It’s been two months since FBI Agent Mercy Kilpatrick’ s return to her hometown of Eagle’s Nest, Oregon and she’s adjusting to her relocation to the bureau’s Bend office. Additionally, she’s taken in her 17-year old niece, Kaylie, and is in a relationship with Police Chief Truman Daly. She and local law enforcement are responding to several nuisance fires, thinking they are the handiwork of area teens until it escalates and two deputy sheriffs are murdered. The investigation takes an ominous turn that involves people very close to Mercy.
I really like how this series continues to be a slow burn, meaning that Mercy’s reunion with her estranged family isn’t being resolved overnight and her relationship with Truman is progressing gradually, with all the normal considerations you’d expect in a new one. The setting, including the cultural lifestyles of the community, is one of the most important elements of the stories, including this one and I’m getting quite the education. It’s also realistic that even in a community where the majority of the residents share similar values, the shape of those perspectives can vary greatly. It’s at the heart of the matter here and Mercy’s troubles with her older brother, Owen, provide the perfect backdrop to illustrate them.
The tension and suspense in this story were off the charts. I developed a higher level of respect for Mercy after seeing her in action, specifically that she’s not only got a steel spine but a high functioning brain. Her skill in understanding human behavior helped her navigate some truly scary situations, and I can’t emphasize enough how terrified I was on her behalf. I’m loving the narrator as her performance is seriously enhancing my enjoyment and I highly recommend the audio format. Two books in and I’m loving this series.
Book Info
- Release Date: June 6, 2017
- Series: Mercy Kilpatrick #2
- Narrator: Teri Schnaubelt
- Audio Length: 9 hours. 37 minutes
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Blue Mood Café 
I really like what you say about the development of relationships – building or re-building them takes time and effort. I recently read a book where a conflict of twenty odd years was resolved in two days, like this was ever going to happen in real life! Mercy sounds like an awesome character.
Great review, Jonetta!
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Thank you, Toni💜 It’s a refreshing change isn’t it? And, each family member is responding differently, just like in real life.
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Lovely review again, Jonetta. I like the fact that the family tensions re being resolved in due course of time, instead of rushing through them.
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Thank you, Debjani💜 No rushing here and that’s a great thing!
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oooh, I just started this series earlier this year, I finished the first two books so far. And I also picked the audiobooks, thanks to KU, but need to wait with the next one until I’m going back to KU – I took a break lol.
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Are you enjoying? I’m reading it with a Goodreads group.
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I do. And it’s not as nail biting as feared. Reminds me a bit of Kate Burkholder by Linda Castillo. I tried Karin Slaughter’s The Good Daughter and had to put it down – wasn’t prepared for how dark it got.
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Oh, Karin Slaughter is dark and graphic, though I love her Grant County & Will Trent series. Elliot has mastered creating scenarios that has my imagination going nuts!
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I had no idea about the dark and graphic – until it was too late, lol.
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Oh, that’s too bad…I was warned😏
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Love your review, Jonetta. This is a fantastic series, I loved it.
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Thank you, Cathy💜 Thrilled that you enjoyed it, too!
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I enjoyed this series so much; I’m glad you are too! I love the prepper planning. Fantastic review!
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Another wonderful series find! Wonderful review, Jonetta!
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