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Aroostine Higgins #4
Called Home
With nothing left to lose, Aroostine becomes a relentless tracker who will stop at nothing to find a missing girl in this gripping thriller from USA Today bestseller Melissa F. Miller.After her husband dies in a car accident, Aroostine wants to be left alone to mourn. But when a teenager goes missing and the authorities write her off as a rebellious runaway, an old friend calls in a favor for the girl’s desperate mother.Still reeling from Joe’s death, Aroostine sets off on a cross-country hunt that puts her in the cross-hairs of a shadowy organization with violent ties as she searches for a girl who has very good reasons to want to stay lost.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2018
113 people are currently reading
73 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 16, 2018
I started “Called Home”, the fourth and latest instalment in the Aroostine Higgins series, immediately after devouring “Calculated Risk”, whose creepy, southern gothic-flavoured plot had kept me reading into the early hours of the morning for several consecutive nights. I thought the third book was the best in the series so far, so I was keen to find out if and how the next one could surpass it. It did.
If summarising the plot of a thriller without giving away spoilers is hard at the best of times, it’s downright impossible for “Called Home”. What I can tell you is that it starts immediately after a major event which will change the course of Aroostine’s life - and steer this series into a new direction, figuratively and literally, in the case of this this story by sending the former Assistant District Attorney on a road trip to find a missing teenager. As with the previous one, this book kept me turning page after page thanks to its breakneck pace, some seriously threatening baddies and the protagonist’s peculiar blend of pragmatic thinking and native American intuition. But what makes “Called Home” even more engrossing is a sense that Aroostine is forced to evolve in a way that she - and readers - would have never have expected. With this book, Melissa F. Miller made a brave choice which, although initially upsetting, will open up new avenues for future storylines and make this series stronger than ever.
If summarising the plot of a thriller without giving away spoilers is hard at the best of times, it’s downright impossible for “Called Home”. What I can tell you is that it starts immediately after a major event which will change the course of Aroostine’s life - and steer this series into a new direction, figuratively and literally, in the case of this this story by sending the former Assistant District Attorney on a road trip to find a missing teenager. As with the previous one, this book kept me turning page after page thanks to its breakneck pace, some seriously threatening baddies and the protagonist’s peculiar blend of pragmatic thinking and native American intuition. But what makes “Called Home” even more engrossing is a sense that Aroostine is forced to evolve in a way that she - and readers - would have never have expected. With this book, Melissa F. Miller made a brave choice which, although initially upsetting, will open up new avenues for future storylines and make this series stronger than ever.
June 19, 2020
A new favorite. [Spoiler alert at end of review.]
I have really enjoyed most of the books by Melissa Miller, read all of Sasha McCandles & Bodhi King series and loved them [4☆s]. This book stood out. I don't know if it was the timing in which I read them--Native Americans hit so very hard by Covid-19, and yet again treated so very unfairly by the US government, but this one hit home.
Not a good stand alone book though. Miller excels at character development, and those relationships are woven into the pattern of her stories.
Spoiler alert....
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I wonder if Dahlia will have her own series soon...she would make a great main character, AND show the many paths of hope possible, including not needing to be adopted out of Native American cultures to succeed and thrive.
I have really enjoyed most of the books by Melissa Miller, read all of Sasha McCandles & Bodhi King series and loved them [4☆s]. This book stood out. I don't know if it was the timing in which I read them--Native Americans hit so very hard by Covid-19, and yet again treated so very unfairly by the US government, but this one hit home.
Not a good stand alone book though. Miller excels at character development, and those relationships are woven into the pattern of her stories.
Spoiler alert....
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.....
.....
.....
....
....
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I wonder if Dahlia will have her own series soon...she would make a great main character, AND show the many paths of hope possible, including not needing to be adopted out of Native American cultures to succeed and thrive.
February 8, 2021
I'm just barreling through these stories since it's so cold outside and we're locked down anyway...not much else to do! Regardless, this was thoroughly enjoyable, though a little troubling at the start. I honestly thought I had missed something....did I miss a book? Was a chapter missing? In e-books one can never be too sure. It was a shock that the author killed off a major character. But the story built from there into a thrilling cat and mouse chase, with Aroostine pitting her wits against a paramilitary organization. Another solid story, and a new direction for Aroostine by the end of it. I think her new role may be a better fit for this character.
March 28, 2018
I read an early copy of the ebook and enjoyed it completely. The characters are interesting, and the author even has me believing in spirit animals. As the story opens, Aroostine is dealing with the loss of her beloved Joe. She can still feel and sometimes see his presence. Very reluctantly, she takes on the challenge of finding a missing native girl, Dahlia. In the process, she comes to terms with her loss and perhaps finds a new calling. The book was well-researched (as always with Miller's books) and thoughtful, in addition to being a whirlwind ride.
September 6, 2020
I was so pleased to find this newest book in this series
I have read all the books in all three of the series written by this author and I anxiously wait for the next book in each of them. They are very good books, usually a little unbelievable in their exploits, but they are so well-written and edited that you can give that a pass. There is excellent character development and Sasha, Aroostine and Bodhi become your friends. Both Aroostine and Bodhi are first introduced in the Sasha McDaniels series but they are all stand-alone series, too. I recommend all of them.
I have read all the books in all three of the series written by this author and I anxiously wait for the next book in each of them. They are very good books, usually a little unbelievable in their exploits, but they are so well-written and edited that you can give that a pass. There is excellent character development and Sasha, Aroostine and Bodhi become your friends. Both Aroostine and Bodhi are first introduced in the Sasha McDaniels series but they are all stand-alone series, too. I recommend all of them.
May 13, 2018
Heart touching
An amazing story of heartbreak when Too loses her living husband, i cried with her. Then she puts her feeling aside to go find a teenager that's lost and in trouble. What a turn of events while she tried to save the teen. Excellent story. Melissa Miller you hit this one out of the ballpark!
An amazing story of heartbreak when Too loses her living husband, i cried with her. Then she puts her feeling aside to go find a teenager that's lost and in trouble. What a turn of events while she tried to save the teen. Excellent story. Melissa Miller you hit this one out of the ballpark!
July 27, 2018
A fantastic book with perhaps my favorite character.
This book was a real page turner, which for me can be sad, since I am finished in 3 days. I love the character Aroostine. Plot was nicely constructed, with great twists. I didn’t like what happened to Joe, but it will be interesting to see where the series leads.
This book was a real page turner, which for me can be sad, since I am finished in 3 days. I love the character Aroostine. Plot was nicely constructed, with great twists. I didn’t like what happened to Joe, but it will be interesting to see where the series leads.
September 5, 2022
She had visions that seemed so real, she talked to those that had passed
Now a friend asked if she had talked to Joe yet, no it was hard enough
to get thru the day. They came for her help, a girl was missing, a living person,, a tribal person, could she. A moving story of her moving through grief and doing her job,and helping others.
Now a friend asked if she had talked to Joe yet, no it was hard enough
to get thru the day. They came for her help, a girl was missing, a living person,, a tribal person, could she. A moving story of her moving through grief and doing her job,and helping others.
October 20, 2018
Okay
Good story, but not your best work. Not as in-depth in character not as exciting as some of your other stories. Definitely a loyal fan of all your series, though. Keep in writing.
Good story, but not your best work. Not as in-depth in character not as exciting as some of your other stories. Definitely a loyal fan of all your series, though. Keep in writing.
April 10, 2019
Spoiler Alert
Another great story but was so taken when one of the main characters has a fatal accident!!! I can appreciate that it reminds us that life is not perfect and we all have to find our our path and direction when we are faced with challenges and lost.
Another great story but was so taken when one of the main characters has a fatal accident!!! I can appreciate that it reminds us that life is not perfect and we all have to find our our path and direction when we are faced with challenges and lost.
June 13, 2019
Another wonderful book
Aroostine has to learn how to become even more independent while grieving for Joe. She learns to drive and goes on a rescue mission. This story made me cry with Aroostine but she has visions of Joe that help her. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
Aroostine has to learn how to become even more independent while grieving for Joe. She learns to drive and goes on a rescue mission. This story made me cry with Aroostine but she has visions of Joe that help her. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
November 3, 2019
Love these books!
The Native American angle of this series is so interesting! The author brings to life the scenery of the Badlands as well as the customs of Native American people. Great read!
The Native American angle of this series is so interesting! The author brings to life the scenery of the Badlands as well as the customs of Native American people. Great read!
March 30, 2018
Book was too short. I love all the characters in the book.
April 13, 2018
Excellent book. Love all of Melissa's books.
April 17, 2018
An excellent read.
June 19, 2019
Shocking
Shocking twists start and end this book about Roo. Another fast paced story about Roo making a difference in the community and finding more about herself.
Shocking twists start and end this book about Roo. Another fast paced story about Roo making a difference in the community and finding more about herself.
September 16, 2019
Loving this series.
I hate spell check though! Ms Higgins & friends are an interesting bunch with interesting activities. Aroostine, hah I got it in this time!
I hate spell check though! Ms Higgins & friends are an interesting bunch with interesting activities. Aroostine, hah I got it in this time!
July 19, 2021
Good series…
January 21, 2022
One of my favorite Aroostine Higgins stories. I believe I experienced every emotion possible when reading this book. I had to stop at times because it became emotional.
January 18, 2024
Running Toward Happiness
I wasn't sure I would read this book at first but it became full of twists and turns and lots of illegal activity. Great story, great ending
I wasn't sure I would read this book at first but it became full of twists and turns and lots of illegal activity. Great story, great ending
December 23, 2025
A character changes into Rue Jackman. Fascinating story of a young Lakota who changes her life in tandem with Rue. Of course, some other Miller characters are also involved.
March 24, 2018
I was fortunate to receive an eArc of this book from Melissa hence the early review. The book is a fast paced gripping story you can't put down till you reach the end. It starts with a sense of melancholy but also mystery. Aroostine may have lost the love of her life, but she sure has found her calling
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews