Insidious Threats

by Melissa F. Miller

Sasha and Connelly have faced off against murderers, terrorists, corrupt officials, and international crime rings … you name a bad guy, and they’ve probably taken him (or her) down. In Insidious Threats, they team up against their most powerful adversary yet. But has the wife-and-husband duo finally met their match?

When Landon Lewis plunged to his death from his office window, he left behind a slew of unanswered questions. The one that weighs most heavily on Leo Connelly’s mind is what, exactly, is he supposed to do with the package Landon sent him the day he died?

As a special agent for a secretive government agency, Leo has the connections and resources to crack open the encrypted flash drive, but the letter accompanying the drive gives him pause. The dead man’s words are so cryptic, so ominous, so chilling, that Leo decides this is an operation best conducted off the books, far away from his agency’s watchful eye—and his wife’s.

Under ordinary circumstances, Sasha McCandless-Connelly would notice when her husband is hiding something. Unfortunately, she’s distracted by the behavior of her former law firm. When Prescott & Talbott’s managing partner resigns abruptly, then disappears, the firm leaders come to Sasha—ostensibly for help. But she knows better than to trust them.

As Sasha digs into the truth behind Cinco Prescott’s disappearance, Leo unravels the mystery of Landon’s flash drive. What they uncover separately leads to one inescapable conclusion: they’ll have to work together to dismantle the dangerous, dystopian Mjölnir network without being detected … or die trying.

Genres: Mystery

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2023

About the author

Melissa 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.

Reviews

[ELMorehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can Sasha and Leo take Down The Richest Guy in the World?

Master Storyteller, Melissa F Miller, Enthralled me, with a Rollercoaster Ride of a Legal Thriller, in "Insidious Threats". MFM creates a plot & setting drawn from Today's Headlines: an Entitled Billionaire controlling an invasive, Artificial Intelligence program. I Highly Recommend You 📖 this Awesome, Page-Turning 📗, to see how Sasha, Leo, and some Computer Programers, stop this Threat!

I found this Novel to be Pure Mystery Buff Entertainment; as are all the Sasha McCandless Legal Thrillers. You'll best understand this 📗, by 📖ing the Series in Chronological Order. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Cory Wofford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Melissa F. Miller’s latest book titled “Insidious Threats”. This is the 16th book in the Sasha McCandless series and I have read them all. Normally, when I finish a book I find myself thinking about the danger the main character was able to escape or the sadness or joy that the character experienced. This time after reading the book “Insidious Threats”, I found myself admiring the main character Sasha and the person she has become. Sasha is a very good lawyer but she is more than that. She enjoys sticking up for the guy who is down on his luck. She sees the good in every person. She never gives up on anyone. And she is Ok with her own weaknesses. Sasha mentions that she has four rules she lives by. Perhaps #1 sums up “Insidious Threats”. It is never over until I say it is over. If you would like to read a book that is well written, that has a very interesting story and will you bring you into the book to the point you feel like you have a new friend then “Insidious Threats” is the book for you.

[Cliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insidious Threats
Just when you thought that the Sasha McCandless (and Leo Connelly and Maisy Farley) stories couldn’t get more exciting..
A few threads keep this one jumping.
Maisy has to go to negotiations to get her million dollar severance but of course this provides drama.

Sasha is on the trail of her former law partner Cinco (Charles Anderson Prescott V) accompanied by his daughter Ellie whom Sasha hired at their first meeting.
Leo had received a cryptic letter from Landon Lewis and in subsequent events discovered an encrypted flash drive. All of this deals with Cesare, Landon’s predictive software programs with some socially questionable issues. Now reimagined as Mjölnir, the program portends problems and must be stopped. The key is on the encrypted drive.
Whew…fast paced and loads of excitement. Get this book and see if you can keep up with this latest Melissa F. Miller success.
Enjoy

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tech guy a regret he had and was hoping it could be corrected, sending to Leo.
It was puzzling and time still didn't give Leo a clue.
A missing person were Sasha used to work.
Sasha and Connelly work together against threats and who to trust.
Intriguing plot I found that caught my attention from the first.
A good flowing plot and the characters of Sasha and Connelly are great.
Given ARC for my voluntary review

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seemingly separate threads come together quickly and logically in Insidious Threats. There is enough background information woven in that the story stands on its own, even though it is the culmination of several past books. I would enjoy seeing more of Petra and Gar in future stories. Now, where did I put my grandkids' Captain Quackers...

[Rwilliams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big fan

Love this series. Sasha is a Bad-Ass! Leo is pretty cool, too. And Maisy is a force to be reckoned with! Anxiously awaiting the next book!

[Jessica Meeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love sasha

Great series and hope more are to come. Sasha is getting older and slower but she's still quick-minded. Her and Leo compliment each other

[Robin]

AI SCARY
I received an ARC of this book.
I love the connections in Ms. Miller's latest books. The ties with what is happening with Maisy and her case wrap together nicely. AI and what is described as happening is so believable and scary!
Well worth the read as always

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Miller doesn't disappoint. The subject matter of the tale is in the current headlines. I always enjoy the capers that Sasha and Leo get into. This book can stand on its own but I do recommend reading them in order, from the beginning.

[norma baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doomsday from Pittsburgh

We look forward to each new account of the advrnture of sasha and leo and the twins. This one is even better. If you like your thrillers with real people and unusual situations, with home as well as work you should love this as much as I do.

[Doreen Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great that the plot was divided in parts I think it added to the complete storyline. The characters are fantastic. The plot intrigues. New characters are introduced. It is a wonderful read and I’m looking forward to the next book.

[Jana Delli-Gatti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit!

Sasha and Leo have been an intriguing couple from the start. Now, married with children, they continue to be involved in really interesting events. Keep the stories coming please!

[Dennis Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series

I have read them all and enjoyed each one. This one moves well, has a great plot and another kick back side ending. Loved it.

[Shannon Forester steinman · Rating 5 out of 5]

With every Sasha McCandless-Connelly release, I know I’m in for a treat. One of those ‘fire up the coffee pot, get comfy and dig in to finish reading her latest case in a marathon reading session’ kind of treats. “Insidious Threats” fantastically concludes the story of a shockingly realistic AI technology gone wrong. From page one, I found myself trying to loop together the individual threads of the seemingly disjointed cases of Maisy, Cinco and Leo’s thumb drive. I love the anticipation and thrill Miller creates in all her novels. I have once again found myself completely immersed in the story and now anxiously awaiting the next novel by Melissa Miller. If you aren’t already hooked on Sasha & Leo novels, you will be!

I was provided an arc for a voluntary review.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I am now caught up on this highly-addictive series but not to worry since Melissa F Miller has also created some other great characters for which she has developed parallel series. It's fun seeing how all the personalities interweave across books and series. In "Insidious Threats," Sasha, Leo and their merry band continue to follow a case that has stretched across several books, some times as a minor plot point, others as the main focus as in "Insidious Threats". Highly entertaining and enjoyable!

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tech guy a regret he had and was hoping it could be corrected, sending to Leo.
It was puzzling and time still didn't give Leo a clue.
A missing person were Sasha used to work.
Sasha and Connelly work together against threats and who to trust.
Intriguing plot I found that caught my attention from the first.
A good flowing plot and the characters of Sasha and Connelly are great.
Given ARC for my voluntary review

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tying up the Landon Lewis story, this book has Sasha working against a rich man who thinks he's untouchable, while Leo works the case on his end with the help of Maisy. The last few books have been about Landon and the reason for his death, and it's interesting seeing how many people are linked to it, and why.

I enjoyed all the different points of view the story was told from, both good and bad. The way everything unraveled was intriguing. I liked seeing Maisy again, too.

I look forward to more in the series!

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the way many the incidental characters are from previous stories, plus the ever-expanding group of Sasha's friends and workmates. Then there is the AI thing, started with one angle previously and now encapsulated in another purpose, and some unexpected travel for both Sasha and Leo that end up in the same place. And the realistic depiction of techies, although perhaps slightly a cliche. Anyway, good story.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!

What a fantastic story about the scary AI that is very relevant and in the news currently. Amazing writing from Melissa F. Miller! As Sasha and Leo work different cases, they end up converging. Twists and turns that I didn't see coming kept me reading way past time to sleep. I can't wait for the next book.

[Patty Dworkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sasha and Leo work so well together, as partners, parents and crime solvers. Sasha is a good influence on those she meets and gives insightful life tips to Elle and Petra.
Melissa delivers another suspenseful story and weaves the storyline together so well. All the loose ends are tied up at the conclusion.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Fun

I knew a lot of what this story entailed by reading the other books that cover the arc. That didn’t lessen the suspense or reduce the enjoyment of tying up all the loose ends. In addition, despite Delone’s dastardly intentions, there was a certain lightheartedness to this story that I found quite welcome. More please!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sasha and her husband Connelly once again have their work cut out for them. Each are dealing with different issues but perhaps it’s tied in together. Will they be able to find out what’s going on. There’s danger, secrets and more. Don’t miss out.

[Nancy Sturm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another thrilling read in the Sasha McCandless series. My favorites by this author.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series continues to grow, and the writing is always fantastic.

[Pam Schoeff-groth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Glad to return to Leo and Sasha!

[Linda Zelinsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly love this series. The story line keeps you going. Melissa puts in twists and turn that hold your attention. Very entertaining read.

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I have read all of this authors books. this book does not disappoint! Intrigue suspense all mixed together into a great read, I highly recommend it.

[Sharon]

Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.

[suze joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sasha mixed with Maisy a storyline made in heaven ( or hell depends how you look at it) The dark side of humane nature is revealed as hopefully one chapter has been taken care of by the troops. I couldn't put this one down. What a great combination of characters.

[Paola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insidious Threats is the sixteenth instalment in the Sasha McCandless series. It is also the final Sasha novel in the Landon Lewis story arc - which started with Independent Sources (2022) and spilled into the Maisy Farley spinoff novels Steeltown Magnolia (2023) and briefly touched in Dead Man’s Hollow. Compared to previous standalone stories, these four feel really different, more ‘serious’ - for lack of a better word. There are so many strands in this story but this author never forgets what came first, never puts in details that aren’t necessary. If it’s there, there is a reason for it. These four novels put together must have been a gargantuan effort and must have taken their toll on both the author and Sasha. Read the novella ‘A Walking Shadow’ after these and things will make sense.

But before you do that, you will need to read these four novels in order to get the most from the story: I promise you are going to be rewarded.