Review – The Advocate

From the Back Cover:  At the trial of Christ, Theophilus, brilliant young assessore raised in the Roman aristocracy, stands behind Pontius Pilate and whispers, “Offer to release Barabbas.” The strategy backfires, and Theophilus never forgets the sight of an innocent man unjustly suffering the worst of all possible deaths—Roman crucifixion.

Three decades later, Theophilus has proven himself in the legal ranks of the Roman Empire. He has survived the insane rule of Caligula and has weathered the cruel tyrant’s quest to control the woman he loves. He has endured the mindless violence of the gladiator games and the backstabbing intrigue of the treason trials.

Now he must face another evil Caesar, defending the man Paul in Nero’s deranged court. Can Theophilus mount a defense that will keep another innocent man from execution?

The advocate’s first trial altered the course of history. His last will change the fate of an empire.

Ever wonder who  Theophilus is when you read the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts? Remember that when Luke was writing what we consider those two books was really just one long letter. And it is believed to be a legal brief in defense of the Apostle Paul whom  Theophilus was defending before Nero. Now Randy Singer has taken that bit of information and expanded it into one of the best historical fiction novels I think I have ever read. Mr. Singer is always good for a wonderful read however I think, this time, he has outdone himself. “The Advocate” is entertaining and will have you flipping pages as fast as you can read but, be prepared, it is also thought-provoking.  This is a multi-faceted story with interconnected subplots that will keep you guessing until the end.  I do not recommend starting this book late at night because it will cost you sleep as you will not want to put it down.  Randy Singer is an excellent writer and knows how to twist your nerve endings as he tightens the suspense.  I recommend this book highly!