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Aroostine Higgins #1
Critical Vulnerability: A Sasha McCandless Companion Novel
Governments, hospitals, and industry use computerized industrial control systems to remotely monitor and control elevators, electricity, alarms, surveillance systems, and more. It's convenient and efficient. And potentially deadly.
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.
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.
An unseen enemy is determined to destroy her—and the only man she's ever loved—unless she finds him first.
Critical Vulnerability is the latest whip-smart legal thriller by USA TODAY Bestselling
Author Melissa F. Miller.
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.
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.
An unseen enemy is determined to destroy her—and the only man she's ever loved—unless she finds him first.
Critical Vulnerability is the latest whip-smart legal thriller by USA TODAY Bestselling
Author Melissa F. Miller.
249 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
3016 people are currently reading
2304 people want to read
About the author
Melissa F. Miller
89 books594 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 242 reviews
April 13, 2017
It was a huge letdown what was touted to be legal thriller. An attorney is fighting a case of corruption against a company which is embroiled in federal suit against the US govt. Soon it turns out to be a case of kidnapping and blackmail. The attorney spends more time outdoors trying to crack the case than inside courts. The plot is very basic and mislabelled as a legal thriller, with no courtroom drama.
I downloaded a copy from Amazon given the good ratings it received and had expected an enjoyable read but was thoroughly disappointed. Should be more careful while downloading such books. Still got a couple of them on my kindle. Hope these turn out good.
I downloaded a copy from Amazon given the good ratings it received and had expected an enjoyable read but was thoroughly disappointed. Should be more careful while downloading such books. Still got a couple of them on my kindle. Hope these turn out good.
September 27, 2016
I couldn't finished the book and left it at page 110. It was a book with Lots of details with no relevance to the main plot. [for example author begins to talk about a man wakes up in a room and continues to explain the physical conditions of the room and the bed on "pages" or you will find a complete "chapter" about what kind of "pen" the main character likes to use on writing the letters; actually is it necessary to write about something like that to fill the pages and make a novel?!] even the texts about the main story was not interesting and catchy and was a little bit boring to me. I think writer has tried to show her proficiency in English literature and then has used her own style of writing intentionally that made the story a little bit more technical than sensational. up to the page 110, nothing happens except someone got another one as hostage to push her son to do illegal things. there was not any interesting thing up to this point to made me read more pages and wonder what happens next. despite that I'm not native English man, but I've read many books (technical/non-technical) since 15 years ago and still reading. I found that the author used more expressions and advanced English than usual to show how she knows the English better than everyone else!
Anyway, I'd gotten this book on Amazon because it was very cheap and most readers liked it much. but i didn't like it at and don't recommend to anyone, while there are lots of books out there to read and enjoy.
Anyway, I'd gotten this book on Amazon because it was very cheap and most readers liked it much. but i didn't like it at and don't recommend to anyone, while there are lots of books out there to read and enjoy.
February 28, 2016
This book surprised me a lot! I usually don't read adult so I was very surprised when I felt like I was reading young adult! I really connected to Aroostine even though I'm not a lawyer or an adult. For being super short all of the characters are very developed and have great personalities. I love how Aroostine was so focused on her job at the weirdest of times such as when she gets her wisdom teeth out. Overall I love this book and all of its mystery action!
July 10, 2017
I got this book free from Bookbub and since I am a huge fan of medical and legal thrillers, I was instantly interested.
Sure, the beginning of the novel gripped me and I did not put it down till 60%. But then, the tempo slowed down and it ceased to be a "thriller". It is not a "legal" thriller, if a thriller at all. You guess what the end is going to be like much before end. The ideal thriller needs to be a real page turner and suspense should be continuous till end, which, sadly, is almost absent in the later half of the novel. Also, there is no courtroom drama either.
[Spoiler]
It would have been true thriller, if Aroostine could find on her own that she is being stalked and the events happening are result of a planned strategy to remove her from the case, rather than Franklin telling her.
[/Spoiler]
In many thrillers that I have read, there is a cat and mouse game going on between killer, victim and sometimes the police, each taking the plot to a satisfying end. This "thriller" element is missing here.
But I give it 2 stars because of the writing style, which is good and gripping.
Sure, the beginning of the novel gripped me and I did not put it down till 60%. But then, the tempo slowed down and it ceased to be a "thriller". It is not a "legal" thriller, if a thriller at all. You guess what the end is going to be like much before end. The ideal thriller needs to be a real page turner and suspense should be continuous till end, which, sadly, is almost absent in the later half of the novel. Also, there is no courtroom drama either.
[Spoiler]
It would have been true thriller, if Aroostine could find on her own that she is being stalked and the events happening are result of a planned strategy to remove her from the case, rather than Franklin telling her.
[/Spoiler]
In many thrillers that I have read, there is a cat and mouse game going on between killer, victim and sometimes the police, each taking the plot to a satisfying end. This "thriller" element is missing here.
But I give it 2 stars because of the writing style, which is good and gripping.
March 6, 2018
Not a bad book at all. Not a legal thriller at all either. Reads well. Some unnecessary filler here and there. Kept my attention anyway throughout the book.
January 1, 2024
A slow-moving book which picked up in the middle and a good peak; quite a unique twist and turn. Nice touch on the escape route from the bad guy. The ending doesn’t quite capture me but it’s okay.
A good read if you want a glimpse of the justice system of a country via a fictional standpoint.
A good read if you want a glimpse of the justice system of a country via a fictional standpoint.
December 28, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
4.5 / 5
I absolutely adore this book!!
I love the ending.
I think the whole climax was pretty anti-climatic, took all the thrill of unearthing the mystery away from the reader, but it was fun and all!!!
I love this book.
EDIT:
According to the other reviewers, this book isn't as good as other novels by Miller. But this is my first novel of hers and here I say that this is pretty good.
The plot was straight to the point, presenting the characters as they already are.
Aroostine was not all I expected. I thought of her as a little bit brighter than she was but that's fine and she's likeable and all. But she just didn't pass through my expectations.
Fred or was that Frank... whatever. That guy! Yeah, well, I agree with his mother when it come to him.
The writing made story flow and I can't say that the plot was not predictable - because it is. I was excited to read this because I am into solving a mystery - not on the other part of the mystery which was where Aroostine and the book is.
Overall, I liked the characters, I love the ending, the plot was pretty much predictable but good. The writing was great and I do adore the book - because well, the romance between Joe and Aroostine.
4.5 / 5
I absolutely adore this book!!
I love the ending.
I think the whole climax was pretty anti-climatic, took all the thrill of unearthing the mystery away from the reader, but it was fun and all!!!
I love this book.
EDIT:
According to the other reviewers, this book isn't as good as other novels by Miller. But this is my first novel of hers and here I say that this is pretty good.
The plot was straight to the point, presenting the characters as they already are.
Aroostine was not all I expected. I thought of her as a little bit brighter than she was but that's fine and she's likeable and all. But she just didn't pass through my expectations.
Fred or was that Frank... whatever. That guy! Yeah, well, I agree with his mother when it come to him.
The writing made story flow and I can't say that the plot was not predictable - because it is. I was excited to read this because I am into solving a mystery - not on the other part of the mystery which was where Aroostine and the book is.
Overall, I liked the characters, I love the ending, the plot was pretty much predictable but good. The writing was great and I do adore the book - because well, the romance between Joe and Aroostine.
May 21, 2015
Critical Vulnerability is the first of two (so far) books with the protagonist Aroostine Higgins. Higgins is a federal prosecutor, and is a Native American who was raised by a non-Native couple after her parents and grandfather died.
She is working in Washington, DC, while her husband, a craftsman in wood, remained behind at their previous home. He had told her he would support her in her career, but hasn't been able to make himself move to the big city. He goes so far as to file for divorce, which breaks her heart.
Aroostine is a little uncomfortable with Native American spirituality, but she has a spirit animal--a beaver that she has yet to name--and she finds it impossible not to pay attention to him.
I really enjoyed this book, and found it to remind me a little of the Jane Whitefield books by Thomas Perry. Probably just because Jane is a Native American also, and tries to keep her Native American side alive while living in the non-Native world.
I found the mystery in this book absorbing, as well as the story between Aroostine and her husband. Very much worth the read.
I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
She is working in Washington, DC, while her husband, a craftsman in wood, remained behind at their previous home. He had told her he would support her in her career, but hasn't been able to make himself move to the big city. He goes so far as to file for divorce, which breaks her heart.
Aroostine is a little uncomfortable with Native American spirituality, but she has a spirit animal--a beaver that she has yet to name--and she finds it impossible not to pay attention to him.
I really enjoyed this book, and found it to remind me a little of the Jane Whitefield books by Thomas Perry. Probably just because Jane is a Native American also, and tries to keep her Native American side alive while living in the non-Native world.
I found the mystery in this book absorbing, as well as the story between Aroostine and her husband. Very much worth the read.
I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
December 20, 2017
Just a fair thriller rather a contrived plot; however I think Ms. Miller is an excellent writer and if she applied herself could produce works comparable to writers such as S. Grafton and Jacqueline Winspear.
I did enjoy the book and look forward to a better product.
I did enjoy the book and look forward to a better product.
March 13, 2017
story line okay, main character likable, but the end didn't make any sense. What was so great about Joe?
September 23, 2019
It was a little slow and too much lawyer talk but still enjoyed the suspense. Just enough to want to go on reading.
August 7, 2020
3.5 stars, raised to 4
Aroostine is a Native American who was raised by her grandfather until his death when she was 7. She was then adopted by his friends, a well off white couple who parented and educated her. She is now an Attorney is the US Attorney’s Criminal Justice Department in Washington DC. She is readying her first trial in that office, when she begins having unexplainable problems in almost every area of her life. She then learns that an unknown individual connected to the case has taken the Mother of one of the lead programmers for the software company she is investigating and then that her husband who lives in rural Pennsylvania has also been taken. The story starts very slowly but about a third of the way through speeds up to a thriller that makes you stick with it regardless of other commitments. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
Aroostine is a Native American who was raised by her grandfather until his death when she was 7. She was then adopted by his friends, a well off white couple who parented and educated her. She is now an Attorney is the US Attorney’s Criminal Justice Department in Washington DC. She is readying her first trial in that office, when she begins having unexplainable problems in almost every area of her life. She then learns that an unknown individual connected to the case has taken the Mother of one of the lead programmers for the software company she is investigating and then that her husband who lives in rural Pennsylvania has also been taken. The story starts very slowly but about a third of the way through speeds up to a thriller that makes you stick with it regardless of other commitments. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
April 10, 2017
Despite the fact that there was a lot going on I enjoyed this book. It kept me in suspense until the very end.
August 19, 2015
Thanks to netgalley.com, Melissa F. Miller and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC book for my review.
Critical Vulnerability is an enjoyable read. Liked the fast pace, that it had spying using technology, sabotage, attempted murder, arson and a Beaver, that was a Native American Animal Spirit.
I liked the Aroostine Higgins character, being Native American, a lawyer, that finds herself in awkward situations and like how she seeks her spirit guide a Beaver for help.
Like how the Melissa F. Miller included a little backstory to Aroostine, her grandfather that taught her the Native American ways and being adopted. Rosie, Mitchell, Franklin, his Mom and Joe all make the story that much better.
The only thing I hated with this one was the ending. Can't see someone in a marriage, that gets blindsided by divorce papers and then being that forgiving to stay in the marriage.
Critical Vulnerability is an enjoyable read. Liked the fast pace, that it had spying using technology, sabotage, attempted murder, arson and a Beaver, that was a Native American Animal Spirit.
I liked the Aroostine Higgins character, being Native American, a lawyer, that finds herself in awkward situations and like how she seeks her spirit guide a Beaver for help.
Like how the Melissa F. Miller included a little backstory to Aroostine, her grandfather that taught her the Native American ways and being adopted. Rosie, Mitchell, Franklin, his Mom and Joe all make the story that much better.
The only thing I hated with this one was the ending. Can't see someone in a marriage, that gets blindsided by divorce papers and then being that forgiving to stay in the marriage.
December 6, 2017
Although the Aroostine, the central protagonist, is likable, interesting and easy-to-root-for, the story has a few too many coincidences, meaningless and inconsequential details (why introduce the fact she'd stabbed a guy with scissors at a destination wedding unless it's going to pay off? Unless Chekov's knife has a resolution, it's just words for the sake of words).
The ending undermined the strength of the main character. Aroostine's Native American heritage is written in a way that is patronizing and furthering the Ethnic Magician trope (with a touch of Badass Native thrown in for good measure).
Ultimately this is a somewhat enjoyable if inconsequential book that unlike many of its contemporaries, makes me actually like (and not actively hate) the protagonist - up until the last page that is.
The ending undermined the strength of the main character. Aroostine's Native American heritage is written in a way that is patronizing and furthering the Ethnic Magician trope (with a touch of Badass Native thrown in for good measure).
Ultimately this is a somewhat enjoyable if inconsequential book that unlike many of its contemporaries, makes me actually like (and not actively hate) the protagonist - up until the last page that is.
October 18, 2017
Some things I liked, some things I didn't
I have read all of this author's legal thriller series. This is the first book in the Aroostine Higgins series which I have read. I found the characters very interesting, and also the locations in which the story takes place. I enjoyed the conclusion much less. It seemed a very far fetched ending, abrupt and illogical. I haven't decided whether or not to read the second in this series.
I have read all of this author's legal thriller series. This is the first book in the Aroostine Higgins series which I have read. I found the characters very interesting, and also the locations in which the story takes place. I enjoyed the conclusion much less. It seemed a very far fetched ending, abrupt and illogical. I haven't decided whether or not to read the second in this series.
May 2, 2019
Meh
It’s just an ok book. I didn’t really like the characters. Plus the story felt rushed and also kinda unbelievable (aka full of bs) e.g.: SPOILERS (kinda)
- the relationship between the husband/wife
- her “skills” even though she hasn’t used it for 25+ years
- her “visions”
- the technology / the tech guy who no one can beat
- the way the boss reacts in the end
I got the first book for free, but def wouldn’t buy the next one in the series.
It’s just an ok book. I didn’t really like the characters. Plus the story felt rushed and also kinda unbelievable (aka full of bs) e.g.: SPOILERS (kinda)
- the relationship between the husband/wife
- her “skills” even though she hasn’t used it for 25+ years
- her “visions”
- the technology / the tech guy who no one can beat
- the way the boss reacts in the end
I got the first book for free, but def wouldn’t buy the next one in the series.
May 9, 2019
It was called a legal thriller, I disagree. I'd call it more of a cyber thriller. An attorney is trying a case again a foreign entity, and they are fighting back, but not in the courtroom. It was fast paced and maybe what I would call over developed. Seemed too complicated, too disjointed, too much going on for me. It took me too long to finish because I had to go back and re-read so much to get it. Just an okay read for me.
June 24, 2019
The general plot was quite interesting assuming readers were able to accept the premise that the main character and her friends would be willing to break the laws and their codes of legal ethics in order to permit the story to proceed. As a rather old guy (71) I still find it difficult to relate to female lead characters and that made this novel more difficult for me to appreciate, but that's my problem and not the author's.
June 28, 2016
Good summer reading.
Slow, parts dragged on and on. This author writes good books of suspense, thrills and romance. Aroostine was raised by her grandfather, after his dead at the age of seven was adopted. She is a Lenape native American, has many skills thought by her grandfather. Even I guessed the ending from the start, it was good, light reading.
Slow, parts dragged on and on. This author writes good books of suspense, thrills and romance. Aroostine was raised by her grandfather, after his dead at the age of seven was adopted. She is a Lenape native American, has many skills thought by her grandfather. Even I guessed the ending from the start, it was good, light reading.
July 17, 2017
A Thriller You Won't Want to Miss
I really enjoyed reading this book. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. It had a great ending giving the author the opportunity to continue future books with the same characters. If you enjoy suspense and trying to figure out who the bad guy is, buy this book. You won't regret it.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. It had a great ending giving the author the opportunity to continue future books with the same characters. If you enjoy suspense and trying to figure out who the bad guy is, buy this book. You won't regret it.
September 25, 2017
I enjoyed this book even if the computer explanations were beyond my understanding I still got the drift. A lawyer is trying a Justice case and the opposition does what it can to prevent her from going to trial - even possible murder. A fast moving exciting tale..
October 21, 2017
Good book!
This book was a little slow to start but once it got going it was pretty good. Roo's native American roots helped her to solve the crime. I also appreciate a book with out profanity and explicit sex.
This book was a little slow to start but once it got going it was pretty good. Roo's native American roots helped her to solve the crime. I also appreciate a book with out profanity and explicit sex.
March 23, 2018
Fabulous Read
Really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters, the writing style and the legal drama. I was a legal assistant for 25+ years and the legal drama was very realistic. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this Series.
Really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters, the writing style and the legal drama. I was a legal assistant for 25+ years and the legal drama was very realistic. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this Series.
April 16, 2018
Decent Read
It wasn’t a bad read but I think I’m bias to her other series with her main character Sasha and her life as a powerful attorney and all that that comes with.
I will continue to read this series...who know I may come to love it! Lol
It wasn’t a bad read but I think I’m bias to her other series with her main character Sasha and her life as a powerful attorney and all that that comes with.
I will continue to read this series...who know I may come to love it! Lol
April 19, 2018
Great!
Different from other books in that the lead role is a Native American and she has not lost what Grandfather taught her! Aroostine calls upon the teachings and insights to center and calm her nerves. I love this book and will have to get another!
Different from other books in that the lead role is a Native American and she has not lost what Grandfather taught her! Aroostine calls upon the teachings and insights to center and calm her nerves. I love this book and will have to get another!
November 12, 2018
A very good talented lawyer
A really good book. Loved it because of it's twists and turns. Kept my attention throughout. Recommend this book to readers who like mystery, suspense and thrills in a story. Gave it 5 stars because it was a great read from beginning to end.
A really good book. Loved it because of it's twists and turns. Kept my attention throughout. Recommend this book to readers who like mystery, suspense and thrills in a story. Gave it 5 stars because it was a great read from beginning to end.
May 21, 2019
Ms. Miller has a fast reading story here. The characters are realistic and the plot is believable! The 250 pages flew bye. I will pick put another of Ms. Miller books in the future to enjoy.
Thank you.
Chuck Mercik
Thank you.
Chuck Mercik
March 2, 2017
An easy read and a real page turner. Felt it was wrapped up too nicely with too many conveniences. More like a 3.5
November 14, 2017
This book was ok.. found the ending a little far fetched and found myself saying ohhh please 🙄 several times
Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews