The Pied Piper: A Maureen Gould Legal Thriller

by Keenan Powell, Lu Banks (Narrator)

Who killed the Pied Piper?

The butcher, the baker, or the melody maker?

When the man who swindled Esme Castillo out of her business is murdered, she is the prime suspect. Now, her attorney, Maureen Gould, must uncover the secrets and lies behind the conspiracies that targeted Esme. Who set up Esme to take the fall. And why?

Audible Audio

Published February 25, 2025

About the author

Lefty, 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.

Reviews

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series by attorney/author Keenan Powell, who writes gripping contemporary tales featuring Maureen Gould, a feminist attorney in private practice in San Fran. This time, Maureen represents her paralegal/office manager's niece, Esme Castillo, who has been swindled out of her business. The twists and turns made me read madly to the end. And I loved catching up with characters I've grown to care about: Maureen, her husband Jack, daughter Quinn, and kitty Germaine Greer. A must-read for legal thriller fans!

[Debbie Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is more of a 3.7 as I did not find it as interesting as the first two. Perhaps I should not have read them all back to back because the third book does spend quite a bit of time detailing events from the past. Maureen finds herself defending Yolanda's niece, Esme in a murder trial. Esme has taken on partners in her growing business and finds herself cut out when the partners assume control. There are a couple of murders and a disgruntled former cop who takes aim at Maureen and her foundation in his perceived abuse to men. There is also a City corruption subplot that involves her as well. I really found these subplots quite confusing. I preferred the straight up legal thriller of the first two novels. Still a good trilogy although I wish it wrapped up in a different way.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story begins with Maureen and her client, Esme, waiting to do a deposition with Al Tanzini, Esme's business partner, who was suing her. Soon there is a notice that someone is waiting to get in her office. They soon learn that Al is dead. The story then begins with the time in which Esme is served with notice. It then leads into a description of how Maureen set up a Foundation for abused women and children. Learn what was the factor for which Maureen took on Esme's case and what eventually came into play later on.

Because of the suit, Esme became a prime suspect in Al's murder. Later there would be a similar murder and Esme once more was considered a suspect. Learn as you read how Al and Esme in addition to Rita Osteen became partners and what schemes were in the background. Follow Maureen as she now has to clear Esme of the murder. Maureen believes that the only way that she can accomplish that is to find the killers.

The story will definitely keep you guessing who the culprit was and what was the reasoning behind the killings. Learn more of how Quinn came into Maureen's life and what contribution Quinn made.

The is definitely a great continuation of this series and you don't want to miss out. Get the book now, you won't be disappointed.

[Grace Koshida · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this legal thriller featuring San Francisco lawyer Maureen Gould better than the second book, The Millionaire. I think it's because Maureen & her team had more personal stakes in the case with baker Esme Castillo. Esme is the niece of Maureen's office manager Yolanda. She lost her brand, her recipes & every important aspect of her popular baking business when she naively signed a contract that did not benefit her. Maureen and her team arrange for the man who swindled Esme to come into the law office to provide a deposition, but he's murdered. And Esme becomes the prime suspect. Other deaths and threats follow. Maureen, her adult daughter Quinn, ADA husband Jake and the rest of the team have to work fast to stop the culprit.

I received an audiobook gift from the author. No review was promised. All opinions are my own.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maureen has just found her long lost child and is trying to build a relationship when she is taken in a whirlwind of a case full of familial emotions involving her right arm, Yolanda and her niece Esmeralda. A case that started with a business partnership gone wrong which then turns into murder, bribery of city officials, theft, and a strong case of defamation and a move against women rights. Great plot, well-written and fast-paced. Highly recommended!
I thank the author for the free copy of this book.

[Kathy Klingenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Native San Franciscan here with a mention of one glaring error. When speaking to a San Franciscan, no outsider refers to San Francisco as "Frisco" without getting called out. We HATE that! Having said that, it was a good story but with a very confusing sub-plot. I felt that the ending was rushed and would have like more courtroom activity. I sympathized with the Judge at the end because I too felt bewildered.

[Edna · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ “The Pied Piper” NEXT

I cried twice reading this one, and I never cry while reading a book. Well I guess maybe I do now. But that’s ok. Once was from disappointment (won’t tell you why), and once from deeply moving joy. The author, Keenan Powell, immediately makes you a part of the family. Kept me up at night and I’m a 94 years old. Every book in this series is exceptional. I’ll say no more, but to advise you to sit down, join this family group and enjoy!

[Gabrielle Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Legal Mystery

Powerful characters of women and men, and dealing with issues women face in a patriarchal society. The rise of ire directed toward women and their rights is covered in this book. I recommend starting with the first in the series and reading progressively even though each stands alone with background. Well thought out and twists and turns throughout.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Another homerun legal thriller by Keenan Powell! There isn't a challenge attorney, Maureen Gould, and her team can't handle. The Pied Piper covers it all. With Maureen's long lost daughter, Quinn, by her side, they tackle a case for office manager, Yolanda, and her niece, Esme. Brace for twists and turns as a bad business partnership ends up with a murder! Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review! Awaiting the next Maureen Gould case! 5 Stars

[Michelle Strommen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. It was a great story, a little confusing if you didn’t pay attention to the characters but I caught up. I love Maureen and Quinn and the rest of the family. Definitely want to see more in this series.

[Mary Garback · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maureen Gould is as much a detective as she is an attorney. This was an absorbing story.

I won my paperback copy from a Chicks on the Case giveaway (thank you, Keenan!) and this is my opinion, freely shared.

[judith miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading is an adventure!

A well read, well written book!, Enjoyable story with an equally enjoyable ending! Many families keep secrets, this family’s secrets were knowledgable while I read the book and made the satisfying ending more enjoyable!

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good series. Each story keeps your interest from beginning to end.