Án mạng trong vô thức

Morgan Dane #4

by Melinda Leigh, Diệu Thư (Translator)

Tỉnh dậy trong một căn nhà xa lạ với khoảng ký ức mơ hồ, trống rỗng, Haley hốt hoảng khi thấy toàn thân mình dính đầy máu. Lần theo những vết tích trên sàn nhà, cô phát hiện một cảnh tượng khiếp đảm đến nỗi không thốt nên lời. Noah Carter, người bạn trai mới quen của cô, nằm giữa vũng máu với ba vết đâm chí mạng.

Cô và Noah đã có một buổi tối vui vẻ tại câu lạc bộ đêm và những giờ phút ngọt ngào tại nhà riêng của anh. Sau đó thì sao? Chuyện gì đã xảy ra trong khoảng ký ức mơ hồ ấy? Ai là kẻ giết người? Là cô? Hay không phải cô? Chính cô cũng không biết nữa…

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“Em đã làm gì tôi, Haley?” Tiếng thì thầm văng vẳng bên tai cô. Nó trầm và chậm rãi chảy trên da cô, khiến cô nổi gai ốc. Cô không thể chạy trốn khỏi nó.

Không. Đó không phải giọng nói. Đó là một vật chất hữu hình. Một chất lỏng. Trơn tuột và đặc quánh.

Cô giật mình, ruột gan cồn cào.

Máu. Nó ở khắp nơi. Trên người cô. Xung quanh cô.

… Cô gắng sức chùi tay vào chân nhưng cô đang không mặc gì trên người cả, và máu cứ thế dính khắp đùi cô.

Cô nhìn xuống. Một con dao to thò ra từ lòng bàn tay cô. Nó không phải loại dao đi săn hay dao bắt cá. Đó là dao dùng trong nhà bếp. Nó dài và sắc, với cái lưỡi cong tròn.

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“Thật là tốt khi Morgan, Lance và Sharp đã có mặt trong vụ án này chứ không phải tôi. Tôi đã đoán sai về kẻ giết người. Có rất nhiều khúc ngoặt trong câu chuyện này và chúng khiến tôi không thể ngừng đọc tiếp. Nhiều đến nỗi tôi thực sự không muốn bỏ lỡ bất cứ tình tiết nào. Bạn chỉ phải lấy một cuốn Án mạng trong vô thức và tự mình tìm ra kẻ thủ ác mà thôi!!”

- Books-n-Kisses –

“Nếu bạn là fan của dòng sách trinh thám lãng mạn mà chưa đọc cuốn sách nào trong series này, tôi khuyên bạn hãy đọc ngay một cuốn!”

- All About Romance -

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MELINDA LEIGH

Melinda Leigh là tác giả của những cuốn sách bán chạy số 1 theo danh sách của Amazon và Wall Street Journal với số lượng bán ra lên đến 7 triệu bản. Cô từng làm việc trong ngành ngân hàng nhưng sau đó chuyển hướng và trở thành nhà văn. Tiểu thuyết đầu tay của cô, She Can Run, đã lọt vào vòng chung kết giải thưởng sách trinh thám quốc tế. Những thành tích khác của cô bao gồm hai đề cử giải RITA®, ba đề cử giải Daphne du Maurier, ngoài ra, cô còn góp mặt trong bảng vàng của Hiệp hội Tiểu thuyết gia Lãng mạn New Jersey.

Genres: Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Thriller, Suspense, Fiction, Audiobook, Romance

492 pages, Paperback

First published September 18, 2018

About the author

#1 Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker who learned that writing books is way more fun than analyzing financial statements. Melinda’s debut novel, SHE CAN RUN, was nominated for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers. Since then, she has garnered numerous writing accolades, including two RITA® Award nominations and an induction into the NJ Romance Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have sold more than 15 million copies across the world. Melinda loves martial arts, rescue dogs, and sea turtles.

WEBSITE: https://www.melindaleigh.com/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melindaleighauthorpage/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MelindaLeigh1

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melinda Leigh has written another winning installment in the Morgan Dane crime thriller, private investigation, and romantic suspense series. What I've Done, the fourth book hits close to home for private investigator and friend Lincoln Sharp. Once again criminal defense lawyer Morgan joins forces with private investigators Lance Kruger and Lincoln Sharp.

Haley Powell wakes up covered in blood. She has no memory of the night before and finds a man in the backyard stabbed to death. With plenty of circumstantial and forensic evidence against her, Morgan, Lance, and Sharp must work hard to find something that will prove her innocence.

Morgan is a former prosecutor who is often underestimated by others. She’s intelligent, generous, compassionate, determined, and loyal. She’s also not easily intimidated and tends to collect strays including two dogs named Snoozer and Rocket as well as people who need a helping hand. Lance is an ex-police officer turned private investigator after an on-the-job injury. He’s intense, courageous, and is his mother’s caregiver. He likes to be in control, funnels fear and sadness into a battle plan, and tends to handle personal problems on his own. He and Morgan have been dating for a few months. Sharp is a retired police officer who started his own private investigation firm and hired Lance.

This novel is part investigation, part family drama, and part crime thriller with a little romance. It’s largely from Morgan’s point of view, but there are some sections from others. The storyline is engaging, suspenseful, and includes some very intense scenes. It has a deeply involved plot with several twists and turns, as well as several action scenes. The writing is fluid and flows well with a gripping storyline.

I continue to enjoy the way the author weaves in events of the characters’ personal lives into the story which provides depth to both the storyline and the characters. My main quibble is that the ending relied upon telling versus showing. I would also have liked some courtroom drama on a case. Themes include murder, assaults, lies, attempted murder, family dynamics, relationships, and much more.

Overall, this book has twists, is emotion-laden and tense, and has relatable main and secondary characters. If you are expecting a solid series that will have mysteries, crime, action, and a little romance, then this is a series that I recommend. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date September 18, 2018.

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My 4.49 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I’ve Done by Melinda Leigh is the fourth installment of the thrilling romantic suspense Morgan Dane series. Each book in the series features a new case to solve so they could be read as standalone novels if choosing to do so. However, there is character development that carries over book to book so it’s always best to read the series as a whole. This series is also a spin off of another of the author’s but I have not read the first and never noticed anything missing from these novels or felt as if I had missed anything.

Morgan Dane is the lead character in the series, a mother of three that had returned to her home town after the loss of her husband. Morgan was a former prosecutor but she is now on the other side of the courtroom taking on cases as a defense attorney. With every new case Morgan works with her former high school boyfriend turned P.I., Lance Kruger.

Morgan’s new case comes to her via Lance’s P.I. partner, Lincoln Sharp. Years ago Sharp’s partner was killed in the line of duty and now his widow seeks him out to help her daughter who had been accused of murder. Haley had awakened in a strange house with no memory of the night before covered in blood. She finds the man she had been flirting with at the bar stabbed multiple time and thinks what did I do??

Having followed this series from the beginning I’ve become a huge fan of these characters and the cases they take on. Morgan is a tough as nails lead who is backed by her P.I. partners who are also very likable. The romance has been a slow build in the background of some intense cases with plenty of action in the investigations. There’s just the right amount of questioning suspects, following clues and forensics to give it a realistic feel with some great twists and turns along the way. Definitely recommend checking out the entire series.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young woman finds herself charged with the heinous stabbing of a man she’d been flirting with at a nightclub the night before. Unable to remember much about the night in question and with condemning evidence stacked against her, it appears as though it’s case closed. Despite this, her attorney has serious doubts that she committed the crime. But as they begin digging into the case, she and her client begin receiving threats and the danger mounts. Is the young woman innocent? If she is, who is behind the murder? And will they be able to clear their client’s name before more people die?

Haley Powell wakes up in a strange bed covered in blood with little memory of what occurred the night before. Following a trail of blood, she discovers the body of Noah Carter, a man she knew and liked, in the backyard. Two days later, disoriented and in a daze, she makes a trembling phone call to her mother asking for help. Rushing to aid her daughter, Eliza Powell turns to former friend Lincoln Sharp, and retains the renowned Morgan Dane to represent Haley. Did Haley commit murder? If not, who set her up for the crime?

Before the trial even begins, however, Morgan and Lance are confronted by threats aimed to keep them from investigating and defending Haley. Are they in danger? And will they be able to discover the truth before they have to face a sinister individual determined to have Haley convicted of murder? Everyone else is sure that Haley’s guilt is clear-cut and obvious. All except for Morgan. But can she prove that Haley is innocent?

In What I’ve Done, the fourth book of the Morgan Dane series, Melinda Leigh has written yet another story that is blindingly suspenseful with a breakneck pace. While digging deeper into all three of the main characters (Lance, Morgan, and Sharp) and their relationships, more is finally revealed about the elusive Lincoln. One of the weaker protagonists in the previous books, he takes on greater depth that made me see him with fresh eyes. Authentic and three-dimensional, they have blossomed from the initial characters we were introduced to in Say You’re Sorry.

We’re also introduced to a captivating character in Haley Powell. Driven to nightmares and extreme anxiety, even she questions whether she’s innocent or guilty of Noah’s death. A vivid character that you will immediately commiserate with, but in the back of your mind wonder “But could she actually be guilty?”

The many twists and turns in the plot kept me riveted to the book from the very beginning, but it was the deftly spun plot that kept me hooked. It demonstrated a keen ability to weave together two separate cases into one without giving away a thing. And happily, I could not guess who the murderer was what with the high number of possible suspects, red herrings, and threats. This is the second book in this series in a row capable of keeping me in the dark, which establishes the immense skill of the author.

This is easily my favorite by Melinda Leigh so far (although with each new one I read in this series I find a new favorite), which is saying something, and I highly recommend it. Now on to read the next Morgan Dane book, Secrets Never Die. Rating of 5 stars (would’ve rated it higher if possible).

Trigger warning: rape and stalking

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haley Powell wakes the morning after a night of clubbing in a bed she doesn’t recognize, covered in blood. She sees a body in the back yard and discovers it’s the man she was with at the club, dead from stab wounds. But, she has no memory of what happened after she came home with him. Haley calls the police and in a daze, utters, “What have I done?” Okay, you can guess what happens next. Her mother, Eliza, reaches out to her old friend Lincoln Sharp for help who then asks Defense Attorney Morgan Dane to take her case.

While the murder investigation takes center stage, there’s a lot of other stuff going on. Morgan is hampered because she’s injured at the beginning of the story in an unrelated event (you’ll want to read that for yourself). Another woman is missing and protestors wreak havoc regarding Haley’s supposed guilt. And, Lincoln’s past relationship with Eliza opens up a whole new past chapter of his past. It’s a lot to ponder and follow, making this a challenging reading experience, in a very good way.

Though there are a ton of viable suspects, including Haley, the investigation moves with clarity and speed. I liked that I could mull over several theories and there weren’t easy solutions. Cris Dukeheart delivered another strong performance, continuing to make the listening experience a really good one. The finale was exciting with a sweet little bonus at the end. Still loving this series!

Posted on Blue Mood Café

[Salamon · Rating 3 out of 5]

جلد چهارم از مجموعه‌ی جنایی مورگان دین از لحاظ انسانی پخته‌تر از قبل بود و در انتهای کتاب حس خوبی به من داد. اما در بخش حل معما برای من باورپذیری خیلی خوبی نداشت. نویسنده به عقیده‌ی من در دو بخش ضعیف عمل کرده بود: اولی استفاده‌ی گنگ از دارویی خاص در موارد مختلف بود و دومی پرداخت مبهم به قاتل. من در انتها اون حس ارضاکننده‌ی "آها همه چیز سر جای خودش قرار گرفت" رو نداشتم.

با این حال من با هیجان قابل توجهی و در مدت کوتاهی کتاب رو خوندم که به دلیل گیرایی و سرگرم‌کنندگیش بود و نمیتونم بگم از خوندنش لذت نبردم.

پ.ن: نویسنده سعی داره از نگاه و زاویه‌ی دید زنانه و مردانه به موضوعات مختلف نگاه کنه ولی در نهایت چربش فضای فکری زنانه به معنی سنتی بیشتره. این یکم برای من متفاوت بود ولی اذیتم نمی‌کرد؛ شاید گاهی خیلیم جالب بود. ولی یه جاهایی در افکار و گفتار کاراکترها احساس نمی‌کنی که بین‌شون خیلی فرقی وجود داشته باشه.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

Absolutely, totally fantastic. Taunt, edge of your seat suspense with a plot that has you going in all the wrong directions. "What I've Done" is all I could ever want in a mystery-suspense, and then some. I love Melinda Leigh. I've not read a bad book by her and they just keep getting better and better. This book can be read as a standalone, but the whole series and especially this book has my highest recommendation.

When Haley wakes up, disoriented, sick, naked and covered in blood, she soon discovers the body of a man she knows and liked. "What have I done?" Since Haley has no memory, only flashes, of the night before, could she have killed Noah? Haley is the child of Lincoln Sharp's partner who was killed in the line of duty 25 years ago. Morgan Dane takes the case and she and Lance Kruger set out to build a defense in a case that looks really, really bad for their client

With Morgan and Lance gathering information and developing an alternative theory of the murder the real killer is on a rampage to stop them and the only thing that will stop this murderer is eternity in the fires of Hell.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

'What I've Done' is the fourth novel to feature former prosecutor Morgan Dane by No. 1 Amazon charts bestseller Melinda Leigh. Having thoroughly enjoyed the preceding three books, I decided to go ahead and read a copy of this. I am so glad I did! This series just keeps getting better and better. I didn't think Leigh could possibly outdo herself but she most certainly has. Knowing there are at least another two books to come, I will be keeping an eye out for them that's for sure. I would recommend that you read the previous books before embarking on this one as I don't feel it works particularly well as a standalone, and if you're about to join the series through this book you may be pretty perplexed as you have none of the essential background needed to properly appreciate the novel.

Romantic suspense is not a genre I usually read, so this is one of a few forays I have had and actually enjoyed. I normally read crime thrillers as I don't particularly like romance. This is a riveting, action-packed series, and this book is no exception. In fact, I would go as far as to say that it is very close to having too much happening. There are twists and surprises aplenty, and the focus on forensics, and the slow reveal of clues added an authenticity to the whole story. There is just the right amount of suspects to keep the reader guessing right up until you turn the final pages. One of the most enjoyable aspects is the relationship between Morgan and Private Investigator Lance. They work really well together, and you can see the mutual respect they have for each other emanating from the pages. Morgan, Lance and second P. I. Lincoln Sharp are each likeable and affable characters, so it is easy to connect with them and get behind them in whatever case they are looking to solve. I look forward to seeing how their relationship evolves in the upcoming books. Highly recommended.

Many thanks to Montlake Romance for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I’ve Done was a fantastic read with an intriguing case for Morgan and Co. to solve and some great development for the characters.

As a favor to her friend Lincoln Sharp, Morgan Dane agrees to take the case of Haley Powell, a woman accused of stabbing a man to death. The case against Haley is solid, she was covered in the victim’s blood, her fingerprints are on the murder weapon, and she has no memory of the night of the attack. Despite all of the evidence, Morgan can’t help but feel Haley is being framed. As Morgan, Lance, and Lincoln dig into the case it becomes clear someone is determined to stop their investigation at all costs.

Haley’s case was an interesting one from the start as you’re as much in the dark about what happened as Haley is. It was great learning the details as she did and she was a character that was easy to empathize with. I did guess the direction the case ended up going but there were still plenty of surprises along the way. One of my favorite things about this series is how well the author delivers on the motives behind the crimes. She has a great way of getting you invested in the cases and includes enough twists to keep you guessing.

At the start of the book, Morgan is involved in an incident with a client she was defending from an attempted murder charge. After the incident, Morgan’s confidence in herself is shaken and she’s left wondering if she made the right choice by changing sides from prosecutor to defense attorney. Due to her doubts, Morgan relies more heavily on Lance in this book as she’s physically and mentally not up to doing everything. One of my favorite aspects of Morgan and Lance’s relationship is how incredibly supportive he is of her and how much they obviously trust and care about each other. There is some great development in their relationship in this book and I’m excited to see where things go for them.

We learn more about Sharp’s past in this book which was great to finally get as we don’t know too much about him until this point. I enjoyed learning more about him as it definitely helped me have a better idea of who he is. Lance’s mother returns to help with the technological side of the case and I was happy to see her and learn how she was dealing with the events of the last book. Morgan’s family makes numerous appearances and I really do love their family dynamic. I particularly enjoy Lance’s interactions with Morgan’s daughters.

What I’ve Done is my favorite book of the series so far and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for these characters in the next book, Secrets Never Die, out in March 2019.

**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fourth Morgan Dane romantic thriller, we once again find Morgan and her boyfriend, P.I. Lance, working a case that has a connection to someone they know. The book opens with a young woman, Haley Powell, waking up with blood on her hands and feet, and a blood trail from the bedroom she is sleeping in through the hallway and to a dead body. She remembers nothing that happened after leaving a bar with the victim. We also learn about the death of Lincoln Sharp's partner years earlier when he was a cop. He promised his dying partner that he would take care of his family. Haley, is his daughter.

Morgan was a former prosecutor but she is now on the other side of the courtroom taking on cases as a defense attorney. This book actually has her in court defending a man who has some issues with anger management, much to Morgan's detriment. Morgan is a tough as nails lead who is backed by her P.I. partners who are also very likable. She is also extremely smart, which balances the brawn from the men. The romance between Morgan and Lance has been a slow build over the previous books, kept in the background of some intense cases with plenty of action in the investigations. There’s just the right amount of questioning suspects, following clues and forensics to give it a realistic feel with some great twists and turns along the way. With every new case Morgan works with her former high school boyfriend turned P.I., Lance Kruger.

What I’ve Done by Melinda Leigh is a great addition to the romantic suspenseful Morgan Dane series. Each book in the series features a new case to solve so they could be read as standalone however, there is a lot of character development and background that carries over book to book so I would recommend reading it in order. This is a wonderful series that I have breezed through as I can't wait to see what is next for this trio. I recommend it to lovers of mystery, crime, and romantic suspense.

[Obsidian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fourth book in the series. This time Morgan takes a case, because a woman he has a connection to asks Sharp for help which in turn has him asking Morgan for help. The case takes a lot of twists I thought, but I was really interested in the many threads that Leigh juggles in this one (vigilantism, cyber-stalking, red flags with men, etc.) I just really enjoyed this and thought the ending to this was great. We have Morgan and Lance both ready to move on with each other.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG.. I started reading this book, and had to stop to go to work. The kindle went to sleep, and when I got home from work the bottom of the kindle screen wouldn't come on (NOOOOOO.. yes I actually yelled that).
I dug out an old tablet, and of course it had to be charged (groan.. yes I did groan).
Finally get the tablet charged enough to read with the tablet plugged in, and OMG.. SOOOO much suspense in this book.
I sat up reading through the night and into the morning to finish the book hahaahaha. Have everything you'll need for snacks, drinks etc ready and beside you, because you aren't going to be able to walk away from this book for even a minute.
The amount of things that could go wrong for Morgan and Lance do indeed go wrong. Everything you can think of gets thrown at them throughout this book, and the intensity had me clenching my jaw. A very emotional read as well.. omg.. I went through so many different emotions it was ridiculous.
This is my new favourite book in this series.. yes I say that after each book, but seriously.. A fantastic story, and well worth losing a couple of hours of sleep over.
The book can be read as a standalone, but the whole series is so amazing it is definitely worth reading all of them in order.
Bravo Melinda.. Another outstanding book!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Defense Attorney Morgan Dane takes a case at the request of Private Investigator Lincoln Sharp. Haley Powell went to a club to celebrate her birthday. She left the club with Noah Carter but doesn't remember anything after that. Upon waking in Noah's bed covered in blood, she follows a trail of blood to his body in the backyard. Morgan knows this is going to be an uphill battle. Haley has no alibi. She is covered in Noah's blood. Her fingerprints are on the knife that killed him. Now Morgan, along with Lincoln Sharp and Lance Kruger, must piece together a defense case as it becomes clear that someone wants to stop them from doing their jobs.

The fourth book in the Morgan Dane series has a lot going on. The opening chapter grabs the reader and doesn't let go. There are several suspects in this book. I kept changing my mind about the identity of the killer and never got it right. Morgan and Lance's relationship moves to a new level. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.

[⊱✿⊰ Alicia ⊱✿⊰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in this series becomes my new favourite as I finish it, lol. The crimes are original and the character development through the series has you coming back for more. Can't wait to see what's next.

[Kylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok.. So I've read all the books in order in this collection, and while the stories are ok I'm getting a little annoyed with the formula that seems to be going on with each book when it comes to Morgan, Lance and Sharp.

At the start of the story Morgan will be attacked by yet another male, Lance 80% of the time will come to her rescue and then Sharp will treat her like a toddler for most of the book trying to get her to eat her vegetables. It's getting a little eye rolling.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Melinda Leigh's books are like a cup of warm apple cider on a chilly autumn day. I almost always enjoy her books and this one is no different. There's just something about her storytelling that is engaging and compelling; it's easy to read without feeling dumbed down. The mystery itself wasn't totally hard to figure out, but the ending was still somewhat surprising. And my favourite aspect of her stories, the relationships, continued to be beautiful in this installment of the Morgan Dane series. Lance and Morgan are just so adult and honest that I want to weep with how refreshing their relationship is. I'm glad that there are more books coming featuring these two. Keep them coming, Ms. Leigh.

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars / B+

What I’ve Done is the fourth book in the author’s series of novels that feature former prosecutor-turned-defence attorney Morgan Dane and the men of Sharp Investigations, Lincoln Sharp and Lance Kruger, her former high school boyfriend, with whom she is again romantically involved. I haven’t read the previous three books, but this one works well as a standalone; there are a few references to prior events, but these are quickly and simply explained and I didn’t feel as though I was missing any of the information I needed to make sense of – and enjoy – this story.

Morgan is asked to take on the case of a young woman named Haley Powell who has been accused of stabbing a man to death.  She woke up covered in blood in a strange bed in a strange house with no recollection of where she was or how she got there; feeling completely disoriented she got up and looked around, saw blood everywhere and found the body of the young man she vaguely remembers hooking up with the night before lying outside the back door.  She’s taken into custody and is pretty much completely out of it – she’s been without medication for her Addison’s disease for longer than is advisable and its flare up is only making it harder for her to function.

Haley’s late father was a cop who was shot in the line of duty over two decades earlier, and his partner, Lincoln Sharp, vowed he’d look after his best friend’s wife and daughter.  Elizabeth and Haley moved away from Scarlet Falls some time ago, but have recently returned – and it’s to Sharp that Elizabeth turns for help.  He brings in Morgan, who quickly realises that Haley has been framed – but with the evidence against her seemingly overwhelming and the local media whipping public opinion into a frenzy proving it is going to be an uphill struggle.

I liked the way the story unfolds for the reader just as it does for Haley; we know what she knows to start with and our knowledge of what happened grows along with Morgan’s as she and the guys gradually put the pieces of the puzzle together.  I was also impressed with the way the author portrayed the “trial by media” aspect of the story, creating a real sense of menace out of the mob mentality displayed by so many of the townsfolk who had convicted Haley of murder while knowing nothing of the truth, and who extended their hatred to Morgan and the team simply for doing their jobs.

Morgan, Lance and Sharp are engaging, fully-rounded characters who obviously like and respect each other a great deal, and while the romantic aspect is low key (Morgan and Lance are an established couple who are obviously in it for the long haul) their relationship is so well founded that it was easy to see that they care for each other deeply and that while Lance obviously wants to keep Morgan safe, he’s not one of those men who misguidedly tries to cut her out of the loop; he knows she’s smart, tough and capable and trusts her to know what she can handle.

What I’ve Done is a tense, tightly-plotted thriller that kept me guessing up until just about the last minute and eagerly turning the pages.  I’m looking forward to the next in the series, and am going to try to catch up with the earlier books before Secrets Never Die comes out next Spring.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morgan has a messy case land in her lap in this 4th outing of the series. A person from Lincoln Sharp past begs for his help after her daughter is accused of a viscous murder. He in turn asks Morgan to represent her and she and Lance are in a race against time to prove her innocence even though all evidence points to her guilt. But the deeper they dig into things it becomes obvious that someone doesn't want them proving her innocence and everyone's life is suddenly becomes in danger.

Full of suspense and harrowing moments. Also lots of character development in this one – one from a staple of the series and another from a surprising secondary character. This series gets better with each book. Can't wait to see what's next.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I've Done
4 Stars

At the behest of Lincoln Sharp, Morgan decides to represent a young woman accused of stabbing her lover to death. Despite an abundance of forensic evidence stacked again her client, Morgan is convinced that there is more to the case than meets the eye, and someone has deliberately framed Haley Powell for murder. The questions are who and why?

This 4th installment in the Morgan Dane series is a bit of a departure as the genre shifts away from romantic suspense and toward the classic mystery-thriller. This is not surprising as Morgan and Lance's relationship is now well-established and becomes even more solidified in this book.

The focus is almost entirely on the investigation and the obvious frame-up job. As the details are slowly revealed and the number of suspects increases, it really isn't possible for the reader to formulate any theories, and one simply has to go with the flow. This is unfortunate as my preferred plot is one in which it is possible to follow the clues and work out the explanation for myself - ah well ...

That said, the mystery itself is interesting and one cannot help but feel for Haley, who is obviously traumatized, and hope that everything will ultimately work out.

Overall, a good addition to the series and I am enjoying my ongoing buddy read in the 2-3-4 Challenge group.

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


When police find Hayley Powell, she's covered in blood and next to the body of a man whose been stabbed to death. She's clearly traumatised and all she keeps repeating is "What have I done?". As a favour for a friend Morgan Dane and Lance Kruger takes on Hayley's defence, but despite the overwhelming evidence something isn't quite right. And, when Morgan and Lance's lives are repeatedly threatened and attempts are made on their lives it makes them even more certain of Hayley's innocence.

Melinda Leigh has yet again done a fabulous job of penning an engaging and fast paced mystery with plenty of twists and turns. But, it isn't just the interesting mystery that keeps you reading it is also the characters that you have grown to know and love over the last 4 books.

What I've Done immediately grabs you attention by starting from Hayley's POV as she wakes up not remembering what happened the night before and realising she is covered in blood. From there the story quickly progresses and you quickly get caught up in the investigation. As Morgan, Lance and Sharp dig up more leads and more possible suspects the story just gets more intriguing and I had many theories about the who and why circling in my mind as I was reading.

However, as I said above, it isn't just the mystery that gets you hooked into this series. The characters of Morgan and Lance, Sharp and Morgan's family also draw you in. The romance between Morgan and Lance, and the father-son type relationship between Lance and Sharp give this book a warmth that shines through even as you delve into a mystery involving rape and murder.

This is another great instalment in the series and I can't wait to see what Leigh has in store next for Morgan and Lance. If you like a good mystery with a hint of romance, then this is the series for you. 

*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got my attention right from the first page!

A young woman wakes disorientated, naked and covered in blood. Horrified she stumbles down the hall of a strange house and finds a gruesome murder scene in the kitchen. Murky memories leave her wondering if she was a victim, or was it possible she’d committed murder?

Defense lawyer, Morgan Dane has more than enough on her plate right now, including a slight concussion thanks to an ungrateful client, but when friend and P.I Lincoln Sharp asks for her help she can’t refuse.

The evidence against Haley Powell was overwhelming and newsworthy, Morgan had no idea how she was going to get her newest client a fair trial, but she had to try. Something inside told her the girl was innocent.

The author adds just the right amount of romance to give quiet moments in between the action that gains momentum like a speeding bullet with every page. There are so many red herrings I could have made soup!

Thanks to Melinda Leigh and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this fast-paced mystery.

I give What I’ve Done 5 lovely kisses- A Thrilling Read!

[AℳY♔Queen of Fat cats♔Ain't no lie Baby Byebyebye · Rating 5 out of 5]

April 4/4/2020
Post reading thoughts
I'm no expert, I rarely read mystery so I don't know what mystery experts think, but this one has 4.52 rating among my friends and it was easy to read and enthralling so 5 stars!!!



Pre reading thoughts

I'm feeling adventurous with my reading choices lately. Mystery isn't what I usually read, but this author is really good.

This cover, though, it reminds me of Kelly St Clare's fantasy of frost series which I love and oddly enough that's the reason I picked this series.


It's weird to pick a series because one book cover reminded you of another but I'm proud of my weirdness.

[CD {Boulder Blvd} · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series. I love the writing, the recurring characters and each plot is interesting and feels original.

This book shows people in relationships that feel real but the focus is the solving the crime and proofing the client innocent.

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this series!

[Moriah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series. I love the twists and turns as well as the romantic relationship that has developed through the first four books!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over Slaughter, Jackson, and Castillo, for Melinda Leigh just moved to one of my favorite suspense writers who also flirts with a little romance.

This was my first book by the author, so thanks goes out to Netgalley for the advanced copy.

This is book four in the Morgan Dane series, so at first, I was slightly concerned about jumping in so far into the series. However, after the first twent-five pages or so, the characters are outlined well, and it is easy to follow.

The love affair between Lance and Morgan heats up, and I’m curious to see if a certain reporter can snag the old, grouchy Sharp in future books.

I can’t say much about Eliza and Haley, for I’m not sure their parts in other novels. But, in this one, they added deeply to the plot. And, as a mother, I felt Eliza’s determination and helplessness of the situation. Even without knowing their full history, the two were emotionally invested in the plot and the emotions of the reader are raw and addicted.

The plot had several twists and turns, and I didn’t suspect the killer(s) until the end. But, my realization seemed at the appropriate time, for it left some time in the novel for the author to tidy things up....but, not to neat with all the characters.

I have already requested book one in the series, Say You’re Sorry, from the library. I want to go back and experience the history that leads up to this spectacular mystery!

[Dísir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melinda Leigh’s ‘Morgan Dane’ juggernaut of a series goes on strong with no sign of abating and I for one, am glad for it. With little of the unnecessary (and sometimes over-exggerated) drama as her stalwart, arse-kicking protagonists who go from strength to strength, ‘What I’ve Done’ is another solid offering in which I was happy to get lost. 

There’re slight developments in Morgan’s and Lance’s relationship which are always nice to read about, but by and large, they are an established couple, which frees Leigh to concentrate on the suspense. We’re plunged straight in, like any police procedural show: an establishing mystery which eventually turns out to be the complicated case that Morgan and Lance get involved in. The stakes are high; the evidence mounts against them in a near-indefensible case, but Leigh quite masterfully twirls the mess until it makes coherent sense with a satisfying resolution. 

It isn’t often that I like the suspense overshadowing the romance—a hearty mix of heat and action is typically what I look for—but this series is one that I can’t help but want more and more of. In short, I was nonetheless riveted and engaged—when the case unravels to show that no one is truly innocent and the degree of debauched behaviour is just skewed towards who’s the worse guy. 

Admittedly, the romance is subdued, the heat much less pronounced with a new kind of conflict brewing but Morgan/Lance’s chemistry and affection for each other—borne of months working seamlessly together—are obvious despite the very few scenes that concentrate solely on them. 'What I've Done' is nonetheless solid and well-written, closing with the sense that this growing partnership in more ways than one, is far from over. 

*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley

[Book Him Danno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swore Melinda Leigh couldn't get any better and than I sit down and read book 4 in the Morgan Dane series and Wow!

What I've Done is by far the best in the series and while you can read it as a stand alone because the author catches readers up fast to the previous books read the first 3 to understand what makes this book amazing!

The author creates a a cast of characters that come to life as readers focus on Morgan and her future.

The story takes readers on a mystery of Lincoln Sharps life before meeting Morgan as well as a promise that will have him hanging on to his life.



From the quite moments to the heart pumping moments this story will have readers dying for more.



Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Melinda Leigh What I've Done.

[Literati Literature Lovers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book deals with the mystery of Lance’s missing father. Twenty three years ago Lance’s father went missing and it upended his families world and brought Stark into their lives. In this book Morgan, Lance and Stark are on the newly hot trail of Lance’s father, is he alive, dead or a killer are all the possibilities.
This book contains a lot of twist and turns with believable characters and a page turner of a plot. The book may be a murder mystery, but it is also one filled with great family moments. Leigh writes great characters that are dying to tell their stories.

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 5 out of 5]

FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH NET GALLEY. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!

I've been reading the Morgan Dane books for a while now, and I've enjoyed every one of them. They just keep building on one another and getting better and better with each installment. This one though, has to be my favorite to date, it was that good!

The biggest complaint I have was with the client in the beginning of the book. I couldn't figure out what he had to do with the overall story, and wound up classifying him as a red herring. That didn't mar my enjoyment of the book, however! The case was very interesting, and had lots of twists and turns in it. I loved the bits of romance thrown in as well! It was the perfect thing to read after finishing the latest In Death novel, which left me craving more!

I highly recommend this series!

[neverblossom · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5