Picture a Pacific Northwest storyteller who swapped courtroom drama for page-turning mysteries—meet Mary Keliikoa! With a knack for weaving legal intrigue and human drama, Keliikoa crafts gripping tales that keep readers guessing. Her debut, Derailed, introduced Kelly Pruett, a tenacious private investigator, and launched a career that’s earned accolades and devoted fans.
A former legal secretary, Keliikoa spent 18 years immersed in the legal world, fueling her passion for suspense. When she’s not plotting murders (the fictional kind!), you’ll find her strumming a ukulele in Hawaii or chasing grandchildren in Washington.
The Making of Mary Keliikoa
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Mary Keliikoa’s journey to authorship was anything but conventional. For nearly two decades, she worked as a legal secretary, soaking up the nuances of courtroom maneuvers and human behavior. This front-row seat to legal drama sparked her love for mystery and suspense, planting the seeds for her future novels. Inspired by authors like Mary Higgins Clark, Keliikoa began writing, channeling her insights into stories that blend heart and grit.
Her transition from legal work to writing wasn’t instantaneous—she wrote her first novel, Derailed, in 1999, set it aside, and revisited it years later. This perseverance paid off, launching her acclaimed Kelly Pruett series and cementing her place in the mystery genre.
Mary Keliikoa’s Unforgettable Stories
Keliikoa’s writing is a masterclass in blending legal savvy with emotional depth. Her Kelly Pruett Mystery series, starting with Derailed (2020), follows a single mom and private investigator navigating murder cases and personal challenges. Pruett, a grieving daughter with a deaf child, is relatable and resilient, earning praise for her authenticity. The novel, a Shamus and Lefty finalist, weaves a twisty tale of a young woman’s death by train—was it an accident or murder?
The series continues with Denied (2021) and Deceived (2022), where Pruett tackles missing persons and drug rings, all while juggling motherhood. Keliikoa’s Misty Pines series, featuring Sheriff Jax Turner, explores small-town secrets, with Hidden Pieces (2022) and Deadly Tides (2023) earning awards for their haunting narratives. Her standalone thriller, Don’t Ask, Don’t Follow (2024), dives into domestic suspense, showcasing her versatility.
Keliikoa’s style is sharp and immersive, with plots that unravel like a courtroom case and characters who feel like old friends. Her legal background shines through in realistic details, while her focus on family dynamics adds emotional heft, making her stories resonate with fans of Sue Grafton and Lisa Gardner.
Why Mary Keliikoa Matters
Mary Keliikoa’s impact lies in her ability to humanize the mystery genre. By crafting protagonists like Kelly Pruett—flawed, determined, and fiercely independent—she offers readers a fresh take on the private investigator archetype. Her stories, grounded in real-world issues like grief and parenting, connect with audiences seeking both thrills and heart. Awards like the Silver Falchion and IPPY honors underscore her growing influence.
Beyond her books, Keliikoa’s journey from legal secretary to acclaimed author inspires aspiring writers. Her active role in groups like Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America reflects her commitment to the writing community, ensuring her legacy extends beyond the page.
- Born: Pacific Northwest native
- Key Works: Derailed, Denied, Hidden Pieces, Don’t Ask, Don’t Follow
- Awards: Shamus Finalist, Lefty Nominee, Silver Falchion Finalist
- Fun Fact: She plays the ukulele and lives part-time in Hawaii!
Snag Derailed and dive into Mary Keliikoa’s thrilling world of mystery and heart!