Derailed by Mary Keliikoa

Derailed is the first book in Mary Keliikoa’s Kelly Pruett Mysteries.

PI Kelly Pruett is trying her best to juggle between keeping her late father’s detective agency going, looking after her special child Mitz, and a controlling ex-husband who blames Kelly for being a bad mother.

Arlene, Kelly ex-mother-in-law lives next door and she’s no angel either. Women must stay at home while men can do all the work – really? What era are we living in? Arlene and her son, Jeff, never miss an opportunity to tell Kelly how she must improve as a mother. *rolls eyes*

Kelly is approached by Georgette Hanson. Georgette claims her daughter Brooke was murdered. Brooke came under the train and was killed instantly. Her death was ruled as an accident as Brooke was drunk when tragedy struck. Kelly’s father had mentioned in his will Kelly must take up the case if a woman named Georgette ever came for help.

As Kelly starts to investigate, she comes across suspects who have secrets to hide. The dead woman lead a dual life. As Kelly makes a breakthrough, she starts to receive threats from the perpetrator. Kelly’s life is in danger. Will she able to solve the case before it is too late?

Wow! What a story! Completely engrossing, mind-blowing page-turner. I was hooked onto the story until the end.

Kelly is a working mother. Her ex-husband slept with her best friend. Over the night, Kelly lost two important people in her life – her husband and her best friend. Jeff, (the ex) is controlling. And so is his mamma! They were so annoying, at times I wished I could dive into my kindle and ask them to shut it! But… as the story ends, we see one of them mellow down. I did not see this coming!

Why did Kelly’s dad mention Georgette in his will? The secrets about Brooke and her dual life will change the course of the story for good. Suspects are plenty and so are the red herrings. In spite of this being Kelly’s first case and she taking a wrong path or two, I must say Kelly is an excellent P.I. She has it in her to get to the bottom of the case, irrespective of the threat.

The character development is simply perfect. The identities are well-developed as the story proceeds. We learn that most of the suspects have something to hide. But why? Kelly takes it one step at a time and uncovers the hidden clues.

I never saw the twist coming. I was like, oh sheesh! Unexpected and a surprising ending that would blow your minds off. It goes without saying I am going to highly recommend you to read this book. The suspense is sure to keep the readers on the edge of their seat. Well-plotted, excellent character portrayal and a mystery that keeps one guessing.

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Many thanks to Lori for the blog tour invite.