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Mia Quinn #3
Lethal Beauty
Mia Quinn discovers that a series of seemingly unrelated murders are linked. How far up are the strings being pulled--and what happens when one of her own is at risk?
The murder Mia is prosecuting seems like an open and shut case--until the accused claims he was the real victim and that the dead girl attacked him first. The tabloids dub her a "lethal beauty." Still, a conviction seems imminent. Then a key witness goes missing. Just when it looks like the killer could walk free, the dead woman's mother takes matters into her own hands.
Meanwhile, Charlie Carlson, a Seattle homicide detective, is investigating the murder of a man whose body washed up on the beach of Puget Sound, but he's got little to go on. He has no dental work, fingerprints aren't on file, and he doesn't match any missing person reports. Then a church pianist is senselessly gunned down before horrified parishioners.
All three cases seem unrelated--but are they? Together, Mia and Charlie race to find the answer before another crime hits too close to home.
The murder Mia is prosecuting seems like an open and shut case--until the accused claims he was the real victim and that the dead girl attacked him first. The tabloids dub her a "lethal beauty." Still, a conviction seems imminent. Then a key witness goes missing. Just when it looks like the killer could walk free, the dead woman's mother takes matters into her own hands.
Meanwhile, Charlie Carlson, a Seattle homicide detective, is investigating the murder of a man whose body washed up on the beach of Puget Sound, but he's got little to go on. He has no dental work, fingerprints aren't on file, and he doesn't match any missing person reports. Then a church pianist is senselessly gunned down before horrified parishioners.
All three cases seem unrelated--but are they? Together, Mia and Charlie race to find the answer before another crime hits too close to home.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published March 10, 2015
84 people are currently reading
1018 people want to read
About the author
Lis Wiehl
26 books631 followersLis Wiehl is a New York Times bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction books, a journalist, an attorney, and a legal expert. She is the former legal analyst for Fox News, former co-host of WOR radio's “WOR Tonight with Joe Concha and Lis Wiehl,” and was an anchor for the Law & Crime network (a multi-media live trial network). Lis Wiehl hosted the podcast Pursuit of Justice with Lis Wiehl and until recently was an adjunct professor of Law at New York Law School. Lis is the author of eighteen books, including the first in The Hunting Series, Hunting Charles Manson: The Quest for Justice in the Days of Helter Skelter, out in paperback from Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins on June 25, 2019.
Lis Wiehl is one of the nation’s most highly regarded commentators and legal experts. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Wiehl practiced law in a private law firm in Seattle where she also wrote by-lined articles on legal issues for The New York Times. From there she went on to become a third generation federal prosecutor (her grandfather and her father — an FBI agent — were also federal prosecutors) in the US Attorney's Office in Seattle. She served as the Deputy Chief Investigative Counsel for Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee during President Clinton’s impeachment. From 1995 to 2001, she was a tenured law professor at the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle, where she ran the Trial Advocacy Program, which won several national awards during her tenure.
During her time at the University of Washington, Wiehl also stepped deeper into journalism by working as a reporter and legal analyst for NPR's All Things Considered, MSNBC/NBC News, and locally at KIRO, the CBS network affiliate in Seattle. After MSNBC and National Public Radio, Wiehl moved to the Fox News Channel where she served as a legal analyst and reporter for over fifteen years. During her time at the Fox News Channel, she appeared on numerous shows including The O'Reilly Factor, Your World with Neil Cavuto, The Kelly File with Megyn Kelly, Lou Dobbs Tonight, and the Imus morning show. Wiehl also hosted the Legal Lis radio show and the Wiehl of Justice podcast.
In 2005, Wiehl released her first book, Winning Every Time: How to Use the Skills of a Lawyer in the Trials of Your Life. Two years later she released The 51% Minority: How Women Still Are Not Equal and What You Can Do About It which was awarded the 2008 award for Books for a Better Life in the motivational category. Since then, Wiehl has continued to write bestselling books of fiction and non-fiction.
Lis Wiehl continues to appear in the media as a legal expert and commentator for organizations including CNN, CBS, NBC, and NPR among others. She regularly lectures at colleges and universities, appears as a keynote speaker, and speaks at bookstores, conferences, and literary festivals.
Wiehl earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, her Master of Arts in Literature from the University of Queensland, and a bachelor’s degree from Barnard College, Columbia University.
Lis Wiehl currently lives near New York City.
For more information please visit www.liswiehlbooks.com.
Lis Wiehl is one of the nation’s most highly regarded commentators and legal experts. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Wiehl practiced law in a private law firm in Seattle where she also wrote by-lined articles on legal issues for The New York Times. From there she went on to become a third generation federal prosecutor (her grandfather and her father — an FBI agent — were also federal prosecutors) in the US Attorney's Office in Seattle. She served as the Deputy Chief Investigative Counsel for Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee during President Clinton’s impeachment. From 1995 to 2001, she was a tenured law professor at the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle, where she ran the Trial Advocacy Program, which won several national awards during her tenure.
During her time at the University of Washington, Wiehl also stepped deeper into journalism by working as a reporter and legal analyst for NPR's All Things Considered, MSNBC/NBC News, and locally at KIRO, the CBS network affiliate in Seattle. After MSNBC and National Public Radio, Wiehl moved to the Fox News Channel where she served as a legal analyst and reporter for over fifteen years. During her time at the Fox News Channel, she appeared on numerous shows including The O'Reilly Factor, Your World with Neil Cavuto, The Kelly File with Megyn Kelly, Lou Dobbs Tonight, and the Imus morning show. Wiehl also hosted the Legal Lis radio show and the Wiehl of Justice podcast.
In 2005, Wiehl released her first book, Winning Every Time: How to Use the Skills of a Lawyer in the Trials of Your Life. Two years later she released The 51% Minority: How Women Still Are Not Equal and What You Can Do About It which was awarded the 2008 award for Books for a Better Life in the motivational category. Since then, Wiehl has continued to write bestselling books of fiction and non-fiction.
Lis Wiehl continues to appear in the media as a legal expert and commentator for organizations including CNN, CBS, NBC, and NPR among others. She regularly lectures at colleges and universities, appears as a keynote speaker, and speaks at bookstores, conferences, and literary festivals.
Wiehl earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, her Master of Arts in Literature from the University of Queensland, and a bachelor’s degree from Barnard College, Columbia University.
Lis Wiehl currently lives near New York City.
For more information please visit www.liswiehlbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
June 12, 2015
This is the 3rd book in the Mia Quinn series by author Lis Wiehl. I have read several of this authors books and enjoy them but I didn't think this one was quite up to the high standard set previously. I did enjoy this book but I think that was mainly down to me being already familiar with these characters. A decent read but not a great one.
March 16, 2015
A special thank you to Thomas Nelson--FICTION and NetGalley for a complimentary reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lis Wiehl returns with (Mia Quinn #3) LETHAL BEAUTY, a single mom, Mia lands an intense case –her legal career crosses over to her complicated personal life, for a suspenseful mystery crime/legal action-packed thriller!
Mia has lost her husband Scott and she is busy with the demands of her time and balancing her personal and professional- Seattle high stress life. The mother of a nursery school daughter, Brooke, and a teenage son, Gabe. In addition, their apartment is getting a little crowded with Kali, and her son Eldon currently living with them due to Kali’s cancer. Of course, there is also two men, in her life - Eli and Charlie.
As the novel opens, Mia is involved in a high profile case of a wealthy business, as a prosecutor accusing the man of murdering Dandan, a young Chinese woman who is an illegal immigrant. Mia suspects something is up when one juror which may keep them from winning this case and putting this guy away. However, this case may be even more complex.
Not only is there one case, but several cases, which may be connected. An unidentified body is found washed up on Puget Sound, and Charlie, homicide detective is on the case helping her gain more evidence about Dandan’s death, and help the mother prove her innocence. Then Mia runs into a former client of Scotts – Kenny, owner of a Chinese restaurant employing illegal immigrants, plus Gabe may be involved in some dangerous stuff which Mia has to deal with. How are all these cases connected?
Wiehl, a former federal prosecutor giving her first hand expertise, and well-equipped to handle these highly-charged topics covered in LETHAL BEAUTY like the pro she is..fans of John Grisham will certainly be engrossed in this legal/crime mystery thriller.
From complex twists and turns, to modern day slaves and human sex trafficking – innocent immigrants, misled with hopes of a better life in America. The bad guys have full control, and no means for the victims to ever repay the debt. The victims are scared of going to the authorities, with threats of killing their families.
Controversial subjects of using drugs obtained illegally; a popular topic of teens, athletes, and professionals using steroids promising a certain image, body, from unreliable sources in China, not knowing the contents and dangers on the black market. A good example of peer pressure in high school. Another subject of healthy eating versus junk food and the issues with additives and preservatives (a big fan of this as a vegan and push this with my grandchildren)… it was also fun catching up with her dad, his new church, and new friend.
I fell in love with Mia Quinn, and Lis Wiehl an instant fan, when reading A Deadly Business (Mia Quinn, #2) last year (2014); immediately afterwards read Snapshot (2014), which made my top 30 books of 2014! I still need to go back and read (Mia Quinn #1) A Matter of Trust (2013).
Legal and crime thrillers are my favorite genre and Wiehl never disappoints-- with award winning courtroom scenes and as always, able to incorporate just enough personal human dynamics and emotion for an engaging read. Looking forward to #4 to see what lies ahead for tenacious, Mia Quinn-- Highly recommend this series.
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
Lis Wiehl returns with (Mia Quinn #3) LETHAL BEAUTY, a single mom, Mia lands an intense case –her legal career crosses over to her complicated personal life, for a suspenseful mystery crime/legal action-packed thriller!
Mia has lost her husband Scott and she is busy with the demands of her time and balancing her personal and professional- Seattle high stress life. The mother of a nursery school daughter, Brooke, and a teenage son, Gabe. In addition, their apartment is getting a little crowded with Kali, and her son Eldon currently living with them due to Kali’s cancer. Of course, there is also two men, in her life - Eli and Charlie.
As the novel opens, Mia is involved in a high profile case of a wealthy business, as a prosecutor accusing the man of murdering Dandan, a young Chinese woman who is an illegal immigrant. Mia suspects something is up when one juror which may keep them from winning this case and putting this guy away. However, this case may be even more complex.
Not only is there one case, but several cases, which may be connected. An unidentified body is found washed up on Puget Sound, and Charlie, homicide detective is on the case helping her gain more evidence about Dandan’s death, and help the mother prove her innocence. Then Mia runs into a former client of Scotts – Kenny, owner of a Chinese restaurant employing illegal immigrants, plus Gabe may be involved in some dangerous stuff which Mia has to deal with. How are all these cases connected?
Wiehl, a former federal prosecutor giving her first hand expertise, and well-equipped to handle these highly-charged topics covered in LETHAL BEAUTY like the pro she is..fans of John Grisham will certainly be engrossed in this legal/crime mystery thriller.
From complex twists and turns, to modern day slaves and human sex trafficking – innocent immigrants, misled with hopes of a better life in America. The bad guys have full control, and no means for the victims to ever repay the debt. The victims are scared of going to the authorities, with threats of killing their families.
Controversial subjects of using drugs obtained illegally; a popular topic of teens, athletes, and professionals using steroids promising a certain image, body, from unreliable sources in China, not knowing the contents and dangers on the black market. A good example of peer pressure in high school. Another subject of healthy eating versus junk food and the issues with additives and preservatives (a big fan of this as a vegan and push this with my grandchildren)… it was also fun catching up with her dad, his new church, and new friend.
I fell in love with Mia Quinn, and Lis Wiehl an instant fan, when reading A Deadly Business (Mia Quinn, #2) last year (2014); immediately afterwards read Snapshot (2014), which made my top 30 books of 2014! I still need to go back and read (Mia Quinn #1) A Matter of Trust (2013).
Legal and crime thrillers are my favorite genre and Wiehl never disappoints-- with award winning courtroom scenes and as always, able to incorporate just enough personal human dynamics and emotion for an engaging read. Looking forward to #4 to see what lies ahead for tenacious, Mia Quinn-- Highly recommend this series.
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
March 3, 2015
Mia Quinn is trying desperately to get a man convicted of murder. Unfortunately she has not been able to convince all 12 jurors that the man is guilty. The one holdout in the jury refuses to be moved by anything Mia says or anything the fellow jurors say. In an attempt to come up with more evidence to retry a man who may get away with murder, Mia and Charlie work side by side to prove they cannot let this killer go free.
PROS:
I'm certainly a fan of Lis Wiehl's writing. The suspense is carried out throughout the story, the subject is interesting, the characters are engaging. I really like Charlie and Mia together and am hoping that another character doesn't come between them. I like Mia's desire to see justice. Even though I like Charlie and Mia as a couple I also like the fact that the story isn't more romance than suspense/mystery.
CONS:
A certain "bad guy" always quoting Chinese proverbs was annoying. Mia's family life is still spiraling out of control. Her relying on the woman(who has cancer) and son who are living with them to babysit her 4 year old daughter and her naivety with what was going on with Gabe were unrealistic. And lastly the absurdity of a conversation that Mia had when interviewing a witness she stated that slavery wasn't real in the United States. I found it hard to believe that this woman who is supposedly one of the best lawyers around hadn't heard about human trafficking or people brought into the country and made to work off their fees for pittance. It turned into sounding more like a preaching moment to the reader, a "let me educate you" kind of thing.
For the most part Lethal Beauty kept me engaged in the story and definitely had it's moments of suspense that kept me glued to the pages. If you are a fan of mysteries and suspense then definitely pick up the Mia Quinn series. I would suggest reading them in order.
PROS:
I'm certainly a fan of Lis Wiehl's writing. The suspense is carried out throughout the story, the subject is interesting, the characters are engaging. I really like Charlie and Mia together and am hoping that another character doesn't come between them. I like Mia's desire to see justice. Even though I like Charlie and Mia as a couple I also like the fact that the story isn't more romance than suspense/mystery.
CONS:
A certain "bad guy" always quoting Chinese proverbs was annoying. Mia's family life is still spiraling out of control. Her relying on the woman(who has cancer) and son who are living with them to babysit her 4 year old daughter and her naivety with what was going on with Gabe were unrealistic. And lastly the absurdity of a conversation that Mia had when interviewing a witness she stated that slavery wasn't real in the United States. I found it hard to believe that this woman who is supposedly one of the best lawyers around hadn't heard about human trafficking or people brought into the country and made to work off their fees for pittance. It turned into sounding more like a preaching moment to the reader, a "let me educate you" kind of thing.
For the most part Lethal Beauty kept me engaged in the story and definitely had it's moments of suspense that kept me glued to the pages. If you are a fan of mysteries and suspense then definitely pick up the Mia Quinn series. I would suggest reading them in order.
June 25, 2015
Good mystery and likable characters.
May 13, 2015
Lis Wiehl with April Henry in their new book, “Lethal Beauty” Book Three in the Mia Quinn Mystery series published by Thomas Nelson gives us another adventure with Mia Quinn.
From the inside jacket flap: It should have been an open and shut murder case, but Mia Quinn finds out nothing about it is simple.
After a young Chinese prostitute is stabbed to death by her rich American client, the tabloids dub Dandan Yee “Lethal Beauty”—despite the fact that she was the one who ended up dead. Yet even with double standards and naked prejudice working against her, Seattle prosecutor Mia Quinn is determined to get justice for Dandan Yee.
But when a key witness goes missing and an unsavory juror shuts down deliberations without explanation, Mia fears the trial—and the law—are being tampered with.
A constellation of fresh killings has Mia and homicide detective Charlie Carlson searching for a common source and puts Mia’s family in the crosshairs of a Chinese crime cabal. Meanwhile, Dandan Yee’s mother has opted to take matters into her own hands . . . and the stakes get more lethal overnight.
In the midst of all this, Mia has to contend with a fifteen-year-old son who is growing up too fast for his own good, and the idea that Charlie might want to be more than just friends. Can Mia and Charlie stop the murders and still keep her family safe? Or is the very act of seeking justice enough to cost her everything—and everyone—she loves?
The team of Wiehl and Henry is unbeatable. The quality of story that they produce is exceptional. This time around Mia is dealing with illegal immigration or human trafficking. The people are being brought here with the lure of a better life only to find themselves in prostitution. Mia now has to deal with the murders of these illegal immigrants and trouble at home. “Lethal Beauty” is an excellent murder mystery filled with marvelous characters, great plot twists, suspense and thrills. This is an exciting book, extremely well paced and suspenseful. I am enjoying this series and I hope there will be a next book in this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the inside jacket flap: It should have been an open and shut murder case, but Mia Quinn finds out nothing about it is simple.
After a young Chinese prostitute is stabbed to death by her rich American client, the tabloids dub Dandan Yee “Lethal Beauty”—despite the fact that she was the one who ended up dead. Yet even with double standards and naked prejudice working against her, Seattle prosecutor Mia Quinn is determined to get justice for Dandan Yee.
But when a key witness goes missing and an unsavory juror shuts down deliberations without explanation, Mia fears the trial—and the law—are being tampered with.
A constellation of fresh killings has Mia and homicide detective Charlie Carlson searching for a common source and puts Mia’s family in the crosshairs of a Chinese crime cabal. Meanwhile, Dandan Yee’s mother has opted to take matters into her own hands . . . and the stakes get more lethal overnight.
In the midst of all this, Mia has to contend with a fifteen-year-old son who is growing up too fast for his own good, and the idea that Charlie might want to be more than just friends. Can Mia and Charlie stop the murders and still keep her family safe? Or is the very act of seeking justice enough to cost her everything—and everyone—she loves?
The team of Wiehl and Henry is unbeatable. The quality of story that they produce is exceptional. This time around Mia is dealing with illegal immigration or human trafficking. The people are being brought here with the lure of a better life only to find themselves in prostitution. Mia now has to deal with the murders of these illegal immigrants and trouble at home. “Lethal Beauty” is an excellent murder mystery filled with marvelous characters, great plot twists, suspense and thrills. This is an exciting book, extremely well paced and suspenseful. I am enjoying this series and I hope there will be a next book in this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 14, 2015
There are so many great things about this book.
1. The characters are very real and interesting. As the focus shifts between characters, we get to see and hear things from different perspectives which really helps us get to know that character better. Because of that, we know more than the investigators and Mia know. Many times I wanted to scream, “No, don’t do that!” It created a lot of tension.
2. The mystery, as always in a Lis Wiehl book, was top notch even with seeing into the villain’s mind and knowing what had to happen.
3. This book poignantly portrayed the modern day slavery and sex trafficking that exists in our own country. It is a truly horrific industry and this book really helped me see how so many become trapped in this lifestyle and how hard it is for them to escape.
4. The family dynamics were so real and relatable. Mia is a single mom with a teenage boy who is struggling with his body image. He makes some poor choices. There’s a lot of tension as he seeks to make some changes in his life.
5. The court room scenes were fascinating. I learned a lot about voir dire (when prosecutors and defense attorneys interview prospective jury members about their beliefs and experiences). It was no surprise to find out that the author has a background as a prosecutor. The scenes were so realistic. Wiehl did a good job at making it all very easy to understand, as well, which I really appreciated.
This is book three in the Mia Quinn series. While you can read this as a stand alone book, the relationships will be a lot richer if you start at the beginning of the series.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
Book One: A Matter of Trust
Book Two: A Deadly Business
Book Three: Lethal Beauty
1. The characters are very real and interesting. As the focus shifts between characters, we get to see and hear things from different perspectives which really helps us get to know that character better. Because of that, we know more than the investigators and Mia know. Many times I wanted to scream, “No, don’t do that!” It created a lot of tension.
2. The mystery, as always in a Lis Wiehl book, was top notch even with seeing into the villain’s mind and knowing what had to happen.
3. This book poignantly portrayed the modern day slavery and sex trafficking that exists in our own country. It is a truly horrific industry and this book really helped me see how so many become trapped in this lifestyle and how hard it is for them to escape.
4. The family dynamics were so real and relatable. Mia is a single mom with a teenage boy who is struggling with his body image. He makes some poor choices. There’s a lot of tension as he seeks to make some changes in his life.
5. The court room scenes were fascinating. I learned a lot about voir dire (when prosecutors and defense attorneys interview prospective jury members about their beliefs and experiences). It was no surprise to find out that the author has a background as a prosecutor. The scenes were so realistic. Wiehl did a good job at making it all very easy to understand, as well, which I really appreciated.
This is book three in the Mia Quinn series. While you can read this as a stand alone book, the relationships will be a lot richer if you start at the beginning of the series.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
Book One: A Matter of Trust
Book Two: A Deadly Business
Book Three: Lethal Beauty
February 21, 2015
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
Lis Wiehl’s Lethal Beauty is quite the read. It combines crime and courtroom drama within one suspenseful and intriguing plotline and also represents aspects of the prevalent yet concealed problem of human trafficking. Amidst the drama, the characters realistically come to life with unique, flawed personalities still admirably determined and passionate in pursuing justice. I couldn’t stop reading it, and with each turning page, I eagerly awaited the satisfying moment all the pieces of the puzzle fit together. From start to finish, Lethal Beauty is a gripping, thrilling, fascinating story that did not leave me disappointed. Fans of crime and legal dramas will not want to miss this latest Mia Quinn novel - I recommend it.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of Lethal Beauty and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
Lis Wiehl’s Lethal Beauty is quite the read. It combines crime and courtroom drama within one suspenseful and intriguing plotline and also represents aspects of the prevalent yet concealed problem of human trafficking. Amidst the drama, the characters realistically come to life with unique, flawed personalities still admirably determined and passionate in pursuing justice. I couldn’t stop reading it, and with each turning page, I eagerly awaited the satisfying moment all the pieces of the puzzle fit together. From start to finish, Lethal Beauty is a gripping, thrilling, fascinating story that did not leave me disappointed. Fans of crime and legal dramas will not want to miss this latest Mia Quinn novel - I recommend it.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of Lethal Beauty and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
February 27, 2016
Another exciting Mia Quinn Mystery
Mia Quinn, prosecutor, and Charlie Carlson, homicide detective, are trying to convict David Leacham of murdering a young teenage prostitute, Dandan. Dandan Yee came over from China to Seattle to find her mother who had immigrated years earlier. Dandan was part of a group of young Chinese who had been promised a better way of life when in fact they were forced into slavery, either through the sex trade or through low-wage work. Kenny Zhong owned Chinese restaurants and he housed those immigrants and forced them to work , threatening them . He couldn't afford to be exposed by David Leacham so he paid one of the jurors to insist on Leacham's innocence therefore causing a hung jury. But Dandin's mother would not let it rest. A worker at the restaurant also would not let it rest. As Mia continued to ask questions and get closer to the truth, she and her children were exposed to danger . An exciting book with a satisfying outcome. I learned a lot about human trafficking which so many of us are unaware that it is going on in our country .
Mia Quinn, prosecutor, and Charlie Carlson, homicide detective, are trying to convict David Leacham of murdering a young teenage prostitute, Dandan. Dandan Yee came over from China to Seattle to find her mother who had immigrated years earlier. Dandan was part of a group of young Chinese who had been promised a better way of life when in fact they were forced into slavery, either through the sex trade or through low-wage work. Kenny Zhong owned Chinese restaurants and he housed those immigrants and forced them to work , threatening them . He couldn't afford to be exposed by David Leacham so he paid one of the jurors to insist on Leacham's innocence therefore causing a hung jury. But Dandin's mother would not let it rest. A worker at the restaurant also would not let it rest. As Mia continued to ask questions and get closer to the truth, she and her children were exposed to danger . An exciting book with a satisfying outcome. I learned a lot about human trafficking which so many of us are unaware that it is going on in our country .
February 24, 2016
***A journey into the murky shadows of illegal immigrants, prostitution,
human sex trafficking, bribery and murder.***
Lethal Beauty, book three in the Mia Quinn Mystery series from Lis Wiehl and April Henry
finds King County prosecutor Mia Quinn working on what she thought would be an "open and shut murder case." And it should have been.
There wasn't any doubt Dandan Lee, a young Chinese prostitute, had been stabbed to death by her "rich American client," David Leacham. However, David hired Seattle's best criminal defense attorney who cast doubt and suspicion on every piece of evidence Mia presented and left the victim looking guilty. Mia believed her case was solid and felt she had connected with eleven of the twelve jurors; still she was puzzled by one juror who wouldn't make eye contact with her. And she knew it would only take one for a "hung jury." Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/lethal-b...
human sex trafficking, bribery and murder.***
Lethal Beauty, book three in the Mia Quinn Mystery series from Lis Wiehl and April Henry
finds King County prosecutor Mia Quinn working on what she thought would be an "open and shut murder case." And it should have been.
There wasn't any doubt Dandan Lee, a young Chinese prostitute, had been stabbed to death by her "rich American client," David Leacham. However, David hired Seattle's best criminal defense attorney who cast doubt and suspicion on every piece of evidence Mia presented and left the victim looking guilty. Mia believed her case was solid and felt she had connected with eleven of the twelve jurors; still she was puzzled by one juror who wouldn't make eye contact with her. And she knew it would only take one for a "hung jury." Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/lethal-b...
January 2, 2016
This is the third book in the Mia Quinn series and each one is better than the one before. The author has done an excellent job with these characters and their development. The poignant story in deals with the problem of human trafficking in a well written and engaging manner.
Mia, Charlie, and Eli are front and center once again in this story. I like Mia, she is strong but real with her struggles. Charlie has grown on me, with his slightly unorthodox ways. Eli, is interesting and I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes this group and who will end up with Mia.
Although the third book in the series you could start with this book. The author gives enough history to have an idea of where the characters come from, yet doesn’t bog the story down with too many details. In this book the author deals with a tough subject of human trafficking and modern day slavery.
I would definitely recommend this book to a friend to those who like legal thrillers.
Mia, Charlie, and Eli are front and center once again in this story. I like Mia, she is strong but real with her struggles. Charlie has grown on me, with his slightly unorthodox ways. Eli, is interesting and I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes this group and who will end up with Mia.
Although the third book in the series you could start with this book. The author gives enough history to have an idea of where the characters come from, yet doesn’t bog the story down with too many details. In this book the author deals with a tough subject of human trafficking and modern day slavery.
I would definitely recommend this book to a friend to those who like legal thrillers.
March 19, 2015
A great addition to the Mia Quinn series. Started a little slow but kept building momentum to the point I just had to finish it.
June 14, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Mia Quinn discovers that a series of seemingly unrelated murders are linked. How far up are the strings being pulled—and what happens when one of her own is at risk?
The murder Mia is prosecuting seems like an open and shut case—until the accused claims he was the real victim and that the dead girl attacked him first. The tabloids dub her a "lethal beauty." Still, a conviction seems imminent. Then a key witness goes missing. Just when it looks like the killer could walk free, the dead woman’s mother takes matters into her own hands.
Meanwhile, Charlie Carlson, a Seattle homicide detective, is investigating the murder of a man whose body washed up on the beach of Puget Sound, but he's got little to go on. He has no dental work, fingerprints aren't on file, and he doesn't match any missing person reports. Then a church pianist is senselessly gunned down before horrified parishioners.
All three cases seem unrelated—but are they? Together, Mia and Charlie race to find the answer before another crime hits too close to home.
This was the third book in this series and I haven't read any of the others before today.
Having not read this author before, I wasn't too sure what to expect. Add to that the fact that Christian fiction isn't usually my first choice for mysteries, and I figured this was going to be a definite case of hit or miss. And, for the most part, it was a hit!
How good a character is Mia Quinn?? Both as an prosecutor and as a single mother, she is tough, yet very warm and tender when the moment calls for it. She has forged a hard path for herself but is dealing with it all admirably.
The topics of slavery and sex trafficking are very relatable - even though they are horrific crimes, sadly, they are very prevalent in this day and age. They are handled extremely well and given the gravity they deserve.
But it is in the courtroom where this story really hits its mark for me. Very believable scenes and great sections of dialogue as both sides of the law interview prospective members of the jury and discover their experiences.
This is a very cool story and I will now want to go back and read the first 2 books!!
Paul
ARH
Mia Quinn discovers that a series of seemingly unrelated murders are linked. How far up are the strings being pulled—and what happens when one of her own is at risk?
The murder Mia is prosecuting seems like an open and shut case—until the accused claims he was the real victim and that the dead girl attacked him first. The tabloids dub her a "lethal beauty." Still, a conviction seems imminent. Then a key witness goes missing. Just when it looks like the killer could walk free, the dead woman’s mother takes matters into her own hands.
Meanwhile, Charlie Carlson, a Seattle homicide detective, is investigating the murder of a man whose body washed up on the beach of Puget Sound, but he's got little to go on. He has no dental work, fingerprints aren't on file, and he doesn't match any missing person reports. Then a church pianist is senselessly gunned down before horrified parishioners.
All three cases seem unrelated—but are they? Together, Mia and Charlie race to find the answer before another crime hits too close to home.
This was the third book in this series and I haven't read any of the others before today.
Having not read this author before, I wasn't too sure what to expect. Add to that the fact that Christian fiction isn't usually my first choice for mysteries, and I figured this was going to be a definite case of hit or miss. And, for the most part, it was a hit!
How good a character is Mia Quinn?? Both as an prosecutor and as a single mother, she is tough, yet very warm and tender when the moment calls for it. She has forged a hard path for herself but is dealing with it all admirably.
The topics of slavery and sex trafficking are very relatable - even though they are horrific crimes, sadly, they are very prevalent in this day and age. They are handled extremely well and given the gravity they deserve.
But it is in the courtroom where this story really hits its mark for me. Very believable scenes and great sections of dialogue as both sides of the law interview prospective members of the jury and discover their experiences.
This is a very cool story and I will now want to go back and read the first 2 books!!
Paul
ARH
April 5, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. I was sucked in from the beginning! Once again, I think this series leaves little to guessing (you don't have to figure out who the killer is because it's stated for you) and that leaves you with more time for simply enjoying.
I loved the plot throughout this book, including the many different cases that were going on throughout- the Chinese prostitute, the selling of drugs, the murder of an innocent lady, etc. I also loved the hint of romance, without it being the main focus.
The range of topics discussed throughout this book includes human trafficking/slaves, the use of performance enhancing drugs/steroids, and justice. This series has not ceased to amaze me!
Overall, great book! I think the ending leaves a hint at the possibility of another in the series, but I guess only time will tell!
I loved the plot throughout this book, including the many different cases that were going on throughout- the Chinese prostitute, the selling of drugs, the murder of an innocent lady, etc. I also loved the hint of romance, without it being the main focus.
The range of topics discussed throughout this book includes human trafficking/slaves, the use of performance enhancing drugs/steroids, and justice. This series has not ceased to amaze me!
Overall, great book! I think the ending leaves a hint at the possibility of another in the series, but I guess only time will tell!
March 17, 2017
Beauty can be deceiving - and it is about what you want to see, sometimes. Sometimes you see just your own pleasure. Sometimes the beauty of life money can offer can lure you to get blind and to forget the truth. Sometimes you prefer the beauty of your own comfort to not see the suffering of your fellow humans. And sometimes anything what can cover your inner brokenness might seem as a beautiful thing, too.
But the true beauty is inside.
And this is the morale of the third Mia Quinn's story - and don't let my preachy start of the review discourage you from reading this swift, fast-paced and intelligent police procedural book! I devoured all of the series in just days. I love it because it is very human - like the heroine Mia and her homicide detective sidekick Charlie (whom I ship with her very hard) can see all of the ugliness of human nature and what one person can do to another, but this can not stop them from trying to do their best. They are not any Hollywood-like superheroes, just the people strongly believing in justice (while being tired, angry, messy and otherwise normal human beings).
And they feel very personal - at least I think that the authoress (a lawyer and a mother of two herself) has lent Mia a lot from her experience and vulnerability. That might be why she is so relatable.
This story might be a bit weaker than the previous ones (maybe because Mia's personal life and struggles was not that much involved), but it is still of a supreme quality. The topic of human trafficking lies heavy on my heart.
I just hope for the next meeting with this series!
But the true beauty is inside.
And this is the morale of the third Mia Quinn's story - and don't let my preachy start of the review discourage you from reading this swift, fast-paced and intelligent police procedural book! I devoured all of the series in just days. I love it because it is very human - like the heroine Mia and her homicide detective sidekick Charlie (whom I ship with her very hard) can see all of the ugliness of human nature and what one person can do to another, but this can not stop them from trying to do their best. They are not any Hollywood-like superheroes, just the people strongly believing in justice (while being tired, angry, messy and otherwise normal human beings).
And they feel very personal - at least I think that the authoress (a lawyer and a mother of two herself) has lent Mia a lot from her experience and vulnerability. That might be why she is so relatable.
This story might be a bit weaker than the previous ones (maybe because Mia's personal life and struggles was not that much involved), but it is still of a supreme quality. The topic of human trafficking lies heavy on my heart.
I just hope for the next meeting with this series!
March 17, 2025
The storyline of each book in this series was decent. What I could have done without is the weird love triangle. Eli and Charlie both had feelings for Mia but nothing came of it by the end of the series. She didn't pick either one, never faced the fact that they each liked her. Even at the end of book 2 she said that she could see herself with either one. The storyline would have been better if Eli was never in the series. In my opinion, he didn't add anything to it. If you are going to introduce 2 love interests, at least give them an ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2024
It was good I think I liked the first book ok best but glad I read. This one continued with Mia and Charlie investigating a basically imagrants smuggled in and basically working to pay off for the “right” to be in America. Mia was prosecuting attorney for a big case where the guy was obviously guilty but the one juror wasn’t cooperating it was a crazy story but good I don’t want to give too much away but good book
August 12, 2017
4.5 if possible . . . basically a good yarn . . . teenager actually listening to an adult? . . . maybe . . . teenager actually changing his behavior after listening to an adult? . . . not believable . . . ending rushed - "And then a miracle happened" - almost . . . tedium/strategy of a court trial the better part of the story . . .
January 5, 2018
I didn't like this as much as the first two. Although the information about twenty-first century slavery in the US was powerful and interesting, there was just too much coincidence in the violent coming together of the different characters for me to truly enjoy it. Maybe I need to take a break from violent novels.
March 9, 2018
Bit of a stretch, but the characters finally feel like they are coming together. Not to keen on how her son is progressing, but he gets on the right path towards the end like he did in the last book. Still, no 4rth? And Mia does not know two guys like her? Ok, one of them she thinks, but the other not?
July 19, 2019
This was not my first Mia Quinn book and it won't be my last. I like the character. She is a widow whose husband was not exactly what she thought he was in life. She has had to return to work as a prosecutor. This case centers on human trafficking and how people are so desperate to come to the US that they end up in slavery. Eye opening, in that regard!
March 15, 2021
Mia Quinn #3
I like how some of the story lines stay alive from one book to the next. Mia is little much at times, but the various things she is balancing might make anyone a bit off. I would like to see this character grow a bit more in the next novel - Good novel to escape a bit and think a bit.
I like how some of the story lines stay alive from one book to the next. Mia is little much at times, but the various things she is balancing might make anyone a bit off. I would like to see this character grow a bit more in the next novel - Good novel to escape a bit and think a bit.
August 5, 2021
I loved how Mia Quinn didn't give up even with a hung jury! Mia was determined to find out more about human trafficking! I also admired Mia for taking a cancer patient and her son into her home and helping them. You will come away from this book knowing more about present day slavery in America. I recommend Lethal Beauty to others.
July 26, 2018
Too emotionai
Sometimes you stumble across an author that you're never read before and you just hope the book is good. The plot of the story was emotional and heartbreaking but it was written well. I think I will read her other books now.
Sometimes you stumble across an author that you're never read before and you just hope the book is good. The plot of the story was emotional and heartbreaking but it was written well. I think I will read her other books now.
March 20, 2020
Have read the series and this one I didn’t care for. The opening was depressing, then it seemed to go into one case after another, without giving any clear details, and same for the kids. The other two were good. Having read I believe all of her books.
July 27, 2022
A fast paced adventure. So much happens you feel disorientated! Interesting and well written story with an awful lot happening to Mia and anyone near her, just as in the previous two in this series. Good read and recommended.
November 13, 2025
Probably my least favorite of the Mia Quinn series. Wasn't a fan of the topic and felt like, as the last in the series, that many things were left 'unfinished'. That being said, I am looking forward to starting her Triple Threat series! I love how Lis writes!
July 18, 2017
I really liked this book, but felt like the ending was too rushed.
August 25, 2017
Trust your instinct. Enjoyable murder mystery
April 25, 2018
Love the Mia Quinn Series. Excellent read!!! I hope more will come.
September 21, 2018
There are several names that are similar and a lot of characters overall. Sometimes I really had to think about who these people were, but a great story otherwise.
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