By Reason of Insanity

I really enjoy Randy Singer's novels. I've read every one of them. With his latest, By Reason of Insanity, Randy knocks it out of the park. I just finished it over the weekend. It's rare these days when I fall so deeply into a book. This one sure kept me going.

The story's about the insanity defense. One attorney and his case in Las Vegas, a second attorney and his case in Virginia Beach. A slew of characters wrapped up in the two plotlines. In time they come together. Randy ratchets up the tension again and again--then manages to ratchet it up even tighter. Personal stakes become higher. Losing a case means losing a whole lot more.

Interesting that this story uses visions in a courtroom drama. I did the same in Eyes of Elisha and Dread Champion, the sequel. The law relies on facts and evidence. What in the world will it do in the face of claimed supernatural knowledge?

Randy is an author and a practicing trial attorney. His legal thriller Directed Verdict won the Christy Award for suspense in 2003. He's also written three nonfiction books. As if writing and lawyering aren't enough to keep him busy, Randy also teaches at Regent Law School, serves on the Board of Legal Advisors for the American Center for Law and Justice, co-hosts a radio show on Sirius Channel 161, and serves as an interim preacher for two churches in Virginia Beach.

A lawyer and a preacher. Sounds like an oxymoron. Speaking of the attorney side, Randy's not above poking fun at the profession. You can read a few lawyer jokes on his web site, and he invites you to submit your own for future posting.

Publishers Weekly has deemed Randy Singer the CBA John Grisham. They claim he's just as good. I agree. If you enjoy courtroom drama, don't miss By Reason of Insanity. I highly recommend it.