Don’t Ask, Don’t Follow: New Thriller by Mary Keliikoa

Don’t Ask, Don’t Follow, a domestic thriller by Mary Keliikoa

Author Interview + Book and Author Info + Pet Corner!Don’t miss any author interviews! Click the link here.Don’t Ask, Don’t Follow

Murder, dark family secrets, and the unwavering bond of sisterhood— regardless of the cost

Beth Ralston, a paralegal in Portland, Oregon, would rather be racking up billable hours than mingling at an office party— especially when her sister Lindsay, aka her plus one, is a no-show.

After making her obligatory rounds, Beth returns to her office to find that her boss, who she’ d talked with moments before, has been murdered. She sees a woman fleeing the scene. Wait— was that Lindsay? Unable to catch up to her in time, Beth waits for the police to arrive and notices that Lindsay has left her phone behind with an unsent text message to Beth displayed on the screen: “ Don’ t ask. Don’ t follow.”

Lindsay is unreachable for days, and when Beth starts to come under suspicion for the crime, she decides that waiting is impossible. While retracing Lindsay’ s steps, determined to bring her home, Beth uncovers what her sister, an investigative reporter bent on changing the world, was trying to expose— corruption, secrets, and betrayal on an unimaginable level. Revealing the truth might bring back the one person she’ s desperate to find— but it could also destroy the only life and family Beth’ s ever known.

Perfect for fans of Gregg Olsen and Karin Slaughter

To purchase Don’t Ask, Don’t Follow from any of your favorite outlets, click the link here.Author Interview with Mary Keliikoa, author of Don’t Ask, Don’t FollowDon’t Ask, Don’t Follow is your first standalone domestic thriller, what made you shift from your terrific series (the private eye Kelly Pruett Mysteries and police procedural Misty Pines Mysteries), to write this book?

I’ve been wanting to write a story that involves a law firm setting for quite some time.

When this particular idea came to me, I knew it fell more into suspense and I wanted to explore the relationship between sisters and dark family secrets. I’ve had a few people suggest I make it a series though since the main character is a paralegal, and her sister is an investigative reporter, but at the moment, the character ARCs feel complete to me. But never say never!

 

Don’t Ask, Don’t Follow centers on sisters Beth Ralson and her sister Lindsay. What would you like readers to know about them and their dynamic?

That while they look like they are polar opposites on many subjects, they really want many of the same things. Of course, the dynamic of big and little sister is on full display here, but there really is little that they wouldn’t do for each other. 

 

Don’t Ask, Don’t Follow is set in Portland, Oregon. Why did that feel like the right location for this story?

I grew up in Portland, and many of my 18 years in the legal field were spent downtown. Since it’s an area I knew so well, I couldn’t imagine placing it anywhere else.

 

How has your background in the legal field given you insights into writing about murder, mystery, and mayhem?

While I didn’t work in criminal law, my time working around lawyers and courthouses provided a lens in which to view so many different cases, personalities, and ways in which to research and handle different situations. Especially in this new book which is set in a law firm, my background came into play. And in my procedural, it really gave me the confidence to ask questions of others in the field, whether they were in law enforcement, judges, etc.  

 

When you aren’t in the Pacific Northwest, you can often be found on a beach in Hawaii, two of my favorite places to be. What are some of your favorite places in the PNW and the islands?

I love the Oregon coast, and the Columbia River Gorge. Both areas boast some of the most beautiful scenery. But I have to say, my little slice of heaven at home on our property is my happy place.

As for the islands, we live on the Big Island and any beach there rates among my favorites, as well as the drive to Hilo. The bamboo forest and waterfalls along the way are stunning.

 

What are you working on now?

I’m making great progress on the third book in my Misty Pines mystery series. Killer Tracks will be out in September 2025. I’m also shopping another domestic thriller, Game Over, where an innocent prank between a couple goes horribly awry. 

 

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Writers:

There are a lot of voices out there telling you what you should or shouldn’t do as a writer. Write every day. Don’t write every day. Outline. Don’t outline. I say, only do things that resonate and speak to you and don’t compare your process to anyone else’s.

At the end of the day, there is no “right” way, only what is right for you.

Great advice!Author Pet Corner!

August!

 

August is our 15-year-old kitty, who rescued us when she was 9 weeks old.

She was deemed unadoptable at the beginning by the Humane Society, but a young girl there had fostered her until she got over her fight or flight tendencies.

When we met her, she flopped onto her back while on our laps and stole our hearts. And now we fully own that she runs us—which we wouldn’t have any other way.

 

Mary Keliikoa, Author of Don’t Ask, Don’t Follow

Eighteen years in the legal field, and an over-active imagination, led Pacific NW native Mary Keliikoa to start writing mystery and suspense.

She is the author of the award-winning HIDDEN PIECES, A Misty Pines mystery series, the upcoming DEADLY TIDES, the PI Kelly Pruett mystery series including the multi-award nominated DERAILED for best debut, and the upcoming stand-alone DON’T ASK, DON’T FOLLOW out Summer of 2024. Her short stories can be found in Woman’s World and the anthology, Peace, Love, and Crime.

When not at home with her husband and fur-kids, you can find Mary enjoying time on a beach on the Big Island where even under the palm trees and blazing sun she’s plotting her next murder—novel that is.

To learn more about Mary follow her on social media:Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub.Elena Taylor/Elena Hartwell

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