What do you think?
Rate this book
Sasha McCandless #5
Improper Influence
Coming Summer 2013
Sasha and Connelly are back in IMPROPER INFLUENCE.
Even Sasha's most daunting cases to date haven't prepared her for her current challenge: finding a wedding reception venue that her mother and Connelly can both agree on.
Wedding planning woes become the least of her worries, though, when Bodhi King, a forensic pathologist for the City of Pittsburgh, comes to her for help. Young women across the city are dying, and he suspects their deaths are connected. After he voices his suspicions, he becomes a target. Bodhi needs Sasha and Connelly’s assistance to unearth the truth before it's buried along with more victims -- and him, if whoever's trying to silence him succeeds.
The trail is long and dirty, leading to political influencers, backroom deals, and the biggest law firm in town. But Sasha won’t stop until she frees the city she calls home from the grip of corruption—whatever the cost.
Sasha and Connelly are back in IMPROPER INFLUENCE.
Even Sasha's most daunting cases to date haven't prepared her for her current challenge: finding a wedding reception venue that her mother and Connelly can both agree on.
Wedding planning woes become the least of her worries, though, when Bodhi King, a forensic pathologist for the City of Pittsburgh, comes to her for help. Young women across the city are dying, and he suspects their deaths are connected. After he voices his suspicions, he becomes a target. Bodhi needs Sasha and Connelly’s assistance to unearth the truth before it's buried along with more victims -- and him, if whoever's trying to silence him succeeds.
The trail is long and dirty, leading to political influencers, backroom deals, and the biggest law firm in town. But Sasha won’t stop until she frees the city she calls home from the grip of corruption—whatever the cost.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2013
816 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
Melissa F. Miller
89 books591 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
December 10, 2022
3.5 rounded to 4 🌟s
October 5, 2013
[Please note: this review also appears on the UK and US Amazon stores]
Improper Influence, the fifth instalment in the Sasha McCandless Series, opens with one of my favourite quotes of all time:
“Three things shine before the world and cannot be hidden/They are the moon, the sun, and the truth”. It’s a Buddhist quote, and one that sets the tone for the story that follows: the search for the truth.
There is a certain Buddhist flavour to this book, added by a new, intriguing character - the forensic pathologist Bodhi King, a practising Buddhist who stumbles across a cluster of sudden unexplained deaths in his job at the corner’s office. When Bodhi’s laptop and personal notebooks disappear from his office, his suspicions are confirmed: someone is trying to stop him from discovering the truth. Whoever is scheming in the shadows, however, didn’t take into account the fact that the quiet, contemplative pathologist happens to play volleyball with Leo Connelly - Sasha McCandless’ fiancee. That can only mean one thing: Sasha’s got herself a new case, and with a new case, of course, comes trouble. What this means for us is that we have another page-turner from the queen of the indie legal thriller, Melissa F. Miller.
Just like its four predecessors, Improper Influence features all the ingredients that Miller’s loyal readers have grown to love: coffee, Krav Maga, meddling politicians and danger lurking at every corner. Scattered here and there throughout the novel are snippets of legal exposition, always presented in a clear, interesting way which never reads like like a Law for Dummies manual but which still makes you feel that you know the workings of the law well enough to represent yourself in a courtroom. And of course, again like the previous four, the case around which Improper Influence is centred feels as if it has been lifted from headline news: this time Sasha is dealing with the potential lethal effect of an energy drink. I don’t know how the author manages to find such a brilliant, current-sounding ‘hook’ for every novel, but the result is yet another compelling read, thanks to a storyline that walks the tightrope connecting the plausible and the downright outlandish, without ever losing its balance.
If you are already a fan of the series, this fifth instalment will not disappoint, and by the time you have reached the end you will be wanting to know when novel no. 6 is out. Fortunately for all of us, Melissa F. Miller is a prolific writer and I am sure that she will not have us wait too long until we are once again immersed in the trials and tribulations of our favourite fictional attorney.
Improper Influence, the fifth instalment in the Sasha McCandless Series, opens with one of my favourite quotes of all time:
“Three things shine before the world and cannot be hidden/They are the moon, the sun, and the truth”. It’s a Buddhist quote, and one that sets the tone for the story that follows: the search for the truth.
There is a certain Buddhist flavour to this book, added by a new, intriguing character - the forensic pathologist Bodhi King, a practising Buddhist who stumbles across a cluster of sudden unexplained deaths in his job at the corner’s office. When Bodhi’s laptop and personal notebooks disappear from his office, his suspicions are confirmed: someone is trying to stop him from discovering the truth. Whoever is scheming in the shadows, however, didn’t take into account the fact that the quiet, contemplative pathologist happens to play volleyball with Leo Connelly - Sasha McCandless’ fiancee. That can only mean one thing: Sasha’s got herself a new case, and with a new case, of course, comes trouble. What this means for us is that we have another page-turner from the queen of the indie legal thriller, Melissa F. Miller.
Just like its four predecessors, Improper Influence features all the ingredients that Miller’s loyal readers have grown to love: coffee, Krav Maga, meddling politicians and danger lurking at every corner. Scattered here and there throughout the novel are snippets of legal exposition, always presented in a clear, interesting way which never reads like like a Law for Dummies manual but which still makes you feel that you know the workings of the law well enough to represent yourself in a courtroom. And of course, again like the previous four, the case around which Improper Influence is centred feels as if it has been lifted from headline news: this time Sasha is dealing with the potential lethal effect of an energy drink. I don’t know how the author manages to find such a brilliant, current-sounding ‘hook’ for every novel, but the result is yet another compelling read, thanks to a storyline that walks the tightrope connecting the plausible and the downright outlandish, without ever losing its balance.
If you are already a fan of the series, this fifth instalment will not disappoint, and by the time you have reached the end you will be wanting to know when novel no. 6 is out. Fortunately for all of us, Melissa F. Miller is a prolific writer and I am sure that she will not have us wait too long until we are once again immersed in the trials and tribulations of our favourite fictional attorney.
Want to read
October 18, 2017FREE on Amazon today (10/18/2017)!
May 11, 2018
Legal Thriller
Sasha is an Attorney and engaged to Leo, a former government agent. She becomes involved in a civil suit about a “power”drink that may or may not be causing fit young women to die of heart problems. The Medical Examiner’s office is also involved as is the Mayor’s Office. I won’t go further into the plot because of spoilers, however there is murder, interference in the ME’s office, blatant dishonesty, violence and humor. All in all interesting reading. Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC for an honest review.
Sasha is an Attorney and engaged to Leo, a former government agent. She becomes involved in a civil suit about a “power”drink that may or may not be causing fit young women to die of heart problems. The Medical Examiner’s office is also involved as is the Mayor’s Office. I won’t go further into the plot because of spoilers, however there is murder, interference in the ME’s office, blatant dishonesty, violence and humor. All in all interesting reading. Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC for an honest review.
March 12, 2022
Another exciting legal thriller in this series.
This 5th installment has Sasha and Leo Connelly planning their upcoming nuptials while also dealing with a scandal and coverup in the Medical Examiner's Office. Women are dying of myocarditis and all have something in common that several different bad guys want to hide. The politicians are in bed with a local beverage company and again, greed makes them hide the evidence.
The stories in this series are so interesting and I really like the characters. It has been so much fun to read these back to back and become immersed in them without interruption. Lots of action and legal detail are accompanied by a little romance and a good plot. On to the next.
This 5th installment has Sasha and Leo Connelly planning their upcoming nuptials while also dealing with a scandal and coverup in the Medical Examiner's Office. Women are dying of myocarditis and all have something in common that several different bad guys want to hide. The politicians are in bed with a local beverage company and again, greed makes them hide the evidence.
The stories in this series are so interesting and I really like the characters. It has been so much fun to read these back to back and become immersed in them without interruption. Lots of action and legal detail are accompanied by a little romance and a good plot. On to the next.
November 9, 2019
This is a fun series to read
This is book 5 in a series about a tiny, feisty young lawyer who somehow is a danger magnet. Each book can be a stand-alone novel but I highly recommend reading them in order. My only complaint is about the editing as throughout the series there are adjectives missing in the dialogue, mainly connective adjectives like the, and and but. They’re few and far between but it can cause a disruption in the flow of the dialog. Other than that, the editing is fine. I hope the editors pick up on this but I am planning to read the rest of the series.
This is book 5 in a series about a tiny, feisty young lawyer who somehow is a danger magnet. Each book can be a stand-alone novel but I highly recommend reading them in order. My only complaint is about the editing as throughout the series there are adjectives missing in the dialogue, mainly connective adjectives like the, and and but. They’re few and far between but it can cause a disruption in the flow of the dialog. Other than that, the editing is fine. I hope the editors pick up on this but I am planning to read the rest of the series.
July 18, 2021
I've never understood the relatively recent obsession with power drinks but I am definitely in a minority. Everywhere I go there are people chugging them down. But why? They are expensive and regulated so they can't actually do much ... one of the great mysteries. Then again I have never understood Starbucks and their clones, I just want a cup of coffee.
Previously healthy young women are dropping dead in and around Pittsburgh - cause of death, heart failure. And heart failure is rare in the young. When coroner Bodhi King starts to investigate things begin to go wrong for him - his files, journal and personal computer, either disappear or are taken, he's attacked, and he's been put on administrative leave.
Bodhi's being followed - it's a good thing he knows Joe Connolly ... and Joe lives with Sasha McCandless, lawyer, danger magnet, and seriously behind on wedding planning.
Bodhi, Joe and Sasha put together a reason why the deaths are happening, but even being generous, it's a 50/50 probability. It's another example of forced plotting in the series, as is the finale in which Sasha takes one for the team.
The series overall is a classic example of an author who drives the stories forward at all cost, there is little or no deviation, description, or extended dialogue. That's not necessarily a bad thing but it does cut down on the suspense because you just know there's going to be a development coming along shortly.
"Improper Influence" does introduce the deadly femme fatale Mackenzie Lane - it's only a matter of time before she resurfaces in the series. And, when she does, there's a slapdown coming her way.
The Sasha McCandless series has its faults, dodgy plotting and the rather odd way in which Sasha and Leo are either in the middle of the danger or heading towards it at all times - but, despite that it remains very readable.
Previously healthy young women are dropping dead in and around Pittsburgh - cause of death, heart failure. And heart failure is rare in the young. When coroner Bodhi King starts to investigate things begin to go wrong for him - his files, journal and personal computer, either disappear or are taken, he's attacked, and he's been put on administrative leave.
Bodhi's being followed - it's a good thing he knows Joe Connolly ... and Joe lives with Sasha McCandless, lawyer, danger magnet, and seriously behind on wedding planning.
Bodhi, Joe and Sasha put together a reason why the deaths are happening, but even being generous, it's a 50/50 probability. It's another example of forced plotting in the series, as is the finale in which Sasha takes one for the team.
The series overall is a classic example of an author who drives the stories forward at all cost, there is little or no deviation, description, or extended dialogue. That's not necessarily a bad thing but it does cut down on the suspense because you just know there's going to be a development coming along shortly.
"Improper Influence" does introduce the deadly femme fatale Mackenzie Lane - it's only a matter of time before she resurfaces in the series. And, when she does, there's a slapdown coming her way.
The Sasha McCandless series has its faults, dodgy plotting and the rather odd way in which Sasha and Leo are either in the middle of the danger or heading towards it at all times - but, despite that it remains very readable.
April 6, 2018
Improper Influence (Sasha McCandless Legal Thriller Book 5) by Melissa F. Miller was a good read. All the main character are very lifelike, easy to like, and believable. On the other hand, Sasha, as the heroine trained in Krav Maga is inconsistent in her action. One moment she attacks a scalpel wielding villain and defeats him even after she sustains a life threatening wound. She knew she could die from her wounds because an artery had been cut yet she continues to fight to protect her two charges. She survived because one of her charges, a doctor, stems the arterial flow until help arrives. Great action scene. Then, a few pages later we see Sasha getting clobbered by another female, decked by a single punch, when she had plenty of time to defend herself. That doesn't sound like the fearless, Krav Maga trained heroine that Sasha is supposed to be. That disappointed me terribly and was what kept me from giving this read a five star rating. Still, Melissa F. Miller is an author well worth reading.
Read
May 10, 2020I very much enjoyed this fifth installment of the Sasha McCandless series. Sasha has quickly become one of my favorite attorney-mystery solvers. This book introduces the character of Bodhi King, a buddhist medical examiner, who is unlike any character I have encountered in thrillers. The author took great care explaining how Bodhi's worldview effects his decisions under dire circumstances. Sasha and Bodhi are two very different voices - Sasha the fast paced on the go-westerner and Bodhi's calm, serene mindful demeanor. Miller does both well. I am interested in reading Bodhi King's standalone series.
This book, like the priors, switches between multiple characters view points and centers around the deaths of young woman who are consumers of a newly processed energy drink. Politics, intrigue, and battles against big corporations - hallmarks of many of the series- are present. Along with Connelly and Sasha's upcoming nuptials.
This book, like the priors, switches between multiple characters view points and centers around the deaths of young woman who are consumers of a newly processed energy drink. Politics, intrigue, and battles against big corporations - hallmarks of many of the series- are present. Along with Connelly and Sasha's upcoming nuptials.
June 27, 2020
Fifth installment in the series. This time lawyer/martial artist Sasha and her ex-special agent boyfriend Leo take on another relevant case of corporate crime related to health, an energy drink with Pittsburgh headquarters that might have disturbing ties to young womrn who are dying mysteriously, and powerful political players who wish to keep this info on the down low.
A fascinating secondary character gets a lot of attention here, a Buddhist medical examiner named Bodhi. This not only adds useful medical background info you can pick while reading this series, along with the legal, political, federal bureaucracy, and martial arts elements, it also brings in philosophical debates about nonviolence. Bodhi is a cool character; I see he is getting his own spinoff series!
A fascinating secondary character gets a lot of attention here, a Buddhist medical examiner named Bodhi. This not only adds useful medical background info you can pick while reading this series, along with the legal, political, federal bureaucracy, and martial arts elements, it also brings in philosophical debates about nonviolence. Bodhi is a cool character; I see he is getting his own spinoff series!
December 8, 2019
This book was good.
Sasha and Leo must live in a small world as each case Sasha works on Leo or someone else close to Sasha knows something or someone.
For example Sasha getting a box of documents from one case and for that same box of documents to solve another case.
I liked that Will Volmer will be Sasha’s new partner and that Naha won’t be leaving.
I liked Bodhi King and will probably read his series.
Sasha and Leo must live in a small world as each case Sasha works on Leo or someone else close to Sasha knows something or someone.
For example Sasha getting a box of documents from one case and for that same box of documents to solve another case.
I liked that Will Volmer will be Sasha’s new partner and that Naha won’t be leaving.
I liked Bodhi King and will probably read his series.
September 12, 2020
Lawyers have a tough job and some can be ruthless. In this case, Sasha turns that ruthlessness against her opposition by actually examining a large, last minute, document dump in a civil case for evidence of a criminal case. Several legal principles play into the story, and again Sasha has to use her Krav Maga training to overcome odds in a physical confrontation. Although the ending has some minor surprises, the basic story presents the antagonist and issues early on. Still, quite enjoyable.
March 12, 2018
This was a book club selection and an author I have never read before. I was pleasantly surprised at how good this book was, I wouldn't call it a great mystery but definitely worth reading. Even though this is part of a series, it stood alone and I didn't feel like I was missing some important information from an earlier book.
May 5, 2018
Fabulous book
I wasn't sure what I had gotten myself into when I started this book but the twists and turns kept me returning whenever I could get more information about what was going to happrn. By the end I could put the book down! I look forward to following Bohdi King in his next book!!
I wasn't sure what I had gotten myself into when I started this book but the twists and turns kept me returning whenever I could get more information about what was going to happrn. By the end I could put the book down! I look forward to following Bohdi King in his next book!!
May 31, 2018
Enjoyable book, the good guys win. The good tale of a lawyer, her husband, who is a young retiree and has connections, the paralegal assistant, very feisty, a Buddhist coroner who uncovers a terrible coverup. And he does all this not once loosing his temper, or hating anyone. The good guys win! I’ll read more stories about Sasha and Connelly and Bhodis.
June 22, 2020
Action and suspense
This is my first of this series to read. I liked the characters. They were so varied and interesting. You saw their personalities. The story was exciting and there were some things that took you one way but then you were flipped around and it turned out to be something totally different. I really liked it.
This is my first of this series to read. I liked the characters. They were so varied and interesting. You saw their personalities. The story was exciting and there were some things that took you one way but then you were flipped around and it turned out to be something totally different. I really liked it.
February 3, 2017
Another exciting thriller!
I don't know how she does it, but Melissa F Miller manages to give us a completely fresh adventure for Sasha and Connelly. Love this series and the ethical and moral dilemmas that they, and their friends face. Looking forward to the next in the series.
I don't know how she does it, but Melissa F Miller manages to give us a completely fresh adventure for Sasha and Connelly. Love this series and the ethical and moral dilemmas that they, and their friends face. Looking forward to the next in the series.
October 9, 2017
I Couldn't Put It Down
I enjoyed the book very much. It was quite different from other books I have read. My only regret is that Bohdi seems to have left the author's series. To me, he was the most interesting character.
I enjoyed the book very much. It was quite different from other books I have read. My only regret is that Bohdi seems to have left the author's series. To me, he was the most interesting character.
October 24, 2017
So much yet unresolved
I just couldn’t stop reading it! I could not put down the book.
And by the end, they might have found the unconvincing killer, but there were no proper answers to the main mystery. It remains unresolved!
I just couldn’t stop reading it! I could not put down the book.
And by the end, they might have found the unconvincing killer, but there were no proper answers to the main mystery. It remains unresolved!
November 8, 2017
Good book!
This book was a little bit predictable but I still enjoyed reading it. There is some technical lawyer talk which left me totally confused. The story is a good one and had a satisfactory conclusion.
This book was a little bit predictable but I still enjoyed reading it. There is some technical lawyer talk which left me totally confused. The story is a good one and had a satisfactory conclusion.
March 17, 2018
Good mystery but I thought some of the bad characters (and there were several) got off too easily. Especially Mackenzie. She committed some criminal offenses in my mind. I won't comment anymore than that so as not to spoil the ending.
April 12, 2020
Great series! But Connelly's fabulous cooking keeps making me hungry. Love the continued role of Pittsburgh throughout the novels. [My sister lives there.]
Saving the new series of Bodhi King for later. On to Amazon now for the next McCandles book.
Saving the new series of Bodhi King for later. On to Amazon now for the next McCandles book.
March 21, 2022
Anther enjoyable read in this ties. Sasha is again drawn into a suspenseful crime. She and Leo work hard to find the guilty person. There is lots of excitement and mystery woven throughout this book.
November 1, 2023
Another Good Read
Sasha and company are up to their usual business of getting themselves into trouble as they rescue Sasha's clients. This is another well-written, fast-paced thriller that left me wanting more.
Sasha and company are up to their usual business of getting themselves into trouble as they rescue Sasha's clients. This is another well-written, fast-paced thriller that left me wanting more.
October 21, 2017
I always enjoy a good legal thriller and i have read some of this particular series, as usual it did not disappoint
November 2, 2017
Book 5 of Sasha McCandless Legal Thrillers.
November 19, 2017
Great. I’m definitely going to read all the Sasha McCandless books because having read two, I know the series is that good.
November 26, 2017
This is a very entertaining book with interesting characters and a very interesting plot. I will certainly read more in this series.
March 14, 2018
[B&N free e-book]
Strong characters, including a nasty dragon lady. Pittsburgh setting. Lawfirm detail. I will read another.
Strong characters, including a nasty dragon lady. Pittsburgh setting. Lawfirm detail. I will read another.
May 7, 2018
A limp to a wedding
Love, mystery, intrigue, death and friendship. All expertly mixed together and thrown at you with pace and conviction, you can't help but turn the page
Love, mystery, intrigue, death and friendship. All expertly mixed together and thrown at you with pace and conviction, you can't help but turn the page
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews