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Aroostine Higgins #1-2
The Aroostine Higgins Series Box Set #1-2
Buckle up for a double dose of suspense and action in this two-book thriller set from USA Today bestselling author Melissa F. Miller!
CRITICAL VULNERABILITY (Book 1):
Government records, medical equipment, elevators, security alarms … they’re all remotely controlled and monitored by computerized industrial control systems. It’s convenient, efficient, and potentially deadly.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aroostine Higgins has put her personal life on hold to join the Department of Justice’s elite Criminal Division. She’s about to prosecute a major bribery trial—one that could make or break her career.
But everything’s going wrong.
Her pretrial motion vanishes from the federal court’s electronic docketing system. Her apartment catches fire. Routine dental surgery turns into a near-death experience. By the time Aroostine realizes her string of bad luck is anything but random, the stakes are greater than the outcome of a high-profile court case.
Determined to win at any cost, a hidden enemy threatens to destroy her—and the only man she’s ever loved—unless she can stop him. Now, it’s personal.
CHILLING EFFECT (Book 2):
Rumors of money skimming, murder, and stolen military weapons swirl around a Central Oregon reservation.
Aroostine is sent to investigate in the hopes that her Native American roots will help her win trust in a community wary of outsiders.
She arrives to find her would-be informant executed in his home. As she digs deeper into rumors and the murder, she butts heads with tribal authorities bent on solving the crime and doling out punishment on their own terms.
After she and her husband Joe narrowly escape a deadly ambush on the reservation, she has no idea whom to trust … and who wants to kill her.
Dive into this smart, action-packed series today!
CRITICAL VULNERABILITY (Book 1):
Government records, medical equipment, elevators, security alarms … they’re all remotely controlled and monitored by computerized industrial control systems. It’s convenient, efficient, and potentially deadly.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aroostine Higgins has put her personal life on hold to join the Department of Justice’s elite Criminal Division. She’s about to prosecute a major bribery trial—one that could make or break her career.
But everything’s going wrong.
Her pretrial motion vanishes from the federal court’s electronic docketing system. Her apartment catches fire. Routine dental surgery turns into a near-death experience. By the time Aroostine realizes her string of bad luck is anything but random, the stakes are greater than the outcome of a high-profile court case.
Determined to win at any cost, a hidden enemy threatens to destroy her—and the only man she’s ever loved—unless she can stop him. Now, it’s personal.
CHILLING EFFECT (Book 2):
Rumors of money skimming, murder, and stolen military weapons swirl around a Central Oregon reservation.
Aroostine is sent to investigate in the hopes that her Native American roots will help her win trust in a community wary of outsiders.
She arrives to find her would-be informant executed in his home. As she digs deeper into rumors and the murder, she butts heads with tribal authorities bent on solving the crime and doling out punishment on their own terms.
After she and her husband Joe narrowly escape a deadly ambush on the reservation, she has no idea whom to trust … and who wants to kill her.
Dive into this smart, action-packed series today!
518 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2020
851 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Melissa F. Miller
89 books595 followersMelissa F. Miller is a multi-time USA Today bestselling author of mystery, thriller, suspense, and romance novels. Formerly a complex commercial litigator, Melissa graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in medieval literature and creative writing poetry and earned her JD, cum laude, from the Duquesne University School of Law, where she served as editor-in-chief of the Law Review.
After fifteen years, Melissa traded the practice of law for the art of storytelling, drawing on her legal background and love of research to craft fast-paced, twisty books for readers who believe light drives out darkness, love is brave, and kind is strong. She writes strong, resilient characters who tackle serious (and sometimes dark) issues and themes with heart.
She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and Novelists, Inc. When she’s not writing, you can find her tending her garden, doing yoga, or drinking coffee. Melissa currently lives outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with her family and their rescues—a cat and a beagle. The cat’s in charge.
After fifteen years, Melissa traded the practice of law for the art of storytelling, drawing on her legal background and love of research to craft fast-paced, twisty books for readers who believe light drives out darkness, love is brave, and kind is strong. She writes strong, resilient characters who tackle serious (and sometimes dark) issues and themes with heart.
She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and Novelists, Inc. When she’s not writing, you can find her tending her garden, doing yoga, or drinking coffee. Melissa currently lives outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with her family and their rescues—a cat and a beagle. The cat’s in charge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
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July 23, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/23/2020)! 🎁
August 4, 2020
Made me Think
Some stories are just a nice tale to pass the time. Some books bring excitement and suspense. Some novels are full of intrigue and romance. Then there are books like these which contain all of the above. On the surface they are just an interesting read until you realize that you are also being reminded of real world human problems. The rights and lives of aboriginal peoples around the world have still not recovered from the “ civilizing influence” by the European nations during the so called “golden age of discovery “ and the development of the French,Spanish, British, Italian and Portuguese empires starting in the middle ages and ending around the time-of the second world war. The results of these ravages are still echoing today around the world including the north Americas where the nations we used to call Red indians and eskimos are finally being called by their original names but are still often treated as second class citizens or just curiosities. It is too late for most of these people to recover from being forced to accept European rule, gods and values but as long as their remaining descendants still survive it is incumbent upon the descendants of those who destroyed their civilizations and homelands to make amends as best they can and to do their best to help restore the civilizations they destroyed in their quest for riches.
Some stories are just a nice tale to pass the time. Some books bring excitement and suspense. Some novels are full of intrigue and romance. Then there are books like these which contain all of the above. On the surface they are just an interesting read until you realize that you are also being reminded of real world human problems. The rights and lives of aboriginal peoples around the world have still not recovered from the “ civilizing influence” by the European nations during the so called “golden age of discovery “ and the development of the French,Spanish, British, Italian and Portuguese empires starting in the middle ages and ending around the time-of the second world war. The results of these ravages are still echoing today around the world including the north Americas where the nations we used to call Red indians and eskimos are finally being called by their original names but are still often treated as second class citizens or just curiosities. It is too late for most of these people to recover from being forced to accept European rule, gods and values but as long as their remaining descendants still survive it is incumbent upon the descendants of those who destroyed their civilizations and homelands to make amends as best they can and to do their best to help restore the civilizations they destroyed in their quest for riches.
June 27, 2020
I really enjoyed book one in the set. The tension and suspense certainly built up in the first third of the book. After that the sense of “thriller” eased off somewhat. Book two in the set had a very different tone. Definitely a “who done it” but less suspense than book one. All that being said I find myself still contemplating the characters in the book, Aroostine in particular and I’m eager to find out in future books what life has in store for this very different heroine.
April 20, 2025
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aroostine Higgins put her personal life on hold to join the Department of Justice's elite Criminal Division. Now she’s prosecuting two men accused of attempting to bribe a foreign government official.But everything's going wrong.
Her pretrial motion vanishes from the federal court's electronic docketing system. Her apartment catches fire. Routine dental surgery turns into a near-death experience. Later she come to know that she is getting stalked by computerized industrial control systems to remotely monitor and control elevators, electricity, alarms, surveillance systems, and more. It's convenient and efficient. She had been targeted by a subordinate whose family is under threat and kidnapped.
When Aroostine's past comes crashing into her present, her most critical vulnerability is exploited and she finally admits she isn't simply suffering a string of bad luck. Her husband didn't want to end things by divorce. But ambition became a big problem in there relationship and this became a vulnerability.
An unseen enemy is determined to destroy her—and the only man she's ever loved—unless she finds him first, and she find the end and get back with her husband and back to give there relationship a chance to grow
Chilling Effect (Aroostine Higgins, #2)
Aroostine Higgins away from a romantic getaway with her husband, Joe. Dispatched by her superior in the hopes that Investigating an embezzlement scheme at a Native American casino , federal prosecutor her Native American roots will win trust in a community wary of outsiders, Aroostine goes on high alert when she finds her would-be informant executed in his home.
Money skimming, murder, and rumors of stolen military weapons are linked to someone on the reservation, and Aroostine heads with tribal authorities bent on solving the crime and doling out punishment on their own terms. While investigating and finding evidence they narrowly escaping a deadly ambush because someone wants them out of their territory so that they can execute there plans without any further problems, she and Joe must somehow protect each other and another whistle-blower from a killer’s bullet. She’ll have to connect with the heritage she left behind in order to track down this ruthless killer. She finally able to do and now federal agency want her to form more tribal courts and solve case on time as a promotion.
March 17, 2024
Plenty of tension but I can’t believe in the plot or the characters.
A woman is missing, there is evidence of a disturbance and there is blood on the floor but you can’t go the police because 24 hours haven’t elapsed?? Her son canvases all the neighbours and, in the company of a cop neighbour, checks hospitals, bars etc but no-one apparently questions the woman’s continued absence as the days roll on? Not even the cop?
And then there is the lawyer, the central character. She seemed quite interesting. She has recently moved to a new job in the city, and was hard-working and conscientious. She was evidently missing ‘Joe’ who appeared to be a boyfriend who had left her. She was considering a relationship with a work colleague.But, no - she is actually married to Joe and she is the one who left him in their rural home to go to a job in the city; she still hopes he will join her, but they haven’t spoken for three months …
At that point I gave up.
A woman is missing, there is evidence of a disturbance and there is blood on the floor but you can’t go the police because 24 hours haven’t elapsed?? Her son canvases all the neighbours and, in the company of a cop neighbour, checks hospitals, bars etc but no-one apparently questions the woman’s continued absence as the days roll on? Not even the cop?
And then there is the lawyer, the central character. She seemed quite interesting. She has recently moved to a new job in the city, and was hard-working and conscientious. She was evidently missing ‘Joe’ who appeared to be a boyfriend who had left her. She was considering a relationship with a work colleague.But, no - she is actually married to Joe and she is the one who left him in their rural home to go to a job in the city; she still hopes he will join her, but they haven’t spoken for three months …
At that point I gave up.
June 22, 2020
Good legal fiction
Even though this book did not have much typical courtroom drama, it really gave the reader a sense of the Native American heritage and their views on justice. Aroostine Higgins and her husband got much more than they planned for the romantic getaway. The couple innocently gets involved in an embezzlement case that becomes a murder. Someone doesn’t want them to delve deeper into the case.
Even though this book did not have much typical courtroom drama, it really gave the reader a sense of the Native American heritage and their views on justice. Aroostine Higgins and her husband got much more than they planned for the romantic getaway. The couple innocently gets involved in an embezzlement case that becomes a murder. Someone doesn’t want them to delve deeper into the case.
January 25, 2022
This 2 book box set was a great read. I have read a few books from this Author already and all were really good, this book is no exception. The characters are easy to get to know and the stories were great with lots of interesting content and and plenty of room to guess who was responsible for a crime. Easy reading books with no gory details. It was interesting with a bit of native American culture and easy to follow story line.
June 18, 2020
Want a quick, engaging read...
Then I'd recommend these stories. The author Hattiesburg heart, so It was easy to get into the characters as they make their struggles and choices about how to live in 2 different cultures and lives. Some mystery, some dangers make the great week fast-paced. It was Hard for me to pause for sleep. Thanks
Then I'd recommend these stories. The author Hattiesburg heart, so It was easy to get into the characters as they make their struggles and choices about how to live in 2 different cultures and lives. Some mystery, some dangers make the great week fast-paced. It was Hard for me to pause for sleep. Thanks
July 15, 2020
Action packed
didn't think I'd like Aroostine & Joe but was very pleasantly surprised. full of.twists and turns, the author takes us from DC to Native American tribal court and justice. Loved this series and plan to continue on all the surprising things Aroostine manages to.get herself into and out.of! You'll enjoy the read!
didn't think I'd like Aroostine & Joe but was very pleasantly surprised. full of.twists and turns, the author takes us from DC to Native American tribal court and justice. Loved this series and plan to continue on all the surprising things Aroostine manages to.get herself into and out.of! You'll enjoy the read!
July 15, 2020
Great read. Action Packed. Native Anerican attorney learns about her roots and coming to terms with them, when she is sent to check out an Indian Casino. She finds intrigue, deception, and death, along with embezzlement. So much for a low key vacation with her husband. Loved this series. Full of twists and turns.
November 10, 2020
Fantastic!
Loved both of these books. My favorite was book two. Aroostine is called upon to investigate some embezzled money at an Indian reservation and gets into more than she bargained for. She has to use some of her survival skills taught her by her grandfather. This book is well written with great characters.
Loved both of these books. My favorite was book two. Aroostine is called upon to investigate some embezzled money at an Indian reservation and gets into more than she bargained for. She has to use some of her survival skills taught her by her grandfather. This book is well written with great characters.
May 17, 2021
A great story and an insight into native American lives and customs.
This book will appeal to all Melissa Miller fans and as a Kiwi, with an interest in how Maori and non Maori I interact I found it fascinating and I hope you will too. It goes without saying that the criminal plot is totally absorbing too.
This book will appeal to all Melissa Miller fans and as a Kiwi, with an interest in how Maori and non Maori I interact I found it fascinating and I hope you will too. It goes without saying that the criminal plot is totally absorbing too.
January 23, 2023
found this thanks to Bookbub ...gave me the heads up that it was free on the platform i enjoy ...always Amazon ...onces you are there you usually get it from there. what are you gonna do?? any who ... i enjoyed the read. my book cover looks different. which i always find kind of tough to be sure i have the right books/set or series. any who ...will read more.
June 20, 2020
Original Page Turning Series
So glad I had both books to start with as when one ended I couldn't wait for the next to begin. Character rich and engrossing story line, I'm looking forward to book 3!
So glad I had both books to start with as when one ended I couldn't wait for the next to begin. Character rich and engrossing story line, I'm looking forward to book 3!
June 28, 2020
What's not to like
Aroostine is multifaceted and deep we can feel her breath. The other characters are not so dimensioned but with the strong lead that is unimportant.
The story rattles along, not always plausible, but who cares.
A good read.
Aroostine is multifaceted and deep we can feel her breath. The other characters are not so dimensioned but with the strong lead that is unimportant.
The story rattles along, not always plausible, but who cares.
A good read.
July 3, 2020
Wonderful, intrigue, insight and teaching
Cost me half a night's sleep- had to finish it. Very great story while reminding us all about looking at our values and acting upon them. Thank you.
Cost me half a night's sleep- had to finish it. Very great story while reminding us all about looking at our values and acting upon them. Thank you.
July 10, 2020
Exquisite
Totally refreshing and more than enthusiastic books to lead off the series. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of these two books and look forward to following Aroostine and, her husband Joe, in future thrilling adventures
Totally refreshing and more than enthusiastic books to lead off the series. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of these two books and look forward to following Aroostine and, her husband Joe, in future thrilling adventures
July 23, 2020
Fun book
Such fun characters with real flaws and all, very easy to relate to. Enjoyed learning more about the Native American culture as well. I would definitely recommend reading it.
Such fun characters with real flaws and all, very easy to relate to. Enjoyed learning more about the Native American culture as well. I would definitely recommend reading it.
August 13, 2020
Indian justice
I Liked these Two stories There are flaws in the basic structure, but, nevertheless they kept me reading. If you allow your phantasy to lead you, you might enjoy them too.
I Liked these Two stories There are flaws in the basic structure, but, nevertheless they kept me reading. If you allow your phantasy to lead you, you might enjoy them too.
September 24, 2020
Definitely worth the read
Love the main character. She is down to earth and wants to help people. The author has done a wonderful job making her an average person with respect, love and kindness. Love the ethnic flavor as well. Thank you.
Love the main character. She is down to earth and wants to help people. The author has done a wonderful job making her an average person with respect, love and kindness. Love the ethnic flavor as well. Thank you.
October 7, 2020
Great Read
This was an excellent read dealing with justice and Native American culture and thoroughly enjoyable. Definitely recommended. I will be reading additional books by this Author.
This was an excellent read dealing with justice and Native American culture and thoroughly enjoyable. Definitely recommended. I will be reading additional books by this Author.
December 14, 2020
Interesting
This book was a different type of book to what I normally read. I found it very interesting and enjoyed the twists in the tail and the way the "tribe' was I volved in the judgment of the accused.
This book was a different type of book to what I normally read. I found it very interesting and enjoyed the twists in the tail and the way the "tribe' was I volved in the judgment of the accused.
March 26, 2021
Really Didn't Want It To End
A nice clean read with a great story line. I enjoyed the suspense and the drama. I enjoyed the sadness and the laughter. Would recommend this to anyone looking for a nice clean read.
A nice clean read with a great story line. I enjoyed the suspense and the drama. I enjoyed the sadness and the laughter. Would recommend this to anyone looking for a nice clean read.
September 3, 2021
What a great read!
I loved this story. I'm an avid reader and my favorites are mysteries. This had all the bells and whistles. Had me from beginning to end! I'd recommend it to all the mystery lovers out there.
I loved this story. I'm an avid reader and my favorites are mysteries. This had all the bells and whistles. Had me from beginning to end! I'd recommend it to all the mystery lovers out there.
July 22, 2022
Another great story. Miller writes a weaving story that keeps me turning pages. Out on a trip with her husband Joe, she gets embroiled in another mystery in Indian Tribal lands. Joe helps her by working with and being by her side in this one. Nicely done Miller. I am hooked. 5
September 30, 2023
Interesting and great reading.
This book kept my interest from front to back. Couldn’t put it down. I can recommend it to anyone who enjoys crime and legal stories with twists and turns.
This book kept my interest from front to back. Couldn’t put it down. I can recommend it to anyone who enjoys crime and legal stories with twists and turns.
June 17, 2020
Fun read!
light reading at it's best. Love the characters and the suspenseful story line. Just an all around fun story and enjoyable, engaging story.
light reading at it's best. Love the characters and the suspenseful story line. Just an all around fun story and enjoyable, engaging story.
June 30, 2020
A good reed
Liked the characters and settings a lot. The story was compelling. Would have enjoyed richer Native American culture in the story.
Liked the characters and settings a lot. The story was compelling. Would have enjoyed richer Native American culture in the story.
July 8, 2020
Good read!
Enjoyed learning about Native American customs thru Aroostine & her husband Joe. Likable characters in different situations than the usual legal books.
Enjoyed learning about Native American customs thru Aroostine & her husband Joe. Likable characters in different situations than the usual legal books.
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July 8, 2020Michael
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews