What do you think?
Rate this book
Innocents #1
A Trial of Innocents
A special needs man is caught savagely beating a pregnant woman, leaving her in a coma, her unborn baby dead.
Prosecuting Attorney Lori Franks, beautiful and ruthless, will stop at nothing to advance her career, seeks the death penalty. When a chance meeting followed by DNA testing confirms the baby she sought to abort was switched at birth, she sues to gain custody of the little girl she once tried to kill.
Defense attorney Danial Solomon is drawn into both cases. Sparks and attraction fly as he and Franks clash in and out of the courtroom. With lives on the line, Solomon’s crusade for the truth thrusts him into a lethal labyrinth of conspiracy and corruption.
Prosecuting Attorney Lori Franks, beautiful and ruthless, will stop at nothing to advance her career, seeks the death penalty. When a chance meeting followed by DNA testing confirms the baby she sought to abort was switched at birth, she sues to gain custody of the little girl she once tried to kill.
Defense attorney Danial Solomon is drawn into both cases. Sparks and attraction fly as he and Franks clash in and out of the courtroom. With lives on the line, Solomon’s crusade for the truth thrusts him into a lethal labyrinth of conspiracy and corruption.
ebook
First published November 14, 2000
2064 people are currently reading
1334 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
May 10, 2023
The Trial of Innocents by Michael Swiger is an explicitly Christian suspense novel involving multiple crimes. The tension is palpable throughout. The “good guys” and “bad guys” stretch across the legal terrain and into the shadowy areas of life. Readers travel from homes to a hospital and to a courtroom with plenty of action in between.
A core issue addressed in this book is late-term abortion. Irrespective of a reader’s position on this topic, the evolving story is gut-wrenching and thought-provoking. Most of the debate occurs in a courtroom, but the emotions play out in a young family.
Christian themes manifest in scenes of shared faith, prayer, and moral dilemmas. Though a legal thriller, these themes intertwine with the characters and the situations.
This book caught my attention because of the author’s unique past. Michael Swiger wrote the book, and four others, while incarcerated. Because he refused to testify against his brother, he served seventeen years for being a co-conspirator. The conviction was eventually overturned. During his time behind bars, Swiger studied and earned multiple degrees. Post-prison, he has a large outreach program for newly released offenders in Ohio.
I recommend this book to anyone with the interests mentioned above. The characters are well-crafted, and the story is compelling. That said, the book could benefit from the help of a good editor.
A core issue addressed in this book is late-term abortion. Irrespective of a reader’s position on this topic, the evolving story is gut-wrenching and thought-provoking. Most of the debate occurs in a courtroom, but the emotions play out in a young family.
Christian themes manifest in scenes of shared faith, prayer, and moral dilemmas. Though a legal thriller, these themes intertwine with the characters and the situations.
This book caught my attention because of the author’s unique past. Michael Swiger wrote the book, and four others, while incarcerated. Because he refused to testify against his brother, he served seventeen years for being a co-conspirator. The conviction was eventually overturned. During his time behind bars, Swiger studied and earned multiple degrees. Post-prison, he has a large outreach program for newly released offenders in Ohio.
I recommend this book to anyone with the interests mentioned above. The characters are well-crafted, and the story is compelling. That said, the book could benefit from the help of a good editor.
June 19, 2023
Absolutely loved it
I love the way the author concealed. There are not even hints along the way of what is really going on. Why this Godly man is defending such a deplorable human remains a question until the very end. The author stokes compassion for the murderer without the readers permission, which invokes a hope the compassion is justified. Best of all, the author teaches of the love and mercy of Jesus Christ while also bringing about justice. Furthermore he teaches a Christian how to witness. All lose ends are tied up completely. The end is perfect leaving a literal feeling of joy right in your heart. Very well done author. The Lord bless you and keep you. Write on.
I love the way the author concealed. There are not even hints along the way of what is really going on. Why this Godly man is defending such a deplorable human remains a question until the very end. The author stokes compassion for the murderer without the readers permission, which invokes a hope the compassion is justified. Best of all, the author teaches of the love and mercy of Jesus Christ while also bringing about justice. Furthermore he teaches a Christian how to witness. All lose ends are tied up completely. The end is perfect leaving a literal feeling of joy right in your heart. Very well done author. The Lord bless you and keep you. Write on.
July 28, 2021
I found the book a bit nauseating.
Well I did finish the book I deeply resent the author using the guise of writing a mystery novel to try to proselytize about Christianity. Now I have no problem with an author indicating people are Christians, or reading about Christian history. But there were times where five or six pages were go on where this author would do nothing but proselytize, obviously trying to save people to his way of thinking. I find this very offensive. I'll never read another one of his novels. I'm Jewish and we don't believe in the idea of proselytizing or trying to Ram our way of thinking down other people's throat. We signed a defensive and insulting and judgmental, all the things that Jesus taught against. But this author wants to write a mystery novel that's well and good but at the end of it he offers a free pamphlet on how to get saved and love Jesus if we'll just give him a review. I found it all disgusting.
Well I did finish the book I deeply resent the author using the guise of writing a mystery novel to try to proselytize about Christianity. Now I have no problem with an author indicating people are Christians, or reading about Christian history. But there were times where five or six pages were go on where this author would do nothing but proselytize, obviously trying to save people to his way of thinking. I find this very offensive. I'll never read another one of his novels. I'm Jewish and we don't believe in the idea of proselytizing or trying to Ram our way of thinking down other people's throat. We signed a defensive and insulting and judgmental, all the things that Jesus taught against. But this author wants to write a mystery novel that's well and good but at the end of it he offers a free pamphlet on how to get saved and love Jesus if we'll just give him a review. I found it all disgusting.
April 15, 2024
Hard to put this one down. Partly because of it's ties to the Ohio Valley and the author is familiar with the area. Can't wait to read them all.
August 5, 2024
I know it’s a Christian book, but it was way to preachy for me. I felt like I was reading sermons rather than a novel with what I thought would be an interesting storyline.
January 31, 2025
I quite enjoyed this book. Had a few different cases going on but I found it a quick read and very well done. In parts I can see a conflict of interests taking place with the prosecution but other then that it was well written. I will be following Michael Swiger that’s for sure
Read
May 20, 2025good book
June 21, 2025
the majority of the book quite honestly pissed me off, so way to go michael swiger for invoking such strong feelings. I had never read a "legal thriller" so this was new to me. it wasn't a bad book but also not something I would choose again.
August 3, 2025
I quite enjoyed this book. I found it a quick read and very well done. The ending was very unexpected! Look forward to reading the next book of this series.
September 20, 2025
A Christian suspense legal thriller with twists and turns. I couldn't turn pages fast enough.
June 15, 2024
The writing seemed very amateurish.
August 13, 2025
From the first chapter, A Trial of Innocents had me hooked. Michael Swiger doesn’t just give you a courtroom drama; he drags you into the heart of moral conflict, raw emotion, and the messy collision of justice, faith, and human imperfection.
The opening case, where a nonverbal special needs man is accused of brutally attacking a pregnant woman, immediately raises the stakes. The media frenzy, the public outcry, and Prosecutor Lori Franks’ relentless pursuit of the death penalty all feel painfully real. Franks is not your typical villain; she’s layered, flawed, and shaped by her painful past. The twist with the switched-at-birth DNA test was jaw-dropping, not because it was flashy, but because it forced her, and the reader, to confront deep questions about life, redemption, and what we’re willing to fight for.
Danial Solomon, the defense attorney, is exactly the kind of character I love in legal thrillers: principled but imperfect, with a quiet persistence that makes you root for him even when the odds are stacked against him. His battle for truth against corruption felt tense and urgent. I especially appreciated how the romance subplot with Franks wasn’t rushed or forced; it simmered naturally amid all the tension.
Swiger’s pacing is pitch-perfect. Just when I thought the case might settle, another layer of conspiracy unraveled, pulling me deeper. The legal details were authentic without bogging the story down, and the faith elements were woven in thoughtfully, not preachy, but honest, especially in the moments when grace and justice seemed at odds.
By the time I turned the last page, I realized this wasn’t just a thriller, it was a story about redemption, truth, and the cost of doing what’s right when the world is against you. Fans of John Grisham or Robert Whitlow will feel right at home here, but Swiger’s voice is distinctly his own.
Highly recommend if you want a legal thriller that makes you think as much as it makes your heart race.
The opening case, where a nonverbal special needs man is accused of brutally attacking a pregnant woman, immediately raises the stakes. The media frenzy, the public outcry, and Prosecutor Lori Franks’ relentless pursuit of the death penalty all feel painfully real. Franks is not your typical villain; she’s layered, flawed, and shaped by her painful past. The twist with the switched-at-birth DNA test was jaw-dropping, not because it was flashy, but because it forced her, and the reader, to confront deep questions about life, redemption, and what we’re willing to fight for.
Danial Solomon, the defense attorney, is exactly the kind of character I love in legal thrillers: principled but imperfect, with a quiet persistence that makes you root for him even when the odds are stacked against him. His battle for truth against corruption felt tense and urgent. I especially appreciated how the romance subplot with Franks wasn’t rushed or forced; it simmered naturally amid all the tension.
Swiger’s pacing is pitch-perfect. Just when I thought the case might settle, another layer of conspiracy unraveled, pulling me deeper. The legal details were authentic without bogging the story down, and the faith elements were woven in thoughtfully, not preachy, but honest, especially in the moments when grace and justice seemed at odds.
By the time I turned the last page, I realized this wasn’t just a thriller, it was a story about redemption, truth, and the cost of doing what’s right when the world is against you. Fans of John Grisham or Robert Whitlow will feel right at home here, but Swiger’s voice is distinctly his own.
Highly recommend if you want a legal thriller that makes you think as much as it makes your heart race.
October 8, 2024
As a Christian, I appreciated this read. It was filled with the "Good News" of Christ and for an author to incorporate that in his writing is to be greatly respected. However, as a novel, it is just a mediocre read. I found myself easily predicting and being correct about almost the entire plot. I liked the way the story lines overlapped, but, to me, they were lacking. I am a fan of Grisham, and I thought this would be similar to his books. I was disappointed. The author's style of writing was just mediocre as well. I just wanted more. It was a nice read, but I wished for more the whole time I was reading. At times, the author seems "preachy," and that makes the novel lack the intensity to really draw the reader in. Lots of witnessing and praying, which is awesome and definitely has its place, but there is A LOT of it. I didn't like the way everything came up perfect for everyone in the end either. Just didn't seem believable. There is definitely a place for this type of book, and, as I mentioned, I appreciate it. I just wanted more.
January 22, 2025
I was stuck in my house due to the Polar Vortex so I am so glad I had this book. I have no idea who told me to read this book. It suddenly was there for me in the library lockers! I really enjoyed it. Very fast paced.
The conversion of the District Attorney seemed rather abrupt. She was so nasty and then she overheard a conversation and the next thing you know, she wants to become a follower of Christ? Well, that was very nice, of course.
I've been trying to find other books by this author but our library and even other libraries don't have them. Um...I wonder why? I think the books are self-published and carry a strong Christian message. Both those things work against books like this.
The conversion of the District Attorney seemed rather abrupt. She was so nasty and then she overheard a conversation and the next thing you know, she wants to become a follower of Christ? Well, that was very nice, of course.
I've been trying to find other books by this author but our library and even other libraries don't have them. Um...I wonder why? I think the books are self-published and carry a strong Christian message. Both those things work against books like this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
Audible book--good story. Definitely Christian fiction--how to become a Christian...
A special needs man is caught savagely beating a pregnant woman, leaving her in a coma, her unborn baby dead. Prosecuting Attorney Lori Franks, beautiful and ruthless, will stop at nothing to advance her career, seeks the death penalty. When a chance meeting followed by DNA testing confirms the baby she sought to abort was switched at birth, she sues to gain custody of the little girl she once tried to kill. Defense attorney Danial Solomon is drawn into both cases. Sparks and attraction fly as he and Franks clash in and out of the courtroom. With lives on the line, Solomon’s crusade for the truth thrusts him into a lethal labyrinth of conspiracy and corruption.
A special needs man is caught savagely beating a pregnant woman, leaving her in a coma, her unborn baby dead. Prosecuting Attorney Lori Franks, beautiful and ruthless, will stop at nothing to advance her career, seeks the death penalty. When a chance meeting followed by DNA testing confirms the baby she sought to abort was switched at birth, she sues to gain custody of the little girl she once tried to kill. Defense attorney Danial Solomon is drawn into both cases. Sparks and attraction fly as he and Franks clash in and out of the courtroom. With lives on the line, Solomon’s crusade for the truth thrusts him into a lethal labyrinth of conspiracy and corruption.
July 31, 2025
Wow, it’s hard to say what this book is all about because there’s so much to it.
A trial lawyer takes on a pro-bono case defending a man who, by all evidence, savagely beat a woman nearly to death, resulting in a baby in a womb not surviving.
It’s also an anti-abortion story.
It’s about a baby switched at birth.
It’s about one Christian defense attorney going up against a bitter prosecuting attorney.
It’s about prayer, and salvation, with the gospel being presented in the most lovely way.
There were a couple theological points I can’t agree with, but nothing heretical, just an interpretation that is a common mistake, in my opinion.
Aside from that, I really liked this book. It really kept my interest.
A trial lawyer takes on a pro-bono case defending a man who, by all evidence, savagely beat a woman nearly to death, resulting in a baby in a womb not surviving.
It’s also an anti-abortion story.
It’s about a baby switched at birth.
It’s about one Christian defense attorney going up against a bitter prosecuting attorney.
It’s about prayer, and salvation, with the gospel being presented in the most lovely way.
There were a couple theological points I can’t agree with, but nothing heretical, just an interpretation that is a common mistake, in my opinion.
Aside from that, I really liked this book. It really kept my interest.
October 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this book with story lines about one woman at 81/2 months pregnant wanting an abortion and one who had been trying to have a baby for years and now at 71/2 months is about to lose her baby. With the elderly doctor knowing the situations, decides to switch the two babies thinking no one will ever know and then dies of a massive heart attack in the delivery room of the 2nd woman. Some of the people involved are very devout Christian's who willing share their faith with others by praying or sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and many lives are changed, including some who only overheard some of these prayers or conversations. It was interesting to read about these people who really believed what they professed to believe, It was a welcome relief to read this book.
April 12, 2025
An interesting story about a pregnant woman who is found beaten when she is nearly 9 months pregnant. A hearing and trial is set to convict the man found kneeling over her, and a conscientious Christian attorney takes the case. The story involves Roe versus Wade and a discussion, based on legal precedent, when a baby is considered to be alive and when an abortion is considered legal and not murder. It also shows how God works thru believers to Evangelize and testify to the truth of his Word to nonbelievers. The author handles all of these subjects as impartially to allow the reader to draw their own conclusions on what they believe on both subjects. It is a thoughtful read.
June 22, 2025
I was really looking forward to this one, but unfortunately, I found it lacking. The backstory was not developed very well and the characters did not have much depth. Also, I despised the prosecutor. If that was the point, then the author did a great job. However, this made it difficult to believe her or see her in any other way. Nothing she said or did was anything except self-serving and narcissistic. Yet, magically she felt guilt and remorse in the last pages. It was completely inconsistent with how her character was portrayed throughout the novel which made the leap unbelievable for the reader. The only saving grace was the story was fast-paced and the plot easy to follow.
July 29, 2025
I found A Trial Of Innocents to thoroughly engrossing. I loved all of the twists and turns of the legal system. It was particularly interesting to see how the author merged two cases into a mirror image of each other. I believe it forces a person to think about perspective and how guilt and innocence can be twisted to suit the narrative of the person telling the story.I feel the characters were well developed and believable. The plot was good and kept me engaged. I highly recommend this book .
So brew up a pot of coffee and settle in for a great read.
I borrowed a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
So brew up a pot of coffee and settle in for a great read.
I borrowed a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
September 28, 2025
A brutal assault leaves a young pregnant woman fighting for her life and a mentally challenged man accused of the crime. Prosecutor Lori Franks is determined to win—until a shocking DNA test reveals that Lori’s own baby, the child she once tried to abort, was switched at birth. As a custody battle erupts and defense attorney Danial Solomon digs for the truth, two court cases collide in a high-stakes fight for justice, redemption, and the meaning of innocence.
Gripping, faith-infused, and full of moral tension, A Trial of Innocents blends legal drama with questions of grace and second chances.
Gripping, faith-infused, and full of moral tension, A Trial of Innocents blends legal drama with questions of grace and second chances.
December 23, 2025
Interesting plot.
After taking most of the book to set the plot up, the ending was rather rushed and a bit glib - and that was a shame.
I’m not saying God can’t do these things, of course He can….but it was all too pat at the end.
The book raised a lot of shocking issues and showed how man can complicate everything by trying to please everyone when making laws, rather than just stand by God’s law, which is clear and concise.
I’m glad I read the book but I wish the author had left more time for the ending rather than pull so many rabbits out of the hat that came from nowhere.
After taking most of the book to set the plot up, the ending was rather rushed and a bit glib - and that was a shame.
I’m not saying God can’t do these things, of course He can….but it was all too pat at the end.
The book raised a lot of shocking issues and showed how man can complicate everything by trying to please everyone when making laws, rather than just stand by God’s law, which is clear and concise.
I’m glad I read the book but I wish the author had left more time for the ending rather than pull so many rabbits out of the hat that came from nowhere.
January 22, 2025
Pretty Good Story
This is the first book I’ve read by Michael Swiger. The story definitely hooked me in as I read the book in two days.
It was entertaining while fully presenting the gospel. There were a few awkward moments where information was inserted out of context. Part of the ending was rather abrupt as if the book was getting too long so rather than spend time editing it, the author just brought it to a quick close.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and will read the next in the series.
This is the first book I’ve read by Michael Swiger. The story definitely hooked me in as I read the book in two days.
It was entertaining while fully presenting the gospel. There were a few awkward moments where information was inserted out of context. Part of the ending was rather abrupt as if the book was getting too long so rather than spend time editing it, the author just brought it to a quick close.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and will read the next in the series.
January 25, 2025
great read
It was so inspirational. I had about given up reading a good mystery without foul language and descriptive intimacy until I read this. At first I bought it as I thought it was from John Grisham and then discovered it was from an author unknown to me. I am so glad I did. It was very graphic about details but seemed like an honest account of what happens every day unfortunately in this world. I’m a believer and hearing the scriptures and conversions were very appreciated.
It was so inspirational. I had about given up reading a good mystery without foul language and descriptive intimacy until I read this. At first I bought it as I thought it was from John Grisham and then discovered it was from an author unknown to me. I am so glad I did. It was very graphic about details but seemed like an honest account of what happens every day unfortunately in this world. I’m a believer and hearing the scriptures and conversions were very appreciated.
March 18, 2025
A legal thriller with a few twists and turns to keep it interesting, and an intriguing legal theory. But I would strongly recommend that the author find a new way for characters to leave a room or a building, rather than having ALL of them "storm" out of whatever location they are leaving. Reminds me of another book I once read in which every single adult character used the same superlative expression... everything was "super cool!" Perhaps the "stormers" should get acquainted with the "super cools." They might learn from each other.
January 10, 2023
A Very Compelling Heart Whelming Book!!
This was an awesome book. A real page turner with a lot of twists and turns. It showed how spreading the good word with people can totally change their lives and perspectives. I grew close to a lot of the people especially Danial. The ending was a shocker that I didn’t see coming. I would definitely recommend this book. If I could have given more stars I would have.
This was an awesome book. A real page turner with a lot of twists and turns. It showed how spreading the good word with people can totally change their lives and perspectives. I grew close to a lot of the people especially Danial. The ending was a shocker that I didn’t see coming. I would definitely recommend this book. If I could have given more stars I would have.
May 5, 2024
I Loved This
This is a well written Christian novel. As a Christian, I have read many of these. I have to, reluctantly say that some of those were trite and boring, although well meaning. This one is very good. It kept me interested as it moved quickly. It is a good legal thriller. Evangelism is there but it fits well with the story. Good overcomes evil as God answers prayers. I
highly recommend.
This is a well written Christian novel. As a Christian, I have read many of these. I have to, reluctantly say that some of those were trite and boring, although well meaning. This one is very good. It kept me interested as it moved quickly. It is a good legal thriller. Evangelism is there but it fits well with the story. Good overcomes evil as God answers prayers. I
highly recommend.
July 25, 2024
Watch out, John Gresham
Michael Swiger has written an amazing legal thriller with a Christian point of view. What a wonderful relief to read an intriguing mystery with no dirty words or graphic bedroom scenes! Mr. Swinger is a new-to-me author. I hope he has many other books, for I will buy them all.ive already bought the next in this series and plan to start it immediately. This book, A Trial of Innocents, is highly recommended.
Michael Swiger has written an amazing legal thriller with a Christian point of view. What a wonderful relief to read an intriguing mystery with no dirty words or graphic bedroom scenes! Mr. Swinger is a new-to-me author. I hope he has many other books, for I will buy them all.ive already bought the next in this series and plan to start it immediately. This book, A Trial of Innocents, is highly recommended.
November 2, 2024
a Trial of Innocents
Wow what a riveting book!!! I couldn’t stop reading this book. The twists and turns were so unexpected you never knew what would happen next. The characters were real Christian’s and the way they shared their testimonies and led others to Christ were gripping. Through everything they followed the principle that God is in control no matter what things look like. The ending was completely unexpected and amazing. I would recommend this to anyone.
Wow what a riveting book!!! I couldn’t stop reading this book. The twists and turns were so unexpected you never knew what would happen next. The characters were real Christian’s and the way they shared their testimonies and led others to Christ were gripping. Through everything they followed the principle that God is in control no matter what things look like. The ending was completely unexpected and amazing. I would recommend this to anyone.
January 23, 2025
Compelling read
This is the first time I have read a book from this author. This story is an excellent read. So many twists and turns on so many different issues. I loved the way this author weaved salvation with God's forgiveness for everyone no matter their station in life no matter their sin. God can and will forgive! Excellent read. I recommend this book. Oh I appreciated no use of foul language etc.
This is the first time I have read a book from this author. This story is an excellent read. So many twists and turns on so many different issues. I loved the way this author weaved salvation with God's forgiveness for everyone no matter their station in life no matter their sin. God can and will forgive! Excellent read. I recommend this book. Oh I appreciated no use of foul language etc.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews