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Songs From Dead Eyes: A Wyatt Blake Legal Thriller
The Songsmith captures his victims and holds them in a torture chamber while composing their song. Wyatt Blake, former D.A. now in private practice, is representing a husband suspected of murdering his missing wife. Harper Easton, Wyatt’s investigator, is called out by police to use her cadaver dog to search for the wife. She finds a body, but it turns out to be the wrong body. Not the missing wife, but instead a Songsmith victim. The serial killer now focuses on Harper and Wyatt as they speed toward a chilling climax. Wyatt and Harper find themselves on opposite sides of the courtroom, and in physical and legal peril.
Praise For Swingle’s
“Morley Swingle is the new John Grisham.” Daniel J. Godar.
“A special book. The story was phenomenal. I’ve never cared more deeply for characters in any book I’ve ever read. Clearly made my top ten ever.” Tim Niedel
“A Grisham-like legal thriller filled with courtroom drama and colorful characters. The twisty, turning legal thriller from former prosecutor Morley Swingle scores 5-stars on all levels.” FitzG
“A sharp, twist-filled legal thriller . . . with 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.” Literary Titan
“Morley Swingle delivers a well-planned twist.” Kirkus Reviews
“I planned to read Choice of Evils slowly while talking it along on vacation. Instead of nursing it, I burned through it nonstop. I couldn’t put it down. From crime scenes to courtroom scenes, Swingle’s thriller should come with a caution IF YOU START, YOU WILL STAY UP LATE!” Nancy Cole Silverman, Author of Shadow of Doubt
“Swingle has mastered the art of the legal crime genre.” Phil P
“The best of the best legal thriller. I wasn’t able to put it down.” Darina’s Reads
“Wyatt Blake is a very good lawyer. He shares his self-knowledge in a way few if any ‘Perry Mason-type’ fictional lawyers ever do. True to life—and a great read.” Glenn Easley
“Choice of Evils is another clever fun read by Morley Swingle. Drew me in almost immediately and I had trouble putting it down.” Doug Sidel
“What a great read! Morley Swingle clearly knows his way around the criminal justice system. Can’t wait to see what’s up next for prosecutor turned conflicted criminal defense lawyer Wyatt Blake.” JabWab
“A suspenseful must-read novel that kept me turning the pages long past my bedtime.” Merry Mac
“Morley Swingle’s courtroom experience coupled with unpredictable twists make you cling to every page.” Kelly Christopher Elliott
“Legal thriller fans will love this book but even readers who prefer traditional character-based stories will delight in the characters and hope to see them again.
Praise For Swingle’s
“Morley Swingle is the new John Grisham.” Daniel J. Godar.
“A special book. The story was phenomenal. I’ve never cared more deeply for characters in any book I’ve ever read. Clearly made my top ten ever.” Tim Niedel
“A Grisham-like legal thriller filled with courtroom drama and colorful characters. The twisty, turning legal thriller from former prosecutor Morley Swingle scores 5-stars on all levels.” FitzG
“A sharp, twist-filled legal thriller . . . with 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.” Literary Titan
“Morley Swingle delivers a well-planned twist.” Kirkus Reviews
“I planned to read Choice of Evils slowly while talking it along on vacation. Instead of nursing it, I burned through it nonstop. I couldn’t put it down. From crime scenes to courtroom scenes, Swingle’s thriller should come with a caution IF YOU START, YOU WILL STAY UP LATE!” Nancy Cole Silverman, Author of Shadow of Doubt
“Swingle has mastered the art of the legal crime genre.” Phil P
“The best of the best legal thriller. I wasn’t able to put it down.” Darina’s Reads
“Wyatt Blake is a very good lawyer. He shares his self-knowledge in a way few if any ‘Perry Mason-type’ fictional lawyers ever do. True to life—and a great read.” Glenn Easley
“Choice of Evils is another clever fun read by Morley Swingle. Drew me in almost immediately and I had trouble putting it down.” Doug Sidel
“What a great read! Morley Swingle clearly knows his way around the criminal justice system. Can’t wait to see what’s up next for prosecutor turned conflicted criminal defense lawyer Wyatt Blake.” JabWab
“A suspenseful must-read novel that kept me turning the pages long past my bedtime.” Merry Mac
“Morley Swingle’s courtroom experience coupled with unpredictable twists make you cling to every page.” Kelly Christopher Elliott
“Legal thriller fans will love this book but even readers who prefer traditional character-based stories will delight in the characters and hope to see them again.
- GenresThriller
644 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2026
About the author
Morley Swingle
24 books34 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 6, 2026
Review of an advanced reader copy from the author.
I just can’t get enough of this series!! it truly gets better with every book!
As always, Wyatt moves through a cloud of chaos that seems to follow him everywhere. He makes both the best and the worst decisions, which makes him feel incredibly real. because who hasn’t made a choice they immediately regretted?
The tension between Harper and Wyatt is everything. It strikes the perfect balance of love, hate, frustration, friendship, and that undeniable pull toward something more.
The addition of the cadaver dog was such a great touch! It’s clear the author put significant time and effort into the research, which really elevates the story.
The multiple POVs add so much depth, giving insight into each character’s thoughts and motivations. I especially loved getting glimpses from the killer’s perspective. Although I was able to figure out who it was, it added an extra layer of suspense that kept me wanting to read more.
Another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read in this series! I can’t wait to dive into the next book and see what kind of trouble Wyatt finds himself in next.
I just can’t get enough of this series!! it truly gets better with every book!
As always, Wyatt moves through a cloud of chaos that seems to follow him everywhere. He makes both the best and the worst decisions, which makes him feel incredibly real. because who hasn’t made a choice they immediately regretted?
The tension between Harper and Wyatt is everything. It strikes the perfect balance of love, hate, frustration, friendship, and that undeniable pull toward something more.
The addition of the cadaver dog was such a great touch! It’s clear the author put significant time and effort into the research, which really elevates the story.
The multiple POVs add so much depth, giving insight into each character’s thoughts and motivations. I especially loved getting glimpses from the killer’s perspective. Although I was able to figure out who it was, it added an extra layer of suspense that kept me wanting to read more.
Another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read in this series! I can’t wait to dive into the next book and see what kind of trouble Wyatt finds himself in next.
June 11, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Songs from Dead Eyes by Morley Swingle
This was my second book by Morley Swingle, and I can confidently say I’m really enjoying the Wyatt Blake series. One of my favorite aspects of this book was getting the POV of the Songsmith—our serial killer. Those chapters added an extra layer of tension and darkness that kept me turning the pages.
The best part? I was convinced I had the killer figured out. I spent the entire book certain I knew where the story was headed, only to discover I was completely wrong. I always appreciate a thriller that can genuinely surprise me, and this one definitely delivered.
This installment felt darker than I expected, which worked well for the story and added to the suspenseful atmosphere. The mystery was engaging, the pacing kept me invested, and Wyatt Blake continues to be a character I enjoy following.
Overall, Songs from Dead Eyes was a solid, twisty thriller with an ending that caught me off guard. If you’re already enjoying the Wyatt Blake series, this is another strong addition that won’t disappoint. 📚🔪✨
This was my second book by Morley Swingle, and I can confidently say I’m really enjoying the Wyatt Blake series. One of my favorite aspects of this book was getting the POV of the Songsmith—our serial killer. Those chapters added an extra layer of tension and darkness that kept me turning the pages.
The best part? I was convinced I had the killer figured out. I spent the entire book certain I knew where the story was headed, only to discover I was completely wrong. I always appreciate a thriller that can genuinely surprise me, and this one definitely delivered.
This installment felt darker than I expected, which worked well for the story and added to the suspenseful atmosphere. The mystery was engaging, the pacing kept me invested, and Wyatt Blake continues to be a character I enjoy following.
Overall, Songs from Dead Eyes was a solid, twisty thriller with an ending that caught me off guard. If you’re already enjoying the Wyatt Blake series, this is another strong addition that won’t disappoint. 📚🔪✨
August 22, 2026
I really enjoyed Songs From Dead Eyes. One of the things I love about this series is returning to characters I already know while being pulled into a completely new case. It makes each book feel familiar, but I still never know what Morley Swingle is going to put these characters through next.
The suspense pulled me in and continued to build throughout the story. The Songsmith storyline was creepy and unsettling, especially the thought of victims being held while he created a song for them. I kept wanting answers, and I enjoyed watching the different parts of the investigation and legal case slowly connect.
There are some dark moments involving captivity, torture, murder, and physical danger, so check the trigger warnings. I really enjoyed seeing how everything came together. If you like legal thrillers with returning characters, multiple storylines, and suspense that keeps building, I definitely recommend this one.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTDmTX174/
June 3, 2026
I was fortunate to be an advanced reader for Songs From Dead Eyes. Being the fourth book in the series, I do believe this is my favorite one yet! It was full of action and had me on the edge of my seat, feeling as if I had a front row seat in the courtroom.
Being a dog lover, this one tugged at my heart strings. Every time I thought I had the Songsmith figured out, I was lead in a different direction. In the end, we are left with another thrilling choice of evils. Highly recommend!
Being a dog lover, this one tugged at my heart strings. Every time I thought I had the Songsmith figured out, I was lead in a different direction. In the end, we are left with another thrilling choice of evils. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Songs from Dead Eyes might be the darkest Wyatt Blake book yet, and I am absolutely here for Morley Swingle leaning further into the creepy, intense side of this series.
The banter is still top tier, Wyatt’s courtroom-style theatrics continue, and the investigative details made the story feel incredibly immersive. I flew through this because I needed answers immediately.
This series has such a chokehold on me at this point and I already miss these characters while waiting for the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The banter is still top tier, Wyatt’s courtroom-style theatrics continue, and the investigative details made the story feel incredibly immersive. I flew through this because I needed answers immediately.
This series has such a chokehold on me at this point and I already miss these characters while waiting for the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 17, 2026
Intensely great book
I couldn't stop reading this book. Which is weird as I tend to avoid legal thrillers and romance. That's just how good it is. Really fine writing and story line. The characters were such a interesting mix of loveable to despicable sorts. Had a feeling who it was , but this savvy author had a way of almost forgetting that person because so much else was going on. The bits of humor added some laughs . This was one really wacky psychopath that I can't help wonder if they find. Cliff hanger. You have to buy it to read it. Happy reading.
I couldn't stop reading this book. Which is weird as I tend to avoid legal thrillers and romance. That's just how good it is. Really fine writing and story line. The characters were such a interesting mix of loveable to despicable sorts. Had a feeling who it was , but this savvy author had a way of almost forgetting that person because so much else was going on. The bits of humor added some laughs . This was one really wacky psychopath that I can't help wonder if they find. Cliff hanger. You have to buy it to read it. Happy reading.
August 12, 2026
Mr Swingle has done it again. A born storyteller combined with wit and legal savvy. He has created unique characters that you truly care about and pull for as well as evil villains to give a healthy chill. His style of using dialog to move the story along trusts his readers to follow without over explaining. There are enough twists and turns to keep readers’ waiting for the next one. I’ve read all in the series to date and Songs From Dead Eyes adds an extra dose of malevolence. Our heroes are flawed but easy to cheer for. Bravo!
June 2, 2026
Another nail biting page turner!!!
This is the 4th book to date in the Wyatt Blake series.
Wyatt is a former district attorney who now represents those he used to try to put behind bars. He is a widower, who blames himself for his wife’s death, he’s also a father to a six year old daughter. He is conflicted about his estranged father being back in his life and about his feelings for a (hopefully) special someone. He’s a good but sometimes flawed man who is trying his best and after reading this 4th instalment, I feel like I actually know the man!
In this story his investigator, Harper Easton, who he once prosecuted (but that’s another story) gets left a cadaver dog by a deceased friend and that is where the story really takes off. I don’t want to give too much away but there are numerous situations being played out simultaneously, the scenes are graphically written, the tension is palpable leading to a crescendo of a climax.
The whole thing is brilliantly written from every angle, the law, the local police and every single person involved. At one point near the end of the book I wondered how on earth the writer, Morley Swingle, was going to manage to pull everything together and feared some aspects of some of the stories were going to leave me hanging and having to wait for book number 5. But somehow, he did it, pulled it all together, completed the stories and left me bereft (you know who I’m referring to Mr Swingle!) CAN’T WAIT FOR NUMBER 5!!!!!
You could probably read this book alone, but if you want the FULL story, which I promise, you do, start with Choice of Evils, brilliant, then Make My Day, unbelievable, then The Bullet Fee, tragic, then Songs from Dead Eyes, which will leave you wanting more.
Full disclosure: I was given an advance reader copy of this book
But honestly, I can’t wait for instalment number 5 of my friend Wyatt Blake!!!
This is the 4th book to date in the Wyatt Blake series.
Wyatt is a former district attorney who now represents those he used to try to put behind bars. He is a widower, who blames himself for his wife’s death, he’s also a father to a six year old daughter. He is conflicted about his estranged father being back in his life and about his feelings for a (hopefully) special someone. He’s a good but sometimes flawed man who is trying his best and after reading this 4th instalment, I feel like I actually know the man!
In this story his investigator, Harper Easton, who he once prosecuted (but that’s another story) gets left a cadaver dog by a deceased friend and that is where the story really takes off. I don’t want to give too much away but there are numerous situations being played out simultaneously, the scenes are graphically written, the tension is palpable leading to a crescendo of a climax.
The whole thing is brilliantly written from every angle, the law, the local police and every single person involved. At one point near the end of the book I wondered how on earth the writer, Morley Swingle, was going to manage to pull everything together and feared some aspects of some of the stories were going to leave me hanging and having to wait for book number 5. But somehow, he did it, pulled it all together, completed the stories and left me bereft (you know who I’m referring to Mr Swingle!) CAN’T WAIT FOR NUMBER 5!!!!!
You could probably read this book alone, but if you want the FULL story, which I promise, you do, start with Choice of Evils, brilliant, then Make My Day, unbelievable, then The Bullet Fee, tragic, then Songs from Dead Eyes, which will leave you wanting more.
Full disclosure: I was given an advance reader copy of this book
But honestly, I can’t wait for instalment number 5 of my friend Wyatt Blake!!!
June 23, 2026
An absolute page turner!
I’ve loved every book in this series but this is by far my favorite. So much darker, more graphic and my goodness it had my heart racing non stop.
An absolutely fantastic thriller!
I’ve loved every book in this series but this is by far my favorite. So much darker, more graphic and my goodness it had my heart racing non stop.
An absolutely fantastic thriller!
June 2, 2026
Terrific book
This is a really good book. I know one thing from reading it, I don't want anyone writing a song for me.
This is a really good book. I know one thing from reading it, I don't want anyone writing a song for me.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews