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Tom Hilpert
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Superior Justice (Lake Superior Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Tom Hilpert (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 2,837 ratings
THE CONFESSION THAT COULD KILL HIM...

Jonah Borden is not your typical Lutheran pastor, and he takes pains to make sure everyone knows it. He's a tough-guy, thinks-he's-funny, rock-music-playing, gourmet-cooking, painfully-moderate-drinking, hard-boiled man of the cloth. He is even available for a bit of romance, under the right circumstances.

Doug Norstad, a member of Jonah Borden's church, is arrested for a vigilante killing. Norstad shares his true alibi with Borden, under the privileged status of religious confession. Knowing now that the man is innocent, Borden must prove it somehow, without divulging his secret. Along the way he uncovers a twisted series of murders and cover ups. Before it is all over, Borden himself has been bribed, beaten, shot, and arrested for murder. Even worse, he may be falling in love.

Set in the midst of the striking beauty of Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastline, Superior Justice will draw you in with its unique and quirky characters, and keep you guessing until the end.
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  1. Book 1 of 5
    Lake Superior Mysteries
  2. Print length
    319 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    November 11, 2013
  5. File size
    1.5 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

From the Author

I write books that I imagine I would like to read myself. Of course, by the time I'm done writing and editing, I can hardly enjoying reading them anymore, but that's where you come in.I like characters. I like meeting a fictional person who is interesting, likeable, fallible and maybe a little funny. I think I've found a few of them in my books. I didn't create them so much as discover them. In fact, every time I've finished writing a book, the basic reason is that I want to spend more time with the characters.Jonah Borden, of the Lake Superior Mysteries is a funny guy, and someone you want to pull for. I discovered him, and put him down on paper, but he isn't me. One proof of this is that my kids claim that Jonah has a much better sense of humor than I do. I don't doubt it.I admit, I kind of have a crush on Leyla Bennett, but my wife understands. Dan Jensen, Tom Lund, Alex Chan and others are also all people that I enjoy hanging around with. I'm pretty sure that Jonah's part-time secretary, Julie, is some kind of a weird manifestation of my conscience. I like her, but she does make me cringe.I've got my first book, The Forgotten King, out here too. It's been longer since I've spent much time with the people in that one, but I have fond memories of Tal, Tel, Eldwyn, Peera Morris and Olan. Maybe I'll give them something more to do someday.I'd love your thoughts and feedback. Someday I might create an annotated version of one of my novels, explaining what was going on while I was writing certain bits, or why I made the plot choices I did.

About the Author

Tom Hilpert grew up in the tropical paradise of Papua New Guinea. He currently works as a pastor and writer, and lives near Nashville, Tennessee, with his family, two dozen chickens and a bunch of goats. He is the author of Superior Storm and Superior Secrets

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00394F3TM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Spring Creek (November 11, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 11, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 319 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 2,837 ratings

About the author

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Tom Hilpert

Tom Hilpert

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Welcome, new readers!

Thanks for following, and once, more, welcome to a world of Superior Mysteries ;-)

Here's a bit about me (even though I know what you really want is to know more about Jonah Borden):

Tom Hilpert grew up in the tropical paradise of Papua New Guinea. When he was ten years old, he knew he wanted to write books. In fact, he began writing several books at that age. Thankfully, they are lost forever.

However, his more recent works are available in print and ebook formats. His fiction features strong, memorable, quirky characters who face mysteries and adventures with humor and persistence. His non-fiction books are characterized by his ability to put complex concepts into clear, understandable language.

Although Hilpert finds great fulfillment in preaching as a pastor, he detests novels that are used as a thin cover to preach. He writes in order to tell a story that is fun to read, not to preach at readers. Rest assured: though his protagonist is also a preacher, you won't find sermons in Hilpert's novels. You will, of course, find clear exposition in Hilpert's non-fiction books about the Bible.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
2,837 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book well-written and engaging, with a fast-paced plot full of twists and dead ends. They appreciate the character development, particularly the main character Jonah, and enjoy the witty dialog between characters. The book features a delightful Lutheran pastor protagonist with expressions of faith that feel authentic, and includes beautiful descriptions of scenic locations.

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539 customers mention "Readability"534 positive5 negative

Customers find the book well written and enjoyable, with one mentioning it keeps readers engaged until the end.

"...He is a very pleasant companion. This book ends too quickly. I feel like I lost a dear friend. I can't wait to but the next book by Tom Hilpert...." Read more

"This book was a good read and I would recommend it. It's well-written and the author develops believable characters...." Read more

"...A very well written murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment...." Read more

"This book was not the type story I expected. It was better than what i expected...." Read more

535 customers mention "Suspenseful story"513 positive22 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful story with its unpredictable plot and surprising twists and turns.

"...There are touches of humor, and a good plot with a few twists here and there...." Read more

"...A very well written murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment...." Read more

"...This mystery is very well thought out and written...." Read more

"...but the story was well-written for the most part, interesting, quick, enjoyable, clean, and memorable...." Read more

256 customers mention "Character development"247 positive9 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting the distinct personalities and witty dialog between characters, with one customer highlighting the thought-provoking faith of the main character.

"...He is the most likeable character ever developed by an author of murder mystery's. He is very charming, witty, personable and deeply spiritual...." Read more

"...It's well-written and the author develops believable characters. There are touches of humor, and a good plot with a few twists here and there...." Read more

"...Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of...." Read more

"...This mystery is very well thought out and written. The characters are totally believable and I found myself able to relate to all of them, even the..." Read more

201 customers mention "Humor"201 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, particularly noting the rapid wit and banter between characters, with one customer highlighting the great banter between Jonah.

"...He is very charming, witty, personable and deeply spiritual...." Read more

"...There are touches of humor, and a good plot with a few twists here and there...." Read more

"...He's also good-looking, funny, and willing to help anyone in need...." Read more

"...He has a witty personality, listens to all genres of music except rap of course, can kick some serious booty, and apparently can cook like a chef...." Read more

177 customers mention "Writing style"168 positive9 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it well described, clean, and very down to earth.

"...You will enjoy reading this. No vulgar language and not explicit sex. Some romance and lessons on how to truly show Christian love." Read more

"This book was a good read and I would recommend it. It's well-written and the author develops believable characters...." Read more

"...Only an honest one. A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery book...." Read more

"...The characters are totally believable and I found myself able to relate to all of them, even the bad guys...." Read more

138 customers mention "Christianity"138 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the Christian elements in the book, featuring a delightful Lutheran pastor and expressions of faith that seem real, with one customer noting that the faith and witness walk by Jonah is particularly engaging.

"Pastor Jonah is a very committed pastor of a Lutheran Church. He is the most likeable character ever developed by an author of murder mystery's...." Read more

"...the author must be some kind of pastor or minister, but the book is not preachy." Read more

"...He was also very funny and incredibly smart. I liked that he went to extreme lengths to prove the innocence of one of his church members...." Read more

"...His expressions of faith seem real, not forced, and move the plot along...." Read more

82 customers mention "Pace"72 positive10 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pace, describing it as a fast-paced, quick-witted mystery that's easy to read.

"...but the story was well-written for the most part, interesting, quick, enjoyable, clean, and memorable...." Read more

"...Borden and his irreverent part-time assistant Julie, the story moved at just the right pace and kept me interested to the last page...." Read more

"...Fabulous plot, quick moving story line, great twists & turns, and real and interesting characters...." Read more

"...There is plenty to like about the book. Pacing was good, twists and turns good, plot and storyline good...." Read more

54 customers mention "Beauty"54 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the beautiful setting of the book, particularly its great descriptions of scenic locations and local color.

"...He is very charming, witty, personable and deeply spiritual...." Read more

"...Only an honest one. A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery book...." Read more

"...He's also good-looking, funny, and willing to help anyone in need...." Read more

"The North Shore of Minnesota is beautiful…I’ve lived there. Descriptions were great, even the fishing...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • John L. Popp
    5.0 out of 5 stars I feel like I lost a dear friend
    Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Pastor Jonah is a very committed pastor of a Lutheran Church. He is the most likeable character ever developed by an author of murder mystery's. He is very charming, witty, personable and deeply spiritual. He presents just enough of the Gospel to convince the reader that he is indeed a real minter. As the police department and County chaplain he has to meet with and provide spiritual guidance to some really dangerous and scary people. The twists and turns that his life takes is most remarkable, yet his strong faith and belief in God helps him through it all. He is a very pleasant companion. This book ends too quickly. I feel like I lost a dear friend. I can't wait to but the next book by Tom Hilpert. Also learned a great deal about Minnesota and Wisconsin. You will enjoy reading this. No vulgar language and not explicit sex. Some romance and lessons on how to truly show Christian love.
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  • J Love
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Really Good Read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This book was a good read and I would recommend it. It's well-written and the author develops believable characters. There are touches of humor, and a good plot with a few twists here and there. I like finding an author I've not read before, who's been writing a while, because I can then go on to read the rest of what he's written (which I will definitely do with Hilpert). I worked out pretty quick that the author must be some kind of pastor or minister, but the book is not preachy.
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  • Tony Parsons
    5.0 out of 5 stars murder mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Grand Lake. Daniel Spooner (rapist/pedophile) was shot/killed.
    Daniel claims he killed Missy Norstad.
    Doug Norstad (husband/father, Lutheran church member) was the primary suspect.
    Chief Jonah Jensen, & Chief Daniel “Dan” Jensen (Grand Lake PD) were discussing the murder case.
    Pastor Jonah Borden (Harbor Lutheran) had been asked to do his amateur sleuth part also.
    Doug had turned himself in.
    What did Dr. Rich Solberg (clinical Psychiatrist, GLBTQ clients, MD), & Pastor Borden (32, widower) discuss?

    Is there a romance blossoming in the air for Pastor Borden?
    Daniel had been killed also.
    Will the 2 murder cases get solved & someone brought to justice?

    I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

    A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

    Thank you for the free author; Spring Creek; BookSends; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
    Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
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  • Dorothy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Story
    Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This book was not the type story I expected. It was better than what i expected. Pastor Jonah Borden, a Lutheran Pastor, is not what I would expect either. (I am Roman Catholic, so have no Lutheran experience to judge by.) I did not know the author was a Pastor until just 30 seconds before starting to write this review. I find this a better way to accurately judge a book, without preconceptions. The fact that this author did not get a publisher is a huge mystery to me. Publisher should have grabbed it because i see into the future that this to be a top seller. I started this book early yesterday evening and read it until I finished it, about 3 a.m. Folks, I could not put it down at all.

    Pastor Borden is not your preachy, rigid type of Pastor. He is more down to earth and, as I see it, believes on pointing "the way" as the situation presents itself. This, again to me, is the type Pastor we all need. If we are not ready to listen, we will not listen and may even be driven further away. The fact that he was able to forgive, as you will see towards the end, is a testament to the faith of this Pastor.

    This mystery is very well thought out and written. The characters are totally believable and I found myself able to relate to all of them, even the bad guys. I also found myself wishing I had Pastor Borden as my Pastor.

    Folks, I recommend this book highly. You will not be sorry.
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  • Karri Compton
    4.0 out of 5 stars A surprisingly good surprise find
    Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Jonah Borden isn't big on religion, which is weird since he's a Lutheran pastor. He's also good-looking, funny, and willing to help anyone in need. One of his parishioners is arrested falsely, and Jonah goes the extra mile in order to clear the man's name. But that just causes trouble for himself, and loads of it.

    Novels like this prove that all talented authors aren't given contracts by big publishers. Granted, there were quite a few typos (maybe because I read the e-book, not the print one, but still), but the story was well-written for the most part, interesting, quick, enjoyable, clean, and memorable. My only other caveat is that the author, imho, spent too much ink on the joys of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and trout fishing. Understandably, Hilpert wanted the reader to understand the character's enjoyment of the sport as well as the nature surrounding him, but sometimes it dragged on too much for me.

    Eric Wilson, an author I avidly read and follow, suggested this novel as a post on Facebook, and I'm so glad he did. I will definitely pick up the next installment in the Lake Superior series.
    80 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Rachel Small
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Superior Mystery
    Reviewed in Canada on May 1, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    New to mysteries, I decided to make my start with this book. It was riveting! I am officially hooked on the reading of mystery novels and I am glad I had the great luck to start with Lake Superior Mysteries.

    I love the hero, an unassuming pastor who is anything but stereotypical. His integrity, both in his personal life and with the people around him, even those who are not of his flock, impressed me as the sort of person I would want looking out for me. He reminds me of the priest in my parish (though younger and not Catholic) and I intend on recommending this book to him.

    The plot was well laid out, building tension at just the right amount. As well, I enjoyed the descriptions of the area. I love Lake Superior - even though my perspective is from the Canadian side - and appreciated the setting and the fishing scenes. I've actually sailed a catamaran on Superior with a friend of mine and neither one of us knew what we were doing, so that particular scene was enjoyable.

    I've downloaded and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

    Great job!
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  • Kevin J. Lewis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Australia on August 3, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    waotong for more by tom halpin
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  • Ann Stanmore
    5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 22, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this. Jonah Borden is a Lutheran pastor unlike any I have met! It has been a real pleasure to meet him!

    A member of Jonah's church Doug Norstad is arrested for murder which he didn't commit. Unfortunately, he has an alibi but is unwilling to reveal it. However he does tell Jonah in his role as pastor because of confidentiality church rules Jonah can't tell anyone unless Doug agrees.

    So Jonah is on the trail of the real killer.

    Follow this trail which finds Jonah in all kinds of trouble, even being arrested at one point for murder himself.

    This is a brilliant book with gentle humour along the way. I loved it.
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  • Wesley
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Superior Story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 4, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is an enjoyable book which moves along at a reasonable pace. It involves interesting characters and a plot with several twists and turns.

    Jonah, the hero, a Lutheran pastor would not be seen by many to be the normal, run of the mill, cleric. Yet he was a credible personality, and a thoroughly good guy.

    Pleasing features were the complete absence of sex scenes and cussing.
    Recommended as a pleasant way to pass a few quiet hours,
    Rating four stars
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  • Alf R
    4.0 out of 5 stars alf
    Reviewed in Canada on September 19, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Great read - captivating. Author captured well the role of a pastor in a small town who is completely involved in the life of his flock, lives up to the convictions of his calling and exercises great faith. Can't wait to read next book.
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