False Witness

by Randy Singer

Clark Shealy is a bail bondsman with the ultimate bounty on the line: his wife's life. He has forty-eight hours to find an Indian professor in possession of the Abacus Algorithm—an equation so powerful it could crack all Internet encryption.

Four years later, law student Jamie Brock is working in legal aid when a routine case takes a vicious twist: she and two colleagues learn that their clients, members of the witness protection program, are accused of defrauding the government and have the encrypted algorithm in their possession. After a life-changing trip to the professor's church in India, the couple also has the key to decode it.

Now they're on the run from federal agents and the Chinese mafia, who will do anything to get the algorithm. Caught in the middle, Jamie and her friends must protect their clients if they want to survive long enough to graduate.

An adrenaline-laced thrill ride, this retelling of one of Randy Singer's most critically acclaimed novels takes readers from the streets of Las Vegas to the halls of the American justice system and the inner sanctum of the growing church in India with all the trademark twists, turns, and the legal intrigue his fans have come to expect.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Mystery, Thriller, Legal Thriller, Suspense

432 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2011

About the author

Randy 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.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This legal thriller from Randy Singer was a crazy ride! As usual, the story and writing were spot-on, and the good guys were appropriately admirable. I need to seek out more books by this writer; he does a great job!

(To those who were complaining about the violence: I'm not a fan of blood or gore in my entertainment, either; so much so, I've never even seen Mel Gibson's Passion flick. Still, if you though the violence in this book was brutal, there are some stories in the Old Testament that make this look like an episode of Sesame Street.)

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professor Kumari and his business partner, Rajat have developed a program that tons of business owners would kill for. In fact that is exactly what happens when a business meeting goes south, Kumari finds himself on the run and a wanted man.

Professional bail bondsman, Clark Shealy finds himself in a situation that he can not lose. Some really evil and desperate men have kidnapped Clark’s wife. Clark only has forty eight hours to track down and turn Kumari into the men. Just how much is another person’s life worth?

Attorney Jamie Brock uncovers some shocking surprises with her latest case.

Mr. Singer does it again. He brings the drama, powerful story line and good characters in False Witness. If you have never read a Randy Singer novel, you have lived under a rock as you don’t know what you are missing out on. This book starts out with a big bang…literally. To be honest, while I did enjoy reading this book, I found Clark’s story more interesting than when the story changed to Jamie at first. At the end, when everything was being tied together, I did become hooked again.

[Eugenie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The novel started out strong but faltered along the way for me. It could have done without many of the twists. Also, I did not appreciate the racial stereotyping of African Americans and one in particular left a bitter taste in my mouth. It could have been great - I wanted it to be and I am sorry that it wasn't.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant story! Randy Singer has written a masterpiece that I’d like to see on the Big Screen! False Witness is filled with an array of multi-dimensional characters. Some of them I felt for and others were nerdy but fun. There were also a few bad guys that I loved to hate! Randy helped you not to feel bad about their demise!

Randy hooked me from the first page and never let me go! I liked how the author paced this story by breaking down the book into sections which helped build the suspense, and drama while letting the reader get to know his characters and their situations well. I was spellbound.

It starts out with the epilogue called The Professor. I loved the quote Randy starts with, it definitely describes the professor, “Courage if fear that has said its prayers. By Dorothy Bernard."

Part one called Bounty Hunter, kicks the story into high gear when Clark Shealy – bounty hunter and his wife Jessica, find themselves in a life and death situation. Clark goes to repo a client’s car at a plastic surgeons office. This is the beginning of Clark’s horrible, no good, bad day at the surgeons’ office. Their world changes forever when Clark discovers is wife is kidnappe and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get her back.

Randy writes, “Clark was not the same man who crawled out of bed yesterday morning, focused on chasing the American dream while living on the slippery outer slopes of legality.

He had a killer’s mentality now…There was no question if he had the guts to take someone’s life in order to save his wife. The only question now was whether he’d be able to stop.”


Part two was called The Law Students – In enters three law students hoping to practice law and make a difference in peoples lives, as they fight for justice. Their lives are forever changed when they take on a case at the legal aids office that has them in harms way. They wouldn’t read about a case like this in the text books they had for school. Who could they trust to help them get out of this mess? Quickly the drama turns surreal! Never in their wildest dreams did they think their first case would involve the Chinese mafia, U.S. Marshalls and the FBI! Would they all live to see another day?

Part Three – The Code – quote, “Where there is mystery, it is generally suspected there must also be evil.” Oh my, he’s so right. Why all the drama, suspense and murder? What do all these people have in common and want? The Code! The code to what you ask? The code to the master key – the key to every lock to every thing encrypted on the internet! Who is the keeper of the Code? How can they find the keeper and get the code at the same time? Now that is the question?

Part Four – The Deal – quote, "There are two tragedies in life: One is not to get your heart’s desire. The other is to get it” by George Bernard Shaw."
Randy shows this in a powerful way. Oh, the deals people are willing to make to obtain the most powerful key of all – the code. Riveting!

Part Five – The Witness – “There is no honor among thieves – Who can you trust?”
No one but God! “A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies perishes.” Proverbs 19:9.

Randy brings this scripture and quote to life in this intricate, compelling drama in a race against time and bad guys to find the code before it gets into the wrong hands and destroys life as everyone knows it.

Each segment builds onto each other until the reader is mesmerized, has their heart-racing and up late reading to reach the stories climatic conclusion. I also enjoyed these characters moral dilemma’s as the searched to find the code and save our way of life. Did the ends justify the means? The spiritual thread was naturally woven into his fast paced story line. I loved every second of this book I couldn’t put down.

Who better to give the reader the inside scoop into the legal world than Randy Singer, who is an adjunct Professor at Regent University Law School, has his own law practice and has tried numerous cases in State and Federal court! Randy lifts the veil for a peek into the inner workings of the court system, law school and everything in-between.

Thanks Randy for a book I couldn’t stop reading, for characters I cared about and a story that brought me outside myself and had me look at life through a scope I didn’t realize could affect the world at large. This was such a true to life story, moving and powerful in every way. Now that I know the ending I’ll definitely read this book again to catch the things I know I might have missed. I’ve read several of Randy’s books so far and this one is his best! Definitely a book to read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Carlie Mickel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took a while for me to get into this book; but once I hit that point I couldn’t put it down I stayed up until 2 am to finish it!

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great novel by Singer, looking at Witness Protection and the complexities of mathematical equations. Singer lessens the 'Christian preaching' in this novel, but his signature mention of religion remains.



The book is split into parts, telling different aspects of a great story spanning 4 years. From repo men, to law school students, to WITSEC, Singer uses his expertise to weave a great story.



Had wished for more 'law' and less thriller, but I enjoyed the overall story and the cfharacters remains believable.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of twists and turns in the book.

[Tanner Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

With short chapters and plenty of twists and turns to keep a reader engaged, this was an entertaining read in the way a political thriller / action movie is. Singer is a pastor and definitely wants to showcase the character of God through the actions of those characters who have a relationship with Jesus, and at times this is done with nuance and a refreshingly light touch. Other plot points, however, feel a bit crammed in. Admirable that the sales from this book are going to support Indian Christians in need, but using that need as a major motivation for some of the characters felt a bit forced; then again, Singer isn't sparse on specific details elsewhere in the book, so maybe that can be forgiven.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read!

[Rachel L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little violent for me. Action-packed for sure. The story picks up after the first section. Wellington Farnsworth from Rule of Law shows up and just about steals the show.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clark Shealy was a Las Vegas bail bondsman, and he was pretty good at his job. His assistant was none other than his wife Jessica, who was a good partner, keeping things in order. When Clark finds out Jessica is kidnapped by the Chinese Mafia and he only has 48 hours to supply them with a professor, and alive not dead, he is devastated. Professor Kumari has the algorithm, an internet code that could break all the encryptions on the internet and the Chinese Mafia would do anything to get their hands on it. This sends Shealy on a dangerous journey of a lifetime for fear of what would happen to his wife. Clark’s journey takes him into dangerous situations, breaking the law, things he normally would never do, for the return of his wife, but it is always a dead end. Finally, he receives the phone call that gives him access to Kumari. This is where the thriller really takes off taking you to through unbelievable twists and turns until the last page!

This was my first Randy Singer book, and I’m hooked! This book is filled with fast paced action from the first pages to the last. The plot is so unpredictable with so many twists and turns throughout the book. Just when you think you’ve figured something out, the action takes another twist and it’s like, here we go again! The author was a genius in creating the characters, they are just like real! Each character, and their part in the story were just perfect to make it the page turner thriller it is. And an interesting twist was using law students Wellington Farnsworth, Isaiah Haywood and Jamie Brock to represent some of the most vicious criminals in the world, something most wouldn’t think about I am sure.

I really like the way Singer writes this thriller suspense, and also incorporates the Bible and Christ in the story as well. Though it’s not dominated, he clearly gives the gospel and how God can change a life when committing you life to Him. As the tag line in the story says; “The government can give you a new identity, But only Christ can change your life. What an amazing truth this is. If you like Thrillers, I highly recommend this book to you. It is well worth your read.

This book was provided to me by the publisher Tyndale House through B&B Media Group Inc. The opinions in this review are mine only. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. Thank you to B&B Media for allowing me to read and review this book for their F.I.R.S.T. online tour.

[Denise Salerno · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book stayed in its lane and was entertaining as a result. -1/2⭐️ for the absence of humor; -1/2⭐️ for narrator’s egregious mispronunciations of locales, particularly those in Georgia. I’m not mad, and I won’t need to think about this story again.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very slow start, but good twists. Law students and an algorithm.

[Godly Gadfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randy Singer = the Christian John Grisham (5 stars)

The first part of this Randy Singer book introduces us to the professional bondsman Clark Shealy and his wife Jessica. The Shealys soon are caught up in a complicated web of kidnapping and danger, as Clark finds himself in the middle of murderous Chinese mafia plot revolving around a secret and potentially powerful mathematical algorithm discovered by Professor Kumari and his partner Rajat. The spine-tingling action of that conflict seems to be over about part-way through the book, when Shealy and his wife have safely assumed new identities under the witness protection program, and you wonder what could possible still come in the pages ahead. But suddenly their very lives are threatened again as their identity appears to be compromised, and both the mob and the government appear to be battling to get hold of the algorithm. This time they are assisted by law students Jamie Brock, Isaiah Haywood, and Wellington Farnsworth, under the supervision of the enigmatic Professor Snead; the latter part of the novel is largely written from the perspective of Jamie, in her effort to assist the Shealys, despite the personal peril this places her in.
There's a lot of action and drama, but what is especially compelling about this novel is the concept that Singer introduces in the prologue, which he heard from a pastor at a funeral of someone who had turned from a life of crime after being in the witness protection program: "The government can give you a new identity. But only Christ can change your life." Randy Singer's reaction was "That would make a good book"; False Witness is that book, and I for one think he's done a good job with it. It's a fast paced thriller, and while Singer's ability perhaps doesn't quite match that of John Grisham, he is certainly capable of producing suspenseful legal thrillers that also have sound Christian content. I appreciated the way in which he carefully brings Scripture to bear on his plot and characters, without giving you sense he's trying to preach rather than entertain; in the end this is a fast-paced action story rather than a devotional. There's a lot to like here, and Christian fans of the legal thriller genre should enjoy this page-turner a great deal.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while to figure out this book. The first part seemed to have nothing to do with the back cover blurb--it actually ended up being set up for the rest of the book, but the reader didn't know that until partway through the second part of the book.

Once we met the law students, I started to enjoy the book more. I liked the characters of Jamie Brock and Wellington Farnsworth. (The other student lawyer not so much, though I do have to say he was very loyal to the other two.) The idea of an algorithm that can easily factor the prime numbers making up security codes worldwide is intriguing. I can see where many groups (some legal and some not so legal) would want something like that.

There's a lot of deception in this book. Shealy/Hoffman didn't really lie when they said they didn't have the algorithm but they omitted that Dagan had told Mr. Shealy that he would send the coded algorithm by email and then send someone with the code key later. Snead seems to be playing everyone to get immunity and a new life for himself. Jacobsen and other law enforcement are willing to let Brock think the bad guys have kidnapped her to further their agenda, as well as killing Brock's dog.

Brock is motivated by wanting justice for her mother (and later for her dog), but in the end she chooses not to lie under oath in order to get what she wants. She also seems to be trying to keep herself from considering crossing ethical lines when she does become a lawyer.

Farnsworth also chooses the higher path when he has ethical dilemmas. He chooses to keep his knowledge of the algorithm secret and regards it as a gift from God as well as a charge from God. He struggles with whether to lie under oath (though in the end, he is not faced with that dilemma thanks to the loyalty of one of his new friends). He's one of the few who didn't seem to be in it for the money.

By the end, I was turning pages wanting to see how the book ended up--though I suspected some of the plot twists before they were confirmed by the author.

[Alex Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me absolutely hooked. I am a big fan of Randy Singer after reading 'The Advocate' which was a fantastic book. This one is just as good, if not better. I would almost say better... because my only (minor) gripe with 'The Advocate' was that the writing was somewhat lackluster at certain points, but the writing in this book remains consistently thrilling, and invigorating the entire time.

The book starts off right away with suspense and action, making you realize the rollercoaster that you are about to endure as you progress through the pages. It sets the tone perfectly, and sucks you in right from the beginning.
It is taking every ounce of self control I have to prevent myself from spoiling parts of the book because it is just SO freaking good. It is extremely hard to give any more information without spoilers.
I really developed a connection with pretty much all the main characters. Singer does a great job building the characters, and giving vivid descriptions of who they are, how they carry themselves, and how they operate.
An example of Singers exceptional writing and excellent building of anticipation is how well he conveys the emotions from Clark and Jessica (one of the two primary characters who play a vital role) when their first major incident happens.

Chinese mafia, a corrupt government, torture, shooting, adrenaline pumping car chases, innocent people caught in the middle of a power grab, and twists that you do NOT see coming. What more could you want from a thriller?
I might grab my piece, an energy drink, and go take over north Korea... then maybe take down the Russian government if I'm feeling extra cute. Idk... This read has me ready for some adrenaline.

Once again, Great job Singer. HIGHLY recommend. Spectacular read, and spectacular writing that will have you glued to the pages.

[LadyS · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars Another fast-paced action-packed novel from Singer complete with unpredictable turns, shady characters and satisfying outcomes. David Hoffman and his wife, whom in their old lives were bounty hunters became the targets of a Chinese mob due to an unprecedented and powerful algorithm capable of disarming national security. However, the mob isn't the only pursuer: The FBI would also like this algorithm and they will stop at nothing to obtain it including using deception and violating constitutional rights.

3 law students become linked to Hoffman and find themselves in the crosshairs of the mob and the FBI.
Fans of Singer will read this straight from beginning to end, there doesn't seem to be a dull movement. It was a bit distracting to have the story change perspective in their characters but I'll concede that the author was able to pull this off.

this is characterized under Christian fiction but it shouldn't be because there really isn't much to justify it being so.

[Larisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Randy Singer for years, as I enjoy legal thrillers, and I like the way he weaves Chrisianity into the story line and areas in Georgia, as it was once home for us.

Because this is a suspense/thriller, the plot takes the reader on some crazy spins, unexpected turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat, and your fingers gripping the pages. There were so many interesting characters in 'False Witness', from Professor Dagan, who discovered the algorithm - that is the 'key to every lock', to bounty-hunter/repo artist Clark Shealy (a.k.a. David Hoffman), to the ambitious law students Isaiah, Jamie, and Wellington.

The plot was great, and it's been a'while since I read about what people go throughin the Witness Protection Program, so I really enjoyed that angle and what it added to the story. Randy did his homework on this book and it shows in every aspect of this plot.

[Pattyh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading this author. I really enjoyed this novel.
The plot starts with a couple who are bounty hunters. But soon they get involved in a case that’s bigger than the both of them. Bad things happen and they are in danger from the Chinese mob over a program designed to change the internet this couple is trying to protect.
Several years later a man approaches a young law student. He needs help but then disappears in court before the case starts. A woman approaches a young man who is a law student. She also needs help. Strangely these people have been in the witness protection program and they may have the formula for a program that a lot of people want and that includes the Chinese and Americans.
Worlds collide and good guys are not always who you think they are.

Great characters and plot. Very good!!!!!

[Bert van der Vaart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of turns and subplots--perhaps a little too much--this is nonetheless a solid legal thriller with some string characters--but others being relatively two dimensional. The plot was fast paced enough and there were lots of bad guys who in the end get their comeuppance, but it is not designed to increase one's faith in the criminal justice system or in the FBI. It does a reasonable job showing how self-interest is at the heart of many professions, and testing a little the ability of principle to resist similar temptations for the young law students central to the plot. Enjoyable, but not life-changingly so.

[Chrissa Ynacay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reason why I didn't gave it a 5 stars, it's because there are a lot of words and phrases or scenarios that I don't get because it is a law related. I'm an aspiring architect not a law student therefore I don't quite understand some of it. But, I enjoyed the PLOT. Especially the twist! Like, Wtf?! Snead you sneaky! the freaking love interest was a bluff?! Luckily the main character is a law student, meaning to say, she is not dumb to not know those plan. And I really thought that clark died! I almost lost my other favourite character, again. I thought I will get bored midway but nah, it's so good especially the algorithm thing! well written story with an unexpected twist! LOVE IT!!

[Kim S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by this book. I picked it up from a goodwill, not knowing anything about it or the writer besides what was written on the back cover. I don't know why, but I expected it to be hokey or trite; in reality, I thought it was pretty good. There were some spots of awkward language, and the implied or actual violence was a little alarming and squirm-inducing (coming from someone who has a pretty high threshold for that, that's saying something); but that didn't pull the whole thing down. A few tears as well, rare for a thriller.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a 3.5 stars for me but I almost always round up and I have read several of his books that I thought were solid 4’s. I listened to the audiobook version of this and it was a little hard to follow as such. If you are familiar with Mr Singer’s work you won’t be disappointed it just may not be your favorite and if you aren’t familiar I would pick another of his titles as your first read.
Content: No language or sex

[Beverly Doss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Injustice for All

Asian Triad (mob), Witness Protection Program, Corrupt Judges, Innocent Bystanders, Deceitful FBI and Idealistic Law Student! What an amazing casts of characters with imperfections in a well written roller coaster ride full of drama and trauma. Wonderful examples of Christ's love and selfless acts of courage throughout the novel. So many twists and turns with an unpredictable, but satisfying ending.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Randy Singer book, but it won't be my last! The story kept my interest, and the characters were well developed. It was interesting to learn a bit about the plight of the "less fortunate" in India and how the church has taken on an active role in addressing their needs. I liked that there wasn't any graphic sex or vulgar language. I really like the young lawyers and hope to see those characters in other books of his.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fairly quick and entertaining read with twists I didn't see coming. I didn't realize when I started reading it that it's falls into a Christian category, but I didn't find the religion to be over the top or preachy at all. The characters were sympathetic, and the plot was well-paced. if you enjoy a good thriller that's not bloody or too dark, definitely give this one a try.

[David Yount · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like legal thrillers, but this one was a little too murky for me. I like a good twist, but this one had multiple twists - some that I saw coming and some that I didn't because they didn't add much to the story. I wished it would have been better.

[Deb Brammer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was well written, but dealt strongly with the legal side of things. This isn't surprising since Randy Singer writes legal fiction. I really liked his book "Dying Declaration" but about half way through "False Witness" I wasn't enjoying it and just quit.

[Tom Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent suspense

A bit confusing early on, as it seemed some key players were doomed to exit early, but chapter two ramped up the action, the intrigue, the excitement. Great job, Randy!

[Emi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy Randy Singer, however I thought this book was just good … not great. It could just be the story itself but this didn’t seem super cohesive nor did it capture my attention the way some of his others have.