Review – Fatal Convictions

Alexander Madison, attorney and part-time pastor is working a personal injury case for the wife of an imam, the prayer leader of a mosque, when he gets a call that the police are at the iman’s house searching the place and asking questions. Alex goes to Khalid Mobassar’s house to represent him and finds that the police consider him a prime suspect in the honor killing of the wife of a leader of the mosque who converted to Christianity. Now a Muslim imam and a Christian pastor must set aside religious differences and work together to prove Khalid innocent of the charges brought against him. The problem is that all the evidence seems to prove that he is guilty and more murders are committed to muddy things along.

When I grew up I loved watching and reading lawyer stories especially Perry Mason. Every week Mason would get an impossible case and not only prove his client innocent but expose the guilty party all within an hour. In “Fatal Convictions” Randy Singer not only brings back that kind of courtroom magic but gives us a case that seems ripped from the newspaper headlines. In the book Muslim lawyers want to defend Mobassar but he has asked Alex, a Christian pastor to defend him. Should that be a problem? Does one belief system negate dealing legally with another belief system? How do you deal with members of the congregation that do not approve? Mr. Singer delves into all of that and much, much more in his book.

Once you get past the firestorm of controversy that this book brings out then you get to the core which is every person has the right to the best legal counsel no matter race or religion. For me that was when the fun really began as, we the reader, were forced to make a decision as to the guilt or innocence of Mobassar. Mr. Singer is constantly providing us with information and it is up to us to sort it all out to help us come to our conclusions. I actually thought I had it all figured out and was feeling quite proud of myself until we got to the end and Mr. Singer explained it all. This is a very satisfying roller coaster ride that will have you breathless in some parts and reading faster in others to try to keep up. It is well worth your time to read this book; you will be glad you did.