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Suspense on Every Page
Choice of Evils centers around a former district attorney now working to defend a millionaire accused of killing his best friend on a rock-climbing excursion. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Colorado really does have a “Choice of Evils” statute in its criminal code. It’s the actual name of the statutory defense. The phrase is in the jury instruction, too. It provided the inspiration for my legal thriller.
The “choice of evils” defense applies when the tragedy the defendant prevented by his act would have been worse than the crime he committed. A textbook example is a runaway train heading for a trestle. Five people, unable to escape, are on the trestle. They are going to die. The defendant flips a switch and causes the train to take a different trestle, where only one person is killed. One died, rather than five. It was a choice of evils, and if the facts are proven, it is a defense to the homicide of the one person.
Most states give the defense the boring name “justification. You’ve gotta admire the creativity of the Colorado legislature.
In most jurisdictions, it cannot apply to murder; in Colorado, it can.
The title of the statute gave me the idea for the book. The title came first, then I needed a plot! But how can “choice of evils” apply to murder? What could be worse than murder? I sought out examples in the Model Penal Code. Sure enough, one provided my overall story. Two men are rock climbing. The survivor claims they slipped, and he had to cut the rope to save himself; otherwise, two would have died, rather than one.
Throw in a couple of complications: (1) the man who fell to his death was having an affair with the wife of the man who cut the rope, and (2) they were business partners with a key man life insurance policy that paid two million dollars to the survivor should one die.
The prosecutor filed the charge. Wyatt Blake, former prosecutor, now criminal defense lawyer, defends it as his first murder case from the dark side, pitted against the current district attorney, who had beaten Wyatt in the election.
So, with Choice of Evils, the title came first.
Where do you find the inspiration for your characters’ traits and dialogue?
I was a prosecutor for over 30 years, so Wyatt Blake has a lot of me in him. His voice is pretty easy for me to use, as is the humor. When writing dialogue, I often cut and shorten it during the editing process.
Ryker Brando, the autistic criminal defendant, was fun to create. I have a cousin who is autistic. Several of his mannerisms were fodder for this character. I pored over books on the topic of how autism can apply to criminal defendants and used that material.
I read a couple of books about how a person can make money by setting up an Only Fans account when creating my fictional Intimate Fans account used by Chloe Brando. I, ahem, subscribed to one Only Fans account as part of the research. It was educational and informative! Alas, I no longer need it so I unsubscribed.
The courtroom scenes are informed by the 178 jury trials (111 homicide cases) I have tried in real life as a prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer.
What is the most challenging part of writing a thriller?
The most challenging parts of writing a thriller are the same things a novelist faces when writing any book: you need to put suspense on every page, to keep the reader interested and turning pages. Furthermore, you need to make the reader care about your main character, so he or she is invested in the outcome. Care must be taken not to make your protagonist too perfect, or your villain too purely evil.
Can we get a glimpse inside the next book in this trilogy? Where will it take readers?
Make My Day picks up the week after Choice of Evils ends. Wyatt Blake gets his second murder case, this time featuring another Colorado defense–the “make my day law.” Under this statute, you can shoot a person who breaks into your home without waiting for them to attack you. Wyatt’s client is a former state senator, who has shot a man he claims he mistook for a burglar. The man happened to be a movie star who date-raped his daughter. Meanwhile, Wyatt’s love life has become complicated. Harper Easton’s former fiance is back in the picture, and another potential love interest is throwing herself at Wyatt. As always, ethical issues abound!
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Choice of Evils
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.
Pages: 731 | ASIN : B0F6M1YJHL
The Tangled Mane
Charlie Tyler’s The Tangled Mane is a tangled web of mystery, trauma, and resilience, bouncing between two timelines to tell the interconnected stories of Mikey and Cally. Mikey’s childhood is one of neglect, hunger, and a deep, unwavering bond with his sister, Lucy. Their lives are spent navigating the bleak reality of Hazelton Towers, dreaming of escape, and finding solace in small kindnesses, a tattered copy of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, a stolen moment with a caged lion they call Aslan, or the rare indulgence of a cheap hotdog. In the present, Cally is an undercover investigator at an elite country club, caught up in a case of theft that takes a dark turn when a wealthy bride-to-be is found dead in her bathtub. As these two stories unfold, the past and present inch closer together, revealing long-buried secrets and shocking connections.
Mikey’s chapters, set in 2004, broke my heart. His voice is a mixture of innocence and desperation, a kid who finds magic in the smallest things while surviving a childhood no one should have to endure. Lucy, his older sister, is his rock and his protector, and their dynamic is beautifully written. Tyler doesn’t sugarcoat their reality, the grimy flat, the mother who cares more about drugs than her kids, the men who come and go. And then there’s Aslan, the lion in a cage, who mirrors Mikey’s own trapped existence. Every time Mikey sneaks him scraps of food or strokes his matted mane through the bars, I found myself hoping against hope that this boy would one day escape his own cage.
On the other hand, Cally’s chapters felt like stepping into a different world. If Mikey’s life is about survival, Cally’s is about intrigue. Her job at The Phoenix, a club catering to the rich and powerful, seems glamorous on the surface, but beneath the expensive champagne and designer suits, something sinister lurks. The death of Luella, the spoiled influencer-bride, is chilling, and Cally’s sharp, no-nonsense attitude makes her an engaging protagonist. I loved her banter with Dan, her detective fiancé, even when he annoyed her (which was often). And the little details like her regrettable pixie cut and her deep-seated love for hot chocolate made her feel like someone I could be friends with.
What ties this novel together is the way the past and present slowly converge. Tyler drops breadcrumbs throughout the story, each clue tightening the tension. By the time I started seeing how Mikey and Cally’s lives might be linked, I was flipping pages at lightning speed. And the final reveal? Gut-wrenching. The book makes you question how much of our past defines our future, how trauma shapes us, and whether escape is ever truly possible. It’s dark, yes, but it’s also about love, the love between siblings, the bonds we make in the unlikeliest places, and the quiet hope that even in the worst circumstances, there’s still a way out.
I’d recommend The Tangled Mane to anyone who loves a gripping mystery with deep emotional stakes. If you’re into crime thrillers with heart, this one’s for you. It’s not a light read, it hits hard and lingers long after the final page but that’s what makes it brilliant.
Pages: 274 | ASIN : B0DP1886LH
The Perfect Backdrop
Kickback follows a woman who receives a call from an old friend telling her that her daughter has been kidnapped, leading her to go to Mexico to rescue the child. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Three days after flying to Minneapolis for a memorial, my husband and I came down with COVID and were stuck in our Air B&B for a week. With nothing to do, I spent a lot of time surfing the net and happened on an article about the State of Mexico issuing phony contracts for goods and services. My blood surged; I got goosebumps. This was the perfect backdrop to a political thriller I wanted to write. When Aisling is kidnapped, Dafne’s BFF from Cambridge, a journalist, calls her pulling her into the sphere of the corruption. No spoilers!
What was the inspiration for the main character’s traits and dialogue?
Dafne lives in Mexico City, the daughter of a wealthy Mexican real estate empire and a British filmmaker. At her Cambridge women’s college, Dafne organizes the release of a kidnapped co-ed and has continued hostage negotiation as a side gig since. Dafne’s personality is based on a co-worker I had in the 80s, smart, cheerful, funny, pushy, and a little wild. Dafne introduced herself to readers in (Literary Titan Silver award winner) Nothing Comes After Z and wouldn’t let go. Her half-Mexican, half-British upbringing gives her a unique perspective. I’m grateful to my BritCrit group—three British novelists who are my first line of critique. They know the vocabulary!
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
I plotted much of the book, listening to Dafne dictate in my head before I sat down in October 2023 to, OMG! outline. When I started writing in November for Nanowrimo (yes, I “won”) I had all the plot points as guide posts. Dafne is not one to toe the line and she often acted outside the plot outline, surprising me, and adding tons of spontaneity and excitement to the plot, including a few chapters I hadn’t anticipated—the visit to the chareada was all hers! I mean, how would I have known she took riding lessons as a kid? I should have known she’d take over.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Dafne Olabarrieta’s first Mexico Mystery launched for Thanksgiving 2024. My next research trip to Mexico is scheduled for January where I’ll be visiting the site of one of the giant Mexico City dumps. Like here, the dumps in Mexico are run by garbage mafias, and someone Dafne is close to will be found dead by a dump picker, drawing her into the corrupt world of trash collection. Hopefully, it will be out in 2027. Be sure to plug your nose when you read! I’ll also visit the Cuernavaca site of the takedown of the Beltran Leyva Organization kingpin for the sixth JadeAnne Stone Mexico Adventure, scheduled for fall 2025. And if you’re a domestic suspense lover, 2025 is slated for release of a standalone novel co-written with my ex (read Literary Titan gold book winner, Saints and Skeletons). It’s set in Veracruz on the Gulf of Mexico and has plenty of betrayals, revenge, and murders to satisfy the most crime-voracious reader.
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With her team of investigators, Dafne must outsmart the kidnappers and a killer, confront high-level politicos, face her own past betrayals, the disapproval of her family.
From high-speed car chases to intense shootouts, Kickback delivers non-stop action and suspense. But this isn’t just a thriller; it’s a deeply emotional journey of a woman torn between duty and desire, love and loyalty.
Will Dafne save the innocent child and bring the perpetrators to justice, or will she become the next victim in this deadly game? Find out in “Kickback,” where every page sizzles with tension, peril, and the vibrant culture of Mexico. Perfect for fans of fast-paced thrillers with strong female leads, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last word.
O’SHAUGHNESSY INVESTIGATIONS INC. Bangtails, Grifters, and a Liar’s Kiss
A.G. Russo’s O’SHAUGHNESSY INVESTIGATIONS INC. Bangtails, Grifters, and a Liar’s Kiss whisks readers away to the gritty streets of 1940s Brooklyn, where Maeve O’Shaughnessy and her detective agency balance precariously between personal trials and societal upheaval during World War II. With a layered narrative of mystery, gangland threats, and the home-front struggles against a wartime backdrop, Russo pulls us into a world heavy with palpable tension. Vic Marino, Maeve’s partner, adds a rugged, protective presence to the team, and Jimmy, Maeve’s brother, represents the weight of family duty as the war looms over their lives. It’s a story woven tightly with suspense, crime, and the emotional strains of war-torn America.
Russo’s writing style is nothing short of riveting. From the start, the author paints a vivid picture of Brooklyn in 1943. I loved the scene-setting, especially the vivid descriptions of Maeve and Vic bracing against the elements of a harsh New York summer while being trailed by gangster types. The era feels authentic, and the author does a fine job threading in historical detail, like FDR’s fireside chats, which give us a sense of urgency. Maeve’s stoic resilience stands out, yet she isn’t immune to grief, evident in her moments of emotional vulnerability, like when she zones out thinking of her lost friends and worries about her brothers. Vic’s attempts to lift her spirits are genuine, though he, too, grapples with trauma from his past relationships. These emotional layers make the characters believable, but at times, the slow build made me wish for quicker pacing. The banter between Maeve and Vic feels organic, almost like listening to old-time radio detectives, and moments like their hilarious disguises to avoid the mob’s gaze had me grinning. The shadow of the mob boss Fat Fingers loomed large and added a sense of dread whenever Vic navigated their world.
O’SHAUGHNESSY INVESTIGATIONS INC. Bangtails, Grifters, and a Liar’s Kiss is a thrilling read, brimming with atmosphere and heart. Russo has a gift for bringing the 1940s to life, immersing readers in the moral dilemmas, period slang, and struggles of everyday people. If you’re a fan of historical crime fiction with a detective noir flavor and plenty of emotion, this book is well worth your time. It’s for anyone who enjoys strong female leads, tales of loyalty and loss, and a twisty plot that keeps you guessing. Dive in and let Maeve and Vic take you on a wild ride.
Pages: 317 | ASIN : B0DHHL3WHB
Toxic and Polarized Political Fishbowl
Enemies Domestic follows a woman on her first day as the White House Press Secretary who is confronted by a reporter with an agenda about whether or not she is planning to have an abortion, placing her career and life in danger. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I got the idea for Enemies Domestic when Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s decision leaked overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing a woman’s right to have an abortion. My protagonist, Lark Chadwick, was pregnant, but ambivalent about becoming a single parent. I wanted to show what it might be like to have an unwanted pregnancy in a post-Roe era.
Lark Chadwick is a woman with strength. What do you think makes her a valuable and worthy heroine?
Like all of us, Lark is an imperfect person. She has shortcomings and weaknesses. Her struggle to overcome her anger issues and impulsiveness is put to the supreme test in Enemies Domestic. What makes Lark a valuable and worthy heroine is her willingness to face and fight her personal demons.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I feel that choice is the ultimate theme in Enemies Domestic. Lark is forced to make the excruciatingly personal choice of abort-or-not-to-abort in a highly toxic and polarized political fishbowl–much like what we, as a country, are currently experiencing. Lark’s decision is complicated and nuanced. And it’s happening at a time when a dictator becomes president. That theme of choice is being played out in real time as this country is about to choose between Democracy and Authoritarianism.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’ve begun making preliminary notes on the next book in the Lark Chadwick series, but it’s too soon to get into specifics other than to say the story will pick up where Enemies Domestic left off. I’m also working on a memoir (Working Title: Pivot Points: Plot Twists on the Path to Personal Integrity.) I’m hoping the memoir will be published in 2025, but the next novel might take a while longer.
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Enemies Domestic, Book Six in the Lark Chadwick Mystery series: On her first day as White House Press Secretary, Lark Chadwick is confronted on live television by a reporter with an agenda: “Are you, or are you not, planning to abort your unborn child?” His question puts Lark in the crosshairs of extremists on both sides of the highly fraught abortion issue. Ambivalent about becoming a single mother in the post-Roe era, and grieving the death of her boyfriend, Lark is now forced to make her abort-or-not-to-abort decision in a highly toxic, politicized, and polarized fishbowl. At stake: her sanity—and her life. In the political thriller Enemies Domestic, his most important and controversial book to date, former CNN editor John DeDakis dramatically and thoughtfully tackles the hot topics of abortion, QAnon, White Christian Nationalism, and mental illness at a time when America itself is teetering between democracy and authoritarianism.
Hemingway’s Treasure: Cam Derringer Series Book 5
Hemingway’s Treasure: Cam Derringer Series Book 5, by Mac Fortner, is an engaging blend of mystery, adventure, and historical intrigue. The story follows Alex Stone, who wakes up in Cuba with no memory of who he is or how he got there. As he struggles to piece together his identity, he becomes entangled in a complex web of espionage, betrayal, and a quest for a hidden treasure linked to Ernest Hemingway himself. The narrative takes readers from the gritty streets of Cuba to the sun-soaked locales of Key West, weaving a tale that is as rich in atmosphere as it is in suspense.
Fortner’s writing shines with vivid descriptions and a keen sense of place. The portrayal of Cuba, in particular, stands out with its vibrant and sometimes harsh realities. The author’s ability to create such a vivid sense of place makes the book a visual and sensory experience, drawing readers into the heart of the story. The character development is another highlight. Alex Stone’s journey from confusion to clarity is compelling, and his interactions with Ernesto Cabrera and Liliana add depth to the narrative. Ernesto’s revelation about his past with Hemingway and the hidden treasure adds a layer of historical intrigue that enriches the plot.
The relationship dynamics are well-crafted, particularly the bond between Alex and the enigmatic Liliana, which evolves with a mix of tension and tenderness. The pacing of the novel is dynamic, with the initial chapters setting a gripping tone that captivates the reader. The author provides extensive background details that enrich the story and add depth to the plot, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging reading experience. Fortner’s knack for cliffhangers and unexpected twists keeps the reader engaged and eager to uncover the next piece of the puzzle.
Hemingway’s Treasure: Cam Derringer Series Book 5 is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of historical mysteries and adventure novels. Fortner successfully combines a compelling storyline with rich character development and evocative settings. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy unraveling intricate plots and exploring historical connections. Whether you are a Hemingway aficionado or simply looking for an engrossing mystery, this book is a treasure trove of literary enjoyment.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B07Z5GXVPY
One For The Money
Ryan Hale’s debut novel, One For the Money, introduces readers to Blake Franklin, a former Fort Worth cop turned private investigator, in the first installment of The Blake Franklin Investigations Series. Despite failing the detective exam three times, Blake’s tenacity is undiminished. His transition from law enforcement to private investigation begins with financial backing from his uncle Lewis, setting the stage for his new career. Blake is quickly entangled in a series of cases involving a disreputable car dealer accused of scamming elderly women. His investigation reveals a sinister network of missing individuals, suspicious deaths, and menacing adversaries, escalating the danger as he digs deeper. As the situation intensifies with more lives at risk and a mounting body count, Blake’s quest to recover the stolen cars threatens to disturb a volatile criminal element.
Against a backdrop of vintage automobiles and nefarious activities, Hale crafts a narrative rich with intrigue and action. While Blake’s investigative methods sometimes appear hasty and lack refinement, reflecting his inexperience, these traits also bring a dynamic unpredictability to his character. His natural charm and commitment to justice are his greatest assets, particularly as the stakes grow and the case draws federal attention. The narrative is bolstered by a robust cast of supporting characters. Figures like the affable Sharon Longstreet and the formidable Madeline Bailey provide emotional depth and complexity to the storyline, enriching the reader’s engagement. Fans of crime fiction and thrillers with a penchant for classic cars will find much to appreciate in Hale’s novel. It offers a compelling blend of suspense, sharp plot twists, and a touch of humor that keeps the pages turning.
One For the Money is a thrilling series opener, inviting readers to follow Blake Franklin as he navigates the murky waters of private investigation. Ryan Hale skillfully combines suspense, character development, and action elements, making this an excellent read for anyone drawn to gritty, realistic crime fiction. Whether you’re a devotee of detective stories or a newcomer to the genre, Blake Franklin’s daring escapades and the vivid backdrop of this suspenseful narrative will surely capture and hold your attention.
Pages: 238 | ASIN : B0BW51BJZP
LITERARY TITAN 