L. Frank James's Mr. Inside ~ Reviewed

Mr. Inside: A Novel (The Adventures of Lost and Found International) (Paperback)
by L. Frank James
Paperback: 280 pages
Publisher: The Salt Works (October 30, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1934080012
ISBN-13: 978-1934080016




Book Cover Copy:





By the early 1970's, Dr. Gustov Miller, an internationally renown scholar, has developed a keen sense of solving ancient mysteries and has established his own company, called Lost & Found International. He runs it with only two employees, his assistant, a lovely Christian woman, Miss Beatrix Peeters and James Morrison, his "Mr. Outside," who finds himself in life-threatening situations while searching for lost or stolen artifacts, under the remote direction of Dr. Miller.

The action-packed story-line includes Gus and Jim being hounded, beaten, and thrown off a moving passenger train -- all while risking death in their race against time to solve the mystery of their lives.

The invisible hand of God is seen in riveting clarity as it affects the lives of the characters. A page-turner, Mr. Inside entertains, engages and impacts the reader in unexpected ways.

My Review:

Mr. Inside surprised me more than once.

The novel began with a flashback to main character Gustov Miller's classic and typical preacher kid's childhood including the homey neighborhood and church potlucks. After his parents pursue a new call, one into missions, a horrifying and tragic scene unfolds in Africa sending Miller down a road that was both understandable and sad.

Then began an alternating slap-stick cat and mouse game interjected with character studies and spiritual discussions. Some were well done, others fell into stereotypes and all managed to come together at the end and get tied up neatly. There were a few twists and plenty of quirky characters. Mr. James handled the art of mystery and storytelling very well. He also covers quite a bit of spiritual ground with minimal preaching.

I would like to go back and read An Opened Grave: Sherlock Holmes Investigates His Ultimate Case which received critical acclaim.

Those who love quick reads, plot twists and classic detective style characters might want to check into Mr. Inside.