Author: Kendra Elliot

Published: January 2019 by Montlake Romance

Category: Crime, Murder, Thriller, Suspense, Book Review

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.

While out hiking with his dog, Ollie (who we were introduced to in the previous book) finds human remains in a tumbledown cabin in the woods, miles from anywhere.

It’s the beginning of an investigation that has its roots in a thirty year old  cold case—an armoured car robbery, known as The Gamble-Helmet Heist, one of the biggest robberies in the Pacific Northwest. The man behind the whole operation was shot and captured at the scene after he killed a guard. The rest of the gang fled with the money and were never caught.

Mercy and her partner, Eddie, are investigating the human remains case, with the help of the retired original investigator, while local police chief Truman Daly is dealing with multiple cases of vandalism to the properties of two residents of Eagle’s Nest. 

“We’ve got our own problems to focus on. Another car at Sandy’s had a window bashed in today. I want everyone driving by her B&B whenever they have a spare moment. Maybe park across the street for a few minutes. Let our presence be seen.”

Both cases become more involved and complex than they seemed initially. There are secrets and lies to uncover, especially when a young and reckless tabloid reporter shows up in town asking questions about the remains found in the cabin and the vandalism, putting people and herself at risk. Long buried feelings are resurrected, old wounds reopened. 

Is the case hotter than the FBI realizes?

What did she find out?

A Merciful Fate is the fifth, and I believe penultimate, instalment of the series and my favourite so far. The intriguing plot is well constructed with twists and surprising reveals, raising the question of how well we know the people around us, even those who have been a part of the community for some time. 

A fast paced story that becomes quite intense, flowing smoothly with clear cut, detailed writing, the multiple threads merging seamlessly. Character development continues with Mercy seeming less uptight but still on track with the renovation of her cabin. Her prepper instincts are still apparent, it’s impossible for her to go against her upbringing, but her attitude is more relaxed, open to allowing other people in and her relationship with Truman reaches the next level. After so many years away, she feels as though she belongs again and, apart from her stubborn father, family relationships are all but patched up. The supporting cast is well defined and each have their place in the developing story line. Compelling characters and a surprising and tense reveal at the end.

Book links ~ Amazon UK  | Amazon US

About the Author

An Amazon #1 selling author, Kendra Elliot has sold over 5 million books. Get a free insider’s guide to Kendra’s books at www.KendraElliot.com. 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.

The BONE SECRETS NOVELS: HIDDEN, CHILLED, BURIED, ALONE, KNOWN and VEILED (a novella).
The CALLAHAN & McLANE novels are a spin-off of the Bone Secrets books. VANISHED, BRIDGED, SPIRALED, and TARGETED.

The MERCY KILPATRICK series, a spin-off of the CALLAHAN & McLANE series, A MERCIFUL DEATH, A MERCIFUL TRUTH, A MERCIFUL SECRET, A MERCIFUL SILENCE, A MERCIFUL FATE, and A MERCIFUL PROMISE.

She also writes the Widow’s Island and Rogue River novellas with author Melinda Leigh.

A seven-time Wall Street Journal best selling author, 2014 International Thriller Writers finalist, a three time Daphne Du Maurier winner, and a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice finalist. 

Author links ~ Website | Twitter | Facebook