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Bodhi King #5
Cold Path
When a corpse surfaces during an archaeological dig, Bodhi King's in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Bodhi tags along as his girlfriend's plus-one at a convention of small-town police chiefs. While Bette is learning the latest in law enforcement advancements, he plans to meditate in the resort's Japanese garden and hike its mountain trails.
Instead, he finds himself helping an archaeology professor determine how, why, and when someone buried a woman near the cabin of a post-Civil War sharecropper. As the circumstances around the dead woman's demise come to light, the secrets of the past threaten to unleash destruction in the present.
The cold case heats up to a boiling point when his old flame joins the team and a murderer strikes.
Cold Path is the fifth book in the Bodhi King forensic thriller series by USA Today bestselling author Melissa F. Miller.
Bodhi tags along as his girlfriend's plus-one at a convention of small-town police chiefs. While Bette is learning the latest in law enforcement advancements, he plans to meditate in the resort's Japanese garden and hike its mountain trails.
Instead, he finds himself helping an archaeology professor determine how, why, and when someone buried a woman near the cabin of a post-Civil War sharecropper. As the circumstances around the dead woman's demise come to light, the secrets of the past threaten to unleash destruction in the present.
The cold case heats up to a boiling point when his old flame joins the team and a murderer strikes.
Cold Path is the fifth book in the Bodhi King forensic thriller series by USA Today bestselling author Melissa F. Miller.
- GenresMysteryMystery Thriller
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2020
84 people are currently reading
69 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 18, 2020
Another amazing book featuring Bodhi. He was hoping to relax and meditate while his girlfriend was busy with a conference. Not so, he gets to help solve a murder instead. Can’t wait for the next one.
January 4, 2021
At a convention in Louisiana, this time Bodhi deals with both his old girlfriend and his new one, whom I just can't see him connecting with. (I don't know why I dislike that character, but I do. No chemistry together as far as I am concerned ) At least the mystery, as usual, is very interesting and provides fascinating info on archaeological forensics. There is a dark family history secret for Bodhi to figure out, very Faulknerian and apropos to the setting.
January 20, 2020
Cold Path by Melissa Miller
This book had me drawn in right from the beginning. We are introduced to Dr. Davinia Jones who is an interesting character. She discovers an old Iron casket containing a well preserved female body at the Jonah Bell farm site. She believes it is from the Reconstruction Era or 1800’s. The woman has a broach which is an identical design to a necklace that she inherited from her mother and grandmother.
I really liked the insertion of the letters from Louisa Anne Rutherford to Isaiah Bell. They help describe what was going on in the 1800’s.
Bodhi King along with Bette Clarke, his girlfriend arrive at a conference center in Alabama and he takes a walk in garden and gets drawn into the mystery of the iron casket when he meets Davinia Jones. She needs a forensic Pathologist which he just happens to be. Meanwhile, Bette is registering for the small city police chief conference and meets up with Fred Bolton a fellow police chief who has brought his girl friend, Eliza Rollins who is also a former classmate of Bodhi’s as well as being a forensic pathologist. We have met these characters before but now get more character development. Bodhi’s actions are limited by his budda beliefs so Eliza takes over as the doer and ask forgiveness later. We also get more insights into each couples’ relationships.
While Fred and Bette attend the conference, Bodhi and Eliza get involved with the iron casket as forensic pathologists lending a helping hand.
The story line is predictable and the action is straight forward and logical with Chief Dexter putting up road blocks to assist Sully and his grandmother Mrs. Sullivan, a Rutherford descendant. There are no confusing twists or turns but Mrs.Sullivan just happens to be in charge of the Family Foundation over seeing Davinia’s archaeological site at Jonah Bell’s Farm.
I also found the dialogue to be natural and suited to each character.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book in the Bodhi King series.
This book had me drawn in right from the beginning. We are introduced to Dr. Davinia Jones who is an interesting character. She discovers an old Iron casket containing a well preserved female body at the Jonah Bell farm site. She believes it is from the Reconstruction Era or 1800’s. The woman has a broach which is an identical design to a necklace that she inherited from her mother and grandmother.
I really liked the insertion of the letters from Louisa Anne Rutherford to Isaiah Bell. They help describe what was going on in the 1800’s.
Bodhi King along with Bette Clarke, his girlfriend arrive at a conference center in Alabama and he takes a walk in garden and gets drawn into the mystery of the iron casket when he meets Davinia Jones. She needs a forensic Pathologist which he just happens to be. Meanwhile, Bette is registering for the small city police chief conference and meets up with Fred Bolton a fellow police chief who has brought his girl friend, Eliza Rollins who is also a former classmate of Bodhi’s as well as being a forensic pathologist. We have met these characters before but now get more character development. Bodhi’s actions are limited by his budda beliefs so Eliza takes over as the doer and ask forgiveness later. We also get more insights into each couples’ relationships.
While Fred and Bette attend the conference, Bodhi and Eliza get involved with the iron casket as forensic pathologists lending a helping hand.
The story line is predictable and the action is straight forward and logical with Chief Dexter putting up road blocks to assist Sully and his grandmother Mrs. Sullivan, a Rutherford descendant. There are no confusing twists or turns but Mrs.Sullivan just happens to be in charge of the Family Foundation over seeing Davinia’s archaeological site at Jonah Bell’s Farm.
I also found the dialogue to be natural and suited to each character.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book in the Bodhi King series.
January 24, 2020
Bohdi King gives in to his girlfriend’s wishes that he attend a convention of small town Chiefs of Police, of which she is one. While waiting for her to arrive at the Alabama resort he takes a walk up a short path to a Japanese garden where he can meditate and quiet his mind. While there he hears and finds a woman in the woods tossing an axe with anger/frustration. In chatting with the woman he finds out she was heading up an archeological dig and found an iron coffin with what appeared to hold a corpse that was over 100 years old while appearing to have only died recently. Once she found this item and had it taken to her lab she was summarily dismissed by the head of the foundation sponsoring the dig. Bohdi reveals his specialty and offers to help where he can.
Add to this the arrival of his once significant other Eliza from more than a decade ago. The breakout had been tough and caused the Buddhist Bohdi to question himself and to go without a girlfriend until his most recent girlfriend Bette, the Chief of Police of Onatah. Coincidentally Eliza’s there as the plus one of a Police Chief from Louisiana.
As Bohdi is introduced to the local Chief of Police he brings up the issue of the corpse and offers to assist. The Chief tries to tell him there are no funds, etc, Bohdi volunteers his time and Eliza joins in and offers her.
The cold case plus a murder gives us story that is exciting all the way through.
This is a story like all those by Mellisa F. Miller that is hard to put down. It kept me up way past my bedtime.
Add to this the arrival of his once significant other Eliza from more than a decade ago. The breakout had been tough and caused the Buddhist Bohdi to question himself and to go without a girlfriend until his most recent girlfriend Bette, the Chief of Police of Onatah. Coincidentally Eliza’s there as the plus one of a Police Chief from Louisiana.
As Bohdi is introduced to the local Chief of Police he brings up the issue of the corpse and offers to assist. The Chief tries to tell him there are no funds, etc, Bohdi volunteers his time and Eliza joins in and offers her.
The cold case plus a murder gives us story that is exciting all the way through.
This is a story like all those by Mellisa F. Miller that is hard to put down. It kept me up way past my bedtime.
January 20, 2020
Davina knew that fast tracking when doing archeological work to uncover the past, was not possible. With the benefactor and university wanting it done that way of getting more donations. Under a black cherry tree, land of a sharecropper, Professor Davina uncovers a iron coffin with a glass window showing a pale woman. Was it possible to be a woman from the 1800’s. Then they suspend her from the site, and she will have no credit for this discovery.
Bodhi gets a text from Bette wanting him to attend a small town conference in Alabama, An unexpected visit with Saul, brings him to accept and go to Alabama and Bette, whom his friends have not met,
While on a meditative walk he meets Davina, and she can’t believe a miracle has come with him being a consulting forensic pathologist that could authenticate the body for her. The conference he was to attended was of this discovery by the family/ benefactors. The monarch was interested in something other than the body and of which involved Davina. This turns to murder and how it ties to the coffin woman.
Meeting and learning more about Bodhi, his silent ways, and how he gets to view the body. Once again the author has given us a plot that is rich in detail of her find, more about Bodhi and Bette. A story to reread, and enjoy more each time, with it being part of a good series.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Bodhi gets a text from Bette wanting him to attend a small town conference in Alabama, An unexpected visit with Saul, brings him to accept and go to Alabama and Bette, whom his friends have not met,
While on a meditative walk he meets Davina, and she can’t believe a miracle has come with him being a consulting forensic pathologist that could authenticate the body for her. The conference he was to attended was of this discovery by the family/ benefactors. The monarch was interested in something other than the body and of which involved Davina. This turns to murder and how it ties to the coffin woman.
Meeting and learning more about Bodhi, his silent ways, and how he gets to view the body. Once again the author has given us a plot that is rich in detail of her find, more about Bodhi and Bette. A story to reread, and enjoy more each time, with it being part of a good series.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
January 19, 2020
Bodhi accompanies Bette to a convention in Alabama for small town police chiefs. There he happens to meet Davina, an archaeological professor who recently discovered a dead body and needs assistance. Unfortunately, the unearthing of this body seems to cause a stir, and some would rather it was forgotten about entirely. Something Bodhi and Davina are not willing to do.
I really enjoyed this book. The whole possibility of finding a body like this one was intriguing! And I loved reading the letters at the start of some chapters, it gave more history to the story.
Bodhi's thought processes are a big part of who he is, and how he reacts in certain situations is not the norm for most people. I always find it interesting to read. His beliefs really force him to think things through before acting. I loved seeing Eliza again in this one, and getting more insight into the dynamic of Bodhi and Bette's relationship.
Great read and I would love to read more of Bodhi's story.
I really enjoyed this book. The whole possibility of finding a body like this one was intriguing! And I loved reading the letters at the start of some chapters, it gave more history to the story.
Bodhi's thought processes are a big part of who he is, and how he reacts in certain situations is not the norm for most people. I always find it interesting to read. His beliefs really force him to think things through before acting. I loved seeing Eliza again in this one, and getting more insight into the dynamic of Bodhi and Bette's relationship.
Great read and I would love to read more of Bodhi's story.
February 1, 2021
Realigning History
When Bondi King accompanies his friend to a police captain conference as her Plus One, he intends to enjoy the meditation gardens and hiking trails and relax with Bette.
Although Bodhi tries his best to live ' in the present moment' as his Buddhist devotion teaches, his devotion to truth can sometimes sabotage his meditation. When an archeological excavation in the area unearths an 1800s metal coffin, Bondi is intrigued. His involvement quickly escalates as locals try to block his research into a century old corpse. As Bodhi and a woman from his pat try to unearth the truth, they are faced with police corruption and a killer intent on hiding, even if it means murder.
As with each book in the series, Miller captures the reader immediately and holds their attention throughout.
When Bondi King accompanies his friend to a police captain conference as her Plus One, he intends to enjoy the meditation gardens and hiking trails and relax with Bette.
Although Bodhi tries his best to live ' in the present moment' as his Buddhist devotion teaches, his devotion to truth can sometimes sabotage his meditation. When an archeological excavation in the area unearths an 1800s metal coffin, Bondi is intrigued. His involvement quickly escalates as locals try to block his research into a century old corpse. As Bodhi and a woman from his pat try to unearth the truth, they are faced with police corruption and a killer intent on hiding, even if it means murder.
As with each book in the series, Miller captures the reader immediately and holds their attention throughout.
January 24, 2020
I really liked how not only do we have a murder to solve but we also get to see Bodhi have the tables turned on him some what with getting life advice instead of giving it like he usually does. This is a great twisted tale in regards to who it is in the iron coffin along with who can be trusted and who is hiding something and I was nicely surprised with who was who. I felt like we really got to know Bodhi on a much more intimate level with book as well as she him have a few revelations of his own and this along with the murder made a fantastic read!
January 2, 2022
“Cold Path”, the fifth novel in the Bodhi King series sees our favourite buddhist forensic pathologist accompany his law-enforcement girlfriend to a conference in the deep south of Alabama. If that is not already screaming ‘Southern Gothic’ to you, wait until the body is found: the creep factor is off the scale, and that’s just the beginning of the story.
It’s always hard to talk about the plot of a thriller novel without dropping spoilers left, right and centre, but it is especially difficult with this fifth instalment of the Bodhi series, as right from the beginning the reader stumbles across the author’s trademark ‘inspired by real events’ element. I must confess, I did google, but after quickly scanning a few headlines I put my phone away to avoid mixing fact and fiction too much. Soon I was sucked in by yet another compelling story, led by its eccentric and sometimes downright infuriating protagonist and populated by yet another memorable cast of characters. If that is not enough for you, a particularly terrifying turn of events towards the end of the book will make some of us reach for the nearest hypnotherapist for some phobia-induced emotional First Aid.
From the start, the Bodhi King novels have successfully combined a buddhist’s perspective with the real life choices of a crime-solving forensic pathologist and “Cold Path” is no exception, all steeped in an atmosphere that is at times reminiscent of Faulkner’s novella “As I Lay Dying”. The novels keep coming, but this author always manages to keep it fresh.
It’s always hard to talk about the plot of a thriller novel without dropping spoilers left, right and centre, but it is especially difficult with this fifth instalment of the Bodhi series, as right from the beginning the reader stumbles across the author’s trademark ‘inspired by real events’ element. I must confess, I did google, but after quickly scanning a few headlines I put my phone away to avoid mixing fact and fiction too much. Soon I was sucked in by yet another compelling story, led by its eccentric and sometimes downright infuriating protagonist and populated by yet another memorable cast of characters. If that is not enough for you, a particularly terrifying turn of events towards the end of the book will make some of us reach for the nearest hypnotherapist for some phobia-induced emotional First Aid.
From the start, the Bodhi King novels have successfully combined a buddhist’s perspective with the real life choices of a crime-solving forensic pathologist and “Cold Path” is no exception, all steeped in an atmosphere that is at times reminiscent of Faulkner’s novella “As I Lay Dying”. The novels keep coming, but this author always manages to keep it fresh.
January 19, 2020
I'm a fan of all of Melissa F. Miller's books. There's always an intriguing angle with her plots. It's the characters that really draw me in, though. It seems like there was more insight into Bodhi's thinking with this one, and I liked getting more understanding of Bette and Eliza. Miller manages to be consistent as she reveals more and more about her characters in each successive book.
January 25, 2020
Great Story
This book is really interesting with the twists and turns that bring a hundred and fifty year old mystery to light. Will Bodhi be able to solve the mystery before another murder occurs? Melissa Miller knows how to weave all the pieces together. I can't wait for the next book.
This book is really interesting with the twists and turns that bring a hundred and fifty year old mystery to light. Will Bodhi be able to solve the mystery before another murder occurs? Melissa Miller knows how to weave all the pieces together. I can't wait for the next book.
June 14, 2021
Melissa Miller’s books are always a good read
Bodhi books are interesting because you learn a little more about Buddhism in each one and he’s a very likable character. I love that this one was also a historical novel. I’m on to read the next Bodhi King novel and to wait for more Melissa Miller books. I never miss one.
Bodhi books are interesting because you learn a little more about Buddhism in each one and he’s a very likable character. I love that this one was also a historical novel. I’m on to read the next Bodhi King novel and to wait for more Melissa Miller books. I never miss one.
November 26, 2023
I’m really enjoying this series by one of my favorite authors! The Bodhi King books have all delved into different subject areas which is so welcomed in a mystery series! This one has a dual timeline of sorts with a Post Civil War story involving sharecroppers and scalawags, which comes up as a forensics mystery when a metal coffin is found on the edge of an archeological dig site.
January 19, 2020
While I love all of the Bodhi novels, this is the best yet! It was a well paced novel, keeping you interested and very difficult to put down! I can hardly wait to see what happens next in Bodhi's life and what case he will solve next. Thank you Melissa for another excellent novel!
February 12, 2020
Another hit for Ms. Miller. Bodhi never fails to deliver. A law enforcement conference/getaway with his love interest provides the back-drop for this newest adventure. Topping the intrigue is a very personal journey for Bodhi you won't want to miss.
March 2, 2020
I enjoyed the plot line and the pace of the book.
Outcome in this authors books always are brief and come quickly.
Must admit not a fan of the Mississippi connection of the ex girl friend and her new sheriff boyfriend. Don’t believe either character.
Outcome in this authors books always are brief and come quickly.
Must admit not a fan of the Mississippi connection of the ex girl friend and her new sheriff boyfriend. Don’t believe either character.
April 13, 2020
Great
Well for now series is done it's been a very good series to read and I look forward to a future book With these characters and I would like to see Bondi get married or at least make a stronger commitment to the chief of place
Well for now series is done it's been a very good series to read and I look forward to a future book With these characters and I would like to see Bondi get married or at least make a stronger commitment to the chief of place
January 23, 2020
I received an eARC for this book. Dr Bodhi King is on a weekend getaway but it seems fate has other plans. Intriguing and thought-provoking, the book keeps the readers hooked till the last page. The story is a beautiful blend of love, greed and mystery and, much like all Bodhi King books, leaves the readers with a lot to introspect.
January 27, 2020
Melissa F. Miller
Once again, Melissa Miller comes through with another fascinating story with Bodhi King. I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure and eagerly anticipate the next one!
Once again, Melissa Miller comes through with another fascinating story with Bodhi King. I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure and eagerly anticipate the next one!
July 25, 2020
Good read
It was a real slow start but once it got going it was good. I like Melissa Miller's books but this one took a bit to get me to continue reading.
It was a real slow start but once it got going it was good. I like Melissa Miller's books but this one took a bit to get me to continue reading.
November 26, 2020
More thrillers!
Can't wait for this story of Dr. King continues! It leaves you breathless! Wow! I lost sleep reading all of MS Miller's books!!
Can't wait for this story of Dr. King continues! It leaves you breathless! Wow! I lost sleep reading all of MS Miller's books!!
January 9, 2021
Well written, suspenseful, plausible characters based on real and interesting history. Quick read--perfect size for me!
September 5, 2022
Ano.her good quick mystery read with Bodhi King along with some historical lore. Can't wait for the next one!
March 26, 2023
Good book
I enjoyed reading this Bodhi book and i recommend it as a good read. I started and finished it in a day. I would recommend it to murder mystery fans.
I enjoyed reading this Bodhi book and i recommend it as a good read. I started and finished it in a day. I would recommend it to murder mystery fans.
April 18, 2023
This is a great series if you like forensics, as I do…
September 27, 2025
Bodhi always gets odd cases. This time he partners with an old flame.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews