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Maeve Malloy Mystery #2
Hemlock Needle: A Maeve Malloy Legal Thriller
In Anchorage, Alaska, Yup'ik chief financial officer and single mother, Esther Fancyboy, walks out of a party and into a blizzard. She is never seen again, leaving behind a seven-year-old son.
The local cops say she'll come home when she's done partying, but family friend Maeve Malloy doesn't think it's that simple. She searches for Esther as she receives bad news of her own, a career-ending accusation.
When Esther's body turns up in a snow berm and a witness is shot to death in front of Maeve, she realizes Evan is in danger. Maeve must race against time to save the boy, along with her career, and maybe her life.
***
"Riveting, authentic, and completing engaging. The deeply talented Keenan Powell nails the unforgiving Alaska setting and fascinating culture with a knowing affection, and her smart and compassionate Maeve Malloy is terrific. Perfectly paced and consistently surprising -- Hemlock Needle is a winner!" - Hank Phillippi Ryan, bestselling author of The House Guest.
The local cops say she'll come home when she's done partying, but family friend Maeve Malloy doesn't think it's that simple. She searches for Esther as she receives bad news of her own, a career-ending accusation.
When Esther's body turns up in a snow berm and a witness is shot to death in front of Maeve, she realizes Evan is in danger. Maeve must race against time to save the boy, along with her career, and maybe her life.
***
"Riveting, authentic, and completing engaging. The deeply talented Keenan Powell nails the unforgiving Alaska setting and fascinating culture with a knowing affection, and her smart and compassionate Maeve Malloy is terrific. Perfectly paced and consistently surprising -- Hemlock Needle is a winner!" - Hank Phillippi Ryan, bestselling author of The House Guest.
- GenresMystery
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2019
75 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Keenan Powell
24 books163 followersLefty, Agatha, and Silver Falchion nominated author of DEADLY SOLUTION.
Keenan Powell's first publication included illustrations in Dungeons and Dragons, 1st edition, while in high school. Art seemed to be an impractical pursuit – she wasn’t an heiress, didn’t have the disposition to marry well, and hated teaching – so she went to law school instead. The day after graduation, she moved to Alaska. As a young pup, she provided criminal defense representation in a variety of cases spanning from the infamous federal walrus round-up case to murder.
Her first book, Deadly Solution, was nominated for an Agatha, a Lefty and short-listed for a Silver Falchion award. It also won first place in the Alaska Professional Communicators Contest and third place in the National Federation of Press Women Communication Contest. Her second book, Hemlock Needle, won first place in the Alaska Professional Communicators Contest and second place in the National Federation of Press Women Communication Contest
In addition to writing the Maeve Malloy series, she has published a number of short stories including The Banshee of Adams, Mass. which short-listed for the Al Blanchard award. She currently writes a legal column, Ipso Facto, for the Sisters in Crime Guppy section newsletter, First Draft. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and the Historical Novel Society. Currently, she is blogging with Miss Demeanors.
Keenan Powell's first publication included illustrations in Dungeons and Dragons, 1st edition, while in high school. Art seemed to be an impractical pursuit – she wasn’t an heiress, didn’t have the disposition to marry well, and hated teaching – so she went to law school instead. The day after graduation, she moved to Alaska. As a young pup, she provided criminal defense representation in a variety of cases spanning from the infamous federal walrus round-up case to murder.
Her first book, Deadly Solution, was nominated for an Agatha, a Lefty and short-listed for a Silver Falchion award. It also won first place in the Alaska Professional Communicators Contest and third place in the National Federation of Press Women Communication Contest. Her second book, Hemlock Needle, won first place in the Alaska Professional Communicators Contest and second place in the National Federation of Press Women Communication Contest
In addition to writing the Maeve Malloy series, she has published a number of short stories including The Banshee of Adams, Mass. which short-listed for the Al Blanchard award. She currently writes a legal column, Ipso Facto, for the Sisters in Crime Guppy section newsletter, First Draft. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and the Historical Novel Society. Currently, she is blogging with Miss Demeanors.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 18, 2024
Maeve has received notice that there's a bar complaint against her, which forces her to put her law practice on hold. She hopes it will be temporary but in the meantime, she opts to work on a missing person case.
When I received an offer from Ms. Powell for a free Kindle copy of Hemlock Needle, I GRABBED it, as I had very much enjoyed reading the first book in the series, Deadly Solution: A Maeve Malloy Legal Thriller.
Brrr! I'm glad I didn't read Hemlock Needle when it was winter where I live. I get enough snow and ice without bringing it inside my house, haha! 😂
I'm going to be an outlier here, but I didn't like Hemlock Needle as much as I did Deadly Solution. It felt too dark and the multiple storylines confused me at times. However! Maeve may be broken right now but I still like her! And Tom is not only a great self-defense teacher/investigator for Maeve, but he's also wise and likable. (Other than the whole toothpick thing, which this former dental assistant would like to point out is very bad for one's teeth. 😉)
It will be interesting to see where the series goes from here.
When I received an offer from Ms. Powell for a free Kindle copy of Hemlock Needle, I GRABBED it, as I had very much enjoyed reading the first book in the series, Deadly Solution: A Maeve Malloy Legal Thriller.
Brrr! I'm glad I didn't read Hemlock Needle when it was winter where I live. I get enough snow and ice without bringing it inside my house, haha! 😂
I'm going to be an outlier here, but I didn't like Hemlock Needle as much as I did Deadly Solution. It felt too dark and the multiple storylines confused me at times. However! Maeve may be broken right now but I still like her! And Tom is not only a great self-defense teacher/investigator for Maeve, but he's also wise and likable. (Other than the whole toothpick thing, which this former dental assistant would like to point out is very bad for one's teeth. 😉)
It will be interesting to see where the series goes from here.
October 1, 2019
The second in the Maeve Malloy series by Keenan Powell left me eager for another adventure with main character Maeve. The heroine and her trusty protector Tom, are written with both appeal and frustration as you watch their relationship unfold a bit more. The murder of a child's mother tugs the heart as does Maeve with all her inner demons. Maeve's search for the answers for the child, the mystery that shrouds what happened to the mother, mingled with Maeve's personal doubts, and demons pull you into caring for all and wondering how will she resolve both the murder and save her career. I'm eager for book three in this series. Powell hooks you with characters that are like our own family, friends and co workers, flawed, strong, funny, fractured and substantive and leave you hopeful for all.
June 6, 2019
Give me a good mystery with strong, flawed characters and call me later! Hemlock Needle is the second novel by Keenan Powell and set in Alaska. The protagonist, Attorney Maeve Malloy, is best described as hard-working, tenacious, and no nonsense. She has managed to get herself into her own legal situation (did I say 'flawed'?). In this book, Maeve helps a young Native boy, Evan, whose mother goes missing. He might also be in danger. With the help of her investigator, Tom, they embark on a race against time to find and stop a killer. This second book is just as good as the first! 5 Stars
January 8, 2019
The most recent book in the Maeve Malloy Legal Thriller series finds the adroit attorney under investigation herself in Anchorage, Alaska. She’s been advised not to take on any cases until her own is settled. Depending on how it’s settled, she may not be allowed to take on cases ever again. While under pressure to prove her own innocence she makes a pro bono exception that tugs at her heart, to help find a missing Yup’ik Eskimo chief financial officer who is a single mother. Is this a partying woman who’s wandered off with the wrong crowd? Or did danger lurk in her business life, or personal history?
Maeve Malloy and her strong-willed investigator Tom are driven to solve this case on behalf of the dear seven year old son Evan that the mother has left behind. And as the mystery grows, it looks like young Evan’s life is in danger. Maeve’s strong desire to help is admirable, but the unexpected leaves her skating on thin Alaskan ice, and it’s cracking under the weight of legal entanglements and dangerous murderers.
Keenan Powell has authored an action thriller that incorporates poignant descriptions of Alaskan scenery, its extreme conditions, and residents’ lifestyles. This loving, illustrative account is vivid, crisp, clear, and a fascinating glimpse into what life is like in Anchorage, including the positive and the difficult. The action builds quickly and this book is truly an exciting read. The clues discovered during the investigation are presented for the reader to attempt solving the mystery before Maeve Malloy. The very diverse array of characters driving the story, their actions, and motives are artistically molded by this author, showing compelling insights into human nature.
Keenan Powell writes murder mysteries because, as she says, “I love mystery best. Only in mystery do you have the puzzle, the game played between writer and reader. The writer plants clues and red herrings in what she hopes is an enjoyable story. The reader pits herself against the writer to figure out whodunit.” Keenan Powell lives in Anchorage, and has practiced in many areas of law in private practice - civil, criminal, administrative, and appeals. Earlier in her career, she defended criminal cases including murder charges. She still maintains a practice in Anchorage. In addition to this series, she authors other published works including short stories and a blog. Find out more on her website at keenan@gci.net
And if you want to hear more from the author during her interview about the first book in this series, Deadly Solution, listen on YouTube to – Kendall & Cooper Talk Mysteries with Keenan Powell
Maeve Malloy and her strong-willed investigator Tom are driven to solve this case on behalf of the dear seven year old son Evan that the mother has left behind. And as the mystery grows, it looks like young Evan’s life is in danger. Maeve’s strong desire to help is admirable, but the unexpected leaves her skating on thin Alaskan ice, and it’s cracking under the weight of legal entanglements and dangerous murderers.
Keenan Powell has authored an action thriller that incorporates poignant descriptions of Alaskan scenery, its extreme conditions, and residents’ lifestyles. This loving, illustrative account is vivid, crisp, clear, and a fascinating glimpse into what life is like in Anchorage, including the positive and the difficult. The action builds quickly and this book is truly an exciting read. The clues discovered during the investigation are presented for the reader to attempt solving the mystery before Maeve Malloy. The very diverse array of characters driving the story, their actions, and motives are artistically molded by this author, showing compelling insights into human nature.
Keenan Powell writes murder mysteries because, as she says, “I love mystery best. Only in mystery do you have the puzzle, the game played between writer and reader. The writer plants clues and red herrings in what she hopes is an enjoyable story. The reader pits herself against the writer to figure out whodunit.” Keenan Powell lives in Anchorage, and has practiced in many areas of law in private practice - civil, criminal, administrative, and appeals. Earlier in her career, she defended criminal cases including murder charges. She still maintains a practice in Anchorage. In addition to this series, she authors other published works including short stories and a blog. Find out more on her website at keenan@gci.net
And if you want to hear more from the author during her interview about the first book in this series, Deadly Solution, listen on YouTube to – Kendall & Cooper Talk Mysteries with Keenan Powell
January 22, 2019
Attorney Maeve Malloy has just learned she is facing disbarment when an old friend shows up and pleads with Maeve to find her missing daughter, Esther. Needing to fill the time until her hearing with the Bar, Maeve agrees and takes the request as a pro bono case. But Esther has been keeping secrets, and, when her beaten body is found in a snow berm, Maeve continues investigating. The closer Maeve gets, the more lies she uncovers; if she doesn’t find the truth fast, Maeve could end up too dead to be disbarred.
One of the things I enjoy most in Hemlock Needle is the relationship between Maeve and her investigator, Tom. Theirs is a connection strengthened by years of friendship, trust, and, refreshingly, not romance (although, the possibility of this changing in the future is deftly hinted at between the story’s lines).
Additionally, Powell’s writing provides a strong sense of place for her setting of Anchorage, Alaska, with references to Yup’ik culture and imagery such as the “sun cresting the snow-covered Chugach mountains” and “grey blocks of ice” shifting “across Cook Inlet”. Her characters are solidly built, from the stoic Cora to the jaded Big Red. And the mystery itself is evenly paced and engaging; the more I learned about the victim, Esther, the more I related to her on a personal level.
In so many mysteries, the victim’s death is merely a prop designed to set the plot in motion and keep it moving. Not a bad thing, of course. I’ve enjoyed many mysteries where the victim is either inconsequential to the mystery (the sleuth just needs a case to solve for the plot) or so hated I’m fine with not knowing his or her life details. If a book has a victim I can feel for, though, the story’s tone is changed and the mystery is deepened. Hemlock Needle, for me, was one of these mysteries.
One of the things I enjoy most in Hemlock Needle is the relationship between Maeve and her investigator, Tom. Theirs is a connection strengthened by years of friendship, trust, and, refreshingly, not romance (although, the possibility of this changing in the future is deftly hinted at between the story’s lines).
Additionally, Powell’s writing provides a strong sense of place for her setting of Anchorage, Alaska, with references to Yup’ik culture and imagery such as the “sun cresting the snow-covered Chugach mountains” and “grey blocks of ice” shifting “across Cook Inlet”. Her characters are solidly built, from the stoic Cora to the jaded Big Red. And the mystery itself is evenly paced and engaging; the more I learned about the victim, Esther, the more I related to her on a personal level.
In so many mysteries, the victim’s death is merely a prop designed to set the plot in motion and keep it moving. Not a bad thing, of course. I’ve enjoyed many mysteries where the victim is either inconsequential to the mystery (the sleuth just needs a case to solve for the plot) or so hated I’m fine with not knowing his or her life details. If a book has a victim I can feel for, though, the story’s tone is changed and the mystery is deepened. Hemlock Needle, for me, was one of these mysteries.
March 15, 2019
I loved this second novel in an intriguing series set in Alaska. The characters are well developed, and the main character is a hard-working, no nonsense, bright and caring young woman immersed in the inner workings of the Alaska legal scene. Her situation is complicated, and at times she is her own worst enemy. But Maeve Malloy is persistent, tenacious, and determined to help the Native family who came to her for help. Hemlock Needle is a compelling mystery with a great protagonist and a unique setting. The reader gets a peek at the life of ordinary Alaskans, both in the Native community and in the community at large. The fate of a young child hangs in the balance in this mystery, which has Maeve, and her investigator Tom, racing to find solutions and stop a killer.
I love the characters, enjoyed the tension as Maeve's situation goes from bad to worse, and love the settings created by this author. Well worth reading!
I love the characters, enjoyed the tension as Maeve's situation goes from bad to worse, and love the settings created by this author. Well worth reading!
March 3, 2021
FICTION, SUSPENSE, LEGAL, ( series book #2)
Anchorage Attorney Maeve Molloy is facing the fight of her life, avoiding being disbarred for an error made at trial. Not being able to take on any new legal cases, she and her investigator Tom Sinclair look into a missing persons case which the police are slow to follow up on - as the missing young woman is native American. But there's more to the case than a jealous ex-husband. A mysterious black SUV, shady bosses, water quality, and business practices add up to murder. Can Maeve juggle her personal and professional lives without hitting her nemesis "the bottle??"
Anchorage Attorney Maeve Molloy is facing the fight of her life, avoiding being disbarred for an error made at trial. Not being able to take on any new legal cases, she and her investigator Tom Sinclair look into a missing persons case which the police are slow to follow up on - as the missing young woman is native American. But there's more to the case than a jealous ex-husband. A mysterious black SUV, shady bosses, water quality, and business practices add up to murder. Can Maeve juggle her personal and professional lives without hitting her nemesis "the bottle??"
February 8, 2019
As good as the first
One thing I liked was how the author incorporated into from the first book into this one. One question I had: what happened to Mike from book one?
One thing I liked was how the author incorporated into from the first book into this one. One question I had: what happened to Mike from book one?
April 2, 2024
Another great read. As an Alaskan, I love reading stories based in my state. Keenan provides bits of information about Alaska and Alaskans that are true.
I didn’t understand chapter 23’s placement and was confused for three chapters.
I didn’t understand chapter 23’s placement and was confused for three chapters.
October 30, 2019
Maeve searches for a missing mother and justice for a young boy i
Esther Fancyboy disappears during the Christmas holidays in Anchorage, Alaska. Cora, Esther's mother, asks lawyer Maeve Malloy to find her for the sake of Evan, Esther's 7-year old son. Although Maeve is in danger of losing her law license, she agrees to help Cora. With the help of her investigator Tom Sinclair, Maeve digs into Esther's job as CFO for Neqa Inc., which has a federal grant to build water supply systems in remote Native villages. Missing files, and an incriminating thumb drive force the culprits into searching Esther's condo.
The feisty Maeve persistently bugs Neqa and contractor Andrew Turner for answers.
This is a strong follow-up book to Deadly Solution and is recommended.
Esther Fancyboy disappears during the Christmas holidays in Anchorage, Alaska. Cora, Esther's mother, asks lawyer Maeve Malloy to find her for the sake of Evan, Esther's 7-year old son. Although Maeve is in danger of losing her law license, she agrees to help Cora. With the help of her investigator Tom Sinclair, Maeve digs into Esther's job as CFO for Neqa Inc., which has a federal grant to build water supply systems in remote Native villages. Missing files, and an incriminating thumb drive force the culprits into searching Esther's condo.
The feisty Maeve persistently bugs Neqa and contractor Andrew Turner for answers.
This is a strong follow-up book to Deadly Solution and is recommended.
August 22, 2019
Alaska lawyer Maeve Malloy finds herself in trouble again as she faces a disbarment hearing. It stems from a case in the previous book and causes huge concern for her. In the meantime a friend asks her to find her missing daughter. Esther Fancyboy would never leave her son Evan, so Maeve is sure something bad happened to her. On the trail to find Esther, she finds fraud, deceptive business practices and much more. An excellent look at life in Alaska
March 7, 2020
Great read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well constructed mystery. The Alaskan setting is wonderful. Definitely will read more of Keenan Powell's work. Hard to compose a complete review on a kindle. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to read a good mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well constructed mystery. The Alaskan setting is wonderful. Definitely will read more of Keenan Powell's work. Hard to compose a complete review on a kindle. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to read a good mystery.
March 27, 2023
It's well-written and an interesting look into Yup'ik culture, with excellent character development. Also enjoyed the mystery - I look forward to reading more Maeve Malloy mysteries.
October 10, 2023
3.5 Good characters in a beautiful setting. Layers of story make this an interesting read. Book would benefit from editing, which distracted me at times. Would read more stories involving Maeve.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews