Denied

A Kelly Pruett Mystery

Book 2

A high-risk pregnancy. A dangerous secret. When her case turns deadly, can this investigator avoid racking up a fatal debt?

Despite her injuries, PI Kelly Pruett is eager to get back to work. So when a mommy-to-be hires her to locate her estranged dad, Kelly is thankful for the straightforward missing-persons case. But as she rummages through his trash in search of clues, she uncovers gambling debts to gangsters… and a blood-soaked severed finger.

With her investigation no longer cut-and-dried, Kelly’s hunt takes a deadly turn when her quarry is found driven off a cliff to his doom. And she’ll need more than her cop boyfriend’s help to expose the truth when the mob sends her a cease-and-desist notice with an explosive ending.

Can the determined detective take on the mafia and make it out alive?

“A solid sequel with a relatable detective and an enjoyably knotty plot… As she did in her first Pruett novel, Keliikoa deftly marshals the story’s twisty interconnections, doing a fine job of keeping readers oriented as things march toward an ending with several surprises in store.” Kirkus Reviews

“A satisfying mystery novel…that grows more complex the more Kelly finds out, resulting in unexpected and engrossing surprises.” –Foreword Reviews

“Following up on a multi-award nominated debut mystery is no easy task, but Mary Keliikoa succeeds and then some in Denied. In Kelly Pruett, Keliikoa has created a three dimensional private eye whose humanity and determination make you both want to root for her and ride along next to her on an investigative thrill ride. Bravo!” –Matt Coyle, Shamus, Anthony and Lefty Award-winning author