Seattle prosecutor Mia Quinn, Homicide Detective Charlie Carlson, human trafficking, prostitution, drugs, murder and keeping one's family safe while fighting for justice make for a good story, well told, with interesting characters, a surprise or two, and provide a good winter day read (or summer at the beach if you prefer). ( )

Lethal Beauty (A Mia Quinn Mystery)
Lis Wiehl

Book Summary: It should have been an open and shut murder case, but Mia Quinn finds out nothing about it is simple. After a young Chinese prostitute is stabbed to death by her rich American client, the tabloids dub Dandan Yee “Lethal Beauty”—despite the fact that she was the one who ended up dead. Yet even with double standards and naked prejudice working against her, Seattle prosecutor Mia Quinn is determined to get justice for Dandan Yee. But when a key witness goes missing and an unsavory juror shuts down deliberations without explanation, Mia fears the trial—and the law—are being tampered with. A constellation of fresh killings has Mia and homicide detective Charlie Carlson searching for a common source and puts Mia’s family in the crosshairs of a Chinese crime cabal. Meanwhile, Dandan Yee’s mother has opted to take matters into her own hands . . . and the stakes get more lethal overnight. In the midst of all this, Mia has to contend with a fifteen-year-old son who is growing up too fast for his own good, and the idea that Charlie might want to be more than just friends. Can Mia and Charlie stop the murders and still keep her family safe? Or is the very act of seeking justice enough to cost her everything—and everyone—she loves?

Review: The book was very interesting. I really liked to see the main characters return. The storyline was sad. It was very well written and realistic. I did find it easy to read overall. The theme of human trafficking is tragic and difficult to identify in real life. The sideline story of Gabe and steroids was understandable at the end, but not as believable for me. It seemed to deviate from Gabe’s character. Overall the book was worth the read and had a quick wrap up. I really liked how the finally concluded. For me it was the perfect way to wrap it up because I like a big final scene, this topic is very real for people and I was glad to see the ending being quick and final. The bad men seemed to have eyes and ears everywhere, without anything stopping them from silencing those that threatened their interests. Sometimes, evil seems to have the upper hand and this alone is scary. I liked the unravelling of this evil, which became disorganized and desperate. The main character seems disconnected at times from God, and the faith side of the story was limited. I hoped to see a growth in Mia Quinn in her faith. The previous books seemed to be drawing her closer to God, but that seemed to be sidelined in this story. That was my only disappointment with the story.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. ( )

Lethal Beauty is the third installment in Lis Wiehl’s Mia Quinn Mystery series. I have listened to all three books on audio and have enjoyed them all. Running throughout the series is the mystery behind Seattle prosecutor Mia Quinn’s husband’s death. This fact and the ongoing impact on Mia’s personal and professional life from the loss of her husband makes me recommend that you begin at the beginning. Otherwise you will miss some crucial pieces to the story.

The action begins in the courtroom. Mia is concluding a highly publicized murder trial in which the victim has been dubbed by the press as the Lethal Beauty. Forces are working behind the scenes to achieve a certain outcome. But as always, Mia is determined to see justice served. On the personal front, Mia’s family continues to deal with the void her husband Scott’s death has caused. Evil continues to creep at the door.

Wiehl’s novel deals with some tough issues and truths in the not so pretty world we live in. Crime rings which deal in drugs, prostitution, human smuggling, and enslavement are the focus of Lethal Beauty. Their tentacles are far-reaching and more often than not are not recognized by law-abiding citizens. Even as a prosecutor, Mia is unaware of what really goes on behind the scenes of seemingly legitimate businesses. The seedy underworld encroaches on middle America with little warning. On a more personal front, Mia’s character, still struggling with grief and betrayal, portrays an all too familiar reality. Her family life consists of ordering pizza, making food from boxes and rushing the kids to school and daycare as she struggles to meet professional obligations. Mia’s non-existent spiritual life continues to be challenged, and her mind and heart open ever so slowly. Mia has a lot more growing to do, and I hope there are more books to follow.

I recommend Lethal Beauty (and the first two books in the series) to all who like realism in their suspense novels. The characters, though flawed, are relatable. The crimes are ugly, but exit in our country. And the truth that is presented is available to all.

Recommended.

Audience: adults. ( )

Title: Lethal Beauty (Mia Quinn #3)
Author: Lis Wiehl
Pages: 305
Year: 2015
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
This go-round Mia is intent on pursuing justice for the death of a young, Asian, teenage prostitute. The jury deliberates, but can’t come to a unanimous agreement due to a lone holdout. The jury is declared hung by the judge, and Mia expects her boss to okay the refiling of the case for a new trial. Unfortunately, her boss thinks it a poor use of time and money with the unlikely event of a conviction so no new trial is scheduled. Mia is unhappy with this and vows to herself not to give up in getting justice for the victim and the victim’s mother.
As Mia investigates with homicide detective, Charlie Carlson, she begins to uncover more than she could have bargained for. The case gets deeper and deeper into the world of human trafficking. While the tension mounts to find the ringleader of this gang, specializing in human trafficking, drugs, steroids and prostitution, Mia is faced with the usual day-to-day challenges and stresses of being a widowed mother of a teenager and toddler. However, she soon finds out that not all is well at home when her teenage son begins to have a drastic change in attitude. She also thinks two of her male friends both want to be more than friends in her life, so they silently compete with one another for her affection, even though Mia doesn’t want a man in her life right now. The gang leader soon ramps up his efforts to have the case closed in whatever means possible and the danger strikes Mia and those close to her.
I really am enjoying this series and the character of Mia Quinn. Her character is realistically portrayed and I can certainly relate to her struggles raising her children. She’s got a sense of humor as well as dogged determination. She will never give up on her family or seeking justice for a victim of crime. The plot kept me interested as well as made me much more aware of my own naiveté regarding the subject of human trafficking and how it could be happening right in my own city. A wake-up call for sure! There are some references to events that take place in the first two books in the series, so I would read the books in order with book one, A Matter of Trust and then book two, A Deadly Business.
My rating is 5 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )

A special thank you to Thomas Nelson--FICTION and NetGalley for a complimentary reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

Lis Wiehl returns with (Mia Quinn #3) LETHAL BEAUTY, a single mom, Mia lands an intense case –her legal career crosses over to her complicated personal life, for a suspenseful mystery crime/legal action-packed thriller!

Mia has lost her husband Scott and she is busy with the demands of her time and balancing her personal and professional- high stress life. The mother of a nursery school daughter, Brooke, and a teenage son, Gabe. In addition, their apartment is getting a little crowded with Kali, and her son Eldon currently living with them due to Kali’s cancer. Of course, there is also two men, Eli and Charlie.

As the novel opens, Mia is involved in a high profile case of a wealthy business, as a prosecutor accusing the man of murdering Dandan, a young Chinese woman who is an illegal immigrant. Mia suspects something is up when one juror which may keep them from winning this case and putting this guy away. However, this case may be even more complex.

Not only is there one case, but several cases, which may be connected. An unidentified body is found washed up on Puget Sound, and Charlie, homicide detective is on the case helping her gain more evidence about Dandan’s death, and help the mother prove her innocence. Then Mia runs into a former client of Scotts – Kenny, owner of a Chinese restaurant employing illegal immigrants, plus Gabe may be involved in some dangerous stuff which Mia has to deal with. How are all these cases connected?

Wiehl, a former federal prosecutor giving her first hand expertise, and well-equipped to handle these highly-charged topics covered in LETHAL BEAUTY like the pro she is..fans of John Grisham will certainly be engrossed in this legal/crime mystery thriller.

From complex twists and turns, to modern day slaves and human sex trafficking – innocent immigrants, misled with hopes of a better life in America. The bad guys have full control, and no means for the victims to ever repay the debt. The victims are scared of going to the authorities, with threats of killing their families.

Controversial subjects of using drugs obtained illegally; a popular topic of teens, athletes, and professionals using steroids promising a certain image, body, from unreliable sources in China, not knowing the contents and dangers on the black market. A good example of peer pressure in high school. Another subject of healthy eating versus junk food and the issues with additives and preservatives (a big fan of this as a vegan and push this with my grandchildren)… it was also fun catching up with her dad, his new church, and new friend.

I fell in love with Mia Quinn, and Lis Wiehl an instant fan, when reading A Deadly Business (Mia Quinn, #2) last year (2014); immediately afterwards read Snapshot (2014), which made my top 30 books of 2014! I still need to go back and read (Mia Quinn #1) A Matter of Trust (2013).

Legal and crime thrillers are my favorite genre and Wiehl never disappoints-- with award winning courtroom scenes and as always, able to incorporate just enough personal human dynamics and emotion for an engaging read. Looking forward to #4 to see what lies ahead for tenacious, Mia Quinn-- Highly recommend this series. ( )