The Hand of God

A Bennett Jenkins Thriller #1

by J.B. Arnold

David Miller thinks he's been stood up.
An embarrassment. Nothing more.

Then he learns his date was murdered during those hours he spent waiting—killed while he sat checking his phone, nursing his wounded pride.

The messages arrive next. From her number. Impossible, the police say. Untraceable. But they keep coming: cryptic images, biblical fragments, riddles that burrow into David's mind.

Because this killer knows him. Each message exposes another secret from David's past, another crime he convinced himself didn't count, another person he hurt and forgot.

The press calls the murderer The Hand of God, inspired by verses left at crime scenes.

David knows the truth is worse. This isn't random selection or divine mandate. Someone has studied him. Judged him. Found him wanting.

And whatever's coming next, David earned it long ago.

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2025

About the author

J. B. Arnold is a thriller and horror writer who crafts his darkest tales under the bright California sun. He lives with his beautiful wife, their four children, and his most dedicated writing companion—Max, a gray tabby with impeccable taste in plot twists. When he's not exploring the shadows of the human psyche on the page, he can be found navigating the cheerful chaos of family life, proving that the best horror writers know how to balance the macabre with the mundane.

For more information, check out:

www.jbarnold-author.com
www.facebook.com/theauthorjbarnold
www.instagram.com/j.b.arnoldauthor

Reviews

[Sarah Between the Lines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently reading to finished in 2.3 seconds.

Let me tell ya, WOWZERS!!!

J.B. Arnold did this one GOOD!
This was an intense crime thriller that I actually loved and devoured!
I’m all about ANYTHING Serial K!//3r related, I even looked up these verses that the k!//3rs left behind with his victims. 😳

[Danielle Lundquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an arc copy of this book.

David finds himself in a mess. He went through a messy divorce from Maggie who works for the television news station and he has a best friend name Jenna, who also happens to be his only friend. He was supposed to meet up with Amelie to go on a first date, they had been chatting for awhile. She doesn’t show up, so he ends up seeing an old acquaintance, Tanner and finishes off the night with him and heads home. The next day he sees the news and cannot believe what had happened and why his date never showed.

Bad things keep happening to everyone David knows. Detective Jenkins works with other law enforcement and David to find the killer. I didn’t see that coming. Sometimes it’s the ones you least expect. The story will keep you focused and gripped on the story! It’s a must read!

[Holly S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for The Hand of God by J.B. Arnold
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had the great privilege to read a beta copy of The Hand of God. J.B. Arnold successfully weaves a great tale through dual timelines and red herrings as Detectives Jenkins and Barrientos attempt to unravel the mystery of The Hand of God Killer. The body count is rising, all victims are female, and all are connected to one man, David Miller. Who is The Hand and why is he focused on David? You will need to read it to find out. I thoroughly enjoy stories that follow the trail of a serial killer and the detectives that piece the puzzle together to follow that trail. This story did not disappoint. It’s twisted in all the best ways. Check it out for yourself. Release date: 11/14/25

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an intense story—I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. The suspense kept building, and every twist pulled me in deeper. J.B. Arnold delivers a gripping, addictive thriller that delivers nonstop tension and excitement. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!

[NH MotherTucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.B Arnold hit it out of the park with this one! The characters. The storyline. The detectives. The multiple timelines.
And the details. The way it all comes together. Well done! If you are wanting to read a thriller by an author with great eye for details, suspense, character building that makes you really empathize with the main characters and the connections they all have ...this book is for you!

[Jessica L Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book and am very grateful for it! The first page sucks you right into the story. The author paints an extremely vivid picture of each scene. It’s like you’re standing there in the alley with the detectives or beside David at the bar.
I like to try and figure out the answers before I read them and each time I thought I was on the right track in this book, I was thrown another curve ball.
There are multiple pov’s and the author does a great job of keeping the movement fluid so it’s not overwhelming or confusing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to get my official copy on release day. If you enjoy mystery, thrillers and/or suspense, I highly recommend reading The Hand of God!

[Gail Clouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy of The Hand of God. I had been patiently waiting for the ARC to be offered and I immediately signed up for it when it was offered. I was not disappointed. It immediately grabbed my attention and kept it to the very end. A woman is found murdered in an alley, with a Bible verse written above her head. The police have very little to go on. David Miller, gets a text message from the dead woman's phone the next day and takes it to the police. He finds himself immersed in a nightmare. The killer is taunting him, but why? Is he himself in danger, or the people close to him?

[Heather Samples · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thankful for the opportunity to ARC read this. It is the first book I have read from J.B Arnold and it won’t be the last. This book follows David Miller as he tries to figure out why someone seems to be targeting him. It grabs your attention from the beginning and makes you want to see what drives this person. Does he feel like he is being directed from God directly?

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so unfortunate when some children are thrown to the wolves. They are supposed to raise themselves and become functioning members of society. How can they learn societal rules, how to act or how to form healthy relationships when their first relationship is one of pain and torment? From this book you read they cannot. They only learn to survive. As I read this book I felt total empathy for this young boy. He only knew pain. But with that pain came the love he could only feel for the one who gave him nothing. He became an emotionally stunted young adult that focused his feelings on a woman purely on the fact that she shared the same name. Through his twisted lens of reality he decided she needed his ‘help’. Thus the biblical verse references. Since the bible was his only teacher, he based his punishment on what his victims did as their punishment. The author wrote such an incredible story of how a simple look into the victims lives gave the detectives the much needed evidence to head toward a conclusion that might stop future deaths. I think the most disturbing part about this book was that no one knew this ‘child’ existed. What does this say about society? How does this happen? Such a sad ending for all the people involved.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly riveting and disturbingly brilliant! The Hand of God drags you into the darkness of guilt, obsession, and divine retribution—and doesn’t let go. J.B. Arnold masterfully weaves a psychological thriller that’s as chilling as it is thought-provoking. Every chapter tightens the noose, every revelation hits like a blow. A haunting, high-stakes game of sin and salvation that will leave you breathless until the final, shocking twist!

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE HAND OF GOD BY J.B. ARNOLD.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Oh this was a very intense serial killer thriller from the very beginning and throughout the story.
Suspenseful with great twists.
This was soooo good.
You won't be disappointed if you pick this one up.
Loved it.
really looking forward to checking out your other books ☺

[Natasha Stills · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was amazing and intense. Will keep you hooked until the last page!

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one from Arnold. I know that I can always count on him to provide me with a solid thriller.

I love the whole dangerous religious ideation trope. But, Id be a liar if I said my heart didn't break just a little for the bad guy by the bitter end.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Irina Sandoval-Hickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intriguing read that kept me engaged from start to finish. The pacing was steady, the tension built naturally, and just when I thought I had a handle on where the story was going—boom—the plot twist hit. I genuinely did not see it coming, and that alone elevated the experience.
Overall, a solid, compelling story with a twist that lands exactly when it needs to. Definitely worth the read if you enjoy being surprised.

[Laura Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone is targeting David Miller and he has no idea why.

A killer is picking off the women in his life; a killer who burns their bodies and leaves them in an alley with a Bible verse by their bodies. The killer has been named "The Hand of God" by the press.

Strange messages sent by a dead woman keep appearing on his phone. David's life has become a nightmare. Someone is making him pay for the sins of his past; sins he thought were long buried.

Detectives Jenkins and Barrientos are putting the clues together, but will it be in time to save all that David Miller loves?

The depth of the characters and the emotions they evoked kept me reading late into the night. Who will survive "The Hand of God"?

I received an eARC version of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. #jbarnold #thehandofgod

[Kristina Blose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a riveting book. This story sucks you into it's pages as if you are right there with the characters living this insane case where a murderer thinks he is doing gods work. I found myself fully immersed, unable to put it down and quickly turning the pages just to see if I could figure out the case. So many twists in this story and the characters build up was fantastic. Get yours now, do yourself a favor and don't wait!

[Cecily - MillennialBookGal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not going to like when I first saw the covers for this book I thought it was going to be religious and I wasn't here for it. However, after reading this novel for the Indie Author Melee and I was very pleasently surprised. First of all, the writing is superb. I was drawn in right away and didn't want to put it down. The characters were dynamic and the story was creepy and interesting. The novel read a bit like an Alex Cross/James Patterson thriller. I will definitely continue to read more from this series as the author writes them and check out others J. B. Arnold has written.
Such a great read.

[Angela Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah!

I was not prepared for the ride this book took me on. I was not strapped in safely when the gasps of surprise shook me to my core. I almost fell out the ride-car at the sharp turns when I least expected them. This is a great thriller but more descriptively its the best straight up murder mystery I've read in years! I like the 2 main cops, and I find it interesring that their last names start with a J and a B ... hmmmm and the author's name??? J.B. Arnold! Hmmmm wonder if that was planned, you can bet your bottom $ I will be asking him! The story was packed with suspense that grabbed me early and never let go to the very last page. I loved seeing the killer's POV but yet was completely in the dark to even his name for the longest time. Favorite Part was being so captivated by the story that when the Bible versus were mentioned I was opening my Bible app to read the verse for myself. I'm excited for book 2!

[Curt Dunnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Hand of God" by J. B. Arnold is a thrilling 5-star read! David is trying to move on from the mistakes of his past when he suddenly finds himself caught up in a murder investigation. Detective Jenkins and his squad are racing to stop the biblical killings before it is too late.

Since this is the first book I have read by this author, it took me a little time to get used to his writing style, but once I did I was completely hooked. The multiple timelines and points of view are skillfully woven together in a way that keeps the pace quick while adding real depth to the story. I am glad I picked up this book and look forward to seeing what this author writes next.

Thanks to J.B. Arnold for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

[Daniel Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked!! I loved how the story was built from the start and how everything slowly came together. Once it picked up, I could not put it down. I kept reading because I needed to know what was going to happen next. The twist completely caught me off guard and made the story even better. I honestly wasn’t ready for it to end. I’m so glad I gave this book a chance and I highly recommend! This one will pull you in and won’t let go.

[Irish Kevin Can · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I just finished The Hand of God, and honestly, it was pretty gripping. At first, it was a little slow to get going, but once the story picked up, I was totally hooked. The whole idea of a killer using Bible verses and going after people connected to the main guy felt super intense and different from your usual thriller. I really liked the main investigator, Virgil Flowers—he's relatable and made the mystery feel real. The mix of suspense and some deep emotional stuff kept me interested the whole time. If you’re into thrillers that mess with your head a bit and have some cool twists, you’ll probably like this one. I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars because it was fun and suspenseful, but a little quicker pacing at the start would've been nice. Worth checking out!

Rating: 4/5 stars

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader's copy (ARC), and although it took me a bit longer to read, I'm glad I finished it. David Miller may have made poor decisions in his past, but did it really have to come to this? With the help of Detectives Jenkins and Barrientos, they uncover the disturbing reasons behind the murders.

The story features dual timelines that flow seamlessly together, revealing the background and context of the unfolding mystery. Can you identify the killer before the detectives and David do, and who is the mysterious person behind the photo?

[Nicole Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got lucky and was selected to read an advanced copy. this book was terrific! I was hooked from the very beginning. the story moves at great pace to keep you drawn in. it's the kind of book that makes you want to stay up all night reading.

[Emily Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone is making people in David's life die. Can the killer be stopped? Pulse pounding psychological horror thriller.

[Patricia Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this. The plot hooks you right in. A good mystery right at Halloween.

[Jessica Cooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

What to say about this book? I was fortunate enough to be a beta reader for this one and it was so worth it. This is a twisty, multi-POV thrill ride. I love the characters. They are well thought out and enjoyable to follow on their adventure through this crazy journey. Can't wait to learn more about some of them hopefully in future novels. Definitely a must read for anyone who wants a quick, twisted thriller.

[Tracy Hinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My notes throughout the book…. This is unsettling. Oh no Freaky. feeling my gut twist in a knot. Edge of my seat. My heart is pounding, this is so good. Indie authors would be very grateful if you could write a review.

[Alexandra Bollella · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐

Captivatingly dark, finger biting and twisted! David Miller finds out that his date had been tragically murdered, as he thought he was stood up. Random texts and images are being sent to David's phone from her number, how could that possibly be? The messages David receives are biblical and tying back to a bigger picture. Of someone who is  seeking vengeance and the upper hand. David is continously tainted by his past, the killer knows him better than he thinks as David has been studied all along. David's secrets start to unravel beneath him with an unknown killer on the loose. The stakes are high for Detective Jenkins and Barrientos to piece together the windy puzzle as the pieces are dispursed in more ways than one. Will David be able to break away from his past? Or will he be confronted face to face with this cryptic killer? I devoured this book in less than 24 hours, it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The dual timeline from past to present followed swimmingly throughout the book and transitioned well with ongoing events and the deep emotion of each character. I kept trying to figure out who the killer was from the immediate start of the book. What a roller coaster ride! As this being my first JB Arnold book, I knew I was going to be a fan of his work!

[Chapters_with_VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all! The Hand of God had me clutching my imaginary pearls and checking over my shoulder. This thriller kicks off with a strangled victim, flames still crackling, and that sharp, smoky smell practically rising off the page. The killer isn’t just murdering—he’s purifying, preaching, and serving scripture with a side of nightmare fuel. ✝️🔥

David Miller? Whew. This man is falling apart fast. Every woman in his orbit becomes a target, and every new body feels like a personal accusation. Arnold writes David’s guilt so thick and suffocating you can almost taste it—like copper and smoke.

The writing is razor-sharp, tense, and smart. Every clue goes cold, every lead dead-ends, and the detectives are chasing shadows while the killer leaves sermon-level messages that get increasingly unhinged. The whole thing reads like a confession wrapped in gasoline.

If you want a dark, clever, sensory-packed thriller that hits hard and doesn’t let up—grab this one.
Come for the mystery, stay for the moral rot and divine vengeance. 😈🔥📖

[Kristi Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

David is currently going through a mess. First a date gone wrong. Actually a date that didn’t GO at all. David just cannot add it up in his head as to why and it begins to consume him.

👀👀 But watch out in the way these chapters grip you quickly into suspense with page-turning action.

Dirty and dark alleys pungent with the smell of death as a killer lurks taking the bodies of women and stealing their lives. 😮 Detailed and descriptive J.B. Arnold ignites a fire 🔥 within the reader as fury and rage from the community watch from afar in also terror!

The sadistic rituals and bible Verses stain these murders of innocent victims

The Hand Of God wreaks havoc, as the twists turn faster. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ Poor David questions everything and you feel for him as his world is turned upside down.

Highly recommended! On the edge of your seat reading