A timely, culturally grounded legal thriller that confronts a critical real-world crisis with compassion, urgency, and emotional depth.
Red Hands, a Mary MacIntosh novel by Maureen Anne Meehan, is a gripping procedural thriller rooted in the devastating reality of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). Set against the sweeping, often haunting Wyoming landscape, the story blends crime investigation with cultural trauma, legal complexity, and the emotional resilience of those seeking justice.
Judges praised the narrative for both its purpose and its execution:
- Beth noted that the story shines a light on the crisis of violence against Native American women and found the narrative both interesting and impactful.
- Leonard provided a detailed reflection, calling the work “powerful and timely,” highlighting its cultural depth, investigative structure, and gripping climax. He emphasized its similarity in tone to Wind River while maintaining its own unique procedural identity.
- Jake appreciated the work for the awareness it brings and the emotional weight of its themes.
A Story Rooted in Real-World Pain and Urgency
The red handprint—symbolic of silenced Native voices—is at the heart of the novel. Meehan weaves the symbol’s meaning directly into the plot, exploring a crisis where:
- Native American women face murder rates over 10 times the national average
- Over 5,800 Indigenous women were reported missing in 2023
- Jurisdictional and systemic failures allow cases to go uninvestigated or unresolved
Against this stark reality, Mary MacIntosh, a prosecuting attorney in Sheridan, Wyoming, takes on the case of a recently murdered Native woman. As she navigates legal roadblocks, local tensions, and cultural barriers, the story expands into a broader, more ominous threat—a serial killer or copycat operating in and around Sheridan, the Medicine Wheel of the Big Horn Mountains, and Devils Tower. The landscape becomes as much a character as the people inhabiting it.
Atmosphere, Pacing & Structure
The novel’s structure blends:
- Historical montages
- Investigative teamwork
- Twisting motives tied to trauma
- Ceremonial moments that root the story in Indigenous culture
The pacing builds gradually, layering mystery with emotion. Leonard highlighted that some transitions could be smoothed and a few repetitive beats trimmed, but the tension, world-building, and authenticity remain strong.
Characters with Heart & Complexity
The cast is one of the novel’s strongest attributes:
- Mary MacIntosh, determined and intuitive, carrying both professional strength and personal vulnerability
- Burt, offering grounding and steadfastness
- Long Tooth and other Native characters who add cultural authenticity and emotional resonance
Their interactions reveal not only the systemic failures surrounding MMIW, but also the courage and community resilience found in the midst of tragedy.
Dialogue & Voice
Dialogue often carries cultural nuance and conviction. Leonard pointed out that some expository lines could be more organic, but overall the voices feel grounded and sincere, especially in scenes of cultural ceremony or emotional confession.
A Writer with Authority & Humanity
Maureen Anne Meehan brings tremendous skill and life experience to the work:
- A Superior Court Judge in Orange County
- Author of multiple legal thrillers
- A widow, mother of four, and an Ironman triathlete
- A writer with deep knowledge of courtroom dynamics and human conflict
Her expertise in legal procedure gives the story authenticity, while her compassion—including for rescue animals—imbues it with emotional truth.
Final Thoughts
Red Hands is a powerful narrative with a noble mission: to expose, honor, and humanize the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. It blends mystery, cultural respect, legal tension, and emotional intensity into a story that resonates deeply. With refinements to pacing and flow, this adaptation has strong cinematic potential—its themes are urgent, its characters compelling, and its message vital.
A haunting, necessary thriller that amplifies silenced voices and challenges readers to confront the injustices too often overlooked.
About the Author
