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Choice of Evils: A Wyatt Blake Legal Thriller
Wyatt Blake, district attorney turned defense lawyer, faces his first murder trial from the dark side. He’s representing Ryker Brando, a wealthy rock climber charged with murder for cutting the rope of his climbing partner, causing him to hurtle to his death. Colorado’s “Choice of Evils” defense will determine whether Wyatt can get Ryker off even though the man who fell was having an affair with Ryker’s wife. Wyatt, a widower with a six-year-old daughter, faces his own choice of evils in his personal life, as he battles grief and guilt over the tragic death of his wife.
“Morley Swingle delivers a well-planned twist.” Kirkus Reviews
“Morley Swingle proves that some lawyers can actually write entertainingly.” Harry Levins, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“Swingle writes with wonderful literacy.” Lithuanian Librarian
“Morley Swingle delivers a well-planned twist.” Kirkus Reviews
“Morley Swingle proves that some lawyers can actually write entertainingly.” Harry Levins, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“Swingle writes with wonderful literacy.” Lithuanian Librarian
732 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2025
137 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Morley Swingle
21 books28 followersMorley Swingle is a former prosecutor now writing mystery/thrillers and law books. As both a state and federal prosecutor, he personally prosecuted 111 homicide cases and tried 178 jury trials. His cases have been featured on Dateline, Forensic Files and Oprah. His historical mystery thrillers include The Gold of Cape Girardeau (praised as absorbing courtroom drama by Elmore Leonard) and Bootheel Man (finalist for the 2008 William Rockhill Nelson Award for fiction). His true crime memoir Scoundrels to the Hoosegow was called “engrossing” and “highly recommended” by Vincent Bugliosi. His short story “Hard Blows” in the Mystery Writers of America anthology The Prosecution Rests was singled out by Publisher’s Weekly as “dramatizing the challenges prosecutors encounter.” His collection of 16 short stories won the 2024 Firebird Award for Crime Fiction. His law books teach search and seizure law and evidence with a dose of humor. Although relatively well-liked for a prosecutor, he occasionally found it necessary to wear a bullet-proof vest.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 3, 2025
Story line was interesting but why does every female character need her bum or boobs described in detail..?
May 25, 2025
Choice of Evils, by Morley Swingle, is a sharp, twist-filled legal thriller that follows Wyatt Blake, a former district attorney turned defense lawyer, defending a millionaire accused of murdering his best friend during a rock-climbing trip. Set in the snow-draped peaks of Colorado, the story weaves courtroom drama, moral gray areas, and emotional backstories into a compelling tale of justice, loss, and the fine line between right and wrong.
What really pulled me in wasn’t just the whodunit mystery; it was Wyatt himself. He’s a flawed, smart, funny, sad guy who’s trying to stitch his life back together after losing his wife in a freak skiing accident. His inner thoughts are dry and biting, like when he watches a potential client chew his nails and thinks he hasn't “encountered scissors in months.” That kind of dark humor is sprinkled throughout the book and made me both laugh and wince. I felt his grief when he hides the photo of his daughter before meeting the accused murderer, Ryker Brando. Swingle writes pain without melodrama.
Ryker Brando is a chilling character; detached, calculating, and unnervingly composed. He openly admits to cutting the rope that led to his best friend's death, yet displays no visible remorse or emotional turmoil. Instead, he presents his actions with stark, matter-of-fact reasoning. This emotional flatness makes him difficult to read, let alone sympathize with, yet it’s precisely this ambiguity that gives his character such power. Swingle resists the urge to paint Ryker as a clear-cut villain; instead, he challenges the reader to grapple with the unsettling logic behind Ryker’s choice. “Two people die, or just one,” Ryker says, and you’re left genuinely unsure of what you might have done in his place. The novel’s treatment of the “choice of evils” defense is not only compelling but also intellectually provocative, presenting legal nuance in a way that’s accessible without ever oversimplifying.
The courtroom scenes are particularly well-executed. Unlike many legal thrillers that get bogged down in tedious procedural detail, Swingle’s narrative moves with precision and energy. His legal expertise is evident, but what stands out even more is his ability to translate that knowledge into sharp, engaging drama. The pacing is brisk, the dialogue crisp, and the legal sparring, especially between Wyatt Blake and his successor, Chad Coburn, is both intense and layered. Coburn, a former NFL linebacker turned district attorney, brings an aggressive, politically charged edge to the proceedings, making their confrontations not just legal battles, but deeply personal and ideological clashes.
The supporting characters are also given room to shine. Nikki, Wyatt’s resourceful and sharp-tongued secretary, adds both levity and depth, underscoring Swingle’s talent for creating memorable, multidimensional personalities. By the final chapters, I found myself fully invested, not just in the outcome of the case, but in the broader questions the book raises. The narrative explores themes of guilt, justice, and moral ambiguity with both intelligence and emotional resonance. Whether or not Ryker is truly guilty almost becomes secondary to the exploration of what guilt really means. Swingle delivers this with wit, emotional insight, and a firm grasp of human complexity.
Choice of Evils will appeal to readers who appreciate legal thrillers that delve into moral ambiguity and psychological depth. With its layered characters, ethically charged dilemmas, and compelling courtroom drama, the novel offers both intellectual engagement and emotional impact. For those who enjoy thoughtful, well-paced narratives grounded in legal realism, this is a standout choice.
What really pulled me in wasn’t just the whodunit mystery; it was Wyatt himself. He’s a flawed, smart, funny, sad guy who’s trying to stitch his life back together after losing his wife in a freak skiing accident. His inner thoughts are dry and biting, like when he watches a potential client chew his nails and thinks he hasn't “encountered scissors in months.” That kind of dark humor is sprinkled throughout the book and made me both laugh and wince. I felt his grief when he hides the photo of his daughter before meeting the accused murderer, Ryker Brando. Swingle writes pain without melodrama.
Ryker Brando is a chilling character; detached, calculating, and unnervingly composed. He openly admits to cutting the rope that led to his best friend's death, yet displays no visible remorse or emotional turmoil. Instead, he presents his actions with stark, matter-of-fact reasoning. This emotional flatness makes him difficult to read, let alone sympathize with, yet it’s precisely this ambiguity that gives his character such power. Swingle resists the urge to paint Ryker as a clear-cut villain; instead, he challenges the reader to grapple with the unsettling logic behind Ryker’s choice. “Two people die, or just one,” Ryker says, and you’re left genuinely unsure of what you might have done in his place. The novel’s treatment of the “choice of evils” defense is not only compelling but also intellectually provocative, presenting legal nuance in a way that’s accessible without ever oversimplifying.
The courtroom scenes are particularly well-executed. Unlike many legal thrillers that get bogged down in tedious procedural detail, Swingle’s narrative moves with precision and energy. His legal expertise is evident, but what stands out even more is his ability to translate that knowledge into sharp, engaging drama. The pacing is brisk, the dialogue crisp, and the legal sparring, especially between Wyatt Blake and his successor, Chad Coburn, is both intense and layered. Coburn, a former NFL linebacker turned district attorney, brings an aggressive, politically charged edge to the proceedings, making their confrontations not just legal battles, but deeply personal and ideological clashes.
The supporting characters are also given room to shine. Nikki, Wyatt’s resourceful and sharp-tongued secretary, adds both levity and depth, underscoring Swingle’s talent for creating memorable, multidimensional personalities. By the final chapters, I found myself fully invested, not just in the outcome of the case, but in the broader questions the book raises. The narrative explores themes of guilt, justice, and moral ambiguity with both intelligence and emotional resonance. Whether or not Ryker is truly guilty almost becomes secondary to the exploration of what guilt really means. Swingle delivers this with wit, emotional insight, and a firm grasp of human complexity.
Choice of Evils will appeal to readers who appreciate legal thrillers that delve into moral ambiguity and psychological depth. With its layered characters, ethically charged dilemmas, and compelling courtroom drama, the novel offers both intellectual engagement and emotional impact. For those who enjoy thoughtful, well-paced narratives grounded in legal realism, this is a standout choice.
February 14, 2026
I know I selected the box saying there will be spoilers, but I'm going to spoil the entire story, so you may want to skip this review if you would like to be surprised.
although Wyatt Blake is a lawyer, educated in ways that many common people aren't, and he was once a prosecutor, and elected official, not just an assistant district attorney, he still comes across as in every man. I love this in protagonists. the authors down to earth way of narrating from Wyatt's point of view is what really solidifies this.
the story kept my attention. I found myself rooting for riker. I truly believed him to be innocent, but cracks began to appear.
the only criticism I might have of the story is it's somewhat overused confession twist. after riker Brando is acquitted, he comes to his lawyer's office and not only confesses, but shows video of two murders that he committed, the one he was accused of, and one that has been labeled an accident. it was a twist that I might have suspected, but didn't really see coming. the idea that you're intrepid defense attorney fights for their client and succeeds just to hear them confess, while protected by attorney client privilege, has been done a few times before. maybe I'm just such a fan of legal thrillers that I've seen the few times it has been done, and it isn't as overused as I think it is, but I'll leave that to other reviewers to decide.
I am glad to see the ending where Wyatt decides that he's going to just live his life. he'll never get over his wife, but he will move on. he is going to keep practicing law even though he got a cold-blooded killer off. in fact, he might even still be a defense attorney. I personally wouldn't blame him for running right back to the district attorney's office and running for re-election in a few years. the author also leaves the question of what to do about riker Brando hanging open. what will he do? will we find out in the next novel? will the next novel be a completely different story where the situation involving riker Brando is only occasionally mentioned and touched upon? I'll have to read it to find out, but I do know that I enjoy the Wyatt Blake series and will continue reading.
although Wyatt Blake is a lawyer, educated in ways that many common people aren't, and he was once a prosecutor, and elected official, not just an assistant district attorney, he still comes across as in every man. I love this in protagonists. the authors down to earth way of narrating from Wyatt's point of view is what really solidifies this.
the story kept my attention. I found myself rooting for riker. I truly believed him to be innocent, but cracks began to appear.
the only criticism I might have of the story is it's somewhat overused confession twist. after riker Brando is acquitted, he comes to his lawyer's office and not only confesses, but shows video of two murders that he committed, the one he was accused of, and one that has been labeled an accident. it was a twist that I might have suspected, but didn't really see coming. the idea that you're intrepid defense attorney fights for their client and succeeds just to hear them confess, while protected by attorney client privilege, has been done a few times before. maybe I'm just such a fan of legal thrillers that I've seen the few times it has been done, and it isn't as overused as I think it is, but I'll leave that to other reviewers to decide.
I am glad to see the ending where Wyatt decides that he's going to just live his life. he'll never get over his wife, but he will move on. he is going to keep practicing law even though he got a cold-blooded killer off. in fact, he might even still be a defense attorney. I personally wouldn't blame him for running right back to the district attorney's office and running for re-election in a few years. the author also leaves the question of what to do about riker Brando hanging open. what will he do? will we find out in the next novel? will the next novel be a completely different story where the situation involving riker Brando is only occasionally mentioned and touched upon? I'll have to read it to find out, but I do know that I enjoy the Wyatt Blake series and will continue reading.
June 28, 2025
the defendants wife was having a affair with his business partner, but he claims he didnt know
he went rock climbing with his partner, his partner was going to fall so he cut the rope so he didnt fall with him. the partner died and he was charged with murder. there was also a large insurance policy that will come to him
the lawyer lost his wife in a avalanche while skiing. he was distracted on his phone and didnt watch her, she died before he could dig her out. he will blame himself the rest of his life. he has a 6 yr old daughter. he was a prosecutor but lost the race so now he is on his own in his own practice as defense attorney. he took the case. the man is rich owning a pot co , he does the accounting, his partner was in charge of the pot
there was a woman cop he sent to prison that he now wishes he didnt. she shot a unarmed teen in the back when she accidentally used her gun instead of the taser. she served him with papers on a case he filed on a man who used the american flag to wipe his butt in public, he immediately dropped the case when he found the law had changed and he forgot due to being distracted about his wifes death. the female cop is out of prison and taking care of her mom. her mom is getting arrested for hitting people but she doesnt know what she is doing. she was a librarian her whole life. the lawyer offered to represent her for free but is asking the da not to charge her to begin with. the lawyer who took over his old job has it out for him and wants to be governor.
the client showed up with a black eye the day after the nice man at the ski place where his wife used to work died from snake bite. the client has 2 pet snakes
his wife does porn on line, i dont know why, hes very rich so she doesnt need the $
he is getting friendly with the pi who was a cop he sent to prison (hes sorry he did). his daughter likes her
he starts to clear out his wifes things, takes it to her mom to go through with his daughter, she said about time. they like the new friend
he has the trial and the man is found not guilty
but after he tells the lawyer he did kill his partner on purpose, he even recorded it. but the lawyer can do nothing about it
and he murdered the man at the lodge (with his snake) cause he knew too much (he recorded it too)
his wife is getting a divorce from him
i like this series and would read more!
he went rock climbing with his partner, his partner was going to fall so he cut the rope so he didnt fall with him. the partner died and he was charged with murder. there was also a large insurance policy that will come to him
the lawyer lost his wife in a avalanche while skiing. he was distracted on his phone and didnt watch her, she died before he could dig her out. he will blame himself the rest of his life. he has a 6 yr old daughter. he was a prosecutor but lost the race so now he is on his own in his own practice as defense attorney. he took the case. the man is rich owning a pot co , he does the accounting, his partner was in charge of the pot
there was a woman cop he sent to prison that he now wishes he didnt. she shot a unarmed teen in the back when she accidentally used her gun instead of the taser. she served him with papers on a case he filed on a man who used the american flag to wipe his butt in public, he immediately dropped the case when he found the law had changed and he forgot due to being distracted about his wifes death. the female cop is out of prison and taking care of her mom. her mom is getting arrested for hitting people but she doesnt know what she is doing. she was a librarian her whole life. the lawyer offered to represent her for free but is asking the da not to charge her to begin with. the lawyer who took over his old job has it out for him and wants to be governor.
the client showed up with a black eye the day after the nice man at the ski place where his wife used to work died from snake bite. the client has 2 pet snakes
his wife does porn on line, i dont know why, hes very rich so she doesnt need the $
he is getting friendly with the pi who was a cop he sent to prison (hes sorry he did). his daughter likes her
he starts to clear out his wifes things, takes it to her mom to go through with his daughter, she said about time. they like the new friend
he has the trial and the man is found not guilty
but after he tells the lawyer he did kill his partner on purpose, he even recorded it. but the lawyer can do nothing about it
and he murdered the man at the lodge (with his snake) cause he knew too much (he recorded it too)
his wife is getting a divorce from him
i like this series and would read more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2025
4.75 stars rounded to 5.
Almost perfect.
Full video review is available @DarinasReads BookTok (https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8UtdjUX/) and Bookstagram (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR-nXL...)
I didn’t expect the book, plot, and characters to be so emotionally deep. I was weeping all through Chapter 3, and this was just the beginning.
I read Alchemised and Dragonfly in Amber this month. I didn’t shed a single tear over Helena and Kaine’s tragic love story nor over Clair losing her child.
But I cried like a baby over pages of a legal thriller.
I also love how the author exploits the grey area of morality, guilt, and moral battle of defending someone who may be, in fact, guilty of not just an involuntary men slaughter but an outright pre-planned murder.
I love that the main character is vulnerable and is far from perfect. Juggling with the counterparts and making them deliberately mean obviously helps to like the MMC more. But he is good on his own, and not all adversaries on another side are bad.
He has a great support system of friends and former colleagues who try to help him (not that he listens, but they try).
He suffers through his own grief of losing a love of his life and feels guilty of her death.
He also feels guilty for filing the charges against a former cop that lent her behind bars. Although I don’t see how she could have gotten away with what she did. But I like that he has a new perspective at present that helps him see this grey area.
The whole book and the case, Choice of Evils, is about this exact grey area where, in some cases in Colorado, the law recognizes the lesser of the evils as justifiable.
I love the research and expertise put into this book, the helpful backgrounds for readers who are not familiar with how the system works without making it too heavy or too patronizing.
Most of all, I love the quotes from the famous lawyers and their books.
All of it makes the story rich, the characters life-like, and easy to connect with.
I had oh-oh moments, I-knew-it! moments.
I did find 2 timeline bloopers and made a video about it.
The author reached out to me and said that he would be able to edit the text. So, potentially, all future prints will not have these bloopers at all. So I won’t go into details here.
There is one instance though that can be questioned regarding the ski resort incident. Again, I can’t go into details because this would be a major spoiler. But I do have some “cross examination” points and questions about it.
Overall, I truly enjoyed it and recommend it wholeheartedly.
Almost perfect.
Full video review is available @DarinasReads BookTok (https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8UtdjUX/) and Bookstagram (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR-nXL...)
I didn’t expect the book, plot, and characters to be so emotionally deep. I was weeping all through Chapter 3, and this was just the beginning.
I read Alchemised and Dragonfly in Amber this month. I didn’t shed a single tear over Helena and Kaine’s tragic love story nor over Clair losing her child.
But I cried like a baby over pages of a legal thriller.
I also love how the author exploits the grey area of morality, guilt, and moral battle of defending someone who may be, in fact, guilty of not just an involuntary men slaughter but an outright pre-planned murder.
I love that the main character is vulnerable and is far from perfect. Juggling with the counterparts and making them deliberately mean obviously helps to like the MMC more. But he is good on his own, and not all adversaries on another side are bad.
He has a great support system of friends and former colleagues who try to help him (not that he listens, but they try).
He suffers through his own grief of losing a love of his life and feels guilty of her death.
He also feels guilty for filing the charges against a former cop that lent her behind bars. Although I don’t see how she could have gotten away with what she did. But I like that he has a new perspective at present that helps him see this grey area.
The whole book and the case, Choice of Evils, is about this exact grey area where, in some cases in Colorado, the law recognizes the lesser of the evils as justifiable.
I love the research and expertise put into this book, the helpful backgrounds for readers who are not familiar with how the system works without making it too heavy or too patronizing.
Most of all, I love the quotes from the famous lawyers and their books.
All of it makes the story rich, the characters life-like, and easy to connect with.
I had oh-oh moments, I-knew-it! moments.
I did find 2 timeline bloopers and made a video about it.
The author reached out to me and said that he would be able to edit the text. So, potentially, all future prints will not have these bloopers at all. So I won’t go into details here.
There is one instance though that can be questioned regarding the ski resort incident. Again, I can’t go into details because this would be a major spoiler. But I do have some “cross examination” points and questions about it.
Overall, I truly enjoyed it and recommend it wholeheartedly.
October 14, 2025
Ryker Brando and Seth have been friends since college. When marijuana was legalized in Colorado, they opened a pot shop. Seth was the marijuana expert while Ryker was the business man. While rock climbing, Seth loses his footing and begins to fall. Ryker makes a split second decision to cut the rope that is holding them together. Wyatt Blake represents Ryker at a murder trial. He uses the defense "choice of evils." That is, Ryker was forced to choose between cutting the rope (which led to Seth's death) or being dragged to his own death, too.
This is a fast-paced novel. It's full of twists. The characters are especially robust. Ryker has Asperger's Syndrome, or high functioning autism. He shows little emotion. His wife, Chloe, loves him but her marriage feels empty due to his lack of emotion. Seth is a smart man who realizes that the pot market is about to explode. He convinces Ryker to open a pot shop before anybody else.
Wyatt Blake is a good character as well. He doesn't particularly care for Ryker, but he agrees to represent him because he deserves a fair trial. Wyatt is quick-thinking and resourceful. However, I was tired of reading about his dead wife. A few memories of her would be adequate for the novel, but Wyatt recollects her on almost every other page.
Overall, this was a great novel. I really enjoyed it.
This is a fast-paced novel. It's full of twists. The characters are especially robust. Ryker has Asperger's Syndrome, or high functioning autism. He shows little emotion. His wife, Chloe, loves him but her marriage feels empty due to his lack of emotion. Seth is a smart man who realizes that the pot market is about to explode. He convinces Ryker to open a pot shop before anybody else.
Wyatt Blake is a good character as well. He doesn't particularly care for Ryker, but he agrees to represent him because he deserves a fair trial. Wyatt is quick-thinking and resourceful. However, I was tired of reading about his dead wife. A few memories of her would be adequate for the novel, but Wyatt recollects her on almost every other page.
Overall, this was a great novel. I really enjoyed it.
January 10, 2026
This was one of the most emotionally grounded legal thrillers I’ve read in a long time.
Choice of Evils follows Wyatt Blake, a defense attorney still crushed by grief after losing his wife in an avalanche, now raising his six-year-old daughter alone and carrying the weight of constant self-blame. When he’s asked to defend a wealthy client accused of murdering his best friend during a rock-climbing accident, the case hinges on one brutal question: was cutting the rope an act of survival—or intent?
The legal premise is fascinating, but what really worked for me was how human this story feels. Grief, guilt, parenthood, forgiveness—it’s all woven naturally into the trial without ever bogging the story down. Despite being nearly 700 pages, the pacing stayed steady and engaging, and the legal elements were clear without feeling simplified.
I had a suspicion about the twist—but it still surprised me. And that’s rare.
If you avoid legal thrillers because you’re worried about dense jargon, this one is very accessible. I loved it, and I’m absolutely continuing the series.
Choice of Evils follows Wyatt Blake, a defense attorney still crushed by grief after losing his wife in an avalanche, now raising his six-year-old daughter alone and carrying the weight of constant self-blame. When he’s asked to defend a wealthy client accused of murdering his best friend during a rock-climbing accident, the case hinges on one brutal question: was cutting the rope an act of survival—or intent?
The legal premise is fascinating, but what really worked for me was how human this story feels. Grief, guilt, parenthood, forgiveness—it’s all woven naturally into the trial without ever bogging the story down. Despite being nearly 700 pages, the pacing stayed steady and engaging, and the legal elements were clear without feeling simplified.
I had a suspicion about the twist—but it still surprised me. And that’s rare.
If you avoid legal thrillers because you’re worried about dense jargon, this one is very accessible. I loved it, and I’m absolutely continuing the series.
July 10, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable!
I came upon this book by accident but so glad I did! This story of former DA Wyatt Blake, who lost his wife, then his job, is starting out as a defence attorney. He is struggling to keep the lights on when he gets a big murder case, the only problem is the client has Asperger’s and doesn’t appear very remorseful about killing his best friend and wouldn’t look very sympathetic in front of a jury, which is just one of Wyatt’s hurdles to get over should the case go to trial.
There are lots of things going on throughout the story, which make Wyatt Blake a well rounded character. It’s the best book I’ve read for a while and was so pleased to learn that there are another 2 books in this series.
If like me you love legal dramas and want an interesting and enjoyable read I would recommend this book. I hope you like it as much as I did.
I came upon this book by accident but so glad I did! This story of former DA Wyatt Blake, who lost his wife, then his job, is starting out as a defence attorney. He is struggling to keep the lights on when he gets a big murder case, the only problem is the client has Asperger’s and doesn’t appear very remorseful about killing his best friend and wouldn’t look very sympathetic in front of a jury, which is just one of Wyatt’s hurdles to get over should the case go to trial.
There are lots of things going on throughout the story, which make Wyatt Blake a well rounded character. It’s the best book I’ve read for a while and was so pleased to learn that there are another 2 books in this series.
If like me you love legal dramas and want an interesting and enjoyable read I would recommend this book. I hope you like it as much as I did.
June 29, 2025
I DONT BELIVE THERE IS A BETTER LAW BOOK
I am so sad. The story is over.. It was absolutely fabulous. I couldn’t stop reading it until the wee hours of the night.. everything about the book was perfectly written, wonderful wonderful characters, I absolutely love the story., loved how the ending turned out, loved learning about the, I think it’s the best book I have ever read when it comes to the story of defending a murderer.. it is going to make me have to read all of the books that Mr. Swingle has written. I highly recommend it. it. It’s exciting. It’s funny. It has love it has feelings. It truly is a book. Everybody should read.. thank you Mr. Swingle for such a wonderful book
I am so sad. The story is over.. It was absolutely fabulous. I couldn’t stop reading it until the wee hours of the night.. everything about the book was perfectly written, wonderful wonderful characters, I absolutely love the story., loved how the ending turned out, loved learning about the, I think it’s the best book I have ever read when it comes to the story of defending a murderer.. it is going to make me have to read all of the books that Mr. Swingle has written. I highly recommend it. it. It’s exciting. It’s funny. It has love it has feelings. It truly is a book. Everybody should read.. thank you Mr. Swingle for such a wonderful book
May 7, 2025
A real rarity here: a legal thriller with heart! Although Swingle does a terrific job of walking the reader through the complex legal issues surrounding the case at hand, he never overwhelms his audience. Indeed, the best part are the well-drawn characters, especially attorney Wyatt, who has to come to terms with a tragic past and how it affects his professional life. I don't want to give away spoilers here, but the case also involves a character with autism, and the way Swingle addresses this—with accuracy and sensitivity—does a lot to raise this book above the ordinary. Well done all around.
July 21, 2025
Choice of Evils is a great Legal Thriller!
I think this book is written well, with attention to detail, and suspense that had me flipping pages fast! I really loved the storyline and the characters. The MMC is a single dad trying to balance home and work life, this making it story realistic and very relatable to so many readers. This is the first book I've read from this author but I love it and can't wait to read more!
I think this book is written well, with attention to detail, and suspense that had me flipping pages fast! I really loved the storyline and the characters. The MMC is a single dad trying to balance home and work life, this making it story realistic and very relatable to so many readers. This is the first book I've read from this author but I love it and can't wait to read more!
May 27, 2025
Choice of Evils was my favorite book of Swingles so far! I was hooked from the first chapter. Once the trial started, I was not able to put it down until I was finished! It had so many of my favorite things in a book: mystery, a love story and even a twist. Can’t wait to read Wyatt Blake’s next thriller!
June 24, 2025
Great Read!
What a great read! The story combined a bit of mystery, legal process and interesting characters. The author clearly knows his way around the criminal justice system, as well as the in and outs of conducting trials. Can't wait to see what's up next for prosecutor turned conflicted criminal defense attorney Wyatt Blake!
What a great read! The story combined a bit of mystery, legal process and interesting characters. The author clearly knows his way around the criminal justice system, as well as the in and outs of conducting trials. Can't wait to see what's up next for prosecutor turned conflicted criminal defense attorney Wyatt Blake!
July 4, 2025
Loved this legal thriller! Hated every time I had to put it down. You can tell the author was an attorney who had to struggle with various dilemmas, whether working as a prosecutor or defense attorney. It really makes you think while entertaining you. If you enjoy legal thrillers, definitely get this book. This was the first novel I read by this author, but it will not be the last!
June 22, 2025
Morley Swingle was a prosecuting attorney for 30+ years. It was interesting reading a book he wrote from the perspective of a criminal defense attorney, and he did it well. I look forward to more Wyatt Blake legal trillers.
July 13, 2025
evils
Great book that kept the reader wanting to read more. The characters continued to go through the book telling the story
Great book that kept the reader wanting to read more. The characters continued to go through the book telling the story
September 22, 2025
Choice of Evils
I have been given a choice and it is not to read contrivances filled with profane utterances, f-bombs, and constant gutter language.
I have been given a choice and it is not to read contrivances filled with profane utterances, f-bombs, and constant gutter language.
September 28, 2025
3,5 stars
February 9, 2026
Such a great story
This book made me think of SVU or even a book that I read long time ago, Gone but Not Forgotten. This was a good read and easy to follow and get lost in it.
This book made me think of SVU or even a book that I read long time ago, Gone but Not Forgotten. This was a good read and easy to follow and get lost in it.
January 10, 2026
so so
The book started off great and then fizzled out. It’s a good story but the book lost my interest about a third way thru
The book started off great and then fizzled out. It’s a good story but the book lost my interest about a third way thru
December 27, 2025
l've read a few legal thrillers, but not many, so I'm no expert….however, this was a fantastic, fast paced read. It hooked me from the very first chapter and I did not want to put this down.
The story follows Wyatt Blake, a former D.A Prosecutor, now a criminal defense attorney, as he navigates his grief while defending Ryker, a man accused of killing his best friend. The new D.A (an arrogant former NFL star) is a total piece of 💩 and is determined to ruin Wyatt’s career at every turn.
The twist… 🔥🔥
This was so entertaining and so freaking good. It kept me needing to know what was going to happen.
You will fall in love with most characters and also despise a few!
This is on the top of my list of favorites.
I highly recommend to any thriller lovers. I look forward to continuing this series!
The story follows Wyatt Blake, a former D.A Prosecutor, now a criminal defense attorney, as he navigates his grief while defending Ryker, a man accused of killing his best friend. The new D.A (an arrogant former NFL star) is a total piece of 💩 and is determined to ruin Wyatt’s career at every turn.
The twist… 🔥🔥
This was so entertaining and so freaking good. It kept me needing to know what was going to happen.
You will fall in love with most characters and also despise a few!
This is on the top of my list of favorites.
I highly recommend to any thriller lovers. I look forward to continuing this series!
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