Lethal Ambition

Edward Mead Legal Thriller #1

by Michael Swiger

Politics. Power. Murder. If you want something bad enough, would you kill for it? Marcus Blanchard has worked for years to get to this night-to the eve of the Eleventh District Congressional race in Cleveland. He's determined to oust long-reigning, crooked politicians Julius McGee and William McLaughlin, and has asked his favorite law-school professor, Edward Mead, to witness the victory. But just as the results are about to be announced, Marcus disappears.and a woman is murdered. Worse, Alontay Johnson is his old girlfriend, and he's caught crouching over her body. Did he strangle her, or was he framed? And who will believe him? It's up to the quirky, arthritic Ed Mead, who hasn't been in a courtroom in years, to defend his friend and client.while the State of Ohio seeks the death penalty.

Genres: Thriller, Christian Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Fiction

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2007

Reviews

[Michael Swiger]

I think all of my books are a must-read for everyone on the planet.

[Brian Harris]

Very disappointing story on so many levels - paper thin and predictable story with stereotypical characters . More of a short essay.

[Sherry]

A puzzle within an enigma

Professor Edward Mead takes on a case even though he has not appeared in court in 30 years. Marcus Blanchard, newly elected United States Congressman, is accused of murder, and there is evidence, even a photograph of him looking guilty as sin. Mead must face bullets and all manner of adversities as he goes about solving the case. Akin to an Agatha Christie mystery that seems unsolvable, Lethal Ambition will keep you turning pages into the night. Excellent prelude to the next in series

[Sarah Vallinakis]

It seemed like an interesting enough story that I felt encouraged to continue reading and eventually finish the book, though some of the writing was a little tacky. The book is FULL of spelling and typographical errors that worsened and multiplied as I read further along, I was shocked. The worst one, in my opinion, was when "adrenal in pulsed through him". I asked myself what "adrenal" was and then laughed out loud. The opening hooked me, the middle was very slow to get anywhere good, and then the end picked up a bit. Overall okay, but I much preferred Michael Swiger's "To Kill a Saint".

[Rod Griffin]

This was my first time reading a book by Michael Swiger but it certainly won’t be my last. He’s a master at the legal thriller genre. I’ve always been a big fan of John Grisham but I think Swiger is giving Grisham some serious competition in his own right!! This book was a great read! It was fast paced with lots of twists and turns and an ending that I didn’t expect. His characters are very well developed and believable. I am already reading the second book of this series and it captured my attention from the first page just like this one did. I would highly recommend reading Swiger if you like legal thrillers and mystery novels in one.

[Michael Wells]

A Christian lawyer

Edward Mead was called on to defend the person who buy all accounts seem guilty of the murder of a woman. I like the plow of the boat and there were many characters of good and bad in this book. Trigger warning there is a lot of violence in this book. The story of drugs and politics never grows old and this story definitely had both of them and I recommend this book for all those who like a good thriller.

[Trahlyta Crawford]

Lethal Ambition

The story is humorous and heartbreaking. I wish to remember some of the riddles, it put a spark in the story and made you think. Inspirational and satisfying; justice won out against insurmountable odds.

[Mary Sue Wilson]

Very Good

Its so nice to read A book that is good, but also free of profanity and explicit sexual detail. I really like this author of crime thrillers. This is my third novel by him and I look forward to reading more.

[Betty A. Preece]

Entertaining

Entertaining, a good way to spend a day. This book had a little bit of everything. Good guys, bad guys, action, gun fights murder, with a little bit of the good book for good measure.

[Judy Sharp]

Lethal Ambition

Edward Mead a law professor brings his A game to represent his friend in a trial for his life!
Enjoy his sharp legal mind as
He represents his friend in an apparently a no win situation!
Watch him work!!!

[Leah Long]

This is not my favorite of his but still a twisty Christian law and order. I love the investigation and the sweet side story of the lawyer and his dying wife. The ending had me crying and was beautiful and sad at the same time.

[Elaine Atkins]

an excellent, page turning read.

This was a very good book. The characters were well developed and the story line was riveting. The end was sort of a surprise.

[Lee Guerrero]

Love

Powerful, well written. Reading the series because it does not use filthy language, by gets the point across. Will read and recommend this author to my friends.

[Amy Lea Miller]

loved it

Really a great read. Can’t wait to read another one of his books. Kept me on the edge of my seat

[Sharlene Rodewald]

Gripping

Always a good story. Hard to put down. Some things you suspect happen, others a bit of a surprise. Totally enjoyed

[Kerry Lynn]

twists and turns

This book just keeps you guessing. Very interesting. Waiting to read the next one! Try it. You won’t be disappointed!

[Tom Robinson]

Wow...!

This book is such an adventure.. In human nature, power struggles, political dominions and so much more. Edward Mead is better than Perry Mason or Ben Matlock, together!

[Desi]

nice book

[John Kitchener]

A great holiday read
Have enjoyed all the Michael Swiger novels

[KH Khaw]

Weak

[Lori]

An aged law professor returns to the courtroom to defend a protégée accused of murder.

[Cindy Kerr-Kelley]

A legal thriller without all the crude profanity and lewd scenes. Author adds simple faith references

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader)]

I love legal thrillers and looked forward to adding a new author to my list in this category. Sadly, I won't be adding this series for further exploration.

A murder on the eve of an election as Republican candidate Marcus Blanchard is running to unseat the Democrat incumbent candidate Julius McGee in the 11th Eleventh District Congressional race. It appears Julius is to remain a Congressman as Marcus is caught in a web tangled beyond his initial understanding.

One of the annoyances throughout the trial was the multiple times Mead "gave Marcus an exaggerated wink" either returning from questioning a witness or returning from the judge's chambers. I did not find that authentic for the portrayal of a distinguished law professor.

I wanted to find out more about the author and discovered an article entitled, "Prison term turns man to ministry, literature available at this link https://www.cleveland.com/lifestyles/.... This article gave me understanding for the multiple themes in the plot but intermittently on politics and religion and sometimes on marriage, I felt the author was preaching rather than storytelling. That writing style does not work for me.

[Shirley]

This is my honest opinion of this marvelous book.
Rarely do I read a book so quickly and effortlessly.
Never have I seen a book written without fluff. This could not have been an easy task ....to edit and tell the story without so much detail that the reader loses the story and gets sidetracked.
All the characters were fully developed and you got to like them and hate them because the details told you their story.
I have 2 more of your books and am putting them at the top of my TBR pile.

Thank you for sharing this story with me.

[Allie McGary]

Great book

Exceptional Christian fiction with drama, suspense, and exciting courtroom drama. It has a sad as well as a surprise ending. Looking forward to the next book by Michael Swiger.

[William Gary Narron]

Good triumphs evil

Excellent story, contemporary issues treated openly.
Graphic in places, but necessary to reflect our country's current divisive state and the extreme impact of drugs today.

[Jos]

As a non-American, it's a bit hard to gladly immerse into the full political chaotic US landscape and the debatable value of the US justice system. I like a lot of other US law-based thrillers, but this one didn't quite do it for me. It's a quick read, but not entirely satisfying.

[Allison]

I couldn't get into this one...bagged out in chapter 2.

[Darlene Hayes]

No brained read. Enjoyed.

[JOI E BOYD]

You are not to big to go down

This waa a really good book. It kept me engaged the whole book. I would really advise others to read.