The Hand of God
A fictionalized retelling of Florida's infamous Chillingworth murders
by John Isaac Jones
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Pub Date Mar 09 2017 | Archive Date Jan 17 2020
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Description
A fictionalized retelling of the Florida Chillingworth murders.
Bobby Lincoln, a young African American, seems to always be broke. He works a day job at a sugar mill and weekends on a charter boat, but he gambles it away, then borrows money to live on.
After his common-law wife says she’s going to leave him if he doesn’t start making more money, he agrees to take part in a murder which goes horribly wrong.
Once he and his accomplice have the victims on a boat taking them out to sea to murder them, he recognizes one as an old family friend and wants out of the murders.
His accomplice says it’s too late to back out and he’s in “too deep now.” To relieve his frustration, Bobby takes part in the murders.
After he collects the $2,500 he was promised, Bobby starts feeling guilty, can’t sleep, takes to drink, sees ghosts and finally confesses to his mother. His mother has him arrested.
In jail charged with murder, Bobby realizes he has to change. With the help of Bags, a knowledgeable inmate who delivers books to other prisoners, he undertakes to self-educate himself and begins reading books about anything and everything.
Days before he goes to trial, the DA calls him to his office to make a deal. If Bobby will testify against the main perpetrator and cooperate with the investigation and trial, he will let Bobby go free.
Bobby agrees and, over the next six months, he works with the DA, all the while still reading books and asking life questions of Bags. They get the main perpetrator convicted.
But Bobby's problems aren't over. While investigating and convicting the main perpetrator, the DA has discovered that a local group of bootleggers were involved in the killings. He moves to arrest the main players in the bootlegging operation.
When that happens, the bootleggers send their assassins to kill Bobby. When they can't find him, they kill his mother. Now Bobby has to avenge the murder of his mother.
When the assassins come for Bobby, he hides in a church.
Will Bobby survive? Or will he become another victim of the bootleggers?
A gripping tale of murder, redemption and the search for God.
Advance Praise
The Hand Of God by John Isaac Jones is a story of murder, redemption and the search for God. It is a fictionalized story based on Florida's Chillingworth murders. Bobby Lincoln, a young African American, is the central figure in this tale. The book is beautifully written and very deep. You can't read this book without being influenced by the undertones of religion, God, redemption and forgiveness. However, it is not a religious novel but more a novel about Bobby's search for a deeper meaning of life. Bobby is a lost soul in the beginning of the novel and basically believes there is no meaning to life. As much as he thinks about religion, he can't believe in what's written in the bible and preached about on Sundays. Finding himself in jail charged with murder, he begins reading books that may help him understand what God is, the meaning of life, what his purpose is and how to lead a better life. With the help of Bags, a knowledgeable inmate who delivers books to inmates, he finally realizes he has to change if he's going to find redemption. The character development in this book is wonderful. The reader forms a great understanding of Bobby and Bags as well as all the other characters. I knew there was something special about Bags and his influence on Bobby and it was confirmed at the very end of the book. The story is really well-developed and transitions easily through all the influences and changes in Bobby's life. As Bobby grows as a human being, the story grows with him. It's an easy read that grabs the reader and doesn't let go. As Bobby questions life the reader explores the questions right along with him. I highly recommend this book. It makes you think and question your own beliefs and actions. I was never sure of Bobby's or the authors belief in organized religion until a little wink from Bags at the end. --Seraphim0731 Amazon customer
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9780974379036 |
| PRICE | $6.99 (USD) |
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Featured Reviews
Tammy W, Reviewer
Just one night can change the direction of your entire life...
I have yet to read something by Jones that wasn't superbly written, and this book based on a true story was no exception. The flavor and feel of the location and period of time that these events occurred in is described with very vivid and illustrious details. Jones has a special way with words that effortlessly transports you to wherever he is describing. I felt like I had a front row seat, not only in the court room for the trial proceedings, but also in the small, stark jail cells occupied by some of the characters. I could hear the distinctive, plaintive squeak of the prison's book cart. I could smell the salty, ocean breeze, hear the gulls cry and feel the stifling heat and sticky, oppressive humidity. The characters were brought to life in a way that made me feel as if they were people I actually knew. I became invested in them to the point of sharing the elation of their triumphs and feeling the depths of their sorrows.
It is difficult to expand too much on the plot of this book without being in danger of giving away some of Jones' delightful, trademark twists and splendidly-stunning shockers. But, I personally felt that this story was about a journey to the discovery of "self". I think that it was a portrait in learning what and who is important in life, understanding what love really is and embracing the opportunities of a second chance. I also recognized and appreciated the subtle lesson in faith and trust by which Jones showed how God can mold and shape someone, even through tragedy, and how He is always in control and can see the "big picture", even when we cannot.
Jones did a magnificent job of blending the facts of the actual case with complementary, fictional elements in order to create a well-rounded, all-encompassing and utterly captivating story experience.
If you have never read Jones before, this book is an excellent introduction to his unique and expansive literary talents. If you are debating whether or not to read something written by Jones... take a chance. I don't think that you will be disappointed. In fact, I think that you will be most pleasantly surprised!
#TheHandofGod #NetGalley
V N, Reviewer
This book is based on a true story, At first, the book is very slow. But keep reading, because as you read more, this book will pull you in. The ending was very good. Well put together and overall a decent read. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of the book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on my review.
Bonnie K, Reviewer
A very interesting book! It was a book that talked about redemption and one trying to believe in God again. At first I was not sure about it, but then it seemed to wrap me up in the story and I could not put it down. It was well written and a great story. I really liked this book and do recommend it to anyone who likes suspense.
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