It feels strange to "discover" an author after he's written more than 15 books, but it is a joy nonetheless. James Scott Bell not only has an exceptional talent for writing, but he has that rare knack for creating stories that are as fresh as today's news. And he is able to keep you up way past your bedtime, eagerly turning pages to read just one more segment --- all this while avoiding the vulgar language that many authors rely on to define their characters. While ethical questions and Christian values are raised throughout the book, they blend perfectly and would earn nods even from non-believers.

NO LEGAL GROUNDS is Bell's latest legal thriller and is sure to increase his fan base. The theme poses the age-old question: why do bad things happen to good people? At age 47, attorney Sam Trask prayed, I go to church and raise my children according to your word, Lord. You keep them from doing anything harmful. You mold them into successful citizens. Right? Isn't that it? "Then why was his daughter running into ruination? Why was evil intruding in his house?" And evil was definitely intruding, not only in his house but also in his work and in the lives of his family.

The intrusion began innocently enough with an email from an all-but-forgotten old college acquaintance, Nicky Oberlin. He wanted to get together, buy Sam a cup of coffee and hash over old times. Facing two very important cases, Sam had no inclination to respond and deleted the message. But Nicky was persistent and eventually cajoled Sam into meeting him. The author's talent for characterization soon allows readers to realize that Nicky is up to no good. And, sure enough, before long he reveals himself to be an unbalanced personification of evil bent on destroying Sam and Sam's family at any cost.

The law that Sam has revered and worked within for years is helpless because Nicky has done nothing to warrant investigation. Should Sam take matters into his own hands? Should he take the advice of a private eye that he hires and allow him to "take care" of Nicky for good? Meanwhile, Sam's 17-year-old daughter, Heather, has hit the height of her rebellion and is estranged from the family, living with a friend who does drugs, drinks to excess and supports her rebellion. Sam's wife, Linda, and their 12-year-old son, Max, are as supportive as they can be, but they are terrified for Sam after they learn that Nicky knows where they live and that he can get into their home when they are not there.

The heart-pounding conclusion is worthy of the best of today's contemporary authors. With both Sam and Heather in the hands of a madman, death seems a certainty. Yet, despite seemingly impossible odds, courage, faith and determination bring about a dynamic and satisfying ending. If you are looking for real-life earthy stories without the smut factors, get started on books by James Scott Bell.