Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Merciful Fate Series: Mercy Kilpatrick #5 Published by Montlake Romance on January 15, 2019
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 359
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm
Raised by preppers, survivalist and FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick has a deep-rooted need for a safe place. Her getaway in the Cascade Foothills is her secret. But when skeletal remains are unearthed—those of a murdered man linked to a notorious heist—Mercy realizes she isn’t the only one with something to hide.
Thirty years ago, an armored-car robbery turned deadly. The mastermind was captured. Four conspirators vanished with a fortune. One of them, it appears, never made it out of the woods alive. For Mercy and her fiancé, Police Chief Truman Daly, their investigation opens old wounds in Eagle’s Nest that cut deeper than they imagined. Especially when a reckless tabloid reporter draws fresh blood. It’s clear to Mercy that somebody in this close-knit community is not who they seem to be.
Some are still shattered by the heist. Some still have reason to be afraid. But which one will kill again and again to hide three decades of secrets? To land this case, it’s up to Mercy to unmask a familiar stranger before someone else dies.
I was happy to continue the Mercy Kilpatrick series. This feels more crime/ mystery suspense than a romance. There is kissing but the sex is mostly off page. I’ve enjoyed the world-building of this small town in a rural mountain area with many survivalists. The preppers are fascinating to me and cool; I love DYI and self-sufficient people.
A Merciful Fate is probably my favorite in the series so far, but it may be because I have come to love these characters. I do have to wonder how many people can die in a small town. Since there is a large prepper community, I’m NOT surprised with how many have secrets.
So much happens on a work and personal level for Mercy. At work, there is the new case which ties into an old bank heist. I did figure out one culprit without really trying. There are also many acts of vandalism in town which may or may not be related to each other or this case. And then people are getting shot and some are dying.
Personally, Mercy is still dealing with the loss of her prepper cabin. She has her niece living with her and is settling this into her world. Now she and Truman have Ollie working into their family life and routines, and Shep. Her father is still one cold fish. Her sister, Rose, is nearing the end of her pregnancy. Mercy and Truman have yet to make their wedding plans.
Even with some disbelief at the quantity of incidents in a small town, this was a fun, fast read. With all the gun violence these days, it might be very realistic, especially around preppers who are independent, anti-government NRA types. Many characters are quite well-developed. I just enjoyed reading.
About Kendra Elliot
An Amazon #1 selling author, Kendra Elliot has sold over 5 million books.
She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives there with her family and three cats. She’s fascinated with forensics, refuses to eat anything green, and dreams of living every day in flip flops.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- Thrifty Thursday: HGTV Edition @VoiceofCass @RaquelleJaxson #ThriftyThursday #Challenge #Giveaway #KindleUnlimited - September 19, 2024
- 🎧 We Solve Murders by Richard Osman @richardosman #NicolaWalker @PRHAudio #LoveAudiobooks - September 17, 2024
- Sunday Post – 15 September 2024 @kimbacaffeinate @readingreality - September 15, 2024
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2019 Releases
- COYER WINTER
I love small town stories! Ins’t it great when you get invested on a series and each book gets better and better? Glad you enjoyed this one!
Thanks I really am enjoying this series and I think this is the best one so far.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that revolved around preppers. I have read one of the author’s other books a while back and really enjoyed it. I will have to give this series a try. It sounds like a good read.
Yes survivalists. The town and surrounding area has many of them. It’s fascinating. Being a DIY kind of person I love it. I’ve enjoyed reading this series.
That’s an author I’ve never tried but I’m curious to try because I keep hearing good things about her books
Kimberly likes this one also. I think it’s easy to read.
You remind me. I want to start the first book in this series now that I’ve read her novella in the Widow’s Island series. Glad it is still going strong into further books. I like reading about the preppers and how they live so self-contained, too.
Is the novella a bridge between 2 of her series? I don’t know about it. Yes I really enjoy this series.
No, its the first book in a series she shares with Melinda Leigh. They each have one book (novella) out in the Widow’s Island series. It’s pretty good so far, but we have to wait until the fall for the next release.
OK I didn’t realize book 1 of that series is a novella. I could get it in KU. It’s short.
This sounds like something I would like. I read a novella by this author recently and enjoyed and the prepper aspect of this one really appeals to me. I may need to check it out.
It’s in KU if you still have it. I have been enjoying the series.
I totally agree this was my favorite of the series to date and found aspects intense.
I’m glad to hear you found it similarly. It was a more complexly layered plot, with lots of actions on multiple issues. I like the blend of professional and personal story. Plus Mercy is growing as a character which is always good.
I do like this genre and it’s a new series and author for me. Terrific cover art too!
This one is KU but I got the first one through Prime Reading. I like mysteries and maybe saw this series reviewed by Kimba Caffeinated? Anyway, I’ve been on board ever since. I find them easy to read and enjoyable.