Gone By Morning

by Michele W. Miller

As the heat rises on a New York summer, a suicide bomb set off in a Times Square subway station nearly claims the life of 68-year-old ex-madam Kathleen. Then a woman is brutally murdered, her body dumped on a marshy beach in Queens. The woman, Sharon, was last seen by 26-year-old Emily―a Deputy Press Officer working at City Hall―getting into a car in front of the building where she and Kathleen both live in far upper Manhattan. Emily requests an autopsy report from the Chief of the NYPD, but she doesn't realize the gravity of using her position to gain information. Things turn deadly when a bomb is planted in her building, gutting it with a raging fireball. Kathleen, Emily, and Emily's two-year-old daughter, Skye, barely escape with their lives. Could Kathleen's criminal history be at the heart of the violence? If Emily can't help her, Kathleen could spend the rest of her life in prison. And when Emily discovers a shocking connection between herself and Kathleen, the stakes become impossibly high. By the time Emily realizes she's in grave danger, it may be too late. She's beyond the reach of the cops, of City Hall, of her family... and a killer is closing in fast.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery

336 pages, Hardcover

First published August 10, 2021

Reviews

[Jazz Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have said this alot this year but this is my favourite book of 2021. When I finished I just sat and thought about how what I had just read was amazing!!!

We follow the story of three amazing Lauren, Kathleen and Emily. All three stories are intertwined after a terrorist attack on the subway. Emily works with the local council and lives with her daughter, her elderly neighbour Kathleen is worried because her friend Sharon didn't turn up after a strange call from her. Turns out Emily was the last one to see her. When Sharon is found there's fear that Emily is being targeted. But there is far more to Kathleen's story but what will Emily do when she finds out. Plus how does Lauren fit in to all this?

This is one of those books where there is twist after twist after omfg moments. I just had mouth open throughout and I honestly just didn't see most of the twist coming.
I enjoyed all the women in the story Emily was pretty bad ass and I quite liked her take charge attitude she was really well written and I was in ora of her. Kathleen though just became that bad ass gran I need in my life. The more of her story I read the more I grew to adore her even more and I just was so hooked everytime we jumped to another person I wanted to get back to Kathleen.
Lauren's story is tragic and trigger warning talk of drugs and abuse. It was a hard read at times but harrowing non the less.

It's super hard because I want to spill out everything I loved about this book but if I do it will spoil everything so I shall not. But be warned. It's a roller coaster and be prepared for it to get more intense as you make your way through each part.
Surprisingly I quite liked the fact the story was told in parts as often that turns me off. But it made no difference at all and actually gave me a natural pausing point whilst trying to cram the new information in. Michele Weinstat Miller is a talented writer and I cannot wait for her next thriller


All in all I would whole heartedly record gone by morning to all that love the genre, also crime fiction lovers and any and all readers, this isn't one to miss
5 🌟. I honestly can say this is my best read of 2021

Thank you to netgalley, the author, the publishers for the advanced digital copy of gone by morning in exchange for my fair and honest opinions

[Nora Wolfenbarger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my bookclub's read for November, and it was a great choice. I have to admit I was shocked it had only received 85 reviews. I would give two if it were allowed. The story is current with dynamic, interesting characters. I love a book with great action and this one is loaded. The plot is filled with twists and turns and a remarkable surprise ending. Don't miss this great read.

[DavidA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gone By Morning is an incredible novel. Set in New York City, the characters – Kathleen, Emily, Lauren, Sharon and Jackson are so believable. During the past few years I have read some great books, but this creatively written novel by Michele Weinstat Miller may be the best. Simply put, a great read.

[Megan McSherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. So many twists and turns right up until the end.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept me reading long into the night.

[Chris Maden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gone by Morning by Michele Weinstat Miller, published by Crooked Lane Books, out on 10 August, 2021

This was a fun read. Kathleen is a lady with a past: she spent five years inside for homicide, and left prison to become an entrepreneur in a somewhat unusual business. Her daughter is estranged from her, and Kathleen knows her granddaughter only through circuitous means. She lives her life keeping under the radar. Until one morning when she narrowly escapes being blown up in a terrorist attack on the subway.

That attack has no obvious relationship with Kathleen. When, however, a part acquaintance of hers turns up out of the blue, only to skip the appointment and turn up murdered instead, Kathleen's neatly ordered life begins to unravel.

From there on, and very much in line with the genre, the plot unfolds. The twists and turns are nicely calibrated, never too far out of the ballpark to come as complete surprises, yet far enough out that they are unexpected. That suspension of disbelief that Kundera identified is never quite breached. There is the mighty coincidence without which no crime thriller can stand, the allies in unexpected places and betrayals closer to home. New York, where the book is set, is not quite the third-character that L.A. is in Chandler's novels, but nor could the story take place anywhere else.

My only gripe is that the author doesn't always seem fully in control of the plot - especially Kathleen's relationship with the cops. It's not quite implausible, but it isn't quite plausible either. That aside, this is great fun, baddies who are despicable and good guys who are interestingly conflicted. Well worth the price!

[Richard Gibney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel could be considered a fast-paced thriller about family and the primacy of strong family relationships. As the extent of the familial relationships is teased out over the course of the narrative – both on the heroes’ side and the villains’ – the importance of the family bond becomes apparent. However, the novel is far more than that.
While the villains remain in the shadows for much of the novel, their own pernicious heritage is revealed. Through creative use of flashback, we are introduced to a lineage populated by dangerous, high-functioning psychopaths who merit a sequel or further exploration.
The novel is well-researched, the author clearly knowledgeable about a variety of issues; Michele Weinstat Miller shows intimate familiarity with both the city of New York and aspects of the legal system. So too there are elements that touch on recovery from addiction, politics on a grand scale, the nature of police procedure, and the petulance of a dangerous, emotionally-unbalanced young man.
A highly recommended read with a number of twists and turns that will keep you riveted throughout.

[Lindaanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the books authored by Michele Miller (and yes I've read them all), "Gone By Morning" hit me my emotional gut the hardest. There are many murder mysteries out there, but Ms. Miller's books are uniquely riveting and utterly addictive. The author's ability to draw on her own real life experience living in Harlem during the height of the 80s drug wars, as well as her professional life as a NYC attorney, give her books a gritty realistic edge that I love.

"Gone By Morning" centers around 3 generations of strong NYC women (two of them in recovery), and how they fight back against an elitist entrenched power structure in place for generations. Although the central character Kathleen is no angel, one can sympathize with her plight as well as her sincere desire to connect with and help her relatives. I especially loved the ending, an unexpected twist that was very satisfying to this reader. (I won't reveal the spoiler details here). An excellent read!

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen has reestablished her life after time in prison but now things are literally blowing it apart. She escapes a suicide bombing on the NYC subway only to find herself bombed again. Sharon, an old acquaintance, didn't turn up for their planned meeting because she's, well, been murdered. Kathleen's neighbor Emily, a journalist, doesn't like the explanations she's not getting (she saw Sharon leave their building) so she persuades Kathleen to help her investigate. Thriller readers know this will take them into dangerous areas- so perilous that someone wants them dead. The plot does get a bit convoluted in spots (and there are a couple of subplots) but it works because of the characters. I liked Kathleen, a mature woman who doesn't take guff, as well as Emily, her daughter, and the dog. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. No spoilers from me.

[Bruin Mccon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gone By Morning is a thriller about three generations of women and their connection to a bombing and subsequent series of murders and legal troubles targeting seemingly unrelated people.

This book is apparently the second book about two of the characters. Functionally it is like a standalone because it can be read first (no problem understanding this novel and only learned of first book’s existence when I checked for other books by the author).

This is a great book and I can personally confirm that the author knows her social media! That’s a minor point and I’m not sure it is a major factor in whether or not you pick up this novel. Let’s call it an added bonus for those of you who I know through digital comms work.

This was a wildly entertaining book with a flawed matriarch who is hard not to love for how much she’s overcome.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

This mystery, a sequel to Miller's "Widows in Law", requires no familiarity with that book to enjoy thoroughly. From the start, I was thoroughly engrossed in the story of Kathleen, a subway passenger who considers herself lucky to have gotten a seat on the "A" train until there is an explosion which seems to be the act of a terrorist, even before I learned of her interesting and complicated history.
I didn't do much else until I'd gotten to the bottom of this story which explores family relationships and, along the way, opened my eyes about the victimization of sex workers and drug abusers by the legal system.

[Janet]

This mystery, a sequel to Miller's "Widows in Law", requires no familiarity with that book to enjoy thoroughly. From the start, I was thoroughly engrossed in the story of Kathleen, a subway passenger who considers herself lucky to have gotten a seat on the 'A' train until there is an explosion which seems to be an act of terrorism, even before I learned of her interesting and complicated history.
I didn't do much else until I'd gotten to the bottom of this story which explores family relationships and, along the way, opened my eyes about the victimization of sex workers and drug abusers by the legal system.

[Deborah S. Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down!

I really did not like the bad people and their inner sensibilities and intentions….still the book compels you to continue amidst an array of loving, real life characters…some flawed but truly likable. You want things to work out on the side of those individuals. The twists and turns right till the end hooked me until the wee hours of the night. I loved the setting in NYC and the real life feel to the subways and Washington Heights was an incredible back drop. I think I may have eaten at the Cuchi Frito place on 116th Street. Congratulations Michelle on another great read.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michele Weinstat Miller writes a thriller with characters (and a dog!) who are so achingly real that you can't help but want to give them a hug. I loved the textured and nuanced circumstances of each person in this novel and how they all fit together so explosively. A page-turner, a thriller, but much more than that. This is an intelligent novel with heart that will entertain but it will also make you think,
#netgalley #gonebymorning #micheleweinstatmiller #crookedlanebooks

[Efrem S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read thrillers constantly and this one truly stands out above the rest. Gone By Morning by Michele Weinstat Miller is a great ride. Exciting plot right from the jump with many well-earned twists along the way. Great characters and villains you will love to hate. Crazy about primary protagonist former madam and badass Kathleen and the rest of the women who kick serious butt in this action-filled thriller. Great and very satisfying ending. Well done MWM!! 👏👏👏

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Gone By Morning by Michele Weinstat Miller is an intriguing mystery.

Sixty-eight-year-old Kathleen Harris is a former madam who barely escapes a subway bombing. She is surprised when, notafter the bombing, she is contacted by one of her former call girls, Sharon Williams. They have not been in contact for several years, so she cannot imagine why she asked for the meeting. Kathleen is later concerned when Sharon fails to show up at her apartment. Although Sharon is later found murdered, Kathleen is aware the police will not put much effort into finding her killer.

Twenty-six-year-old Emily Silverman and her two-year-old daughter Skye live in the same apartment building as Kathleen. She and Kathleen are also friends and unbeknownst to Emily, there is a deeper connection between them. Emily works as a Deputy Press Secretary for Mayor Derek Sullivan and Kathleen asks her to see if she can out more information about the investigation into Sharon’s murder. They quickly deduce Sharon’s death is not a priority and they put themselves in danger after their decision to look into her murder on their own.

Gone By Morning is an engaging mystery with a multi-layered plot. The characters are well-developed with fascinating backstories. Emily and Kathleen’s search for answers about Sharon’s murder takes a very shocking turn.  Chapters from the bomber’s point of view provide insight into his somewhat devious motive for his crime. The chapters from the villain’s perspective are a rather melodramatic. The storyline is well written but the pacing is somewhat slow although it eventually gains speed. Michele Weinstat Miller brings this suspenseful mystery to a satisfactory conclusion but the last chapter raises some interesting questions.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a mystery with some interesting twists and turns. I somehow could not get into the audio itself and think I would have enjoyed it more if i were reading it. Nonetheless, I liked it.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins with a 68-year-old woman named Kathleen riding on a New York City subway. She receives a text alert telling her that CNN has reported a bomb in the subway system. She's close to where the bomber has set off the bomb, killing himself and at least 48 other people. She escapes and ends up walking seven miles home to her apartment in a building she owns.

The bombing sets up a flurry of investigations to determine the bomber's name, motive and if he was working alone. Once identified as Jackson Mattingly they mystery only deepens. He doesn't seem to have any motive for his actions.

Emily Silverman is one of the mayor's press secretaries. She also lives in the building Kathleen owns with her almost-three-year-old daughter Skye. Unknown to her is the fact that Kathleen is her grandmother who has manipulated events through a fake Facebook friend to get Emily her job at City Hall and her apartment in order to get to know her granddaughter and great-granddaughter.

Kathleen was convicted of manslaughter and spent some years in prison. She and her husband were both drug addicts. She is the one who brought her husband the drugs that killed him. After getting out of prison there weren't a lot of job opportunities which led her to become a madam. She is now many-years retired. She lost her daughter Lauren through all of the events of her trial and incarceration, Lauren, who had drug problems of her own, felt abandoned and has spent the past thirty years with very mixed feelings about the woman she wrote out of her life.

Now, it seems that the past has made a reappearance when one of the women who worked for her asked to see her but never arrived only to be found murdered and dumped at a b each famous as a dumping ground for prostitutes. Emily was a witness to the woman's near arrival at Kathleen's when she saw the woman get into a car outside the apartment building. The police seem to have written off what looks like the death of one more prostitute but Emily and Kathleen begin to investigate.

Then a lawyer who was also a former client of Kathleen's first tells Kathleen to back off the investigation and then is supposed to have committed suicide. This leads Kathleen to believe that there is more to know about her friend's past and the mysterious Client 13 who was the only thing they had in common.

After an arson attack on her building which nearly costs Kathleen, Emily and Skye their lives, police arrest Kathleen for being the arsonist. Her bank accounts have been drained and evidence is discovered that she's the one who started the fires as a way of claiming the insurance. All she and Emily know is that there is a powerful and connected enemy out there who doesn't want his secrets revealed.

The story is told from multiple viewpoints including both Kathleen and Emily and also Jackson Mattingly and the mysterious hidden figure who is at the center of the events. Lauren's husband Carl who is an FBI Agent currently on medical leave fighting MS and Lauren herself get chances to be viewpoint characters.

I really enjoyed this twisty tale about the past coming to haunt the present, about the hidden parts of wealth and politics, and about secrets. It was filled with so much tension that I needed to sometimes put it down and walk away to decompress. Fans of intense mysteries will enjoy this one.

[Juliya Ziskina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gone by Morning is a compelling, action-packed thriller from multi-talented Michele Weinstat Miller. The book starts out right away with an explosion on the subway that nearly kills the protagonist, a badass woman named Kathleen with a shady past — the implications of which become more and more apparent throughout the rest of the plot. The reader is quickly introduced to a variety of interesting and nuanced characters, including Emily, one of the New York City mayor’s press secretaries who ends up joining forces with Kathleen to get to the bottom of the murder of Kathleen’s friend from her past. If, like me, you’re a sucker for plotlines driven by collaboration between sharp, multifaceted, vulnerable, and brave women, this book won’t disappoint. The dialogue between the characters is particularly snappy and flows easily.

The quick pace and Ms. Miller’s strong writing voice carries through the book, and there is a ton of action and compelling scenes that made it hard to put the book down. I felt like the main characters were given just enough background and detail for the interactions to seem realistic, even with a plot that might initially seem somewhat unlikely. Ms. Miller really created an environment that sets up clear heroes and villains, and makes it easy to root for the protagonists. She treats her characters, some of whom have questionable pasts, with compassion and nuance, and writes the villains in a deliciously despicable way.

I appreciate how Ms. Miller brings her own voice and unique life experiences to the books she writes. As a former City prosecutor, she gives the reader an incisive glimpse into the dynamics of the criminal justice system and City politics — it’s clear she poured her knowledge and astute observations into the plot, and the novel was even better for it.

Ms. Miller writes with engaging detail, the ability to draw you in and make you feel deeply for the characters and absolutely sweep you up in the book’s pages. Just about the time you think you have it all figured out, it takes a 90° turn and once again that thought repeats, “Just one more chapter.” Can’t recommend it enough.

[Marianne D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michele Weinstat Miller’s new novel “Gone by Morning” grabbed my attention with its opening description of a terrifying incident in the NYC subway system. My focus held throughout with its combination of a compelling storyline and the true to life details of the lives of its main characters. Ms. Miller’s background as chief government ethics prosecutor for NYC helps her provide authenticity when she writes about the inner workings of the Office of the Mayor and to put a human face on a main character’s incarceration and subsequent career as a madam.

As a native New Yorker I found the details and locales were in line with what I experienced working in a NYC government agency and living in Inwood where the key characters also either worked or lived. This authenticity very much enhanced my enjoyment of the story and the suspenseful goings on punctuated by the writer’s short chapters kept me hooked.

The strongly written multigenerational trio of main female characters in “Gone by Morning” were first introduced in Ms. Miller’s excellent novel, “Widows-in-Law” which I also highly recommend. Though the two books stand completely independently I feel invested in these characters and am very happy to see them have new life.

I’m afraid to spoil this suspenseful story by giving away any of its many twists and turns. Though I've seen
Ms. Miller’s writing compared to other fine authors, to me she seems unique unto herself. I am already looking forward to what she has in store for us next time.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a advanced copy of Miller's upcoming book, The Lower Power, and loved every minute of it. I was looking forward to reading another book by this author. I was not disappointed. Gone By Morning is an outstanding book. I couldn't put it down. I identified with all three women at varying stages of their lives. These women all faced unfortunate circumstances that broke my heart as I cheered for them overcome the past and solve the crisis they now face. I won't rehash the plot since you can read about it in the description.

Michele Miller's characters feel real. They haven't had perfect lives; they aren't perfect people. They're real, they're flawed, and they're strong. Can't wait to read another one by this author.

[Emma Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one reaches out and grabs your attention from the off with a very shocking terrorism attack. Immediately, the reader is introduced to Kathleen who you soon learn has a very colourful past. All of a sudden her friend is missing and then another crime needs to be solved.
Some really great characters in this, I love the complexity of Kathleen. Really like the minor characters that surround her too.
Its a tense storyline, and whilst it tends to veer off the terrorism plot to a point, the mystery of both plots are engaging, twisty and keep you hooked.
A great read.

[Susan Krutzler]

I tried. I tried so hard to like this book, but it just dragged and dragged and I had no interest in any of the characters and I kept reading hoping it would pick up but I just couldn’t continue on anymore. It was dry and uneventful. Even the subway bomb was not described to be exciting. None of the characters held any interest and I was just waiting for something to happen; I couldn’t imagine reading the rest of the book like this. Not for me.

[Monical · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this up expecting a light thriller. Instead, I got just about as bad a book as possible. The author decided to substitute action for character development or plot, and made the book as complicated as possible. One plot nugget was intriguing, but the rest of it was trash, and in a couple of spots the author apparently mixed up some of the (blandly interchangeable) characters. One of those books that I'm sorry I picked up. Do yourself a favor and pass.

[Julie Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a brilliant read and got sucked right into it, couldn't put it down and read it in a few days! There was a great plot and kept me guessing right up til the end. I enjoyed reading how Kathleen & Emilys relationship evolved and the twists and turns of the story. I hope to read more by Michelle Weinstat Miller soon

[Yorkfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling book. The twisting plot had me turning pages at a frenetic pace. The intricate detail with which the author describes her characters makes for a great read. Modern urban culture is delved into through an inside view of New York's politics, influence and power. A close, personal perspective with an edge of truth and reality. I highly recommend this novel.

[Karen Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. The characters are interesting/well developed and the reader is drawn in from the start. Michele brings the site, sounds and vibe of NYC to life for the reader. I actually couldn't put this book down and although I was eager to find out who "did it," I resisted flipping ahead!! The end was a real WOW, and I can't wait for Michele's next novel. Highly recommended!

[Andrea Jacka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A suicide bomber attacks a Times Square subway station. Ex-madam Kathleen escapes the carnage, but this catastrophic event is just the beginning of an ongoing nightmare for her. This is a ripper of a read filled with action, skulduggery and volatile relationships, which are woven into a killer story.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning—Do not start reading this book in the evening. You will not be able to sleep until all is resolved with Kathleen, Lauren and Emily and the next thing you know it is 3:00am. What a thriller with unexpected connections.

[Rosalinde Block · Rating 5 out of 5]

Law & Order fans will love this page turner!

Every chapter felt like a L&O "dadummm!" What would happen next? I thought I knew halfway through and I was wrong! That's cool! Great read!