The Hand of God

by John Isaac Jones

An African-American man is caught between his own demons and those of 1950s American society in this historical novel. This is the story of 24-year-old Bobby Lincoln, who lives in the coastal town of Palm Harbor in 1955 Florida.
With few jobs and no education available to him, he ekes out a living by fishing and doing any other work that he can find, often using his boat. But it’s not enough for him or his common-law wife, Idella, who keeps threatening to leave him if he doesn’t become a more effective breadwinner.
None of this is helped by his own love of gambling and his tendency to keep company with some of the town’s best-known criminals. When a local gangster offers him $2,450 to take part in a serious crime, Bobby knows that it would break the heart of his deeply religious mother and disappoint a smart teenage boy who idolizes him.
But he also believes that it might be his only chance to keep his wife and get back some self-respect. One little boat ride quickly turns into a nightmare that consumes Bobby’s life even as he tries to conceal it from others.
Based on Florida’s infamous Chillingworth murders!

Genres: Fiction

268 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2017

About the author

John Isaac Jones is a retired journalist currently living and writing at Merritt Island, Florida. For more than thirty years, "John I.," as he prefers to be called, was a reporter for media outlets throughout the world. These included local newspapers in his native Alabama, The National Enquirer, News of the World in London, the Sydney Morning Herald, and NBC television. He is the author of ten novels, two short story collections and five novellas.

Reviews

[Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just one night can change the direction of your entire life...

I have yet to read something by Jones that wasn't superbly written, and this book based on a true story was no exception. The flavor and feel of the location and period of time that these events occurred in is described with very vivid and illustrious details. Jones has a special way with words that effortlessly transports you to wherever he is describing. I felt like I had a front row seat, not only in the court room for the trial proceedings, but also in the small, stark jail cells occupied by some of the characters. I could hear the distinctive, plaintive squeak of the prison's book cart. I could smell the salty, ocean breeze, hear the gulls cry and feel the stifling heat and sticky, oppressive humidity. The characters were brought to life in a way that made me feel as if they were people I actually knew. I became invested in them to the point of sharing the elation of their triumphs and feeling the depths of their sorrows.

It is difficult to expand too much on the plot of this book without being in danger of giving away some of Jones' delightful, trademark twists and splendidly-stunning shockers. But, I personally felt that this story was about a journey to the discovery of "self". I think that it was a portrait in learning what and who is important in life, understanding what love really is and embracing the opportunities of a second chance. I also recognized and appreciated the subtle lesson in faith and trust by which Jones showed how God can mold and shape someone, even through tragedy, and how He is always in control and can see the "big picture", even when we cannot.

Jones did a magnificent job of blending the facts of the actual case with complementary, fictional elements in order to create a well-rounded, all-encompassing and utterly captivating story experience.

If you have never read Jones before, this book is an excellent introduction to his unique and expansive literary talents. If you are debating whether or not to read something written by Jones... take a chance. I don't think that you will be disappointed. In fact, I think that you will be most pleasantly surprised!

#TheHandofGod #NetGalley

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[beth.inprogress · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this a compelling historical fiction set in Florida in the 1950s. Following the life of Bobby Lincoln, a black man trying to earn a living in America in the backdrop of civil unrest and unrelenting racism. Bobby desperate for money to support him and his partner,ends up embroiled in a kidnapping gone wrong and the consequences lead Bobby to question his faith and explore further his relationship with God. I really enjoyed the murder mystery elements of the book and the development of the court case. However this book was very slow in the beginning and I wasn’t really sure what the point of the book was. It was trying to suggest some wider point on religion and faith but I felt the delivery of the message was a little flat and cliched.I really liked so many elements of this book but I think it felt a little unfinished. A promising author and overall a good book. I would read more from this author and I found the writing very strong and the character development very sound.

Thanks to the author John Isaac Jones and Voracious Readers Only for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I received a free copy of this via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review)

I had no idea what I was getting into when reading this story. I hadn't read the description, but chose to give it a go seeing as it was a genre that I don't usually read. I can honestly say that I enjoyed reading this right from the get go. The short chapters made it a really easy read as I constantly found myself saying "I'll just read one more", and once the 'action' of the story started, I was well and truly hooked. I found myself having to put it down at parts just to recuperate my emotions. The characters were easy to get attached to and I could definitely picture this as a film with its suspense, action, and murder.

My only criticism was that there were a lot of time connectives used within short spaces; "Ten minutes later" "Twenty minutes later". It didn't take away from the story and did make the read quicker, there were just times where I got a bit fed up reading the same lines. But aside from that, I really enjoyed this story.

[Samantha Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially I struggled and I almost didn't finish this book. In fact, I put it down, intending to delete from my kindle, but then I decided to give it another go. I'm glad I did. It ends up being very different from how it starts out. The ending was not at all what I expected. It definitely started out a little slow but held my attention later on. I now realise that it was a story that needed building and needs you to stick with it.
I found this book was very well written and it was one of those books where I felt like I was there. The good over evil element is rather thought provoking. And the way the emotions of the characters are written make them so much more believable. The goodness of Bobby and his willingness to fight for what he knows is right makes for a good story line. It covers a shameful period in history when America called itself a great democracy but treated black people as less than human beings.
I received a free copy from Voracious Readers Only and I am very pleased I did as I really enjoyed the well written plot and characters.

[Lulu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on the true story of the disappearances Judge Curtis Chillingworth and his Majorie during the summer of 1955, this was quite an interesting story.

I did find some of the story to be a bit unrealistic and the writing a little choppy. The author had a great basis to actually build a fantastic story around, but it seems like he chose to play it safe.

This was a good story, put it had the potential to be great.

*Special Thank You to @voraciousreadersonly for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hand Of God by John Isaac Jones is a story of murder, redemption and the search for God. It is a fictionalized story based on the unsolved Florida Chillingworth murders. Bobby Lincoln, a young African American, is the central figure in this tale.

The book is beautifully written and very deep. You can't read this book without being influenced by the undertones of religion, God, redemption and forgiveness. However, it is not a religious novel but more a novel about Bobby's search for a deeper meaning of life.

Bobby is a lost soul in the beginning of the novel and basically believes there is no meaning to life. As much as he thinks about religion he can't believe in what's written in the bible and preached about on Sundays. Finding himself in jail charged with murder he begins reading books that may help him understand what God is, the meaning of life, what his purpose is and how to lead a better life. With the help of Bags, a knowledgeable inmate who delivers books to inmates, he finally realizes he has to change if he's going to find redemption.

The character development in this book is wonderful. The reader forms a great understanding of Bobby and Bags as well as all the other characters. I knew there was something special about Bags and his influence on Bobby and it was confirmed at the end of the book.

The story is really well developed and transitions easily through all the influences and changes in Bobby's life. As Bobby grows as a human being the story grows with him. It's an easy read that grabs the reader and doesn't let go. As Bobby questions life the reader explores the questions right along with him.

I highly recommend this book. It makes you think and question your own beliefs and actions. I was never sure of Bobby's or the authors belief in organized religion until a little wink from Bags at the end.

[George1st · Rating 4 out of 5]

Due to its length and the fascination of the story, I was able to complete the book over the course of an afternoon and evening. This is a fictionalised account of real life events, namely the Florida Chillingworth murders, which gives the tale an extra resonance and impact. The book tells how a young poor hardworking African American, former Korean War veteran finds himself through a combination of poverty, a brutal racist society and unlucky circumstances being manipulated and coerced in assisting a double murder.

Set in a decrepit, dirt poor African American enclave in the Florida backwaters we see how Bobby Lincoln's daily life is a constant struggle to make ends meet in a deeply segregated society where he finds himself firmly at the bottom of the pile. Weighed down by gambling debts he takes on a job that will free him of all his financial worries, but at what cost? For Bobby is essentially a good man with a conscience. The story is about despair and what can happen if there is no hope. It is also though about redemption and the power of reading and learning, showing what can be ultimately achieved in the face of adversity. A wonderful read that is I suspect still has much relevance for today's America.

[Vickie Noble · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was about a young Black man in the 1950's who is accused of murder. I think the author over simplified everything. This could have been so much better!!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hand of God by John Isaac Jones
I recently joined Voracious Readers Only, a website designed to match readers with up & coming novelists, and I have to admit, it’s hard not clicking on every reading opportunity that comes through, but I am trying to be choosy because it’s June and I teach, so there’s not a lot of spare time for reading, that being said, this is my first choice from the site, and I’m glad it was. I’m always down for a good crime novel, and historical fiction, and this book hit the nail on the head for both.

The Hand of God is based on a true story, and honestly, it read like true crime, and I had a difficult time upon researching it afterwards, deciphering between fact and fiction. It read like it could all be true. It is based on Florida’s infamous murder mystery of Judge Chillingworth and his wife. The couple went missing one night from their beach house, and this story aims to tell how that came to be, through the confession of a man wracked with guilt, for his involvement in their murders.
Bobby Lincoln is a poor black man in the 1950s, he has served his country in the Vietnam War, but is now barely getting by, living with his common-law wife, Idella, in a rented house. His long standing business relationship with a man named Lucky, provides him with an opportunity to get out of debt, get a little ahead in life, and stop the arguments he and Idella have about his inability to properly provide for them. Bobby struggles with his conscious, the difficulties life has thrown at him, and his mother’s strong belief in God, but eventually makes a terrible decision that eats at his soul. The book quickly and impressively takes you through Bobby’s internal struggle, his quest to make things right, and the power of redemption. I read the book in 2 days and had a difficult time putting it down!

My favourite part was this:
“Every Thursday morning around 9:30, that dog does his business on that fire hydrant. It’s just like he don’t know nothing else.”
“What’s that got to do with our conversation?”
“In some ways, I’m like that dog,” the DA said. “I don’t really want to be mean or look down on anybody, but my attitude toward blacks has been inbred in me for so long, I’m not sure I can change.”
“If I’m going to work with you, I want to be treated as your equal,” Bobby said. “That’s not too much to ask.”
“Maybe you’re right,” the DA said. “So what can I do?”
“When I come into your office, say ‘Good morning, Mr. Lincoln.’
“Step out from behind your desk and shake my hand. Then say to me, please be seated. Treat me like I’m intelligent and know what’s going on in the world. And don’t call me ‘boy.’ That’s treating me like I was your dog. I’m not your dog.”
The DA pursed his lips and considered Bobby’s words.
“Okay,” he said finally. “I get your point. If I change my attitude, will you work with me?”

[Shahira8826 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Voracious Readers Only for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. It has been published in April 2017.

"The Hand of God" by John Isaac Jones is a very interesting book which I'd be hard-pressed to place into a genre.
It starts off as a realist novel portraying the plight of uneducated Black people scraping a living in 1950s Florida, then there's one scene that seems to be taken straight out of a noir, then it gets philosophical, then it turns into a legal thriller, and right after that there are a couple of action/adventure scenes, followed by way too long an epilogue where we learn everything that ever happened to every single character from the events of the book until the day they died, be it one week or fifty years later.
I don't mind a mix of genres in a novel, but they need to be *mixed*, not simply juxtaposed. There are some excellent works of literature which can be counted as belonging to a few different genres and manage to be consistent from start to finish. On the contrary, "The Hand of God" just goes from being 100% realist to 100% noir to 100% philosophical to 100% legal thriller to 100% action/adventure. That's annoying because the different parts feel like they don't even belong to the same book.
Aside from that, I really appreciated the writing style: the language and grammar were perfectly crafted, you can tell the author has been working with words his whole life.
The book reminded me a bit of "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption" in some bits, but I found the depiction of prison life to be a bit too simplistic in "The Hand of God": it makes it look like being detained for murder was the best thing that could have happened to Bobby. Basically, being imprisoned allows him to turn his life around, get an education and finally gain some self-respect. None of the obvious downsides of prison life gets even mentioned.
I also thought that the portrayal of alcohol abuse and gambling addiction in this novel was very naive.
I also found the epilogue to be way too drawn out, especially since the book is quite a short one.
What I really, really liked was Bobby's argument with his attorney and the way their relationship evolved from then onward. That was inspiring and thought-provoking.
Overall, this was a pleasant enough read, but it could have been better if it had been more consistent in style or more honest in handling the not-so-nice elements of the plot: alcoholism, gamble addiction and life in prison.

[Audrey McCarver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking Backward on a Life

This story of Bobby Lincoln is fiction but based on a true incident of murder in 1955 in Florida. Bobby is a poor black man living among other poor people who have to struggle daily to work and eat. When we meet Bobby as a young man he is in church with his mother and common law wife, just waiting to be out and doing the things he really enjoyed with the people who comprised his world within walking distance of his home. He walked to work at the sugar mill, he walked to the store, he walked to church, he walked to his mother’s house, he walked to the bars, he walked to the ocean, and he walked to the place and the situation that would ruin his own life and that of others. Bobby goes through much heartache and guilt and despair of ever having a normal, happy life. While in prison he meets a character named Bags who brings around books for those who are incarcerated. Bobby, having little else to do, begins to read whatever Bags has to offer, encountering words he does not know or understand. Bags brings him a dictionary and Bobby begins to educate himself. When the opportunity arises that might get him out of prison, Bobby is able to understand the situation and speak for himself. He does not ‘get off scot free’ but does have to face his past and the evil forces that would hinder his future. In a review of this book, one person says to ‘pass on this book, because it contains false teaching. I have problems with his statement: 1) Are we only to read books that we totally agree with? 2) How can we know we agree with it if we don’t read it? 3). Does that mean we have to rely on that reviewer to tell us what is fit to read? 4). If so, then what if we don’t agree with that person? If, in life, we only read what we are sure to agree with then we are a miserable people, learning nothing new, never being challenged by another point of view, and possibly missing out on the very thing we need to know to complete our own lives.
I give this book a 5 out of 5, because the plot is dynamic, the research and writing are spot on and it’s a pleasant and rewarding accomplishment.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through Voracious Readers. I enjoy historical fiction and stories based on true events.This book didn't disappoint. It was a good basic story but also detailed one man's search for meaning and faith in something bigger than himself. It was also eye opening to hear the defense attorney address the jury and state as southern men how could they find a white man guilty based on the testimony of a black man. Systemic racism as southern tradition. This was balanced by the
openness of the District Attorney to change how he viewed Bobby and black people in general.
I loved the relationship between Bobby and Bags and their conversations. All of the main characters had depth and drew you into to their part of the story.
While this was not at all a book about race relations, in this time of trying to be more aware of how we treat each other, it did present a perspective of how blacks were perceived in the South.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book

[Chryssie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book through voracious readers only in return for an honest review and I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel based on a true story and set during troublesome times in the 1950’s when racism was relentless.
This book is so well written that I felt I was right there in the story. I felt empathy for Bobby and his troubles, and he was bought to life so well that I understood him and his ways.
It was intriguing to read about an historical event such as this and the way this era was captured so well it kept me interested right the way through and opened my eyes to events I had no idea about.
I recommend this book to catch a glimpse through the eyes of Bobby of what he encountered and the events that unfolded amongst the Chillingworth murders. This was a great read! 😊

[Kay Hagan-Haller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to believe that things like this actually happened in our country and in MY lifetime! History is sometimes painful to recall but how can we be sure the bad is not repeated if we don’t share it? Reading about a poor black man who is trying to survive in an era when he is considered less than human and how he tried to get by is difficult and hurts to think about. Then you realize the story is based on a real case, even though this is fictionalized. I really enjoyed the development of the man’s character through his life.
This was an ARC but my honest review.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hand of God is a story of redemption and finding a belief in God. Its has has murders and suspense to it. The book was a slow start for me, it was very difficult to get into the plot, but the story was not confusing. The characters are well rounded. The situations felt real. The story seemed dragged at some points. The language is good and understandable. The ending felt good!
Thank you Voracious Readers only and the author for reader’s copy of this book. This review is my own and is not influenced in any way.

[Patricia S Winchel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed in the ending

I really thought that Bobby would have found the salvation his mamma had but he didn't. I should have suspected from the cursing sprinkled throughout the book that I was expecting more than what was there. I thought the title hinted that Bobby would become a real Christian and not just a church attender. Life is short no matter how successful you become and the final chapters were too much like a fairy tale. Disappointed!

[Carmen Priolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I just finished reading this book and have to say I enjoyed it immensely. I couldn't put it down once I started. The main character Bobby was interesting on so many levels.. He was someone who you could respect because of his convictions.
Mr Isaac Jones is a great story teller and kept me wanting to know what the outcome was going to be. I did Google judge Chillingsworth to verify the story.

[Lauren McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kept me interested for the whole novel and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a historical fiction/memoir during the 1950’s. Speaking of, it definitely felt more like a memoir than a historical fiction novel, but I believe that’s just because of how well it was written and how real it felt.

I did receive this as a complimentary novel from voraciousreadersonly.com and from John himself.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book told a story of a young man living in a time where discrimination was a daily occurrence. He found himself in a position where either decision could mean death. This book was detailed and confronting and at times I found it difficult to read. However, I’m pleased I continued as it was a great read with some positive outcomes from a dire situation.

Thanks to the Author John Isaac Jones and Voracious Readers Only for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.

Within the last year, I had listened to a podcast about the Chillingsworth murders, so I was aware of some of what happened. The author wonderfully mixed true facts into fiction. I absolutely loved this book. The author is a wonderful writer who describes each scene with detail that helps you imagine what is actually happening. I would definitely read more of this authors books.

[Janice Emma-Alessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy and very good read. Enjoyed the history of the time and place. The author captures what it was like being a African American man during the 50's. The struggles of everyday life. The trials and tribulations one struggles with. How the manipulation of politics can destroy lives. Excellent book.

[Janet Cardillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

So believable

I chose a 5 star rating because this book was so believable that I wished it were true. That a black man could go free after killing whites. Seems in contrast to today where the opposite happens. Uplifting, even without the religious buy.in. the epilogue left me satisfied and content. But I still wish it had been a true story.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good!

I love that this book was based on a true story. I also love that even though this is a bout a poor black family they didn’t let racism play an overpowering part in this book. I find a lot of stories from the past love to play the racism aspect and I for one know that wasn’t every black person is every day life. In any of that this is a great realistic look at a young man who gets caught up in a bad thing and loses everything because of it. In his redemption he will get all that he deserves and more helping his friends along the way. My favorite thing about this book is that it wasn’t predictable and it stayed true to being realistic.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hand of God, is a fictional account of the Chillingsworth murders. The characters, especially Bobby really come to life within the pages. However, the book is a slow starter and one really has to stick with it. It is well worth the time it takes because the story does an excellent job on shining a light on an America that most would prefer to pretend never happened.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is based on a true story, At first, the book is very slow. But keep reading, because as you read more, this book will pull you in. The ending was very good. Well put together and overall a decent read. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of the book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on my review.

[Bonnie Kernene]

A very interesting book! It was a book that talked about redemption and one trying to believe in God again. At first I was not sure about it, but then it seemed to wrap me up in the story and I could not put it down. It was well written and a great story. I really liked this book and do recommend it to anyone who likes suspense.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1955 Bobby Lincoln is a 24 year old black man living in Florida who becomes involved in the murder of a Palm Beach County judge and his wife. When Bobby turn himself in, the story becomes very powerful. THE HAND OF GOD is a great read!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hand of God

Excellent novel about murder and life in a racially troubled South during the 1950's. Great characters and a storyline that keeps the reader's interest from first page to last.

[Kathleen A. Sloniker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

The ending was not what I expected. It started out a little slow but held my attention later on. I know it was a story that needed building and we'll worth the read. I really enjoyed this book and had a different ending than expected. Good book.

[Clare Vane-Tempest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised. The quality of the writing and the story line makes this book a surprising page turner. Loved it, extremely well written. The book takes you on a journey that you wish would continue. I would read a sequel.