The Judge Who Stole Christmas

If you are familiar with the debate over celebrating Christmas in a secular setting, you have a full picture in this little story. One thing that's funny -- I finished a 215 page novel ("Gone To The Dogs" by Susan Conant) before reading this 217 page novella. So what's the dividing line? Well, I do think the book size of this one is smaller, and when it is compared with Singer's previous novels, it is shorter (about half the length), and it was a quicker read to me than Conant's. For the most part, after reading Singer's first five novels, I recommend reading them in order. While it is not a series in a true sense, Singer loves to bring back characters from his former books. I will say that in this one, you won't miss a thing if you haven't read his 4th novel, "Self-Incrimination", because there are no shared characters between these two books. In fact, "The Judge Who Stole Christmas" is the only one that makes no reference to Carson and Associates or any events from "Directed Verdict". It does bring back Thomas and Theresa Hammond from his third novel, "Dying Declaration", and have them deal with the stern Cynthia Baker-Kline (nicknamed Ichabod) from "Directed Verdict" and "Irreparable Harm". Charles Arnold (a minor character in "Irreparable Harm" and the main character of "Dying Declaration") pops up though never showing up in person. We're also introduced to law student Jazz Woodfaulk and her family. My wife Becky, who also read this book, was not satisfied with the ending; I had a different opinion. Excellent job of dealing with the issues at stake and dealing with the law of the land on this issue.

This short novel is well written, entertaining, and fun. It also features some thought provoking legal issues. It features Thomas Hammond who is participating in a live nativity display on town property in Possum, Virginia. The ACLU files suit to stop this Christmas feature on the grounds of separation of church and state. A federal judge, Cynthia Baker-Kline sides with the ACLU and orders the program halted. Hammond fights it alone as the city fathers leave him hanging out to dry. The story also features a sleazy TV preacher (who is trying to use the controversy as a fund raiser). As with all of his books, Randy Singer does a great job of creating unexpected twists and surprising the readers. Although the ending is a bit anticlimactic, the conclusion does have quite a surprise that will get readers thinking about both sides of this issue. I highly recommend this book as well as Singer's others. I think that this was the only one of his that I had not read until now. I am glad that I did. If you are unfamiliar with this great author, try this or one of his others. You will be in for a treat.

I always love picking up a new Randy Singer novel, and I wasn't disappointed when I finished THE JUDGE WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS, a novella that includes many of the quirky characters from his earlier books such as SELF-INCRIMINATION and DYING DECLARATION. Singer, a Christy Award winner and trial lawyer (think John Grisham), excels in his multi-dimensional characters and even-handed portrayal of the difficult dilemmas faced by Christians. In this novella, he specifically addresses what constitutes the separation of church and state during perhaps the most controversial season of all --- Christmas. In the small town of Possum, Virginia (yes, Possum, you heard it right!), the Freewill Baptist Church's living nativity on the town square incites the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to serve papers ordering the town to close it down. Rather than complying, the mayor tries "Operation Xmas Spirit," loading up the square with some displays of Santa Claus, The Twelve Days of Christmas, and Frosty the Snowman as a counterbalance to the nativity. It isn't enough, and the wheels of legal action begin to crazily spin. As the courtroom drama heats up, readers of the earlier novels will rejoice to see that one of Singer's most fully dimensional and intriguing characters, Judge Cynthia Baker-Kline (nicknamed "Ichabod"), is back, combining a "hair-trigger temper with a razor-sharp tongue that could slice up even seasoned litigators." Central to the story is the return of conservative fundamentalist Christians Thomas and Theresa Hammond (from DYING DECLARATION), who play Mary and Joseph in the living nativity scene. As in all his novels, Singer's bad guys are not all bad, and his Christian guys are not all nice. His character portrayals are something other inspirational novelists could learn a good deal from in making their characters believable, real and engaging. For such a short story, there are a lot of characters and points of view to keep track of. Singer keeps the main plot and subplots moving smoothly. Some readers may find that law student Jasmine "Jazz" Woodfaulk's personal story (involving basketball and her legal career), while interesting, is less compelling than the Christmas conundrums she's trying to mediate in the courtroom. You'd almost take it as a given that in a Christian novella in which the ACLU faces off against the Baptists (Singer is one himself) that there would be a clear winner implied. But Singer doesn't go for easy clichés, which has always been part of his appeal. Readers familiar with the Christian world of televangelism will immediately recognize the machinations of the Freddie Hester Evangelistic Association, which attempts to turn the controversy into a fund-raising appeal for its organization and create a media circus, using Theresa Hammond as a pawn. Judge Baker-Kline, who would at first glance seem to be anti-Christian, turns out to have some complex motivations. The definition of the separation of church and state is ri

If you're like me, you may be tempted to settle with this book into an armchair, sipping at egg nog while wiggling your toes by the fireplace. Be forewarned. Singer has a way of tossing in humor that'll have you sloshing the nog across your lap. As he does so well in his legal thrillers, the author ties law and Scripture and original characters into a suspenseful story. This time, he adds a Christmas bow on top, just in time to provide a fantastic holiday gift. It all starts when a simple manger scene in a town square sparks a nationally-followed court case. ACLU lawyers cry "separation of church and state," while churchgoing citizens demand the right to speak freely what they believe. Jasmine Woodfaulk, a law student, is caught in the middle when she chooses to face the imposing figure of Judge Baker-Kline (known as Ichabod, and for good reason). Some will recognize characters from Singer's other books, which will only add to the enjoyment while in no way diminishing it for those who've yet to discover them. Regardless, all readers should be able to recognize something of themselves in these believable, likeable characters. Singer, in his typical fashion, refuses to paint people in simple black and white; rather, he gives them strengths and weaknesses we can all understand. "The Judge Who Stole Christmas" speeds along with clockwork precision, with nostalgia, and with "good tidings to all." The story touches on politics and legal wranglings, but it more accurately deals with the law of love in our hearts and the call for "peace on earth." Whichever side you might choose in a court battle such as this, Singer's latest will bring a smile to your face and an evening's worth of reading enjoyment. Is there a better gift an author can give?

Sometimes you kind of know what to expect, and sometimes you haven't got a clue. So, taking a look at the back of the book, you think you see everything coming, right? NOT!! When you thought you'd seen the last of her, Judge Cynthia Baker-Kline, (known to Randy Singer fans as Ichabod) is BACK! AAAAHHHHH!!! But taking her on is Thomas Hammond, and HIS manger scene. And if you enjoyed "Dying Declaration" and you loved little Tiger and Stinky, they're back as well! YEAH! BUT... oh yes, there is a but in this little, but powerful taste of Christmas. That would be Jasmine, "Jazz" Woodfaulk, a girl getting ready to graduate law school. So, what does this do, put Christ back in Christmas? Uh, yeah. We're given doses of Ichabod's vicious onslaughts, Thomas Hammond simply not giving in, and even a little hard-core, hip-hop basketball! In all seriousness, this book even gives you a few hard looks about Christmas. It gives a big witness about loving your neighbor, even though you may want to cuss them out. This is also a message of not giving in, and hanging in there, even when you want to just up and quit. Randy Singer challenges us, and that's a good thing. This lights a new candle for this Christmas season. It packs in a few well needed laughs, and then levels it off with some somber moments, along with some love. My personal challenge would simply be this. Take 2 words out of your vocabulary this Christmas season. Those 2 words are "happy holidays". Replace them. And say it loud, like you mean it. Say it because God loved you enough to send His son, Jesus Christ, to be born in a manger. The least you can do is say "Merry Christmas". But here's how I say it... MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!