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Maeve Malloy Mystery #1
Deadly Solution
Less than a year after drinking sidelined her career as a public defender in Anchorage, Alaska, Maeve Malloy is asked to defend an Aleut Indian accused of beating another homeless man to death. With no witnesses to the crime and a client who claims to have no knowledge of the night of the murder due to a blackout, the case is stacked against them.
As Maeve works to maintain her sobriety, she and her investigator Tom Sinclair search for answers in homeless camps, roadside bars, and biker gang hangouts. When Maeve and Tom discover there may be a link to an unusually high number of deaths among the homeless community, the search is on for a killer hunting among the most vulnerable members of society.
As Maeve works to maintain her sobriety, she and her investigator Tom Sinclair search for answers in homeless camps, roadside bars, and biker gang hangouts. When Maeve and Tom discover there may be a link to an unusually high number of deaths among the homeless community, the search is on for a killer hunting among the most vulnerable members of society.
312 pages, Paperback
First published December 22, 2017
119 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Keenan Powell
24 books162 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 16, 2024
Life isn't easy for Maeve Malloy. She's not only struggling with her sobriety but also struggling to resuscitate her career as a defense attorney. Maeve is believable and complicated ... and she's also a broken soul.
It was a pleasure to read another book written by a former defense attorney that was so realistic. In 2009, there was a string of homeless deaths that the Alaska Medical Examiner had ruled were the result of natural causes. While attending a legal seminar, Ms. Powell learned of a little-known law that permits the medical examiner to declare death by natural causes without performing an autopsy. These deaths and that loophole inspired her to write Deadly Solution.
I'm amazed that this was Ms. Powell's first book she'd written!!
It was a pleasure to read another book written by a former defense attorney that was so realistic. In 2009, there was a string of homeless deaths that the Alaska Medical Examiner had ruled were the result of natural causes. While attending a legal seminar, Ms. Powell learned of a little-known law that permits the medical examiner to declare death by natural causes without performing an autopsy. These deaths and that loophole inspired her to write Deadly Solution.
I'm amazed that this was Ms. Powell's first book she'd written!!
April 12, 2019
Maeve Malloy is a lawyer who has had struggles with drinking, done a stint in rehab and trying to prove herself again as a lawyer. She is given a case that was from a colleague who has died, defending Ollie Olafson of killing his friend Joe. Ollie and Joe were both homeless and living in the woods. Ollie is convinced he never would have killed Joe even though he couldn't remember anything due to blackout.
As she investigates to prove her client's innocence, she finds bad autopsies, prosecutor misconduct and a possible serial killer.
Nice complex story that really shows what alcoholism can do to people's lives as well.
As she investigates to prove her client's innocence, she finds bad autopsies, prosecutor misconduct and a possible serial killer.
Nice complex story that really shows what alcoholism can do to people's lives as well.
June 9, 2018
Could not put this book down! Maeve Malloy, a lawyer who is recovering from her own demons in a bottle is called upon to defend a homeless man accused of murdering his friend. Many issues are unpacked in this novel set in Anchorage, Alaska: addiction and recovery, homelessness, the justice system, bias, and good old relationship tension. The characters are likeable and flawed. I loved reading how they interact and work together. Seriously, a page turn to the end! Definitely looking forward to more Maeve Malloy mysteries! 5/5 stars
April 30, 2019
This well-plotted legal mystery explores the deaths of a number of homeless people in Anchorage and introduces the fierce and complex Maeve Malloy. I am already looking forward to the next in the series, Hemlock Needle.
January 24, 2018
The reading jury has spoken resoundingly in favor of Legal Thriller Deadly Solution and its Alaskan Attorney Maeve Malloy. Author Keenan Powell has created a stunning force in her Maeve Malloy character. Danger is ever present as Malloy uncovers powerful players’ secrets and the sinister someone who’s executing a Deadly Solution.
It’s bigger than life when you head to Alaska, especially the mystery around the Deadly Solution by Keenan Powell. This is no small snowball scuffle, these characters are fighting for survival in an avalanche of troubles, and at the bottom of it all is murder. As in so many cities across America, Anchorage tries to help homeless people and to stop homelessness. Now it seems that someone has found a deadly solution.
From the very beginning, this legal thriller finds both the accused and his lawyer, struggling through fierce personal storms. Perhaps that’s a reflection of the Alaskan backdrop, where the environment is extreme and inhabitants are wild.
Lawyer and client will need to find a way to pull together. While fighting her demons, skilled attorney Maeve Malloy is analyzing and uncovering surprising motives and hidden agendas. Danger is ever present as she approaches the secrets of powerful players.
Working as Private Investigator on Maeve’s cases is tall, intense Tom Sinclair who follows through on clues and uncovers witnesses from surprising and also unsavory places. He’s been behind her every step, both before and after her controversial decision to leave the public defender’s office, and as she set up her own practice. During the course of this investigation, even his loyalty is tested. Will it break?
And after the mystery investigation, look forward to compelling courtroom scenes. Author Keenan Powell has created a stunning, powerful force in her Maeve Malloy character. Maeve scouts a trail through the justice system for clients and readers who yearn for truth. “The truth is what people believe it to be. The justice system doesn’t deal in truths, it deals in evidence. The truth doesn’t always leave evidence behind.” Maeve knows she has to “prove it,” and that will be the challenge of her lifetime.
The author writes persuasively and from different perspectives about timely social topics, giving the reader a thought-provoking thriller that lingers long after the last page is turned. Keenan Powell is a practicing attorney in Anchorage, Alaska. She also has stories published in these anthologies: Mystery Most Historical; Busted! Arresting Stories from the Beat; and Snowbound.The reading jury has spoken resoundingly in favor of Deadly Solution and Maeve Malloy – we can’t wait to read her next case.
It’s bigger than life when you head to Alaska, especially the mystery around the Deadly Solution by Keenan Powell. This is no small snowball scuffle, these characters are fighting for survival in an avalanche of troubles, and at the bottom of it all is murder. As in so many cities across America, Anchorage tries to help homeless people and to stop homelessness. Now it seems that someone has found a deadly solution.
From the very beginning, this legal thriller finds both the accused and his lawyer, struggling through fierce personal storms. Perhaps that’s a reflection of the Alaskan backdrop, where the environment is extreme and inhabitants are wild.
Lawyer and client will need to find a way to pull together. While fighting her demons, skilled attorney Maeve Malloy is analyzing and uncovering surprising motives and hidden agendas. Danger is ever present as she approaches the secrets of powerful players.
Working as Private Investigator on Maeve’s cases is tall, intense Tom Sinclair who follows through on clues and uncovers witnesses from surprising and also unsavory places. He’s been behind her every step, both before and after her controversial decision to leave the public defender’s office, and as she set up her own practice. During the course of this investigation, even his loyalty is tested. Will it break?
And after the mystery investigation, look forward to compelling courtroom scenes. Author Keenan Powell has created a stunning, powerful force in her Maeve Malloy character. Maeve scouts a trail through the justice system for clients and readers who yearn for truth. “The truth is what people believe it to be. The justice system doesn’t deal in truths, it deals in evidence. The truth doesn’t always leave evidence behind.” Maeve knows she has to “prove it,” and that will be the challenge of her lifetime.
The author writes persuasively and from different perspectives about timely social topics, giving the reader a thought-provoking thriller that lingers long after the last page is turned. Keenan Powell is a practicing attorney in Anchorage, Alaska. She also has stories published in these anthologies: Mystery Most Historical; Busted! Arresting Stories from the Beat; and Snowbound.The reading jury has spoken resoundingly in favor of Deadly Solution and Maeve Malloy – we can’t wait to read her next case.
November 2, 2023
The author brings her own legal background and knowledge of Alaska to bear in this fast-paced legal thriller starring a female defense attorney in Anchorage who is struggling with both her sobriety and the career she is trying to resuscitate.
Maeve Malloy takes on the case of an Aleut Indian accused of beating another homeless man to death. She and her investigator, Tom Sinclair, have little to go on, until they make the connection with several similar deaths.
I have read all three Maeve Malloy novels, and wish there were more. They are well written with interesting and realistic characters and plots that will keep one flipping pages. Currently I'm reading Book 1 in Ms. Powell's new series, Implied Consent. It lives up to Ms. Powell's reputation for sure.
I give Deadly Solution 5 fingerprints.
Maeve Malloy takes on the case of an Aleut Indian accused of beating another homeless man to death. She and her investigator, Tom Sinclair, have little to go on, until they make the connection with several similar deaths.
I have read all three Maeve Malloy novels, and wish there were more. They are well written with interesting and realistic characters and plots that will keep one flipping pages. Currently I'm reading Book 1 in Ms. Powell's new series, Implied Consent. It lives up to Ms. Powell's reputation for sure.
I give Deadly Solution 5 fingerprints.
June 22, 2024
I nearly put this down as I wanted court room drama. It finally came and it was good. Several typos and in need of a good edit. It may have been one of her earlier books so I won't judge too much til I have read some more. I am hopeful. A good read. 3 stars. (Oh, by the way it was irritating the way the author went into such excruciating (I mean root canal level) describing when how her investigator smoked cigarettes. On and on it went... how the smoke curled as it moved slowly to the ceiling and then wafted out the crack in the window to be picked up by the warming Spring breeze [OK I exagerrate a little]. Alright, say it once but not every time this guy lights a fag. In fact, turn him into a non-smoker... we will all be better off. )
May 14, 2020
I have two new favorite characters in crime fiction, Maeve Malloy and Tom Sinclair. Deadly Solution is the first in a series featuring the Alaska defense attorney and her strong-silent-type detective sidekick. The Alaskan setting is strikingly well done, painting a picture of the beautiful landscapes and the downtrodden souls who haunt the streets of Anchorage. Top-notch mystery. Highly recommended.
January 28, 2018
I couldn't put this book down. The characters, case, and environment are beautifully explored and layered. Powell writes with elegance and assurance. Deadly Solution is a must-read. I can't wait for future Maeve Malloy mysteries.
June 13, 2024
Very good bookMaeve is. A believable character
February 9, 2018
Disclosure: I know the author of this novel, and we worked together for several years. I had the privilege of assisting her at trial with several civil and criminal cases. I am thrilled that she is publishing, and I loved this first novel. I also reviewed a chapter or two as she wrote this story and provided feedback. It made me hungry for the rest of the novel, and I purchased it once it was published.
I rarely give 5-star reviews, but this first novel in a series earned that rating. Keenan Powell's extensive legal background shines in this novel. Her protagonist is compelling, sympathetic, and realistically flawed. Her sidekick investigator, Tom Sinclair, is tough, protective, and reminded me of several of the investigators I worked with over the years in Alaska. These are well-developed characters with layers to be revealed. The premise that a serial killer may be at work killing the Anchorage homeless population is believable. The setting is pure Anchorage - the cold, the characters, the mountains and inlet contrasted with the gritty underbelly of the city, the Native population and its nuances, the edgy atmosphere, and the alcohol and drug issues all rang true for me. The plot is fast-paced, intriguing, and kept me turning pages. When the protagonist finds herself in dangerous situations, I found it believable and suspenseful. Powell keeps upping the ante for her characters, putting her protagonist between a rock and a hard place, increasing the risks, and putting Maeve Malloy's professional reputation on the line. Dialogue is realistic. She handled the plotting with the skill of a much more experienced writer. Powell's handling of the case development, the nature of relations with the client, the investigation, and the court scenes all rang true.
I can't wait to read the next in the series.
I rarely give 5-star reviews, but this first novel in a series earned that rating. Keenan Powell's extensive legal background shines in this novel. Her protagonist is compelling, sympathetic, and realistically flawed. Her sidekick investigator, Tom Sinclair, is tough, protective, and reminded me of several of the investigators I worked with over the years in Alaska. These are well-developed characters with layers to be revealed. The premise that a serial killer may be at work killing the Anchorage homeless population is believable. The setting is pure Anchorage - the cold, the characters, the mountains and inlet contrasted with the gritty underbelly of the city, the Native population and its nuances, the edgy atmosphere, and the alcohol and drug issues all rang true for me. The plot is fast-paced, intriguing, and kept me turning pages. When the protagonist finds herself in dangerous situations, I found it believable and suspenseful. Powell keeps upping the ante for her characters, putting her protagonist between a rock and a hard place, increasing the risks, and putting Maeve Malloy's professional reputation on the line. Dialogue is realistic. She handled the plotting with the skill of a much more experienced writer. Powell's handling of the case development, the nature of relations with the client, the investigation, and the court scenes all rang true.
I can't wait to read the next in the series.
January 23, 2019
Keenan Powell’s Deadly Solution is a brilliant debut. A tightly woven legal thriller about death, dishonor, and redemption. Looking forward to the next installment.
February 24, 2024
As an Alaska resident, I found “Deadly Solution” to be a breath of fresh air in the literary world, where authenticity can often be elusive. It’s evident that the author, Keenan, possesses a genuine understanding and appreciation for our state, as reflected in her portrayal of Anchorage throughout the narrative.
Unlike many authors who attempt to capture Alaska’s essence based on fleeting visits or romanticized notions, Keenan’s depiction of Anchorage is grounded in truth. The seamless integration of authentic details into the story demonstrates her intimate knowledge of the city, ensuring that readers like myself feel a sense of familiarity and resonance with the setting.
What truly sets “Deadly Solution” apart is its well-drawn characters, particularly the protagonist, Maeve. Through Keenan’s skillful writing, Maeve comes to life on the pages, inviting readers to accompany her on a journey filled with intrigue and suspense. I found myself fully immersed in Maeve’s world, experiencing her triumphs and challenges as if they were my own.
One aspect of the book that particularly impressed me was its surprising conclusion. While I had my suspicions about the identity of the killer, Keenan masterfully subverted my expectations, delivering a twist that left me reeling. Yet, the resolution was satisfying and neatly tied up loose ends, leaving room for future adventures without resorting to a frustrating cliffhanger.
In conclusion, “Deadly Solution” is a captivating read that offers both authenticity and suspense in equal measure. Keenan’s deep understanding of Anchorage shines through in every chapter, while her skillful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. For anyone seeking a compelling mystery set against the backdrop of the Last Frontier, this book is a must-read.
Unlike many authors who attempt to capture Alaska’s essence based on fleeting visits or romanticized notions, Keenan’s depiction of Anchorage is grounded in truth. The seamless integration of authentic details into the story demonstrates her intimate knowledge of the city, ensuring that readers like myself feel a sense of familiarity and resonance with the setting.
What truly sets “Deadly Solution” apart is its well-drawn characters, particularly the protagonist, Maeve. Through Keenan’s skillful writing, Maeve comes to life on the pages, inviting readers to accompany her on a journey filled with intrigue and suspense. I found myself fully immersed in Maeve’s world, experiencing her triumphs and challenges as if they were my own.
One aspect of the book that particularly impressed me was its surprising conclusion. While I had my suspicions about the identity of the killer, Keenan masterfully subverted my expectations, delivering a twist that left me reeling. Yet, the resolution was satisfying and neatly tied up loose ends, leaving room for future adventures without resorting to a frustrating cliffhanger.
In conclusion, “Deadly Solution” is a captivating read that offers both authenticity and suspense in equal measure. Keenan’s deep understanding of Anchorage shines through in every chapter, while her skillful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. For anyone seeking a compelling mystery set against the backdrop of the Last Frontier, this book is a must-read.
November 27, 2025
This was a poignant story about the plight of the homeless in Alaska, not much different from the homeless everywhere. The story also highlights the very real consequences, risks, and damage that alcoholism causes, in the lives of many, irrespective of their station in life. The author’s raw portrayal of the effects, and the very real human frailties, vulnerabilities, and striving to overcome them, is compelling. It is also a tale of ego run amok, betrayal, denial and atonement. The characters, including Maeve and Tom, are not readily likeable, or easy to champion, but they are fully fleshed out as human, who try to do the right things. It is riveting, well written and one I am drawn to, given the history of alcoholism in my family. I love legal thrillers, had just finished Keenan’s other series, so wanted to continue with exploring the Maeve Malloy series. The theme, her backstory as a recovering alcoholic, struggling in her legal practice, was a surprise, but well worth diving in. I look forward to the following books in the series and Maeve’s struggles and triumphs.
September 26, 2019
FICTION, MYSTERY, SUSPENSE, COURT ROOM DRAMA (Maeve Molloy #1)
Defense Attorney Maeve Molloy has been handed a case to redeem her fall from grace. But will this homicide case instead, put the final nail in her coffin. "Ollie", a homeless man stands accused of killing his friend Joe, another homeless man along a trail on the outskirts of Anchorage, Alaska, an encampment area for life's throwaways. There have been a rash of deaths along the trail. Maeve and her investigator Tom think that there is more going on than random deaths of the homeless. Is a serial killer afoot? Did Ollie kill his drinking mate? We get a hardscrabble view of Alaska, it's troubled inhabitants and wicked weather. Alcohol plays a primary role in fueling the demons of this story's troubled souls.
Who will survive the downward spiral.... a hard to put down read, full of tension!!
Defense Attorney Maeve Molloy has been handed a case to redeem her fall from grace. But will this homicide case instead, put the final nail in her coffin. "Ollie", a homeless man stands accused of killing his friend Joe, another homeless man along a trail on the outskirts of Anchorage, Alaska, an encampment area for life's throwaways. There have been a rash of deaths along the trail. Maeve and her investigator Tom think that there is more going on than random deaths of the homeless. Is a serial killer afoot? Did Ollie kill his drinking mate? We get a hardscrabble view of Alaska, it's troubled inhabitants and wicked weather. Alcohol plays a primary role in fueling the demons of this story's troubled souls.
Who will survive the downward spiral.... a hard to put down read, full of tension!!
April 3, 2018
Be prepared to meet a thoroughly engaging new character in Maeve Malloy, Keenan Powell’s protagonist in this engrossing new mystery. An alcoholic in sometimes wobbly recovery, Maeve has a satisfyingly complicated history. As a public defender, she is also acquainted with the rough and tumble margins of life in Anchorage, Alaska. In this story, her task is to defend a drifter against a murder charge. The victim’s death is one of a recent series among the homeless population in the woods around the city. Living rough is always a hard challenge. One can only imagine what it entails in an Alaskan climate.
Colorful, interesting characters and setting - altogether a fine read!
Colorful, interesting characters and setting - altogether a fine read!
October 8, 2019
Surprising tale of a young lawyer’s triumph
Maeve Malloy is an attorney who’s seen the seamy side of addiction. As a recovering alcoholic, we see her struggle with her past and grapple with the everyday demands in her practice as a defense attorney. She has a great investigator sidekick named Tom. The setting of this book in urban Alaska, the community of homeless veterans, the twisted plot and the mistakes made by an assistant medical examiner are all factors that make this mystery a fascinating read.
Maeve Malloy is an attorney who’s seen the seamy side of addiction. As a recovering alcoholic, we see her struggle with her past and grapple with the everyday demands in her practice as a defense attorney. She has a great investigator sidekick named Tom. The setting of this book in urban Alaska, the community of homeless veterans, the twisted plot and the mistakes made by an assistant medical examiner are all factors that make this mystery a fascinating read.
September 18, 2020
DEADLY SOLUTION by Keenan Powell, the first in the Maeve Malloy Mysteries, is a fast-paced legal thriller. Maeve, a defense attorney, is the patron saint of lost causes--which also includes herself--but that is her strength as she tenaciously champions the overlooked members of society. The story delves into addiction, recovery, and homelessness and focuses on those who refuse to be defined by their labels. Tom Sinclair is a worthy foil to Maeve and I’m anxious to see how his story progresses in future novels. Fortunately, with two more titles already in the series, I won't have to wait.
July 16, 2023
I really enjoy these books in this series. Well written and great characters.
, thoroughly enjoyable book, this is the second in the series and I really like the Young attorney featured here and the other characters. Very well written and kept me guessing up until the very end.
, thoroughly enjoyable book, this is the second in the series and I really like the Young attorney featured here and the other characters. Very well written and kept me guessing up until the very end.
February 7, 2019
A great start for a new series!
I don't usually care for legal thrillers but this one had me from the beginning. Likeable lead characters and the plot was good. Already bought the second in the series.
I don't usually care for legal thrillers but this one had me from the beginning. Likeable lead characters and the plot was good. Already bought the second in the series.
March 18, 2018
Maeve Malloy is struggling to re-establish her career in Anchorage after she sidelined it with a personal descent into alcoholism. She's opted to continue her career in private practice - not easy for anyone, and for an attorney with a past, even more difficult. When a case comes her way from a fellow attorney it appears to be a lost cause, like Maeve. She and her investigator find too many loose threads to let their uncooperative client sink with the crime. By working more than 24-hour days, often sleeping in her office Maeve and Tom uncover a conspiracy of shoddy work that covers up the death of homeless men.
The story is multi-layered and exacting. The plausible story is a delight to read and the action never stops. I'm looking forward to the next Maeve Malloy.
The story is multi-layered and exacting. The plausible story is a delight to read and the action never stops. I'm looking forward to the next Maeve Malloy.
May 15, 2020
Excellent legal thriller with well drawn characters and a twisty plot. Looking forward to more.
September 15, 2021
Keenan Powell’s powerful debut mystery takes place in Anchorage, Alaska, and features recovering alcoholic Maeve Malloy. She’s a tough-on-the-outside but complex-and-vulnerable-on-the-inside criminal defense attorney who’s set on attaining justice for her client, a young homeless man accused of beating his friend to death.
Set in an Alaska far from the cruise ship scenes of glossy tourist brochures, Powell’s book provides a complex cast of characters and an honest look at the northern-most state that most of us never get to see. A big thumbs up.
Set in an Alaska far from the cruise ship scenes of glossy tourist brochures, Powell’s book provides a complex cast of characters and an honest look at the northern-most state that most of us never get to see. A big thumbs up.
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March 11, 2018I know the author and she depicts the sub culture of Alaska perfectly in this book. It was fun reading about places in Alaska and some of the cultural details of Alaska. This book kept my attention and I can't wait until the next one of Keenans books are released.
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February 9, 2019Intriguing mystery concerning issues of homelessness in Anchorage. There were some editing problems, but overall a thought-provoking read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews