Support Tracy and Click to Buy

Kit Shannon takes on the case of a woman whose young son is tragically killed on a turn-of-the-century Los Angeles trolley. She soon finds herself up against a powerful coalition of railroad men and politicians–all of whom seem to have something to hide. In her attempt to unravel the secret, Kit’s suspicions may blow the lid off a conspiracy of corruption. Unwilling to compromise her belief in justice, Kit’s very life is at risk. Powerful people will stop at nothing to keep her from finding out the truth.

A Higher Justice is the first novel I have read by James Scott Bell. I found it to be a different experience reading a christian historical fiction by a male author. I have read historical fiction by Al Lacy and Brock Thoene and I have thoroughly enjoyed them, empathizing with the characters and the situations etc. (It is interesting to note that they usually co-author the book with their wives – hence, the feminine influence?) This book I found to be somewhat different in a weird, non-specific way. It is difficult to put my finger on it, but I think it lacks a bit of warmth or female identification on the reader’s part with the main character, Kit Shannon. I’m not sure that this is a negative drawback to the novel, or just a difference to be duly noted. Many would be appreciative of the lack of sentimentality on behalf of the main female character. Amusingly, I found the male counterpart to Kit (her fiance, Ted, to be more sentimentalized in his romantic disposition towards Kit. Perhaps more idealized than if a woman created the leading hero? The bereaved widow’s death of her son is so shocking at the beginning of the story that I was unable to get past that event during the rest. It just seemed too horrible and devastating. I’m not sure of the author’s intention and wonder if he was going for shock value or if he was unaware of how horribly cold the event seemed or if was intended to be just as terrible as it was and I played right into his hand. Just thoughts….


I really like to see strong female characters who are gutsy, determined, and able to reason and think for themselves. The portrayal of a young women lawyer during the early 20th century in a man’s profession is also very intriguing. I think this is a great novel that presents a woman leader in a very positive and commendable way.


The story line is fast paced, the characters intriguing, the plot requires you to have your mind engaged to keep the people and subplots straight in your mind. This is definitely not “fluff” for a quick afternoon read, but it is definitely worth taking the time to pick this book up! You’ll enjoy watching Kit Shannon seeking justice for those who are defenseless!


~ Tracy