At the heart of this absorbing, Grishamesque Christian novel by Christy Award–winner Moser (Time Lottery
) are four Branson, Mo., residents who are chosen to serve on a jury hearing a manslaughter case. Bobby is a young husband and father, working three minimum-wage jobs and deferring his dream of becoming a professional woodworker; Abigail is a has-been actress; Ken is a middle-aged, divorced golf pro always on the prowl for a one-night stand; and Deidre is the wife of a prominent surgeon, Sigmund Kelly. In the course of the trial, each of the four learns powerful life lessons, but this is not merely a feel-good inspirational read. It is also well-paced and suspenseful: early on, it becomes clear that Deidre and her husband have a deep investment in the outcome of the trial. Readers will be eager to discover the Kellys’ secret and will also want to learn whether the divided jury is able to reach a verdict. The subplots about the jurors’ personal lives—is Sig having an affair? will Ken reconcile with his son?—add another hook. Still, the book isn’t perfect. The prologue, which spotlights the killing, is forgettable and confusing rather than intriguing, while the requisite religious awakenings of several of the characters feel forced and largely superfluous. (Jan.)
