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Bodhi King #9
Clear Path
Vipassana: a Pali term that means to see things as they truly are.
The Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile biking and hiking trail, runs from Downtown Pittsburgh’s Point State Park to the picturesque mountain town of Cumberland, Maryland. Bodhi King sets off to hike the length of the trail, certain that the unspoiled landscape, rolling rivers, and sweeping mountain vistas will soothe his weary soul and clear his clouded mind. For a while, they do.
On the third day of walking, the forensic pathologist discovers an abandoned bicycle just off the path. Searching for its owner, he finds a full backpack, one cycling shoe, and, most troubling of all, a fresh blood stain in a tunnel.
He detours to the nearest town to contact the authorities and learns a local woman has gone missing. Joining the search for Aurora Westin, Bodhi somehow finds himself leading a ragtag party of townspeople, through-hikers and bicyclists, and the town’s visually impaired, retired police chief.
As the search party ventures further from town, dark secrets and old wounds surface. Bodhi’s team of volunteers all have their own agendas for finding the missing woman—not all of them righteous. Bodhi will be forced to take an unwavering look into the hearts of the searchers if they’re all going to make it out of the woods alive.
The Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile biking and hiking trail, runs from Downtown Pittsburgh’s Point State Park to the picturesque mountain town of Cumberland, Maryland. Bodhi King sets off to hike the length of the trail, certain that the unspoiled landscape, rolling rivers, and sweeping mountain vistas will soothe his weary soul and clear his clouded mind. For a while, they do.
On the third day of walking, the forensic pathologist discovers an abandoned bicycle just off the path. Searching for its owner, he finds a full backpack, one cycling shoe, and, most troubling of all, a fresh blood stain in a tunnel.
He detours to the nearest town to contact the authorities and learns a local woman has gone missing. Joining the search for Aurora Westin, Bodhi somehow finds himself leading a ragtag party of townspeople, through-hikers and bicyclists, and the town’s visually impaired, retired police chief.
As the search party ventures further from town, dark secrets and old wounds surface. Bodhi’s team of volunteers all have their own agendas for finding the missing woman—not all of them righteous. Bodhi will be forced to take an unwavering look into the hearts of the searchers if they’re all going to make it out of the woods alive.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2025
15 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Melissa F. Miller
91 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 28, 2025
I really liked the sense of community. I really like Bohdi in the forensic books though. I hope more are coming eventually. The book kept my attention all the way thru (which is rare) as I find many start too slow. This was a book I just enjoyed without having to think too much or get too anxious (and God knows, we all need a break from the news & chaos). Read it, enjoy it and destress for a while.
March 28, 2025
A book with a hopeful message of disparate interests coming together to build their communities. Of course, Bohdi is a catalyst who helps it happen.
March 28, 2025
You just can't go wrong with a Bodhi book. Vivid scenery descriptions, robust characters, and always bits of new knowledge to be gotten. Great read.
March 28, 2025
A really entertaining read. Melissa peeks the reader’s curiosity right the beginning and has them wonder who did it. A very enjoyable story.
March 29, 2025
Recently, I read and reviewed Booked for Christmas by Melissa Miller. Although I had heard of her and actually previously downloaded several of her e-books, that was the first one I read. When I was given the opportunity to read and review Clear Path, I jumped at the chance. Normally, I read through a book and give it a short, honest review. However, Clear Path grabbed my attention and I couldn’t get enough of it.
I researched the Great Allegheny Passage trail and examined maps. I found out it links to the C&O Canal NHP, a trail I have explored with my daughter, who lives in Washington, DC. I printed out a list of all of Melissa’s books and compared them to the ones I have downloaded (and unfortunately never read), and decided which ones I want to read next. Clear Path spoke to me so much. It certainly achieved the purpose that Rory desired for her art displays – to connect people to the history of the area.
Besides learning a lot about the GAP trail and deciding it is a place I want to explore in the future, and discovering my new favorite author, I also immensely enjoyed this book. I found it hard to put down and spent my afternoon today finishing it up so I could write this review. It’s fast moving, well-written, and sucks the reader into the story so you feel like you’re there. The characters are well–developed. It’s hard to figure out who the bad guys are, and then you discover that there aren’t any bad guys, that everyone has both good and bad in them.
I can’t wait to start Miller’s next book!
I researched the Great Allegheny Passage trail and examined maps. I found out it links to the C&O Canal NHP, a trail I have explored with my daughter, who lives in Washington, DC. I printed out a list of all of Melissa’s books and compared them to the ones I have downloaded (and unfortunately never read), and decided which ones I want to read next. Clear Path spoke to me so much. It certainly achieved the purpose that Rory desired for her art displays – to connect people to the history of the area.
Besides learning a lot about the GAP trail and deciding it is a place I want to explore in the future, and discovering my new favorite author, I also immensely enjoyed this book. I found it hard to put down and spent my afternoon today finishing it up so I could write this review. It’s fast moving, well-written, and sucks the reader into the story so you feel like you’re there. The characters are well–developed. It’s hard to figure out who the bad guys are, and then you discover that there aren’t any bad guys, that everyone has both good and bad in them.
I can’t wait to start Miller’s next book!
March 30, 2025
Clear Path by Melissa F. Miller —A Bodhi King novel (#3) is now but thoroughly engaging and page turn. Bodhi sets out on the walk the Great Allegheny Passage from Pittsburgh, Pa to Cumberland, Md for a solitary contemplative time of reflection. Along the way he meets interesting folks. At stop in a small town undergoing a severe transition as an outsider is turning it into a high end destination while, in the process, is forcing folks out of their homes. A photographer is documenting the changes and… you will need to read the rest to get the full flavor and find out what happens.
Thanks to the author for the ARC.
Thanks to the author for the ARC.
April 1, 2025
Satisfying Quick Read
The Bodhi King novels by Melissa F. Miller are always deep and filled with heart messages. Bodhi himself is a deep thinker who always endeavors to see things correctly and to treat everyone and everything with respect. In Clear Path as he attempts to hike the Great Allegheny Passage, he stumbles into a situation where he uses his medical knowledge to help those who need it, and uses his calm centering outlook to bring a different perspective to issues a town is struggling with. It's simplistic and the author's message blares throughout, but it's a good message, and there's nothing superfluous to take away from it.
The Bodhi King novels by Melissa F. Miller are always deep and filled with heart messages. Bodhi himself is a deep thinker who always endeavors to see things correctly and to treat everyone and everything with respect. In Clear Path as he attempts to hike the Great Allegheny Passage, he stumbles into a situation where he uses his medical knowledge to help those who need it, and uses his calm centering outlook to bring a different perspective to issues a town is struggling with. It's simplistic and the author's message blares throughout, but it's a good message, and there's nothing superfluous to take away from it.
April 2, 2025
I think this is the best Bodhi King book so far, hoping for more to come. Bodhi starts out on a meditative hike across 150 miles of the Allegheny Passage, Pittsburgh to Cumberland MD. Along the way he meets an assortment of people he gravitates to, from one town to the other. Eventually he finds an abandoned bike and blood in a cave. Hiking to the nearest town, he finds a woman is missing and finds a group of citizens willing and able to help find her. The adventure begins!! As with all these books by Melissa Miller, nothing is ever as you believe it should be. One twist after another changes the outcome!
April 3, 2025
An intriguing, thought-evoking read.
I am a huge fan of Melissa F. Miller's writing and this one was just as brilliant as the rest of her work. The story is gripping, the writing style is memorable and the characters are wonderfully well-written. The pacing is absolutely brilliant.
The themes of displacement of community and developmental overhaul causing upheaval in small towns is so succinctly handled.
Nidhi's character, in particular, is very calming to read. And I loved every second of it, right from the get go until the very end.
Definitely recommend! All the stars!
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Voluntarily reviewed after reading an ARC of the book from the Author.
I am a huge fan of Melissa F. Miller's writing and this one was just as brilliant as the rest of her work. The story is gripping, the writing style is memorable and the characters are wonderfully well-written. The pacing is absolutely brilliant.
The themes of displacement of community and developmental overhaul causing upheaval in small towns is so succinctly handled.
Nidhi's character, in particular, is very calming to read. And I loved every second of it, right from the get go until the very end.
Definitely recommend! All the stars!
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Voluntarily reviewed after reading an ARC of the book from the Author.
May 1, 2025
"Clear Path" by Melissa F. Miller is a gripping legal thriller that deserves a full 5-star rating. The book is masterfully narrated by multiple voices, each bringing a unique perspective and depth to the story that is both refreshing and engaging.
The plot is intricately woven, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with twists and turns that are both unexpected and thrilling. Miller's ability to craft a storyline that is both complex and coherent is truly impressive, making "Clear Path" a standout read in the legal thriller genre.
The characters are well-developed and multifaceted, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations. This depth allows readers to connect with them on a personal level, making the stakes feel even higher as the plot unfolds.
Overall, "Clear Path" is a remarkable novel that combines excellent narration, an outstanding plot, and unforgettable characters to create a truly immersive reading experience. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a well-crafted legal thriller.
The plot is intricately woven, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with twists and turns that are both unexpected and thrilling. Miller's ability to craft a storyline that is both complex and coherent is truly impressive, making "Clear Path" a standout read in the legal thriller genre.
The characters are well-developed and multifaceted, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations. This depth allows readers to connect with them on a personal level, making the stakes feel even higher as the plot unfolds.
Overall, "Clear Path" is a remarkable novel that combines excellent narration, an outstanding plot, and unforgettable characters to create a truly immersive reading experience. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a well-crafted legal thriller.
March 31, 2025
Melissa has done it again! Interesting story, interesting characters, thought-provoking! Set in the Great Allegheny Passage, this brings the troubles of the area (and others like it) to the forefront. Bodhi once again helps this group of people heal and carryon in the end. The main characters all have their own secrets that come to a head when they are searching for the injured, missing photographer (with her own secret). All the characters in this book are interesting, in their own way, which adds to the depth of the story. I enjoyed this book immensely! Please continue these great stories!
April 3, 2025
My favorite Bodhi King book so far. We have a complex puzzle, interesting characters, a great setting, and some social commentary just to keep things real. As usual, Miller has produced a well-written and well-edited book that reads seamlessly with no jarring stops to figure what she’s trying to say. This is indeed a rare treat these days when so many people decide to just throw a book out there.
April 8, 2025
In the last month I have read a Jack Reacher, Jack Ryan and now a Bodhi King novel. Clear Path by Melissa F. Miller is clearly my favorite of the three. Why you ask? Bodhi King is quite the interesting character and it would be fun to meet him. He is not intimidating like the two Jacks might be. He is careful in how he treats all things. He is smart as a whip and does not miss a beat. Have run reading his latest adventure!
April 9, 2025
Bodhi's journey
It seems like misfortune follows Bodhi no matter where he goes. His calmness helps in the face of chaos. What was supposed to be a hike to contemplate things in his life turn into a search and rescue situation. Each Bodhi book is a real life lesson. I really enjoy reading this series.
It seems like misfortune follows Bodhi no matter where he goes. His calmness helps in the face of chaos. What was supposed to be a hike to contemplate things in his life turn into a search and rescue situation. Each Bodhi book is a real life lesson. I really enjoy reading this series.
October 28, 2025
Interesting depiction of rural areas east of Pittsburgh, including characters of the new gentry and those left behind.
The background did remind me of my canoe trip from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati back in 2021. There were many small towns struggling located on both sides of the river, especially upstream in Ohio and West Virginia.
The background did remind me of my canoe trip from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati back in 2021. There were many small towns struggling located on both sides of the river, especially upstream in Ohio and West Virginia.
March 26, 2025
Another excellent read in the Bodhi King series! Bodhi is on a reflective journey to obtain clarity. A journey that highlights the changes in the communities along the way. And the coming together of those who were opposite but now work together for a better future.
March 31, 2025
Another uplifting Bodhi King story
I enjoyed the setting of this novel as well as the underlying plot of progress on rural areas. Bodhi teaches me things every time I read about him. Fast moving with great characters.
I enjoyed the setting of this novel as well as the underlying plot of progress on rural areas. Bodhi teaches me things every time I read about him. Fast moving with great characters.
April 1, 2025
Another Bodhi King installment - love these continued themes of community and taking care of one another, vision and perception (in the context of how we view (and judge) others) and Bodhi’s continued journey to understanding himself and the world at large!
April 9, 2025
Another great read from Melissa Miller! I have yet to be disappointed by her work!
This one is so inspiring and refreshing! A must read in today’s crazy tumultuous world!
Sadly though, there are many typos that could have been avoided! 😵💫
This one is so inspiring and refreshing! A must read in today’s crazy tumultuous world!
Sadly though, there are many typos that could have been avoided! 😵💫
April 13, 2025
Miller keeps you guessing all the way through to the end. I have noticed a common and much needed theme in books and that is the tearing down of old buildings with no real plan for the displaced tenants and store owners who can no longer afford the rent. Great and informative read
May 12, 2025
Bodhi rules
A quiet Pathologist, learned man, wise beyond his years. Enjoy reading this book . A profound message is embodied within Bodhi’s message. This one reads a little slower than previous ones, but still enjoyable. Looking forward to the next one.
A quiet Pathologist, learned man, wise beyond his years. Enjoy reading this book . A profound message is embodied within Bodhi’s message. This one reads a little slower than previous ones, but still enjoyable. Looking forward to the next one.
March 29, 2025
A very fast read. Interesting people and situations. Tales of the places visited were thought-provoking. I enjoyed it.
March 30, 2025
This was not her usual Bodhi story. I didn't find the characters that compelling and the story was kind of predictable.
April 2, 2025
Another reason to not do anything but read. Full of suspense and outstanding characters. Well done, full of mystery
April 4, 2025
This may be my favorite Bodhi King book. The characters, relationships and theme really resonate with me.
You'll enjoy it, too!
You'll enjoy it, too!
April 4, 2025
Bodhi expects to go on a long meditative hike through the Allegheny Mountains but it doesn’t go quite as he expected.
He quite literally walked into a mysterious and dangerous situation.
He quite literally walked into a mysterious and dangerous situation.
Read
May 30, 2025Bodhi King novels are enlightening as well as enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews