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Clean Break
Aroostine Higgins returns in a page-turning thriller from USA Today bestselling author Melissa F. Miller.
When a tourist reports an abandoned car at a remote trailhead at the Grand Canyon's North Rim, Aroostine Higgins is the logical choice to investigate the high-profile case. After all, it's her job. She's a consultant to the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch, and she specializes in tracking people.
But when a search of the car turns up a blood-soaked hat that's a match for a missing woman and a scrap of paper bearing the name "Rue Jackman," the case becomes personal. Under the alias of Rue Jackman, Aroostine helps find missing Native American women who've been forgotten by the system.
The only problem is the missing woman isn't Native, and Aroostine has no idea why her alias is on that piece of paper.
When a tourist reports an abandoned car at a remote trailhead at the Grand Canyon's North Rim, Aroostine Higgins is the logical choice to investigate the high-profile case. After all, it's her job. She's a consultant to the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch, and she specializes in tracking people.
But when a search of the car turns up a blood-soaked hat that's a match for a missing woman and a scrap of paper bearing the name "Rue Jackman," the case becomes personal. Under the alias of Rue Jackman, Aroostine helps find missing Native American women who've been forgotten by the system.
The only problem is the missing woman isn't Native, and Aroostine has no idea why her alias is on that piece of paper.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2022
18 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Melissa F. Miller
93 books597 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 28, 2022
Whenever I open a Melissa F. Miller book, I know I'm in for a treat. Clean Break was no exception. Miller has such clear storytelling, vibrant characters, and positive resolutions for them. I was hoping Aroostine could be more forthcoming with Pat about her alternate identity, Rue Jackman. I get that he's law enforcement and what Rue does is not always within the bounds of the law, but it sure makes their relationship conflicted. I'm looking forward to more Aroostine stories. I always get Miller's books read in one day! I read a few other books in the last couple of weeks by some REALLY well-known authors, and they just weren't as compelling.
I received an ARC for Clean Break.
I received an ARC for Clean Break.
October 1, 2022
Clean Break by Melissa F. Miller an unbroken streak of great books. This one is part of her Aroostine (Roo) Higgins series in which Aroostine finds herself putting her tracking skills to bear to find a native young man who lives on the reservation who is missing. He presumably involved with and therefore responsible for the disappearance of the young teenage daughter of a wealthy rancher who the wealthiest and most influential in his sphere of influence.
Roo also has her alternate identity as Rue Jackman who tends, at times, to not pay the strictest attention to the law to achieve her ends to achieve justice for her native clients. This is further complicated by her growing relationship with Pat, a Federal law enforcement official, a Special Agent with the National Park Police Investigative Services Branch, This at times creates conflicts as well as her lingering feelings for her deceased husband Joe.
The story in itself is a great read and is a stand alone story. Roo, as a character, is better understood with each story. Read them all as well as all of the author’s other series.
I was provided an advance copy for review purposes.
Roo also has her alternate identity as Rue Jackman who tends, at times, to not pay the strictest attention to the law to achieve her ends to achieve justice for her native clients. This is further complicated by her growing relationship with Pat, a Federal law enforcement official, a Special Agent with the National Park Police Investigative Services Branch, This at times creates conflicts as well as her lingering feelings for her deceased husband Joe.
The story in itself is a great read and is a stand alone story. Roo, as a character, is better understood with each story. Read them all as well as all of the author’s other series.
I was provided an advance copy for review purposes.
July 31, 2024
Clean Break by Melissa F Miller - (An Aroostine Higgins Novel Book 7).
This is book 7 in the series and while it can be read as a stand-alone book, in my opinion the story would make more sense if you have read the previous 6 books. This story picks up a couple of years after the events in book 6. Roo is living her life on her terms, both as Aroostine Higgins, former federal prosecutor, outside independent consultant both for teaching rangers about tracking and as a criminal investigator of missing person cold cases working for the National Park Service’s Investigative Services Branch and as Rue Jackson her alias as a tracker of missing Native women. In this story Arroostine made good use of her unique set of skills to bring this story to it's happy conclusion.
Her relationship with Patton Banks is a work in progress and at the end of this book, we leave Aroostine content with her life and with hope for her future.
At the time of writing this review in July 2024, there are seven books in this series and with this book 7 released in 2022, for me the closing scene at the end of this book I interpreted that as the end of this series.
This is book 7 in the series and while it can be read as a stand-alone book, in my opinion the story would make more sense if you have read the previous 6 books. This story picks up a couple of years after the events in book 6. Roo is living her life on her terms, both as Aroostine Higgins, former federal prosecutor, outside independent consultant both for teaching rangers about tracking and as a criminal investigator of missing person cold cases working for the National Park Service’s Investigative Services Branch and as Rue Jackson her alias as a tracker of missing Native women. In this story Arroostine made good use of her unique set of skills to bring this story to it's happy conclusion.
Her relationship with Patton Banks is a work in progress and at the end of this book, we leave Aroostine content with her life and with hope for her future.
At the time of writing this review in July 2024, there are seven books in this series and with this book 7 released in 2022, for me the closing scene at the end of this book I interpreted that as the end of this series.
September 30, 2022
There’s just something incredibly enjoyable and relatable with the characters in Miller’s books and especially with Aroostine. “Clean Break” is the perfect addition to this series. Right from the start I was on the edge of my seat and caught in the dilemma that I always find myself in with Ms Miller’s novels: hurry up and read because I can’t wait to find out what happens and read slowly to savor the perfection of the story and characters. My heart was in my throat reading the twists and turns of Julia’s and Ryan’s story all while swelling with hope that everything with end alright for everyone. Five stars are never enough for a Melissa Miller novel and this is certainly the case for “Clean Break”. I was provided an eARC of this novel.
October 4, 2022
Every once in a while, a character in a novel is so intriguing that you wished you could meet them in real life. Clean Break’s Aroostine Higgins is one of those characters. She is her own woman who mainly cares about helping others no matter what the cost. Clean Break is filled with Aroostine taking chances, stretching the truth, focusing on the one, applying strategy to solving problems and finding love. Aroostine can track down anything and you too can track down a good read by finding Melissa F. Miller’s latest bestselling legal thriller titled Clean Break.
September 27, 2022
Aroostine specializes in tracking lost people who have come to the park.
The case of a missing woman an abandoned car with too much blood.
The personal touch with her, having the memory of a loved one, be within.
Now ready to move on to new plans, making new memories with Pat
Aroostine, seems confidant, independent , curious, with new adventures
A great series readers will enjoy.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
The case of a missing woman an abandoned car with too much blood.
The personal touch with her, having the memory of a loved one, be within.
Now ready to move on to new plans, making new memories with Pat
Aroostine, seems confidant, independent , curious, with new adventures
A great series readers will enjoy.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
September 28, 2022
a quick, easy read
I read this book in one evening because I didn’t want to put it down. I’ve read all the books in this series and they’re all interesting with a different premise. Melissa Miller just writes good books. She has 2 other series of books which I’ve read and I’m always looking for the next book. You can’t go wrong with her books. The characters become your dpfriends.
I read this book in one evening because I didn’t want to put it down. I’ve read all the books in this series and they’re all interesting with a different premise. Melissa Miller just writes good books. She has 2 other series of books which I’ve read and I’m always looking for the next book. You can’t go wrong with her books. The characters become your dpfriends.
September 29, 2022
Ms. Miller - and Aroostine - never disappoints!
I enjoy "watching" Roo's relationship with Pat develop. It has been a complicated ride. This book takes us to the Grand Canyon and again showcases Aroostine's tracking skills. There was everything you could want - love, hate, murder, finding what you are looking for, family dynamics and disfunction. Aroostine is a very strong woman with a very big voice.
I enjoy "watching" Roo's relationship with Pat develop. It has been a complicated ride. This book takes us to the Grand Canyon and again showcases Aroostine's tracking skills. There was everything you could want - love, hate, murder, finding what you are looking for, family dynamics and disfunction. Aroostine is a very strong woman with a very big voice.
October 12, 2022
Another wonderful Aroostine book
Once again, Aroostine is able to use her tracking skills. This time to find the missing teenager who is suspected of killing his girlfriend. Then she's able to get more clues to find the girlfriend. There are more twists to their story for Aroostine and Patton to figure out in order to save them. I'd like to know more about Patton's background in a future book,though. I enjoyed this book very much.
Once again, Aroostine is able to use her tracking skills. This time to find the missing teenager who is suspected of killing his girlfriend. Then she's able to get more clues to find the girlfriend. There are more twists to their story for Aroostine and Patton to figure out in order to save them. I'd like to know more about Patton's background in a future book,though. I enjoyed this book very much.
November 7, 2022
I have been reading Melissa Miller’s books since the first Sasha McCandless novel. All of her books are great reads however I found this one didn’t hit the mark. Roo is a good character with deep issues in her past and it is good to see her deal with those issues and try to move forward.
Where this story fell short for me was the plot. It seemed to wrap up too quickly and too easily.
Where this story fell short for me was the plot. It seemed to wrap up too quickly and too easily.
September 26, 2023
This is another good book in this series
I have really enjoyed the Aroostine Higgins series. It has gone in directions I would have never dreamed. The jury is still out for me on the Banks character, but I do enjoy the varying settings that Aroostine gets into. Keep it going Melissa
I have really enjoyed the Aroostine Higgins series. It has gone in directions I would have never dreamed. The jury is still out for me on the Banks character, but I do enjoy the varying settings that Aroostine gets into. Keep it going Melissa
September 29, 2022
Melissa Miller does it again! Excellent adventure from start to finish.
Kidnapping, attempted murder, controlling father, Aroostine uses her tracking skills and inate intelligence to save the day.
Thankful for the ARC in return for an honest review!
Kidnapping, attempted murder, controlling father, Aroostine uses her tracking skills and inate intelligence to save the day.
Thankful for the ARC in return for an honest review!
November 2, 2022
Lots of twists
This is a good read. Powerful families sometimes step over the line. This book tells such a story. My only complaint would be that justice was only hinted at, not served.
This is a good read. Powerful families sometimes step over the line. This book tells such a story. My only complaint would be that justice was only hinted at, not served.
December 2, 2022
Another amazing story that will keep you intrigued. Once again Rue uses her tracking skills to help find a missing teenager. As always there’s danger and suspense to make this a book not to be missed.
January 26, 2023
Hope there are future books in this series. There is so much more to explore in Pat & Roo's relationship. I would like the focus of the series to return more to the tracking of missing Native American women and girls.
July 10, 2023
a page turner, but…
Great story. A page turner. But I didn’t like the ending of these last two books. I want more. The evidence gathered , the trial, the perils that come with it. Not just a happy ending left to your imagination.
Great story. A page turner. But I didn’t like the ending of these last two books. I want more. The evidence gathered , the trial, the perils that come with it. Not just a happy ending left to your imagination.
October 4, 2022
Loved this book. There was mystery and intrigue. It was fast moving and at times there was humor. Great read.
October 7, 2022
Rue Jack man is incredible!
Love this series! One of my favorites, in this book Rue is coming to terms with her newest responsibilities and her new love interest.
Love this series! One of my favorites, in this book Rue is coming to terms with her newest responsibilities and her new love interest.
October 26, 2022
Another great Aroostine story!
I love these books! I hope there are more to come. I would love for Aroostine and Pat to continue.
I love these books! I hope there are more to come. I would love for Aroostine and Pat to continue.
March 18, 2023
Great book
I enjoyed this book. It had a different feel to it and a good story line. I would highly recommend it to Murder Mystery enthusiasts.
I enjoyed this book. It had a different feel to it and a good story line. I would highly recommend it to Murder Mystery enthusiasts.
September 11, 2023
Really good!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews