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Sasha McCandless #8
Informed Consent
Book Eight in the USA TODAY Bestselling Sasha McCandless Legal Thriller Series.
As Sasha and Leo approach their second wedding anniversary, they have their hands full adjusting to life as new parents. Leo resolves to track down the father he never knew. Meanwhile, Sasha tackles a case on behalf of assisted living facility residents who may have been the unwitting subjects of medical research.
Both situations escalate unexpectedly, and Sasha and Leo are each forced to decide just how much they're willing to risk in the name of family.
As Sasha and Leo approach their second wedding anniversary, they have their hands full adjusting to life as new parents. Leo resolves to track down the father he never knew. Meanwhile, Sasha tackles a case on behalf of assisted living facility residents who may have been the unwitting subjects of medical research.
Both situations escalate unexpectedly, and Sasha and Leo are each forced to decide just how much they're willing to risk in the name of family.
361 pages, ebook
First published October 13, 2015
199 people are currently reading
534 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 34 reviews
March 15, 2022
Sasha gets involved in an ethical quandary regarding informed consent for research subjects.
New parents to twins, Sasha and Leo have their lives full juggling the babies and her career while he is pretty much functioning as househusband and gofer. A new case for Sasha has her investigating a researcher at a nearby geriatric facility where some of the volunteers for a project may not have truly understood what they had originally agreed to do as one doctor pushes through her study on the brains of those with dementia. As for Leo, things take a sudden turn when his long lost father reaches out to him.
I must say this is my least favorite so far. Not sure why, but Sasha seemed particularly self-righteous and the couple seemed to have a glitch in their decision making in several areas. Her constant ability to disarm and handle every thug that comes her way is getting a little old and the fight scenes, described in great detail, are only a bit unbelievable.
I think it must have been the topics and subtext that got me all bent, but I am going to forge ahead in my reading binge of this series with #9.
New parents to twins, Sasha and Leo have their lives full juggling the babies and her career while he is pretty much functioning as househusband and gofer. A new case for Sasha has her investigating a researcher at a nearby geriatric facility where some of the volunteers for a project may not have truly understood what they had originally agreed to do as one doctor pushes through her study on the brains of those with dementia. As for Leo, things take a sudden turn when his long lost father reaches out to him.
I must say this is my least favorite so far. Not sure why, but Sasha seemed particularly self-righteous and the couple seemed to have a glitch in their decision making in several areas. Her constant ability to disarm and handle every thug that comes her way is getting a little old and the fight scenes, described in great detail, are only a bit unbelievable.
I think it must have been the topics and subtext that got me all bent, but I am going to forge ahead in my reading binge of this series with #9.
October 16, 2017
What would you have done?
This book combines two stories which share a single theme. Suppose you could save the life of your father, who happened to be a merciless killer. You were the only one who could offer a liver transplant. What would you have done? Suppose you could discover a cure for Alzheimer's disease, but in order to do so you would have to violate court procedures by autopsying brain matter from corpses without obtaining "informed consent" What would you have done? Both questions are worth pondering. You hold the power of life and death in your hands. The author adds a side story which seeks to influence the reader and also justify calling the book a thriller. I think this is not useful when considering the seriousness of the question raised. What would I have done? I expect to ponder that question for a long time.
This book combines two stories which share a single theme. Suppose you could save the life of your father, who happened to be a merciless killer. You were the only one who could offer a liver transplant. What would you have done? Suppose you could discover a cure for Alzheimer's disease, but in order to do so you would have to violate court procedures by autopsying brain matter from corpses without obtaining "informed consent" What would you have done? Both questions are worth pondering. You hold the power of life and death in your hands. The author adds a side story which seeks to influence the reader and also justify calling the book a thriller. I think this is not useful when considering the seriousness of the question raised. What would I have done? I expect to ponder that question for a long time.
July 25, 2020
This one is a tribute to Henrietta Lacks. We learn about the law and how it relates to body parts in research studies, particularly when life/death blurrings arise. Wonderful bonus knowledge skillfully integrated on Jewish traditions related to the passing of a loved one, all in the framework of another compelling contribution to the series from Miller. Also, sort of on a fantasy level as far as I am concerned, Leo and Sasha deftly demonstrate how to care for two month old twins with phenomenal timing of teamwork. (This is not a complaint on my part, I am just in awe.)
July 28, 2025
The good guys ride again! The latest McCandless-Connelly thriller has dual plot lines. In one, Connelly is looking for his unknown father to complete a DNA picture for the twins; in the other, a character from an earlier book reaches out to Sasha for help protecting dementia patients from an over-enthusiastic researcher. Great plotting, interesting characters, and competent editing, what more could an enthusiastic reader ask for?
December 22, 2024
A brilliant doctor is on the brink of a major discovery in the field of Alzheimer's treatment. Just how far she and others will go to further their cause is at the heart of this book. Sasha and Leo are now juggling life as parents of twins along with a dog and cat as well as always-challenging cases. A good one.
November 19, 2019
Waiting for the next one
While these books stretch the imagination sometimes, they’re an easy, interesting read. Although they are stand-alone novels, I can’t think that they would be as interesting without reading them in order.
While these books stretch the imagination sometimes, they’re an easy, interesting read. Although they are stand-alone novels, I can’t think that they would be as interesting without reading them in order.
December 11, 2019
Another good book.
Enjoyed it but it was not as good as the other books in this series.
After reading 8 books and a few novellas in a row I think I will have a break from this series for awhile.
I still like Sasha and Leo though.
Enjoyed it but it was not as good as the other books in this series.
After reading 8 books and a few novellas in a row I think I will have a break from this series for awhile.
I still like Sasha and Leo though.
February 15, 2020
Interesting book that confronts us with an ethical challenge: should the rights of one individual be sacrificed for the benefit of the many? Aren’t the rights of just one individual the summary of the rights of the many and by sacrificing just one, are we not sacrificing us all?
January 16, 2021
Doctors, lawyers, reporters. Oh my.
Twins, aging, consent for medical research. Family ties. Morality and medicine. The lines can be hazy. Then there's actual disregard for the law. What happens when people decide to ignore the law. Read and find out.
Twins, aging, consent for medical research. Family ties. Morality and medicine. The lines can be hazy. Then there's actual disregard for the law. What happens when people decide to ignore the law. Read and find out.
April 28, 2022
Melissa Miller has a way of writing to keep her readers going. This book like the others in the series was very enjoyable reading. I love how she keeps her husband in the stories. She appears to,tackle all types of situations in life. Another great read.
May 8, 2017
Loved it!
June 18, 2018
Unanticipated!
This story line was truly unanticipated! And that’s a rarity with as many books as I read. Needless to say, I lost a bit of sleep and enjoyed the experience!
This story line was truly unanticipated! And that’s a rarity with as many books as I read. Needless to say, I lost a bit of sleep and enjoyed the experience!
April 19, 2020
My least favorite of the books so far. But I still enjoyed it.
July 20, 2020
Plot is given away almost immediately. Main characters have no flaws Nd make no wrong moves. Pathetic mystery
October 23, 2020
Sasha and Leo get into some weird situations, eventually involving a long hairpin and krav maga. Totally believable, really.
August 17, 2021
Great series. Very interesting.
August 28, 2021
Totally suspenseful and emotional storyline. Great characters.
Want to read
April 27, 2024Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
August 1, 2016
With every Sasha novel, I feel I’ve learnt something: and Informed Consent, book no. 8 in the Sasha McCandless series, is no different. This latest instalment takes Sasha to an assisted living facility, whose elderly residents may have become prey to an unscrupulous medical researcher. Oh and...remember Leo had been trying to trace his father? Well….I will not say more to avoid giving away spoilers, but rest assured this is an absolute page-turner, and possibly the best book in the series so far (I know I might have said that about some of the previous books too).
I will confess, I was a little worried about Sasha after motherhood: I’m not a huge fan of babies storylines and graphic descriptions of diapers, and I have an almost-phobia of toddlers. But somehow, when it comes to Sasha and Leo, the babies ‘stuff’ works and even adds a sprinkling of humour here and there. In other words, don’t worry: Sasha hasn’t gone soft on us and her trusted old Krav Maga skills will make an appearance in the novel, to the delight, no doubt, of many of us ‘old fans’.
An excellent read that you won't be able to put down.
I will confess, I was a little worried about Sasha after motherhood: I’m not a huge fan of babies storylines and graphic descriptions of diapers, and I have an almost-phobia of toddlers. But somehow, when it comes to Sasha and Leo, the babies ‘stuff’ works and even adds a sprinkling of humour here and there. In other words, don’t worry: Sasha hasn’t gone soft on us and her trusted old Krav Maga skills will make an appearance in the novel, to the delight, no doubt, of many of us ‘old fans’.
An excellent read that you won't be able to put down.
October 22, 2015
M. Miller's last book is a fun quick read and a fast paced story. I liked the theme of medical research on dementia and alzheimer's disease as well as the references to the Henrietta Lacks book, and of course all the grey area of the law on terms of medical consents. I had a feeling of accomplishment by starting and finishing the book on the same day.
My main surprise with Informed Consent is all the lose ends in the plot. What happened to half of the characters involved, the "good" and the "bad" doctors? What about all the baggage of Mr. Wynn, his past life and crimes?
The book is short and it felt a bit rushed to me. I'm wondering why the author didn't develop the supporting characters and stories any further. Maybe it is all left for another book? Perhaps so, but I wish I would have known a bit more about them in this one.
Overall a fun read and looking forward to "International Incident".
My main surprise with Informed Consent is all the lose ends in the plot. What happened to half of the characters involved, the "good" and the "bad" doctors? What about all the baggage of Mr. Wynn, his past life and crimes?
The book is short and it felt a bit rushed to me. I'm wondering why the author didn't develop the supporting characters and stories any further. Maybe it is all left for another book? Perhaps so, but I wish I would have known a bit more about them in this one.
Overall a fun read and looking forward to "International Incident".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2017
Brilliant
Very impressed with Melissa F. Miller. This is the first book I've read of hers and I can highly recommend it
Very impressed with Melissa F. Miller. This is the first book I've read of hers and I can highly recommend it
October 22, 2015
Sasha and Leo are adjusting to life as parents, juggling their crazy lives with their 2-month old twins. Sasha gets a call from Dr. Kayser, a friend from a previous book. He's concerned with events at Golden Village, a retirement home that handles healthy retirees and those with dementia. It seems that some patients have been having their brains dissected after death - without giving their consent.
At the same time, Leo is searching for his father, and gets an invitation from a mysterious stranger to visit him in Maine. The 2 stories come together, with a fair amount of intrigue and action. Like most Sasha stories, I'd like a little more of both, but it's still a fun read.
At the same time, Leo is searching for his father, and gets an invitation from a mysterious stranger to visit him in Maine. The 2 stories come together, with a fair amount of intrigue and action. Like most Sasha stories, I'd like a little more of both, but it's still a fun read.
October 13, 2015
There are lots of things to like about this book. Naya is a lawyer now, the twins are adorable, Leo is a stay-at-home dad, there are moral dilemmas, Sasha still goes a mile a minute, and the story of Henrietta Lacks plays a part. The author keeps the different storylines rolling along, never dropping a thread. She brings everything to a satisfying conclusion.
*I was a fan of Melissa Miller's books long before I got the privilege of reading an advance copy of this story for proofreading purposes.
*I was a fan of Melissa Miller's books long before I got the privilege of reading an advance copy of this story for proofreading purposes.
August 14, 2016
Love her books!
I have read the first eight books of the Sasha McCandless series and enjoyed them all. I feel as if I know all the characters well. I love the way Melissa Miller threads her characters into each story and usually ties in a current topic or name of a recent book with factual information. I would have given it 5 stars, but I have a problem with knowing " who dun it" so early in the story. I am about to read book 9 and then go on to another series written by the same author.
I have read the first eight books of the Sasha McCandless series and enjoyed them all. I feel as if I know all the characters well. I love the way Melissa Miller threads her characters into each story and usually ties in a current topic or name of a recent book with factual information. I would have given it 5 stars, but I have a problem with knowing " who dun it" so early in the story. I am about to read book 9 and then go on to another series written by the same author.
February 25, 2023
I found this to be an excellent medical thriller. I have not read any other booKS in this series but will now. This book was especially interesting to me as I have a medical background and studied at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh making many of the locations familiar. Definitely a great weekend read.
I received this book as part of a Good reads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
I received this book as part of a Good reads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
January 3, 2016
Sasha and Leo back at again.
I like how Sasha and Leo relationship is growing as there family and life are changing. Also, that Leo finally get to meet his father even if its not the meeting expect and that Sasha learning to compromise and spend less time at the office. I can't wait to see where this going.
I like how Sasha and Leo relationship is growing as there family and life are changing. Also, that Leo finally get to meet his father even if its not the meeting expect and that Sasha learning to compromise and spend less time at the office. I can't wait to see where this going.
October 17, 2015
Captivating!
Sasha and Leo manage to keep your attention riveted on their problems and finally their solutions. This is an excellent mystery with legal issues and ways to discover the truth. All this in addition to being parents to twins. Melissa Miller certainly does know how to keep you on the edge of your seat
Sasha and Leo manage to keep your attention riveted on their problems and finally their solutions. This is an excellent mystery with legal issues and ways to discover the truth. All this in addition to being parents to twins. Melissa Miller certainly does know how to keep you on the edge of your seat
December 13, 2015
Good book!
Great read. Easy to follow and some very inventive issues presented. Another success for Melissa! This is a great story with some good character development. A read worth your time. I recommend this book to anyone interested in exciting stories. You really don't have to read this story in order. Just open up and enjoy.
Great read. Easy to follow and some very inventive issues presented. Another success for Melissa! This is a great story with some good character development. A read worth your time. I recommend this book to anyone interested in exciting stories. You really don't have to read this story in order. Just open up and enjoy.
October 22, 2015
Superb as always!
Another homerun! The continuing adventures of Sasha and Leo are spellbinding. This was another "I can't put this book down". I will anxiously await the next adventure in the saga. Thank you Melissa!
Another homerun! The continuing adventures of Sasha and Leo are spellbinding. This was another "I can't put this book down". I will anxiously await the next adventure in the saga. Thank you Melissa!
January 16, 2016
Enjoyed the entire series!
For me, I love thrillers and now being a fan of Sasha McCandless really helped my 5 star rating. I'm looking forward to read the next book(s) about Sasha! Thank you Ms. Miller!
For me, I love thrillers and now being a fan of Sasha McCandless really helped my 5 star rating. I'm looking forward to read the next book(s) about Sasha! Thank you Ms. Miller!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews