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Directed Verdict
In the face of injustice, one person committed to a holy cause can make a difference. This is the story of how one lawyer, confronted with the martyrdom of a Christian missionary, stands up to injustice despite seemingly insurmountable odds. In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, two American missionaries are targeted by the infamous religious police–the Muttawa. The man is tortured and killed; his wife arrested on trumped-up charges before being deported to the U.S. Compelled by the injustice of her plight, young attorney Brad Carson files an unprecedented civil rights suit against Saudi Arabia and the ruthless head of the Muttawa. But the suit unleashes powerful forces that will stop at nothing to vindicate the Arabian kingdom. Witnesses are intimidated and some disappear, jurors are bribed, and a member of Brad’s own team may be attempting to sabotage the case. As Brad navigates a maze of treachery and deception, he must gamble his case, his career, and the lives of those he loves–including brilliant co-counsel Leslie Conners–on the ability of his team to bring justice to one family, challenge the religious intolerance of a nation, and alter the course of international law.
485 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2002
About the author
Randy Singer
38 books424 followersRandy Singer is a critically acclaimed author and veteran trial attorney. He has penned nine legal thrillers, including his award-winning debut novel Directed Verdict. In addition to his law practice and writing, Randy serves as a teaching pastor for Trinity Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He calls it his "Jekyll and Hyde thing"—part lawyer, part pastor. He also teaches classes in advocacy and ethics at Regent Law School and serves on the school's Board of Visitors. He and his wife, Rhonda, live in Virginia Beach. They have two grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
June 28, 2020
I rarely give out five star reviews anymore, but, this book deserves one. A convoluted story with plenty of twists and turns, this is how Christian fiction should be done. Courtroom dramas aren't normally my thing, but, this one is definitely worth reading.
January 16, 2023
One of the things I love about being a writer is that reading is actually part of my job. Randy Singer is the master of the legal thriller and this book is an excellent example of why. Even though I had read it before, he kept me guessing with all the twists and turns. There are so may layers and so much at play. It is brilliant.
February 23, 2012
Directed Verdict was my first introduction to Randy Singer and I was very impressed. It is a compelling story about the persecuted church and those who fight and challenge the religious intolerance of a nation (Saudi Arabia), and alter the course of international law.
What I will remember most about this story is the bravery of the missionaries, and Nikki the paralegal. To be able to believe strongly in your religious faith and in yourself, seeking out justice even if that means facing death for what you believe, is gratifying in today’s world. We need powerful role models to show us that we cannot sit idly by and have evil destroy the religious ideals and humanity of man. Throughout this story I was reminded of how deceitful, powerful people exist. And that they take great glee in twisting the law to achieve their end results even if people are hurt, or die. That’s why it was comforting to have justice prevail in this story. All in all, it was an action packed drama with interesting characters, and I found it hard to put it down.
What I will remember most about this story is the bravery of the missionaries, and Nikki the paralegal. To be able to believe strongly in your religious faith and in yourself, seeking out justice even if that means facing death for what you believe, is gratifying in today’s world. We need powerful role models to show us that we cannot sit idly by and have evil destroy the religious ideals and humanity of man. Throughout this story I was reminded of how deceitful, powerful people exist. And that they take great glee in twisting the law to achieve their end results even if people are hurt, or die. That’s why it was comforting to have justice prevail in this story. All in all, it was an action packed drama with interesting characters, and I found it hard to put it down.
May 31, 2012
I finished the helter skelter of the book and whilst it had all the characteristics of a well written well paced novel there was something gnawing at me. Then it hit me:God was good and Allah was bad. Only the Arabs who had converted to Christianity were moral and righteous. The American protagonist found God or were certainly protected within his benevolent guardianship. The love interests did not sleep with one another, which is fair enough but actually I realised the question of sex between them never arose.
How much does this Christian fiction matter to what was otherwise a very well written book? What rules govern how a contemporary fiction is presented? I have since discovered that this novel won a Christian fiction award. Personally I found it a book that engaged me throughout. It was only afterwards that I felt like I had been brainwashed.
How much does this Christian fiction matter to what was otherwise a very well written book? What rules govern how a contemporary fiction is presented? I have since discovered that this novel won a Christian fiction award. Personally I found it a book that engaged me throughout. It was only afterwards that I felt like I had been brainwashed.
October 28, 2012
Randy Singer has done it once again. He has penned a Christian legal thriller that will keep you riveted from beginning to end. Lawyer, Brad Carson, plus his secretary and two legal aides, Bella, Leslie and Nikki, find themselvels representing a Christian missionary in a civil case who was abused and her husband killed at the hands of the Saudi religious police. With twists and turns you never expect that make you wonder who is on the side of good and who is on the side of evil, this story is very apropos of today's times.
November 11, 2018
I had never heard of this author until recently when I discovered a lot of his books are at the library where I now work. I read directed verdict over the course of about a week. It was hard to put down. I haven’t read many courtroom dramas before so I don’t have a lot to compare it to, but I thought this was a good story with some really great plot twists. I did struggle with some of the difficult scenes portrayed in the opening chapters. It is not extremely graphic, but if you are sensitive to torture scenes, be warned. Otherwise, great read and I will definitely be checking out another Randy Singer book next week.
August 9, 2021
This was my first book by Singer, and I will read more. It was suspenseful and not to easy to figure out. It’s interesting learning about other countries and religions.
July 31, 2018
This book was one of the best legal stories that I've read in a very long time. The plot was so complex and compelling that I couldn't put it down. For the most part, the characters were intriguing, with the conflicts between the women within Brad's firm having an authentic ring. The romance between Brad and Leslie, on the other hand, seemed sterilized. Don't get me wrong - I don't expect graphic and steamy sex. But a date with supper, hot chocolate and a movie where both fall asleep.....really? Not likely.
But that small criticism aside, this book was well thought out. It was fascinating, not only for its legal arguments, but also for the numerous twists and turns that left the reader wondering what was going on - right to the end.
This is the first book that I've read by Randy Singer, but it won't be the last. In fact, I will read this book again at a later date, just to absorb all of the nuances of the plot. I highly recommend this book! It is now on my list of one of my all time favourites.
But that small criticism aside, this book was well thought out. It was fascinating, not only for its legal arguments, but also for the numerous twists and turns that left the reader wondering what was going on - right to the end.
This is the first book that I've read by Randy Singer, but it won't be the last. In fact, I will read this book again at a later date, just to absorb all of the nuances of the plot. I highly recommend this book! It is now on my list of one of my all time favourites.
February 11, 2012
I wanted to give this 4 stars because it is such a fun read, but I couldn't bring myself to put it so close to actual 5-star fiction. It's a fast-paced read with some intrigue, twists, and entertaining courtroom drama, all neatly packaged among mostly cookie-cutter and/or unbelievable characters (the person of Nikki, for instance, exists nowhere in the world; and what does it say about Brad that he hired her given his first introduction to her?). For a lawyer-author, I expected more realistic courtroom scenes (though that would lessen the entertainment). But don't hesitate to pick it up for an enjoyable and light read.
March 3, 2009
It is great to be introduced to a "new" author, one who unabashedly shares the plan of salvation and the struggles of the persecuted church and is, in my opinion, a better writer than John Grisham. This was a captivating read and you don't know the end until the end! :)
Currently reading
July 22, 2009I'm very intrigued with how this story is going to finish!
October 10, 2011
This book needs to be read with a grain of salt. Randy Singer seriously villainizes the Saudi people to make his book more suspenseful.
But I did enjoy the book, it was a serious page turner!
But I did enjoy the book, it was a serious page turner!
January 27, 2015
Classic Randy Singer! One of his best, in fact. It was fun to read the back story of Leslie from Self Incrimination (which I read before this one). Recommended!
January 27, 2024
My verdict: A debut writer makes a direct impact. (5 stars)
John Grisham has long been the king of legal thriller mountain. With his first book, “Directed Verdict”, Randy Singer has climbed the heights with a quality suspense thriller not far behind some of Grisham’s best. Like Grisham, Singer is a Christian, but the Christian content is far more explicit than one typically finds in a Grisham novel. Two American missionaries, Charles and Sarah Reed, suffer horrendous persecution at the hands of the religious police (the Muttawa) in Saudi Arabia. When Sarah returns to the US after the torture and death of her husband, she comes into contact with Brad Carson, a young lawyer who helps her file a civil rights suit against the Muttawa head (Ahmed Aberijan) and against the nation of Saudi Arabia. Helping Brad to fight for Sarah’s cause are his long-term legal secretary Bella, his newly acquired helper Nikki, and a recently widowed law student, Leslie. But do they realize that they are seeking justice against powers that will stop at absolutely nothing to win this case?
The novel is divided into four sections. Part I, “Persecution”, very cleverly juxtaposes the persecution of the Reeds in Saudi Arabia with the persecution of Christians in America who speak out against abortion. Part II “The Law” and Part III “Discovery” set the stage for Part IV, “The Trial”, which makes up half the novel, and recounts the court case itself. There are lots of surprising twists and turns, leading up to a fast moving and satisfying conclusion (though arguably optimistic). Will the head of the opposing legal team, Mack Strobel, be successful in seeking a directed verdict in favour of the defendants (an extraordinary verdict in which the judge makes a ruling on the grounds that no reasonable jury could decide otherwise)? Which of Carson’s own legal team is giving inside information to the other side? And will justice prevail?
Although the novel concerns the treatment of Christians, the Christian content itself is not overdone and does not dominate the novel or detract from the storyline as the case with some writers who become artificially “preachy”. There is much reminiscent of the style of Grisham’s most overtly “Christian” work, “The Testament”, which also features a Christian protagonist. Singer’s Arminian theology is evident in one place (p290-291) as part of a conversion story that seems somewhat artificial and forced, although it features some excellent application of courtroom imagery to salvation: “Sarah believed that her real accuser was Satan, that God was her Judge, and that Jesus Christ Himself was her Advocate. In the only courtroom that mattered, her Advocate had taken her place as the defendant and endured her punishment. As a result, the Judge of the universe had declared her not guilty.” (p290). But on the whole the Christian content is in the background, and the focus is on the story itself. The suspenseful plot is combined with realistic characterization, because even the “good guys” have weaknesses, and the lawyers defending the cause of evil do have some moral standards. My final verdict: “Directed Verdict” is a good courtroom drama that’s hard to put down, so I’ll definitely be wanting to read more from this author!
John Grisham has long been the king of legal thriller mountain. With his first book, “Directed Verdict”, Randy Singer has climbed the heights with a quality suspense thriller not far behind some of Grisham’s best. Like Grisham, Singer is a Christian, but the Christian content is far more explicit than one typically finds in a Grisham novel. Two American missionaries, Charles and Sarah Reed, suffer horrendous persecution at the hands of the religious police (the Muttawa) in Saudi Arabia. When Sarah returns to the US after the torture and death of her husband, she comes into contact with Brad Carson, a young lawyer who helps her file a civil rights suit against the Muttawa head (Ahmed Aberijan) and against the nation of Saudi Arabia. Helping Brad to fight for Sarah’s cause are his long-term legal secretary Bella, his newly acquired helper Nikki, and a recently widowed law student, Leslie. But do they realize that they are seeking justice against powers that will stop at absolutely nothing to win this case?
The novel is divided into four sections. Part I, “Persecution”, very cleverly juxtaposes the persecution of the Reeds in Saudi Arabia with the persecution of Christians in America who speak out against abortion. Part II “The Law” and Part III “Discovery” set the stage for Part IV, “The Trial”, which makes up half the novel, and recounts the court case itself. There are lots of surprising twists and turns, leading up to a fast moving and satisfying conclusion (though arguably optimistic). Will the head of the opposing legal team, Mack Strobel, be successful in seeking a directed verdict in favour of the defendants (an extraordinary verdict in which the judge makes a ruling on the grounds that no reasonable jury could decide otherwise)? Which of Carson’s own legal team is giving inside information to the other side? And will justice prevail?
Although the novel concerns the treatment of Christians, the Christian content itself is not overdone and does not dominate the novel or detract from the storyline as the case with some writers who become artificially “preachy”. There is much reminiscent of the style of Grisham’s most overtly “Christian” work, “The Testament”, which also features a Christian protagonist. Singer’s Arminian theology is evident in one place (p290-291) as part of a conversion story that seems somewhat artificial and forced, although it features some excellent application of courtroom imagery to salvation: “Sarah believed that her real accuser was Satan, that God was her Judge, and that Jesus Christ Himself was her Advocate. In the only courtroom that mattered, her Advocate had taken her place as the defendant and endured her punishment. As a result, the Judge of the universe had declared her not guilty.” (p290). But on the whole the Christian content is in the background, and the focus is on the story itself. The suspenseful plot is combined with realistic characterization, because even the “good guys” have weaknesses, and the lawyers defending the cause of evil do have some moral standards. My final verdict: “Directed Verdict” is a good courtroom drama that’s hard to put down, so I’ll definitely be wanting to read more from this author!
April 21, 2023
Relieved that this one was different!
I had sworn off this author after reading False Witness and By Reason of Insanity and finding them shockingly disturbing. However, this title came into my possession and I couldn't resist as I do like courtroom drama Grisham style.
Although this book does start off with some violence, it isn't as graphic as the other books. The case concerns a couple of missionaries operating illegally in Saudi Arabia and the persecution they inevitably suffer. Can a US court deal with torture and murder apparently sanctioned by another country's government and on their soil?
I enjoyed this, it is a page turner despite being quite slow paced. There are plenty of twists. The Christian element is weaved in to this story in a way that isn't forced. I appreciated that when a character became a Christian, the Gospel was clearly explained in the narrative.
I won't say my opinion has been completely reversed, but I'd be much more likely to read another book by this author. There is no bad language or sexual content.
Recommended for fans of Christian fiction or John Grisham.
I had sworn off this author after reading False Witness and By Reason of Insanity and finding them shockingly disturbing. However, this title came into my possession and I couldn't resist as I do like courtroom drama Grisham style.
Although this book does start off with some violence, it isn't as graphic as the other books. The case concerns a couple of missionaries operating illegally in Saudi Arabia and the persecution they inevitably suffer. Can a US court deal with torture and murder apparently sanctioned by another country's government and on their soil?
I enjoyed this, it is a page turner despite being quite slow paced. There are plenty of twists. The Christian element is weaved in to this story in a way that isn't forced. I appreciated that when a character became a Christian, the Gospel was clearly explained in the narrative.
I won't say my opinion has been completely reversed, but I'd be much more likely to read another book by this author. There is no bad language or sexual content.
Recommended for fans of Christian fiction or John Grisham.
January 20, 2018
An American Christian missionary couple has built a secret church in Saudi Arabia, a very dangerous business. The religious police inevitably discover the names of the core group and invade the Americans' home, accusing them of leading a drug ring, and torture them for the names of believers. They do not reveal any new names and are near death when the police inject them with cocaine in order to provide false evidence, before calling in medical help. The husband dies but the wife is deported back to the U.S. The core members recant under torture, but repent and try to resurrect the secret church. Meanwhile, the remaining U.S. missionary is helped by a talented but small-time lawyer who is interested in enhancing his career with a big time international law trial: he and his motley group of aides sue the villainous head of the Saudi religious police and the government of Saudi Arabia whom they say was approving and complisent in the human rights violations. Good story, lots of twists.
December 23, 2021
Directed Verdict by Randy Singer is a witty, enjoyable legal thriller.
Missionary Sarah Reed and her husband are serving in Saudi Arabia. It's a dangerous undertaking and Sarah's husband is killed by Saudi Arabia's Mutawa religious police after a midnight raid. The Mutawa demand to know the names of converted Christians and Sarah Reed's husband refuses to say. He pays for it with his life. Upon returning to the States, Sarah Reed approaches lawyer Brad Carson to represent her against Saudi Arabia AND the Mutawa officer who killed her husband. Brad agrees to do so and the story takes off. There are twists, surprises, and even a little romance along the way. I definitely recommend this book.
Family Corner: While the novel has no profanity or sex, there are a few pages depicting the extreme abuse of a missionary in Saudi Arabia that are difficult to read.
Missionary Sarah Reed and her husband are serving in Saudi Arabia. It's a dangerous undertaking and Sarah's husband is killed by Saudi Arabia's Mutawa religious police after a midnight raid. The Mutawa demand to know the names of converted Christians and Sarah Reed's husband refuses to say. He pays for it with his life. Upon returning to the States, Sarah Reed approaches lawyer Brad Carson to represent her against Saudi Arabia AND the Mutawa officer who killed her husband. Brad agrees to do so and the story takes off. There are twists, surprises, and even a little romance along the way. I definitely recommend this book.
Family Corner: While the novel has no profanity or sex, there are a few pages depicting the extreme abuse of a missionary in Saudi Arabia that are difficult to read.
September 30, 2019
It's not a bad plot. The author, an attorney, knows a lot about legal and courtroom matters. (I'm a nurse, and I know a lot about hospitals. That doesn't mean I could write a full length novel set in one.) There are some legal twists and turns, especially in the last third of the book, that held my interest. But the prose is simply abominable. It reminded me of the novel a friend and I tried to write...in 7th grade. Cringe-worthy phrases, awkward descriptions, "telling" when the author should have been "showing."
There is good Christian fiction, just like there are good Christian movies. If this was made into a movie, it would definitely star Kirk Cameron.
B for plot, D for execution.
There is good Christian fiction, just like there are good Christian movies. If this was made into a movie, it would definitely star Kirk Cameron.
B for plot, D for execution.
July 2, 2018
Mr.singer is a master spinner of tales.
Probably three times I have let myself skip to the last page of a book, but 3/4's of the way through, I just had to know who the bad guys were. But, ok, it was a loooong book. Good long.
You feel the pain and gain admiration for the Muslims who accept Jesus Christ, and put their lives and those of their families in the line.
Brad's law office is full of quirky, strong and determined women. Courageous to a fault. They are a match for his renegade personality.
Hoping for another book extending our friendship with our imaginary friends.
Probably three times I have let myself skip to the last page of a book, but 3/4's of the way through, I just had to know who the bad guys were. But, ok, it was a loooong book. Good long.
You feel the pain and gain admiration for the Muslims who accept Jesus Christ, and put their lives and those of their families in the line.
Brad's law office is full of quirky, strong and determined women. Courageous to a fault. They are a match for his renegade personality.
Hoping for another book extending our friendship with our imaginary friends.
June 30, 2022
Christian Grisham
A legal thriller with a Christian theme. Overall I felt it was just okay. The villains of the big corporate lawyer and Muslim extremist sneakily middleman seemed a !time too over the top. The good guy lawyer a little too bland. All the obstacles they faced with every dirty trick being played seemed too insurmountable. I know it? Is fiction but even then it was unbelievable
A legal thriller with a Christian theme. Overall I felt it was just okay. The villains of the big corporate lawyer and Muslim extremist sneakily middleman seemed a !time too over the top. The good guy lawyer a little too bland. All the obstacles they faced with every dirty trick being played seemed too insurmountable. I know it? Is fiction but even then it was unbelievable
March 23, 2018
After a somewhat slow start, which resulted in me putting the book down for three weeks, I started to read it again yesterday was hooked. In fact, I read the whole book in one day & night! One of the ads on the book cover stated that Randy Singer is as good a storyteller as John Grisham. Not quite, in my opinion, but almost!
April 5, 2019
Got this as an Amazon first reads book. Haven't read most of these, but was between must reads so gave this one a try. Starts off looking like it will be a middle eastern religious persecution book, but turned out to be a good courtroom thriller. I enjoyed it quite a bit, more so as it went along. I will have to give Mr. Singer another read soon!
March 17, 2020
Not bad but not great.
The author has some talent. The author has a tendency to ramble and interrupt the story with his ramblings. Also I was a little offended with his sermons that he would slip in during the story. He also seemed to change direction regularly and it took some time to catch up. I'll try another one of his books before I give up on this author.
The author has some talent. The author has a tendency to ramble and interrupt the story with his ramblings. Also I was a little offended with his sermons that he would slip in during the story. He also seemed to change direction regularly and it took some time to catch up. I'll try another one of his books before I give up on this author.
May 15, 2022
4.5 stars
A very entertaining legal thriller about injustice, tyranny, human rights and a fierce dedication to one’s cause. I’ve read some of Randy Singer’s work before and he is good. Directed Verdict is packed with conspiracy, suspense, courtroom drama and some actions. This book is a fun read.
A very entertaining legal thriller about injustice, tyranny, human rights and a fierce dedication to one’s cause. I’ve read some of Randy Singer’s work before and he is good. Directed Verdict is packed with conspiracy, suspense, courtroom drama and some actions. This book is a fun read.
August 14, 2023
I loved this novel! Fast-paced, suspenseful and full of intrigue. Brad, Bella, Nikki, and Leslie help Sarah navigate the legal waters when her husband - a missionary - is killed in Saudi Arabia. Sarah only wants to help support her children going forward but this trial unleashed a trail of evil spanning two continents. A nail biter to the end!
May 10, 2017
Keep reading to the end
Just want you think you know how it's going to end, the plot thickens and the twist happens. Before you give it up, keep reading! I'll be checking out more books by this author.
Just want you think you know how it's going to end, the plot thickens and the twist happens. Before you give it up, keep reading! I'll be checking out more books by this author.
June 17, 2017
This was again a very entertaining and intriguing legal mystery. It deals with the murder of a Christian missionary couple by Saudi police. When a suit is brought against Saudi Arabia as a result they do anything they can to prevent a verdict against them.
May 8, 2018
An interesting book. It was fairly slow reading for awhile, it got fast towards the end. There were times I couldn't quite grasp who the good guys were and who the bad guys were. It came to an acceptable ending in my opinion. Lots of suspense and exciting movements in the end.
July 26, 2019
This was an interesting court case/spiritual enlightenment story. The law side doesn’t go over your head and it makes you want to know what is going to happen next. Over all it’s a good story about a situation that doesn’t look like you will win and having faith that things will work out.
March 11, 2021
Brad Carlson files suit against Saudi Arabia and the Muttawa when an American missionary dies after being detained by them.
This was an interesting view into what is involved in suing something as massive as a country and its (or part of its) religious institutions.
This was an interesting view into what is involved in suing something as massive as a country and its (or part of its) religious institutions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews