Title: Apparent Danger



Author: David R. Stokes


ISBN: 978-1-935456-11-7


Publisher: Bascom Hill Books

“Apparent Danger – The Pastor Of America’s First Megachurch and the Texas Murder Trial of the Decade in the 1920s”, brings to light a very descriptive and well researched tale of the life of J. Frank Norris, who built up the Baptist Church ministry in Texas to more than 10,000 members.

Not exactly an angelic “beacon” for the church, Norris has his faults, as any man, but for a man of the cloth to commit murder, was the story of the century. Backed up with facts only an enormous amount of research could produce, Stokes weaves the story brilliantly for the era in time, including dialogue, diets and demons.

Though murder is not what the townspeople would expect of their minister, it is obvious throughout that Norris is being guided through his various missions in life by the bible and God’s word. Taking the life of another man wasn’t exactly on his agenda, but when it did happen he wasn’t worried that he would not be exonerated from the sinful deed. His faith in the higher power was eminent throughout.

Despite barriers and adversity, Norris forges on to get the written “Word” out to as many people as possible. Stokes adds a nice mixture of fact into the story as it unfolds with believable dialogue, making the reader feel like they were there, witnessing it all, bringing history to life in a wonderfully told story of the life of Norris.

For anyone who loves a good story, I recommend Apparent Danger. Stokes will have you turning the pages into the wee hours of the night as he weaves an interesting historical tale of the forgotten trial of the decade (1920s), when Norris killed D.E. Chipps, bringing much adversity to the small, sleepy community in Texas. A true crime weaved beautifully into a fiction story sure to grab the attention of anyone who likes a well-blended novel containing every possible facet still found in life today, from perjury to gangsters, to a church that includes its very own newspaper and radio station. There’s a little bit of everything in this story.

Lots of interesting and unexpected twists and turns that even the non-history buff will love. The J. Frank Norris account is one of the best stories I’ve read in a long time, so be prepared to be caught off-guard when you open this one!

Reviewed by Cindy Bauer for Kathy Wilkes Communications

Cindy Bauer is the author of the Memory Box Trilogy (Chasing Memories, Shades of Blue and Crystal Clear) – Inspirational Fiction

This book was received free of charge for the purpose of reviewing.