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Sasha McCandless #12
In Absentia
Sasha’s client goes missing in the middle of a high-stakes trial, and the presiding judge is not amused. She needs to find the guy … fast.
But when she finally tracks him down, she stumbles onto a scene out of a nightmare. He’s being held hostage, and his violent captors are none too happy to see her. Suddenly, an irate judge is the least of Sasha’s worries.
But when she finally tracks him down, she stumbles onto a scene out of a nightmare. He’s being held hostage, and his violent captors are none too happy to see her. Suddenly, an irate judge is the least of Sasha’s worries.
Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2019
145 people are currently reading
146 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
October 28, 2023
I know these characters, Sasha and Leo, their kids, pets and social circles. My cousin's maiden name is the same as the author, except for the middle name. I spent some time two years ago along the Ohio River from Pittsburg to Cincinnati and was near some of the areas involved in this story, including the river border of Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. Defiantly some breakdown of the economy and of society in those areas. Aside from all that familiarity, this story lacked legal details and direct professional involvement by either Sasha or Leo. The court case was a small and minor part of the defendant's criminal activity. All the other excitement was mere coincidence. So, basically I was not satisfied because this story did not really fit in the series.
November 12, 2019
What an amazing Thriller story. Sasha is one of the best Legals there is. Fast paced action to keep you reading until the very end.
January 29, 2021
"When Sasha's client is a no-show for his federal sentencing hearing in a bulk money smuggling case, the presiding judge is not amused. He gives her the weekend to locate the guy or face the consequences." This blurb introduces a fun, exciting, quick read that takes place for the most part in the National Radio Quiet Zone in West Virginia where there is no cell or internet towers, thus no phone service of any kind. Combine that with an area within that zone that is a designated high traffic drug zone and Miller's ability to weave all the stories together results in a compelling story that finds Sasha and Leo right in the middle of a massive drug-trafficking investigation. Sasha's client goes missing, then Sasha goes missing.... Still spunky, capable, smart and bad ass in book 12 of this series = Sasha McCandless. Gosh how i LOVE her!
August 2, 2025
More Exciting Mind Candy
Judge Cook, whom I have come to admire despite his unreasonable, ill-tempered approach to lawyers, makes another appearance in this book. We also have fuzzy jurisdictional boundaries, arrogant federal agents, and demoralized police officers. More importantly, we have Sasha and Connelly and Hank holding it all together and creating a very entertaining afternoon.
Judge Cook, whom I have come to admire despite his unreasonable, ill-tempered approach to lawyers, makes another appearance in this book. We also have fuzzy jurisdictional boundaries, arrogant federal agents, and demoralized police officers. More importantly, we have Sasha and Connelly and Hank holding it all together and creating a very entertaining afternoon.
March 3, 2020
Sasha is in it, again, up to her ears! A very fast paced thriller that keeps you going until the last page. It’s a good thing that she’s a compact bundle of raw energy, able to hold her own against just about anybody. Don’t miss out on this suspense-thriller, it’s very much worth it.
Can’t wait for her next one, which comes out in September of 2020.
Can’t wait for her next one, which comes out in September of 2020.
March 7, 2020
Sasha is always entertaining.
This book seemed a little shorter than most of her books but that may be because it had to all be wrapped up over a weekend so events had to be happen fast. Another entertaining book featuring Sasha McCandless-Connelly. Although it’s a stand alone novel, it will be better if you have the background established in the previous books of the series.
This book seemed a little shorter than most of her books but that may be because it had to all be wrapped up over a weekend so events had to be happen fast. Another entertaining book featuring Sasha McCandless-Connelly. Although it’s a stand alone novel, it will be better if you have the background established in the previous books of the series.
February 5, 2021
I love Sasha and Leo and the adventures they find themselves thrust into. In this instance, a missing client causes Sasha to stumble into an Arab drug running ring. Bad things happen, as they usually do, and Sasha emerges on top. I love the little twist to the client's destiny. Suffice to say that I read this in a few hours, espousing any other activity, so you know it's good.
January 14, 2025
This was decent but it took me awhile to warm up to some of the satellite characters. Sasha is representing a man who (allegedly) inadvertently facilitated the movement of illegal cash outside the U.S. but mysteriously disappears before he can testify. Of course, Sasha must find him and thus ensues the remainder of the plot.
May 2, 2020
Good series. Start at the beginning
Good series. Start at the beginning. Love the local / regional flavor throughout these books [based in Pittsburgh]. Great WVa ties in this one. Great character development.
Good series. Start at the beginning. Love the local / regional flavor throughout these books [based in Pittsburgh]. Great WVa ties in this one. Great character development.
February 11, 2020
WOW ! Once again, WOW! Not sure where Ms Miller *finds* these ideas, but WOW!!!! Very cool 'next chapter' in the ongoing (hopefully FOREVER!!!) Sasha McCandless-Connelly saga. Each time a new book in the series is announced, I'm giddy, yet hesitant: will it measure up to the rest of them? YES!!! "In Absentia" DEFINITELY DOES!!!
February 13, 2020
Very good.
October 12, 2020
I have enjoyed this entire series. This book seemed shorter than the others, as I finished it in 0ne sitting. Face paced and as good as all the others. Love Sasha.
February 7, 2021
Another great one!
I really enjoy this series - it is a great combination law and suspense coupled with the Sasha family saga.
I really enjoy this series - it is a great combination law and suspense coupled with the Sasha family saga.
August 31, 2021
Extremely intriguing storyline. Dynamic characters.
September 9, 2022
Entertaining
As always, i thoroughly enjoyed reading another adventure of Sasha. Admittedly, the want was much of a surprise as normal with this one, but a good read regardless.
As always, i thoroughly enjoyed reading another adventure of Sasha. Admittedly, the want was much of a surprise as normal with this one, but a good read regardless.
October 13, 2022
I could not put this book down. Don’t miss this fast moving mystery!
March 11, 2023
another winner
I always enjoy reading books by this author. This book takes you into a different area with loads of suspense and twists and turns. I highly recommend this book
I always enjoy reading books by this author. This book takes you into a different area with loads of suspense and twists and turns. I highly recommend this book
Want to read
July 25, 2025Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
December 26, 2022
I have been a fan of the Sasha McCandless series since the first book, so I am not at all surprised that, 12 instalments later, the Sasha brand is still going strong. She may have got married and become a mother, but our Pittsburgh lawyer is still as fierce as ever.
‘In Absentia’ is possibly one of the most action-packed novels in the series so far, with less time discussing law and more spent trying to get out of extremely sticky situations. I can’t say too much without dropping massive spoilers, but suffice to say that once again, Sasha is finding herself knee-deep in danger. As it is always the case with Melissa F. Miller’s books, there’s a lot of reality in this novel: did you know that there are entire areas within the United States with no cell phone towers? You heard right: no signal whatsoever, and that’s intentional. I think this is enough to give you a sense of the tense, almost claustrophobic situation our heroine is plunged into in this book. Add some more topical touches, such as cash smuggling and the current opioid crisis, and you’ve got yourself the perfect Sasha McCandless plot. Fans of this author will not be disappointed, and as for me, as a loyal, long-standing reader, I am still immesenfly fascinated by this author’s ability to create more legally plausible titles that begin with the letter ‘I’.
“In Absentia” is another page-turning read from Melissa F. Miller which will keep you hooked right until the end.
‘In Absentia’ is possibly one of the most action-packed novels in the series so far, with less time discussing law and more spent trying to get out of extremely sticky situations. I can’t say too much without dropping massive spoilers, but suffice to say that once again, Sasha is finding herself knee-deep in danger. As it is always the case with Melissa F. Miller’s books, there’s a lot of reality in this novel: did you know that there are entire areas within the United States with no cell phone towers? You heard right: no signal whatsoever, and that’s intentional. I think this is enough to give you a sense of the tense, almost claustrophobic situation our heroine is plunged into in this book. Add some more topical touches, such as cash smuggling and the current opioid crisis, and you’ve got yourself the perfect Sasha McCandless plot. Fans of this author will not be disappointed, and as for me, as a loyal, long-standing reader, I am still immesenfly fascinated by this author’s ability to create more legally plausible titles that begin with the letter ‘I’.
“In Absentia” is another page-turning read from Melissa F. Miller which will keep you hooked right until the end.
July 31, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars What a great read...Sasha is not to be underestimated
July 28, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
I love how Melissa Miller keeps giving Sasha great cases to solve. This book did not disappoint. Sasha finds herself defending Clive Bloch who might not be as totally innocent as he claims but he does make a deal with the Department of Justice. When Clive does not show up for the sentencing hearing, Sasha is in trouble with Judge Cook who gives her until Monday to produce her client. The humour in some of the scenes with the judge add to Sasha’s character. Sasha decides to go hunting for Clive and her husband does his super spy research to help her find a possible location.
There are lots of characters in this novel which really move the plot along in various ways even though some may present special challenges for Sasha in her hunt for Clive. Melissa Miller really does her research and her inclusion of the NRQZ area to the story really added to the problems facing Sasha and Connelly as he goes looking for her. I also loved one of the statements in the conclusion , “ 10 million in $100 dollar bills is the same weight as 2 million in $20 dollar bills, they just needed the weight spread over more stuffed animals. Someone says it is a good job Sasha is a lawyer and not a criminal when she comes to the above solution.
This book has a few twists and turns which really kept me wanting to get to the end. The ending is great and just adds to the over all book. The conversation of some of the characters is realistic and even humorous in places which balances the threats that Sasha faces. You don’t want to skip reading this adventure of Sasha.
July 28, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
I love how Melissa Miller keeps giving Sasha great cases to solve. This book did not disappoint. Sasha finds herself defending Clive Bloch who might not be as totally innocent as he claims but he does make a deal with the Department of Justice. When Clive does not show up for the sentencing hearing, Sasha is in trouble with Judge Cook who gives her until Monday to produce her client. The humour in some of the scenes with the judge add to Sasha’s character. Sasha decides to go hunting for Clive and her husband does his super spy research to help her find a possible location.
There are lots of characters in this novel which really move the plot along in various ways even though some may present special challenges for Sasha in her hunt for Clive. Melissa Miller really does her research and her inclusion of the NRQZ area to the story really added to the problems facing Sasha and Connelly as he goes looking for her. I also loved one of the statements in the conclusion , “ 10 million in $100 dollar bills is the same weight as 2 million in $20 dollar bills, they just needed the weight spread over more stuffed animals. Someone says it is a good job Sasha is a lawyer and not a criminal when she comes to the above solution.
This book has a few twists and turns which really kept me wanting to get to the end. The ending is great and just adds to the over all book. The conversation of some of the characters is realistic and even humorous in places which balances the threats that Sasha faces. You don’t want to skip reading this adventure of Sasha.
July 23, 2019
Sasha McCandless-Connelly has a client who is in deep trouble with the government for being associated with a large shipment of teddy bears to Yemen through the company he worked for’s charitable giving program. The bears turned out to be filled with 500 twenty dollar bills. Figuring he and company had been unwitting participants in a scheme to send money to foreign terrorists they were offering a non-prosecution agreement. All Clive Bloch had to do was show up in court...but he doesn’t.
Sasha heads out to his cabin in West Virginia to track him down and remind him that a no show will result in a long incarceration. His cabin is smack dab in the midst of the NRQZ (National Radio Quiet Zone)and a HIDTA (high intensity drug trafficking area).
Sasha finds her client and a lot of trouble.
A great read from start to wonderful conclusion.
This book shows that good writing and story telling is a constant for Mellisa F. Miller. Every book in each of her series flesh out more and more about her characters than we knew before.
I recommend you read all of her books. I am thankful for the opportunity to review an advance copy and be able to provide a review. Can’t wait for the next one.
Sasha heads out to his cabin in West Virginia to track him down and remind him that a no show will result in a long incarceration. His cabin is smack dab in the midst of the NRQZ (National Radio Quiet Zone)and a HIDTA (high intensity drug trafficking area).
Sasha finds her client and a lot of trouble.
A great read from start to wonderful conclusion.
This book shows that good writing and story telling is a constant for Mellisa F. Miller. Every book in each of her series flesh out more and more about her characters than we knew before.
I recommend you read all of her books. I am thankful for the opportunity to review an advance copy and be able to provide a review. Can’t wait for the next one.
August 19, 2020
A lot of this twelfth book in the series is set in the mountains of West Virginia, where Sasha is trying to locate a missing client before a persnickety judge back in Pittsburgh holds him in contempt. This storyline intersects with Leo tracing a drug cartel smuggling operation for opioids. Exciting stuff and we learn about the law.
July 23, 2019
IN ABSENTIA..Melissa Miller..
Sasha. has a client that doesn’t show up for the final court date, what happened. In not coming he faces jail time, and he says he unknowing gave material support to terrorists. That why she hated this case, he had to have some knowledge of what he was doing. A charity using Teddy bears was being used for something else, before being shipped to middle east.. Sasha husband wanting to help finds information on the database that shows information Sasha is not aware of..is her client guilty, or is he innocent. A good case file plot that has one puzzled. The length people go to for greed
Love the added touch of Sasha with her family in the story.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Sasha. has a client that doesn’t show up for the final court date, what happened. In not coming he faces jail time, and he says he unknowing gave material support to terrorists. That why she hated this case, he had to have some knowledge of what he was doing. A charity using Teddy bears was being used for something else, before being shipped to middle east.. Sasha husband wanting to help finds information on the database that shows information Sasha is not aware of..is her client guilty, or is he innocent. A good case file plot that has one puzzled. The length people go to for greed
Love the added touch of Sasha with her family in the story.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Read
July 23, 2019I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of In Absentia and loved every word of it. Sasha is representing a no-show client in front of an irascible judge which turns out to be nothing compared to what transpires when she goes looking for her missing client. Sasha inevitably gets into trouble but would you expect anything less from her?!
A very enjoyable read from start to finish. Love the kids and pets details and who wouldn't love Uncle Hank?!
This book is a great read!
I would be remiss if I didn't again mention that I love the little nuggets of knowledge that one picks up from Ms. Miller in her books. Speaks volumes about her research for her books! Enjoy!
A very enjoyable read from start to finish. Love the kids and pets details and who wouldn't love Uncle Hank?!
This book is a great read!
I would be remiss if I didn't again mention that I love the little nuggets of knowledge that one picks up from Ms. Miller in her books. Speaks volumes about her research for her books! Enjoy!
July 23, 2019
Another great Sasha book! Sasha's client doesn't turn up to trial, even though he was prepared to, and it was really in his best interests to attend. Sasha immediately worries, thinking something has happened to him, possibly on the way to court.
Unfortunately, when Sasha tracks him down, she unravels a much larger scheme, which changes her whole outlook on the case, and her client. Not everyone is who they seem to be at first glance, and there are twists you don't expect.
I really enjoyed this story and read most of it in one sitting. I didn't want to stop! It has a great ending, too.
Unfortunately, when Sasha tracks him down, she unravels a much larger scheme, which changes her whole outlook on the case, and her client. Not everyone is who they seem to be at first glance, and there are twists you don't expect.
I really enjoyed this story and read most of it in one sitting. I didn't want to stop! It has a great ending, too.
July 27, 2019
I enjoy every book that Miller writes. The characters have fleshed-out personalities, they're relatable, and the stories are plausible...many based on incidents from the news. She never fails to deliver. This one deals with selling drugs on a grand scale to finance terrorism. An alert shipper gets the ball rolling, and Miller goes to great lengths to make sure her client (the defendant in the money scheme) gets a fair deal AND shows up in court. There's a satisfying twist at the end. It's always nice when you get an advance reader copy and the author lives up to her previous works.
July 27, 2019
An attorney must find her client or risk getting them both in trouble with the Judge.
I loved this book. Ms Miller is extremely talented in keeping her readers interested from page one to the end with action, suspense and mystery. I couldn't put the book down until I completed it. People who like these qualities in their reading will love this book. Gave 5 stars because I just went from chapter to chapter unable to stop.
I loved this book. Ms Miller is extremely talented in keeping her readers interested from page one to the end with action, suspense and mystery. I couldn't put the book down until I completed it. People who like these qualities in their reading will love this book. Gave 5 stars because I just went from chapter to chapter unable to stop.
July 28, 2019
All Sasha needed to do was have Clive Bloch turn up to court and take his plea but of course that doesn't happen so while Leo stays home and looks after Finn and Fiona Sasha decides to track Clive down. There is plenty of action, surprises and sticky situations to get out of and wow some of the twists you just get side swiped by and oh how I loved the court room scene at the end talk about karma!!!
July 25, 2019
Sasha and Leo are off on an exciting adventure! Well, Sasha begins, but Leo soon adds to the fray! This is another exciting addition to the series. Lots of action and suspense with many twists and turns along the way. I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review
February 4, 2021
I love Sasha and Leo and the adventures they find themselves thrust into. In this instance, a missing client causes Sasha to stumble into an Arab drug running ring. Bad things happen, as they usually do, and Sasha emerges on top. I love the little twist to the client's destiny. Suffice to say that I read this in a few hours, espousing any other activity, so you know it's good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews