Added by 22 members
2021 Anthony Award for Best First Novel (nominee)
2021 Lefty Award for Best Debut Mystery Novel (nominee)
2021 Shamus Award for Best First PI Novel (nominee)
2020 Agatha Award for Best First Novel (nominee)
A dying wish. A secret world.
Can this grieving investigator stay on the right track?
PI Kelly Pruett is determined to make it on her own. And juggling clients at her late father's detective agency, a controlling ex, and caring for a deaf daughter was never going to be easy. So she takes it as a good sign when a letter left by her dad ties into an unsolved case of a young woman struck by a train.
Hunting down the one person who can prove the mysterious death was not just a drunken accident, Kelly discovers this witness is in no condition to talk. And the closer she gets to the truth the longer her list of sleazy suspects with murderous motives grows.
On a crash course with a killer, she must piece together the puzzle of what really happened to the victim that rainy night, before her own fate is sealed and she loses everything near and dear, including her life.
Genre: Mystery
Can this grieving investigator stay on the right track?
PI Kelly Pruett is determined to make it on her own. And juggling clients at her late father's detective agency, a controlling ex, and caring for a deaf daughter was never going to be easy. So she takes it as a good sign when a letter left by her dad ties into an unsolved case of a young woman struck by a train.
Hunting down the one person who can prove the mysterious death was not just a drunken accident, Kelly discovers this witness is in no condition to talk. And the closer she gets to the truth the longer her list of sleazy suspects with murderous motives grows.
On a crash course with a killer, she must piece together the puzzle of what really happened to the victim that rainy night, before her own fate is sealed and she loses everything near and dear, including her life.
Genre: Mystery
Praise for this book
"Mary Keliikoa's DERAILED is a humdinger of a good read. Sharp, detailed writing, a riveting plot and well-drawn characters make it practically unputdownable. And how exciting to have another tough, smart, female PI to follow. I can't wait for PI Kelly Pruett's next case!" - Tracy Clark
"Intelligent, tightly plotted, and satisfying. Kelly Pruett is a new PI on the scene and I'm eager for her next case." - Dianne Freeman
"With Derailed, debut author Mary Keliikoa introduces us to single mom and second generation Portland PI Kelly Pruett on her very first murder investigation. The story is straight from the Kinsey Millhone school of private investigation yet still manages to create a unique and complex main character reeling from the recent death of her father and a demanding ex-husband. Kelly must decide if following her father's wishes by pursuing this case is worth possibly losing her daughter. It's that perfect blend of personal and professional that makes Derailed a welcome addition to the genre. I can't wait to follow both Kelly and Keliikoa's careers." - Kellye Garrett
"DERAILED has it all: an engaging heroine, a twisty, twisted crime, and plenty of food for thought about families and their secrets. I loved this debut and can't wait to read about Kelly Pruett's next case." - Kristen Lepionka
"DERAILED is a fantastic mystery debut featuring private eye Kelly Pruett, who is one smart and tough mother. Mary Keliikoa has created a compelling new PI series with twists, turns and lots of heart." - Vanessa Lillie
"Mary Keliikoa's debut novel is an important addition to the PI genre - strong with voice, a compelling protagonist in Kelly Pruett, and unforgettable family secrets. DERAILED was hard to put down - and I can't wait to read the next book in this crackling new series." - Alex Segura
"A request from beyond the grave, a deaf daughter, a failed marriage, and a murder--Keliikoa mixes up the perfect recipe for a great new mystery series. Private eye Kelly Pruett is the new kid in town that will have you rooting for her to catch the killer and simultaneously discover her place in the world." - Elena Taylor
"Intelligent, tightly plotted, and satisfying. Kelly Pruett is a new PI on the scene and I'm eager for her next case." - Dianne Freeman
"With Derailed, debut author Mary Keliikoa introduces us to single mom and second generation Portland PI Kelly Pruett on her very first murder investigation. The story is straight from the Kinsey Millhone school of private investigation yet still manages to create a unique and complex main character reeling from the recent death of her father and a demanding ex-husband. Kelly must decide if following her father's wishes by pursuing this case is worth possibly losing her daughter. It's that perfect blend of personal and professional that makes Derailed a welcome addition to the genre. I can't wait to follow both Kelly and Keliikoa's careers." - Kellye Garrett
"DERAILED has it all: an engaging heroine, a twisty, twisted crime, and plenty of food for thought about families and their secrets. I loved this debut and can't wait to read about Kelly Pruett's next case." - Kristen Lepionka
"DERAILED is a fantastic mystery debut featuring private eye Kelly Pruett, who is one smart and tough mother. Mary Keliikoa has created a compelling new PI series with twists, turns and lots of heart." - Vanessa Lillie
"Mary Keliikoa's debut novel is an important addition to the PI genre - strong with voice, a compelling protagonist in Kelly Pruett, and unforgettable family secrets. DERAILED was hard to put down - and I can't wait to read the next book in this crackling new series." - Alex Segura
"A request from beyond the grave, a deaf daughter, a failed marriage, and a murder--Keliikoa mixes up the perfect recipe for a great new mystery series. Private eye Kelly Pruett is the new kid in town that will have you rooting for her to catch the killer and simultaneously discover her place in the world." - Elena Taylor
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Used availability for Mary Keliikoa's Derailed