Mr. Inside: A Novel (The Adventures of Lost and Found International)

L. Frank James
The Salt Works (2007)
ISBN 9781934080016
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (3/08)


As a child, on a mission with his family in Africa, a horrible tragedy causes Gustov Miller to completely shut down his faith in God.  He cuts off all ties with his brother and dedicates his life to his company, Lost and Found International.  Throwing himself into his studies provides him with an incredible depth of knowledge that helps him solve ancient mysteries and help people locate missing artifacts.  He has two people working for him.  Beatrix Peters is his beautiful and capable assistant.  James Morrison is his field man whom he sends out to do the dirty, dangerous work.  Dr. Miller prefers to handle all of his work from home.

When Beatrix’s life is endangered, Dr. Miller is forced into the outside world to help look for her.  He also needs to discover who is behind her kidnapping.  A mysterious parchment, a beautiful mystery woman, and an oaf with a heavy east coast accent, all add to the adventure.   Dr. Miller’s and James’ mishaps add excitement to their escapades.  They also are forced to confront their feelings about their faith.  It is time for a wake up call.  Dr. Miller has to do a tremendous amount of soul searching to discover what he really feels and to let go of his anger. 

“Mr. Inside” is written for people who wonder why God lets bad things happen to good people.  I am sure that this question occurs to most of us at some point in our lives.  The story shows how strongly anger can shut down a person’s life.  People can get so caught up in being mad at God and the people who hurt them, they stop allowing themselves to really live and enjoy life. 

L. Frank James writes this fictional novel using his experience as a pastor and a person who has been on many missions.  He vividly brings his scenes to life.  His characters seem real, especially with their flaws.  By having an underlying theme of Christianity thread through his story, he really made me look at my own life and wonder if I didn’t still have a few hurts that need letting go.  He did a wonderful job of making me laugh while I was reading; yet I still held on to the deeper meaning that runs through the book.  This past year, the author passed away.  One of his legacies is this novel.  How incredible it is that he left behind a work of fiction that reminds people that they need to believe.  Even gone, L. Frank James will continue to touch lives through “Mr. Inside.”

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