Derailed by Mary Keliioka

Derailed is an interesting and suspenseful thriller novel, and the first in the Kelly Pruett Mystery Book Series created by Mary Keliioka.

Private Investigator Kelly Pruett feels elated and apprehensive at the same time. She just meets the client that gives her her very first real private investigating job since she inherited the detective agency from her father. Though the idea is quite exciting and, somehow, heightens her level of empowerment, at the back of her mind, she isn’t altogether confident that she can actually do the job. However, her father’s dying request makes the decision for her.

As per her client’s request, Kelly needs to get to the bottom of a case viewed by the police as an unfortunate drunken accident. To find out whether the victim was struck by the train due to her inebriation or she was murdered, Kelly sets up a meeting with the sole witness at the bar where the victim was last seen alive. Sadly for Kelly, however, the witness does not show up.

This is a suspenseful thriller novel mixed with domestic issues, women empowerment, and a little bit of romance. Just like other books of this genre, the author develops the plot by presenting an insignificant amount of clues as far as the case is concerned, but with the protagonist’s unwavering determination and unbelievable level of tenacity, possible suspects and possible motives begin to surface. The author successfully keeps the suspense by introducing shocking twists and unexpected turns of events that culminated in a satisfying climax.

The characters are well-developed and are very relatable especially Kelly. In this day and age when more and more women are beginning to discover their self-worth, I can imagine a lot of female readers who can actually empathize with the main character. Scenes and settings are depicted vividly as well as the behaviors and emotions of each character.

All in all, this is a great thriller novel and I recommend it to fans of this genre.

Congratulations to Mary Keliioka  (@mary_keliikoa) on such a great and enjoyable book. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. For more information about this author, click HERE.