A Greater Glory

The Trials of Kit Shannon #4

by James Scott Bell

Having proved she's a legal success, Kit Shannon again battles injustices found in Los Angeles, the city she has come to love. She now takes up the cause of a society woman who fears her dark past will be exposed. Ted Fox renews his dreams of flying when he is called to New York to pursue air travel's future. But when he is arrested for treason, not only are his plans for marriage thwarted, but his very life is at stake. Kit's pursuit of justice has never been so important--or so personal.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Mystery Thriller

324 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Jim 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

Reviews

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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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 case involves a society woman who fears her past will be exposed. This story again portrayed how basic rights were nonexistent, clearly depicting how far the legal field has changed dramatically. The elite in the social ladder continuously ruled with dominant bullying, prejudice, and unwarranted hatred which seems so absurdly unreasonable. I was beyond thrilled when she determinedly overcame numerous obstacles. Her demonstration of her duty to help others, based on her faith in God, was awe inspiring.

There is a secondary focus on the plight that her fiancee, Ted Fox, becomes ensnared in. when he is arrested for treason.

I found myself cheering for the courageous heroine, who was almost always belittled and disparaged 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 so grateful that I did not live in that era.

This book is able to stand on its own, it is clean, and there is a prevalent H.E.A.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book! Both a legal thriller and a piece of historical fiction, this took me back in time, and kept me involved. I'm glad I have the next book in the series on hand!

[Geraldine R. Gaugler · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ex citing read!

I am enthralled by this series of books. The stories are adventurous and exciting. I love all the twists and turns in the plot and have yet to solve the mystery in advance.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first three in this series some time ago, I was happy to learn there was a 4th, but I was somewhat concerned that it was written without the previous co-author, Tracie Peterson. And since I did not have an e-reader, I was begrudgingly waiting for it to come out in print. Alas, I broke down and got myself a Kindle...and this was my first download!

I enjoyed becoming reconnected with the characters that I had already grown to love. Some may find this type of book "preachy." Others will find it inspiring, comforting, encouraging, and highly entertaining! This is what I was hoping for and it is exactly what I got! I loved this episode (#4), and I can't wait to read the next two!

As a native Californian, immersing myself in early 20th century southern CA is fascinating. Kit Shannon continues to be an interesting and admirable heroine. Supporting characters are believable and entertaining. Houdini's presence, along with his many talents, including his ability to expose "spiritualists" for what they really are, was great fun. The little jiu jitsu diversion was interesting, and the espionage subplot was intriguing!

James Scott Bell... I am a new fan! After finishing this series, I will be interested in reading more of your prolific writing!

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kit Shannon, lawyer, fighter of the truth and justice, battles in the Los Angels courthouse.
From the first sentence to the last, this book drew me into a story of intrigue, suspense, and thrill. Kit Shannon ranks near the top of my favorite characters. She's witty, determined, and onry. Add Harry Houdini and the story takes on a magical sense. There were twists and turns I hadn't seen coming. I laughed, felt tension and held my breath at times during the read. If a greater rating than five were available, I'd give it. I can see why this book won the Christy Award, it's a masterpiece. I look forward to the next one in this series.

2nd Reading
Kit Shannon battles injustices found in Los Angeles. She takes up the cause of a society woman who fears her dark past will be exposed.

Courtroom drama at its best. Kit Shannon is a very interesting character who will use tactics to win her cases. That includes Houdini and his magic.

Great story with cleaver words intertwined within the pages of A Greater Glory.

[Dottie Mcvay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!

What a great story, full of courtroom drama , mystery, and very informative of the current times of 1905. Even Houdini was in this one! It’s the 4th in a series of 6, but could be a stand alone. Please read them all though, they are so good! Kit Shannon is one of California’s first women lawyers and is a fireball! I love her spunk, determination for the truth, and especially giving God all the credit for helping her. I will be reading more of James Scott Bell and highly recommend him and this series.

[Phyllis Stinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

I love these writers. They are experts at historical, Christian, mystery, and fiction. The female lawyer is fantastic. I am off to buy the next book in the series.

[Marcelle Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good storyline great writing.

I recommend this book to all who love truth. For truth in evident even though it is a work of fiction

[Rosanne Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series is excellent.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! I read the Kit Shannon Saga books a few decades ago and thought it was just a trilogy. 😳 They were some of my favorite books to read and I have reread them over and over and over. I JUST found out that there were more and went looking for them only to find out they were out of print! 🥺 But I was able to find them and buy them from a used bookstore. This book is a gem like the others, and I'm excited to read the next ones! 🤩

I love the character Kit Shannon because she is a woman who stands by what she believes, doesn't back down, and has the scruples to always do what is right in order to find the truth and defend her clients. I also appreciate the amount of time the author takes to tell a historical fact about law and what was happening in the State of California at the time period in a very entertaining way to help keep it plausible and not boring.

This book focuses mostly on Kit's fight against fortune tellers and mystical frauds, her fight against a gossip newspaper that focuses on ruining reputations, and defending her client who is wrongfully accused of murder by trying to protect his wife's difficult past.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! This is the fourth book in the series. Each book gets better and better! The author does an excellent job of adding excitement, mystery, and a wonderful balance of Christianity. This entire series is a must read. Find out how a female lawyer, in the early 1900s, maintains her Christianity while fighting against the views of society. Just because she is a Christian, don't be fold, that doesn't mean boring. The author does an excellent job of maintaining Christian values, while picking your interest! You will not be disappointed! Multi-line text field article, Landmark Double tap to edit.

[Berdine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading one of James Scott Bell's books. I wasn't sure about a male author for a female protagonist, but all characters were believable humans and the Kit Shannon was presented in a more respectful way than some female writers use for their female leads in historical fiction. This was a great series for christmas break and reading by the fireplace.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy books about “Kit” Shannon because I like her personality and intellect. The books seem kind of quaint and old fashioned at times, even for historical fiction. A woman lawyer was unusual in the early 1900’s, but she was not focused on women’s rights, but felt called by God to use her talents as a lawyer. This is very worthwhile reading.

[Moses Ruperto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome reading!

Once I started reading this book, I couldn't stop. The way it stated the main character as a woman and attorney as well as a Christian was beautifully phrased. The description of the sites and all the other characters was also good.

I would highly recommend this book as well as the 3 books by the same author I read.

[Karen Singrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another spell-binding book

Kit is an amazing lawyer who 1st gives her cases to God. H guides her through some harrowing trials, but Kit believes her clients have been framed. With her faithful fellow Christian sidekick, they tackle and go up against unethical lawyers.

[Alice Tallent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging

This whole series has me thoroughly engaged. I’ve grown to love, admire, and appreciate Lawyer Kit Shannon for her faith, boldness, and ingenuity. This book is fourth in the series, and I plan to read the fifth and sixth, too.

[Jay Schlaitzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The show must go on

Love these characters and how they continue to evolve. Kit does it again! Love Corazon and what about that Montoya character. Glad the way this took care of the bad guys.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series

This book was thought provoking on my beliefs and also informative as to that time in history. I love legal mysteries especially when the lawyer is a female. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Zelma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but not as good as his other books. Angels series is better :D

[Gwen Hight · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Greater Glory (The Trails of Kit Shannon #4)

This is the fourth book in the series and it is a very good story and Kit continues to set and up for the power of god

[Michelle Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good plot twist. A bit tedious at times.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Greater Glory (The Trials of Kit Shannon #4) by James Scott Bell – Kit’s love of the people of LA takes a personal turn! Happy Reading!

[Adair · Rating 3 out of 5]

look forward to rest of this series and the intrepid Kit Shannon

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kathleen "Kit" Shannon heeded God's call when she became an attorney in the early 1900's in Los Angeles. At a time in history when very few females practice law, Kit knows she can help those who may need it most. Celia and Truman Harcourt are visited by a man claiming to be a minister, clarifying information about their daughter Louise's upcoming wedding. After he leaves they find out that he is actually a newspaper reporter from the Gazette. He has uncovered an old scandal about Celia and is going to print the information, much to the horror of the Harcourts. Louise knows nothing of this incident and if the news gets out, her fianc9 will probably call off the wedding.

Celia hires Kit to attempt a libel suit against the Gazette. When that doesn't pan out, the Harcourts start to get desperate. Truman goes to publisher Gerald Mahoney's home with a gun to attempt to scare away from running the story. Kit receives a frantic call - Truman has been arrested for Mahoney's murder, and he doesn't remember a thing. All eyes are on the trial when Kit takes on Clara Dalton Price, the only female district attorney in Los Angeles. Throughout the investigation, one thing is clear - if Kit wants to prove Truman's innocence, she must follow the Lord's lead.

This is an action packed story from page one, and the secondary plots add to the intrigue. James Scott Bell appears to have researched the time period and the location thoroughly. It is fascinating to read about the workings of the legal system in 1905, because many of the things that we take for granted - such as impartial judges and rules of evidence - did not exist then. I found myself getting so frustrated at the unfairness of Kit's treatment during the trial, all because the judge desired to pursue a relationship with the district attorney! The inclusion of Harry Houdini and the debunking of spiritualists added to the story's interest; it mirrors so many of the issues prevalent in the world today.

Kit's faith never wavers, even when all of the chips seem stacked against her. She is a strong female character and readers will want to emulate her attitude and demeanor. The author's writing also refreshes the reader's faith. The story unfolds at a natural pace and nothing is revealed too early. The reader will remain hooked until the very end, when the murderer is revealed and things come to a satisfying conclusion. Lovers of history, Christian fiction, and mysteries will be won over by this new series. A Greater Glory is the first book in The Trials of Kit Shannon, yet easily stands alone. The second book, A Higher Justice, is due out September 2003.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 3 out of 5]

My suspicions were confirmed. Tracie Peterson was dragging James Scott Bell down in the previous series, dragging the whole series down actually. The dialogue and plot was much more believable. Things seemed a bit more normal.

That being said, Bell was still hindered by things from the previous series, most notably Kit's own character and previous actions. I admire Bell for maintaining a consistent character but at the same time wish that he had been free to create this character in the first place.

Unfortunately, some of the same things that aggravated me about the previous series (the inclusion of sermons and etc) were also present in this book though in much more limited form.

If I had to make a judgment call on whether I was going to keep this book based on this book alone I would probably keep it. However, since it is the first book in a follow up series other things affect my judgment. The first series, thanks to Tracie Peterson, was pretty lousy. Also, I have only the first book of the follow up series. (The other two were misplaced when I loaned them to a friend.) I will not be keeping these books.

[Jill Bratcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently there was an earlier series (co-written by Bell), which I hadn't read, taking the character through Law School and getting into practice. This is book #1 of a new series when she is practicing law in Los Angeles in the early 1900s. (She has gained some notoriety with previous cases.)

It was a quick read. I read it last evening in around 3-4 hours. It kept my interest, and, as expected from a good writer like James Scott Bell, it was a well-written yarn that kept me turning the pages until well after I should have given up for the night and marked my place.

Sort of reminded me of female Perry Mason except she was even more principled about how she handled some things.

There's a very strong (almost a little heavy handed) Christian message in the dialogue and the way Kit handles people. She's almost a little too wise for her years.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was hard for me to get into this story. The first chapter did not have the usual draw. As I got farther into it, it began to be a deeper story. A woman attorney in the early 1900's engaged to disabled newspaper reporter both become involved with less than honest characters. Kit, a Christian, stays as close to her faith as possible in conducting an important murder case. Even though she is pushed to the wall by an aggressive attorney and a judge with favoritism, she follows what she know to be right. Ted, a reporter, gets involved with some Germans pretending to be Americans, but his cautiousness keeps him from allowing them to steal important info. By the end of the story, I decided I did like his writing and might try another in a series about Kit Shannon.

[Cheryl-Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good, a little preachy at times but I prefer that to vulgar stuff any day. It takes place in LA in the early 1900's. Kit is a defense lawyer (and until recently the only woman practicing law). I thought I was getting the first book in a series, which is how I prefer to read books by the same author but Bell wrote three previous books with Tracie Petersen that involved Kit Shannon. Had I known this, I would have read them first. I don't know how soon I'll read the other books. I really need a 6 star rating system. I give a lot of books 3's but for me there is a wide range of 3. This would be a solid 3 but not a 3 1/2.

[Karol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in "The Trials of Kit Shannon" series. I did enjoy it. Being a female attorney shortly after the turn of the 20th century was a rarity. I think the author did a fairly good job of describing what that would have been like.

[Julie Surface · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this piece of historical fiction, set in 1905 Los Angeles. Kit Shannon is a memorable heroine whose determination to find truth and demonstrate it in her world, is commendable. The book is a great reminder of how far women have come in their struggles for equality with men.