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Edward Mead Legal Thriller #1
Lethal Ambition: A Contemporary Christian Thriller
Romance. Revenge. Redemption.
A crusading congressional candidate, Marcus Blanchard, is framed for an election-night murder. Three powerful foes - his entrenched opponent, a drug lord, and a racist political boss – all want him dead. Accused of killing the woman hired to kill him, Marcus turns to the only man he can trust.
Brilliant but struggling with the ravages of age, Edward Mead takes the case while nursing his wife through the merciless treatments for stage-four breast cancer. Mead is thrust headlong into Cleveland’s gritty underbelly, colliding with drug dealers and thugs, race riots and protests, and an all-pervasive political corruption that enslaves its citizens in poverty while sowing the seeds of division and hatred.
John Grisham meets Agatha Christie in this fast-paced legal thriller murder mystery that grapples with the urban unrest in communities across the country. This book will leave you exhilarated and entertained, but most of all it will make you think.
With suspense on every page, Amazon #1 Best-Selling author Michael Swiger demonstrates why he is a favorite among mystery, suspense and thriller fans.
Fans of Creston Mapes, Robert Whitlow, Scott Pratt, John Grisham and James Patterson will love this thriller from award-winning and bestselling author Michael Swiger.
Reader praise for Lethal Ambition
★★★★★ Great Legal Thriller - Excellent legal read. Kept me totally intrigued. Great character development and book moved at a great pace. I highly recommend it if you like legal thrillers.
★★★★★ Better than James Patterson - In the past year I have read several James Patterson books, several John Grisham books…this is by far the best book I have read this year.
★★★★★ A real page turner! - This book grabs you from the get-go and doesn't let you leave for even a minute! The characters are great, you love them, you hate them, and you feel sorry for some of them...ok two of them. Just like a fine meal the ones you hate get their "just-deserts!" This is a must read!
★★★★★ 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.
★★★★★ Excellently conceived and skillfully delivered - Lethal Ambition introduces us to Edward Mead, happily married to the love of his life for 52 years, and now on sabbatical from his position as a revered law professor. However, a negative prognosis of his wife’s cancer sets in motion a powerful underlying personal conflict; very real, so poignant – so touching. Further tension, produced by political aspirations and intrigue affecting one of Professor Mead’s former students is the vehicle that embroils the plot. Author Michael Swiger creates characters with distinct personalities and unique character traits that you grow either to love or loathe. Page by page, he skillfully sets the scenes that come alive, drawing the reader into the surroundings. He leads you through complex turns and plot twists that keep you drawn to the characters and riveted to the action.
All of this excitement, intensity and complexity is offered without one instance of trashy language that some “popular” authors feel obligated to include. Swiger’s solid moral foundation is just that. It does not awkwardly interfere with the characters or overpower the plot - a beautifully crafted story, excellently conceived and skillfully delivered.
A crusading congressional candidate, Marcus Blanchard, is framed for an election-night murder. Three powerful foes - his entrenched opponent, a drug lord, and a racist political boss – all want him dead. Accused of killing the woman hired to kill him, Marcus turns to the only man he can trust.
Brilliant but struggling with the ravages of age, Edward Mead takes the case while nursing his wife through the merciless treatments for stage-four breast cancer. Mead is thrust headlong into Cleveland’s gritty underbelly, colliding with drug dealers and thugs, race riots and protests, and an all-pervasive political corruption that enslaves its citizens in poverty while sowing the seeds of division and hatred.
John Grisham meets Agatha Christie in this fast-paced legal thriller murder mystery that grapples with the urban unrest in communities across the country. This book will leave you exhilarated and entertained, but most of all it will make you think.
With suspense on every page, Amazon #1 Best-Selling author Michael Swiger demonstrates why he is a favorite among mystery, suspense and thriller fans.
Fans of Creston Mapes, Robert Whitlow, Scott Pratt, John Grisham and James Patterson will love this thriller from award-winning and bestselling author Michael Swiger.
Reader praise for Lethal Ambition
★★★★★ Great Legal Thriller - Excellent legal read. Kept me totally intrigued. Great character development and book moved at a great pace. I highly recommend it if you like legal thrillers.
★★★★★ Better than James Patterson - In the past year I have read several James Patterson books, several John Grisham books…this is by far the best book I have read this year.
★★★★★ A real page turner! - This book grabs you from the get-go and doesn't let you leave for even a minute! The characters are great, you love them, you hate them, and you feel sorry for some of them...ok two of them. Just like a fine meal the ones you hate get their "just-deserts!" This is a must read!
★★★★★ 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.
★★★★★ Excellently conceived and skillfully delivered - Lethal Ambition introduces us to Edward Mead, happily married to the love of his life for 52 years, and now on sabbatical from his position as a revered law professor. However, a negative prognosis of his wife’s cancer sets in motion a powerful underlying personal conflict; very real, so poignant – so touching. Further tension, produced by political aspirations and intrigue affecting one of Professor Mead’s former students is the vehicle that embroils the plot. Author Michael Swiger creates characters with distinct personalities and unique character traits that you grow either to love or loathe. Page by page, he skillfully sets the scenes that come alive, drawing the reader into the surroundings. He leads you through complex turns and plot twists that keep you drawn to the characters and riveted to the action.
All of this excitement, intensity and complexity is offered without one instance of trashy language that some “popular” authors feel obligated to include. Swiger’s solid moral foundation is just that. It does not awkwardly interfere with the characters or overpower the plot - a beautifully crafted story, excellently conceived and skillfully delivered.
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First published July 1, 2007
311 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 2, 2010
I think all of my books are a must-read for everyone on the planet.
May 9, 2023
Very disappointing story on so many levels - paper thin and predictable story with stereotypical characters . More of a short essay.
September 18, 2024
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
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
March 15, 2025
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.
July 4, 2025
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.
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.
June 2, 2023
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.
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.
June 30, 2024
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.
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.
July 25, 2024
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.
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.
August 19, 2024
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!!!
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!!!
March 23, 2024
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.
This was a very good book. The characters were well developed and the story line was riveting. The end was sort of a surprise.
September 27, 2024
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.
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.
October 5, 2024
loved it
Really a great read. Can’t wait to read another one of his books. Kept me on the edge of my seat
Really a great read. Can’t wait to read another one of his books. Kept me on the edge of my seat
December 16, 2024
Gripping
Always a good story. Hard to put down. Some things you suspect happen, others a bit of a surprise. Totally enjoyed
Always a good story. Hard to put down. Some things you suspect happen, others a bit of a surprise. Totally enjoyed
January 6, 2025
twists and turns
This book just keeps you guessing. Very interesting. Waiting to read the next one! Try it. You won’t be disappointed!
This book just keeps you guessing. Very interesting. Waiting to read the next one! Try it. You won’t be disappointed!
April 13, 2025
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!
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!
May 19, 2025
nice book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2025
A great holiday read
Have enjoyed all the Michael Swiger novels
Have enjoyed all the Michael Swiger novels
December 3, 2021
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.
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.
October 14, 2010
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.
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.
July 22, 2022
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.
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.
August 4, 2022
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.
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.
September 18, 2022
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.
Read
February 16, 2013I couldn't get into this one...bagged out in chapter 2.
March 16, 2021
No brained read. Enjoyed.
June 1, 2021
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.
This waa a really good book. It kept me engaged the whole book. I would really advise others to read.
January 12, 2022
Simple yet engrossing legal thriller . The author has truly etched the character of Edward Mead, simple and sharp, human with emotions and of course a sharp defence lawyer. Enjoyed this book.
May 14, 2022
Wow!
Another great book by this author. He sure knows how to weave a story. Mystery, intrigue and a lot of action.
Another great book by this author. He sure knows how to weave a story. Mystery, intrigue and a lot of action.
October 2, 2010
I believe everyone on the planet should read every book I write!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews