What do you think?
Rate this book
A Killer Past
When two gang members choose Mary Harrington as their target, the quiet widow has a secret to share of her own
Most people in the town of Rivershore, Michigan view Mary Harrington as a quiet widow whose only oddity is that she spends a lot of time at the gym. Her son thinks it’s time for her to move into a retirement home. Two gang members think she’ll be an easy target. No one in Rivershore knows what Mary did in her younger years—really did—but the two gang members discover they’ve underestimated their victim . . . and Mary fears reverting to old habits may have jeopardized her future.
Most people in the town of Rivershore, Michigan view Mary Harrington as a quiet widow whose only oddity is that she spends a lot of time at the gym. Her son thinks it’s time for her to move into a retirement home. Two gang members think she’ll be an easy target. No one in Rivershore knows what Mary did in her younger years—really did—but the two gang members discover they’ve underestimated their victim . . . and Mary fears reverting to old habits may have jeopardized her future.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2015
157 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Maris Soule
46 books20 followersMaris Soule has had 6 mysteries, 25 romances, and 2 short stories published. In addition to twice being a RITA finalist, several of her romances have placed and won in other writing contests. Her 30th book, ECHOES OF TERROR, a thriller set in Skagway, Alaska, won first place in the 2017 Florida Writers Associations Royal Palm Literary Competition's mystery/suspense category. Born and raised in California, Soule was working on a master's degree in art history at UCSB when she met and married her husband. The Soules, who have two grown children and two granddaughters, now live in Michigan in the summer and Florida in the winter. Over the years she's raised and shown Rhodesian Ridgebacks; taught art, math, and some college English; has continued painting and drawing; and enjoys (along with her husband) boating on Lake Michigan. She writes a weekly blog on the craft of writing (https: //marissoule.com/blog/).
She is a member of MWA, MMRWA, Sisters-in-Crime, RWA, FWA, and Authors' Guild.
For more information:
Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/2SsQo1j
Website: https://marissoule.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarisSouleAu...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marisSouthHaven LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maris-sou...
She is a member of MWA, MMRWA, Sisters-in-Crime, RWA, FWA, and Authors' Guild.
For more information:
Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/2SsQo1j
Website: https://marissoule.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarisSouleAu...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marisSouthHaven LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maris-sou...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 26, 2015
Wow. All I can say about this book is WOW. Since reviews should include more, I’ll say “Criminals, watch out for Mary Harrington. She will take you down.” Looks are deceiving. Two gang members find out the hard way that 74-year-old Mary can kick butt. When Detective Jack Rossini probes into the situation with the injured gangmembers, Mary’s hidden past is about to be revealed.
The outstanding pace of this thriller made me read way into the night. Mary’s character, though flawed, is very believable. Her son’s overprotectiveness, Jack’s bulldog determination, her granddaughter’s enthusiasm for adventure add depth to the story, making the characters come alive. The setting is very well done. Although the town of Rivershore, Michigan is fictitious, the reader is grounded by references to real places. Well done, Maris Soule.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The outstanding pace of this thriller made me read way into the night. Mary’s character, though flawed, is very believable. Her son’s overprotectiveness, Jack’s bulldog determination, her granddaughter’s enthusiasm for adventure add depth to the story, making the characters come alive. The setting is very well done. Although the town of Rivershore, Michigan is fictitious, the reader is grounded by references to real places. Well done, Maris Soule.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 17, 2015
I'm still in the wow stage with this book. Wrtten beautifly, I never dreamed the old Lady Mary had the past that she had. My god, I really recommend this book. It was given to me by the author for an honest review.
May 20, 2015
A Killer Past is a well-written, fast-paced novel. May Harrington is one tough cookie, then and now. Maris Soule did a marvelous job. Must read all her works.
April 17, 2022
I loved that Mary Harrington, the main character was 74 years old and physically fit, courageous, and intelligent. She was quite capable of taking care of herself, even in most dangerous situations. Also, she had a checkered past which gave her character even more depth. I also liked police sergeant Jack Rossini who was both intrigued and baffled by Mary. A good suspense with a great twist.
September 7, 2015
I was drawn to A Killer Past for numerous reasons, the title, the cover, the blurb and the location, Michigan. I love to read books that are in a location I an familiar with and I know a bit about Michigan. This is not your comfy, cozy mystery.
Sergeant Jack Rossini had been called to a scene where two gang members claimed to be beaten up by a little old woman. After they arrived at the hospital, they changed their story to ninjas, ending with they fell.
That little old lady is Mary Harrington, who is 74 and looked like easy prey. Boy were they wrong. She kicked their ass, but that created a big problem for her, exposure. Now, not only is she in danger, but also those close to her. How far would they go to keep the past buried?
I knew the premise of the story was a forgone conclusion, but I was looking forward to some twists and turns that would entertain me. The first one was Mary Harrington.
I mean…a 74 year old woman is the main character and her hidden past forces her to go on the offensive. Even though it had been years since she had used martial arts, actions were done by reflex. All her training had paid off.
Even after being warned, Jack does not let the mystery lie. He wants answers. Will he get them? Will he wish he had left well enough alone? We shall see.
Seeing I am no spring chicken myself, it was hard to buy into her kicking ass and taking a few kicks herself, then walking away. I know surprise was on her side, so I’ll give it to her. I don’t know what is missing in A Killer Past, but I did not feel a sense of urgency. I knew the gang members would retaliate, I mean, they are gang members, after all. Isn’t that what they do? It took me three days to read it. It lacks that something extra that makes it unputdownable. Nevertheless, A Killer Past was worth reading and I did enjoy it. I would recommend this as a not so cozy, easy reading mystery.
I received A Killer Past by Maris Soule in return for an honest and unbiased review.
To see more visit me at: http://www.fundinmental.com
Sergeant Jack Rossini had been called to a scene where two gang members claimed to be beaten up by a little old woman. After they arrived at the hospital, they changed their story to ninjas, ending with they fell.
That little old lady is Mary Harrington, who is 74 and looked like easy prey. Boy were they wrong. She kicked their ass, but that created a big problem for her, exposure. Now, not only is she in danger, but also those close to her. How far would they go to keep the past buried?
I knew the premise of the story was a forgone conclusion, but I was looking forward to some twists and turns that would entertain me. The first one was Mary Harrington.
I mean…a 74 year old woman is the main character and her hidden past forces her to go on the offensive. Even though it had been years since she had used martial arts, actions were done by reflex. All her training had paid off.
Even after being warned, Jack does not let the mystery lie. He wants answers. Will he get them? Will he wish he had left well enough alone? We shall see.
Seeing I am no spring chicken myself, it was hard to buy into her kicking ass and taking a few kicks herself, then walking away. I know surprise was on her side, so I’ll give it to her. I don’t know what is missing in A Killer Past, but I did not feel a sense of urgency. I knew the gang members would retaliate, I mean, they are gang members, after all. Isn’t that what they do? It took me three days to read it. It lacks that something extra that makes it unputdownable. Nevertheless, A Killer Past was worth reading and I did enjoy it. I would recommend this as a not so cozy, easy reading mystery.
I received A Killer Past by Maris Soule in return for an honest and unbiased review.
To see more visit me at: http://www.fundinmental.com
June 16, 2017
It's been a long time since I've come across a book I'm compelled to read straight through, and A KILLER PAST is one of those books. I did have to put it down to go to bed, but I picked it up first thing the next morning and finished it that day.
This book piques your interest from the beginning and continues to hold your interest until the very end. I had to know what Mary Harrington's (formerly Mary Smith) secret was, and Maris Soule does not disappoint.
This is a must read book for those of you who like a good mystery. The book is filled with suspense, humor and is extremely well written. A KILLER PAST gets a 5 Star Review from The Authors' Cafe!
This book piques your interest from the beginning and continues to hold your interest until the very end. I had to know what Mary Harrington's (formerly Mary Smith) secret was, and Maris Soule does not disappoint.
This is a must read book for those of you who like a good mystery. The book is filled with suspense, humor and is extremely well written. A KILLER PAST gets a 5 Star Review from The Authors' Cafe!
June 28, 2019
AWESOME
Mary is in her seventies and keeps in shape. So well that a reporter takes her photo for the local newspaper. When she thwart s two gang members who try to mug her, she realizes she's not over the hill yet. Unfortunately, her past comes back to not only haunt her, but maybe to kill her. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the characters.
Mary is in her seventies and keeps in shape. So well that a reporter takes her photo for the local newspaper. When she thwart s two gang members who try to mug her, she realizes she's not over the hill yet. Unfortunately, her past comes back to not only haunt her, but maybe to kill her. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the characters.
October 25, 2020
A Killer Past
When Mary Harrington 's car stops, two youths try and mug her. Despite being 74 Mary puts the two in hospital. But in doing so she puts herself in grave danger, and her past, which she never wanted known, is at risk of being exposed.
This is a hum dinger of a book. Fast paced with great characters and a story line full of twists and turns.
Highly recommended.
When Mary Harrington 's car stops, two youths try and mug her. Despite being 74 Mary puts the two in hospital. But in doing so she puts herself in grave danger, and her past, which she never wanted known, is at risk of being exposed.
This is a hum dinger of a book. Fast paced with great characters and a story line full of twists and turns.
Highly recommended.
November 16, 2020
Who Doesn't Admire a Badass Grandmother?
This novel has a great premise: what happens to retired assassins? It's kinda like the ex gunslinger in the old west, someone always knows his past. Only in this case it's an old woman and she still has skills. Very interesting and unusual. An entertaining read.
This novel has a great premise: what happens to retired assassins? It's kinda like the ex gunslinger in the old west, someone always knows his past. Only in this case it's an old woman and she still has skills. Very interesting and unusual. An entertaining read.
November 14, 2020
I loved it.different, yet entertaining. Just believable and ready to read another book by this author.
Really nice to read a story that is so different to other police stories. Why should James Bond have all the fun?😇😇😇😇
Really nice to read a story that is so different to other police stories. Why should James Bond have all the fun?😇😇😇😇
March 3, 2021
The author kept repeating details in this book and could have developed the characters a little more. She also ended the book very quickly. I really liked the main character,, Mary and the author could have dug deeper into her background. It was just a hurry up and get to the point kind of book.
February 15, 2023
Great thrilker.
This crime thriller was captivating. I couldn't put it down. It had all the elements of a good crime story. Love, suspense, action, twists and family mixed with the connection to secret organizations within our own goverment.
This crime thriller was captivating. I couldn't put it down. It had all the elements of a good crime story. Love, suspense, action, twists and family mixed with the connection to secret organizations within our own goverment.
October 23, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
This book is a great read with lots of twists and turns. I read it all the way through with out
putting it down.
This book is a great read with lots of twists and turns. I read it all the way through with out
putting it down.
October 25, 2020
Great story, love this little old lady! Nice twist at the end. Definitely a Good Read.
September 21, 2021
Could not finish this book. Read about 1/3 of the book and was bored to death.
February 16, 2022
Really fantastic read
I was very intrigued to where this story took me and wasn't disappointed as really enjoyed. Was believable too. X
I was very intrigued to where this story took me and wasn't disappointed as really enjoyed. Was believable too. X
August 13, 2022
Exciting book, twists & turns
Excellent, Exciting book, the twists & turns kept me me guessing. Couldn't stop reading. Good ending. The lady was fierce!
Excellent, Exciting book, the twists & turns kept me me guessing. Couldn't stop reading. Good ending. The lady was fierce!
September 4, 2020
Loved it! Terrific twist near the end. Good ending ( a lot of books always fall down at the end) Mary Harrington was a brilliant character. So well written. Will be a hard act to follow!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews