Home » Authors Interviewing Characters: Mary Kendall

Authors Interviewing Characters: Mary Kendall

May 11, 2025 | By Women Writers Women Books | Reply More

The Accidental Heiress

In a quest to save her ancestral property, Margaret just might expose secrets that cost her everything . . .

Horse farm owner Margaret O’Keefe is desperate to save her family farm, Needham Forest. So, when she hears a rumor about a hidden treasure on her land, she plunges into a search that uncovers more than gold. Her dig reveals secrets, betrayal, and danger at every turn . . .

Caught between her volatile ex-husband, a scandalous affair, and a complicated romance with her lover, Robert, Margaret finds herself entangled in a web of lies. As her world spirals out of control, she must decide what truly matters—and whether to fight for a future with Robert or walk away for good.

This is a riveting story of resilience, intrigue, and the search for truth, in which the only thing harder to find than buried treasure is a path to a new beginning.

Mary Kendall’s most recent release, The Accidental Heiress (Bloodhound Books, January 2025), is a historical mystery and a spin-off from her debut, The Spinster’s Fortune, with the same setting of Washington, D.C. and its environs in the early 1930s and the same main characters in this sequel.

In conducting genealogical research, the author discovered her grandfather’s involvement in a brother-attorney’s trial for a shocking murder in cold blood that rocked Washington, D.C. society for the better half of a year. Delving deeper, details from the case such as “the pink brassiere” captured the author’s imagination. The machinations of this so-called middle-aged love triangle play out within the broader framework of her main character’s current situation to save her family horse business.

Let’s check in with Margaret O’Keefe.

Margaret, I’m just going to say it…your life is messy. Catch us up—why is your horse farm in jeopardy?

This economic recession since Black Thursday hit my family’s horse business so hard unfortunately. But there will always be people that love horses as much as I do so I will turn things around. Needham Forest, our family farm, is everything to me and I will do whatever necessary to save it.

Do you have a plan?

Yes, of course I do. I am nothing if not resourceful. I have met up with a family friend of old who is the best criminal defense lawyer in the District and just happens to love horses too. Bill Miller is his name. His wife, Jocelyn, is a bit of problem—she’s half Bill’s age, flighty and superficial, and there’s just something about her that gets under my skin. But I am developing a partnership with Bill that might be the ticket.

What is going on with Keith, your husband?

Margaret bristles. Soon to be ex husband, if you don’t mind. Keith is…a problem. He’s got it in his head that he deserves to be the rightful owner of Needham Forest which is ridiculous. Daddy toiled for years to build the horse farm to showplace grandeur. Plus, he made sure to name me as the beneficiary and rightful owner. Don’t worry—Keith won’t win this fight.

So, I heard there is a rumor about buried gold at Needham Forest?

Sssh. Not so loud. Margaret looks around to see if anyone is listening in. Yes, that is the rumor. It’s possible there is a tie-in to a gold heist by the Confederates during the Civil War. I’ve never been too much into history but I am trying to ferret it out using old maps and documents. If I can piece this together…well, all my problems might just magically disappear.

Is a certain gentleman attorney, Robert Brady, helping you with this?

Margaret’s face transforms with a secretive smile. Robert is…yes…he is helping me in fact.

Do you see a future with him? After your ex, I mean?

It’s…complicated right now. I don’t want to get ahead of myself.

Just for fun, and even though we are still under Prohibition mandates, what’s your favorite cocktail?

Margaret lets out an unladylike guffaw. We tend to give Prohibition short shrift in my home state of Maryland. My cocktail of choice is a lovely concoction called the Bee’s Knees. My introduction to it was at a Maryland Hunt Club event. Some gin, some lemon and some honey pull it all together. Delicious.

Favorite pet?

Every horse in my stables is a favorite but there is also my faithful sidekick, Oliver. He’s a Russell Terrier. I have a British friend who brought Oliver over for me as a pup. The breed is quite popular over there. He’s a fine little fellow and excellent company.

Despite having so much going on, you seem to be keeping a level head about it all. How is it you manage to do so?

Margaret lets out a big sigh. That’s just life, isn’t it? Highs and lows, ups and downs? Overall, my philosophy is always keep moving forward with a purpose. I suggest you do the same.

Will do. Thanks for chatting, Margaret, and we certainly wish you all the best.

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Mary Kendall is first a reader of books across genres and, second, a writer of fiction. She brings her background in history-related fields mixed with Celtic story-telling genes to her writing. Fueled by black coffee and a possible sprinkling of fairy dust, she finds inspiration in odd places, sometimes while kneading bread dough. Her published novels include The Spinster’s Fortune, Campbell’s Boy, Bottled Secrets of Rosewood and The Accidental Heiress. Additionally, she has short stories published in dark fiction magazines.