Book Title: KILLER TRACKS, A Misty Pines Mystery (#3)
Character Name: Deputy Rachel Killian
How would you describe your family or your childhood?
Traditional, I’d say. I’m the only daughter of a cop, and a stay-at-home mom. My parents were solid, although there were few dull moments. Mom was always in charge of something whether it had to do with charity work for the Police auxiliary, or the PTA. She’d chosen to stay home with me because of the uncertainty of my dad’s job, which often kept him out late. Sometimes I think she believed that if she spent enough time with me I’d want to do something else for a living. But as you can see, I followed in my father’s footsteps, which has been a blessing and a curse, but more on that later.
What was your greatest talent?
Taking care of plants, if you can believe that. Both my parents have what they called the black thumb, but I can make anything grow. When I had my place in Portland, I had plenty of Monstera because the big leaves are just cool. But honestly, I love all things green. Probably why I love the forest so much.
Significant other?
It’s complicated. I moved to Misty Pines because my girlfriend, Janelle, thought it would be great for me to get out of Portland…out of my father’s shadow, essentially. And Sheriff Jax Turner is my dad’s ex-partner, so honestly, I knew I’d get the job if I could convince Uncle Jax I was cut out for small town life. Which I did. But Janelle is looking for commitment, and I’m not sure I’m ready to be settled just yet.
Biggest challenge?
Well, besides fitting into the team and being taken seriously by the “guys”, my biggest challenge is with my father. He has this frustrating and archaic idea that my being gay is some choice he can talk me out of. Thankfully, he’s evolving and getting with the program. And that’s good, because like it or not, we’re going to be forced to work together on solving my current case.
Where do you live?
Misty Pines, Oregon
Do you have any enemies?
I’m a cop. Anyone I’ve ever arrested, or tackled in pursuit, probably is not my friend. But as for sworn enemies? Not yet. Though if the people who come after my dad and Sheriff Turner are indicators, I’m sure I’ll have a few in the future.
Do you have children, pets, both, or neither?
No kids, and I’m not entirely sure how I feel about them… But my dog, Koa, is my fur kid, and I adore her.
What do you do for a living?
I’m a Deputy for Misty Pines.
Greatest disappointment?
That my dad hasn’t accepted or even tried to understand who I am. But as I said, that appears to be changing, and I’m hopeful our relationship will continue to get back to where it used to be.
Greatest source of joy?
My dog, Koa. She’s a police dog trainee drop out, turned search and rescue. I can’t imagine a day without her.
What do you do to entertain yourself or have fun?
I love being outdoors, running, hiking. Having a labrador, and making sure she gets her exercise has been great for both of us.
What is the most pressing problem you have at the moment?
Finding out who killed Bruce Hatfield, and not screwing up the investigation. I’m not going to lie, the case has come at the right time with Sheriff Turner on the mountain and having left me in charge. If I were to ever prove my worth and value to him as a deputy, now is the time. But it’s my first homicide investigation, and I’m a bit out of my depth.
What keeps you awake at night?
Not being good enough. Not being a good enough cop. Not being a good girlfriend to Janelle. Living forever in my dad’s shadow. But right now, not catching the killer that is terrorizing Misty Pines and afraid I don’t have what it takes to keep this town safe. Somehow, I’ll have to dig deep and find that confidence that’s necessary to bring the case home.
KILLER TRACKS by Mary Keliikoa
A peaceful retreat. A maze of smoke and murder. Is their remote getaway about to become a death trap?
Sheriff Jax Turner is worried about going off-grid and leaving his young team of deputies behind. But while his getaway with his ex is meant to help them reconnect, Jax is distracted by signs of a break-in at their rented lookout.
After a string of unsettling events and an approaching wildfire turn their isolated retreat into a danger zone, he’s stunned to find a dead body with marks tying it to a killer he put away a decade ago.
Terrified that his attempt at reconciliation has led them both into a fatal setup, Jax rushes back to his estranged wife before she joins the list of victims. But his dedication to serving and protecting could become an Achilles heel as other players join them among the darkening trees.
Can he fight his way out of the woods before the flames of revenge consume everything?
Thriller Serial Killer [Level Best Books, On Sale: September 30, 2025, e-Book, / ]
Buy KILLER TRACKS: Kindle | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
About Mary Keliikoa
Mary Keliikoa is the author of the Shamus Finalist and Lefty, Agatha and Anthony award nominated PI Kelly Pruett mystery series and the upcoming Misty Pines mystery series featuring Sheriff Jax Turner slated for release in September 2022. Her short stories have appeared in Woman’s World and in the anthology Peace, Love and Crime: Crime Fiction Inspired by Music of the ‘60s. A Pacific NW native, she spent a part of her life working around lawyers. Combining her love of legal and books, she creates a twisting mystery where justice prevails.
When not in Washington, you can find Mary on the beach in Hawaii where she and her husband recharge. But even under the palm trees and blazing sun, she’s plotting her next murder—novel that is.
No Comments
Comments are closed.