As a children’s author and reviewer, I read a lot of picture books and chapter books aimed at readers who are decades younger than I am. And I love every minute of it. But sometimes, you want to jump into an adult world, but adult books can be so cynical, depressing, and, these days, full of the topical tropes and traumas that society loves to dissect to death.
That’s why it was refreshing to jump back into a new novel headed by Gail Ward Olmsted’s loveable and realistic protagonist, Miranda Quinn. Her Miranda books are full of intense and serious topics but ultimate focus on Quinn, her personal relationships, and the hopeful message that her stories convey. Below is my review of the third book in the series, Miranda Fights, followed by an interview with Olmsted about her book.
Miranda Fights plot summary
Our hero and title character, Miranda Quinn, is currently working as a legal aid attorney and volunteering as a counselor for at-risk teens when she’s assigned to represent 18-year-old Lennon, a young woman who has just incurred her first shoplifting offense. Lennon happens to be the daughter of Miranda’s old best friend, Charlene, who, after a series of bad decisions throughout her adult life, has landed herself an extensive prison sentence.
Upon meeting Lennon, Miranda sees a girl with tons of potential and no opportunities. So, she decides to take her further under her wing. At the same time, she’s juggling with the knowledge that her husband, Eric’s job, will soon transport them overseas, as well as the mysterious disappearances of some of the girls she has been counseling, not to mention the slew of crises that arise in being part of a close-knit family.
The story
Miranda Fights picks up far enough along from Book 2, Miranda Nights, that readers can jump right into Quinn’s current situation without being lost. Miranda Nights was actually the first book I read in the series, and Olmsted is good about seamlessly recapping what happened in previous books, which characters showed up, and what roles they played.
Miranda, or, Randi, as she’s known to her friends and family, is one of those energetic, on the go people who is always bouncing from one situation to the next and looking to help in any way she can. In this case, she’s looking after Lennon which puts her into a more motherly role that we haven’t seen from her prior. What begins as a way to absolve her guilt in letting her relationship with Lennon’s mother shatter after a misunderstanding grows into genuine affection for this girl who has not had it easy yet has managed to stay out of the type of trouble that her mother has gotten herself into.
What’s great about these books too is that it seamlessly weaves several subplots together and ties them all up neatly at the end of each story. It may come off as a little too neat to some, but for me, it reminds me of a more traditional storytelling method whose goal was to make you feel good while reading them and not just about trying to make things realistic or trying to drive a social point home. Olmsted is first and foremost trying to entertain, not shock or shove topical messages down her readers’ throats.
As a result, this is not strictly a crime or legal novel. It’s also a character-driven family drama with humor and heart mixed in.
Miranda never changes, but she doesn’t have to. She’s already a morally and mentally strong character, but she still learns lessons that shapes her perspective of life.
The characters
A lot of the old favorites are back from Miranda’s funny and supportive husband to her loving father and stepmother, and all of her old family, friends, and colleagues. Lennon fits into her world like a glove despite her very different background. Instead of resisting their charity, she embraces it and doesn’t take it for granted. And everyone is made better for it.
The book brings us into a world where young women have fallen through the cracks. Not only are they barely surviving with minimal monetary and emotional report, but they are disappearing without a trace or much concern.
It’s only through Miranda’s charity work and Lennon’s close connection with these girls that they are noticed that they have gone missing at all. And while it’s not much of a mystery as to where they have gone, it’s interesting to see it all play out from a legal standpoint and to see justice be served.
My recommendation
I recommend Miranda Fights to anyone looking for a sophisticated yet poignant, funny, and good-natured read. The novel is a short and fast read, but it’s long enough to flesh out the storylines and characters with enough room and scenes to make sure everything gets resolved, even if not perfectly.
There are several surprises along the way. The uglier sides of the world are exposed and then put to bed, at least on some level, but it’s clear that there is plenty more work for Miranda to do in future novels to come.
Also read my review of Miranda Nights and my interview with Olmsted about that book here.
My rating
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An interview with Gail Ward Olmsted
This is your third go around with Miranda Quinn. What elements were you most interested to explore with this character this time around?
I wanted Miranda to find balance in her life and even more happiness. She’s always been focused on her career: Assistant State’s Attorney, legal blogger, aspiring TV host, late night radio personality… and, although she’s hardly slowing down, she is choosing to spend more time with her husband and the other important people in her life. I like to imagine she’s living her very best life.
How have the experiences been the same or different while writing the three books in the series? Are there any writing or inspirational rituals that you have developed before or while writing a Miranda Quinn book?
For me, it’s all about the characters. I always begin by reviewing the detailed profiles of Miranda, Pop, Eric and Tracey I created, in order to be certain I stay true to my original vision of them. But people change and evolve, so I spend time updating and revising the descriptions to reflect their personal growth. I also look at photos from my trips to the Connecticut shoreline (if I can’t squeeze in a road trip) to reflect on the beauty of the beaches and the small towns along the coast.
Do you outline your novels before you write them, or does the story unfold as you go?
I always describe myself as a hybrid: part pantser and part plotter. I follow a very loose outline that I’ve prepped in advance but am always willing to follow the characters wherever they want to take me. I love to be surprised!
The story deals with the theme of change. What message did you want to convey for the reader through Miranda’s apprehension about moving to another country or the other big changes that take place in the story?
I enjoy taking my characters out of their comfort zones to show how truly resilient we all are and how willing we might be to extend ourselves for those we love. Miranda has chosen to spend her life in the small town where she was raised, despite opportunities to journey out into the world. Her relationships with her father and best friend Tracey have always grounded her but their lives are changing too. Miranda is starting to think differently about how to visualize her future.
Miranda takes on a very maternal role when she takes in her old friend’s daughter, Lennon, who is not your average lost cause teen. I love that she’s not your typical young character who is usually difficult and untrustworthy. Was your initial instinct to make her more like one of these stock characters, or was it your plan all along for her and Miranda to bond right away and for Lennon to be appreciative, helpful, and not take advantage of this opportunity for support and stability?
I imagined Lennon as a highly intelligent young woman desperately wanting to be seen and recognized as someone with potential. When she meets Randi, she knows their friendship could be the start of a whole new life for her and she’s clever enough to not blow it by acting like a brat. At least most of the time!
Do you have a favorite chapter or sequence?
A scene that really stands out for me is when Eric and Randi take Lennon out for breakfast. There is an instant connection between Lennon and Eric and the two of them gang up on Randi, teasing her about her quirky dietary choices.
Randi is inwardly glowing at seeing how well they get along and already thinking ahead to more family time in the future. It’s like she never knew what she had been missing until Lennon came along!
Are there any Easter eggs, inside jokes, or personal homages incorporated into the book that might not be apparent to the average reader?
Yes, too many to count! Close friends and family members are always asking me ‘”the scene about …, is it based on that time we …?” The answer is always yes. And of course, there’s clear and abundant evidence of my love of cats, coffee, and cake!
Without spoiling anything, what’s next for Miranda? Is there a legal topic that you would like to see her cover in a future book?
Great question. I am fascinated with all things tech – the legal and ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence as well as the dangers of cybersecurity threats and data breaches.
Class Action is my next book (12/11/25) and will feature Lennon Gallagher as a law student working on a class action lawsuit on behalf of claimants whose private information was leaked… with deadly consequences. Miranda will play a supporting role this time!
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