Book Review: Fatal Convictions by Randy Singer

Title: Fatal Convictions
Author: Randy Singer
Publisher: Tyndale, Carol Stream
Copyright: 2010
Pages: 400
ISBN: 978-1-4143-3320-5
Genre: Christian legal fiction

Plot of Fatal Convictions
Pastor-lawyer Alex Madison has managed to balance his law firm and his church until he takes on a case to defend a prominent Muslim leader in his community. A woman in Khalid Mobassar's mosque is beheaded after her reported conversion to Christianity. As the case draws more media attention, Alex's church lets him know they're not happy about it. Plus, as more evidence mounts against Khalid, Alex and his partner must grapple with the price of defending a man who may be guilty of a gruesome crime.

Why to Read Fatal Convictions
If you're looking for more information about Islam in America, from a Christian perspective, you'll find some information in this book. While I can't comment on the how accurately passages portray the Muslim viewpoint, I do know that facts related in this book jive with factual reports and new stories I've encountered.

Singer is fair in his portrayals of Muslims and Christians: not all the Christians are good guys, just because Singer is a Christian, and not all the Muslims are bad guys. There are respectable folks and bullies represented in both faiths. There are also moderates and radicals portrayed in both faiths.

Cautions
Alex develops romantic feelings for his client's daughter, also a Muslim. If you see pastors as human like the rest of us, you might think this plot thread makes Alex a believable character. If you expect pastors to be above reproach, you may not like Alex very much, or you may even find him not credible. Either way, you may want to be careful when recommending this book to young readers.

People Who Could Benefit from Reading Fatal Convictions
Anyone who wants to find out more about Islam in America might find Fatal Convictions interesting, although the primary interest group will probably be Christians. As with Singer's other novels, fans of legal fiction will find plenty of courtroom drama and lawyerly talk in Fatal Convictions.

Rating by No-Spoilers
4 out of 5

Note: Tyndale provided me with a review copy of this book.