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To Kill a Saint
Named 2021 Best Thriller by AudioBookReviewer!
A corpse on an altar. A witness who isn't talking. An ancient vow of secrecy.
It's two a.m. when County Prosecutor Peter Saul arrives at the scene of a grisly murder at St. Andrew's Church in an affluent suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. Reverend Howard Jamison is covered with the victim's blood, and there's a Satanic Bible on his desk.
Attorney Hunter St. James has spent a lifetime fighting his father’s disgraceful legacy. With his career in shambles and his socialite girlfriend pregnant, St. James is assigned a pro-bono case he knows he can’t win. His atheist beliefs have not prepared him for a delusional Bible-thumping client and a subsequent crusade for truth that hurls him headlong into the dark supernatural world of the occult.
Psychologist Faith McGuire, recently divorced with a special-needs son, longs for a second chance at romance. A confluence of deadly events thrust her into the epicenter of this whirlwind thriller, threatening everything she loves.
The physical and spiritual worlds collide in this high-suspense thriller that pierces the veil of secret societies and conspiracy theories and will leave you struggling to put it down.
A corpse on an altar. A witness who isn't talking. An ancient vow of secrecy.
It's two a.m. when County Prosecutor Peter Saul arrives at the scene of a grisly murder at St. Andrew's Church in an affluent suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. Reverend Howard Jamison is covered with the victim's blood, and there's a Satanic Bible on his desk.
Attorney Hunter St. James has spent a lifetime fighting his father’s disgraceful legacy. With his career in shambles and his socialite girlfriend pregnant, St. James is assigned a pro-bono case he knows he can’t win. His atheist beliefs have not prepared him for a delusional Bible-thumping client and a subsequent crusade for truth that hurls him headlong into the dark supernatural world of the occult.
Psychologist Faith McGuire, recently divorced with a special-needs son, longs for a second chance at romance. A confluence of deadly events thrust her into the epicenter of this whirlwind thriller, threatening everything she loves.
The physical and spiritual worlds collide in this high-suspense thriller that pierces the veil of secret societies and conspiracy theories and will leave you struggling to put it down.
Audible Audio
First published March 15, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 24, 2024
It is a very spiritually dark book
The book is excellent as a thriller. However, as a Christian, I had to stop reading it after getting about halfway through it because of how spiritually dark it was. It also has cursing in it. It is educational in being truthful about how dark this world and the evil in it is. However, I could not continue reading, not because it didn't interest me, on the contrary, it did. But, as a Christian, we must guard all the avenues of our heart and mind and that includes reading things that can invite satan in.
The book is excellent as a thriller. However, as a Christian, I had to stop reading it after getting about halfway through it because of how spiritually dark it was. It also has cursing in it. It is educational in being truthful about how dark this world and the evil in it is. However, I could not continue reading, not because it didn't interest me, on the contrary, it did. But, as a Christian, we must guard all the avenues of our heart and mind and that includes reading things that can invite satan in.
July 16, 2021
Poorly edited, but a good story. A tale of good versus evil. Those that abuse the law for their own agenda and power in general. The story builds slowly but explodes in a confrontation at the end. Good storyteller, but needs an editor.
February 8, 2025
Murder mayhem and faith.
Just started reading books by this author and I really like them.
Murder, mystery, and faith in God all through the book.
Lots if bad stuff with the demonic side of life. Rituals and murder of innocents. Finding out the truth about one mans father and redemption.
This book has it all.
Third book I've read by this author . Christian author.
Just started reading books by this author and I really like them.
Murder, mystery, and faith in God all through the book.
Lots if bad stuff with the demonic side of life. Rituals and murder of innocents. Finding out the truth about one mans father and redemption.
This book has it all.
Third book I've read by this author . Christian author.
May 19, 2022
Another Thriller
I would not classify this book as Christian—too much swearing and sexual situations. Definitely full of thrills and plenty of action.
I would not classify this book as Christian—too much swearing and sexual situations. Definitely full of thrills and plenty of action.
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December 14, 2025I’m not sure how to rate this book.
This is my first read of this genre- Christian thriller, and my first of this author. I wasn’t sure what to expect.
I can’t say I enjoyed it because it was so spiritually dark, not what I expected in a Christian novel.
The story follows seeks to solve the murder of Lucy Evans who is found deceased in a church. Hunter (atheist) is a lawyer assigned to represent Jamison (the pastor accused of the killing). They have interesting conversations about God, that I found to be the most well written parts of the book. We meet several other characters- Peter and Marlyn, Gordon and Monica, Faith and her son Jeremy and Jason Saul. The author does well painting a complex story through the narrations of these characters and shows how their lives unknowingly intersect.
I plowed through it because I found it easy to read- the murder mystery starts right away and the main thing that propelled me forward was wanting to know how the story ended- how the mystery was solved. I would describe this novel as direct, with a terse-ness in some spots that left me wanting for more. Sometimes the directness makes the characters seem insincere or fake.
Because of the spiritually dark scenes- there are descriptions of satanic rituals, and overtly sexual non Christian characters, I cannot recommend this book.
This is my first read of this genre- Christian thriller, and my first of this author. I wasn’t sure what to expect.
I can’t say I enjoyed it because it was so spiritually dark, not what I expected in a Christian novel.
The story follows seeks to solve the murder of Lucy Evans who is found deceased in a church. Hunter (atheist) is a lawyer assigned to represent Jamison (the pastor accused of the killing). They have interesting conversations about God, that I found to be the most well written parts of the book. We meet several other characters- Peter and Marlyn, Gordon and Monica, Faith and her son Jeremy and Jason Saul. The author does well painting a complex story through the narrations of these characters and shows how their lives unknowingly intersect.
I plowed through it because I found it easy to read- the murder mystery starts right away and the main thing that propelled me forward was wanting to know how the story ended- how the mystery was solved. I would describe this novel as direct, with a terse-ness in some spots that left me wanting for more. Sometimes the directness makes the characters seem insincere or fake.
Because of the spiritually dark scenes- there are descriptions of satanic rituals, and overtly sexual non Christian characters, I cannot recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2024
OK...the good: Loved Hunter as the main character. He started out the book as an atheist, but changed his views a lot over the course of the book. And he was awesome with Faith's son, Jeremy.
Great plot. I didn't see some things coming, and was surprised at some of the bad guys. A lot of suspense.
But the language was even worse than A Murder of Innocents. I gave up counting how many times hell was used as an expletive, or how many uses of d*** appeared. Is the author trying to write Christian fiction or not?
This book would have gotten more stars without the bad language.
I doubt I will read any more of this author's books.
Great plot. I didn't see some things coming, and was surprised at some of the bad guys. A lot of suspense.
But the language was even worse than A Murder of Innocents. I gave up counting how many times hell was used as an expletive, or how many uses of d*** appeared. Is the author trying to write Christian fiction or not?
This book would have gotten more stars without the bad language.
I doubt I will read any more of this author's books.
June 1, 2026
This was such a fantastic, intense read. It kicks off with a gruesome crime scene—a murder on a church altar with a bloody priest who refuses to speak—and spins into a wild web of twists, corporate espionage, and secret societies.
Beyond the great mystery, what really stood out to me was the dialogue and the themes. The debates between the skeptical defense attorney and the priest about faith, science, and belief added a layer of depth I wasn't expecting from a standard thriller. The legal details felt razor-sharp, and the pacing in the second half was incredible. A great blend of gritty crime and genuine thought-provoking drama. I'll definitely be looking out for more from Michael Swiger!
Beyond the great mystery, what really stood out to me was the dialogue and the themes. The debates between the skeptical defense attorney and the priest about faith, science, and belief added a layer of depth I wasn't expecting from a standard thriller. The legal details felt razor-sharp, and the pacing in the second half was incredible. A great blend of gritty crime and genuine thought-provoking drama. I'll definitely be looking out for more from Michael Swiger!
August 21, 2024
ANOTHER EXCITING MICHAEL SWIGER READ
This is the third book written by this author that I’ve read. I love the way he brings the characters to come to know the Lord. This one was a bit creepy for me but I know the basics of it hold a need to know subject matter; don’t mess with anything demonic. Evil and darkness may be all around us but holding tight to Jesus can keep us in the light and that’s definitely where I’m happy and want to stay.
This is the third book written by this author that I’ve read. I love the way he brings the characters to come to know the Lord. This one was a bit creepy for me but I know the basics of it hold a need to know subject matter; don’t mess with anything demonic. Evil and darkness may be all around us but holding tight to Jesus can keep us in the light and that’s definitely where I’m happy and want to stay.
February 23, 2025
The idea of a Christian thriller was intriguing. Follow along in a murder case involving a minister as the main suspect. His lawyer of choice is a self declared atheist and you watch his thoughts evolve as he becomes a believer. This seems to be the theme of the book but there’s multiple story lines happening which kept you on your seat. The sadistic sacrifices and ceremonies depicted towards the end of the book was just not for me.
July 29, 2024
Wow
Wow, Michael Swiger has written yet another gripping, twisting, page-turning mystery/suspense. The occult plays a large part, and old friends can surpise at the worst possible moment. I'd like to read more of Faith and Hunter & Jeremy's story! I'm giving a high rec9mmendation to this and every other Swiger book ive read. Excellent!
Wow, Michael Swiger has written yet another gripping, twisting, page-turning mystery/suspense. The occult plays a large part, and old friends can surpise at the worst possible moment. I'd like to read more of Faith and Hunter & Jeremy's story! I'm giving a high rec9mmendation to this and every other Swiger book ive read. Excellent!
September 9, 2024
Fabulous Story.
The story line is great! Love the discussion of God creating the universe versus the Big Bang! So good to see characters come to believing in the God of Bible and recognizing God can use the evil of man to work out in amazingly good things. Wish he wouldn't make his characters swear.
The story line is great! Love the discussion of God creating the universe versus the Big Bang! So good to see characters come to believing in the God of Bible and recognizing God can use the evil of man to work out in amazingly good things. Wish he wouldn't make his characters swear.
July 1, 2025
Fait
A pastor is the arrested for a death in this church. This is where the story begins, but it does not end there Hunter Saint James is the lawyer called to represent the pastor. There are some trigger warnings in this book such as violence and suicide. I found the plot very good as it includes God and evil. I would recommend this book for all who like a Christian thriller.
A pastor is the arrested for a death in this church. This is where the story begins, but it does not end there Hunter Saint James is the lawyer called to represent the pastor. There are some trigger warnings in this book such as violence and suicide. I found the plot very good as it includes God and evil. I would recommend this book for all who like a Christian thriller.
March 10, 2026
Great Entertainment
Can such violence and evil go on as portrayed in the Templetons? I do believe it can. Maranatha! I was entertained. The story moved along quickly. Redemption was the winner. The ending wrapped up in a nice little bow. I will look for another book by the author.
Can such violence and evil go on as portrayed in the Templetons? I do believe it can. Maranatha! I was entertained. The story moved along quickly. Redemption was the winner. The ending wrapped up in a nice little bow. I will look for another book by the author.
May 22, 2023
This was hard to read. It is profanity laced Christian fiction. A ritual killing of a woman inside a church leads to reveal a cult located in the small town. Extremely violent content all through the book.
May 23, 2024
Very Good
This is the second novel I've read by this author. He tells a great story and blends in Christianity in at excellent times. He also keeps the story moving and has developed great characters. I highly recommend.
This is the second novel I've read by this author. He tells a great story and blends in Christianity in at excellent times. He also keeps the story moving and has developed great characters. I highly recommend.
June 24, 2025
Lots of Action.
A fascinating story well told. It kept me engaged from beginning to end. I highly recommend it to any reader who seeks a well-written, fast-paced Christian thriller.
A fascinating story well told. It kept me engaged from beginning to end. I highly recommend it to any reader who seeks a well-written, fast-paced Christian thriller.
July 29, 2025
Super Excellent!!!
It's truly hard to describe how special a book this is. The twists and turns make it an excellent read, even though the description of the murdered body was horrific. But, obviously necessary. The lengths that evil is willing to go is too unimaginable otherwise.
It's truly hard to describe how special a book this is. The twists and turns make it an excellent read, even though the description of the murdered body was horrific. But, obviously necessary. The lengths that evil is willing to go is too unimaginable otherwise.
August 19, 2025
Dramatic, satanic, evil, secret societies
Occult forces hate Christian influence and organizations. Murder and mayhem become forces of control and domination. Generations of traditional evil must be interrupted; good must prevail.
Occult forces hate Christian influence and organizations. Murder and mayhem become forces of control and domination. Generations of traditional evil must be interrupted; good must prevail.
January 29, 2026
To Kill a Saint
Wow! Couldnt stop reading! What a storyline and alot of truth of the evil in this world. If you dont know Jesus, get too! If you do know Him, get to know Him better. And tell somebody!
Wow! Couldnt stop reading! What a storyline and alot of truth of the evil in this world. If you dont know Jesus, get too! If you do know Him, get to know Him better. And tell somebody!
April 24, 2026
Michael Swiger One of the best ! You did it again!
This book is so amazing,twist,turn,twist again! I won’t go into detail and spoil the element of surprise. I will say if you like mystery and adventure this is for you! Hard to put down once you start reading!
This book is so amazing,twist,turn,twist again! I won’t go into detail and spoil the element of surprise. I will say if you like mystery and adventure this is for you! Hard to put down once you start reading!
January 28, 2023
Great story
If you can put this book down, you have way more self a control than I do. Just yo let you know, it is now 4am.
If you can put this book down, you have way more self a control than I do. Just yo let you know, it is now 4am.
May 27, 2023
Excellent book
I highly recommend this book. It's a great suspense novel with great Godly teachings. It's a nail biter to the last page
I highly recommend this book. It's a great suspense novel with great Godly teachings. It's a nail biter to the last page
February 3, 2024
Awesome read!
Page turning read,grabs your attention right off.Excellent book my thanks to Michael,will definitely look forward to reading more of your stories.
Page turning read,grabs your attention right off.Excellent book my thanks to Michael,will definitely look forward to reading more of your stories.
May 16, 2024
The audio book narrator kind of ruined my experience with this book. He was whiney and not into the plot at all. Overall, I liked the storyline.
May 18, 2024
Very good readPure
I enjoyed this book Very much. I've always liked legal dramas but haven't read many Christian based I would recommend it highly.....
I enjoyed this book Very much. I've always liked legal dramas but haven't read many Christian based I would recommend it highly.....
August 2, 2024
Wow!
This is a really good book. The only thing bad about it is that I didn’t get any of my work done after I started reading it. Great story!
This is a really good book. The only thing bad about it is that I didn’t get any of my work done after I started reading it. Great story!
August 18, 2024
great book
This is my first book of Mr Swiger. I really enjoyed reading it. I want to read more of his books.
This is my first book of Mr Swiger. I really enjoyed reading it. I want to read more of his books.
September 9, 2024
This book was a quick read and kept my attention. But definitely very descriptive gore. Some in my opinion was unnecessary
October 4, 2024
The story kept my interest, but I wanted to skip past details describing a sickening satanic sacrifice.
October 10, 2024
Thrilling
A thrilling read! Lots of twists and turns that blew my mind! This is Swiger's second book I've read and he proves to be a great author.
A thrilling read! Lots of twists and turns that blew my mind! This is Swiger's second book I've read and he proves to be a great author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews