A Trial of Innocents by Michael Swiger
Series: Book 1 of 2
Publisher: Independent on December 8, 2020
REVIEW BY GWEN M. PLANO
A Trial of Innocents by Michael Swiger is a 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.
Dr. Merashoff, at University Hospital, reflects on an upcoming abortion of a thirty-two week fetus:
Ms. Doe has a perfectly healthy baby she wants to kill, and Marianne is going to deliver a stillborn and would give her own life for a healthy baby. This just isn’t right.
Michael Swiger, A Trial of Innocents
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 A Trial of Innocents, and then 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 established a large outreach program in Ohio for newly released offenders.
I recommend this book to anyone with the interests mentioned above. The characters are well-crafted and believable. The story itself is paced for suspense, and once begun, it’s difficult to set aside. I read nonstop through the day. My one reservation is that the book could benefit from the help of a good editor.
I purchased the Kindle version of A Trial of Innocents.
The Well Read Fish 
Thanks for your thoughtful review, Gwen! A Trial of Innocents is now on my digital TBR shelf.
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Thank you, Grant. It was an engaging and haunting read.
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I enjoyed reading your review, Gwen. The pull quote has me aching for Marianne, but I can understand how readers on both sides of the issue would be drawn into the story. It sounds like an emotional read!
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I knew nothing about the story before I began reading it, Vera, and once into it, I couldn’t put it down. The topic is compelling–and current. And you are right, it was an emotional read.
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I find it so interesting that we both (back to back, and without discussing it) chose books including this topic, yet they couldn’t be more different in the way they were approached. This one sounds so gut-wrenching. Thank you for sharing it, Gwen.
Side note: what a story regarding the author’s past. I’d also be interested in reading his biographical account of his time in prison and his service work afterward.
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You called it right, Staci. It was a ‘gut-wrenching’ read. BTW, Swiger established True Freedom Ministries, and a quick search will answer some of your questions. It’s humbling to realize what one person can do when the heart leads the way.
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This sounds like a good read. The quote you pulled is heartbreaking. Also, learning about the author’s background compels me to want to read his works. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Gwen.
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Swiger taught me a lot about legal processes and laws in Ohio through this heartbreaking story. He has my respect, that’s for sure.
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Excellent review, Gwen. This sounds like a thoroughly emotional read. The pull quote makes my heart ache.
And the author himself has such an amazing story. I agree with Staci that a biographical account of his life would also be an amazing read.
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Thank you, Mae. I’d love to read a biographical account or watch a movie about Swiger’s life. His outreach and care for people humble me.
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Thanks sharing your review, Gwen. The author’s backstory prompted me to add this story to my TBR list. I enjoy legal thrillers, and this book sounds intriguing. xo
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His outreach/ministry impresses me deeply. And this book opened my eyes to some heart battles people face. I think you’ll enjoy the read. 😊
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That’s an amazing bio on the author, Gwen. Very inspirational. I can see how this would be a gut-wrenching read at times. Thanks for sharing your review!
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I’m in awe of what Swiger’s accomplished, Teri. Very humbling. Thank you for sharing.
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Sounds like a really good read. Interesting subject and certainly current. Thank you for the review.
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Thank you for visiting, Cecilia. The story is a compelling one, and Swiger is an exceptional person. I’d love to meet him.
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Wonderful review. I don’t understand why late-term abortion is even an issue. I think this book would be–as you say–gut-wrenching.
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Thanks so much, Jacqui. I couldn’t reveal more without disclosing a major twist, but it truly was a gut-wrenching read.
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Great review, Gwen. It sounds like an emotional read.
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Thank you, Denise. It was a thought-provoking read.
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I agree with the prosecutor. If a woman Carrie’s a baby (healthy or otherwise) for eight months, she should give birth. It IS murder, in my eyes.
I’m impressed by the author, not just for his academic achievements, but for his devotion to his family at a severe cost to himself. It says a lot about his character.
I’m going to look this one up. Thanks, Gwen.
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Thank you, Jacquie. If you decide to read it, I think you will appreciate the outcome. This book was very thought-provoking. And like you, I am impressed by the writer.
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Reblogged this on Dead & Buried.
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Thank you, Helena, for your kind reblog. 😊
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Hi Gwen, I just could not read this book. I am very against abortion at such a late stage and the though makes me feel sick.
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I totally understand, Robbie. It does me as well. I can’t fathom such a choice. Fortunately, this horror was averted at the last moment, and through the legal battle that ensues years later, the “birth” mother has a change of heart. Ultimately, it is a redemptive story.
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It is nice that it ends well. Most of these stories don’t ❤️🩹
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This book would be way too triggering for me, Gwen. Late-term abortions (after 21 weeks) are extremely rare (1%) and almost always related to serious fetal or maternal health issues. It sounds like the book is well-written, despite exaggerating a bias. Sorry to get my dander up – definitely not for me! And thanks for sharing the background on the author too. That was fascinating.
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Swiger’s background is pretty amazing. I found the courtroom dynamics fascinating, but you’re right about the topic. It’s one I didn’t expect and struggled with. Thank you for visiting.
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Thanks for the lovely reply, Gwen. I wasn’t sure if I should comment at all, but I worked for so long with families in serious trouble that I think this topic needs to be addressed with as much honesty and compassion as possible.
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Thank you, Diana. I worked for 30 years in higher education, overseeing all student matters outside the classroom. I deeply understand your concerns.
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❤
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