I would highly recommend any Christian to buy this book to give to a friend who is not Christian. It’s one of the best ways to share the message of the Gospel without Bible bashing. Cleverly done.

[Ashley Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If a Wicked Man" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that takes the reader on a gripping journey through the seedy underbelly of London's SoHo. The protagonist's descent into a life of crime is both tragic and fascinating, and the vivid descriptions of the gritty streets and unsavory characters make the story come alive.

Despite its dark subject matter, "If a Wicked Man" ultimately offers a message of hope and redemption. The protagonist's imprisonment is a turning point that leads him to find faith and turn his life around. The author handles this transformation with sensitivity and nuance, creating a satisfying and uplifting conclusion to the story.

Overall, "If a Wicked Man" is a well-written and engaging novel that will keep you turning the pages until the very end. It's a powerful reminder that even those who have made mistakes can find redemption and make positive changes in their lives.

[Olusola Anyanwu · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely interesting read that opened my eyes and mind to a world I thought didn't exist in London! Beautifully written with great doses of intrigue, suspense, tension and splashes of comedy and humour. A brilliant writer!

[Mr Allan Goldie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This man had a tough upbringing and then became heavily involved in crime. It is a great read and it was interesting to read about how he came to faith in prison. It is an example of how someone can change from criminal activities to leading a worthy life.

[Keith Butcher]

Great challanging read, was not until half way through that I recognised I knew two of the characters mentioned in this real life story. Plus the fact that I was well acquainted both the London and Glasgow locations.

[Ben Adoboe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

[Sonia Adoboe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable read...could not put this down...felt for John and his pursuit for real self happiness and joy...of which comes through in the end.