Sins of the Fathers

by James Scott Bell

A parent’s worst nightmare.A lawyer’s biggest challenge.A young boy’s life on the line.The unimaginable has happened. A thirteen-year-old boy has fired a rifle into a baseball game, killing several of the kids on the field. Parents are devastated. The townspeople are horrified. When public opinion swells to an enraged cry for justice, an ambitious deputy district attorney sees his opportunity—a sensational trial that will catapult him into the D.A.’s office in the upcoming election. There’s just one the boy’s defense attorney, Lindy Field. To all appearances, the case is a slam-dunk. Convict the killer, make him pay. But it’s not that simple. Lindy’s young client is unwilling—or unable—to help Lindy defend him. And as the case progresses, it becomes clear that someone doesn’t want the truth revealed. As Lindy delves into the haunted world of her client’s torment, she finds a spiritual darkness that dredges up her own troubled past. And when dangerous forces close in around her, Lindy must fight for answers not only in the justice system, but in the very depths of her soul.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Christian, Legal Thriller, Legal, Mystery Thriller

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2005

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

[Jacob Peled · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like the "Legal & Trial" genre. So I thought, here is another "Grisham" type of book. Problem was that it becomes kind of a religious book. It starts with a small trickle of mentioning God, and later on becomes a flood. I am not a religious person. I don't believe in God. Seems as if the author is trying to convince us otherwise. Why not stick to the trial story. Why bring God and church time and again. After 40% through the book, I gave up. There are so many other good books out there. Why waste the time.
"James Scott Bell" Reminds me of another author - "Richard L. Mabry" with his medical mysteries. Also a very religious Christian, who keep bringing God into his stories, trying to convince you on his existent,.
Please give me a good story, without the obvious attempt to "convert" me.

[Everydayreader1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lindy Field has been asked to defend a thirteen-year-old boy accused of murdering several people at a baseball game. The killings are captured on video tape and there are witnesses. Something doesn't seem right to her, however. She is just beginning to put her life back together after losing a case that was very important to her. As she takes on this new case, her life begins to unravel.

This is a great story. Well written, fast-paced, complex characters, believable and insightful concerning the treatment of juvenal offenders. Some books just touch an inner place in you, and this is one of those for me. I will be reading more of Mr. Bell's books, and so appreciate his sensitivity for the subject matter.

[Keiki Hendrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a fast paced, well developed legal drama, this is it. The writer keeps you guessing who the true villian is until the last few pages.

The story centers around Lindy Field, a young, spirited, Harley Davidson riding lawyer with a keen insights, deep compassion, and true grit and Darren DiCinny, the thirteen year old boy accused of murdering six innocent people in cold blood.

Lindy unwilling accepts this pro bono assignment representing Darren beginning with his reason of "God told him to do it".

Memories of the loss of a similar case haunt Lindy as she begins her defense of this young boy. She soon discovers treachery, deceit, and ambition in the legal system as well as emotional manipulation from victim advocacy organizations to the local media.

In the end, when the truth is revealed, Lindy (as well as other characters) find redemption in the most unlikely relationships.

A very good read recommended highly.

[Deb Brammer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting legal situation where police want to put a killer behind bars so badly that they justify bending the rules. Lindy is a hurting, struggling lawyer who takes on a "hopeless case" because the killer is a hurting kid who needed unusual understanding and compassion.
This book is guaranteed to make you think and shows a strong Christian theme of forgiveness.

[Sylvia Mailhot-Bryant · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was okay. I think it could have been a decent story but all the references to God and Christianity really turned me off.....I felt like the purpose of the book was to convert people and preach about God

[Drjudy Flury · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't review books

This will be my first review. I just don't like to take the time to do reviews. But I had to this time! This is Bell's best book. The most engrossing, the most interesting. My second favorite by Bell is Deadlock. My only complaint with Sins of the Fathers is the rather abrupt ending.

[Lorraine Shaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could not get into this book.

[Kate Joekel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner

Tragedy strikes as a 13 year old boy opens fire on a group of 10 and 11 year old bots playing baseball. Several bots and a coach are killed.
In a story which has become all to common, James Scott Bell weaves in a determined young defence lawyer who rides a Harley, and her investigator friend. These two take on the system and uncover a conspiracy. As always, there is a lot of action, and a lit if truth in a novel written by Bell. I am currently reading my way through all his books and enjoying every one.
There is much to ponder in each book besides a rousing tale. I appreciate the thoughtfulness that he puts into each story.

[Leola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense all the way through. Who the reader assumes are the bad guys aren't. At least some aren't. And the reader will be surprised to find some good guys aren't good at all. I loved the character of Lindy -- not your usual lawyer. She lives in a mobile home and rides a Harley. While searching for the truth about the 13-year-old boy who opens fire at a baseball park, killing 5 children and 1 adult, Lindy also questions the existence of God.
A surprise, but good, ending.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like courtroom dramas and I appreciate James Scott Bell’s Christian approach (if you’re not a Christian and reading this and that’s your criticism, then find something different to read. For real). Overall, the plot and characters were interesting and I was pleasantly surprised by some of the character a arcs. Maybe my only hang up is the premise of the book and what ended up being the focus were a bit different. But still good.

[Kendra Quinlan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion this book was pretty slow. In the beginning there was the “initial incident” but then it felt like a lot of nothing happened until page 295. A LOT of characters to try to keep organized. I didn’t hate the book but didn’t love it and I wouldn’t personally recommend it to anyone. Also a lot of religious and God references and almost felt like it was trying to push religion on you.

[Melissa Hartwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little more God-centric reading than I prefer, but it worked well with the story plot. Overall a well written law drama with a great focus on "what defines ability to justify right and wrong?" I was able to understand both sides' logic, which made it hard to decide who should be guilty.

[Adrian Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This my first book by James Scott Bell - but not my last. As an ex lawyer he has a good knowledge of court procedure & the law ... and it shows in this book. The book is well written displaying good character description and plenty of surprise moves. Go on - read it 😀

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed all the other books I've read by James Scott Bell, but this one didn't impress me too much. I didn't think it was as well written as his other books. Sorry I feel this way, but it wasn't up to the quality of Mr. Bell's other outstanding books.

[Patricia A. Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the top excellent read.

This was my third book in a row by James Scott Bell. All were equally good reading. Great writing style.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting approach to a legal defense. I rate it high for plot and some characters.

I listened to the audiobook. The narrator was very poor.

[Schyler Ensign · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down...

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Great characters, good suspense.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darren, a 13-year-old boy, does the unthinkable--kills several students and Mr. Dorai at a baseball game. Darren is on trial for the killings, and is either unwilling or unable to help in his own defense. Lindy Field is Darren's defense attorney. She wants to plead insanity for her client. She had lost a previous case, which had ended her up in the hospital under emotional duress. She hadn't practiced law for a year. Judge Green recruits her, speaking of his faith in her abilities to handle this trial. Mona, whose son was killed, is a loose cannon with VOICe, and is out to make sure he pays his dues. Obstacles beset Lindy in finding the truth behind Darren's upbringing. Behind the trial are diabolical political games being played, games whose many players don't want the truth to come out about Darren's past. The deputy DA wants this trial to help him reach his political goal of the DA's Office. However, his father was a preacher who had taught him to 'play hard, play fair.' As details arise in the case, those words come back to haunt him. How does Darren's father play out in his upbringing? How does it affect Darren's unspeakable actions? Why has he killed these people? It's a mystery that will keep you mulling back and forth before the truth is revealed. It's one you won't be looking for. Twists and turns keep you turning the pages.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a compelling read that was hard to put down. James Scott Bell created realistic characters that you fell in love with. My favorite was Roxy, the main character's "assistant". She was funny and a good friend to Lindy throughout the struggles of the book. I have never read a book set around legal issues, and I wondered if it would be a bit dry. But this book was so suspensful. There were several points in the book that I literally shouted "What!!" because of the unexpected twists. I promise you that you will not see the ending coming, no matter how good you are at guessing. Sins of the Fathers was also thought provoking. James Scott Bell asks questions about our legal system that truly make you think. He also asks questions about integrity and truth that made this book great. There were a few downsides, however. I thought that, especially towards the end, the plot was a little hard to follow. So many unexpected twists! I also thought there were lots of loose ends, and sometimes the book moved too quickly. It was hard for me to process all that was happening so quickly. Overall, though, this book was great and I hope to read more of James Scott Bell in the future!

[C.J. Darlington · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance, Darren DiCinni is a normal, scrawny teenager - no longer a boy, not yet a man. But looks can be deceiving. This thirteen-year-old has just shot six people to death in cold blood. A slam dunk life-without-parole case? Not to Lindy Field, Darren's young and ambitious defense attorney.

Library Journal calls James Scott Bell "a master of legal suspense", and that's clearly evident in SINS OF THE FATHERS. With a keep-you-guessing plot, witty dialogue, and memorable three-dimensional characters, I tried to savor it and read little bits each day. But by the time I was half-way through, I couldn't put it down. I like that about a book. I also appreciate how the faith element is woven into the plot in unpreachy ways. We discover Christian truths right along with Lindy and company, and we root for her every step of the way.

SINS OF THE FATHERS probably compares closest to Jim's award winning FINAL WITNESS, but with even more depth (and minus the Russian mafia).

The suspense definitely never rests in a James Scott Bell novel ... and neither, apparently, does James Scott Bell. I highly recommend this book to thriller and contemporary fiction readers alike.

[Jamie (The Kansan Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like legal suspense this book it for you. I was amazed by it. I picked it up thinking it should be interesting. I wasn't wrong. Darren DiCinni opens fire at a little league baseball game.

I can't say much or I will give away the whole book but wow. Mona, a woman who lost her son, is freaking psycho.


This book was boring at times but even in those times I could not put down the book. I found myself wanting to know how this will end. At the beginning I was totally thinking this is a for sure case but half way through I started second guessing that idea. I definitely recommend this book for people who love law and suspense.

The only problem I did have with this book that doesn't take it to the full five stars is the author makes this book a little to religiously. He is going in between legal suspense and Christian Fiction.

[justablondemoment · Rating 2 out of 5]

Darren DiCinni walks onto a baseball field one day and open fires with a rifle onto a game in progress killing several. This story is about his defense by a lawyer committed to getting him the help he needs instead of crucifying him like everyone wants.

I finished this book but it was a struggle. It wasn't the story it was the writing. It was disjointed to me. There was to many lose threads and we all know what happens to lose threads.

I did find this in the Christian books and although, those type books don't turn me off as they do some, I always tread lightly when starting one. Being a Christian myself, I don't have one problem wearing my religion, but I'm not into preaching. These books sometimes 'sermon' more than tell a story. This book had a healthy dose of both and was a surprising change.

Still...it was just okay.

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author of "Sins of the Father" is a former trial lawyer, and does a fantastic job of weaving a courtroom drama that reminded me of a John Grisham novel without the grizzly details. Instead, there is a theme of redemption in the story of a thirteen year old who fires a rifle into a little league baseball game and is scheduled to be tried as an adult. The novel has a really surprising ending and although I can usually guess who the "bad guys" are, this one kept me guessing till the end. A really good read.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The problem with this book is that it's way too complicated for its own good. Even after reading the book twice, I still don't understand all the twists and especially the necessity of all those twists. For example, the whole subplot with the mother of one of the murdered boys felt extremely extraneous and on top of that wasn't even resolved satisfactorily. This one, for that reason, does not survive the "great, library purge of 2013."

[Angela Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a little while to get into the story, especially when the story started out with many POV characters. I was concerned that it would continue throughout the story but after the prologue there was one main POV character with two other secondary POV characters. I like reading about conspiracies and this book didn't disappoint.

[Kristen Pruett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first quarter of this book but then I started skimming which is a true sign that I am bored. I finished it because it was a quick read but nothing totally memorable. Luckily it was free on my kindle.

[Agnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The justic system is a very complex one and many of us do not know what goes on behind closed doors. Excellent book, you wont be disappointed...twists along the way and dont want to spoil it for anyone, so start reading.....

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was available as a free KINDLE edition. I've always been interested in trial/lawyer stories, and this was a good one. The book kept my attention throughout and the ending surprised me, which was nice.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main premise of the book is that a young boy guns down a bunch of people and it's up to our protagonist to represent him in court. This book was written very well with sympathetic and likable characters.