John L. Betcher

I've had this on my Kindle for a long time. The title intrigued me, but I seemed to always put it off for something else. Now that I have finished it, I realize my choices were prescient.

Frankly, I found the book kind of boring. The main character has very little depth as a person, and the rest of the characters are pretty much stereotypical. In fact, a lot of the book borders on Rush Limbaugh style xenophobia.

If you like the typical Arnold Schwarzenegger movie, you will probably enjoy this book.… (more)

With a Higher Court, John Betcher has written a very original book. At first glance one might think it will be a dry, dusty tome extolling the virtues of God. Nothing could be further from the truth. The central character of William Kensey is a man who thinks he knows where he is going, until the death of his father forces him to examine himself and his relationship (or rather lack of) with God. To help him, he uses his skills as a trial attorney. Whilst this book takes some concentration (it is not an easy bedtime read) it is interesting, informative and holds your interest - at least it certainly did mine. The only negative point for me is that I didn't like the ending, which I felt let the novel down, although this is a very subjective view and individual readers will make up their own minds about this, indeed several reviewers have already pointed out that they particularly liked it. I certainly look forward to reading more of Mr Betcher's work and have already downloaded a copy of The 19th Element. Recommended read.… (more)

William Kensey is a successful trial attorney whose father was just killed in a traffic accident. Shortly after the funeral, he receives a jury summons. When he reports for service, he finds himself a part of a very unique trial to determine whether God exists. Based on the setting and structure of the trial as well as the central JC character, it doesn't take long to realize where the storyline stands on the basic question; however, the presentation of the arguments for the philosophical question is well balanced, fully summarized and entertainingly written. Regardless what one believes regarding God's existence, the story provides a good understanding of all sides of the relationship between man and the concept of God.… (more)