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Shana Merchant #5
Devils at the Door
A suspicious drowning throws New York State senior investigator Shana Merchant's life into turmoil in this taut, thrilling small-town mystery - perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Ruth Ware.
Sixteen-year-old Henrietta used to be happy. But that was before her family hit the national news. Before she - and the whole world - knew she was related to one of New York's most prolific serial killers.
Senior Investigator Shana Merchant readily agrees when her brother asks her to take in his troubled, rebellious daughter for the fall semester. Doug's convinced that spending a few months in Alexandria Bay with Shana will straighten Hen out.
But when Hen arrives, Shana's not so sure. She can't help but distrust the strange and manipulative teen, who binge-watches bloody movies and roams the house at night, taking things that aren't hers.
Soon, though, Shana has more to worry about than missing heirlooms when she's called to investigate the suspicious drowning of a local teenager, only to discover her niece at the scene of the crime.
What happened that night on the dark, uninhabited island of Devil's Oven? With Hen and her new friends not talking, and a community determined to keep their secrets dead and buried, Shana knows it's a race against time to uncover the truth before her niece is upgraded from key witness to prime suspect.
Sixteen-year-old Henrietta used to be happy. But that was before her family hit the national news. Before she - and the whole world - knew she was related to one of New York's most prolific serial killers.
Senior Investigator Shana Merchant readily agrees when her brother asks her to take in his troubled, rebellious daughter for the fall semester. Doug's convinced that spending a few months in Alexandria Bay with Shana will straighten Hen out.
But when Hen arrives, Shana's not so sure. She can't help but distrust the strange and manipulative teen, who binge-watches bloody movies and roams the house at night, taking things that aren't hers.
Soon, though, Shana has more to worry about than missing heirlooms when she's called to investigate the suspicious drowning of a local teenager, only to discover her niece at the scene of the crime.
What happened that night on the dark, uninhabited island of Devil's Oven? With Hen and her new friends not talking, and a community determined to keep their secrets dead and buried, Shana knows it's a race against time to uncover the truth before her niece is upgraded from key witness to prime suspect.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2023
28 people are currently reading
2089 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Wegert
7 books659 followersTessa Wegert is the critically acclaimed author of the Shana Merchant mysteries, as well as the North Country series. Her books have received numerous starred reviews and have been featured on PBS and NPR Radio. A former journalist and copywriter, Tessa grew up in Quebec and now lives with her husband and children in Connecticut, where she co-founded Sisters in Crime CT and serves on the board of International Thriller Writers (ITW).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
December 29, 2023
New York State Police investigator Shana Merchant remembers her niece, Henrietta, as a bubbly, happy girl. Granted, that was before the Merchant family was outed to the nation as being related to the monster turned prolific serial killer, Blake Bram. So when Shana’s brother, Doug, calls and begs her to take the now unruly Henrietta off of their hands for a few months, she’s happy to help. After all, her involvement in Bram’s case is part of what has brought the heat on her niece’s once carefree life.
When Henrietta arrives at her door, however, the sullen, aloof sixteen year old is hard to recognize. Of course, Doug warned her that Henrietta has become manipulative and hard to handle on top of her strange addiction to watching disturbing, gory movies. At the same time, Shana wonders if she’s gotten in over her head when her niece starts wandering around the house late at night and snooping into Shana’s belongings.
Faster than Shana can process that, however, things go from bad to worse. Called in the middle of the night to a crime scene, she and fellow investigator slash fiancé, Tim, find Henrietta front and center. On the remote, uninhabited island called Devil’s Oven, a young teen has been found floating in the St. Lawrence River after a night full of teenage drinking. Henrietta and her new friends, however, aren’t talking. What happened there that night? And how did Henrietta, the new girl in town, get involved?
Limited on time and relevant facts, Shana knows Henrietta’s situation is dire. Sooner rather than later, she’s going to find herself no longer a sympathetic witness—but a prime suspect. If Shana can’t put the pieces together quickly enough, her niece could find herself in even more hot water—and fast. Can Shana reach her niece before it’s too late? Or are the wheels of justice already in motion?
Whoa! Give me a second while I try to wipe this s*** eating grin off of my face. Okay, here I go... Every year I look forward to getting my Shana Merchant fix. This time not only did it have deep character growth and a chilling case, but Devils at the Door unfurled with bang on perfection. After all, between a troublesome teen and the intricate plot, I was left in awe of Ms. Wegert’s virtuoso-like mind.
From the top, I was blown away yet again by Shana and her crime fighting troop. Complex and genuine, their relationships, exchanges, and behaviors could have been pulled straight out of real life. Even better, the twists and turns to Shana and Tim’s romance built stronger, more authentic characters that had me in their thrall from the word go. Throw in an unruly teenager and the difficulties were sure to test anyone’s resolve.
Then there was the plot itself. With pacing that started out methodical and even, the further into the book I got, the more on edge the suspense made me feel. And when I got to that climax? Well, what can I say? It was darn close to perfection. Quite frankly, this book, the fifth in the Shana Merchant series, felt much more like a finely woven mix of mystery/thriller and police procedural than just straight crime fiction, a combo that couldn’t have been easy to create.
What really got me, though, were the surprising twists that kept me on the back foot throughout. From the well-layered backstory that would intimately influence the plot line to the cast of characters who had plenty of secrets and lies, there was no way I was going to be able to work out what was really going on before the final reveal. And for this armchair sleuth, that was definitely a tall order to fill.
As I closed the cover on this dynamite book, I’m already wishing I could reread it fresh. For the first time in quite awhile, I actually felt as though I was inside of the story. You know, like Bastian in The Neverending Story? It was almost as though I was pulled onto the pages myself—all of which was a true feat of magic for an author already on my auto-buy list. So if you’ve been curious about this top-notch series or are just looking for a sublime crime fiction book, be sure to pre-order this puppy today. After all, while I strongly recommend reading these in order, this one could be read as a stand-alone if push came to shove. Rating of 5+ stars.
Thank you to Tessa Wegert and Severn House for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: December 5, 2023
Trigger warning: infidelity, arson, mention of: drowning, high-risk pregnancy, swinging, blackmail
When Henrietta arrives at her door, however, the sullen, aloof sixteen year old is hard to recognize. Of course, Doug warned her that Henrietta has become manipulative and hard to handle on top of her strange addiction to watching disturbing, gory movies. At the same time, Shana wonders if she’s gotten in over her head when her niece starts wandering around the house late at night and snooping into Shana’s belongings.
Faster than Shana can process that, however, things go from bad to worse. Called in the middle of the night to a crime scene, she and fellow investigator slash fiancé, Tim, find Henrietta front and center. On the remote, uninhabited island called Devil’s Oven, a young teen has been found floating in the St. Lawrence River after a night full of teenage drinking. Henrietta and her new friends, however, aren’t talking. What happened there that night? And how did Henrietta, the new girl in town, get involved?
Limited on time and relevant facts, Shana knows Henrietta’s situation is dire. Sooner rather than later, she’s going to find herself no longer a sympathetic witness—but a prime suspect. If Shana can’t put the pieces together quickly enough, her niece could find herself in even more hot water—and fast. Can Shana reach her niece before it’s too late? Or are the wheels of justice already in motion?
Whoa! Give me a second while I try to wipe this s*** eating grin off of my face. Okay, here I go... Every year I look forward to getting my Shana Merchant fix. This time not only did it have deep character growth and a chilling case, but Devils at the Door unfurled with bang on perfection. After all, between a troublesome teen and the intricate plot, I was left in awe of Ms. Wegert’s virtuoso-like mind.
From the top, I was blown away yet again by Shana and her crime fighting troop. Complex and genuine, their relationships, exchanges, and behaviors could have been pulled straight out of real life. Even better, the twists and turns to Shana and Tim’s romance built stronger, more authentic characters that had me in their thrall from the word go. Throw in an unruly teenager and the difficulties were sure to test anyone’s resolve.
Then there was the plot itself. With pacing that started out methodical and even, the further into the book I got, the more on edge the suspense made me feel. And when I got to that climax? Well, what can I say? It was darn close to perfection. Quite frankly, this book, the fifth in the Shana Merchant series, felt much more like a finely woven mix of mystery/thriller and police procedural than just straight crime fiction, a combo that couldn’t have been easy to create.
What really got me, though, were the surprising twists that kept me on the back foot throughout. From the well-layered backstory that would intimately influence the plot line to the cast of characters who had plenty of secrets and lies, there was no way I was going to be able to work out what was really going on before the final reveal. And for this armchair sleuth, that was definitely a tall order to fill.
As I closed the cover on this dynamite book, I’m already wishing I could reread it fresh. For the first time in quite awhile, I actually felt as though I was inside of the story. You know, like Bastian in The Neverending Story? It was almost as though I was pulled onto the pages myself—all of which was a true feat of magic for an author already on my auto-buy list. So if you’ve been curious about this top-notch series or are just looking for a sublime crime fiction book, be sure to pre-order this puppy today. After all, while I strongly recommend reading these in order, this one could be read as a stand-alone if push came to shove. Rating of 5+ stars.
Thank you to Tessa Wegert and Severn House for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: December 5, 2023
Trigger warning: infidelity, arson, mention of: drowning, high-risk pregnancy, swinging, blackmail
November 6, 2023
Huge shoutout to @severnhouseimprint for my gorgeous gifted copy!! ❤️ Five fabulous stars!! 🌟 Pub date is December 5th!! 🥳🥳
Guys… listen.. I am obsessed with this series!! I have said it before and I will say it again…I NEVER read series!! Ever!! They just didn’t appeal to me… until THIS series came along! NOW I see why people LOVE series!! 😍@tessawegert knocks it out of the park.. every… single… time!! @diagnosisbookaholic and I have a tradition of reading each book together !!
Sooo the BOOK!! 😍 Shana was abducted by a serial killer.. and lived to tell about it. 😳 Blake Bram is famous in these parts… some people in this small town are fascinated with the serial killer.. 🤯🤷♀️
I loved the small town vibes and all the drama. All the old high school buddies made for some very interesting dynamics… 😳
The whole atmosphere of Devils 😈 Oven … an uninhabited island 🏝 was soo creepy… especially when someone ends up dead…😬
I NEVER guessed which direction this took!! 😳🤯 I must say… I LOVED how much I was blindsided by that. OH and that ending… I sure hope we will be seeing Shana again soon!! 😍
🖤 Holy HOT🔥 cover!!! Right?? OMG I love it!! Have you read this series yet??? Is this on your TBR?? Do you have a series that you absolutely love?? Do tell!! 🖤🖤
Guys… listen.. I am obsessed with this series!! I have said it before and I will say it again…I NEVER read series!! Ever!! They just didn’t appeal to me… until THIS series came along! NOW I see why people LOVE series!! 😍@tessawegert knocks it out of the park.. every… single… time!! @diagnosisbookaholic and I have a tradition of reading each book together !!
Sooo the BOOK!! 😍 Shana was abducted by a serial killer.. and lived to tell about it. 😳 Blake Bram is famous in these parts… some people in this small town are fascinated with the serial killer.. 🤯🤷♀️
I loved the small town vibes and all the drama. All the old high school buddies made for some very interesting dynamics… 😳
The whole atmosphere of Devils 😈 Oven … an uninhabited island 🏝 was soo creepy… especially when someone ends up dead…😬
I NEVER guessed which direction this took!! 😳🤯 I must say… I LOVED how much I was blindsided by that. OH and that ending… I sure hope we will be seeing Shana again soon!! 😍
🖤 Holy HOT🔥 cover!!! Right?? OMG I love it!! Have you read this series yet??? Is this on your TBR?? Do you have a series that you absolutely love?? Do tell!! 🖤🖤
June 27, 2023
When I created Senior Investigator Shana Merchant, I could never have imagined that she might star in five very different crime novels. This particular case hits close to home for Shana, and involves one of the most emotional subplots I’ve written to date (you’ll know it when you see it!). It’s also packed with North Country fall atmosphere, shocking small-town secrets, and what I think is a pretty surprising twist. I hope you enjoy DEVILS AT THE DOOR!
April 24, 2025
🖤💚🖤💚🖤💚🖤💚🖤💚🖤💚🖤
Devils at the Door is the 5th-book in Tessa Wegert's Shana Merchant series. I've really enjoyed all the previous novels, and was excited to get to this one.
I'm happy to report, this is just as engaging as all the rest. It was so good for a number of different reasons, but my favorites were the overall mystery and the fact that Shana's niece, Hen, is in town and plays a starring role.
If you are unfamiliar with this series, it follows Senior Investigator, Shana Merchant, and her partner, Tim Wellington, delivering solid Police Procedural action and intrigue throughout.
The setting is the Thousand Lakes region of upstate New York, which sits on the border to Canada. In this installment, as mentioned above, Shana's teenage-niece, Henrietta, known as Hen, comes to live with her following a rebellious streak leaves Shana's brother and sister-in-law at wits end.
Shana is happy for Hen to come stay, but is surprised by the changes she sees in Hen once she arrives. Gone is the cheerful, sweet little girl she remembers. Taking her place is a sullen, secretive teen, who seems obsessed with the macabre and displays odd behaviors.
The mystery begins when a local teenager drowns on the shores of the uninhabited Devil's Oven Island, a frequent, yet dangerous, party spot for young people.
Responding to the call of the unresponsive teen, Shana is shocked to find Hen there, along with a couple of other teens. Hen just got to town, Shana didn't even realize she had made friends yet, and she snuck out at night? Shana is left reeling by all these developments at once.
The circumstances surrounding the drowning are so unclear, and none of the teens at the scene are talking. How is Shana going to get to the bottom of this before the suspicions fall on Hen? She's the outsider, a loner, a bit unusual, the one people aren't going to believe.
Shana digs in and ends up discovering a few buried secrets that the adults of the town would rather keep buried, but how is any of that related to the recent drowning?
I loved this mystery, especially having the added pressure of Hen being involved. The stakes were particularly high for Shana, and you could feel that pressure reverberating throughout her life.
Subsequently, there was some exploration of Shana and Tim's relationship and all that sort of shined a light on how Shana's past may still be negatively effecting her.
Her traumas are certainly a lot to get over, so it's no surprise. I think maybe Shana had thought it was more put to rest than it actually is though, so it was nice to see her examining that closer.
I frequently find myself saying about Adult Mystery series that they can be read in any order. And while that's true here, it is a standalone mystery, this is one of the cases where I believe you are best served to start this series at the beginning and read them all the way through.
Wegert has taken great care developing her characters and sense of place. Shana in particular is such a well-fleshed out MC. She is on such a journey in this series and it would be most impactful for you, as the Reader, to start at the beginning with her.
Trust me, they're all so good, you'll be happy you did. Personally, I'm excited to get my hands on the 6th-book. I hope this series continues on for a long, long time. 25-books wouldn't be enough. Keep 'em coming, Wegert!!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Severn House, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This was a great mystery featuring one of my favorite detectives.
I can't wait for more Shana Merchant!!!
Devils at the Door is the 5th-book in Tessa Wegert's Shana Merchant series. I've really enjoyed all the previous novels, and was excited to get to this one.
I'm happy to report, this is just as engaging as all the rest. It was so good for a number of different reasons, but my favorites were the overall mystery and the fact that Shana's niece, Hen, is in town and plays a starring role.
If you are unfamiliar with this series, it follows Senior Investigator, Shana Merchant, and her partner, Tim Wellington, delivering solid Police Procedural action and intrigue throughout.
The setting is the Thousand Lakes region of upstate New York, which sits on the border to Canada. In this installment, as mentioned above, Shana's teenage-niece, Henrietta, known as Hen, comes to live with her following a rebellious streak leaves Shana's brother and sister-in-law at wits end.
Shana is happy for Hen to come stay, but is surprised by the changes she sees in Hen once she arrives. Gone is the cheerful, sweet little girl she remembers. Taking her place is a sullen, secretive teen, who seems obsessed with the macabre and displays odd behaviors.
The mystery begins when a local teenager drowns on the shores of the uninhabited Devil's Oven Island, a frequent, yet dangerous, party spot for young people.
Responding to the call of the unresponsive teen, Shana is shocked to find Hen there, along with a couple of other teens. Hen just got to town, Shana didn't even realize she had made friends yet, and she snuck out at night? Shana is left reeling by all these developments at once.
The circumstances surrounding the drowning are so unclear, and none of the teens at the scene are talking. How is Shana going to get to the bottom of this before the suspicions fall on Hen? She's the outsider, a loner, a bit unusual, the one people aren't going to believe.
Shana digs in and ends up discovering a few buried secrets that the adults of the town would rather keep buried, but how is any of that related to the recent drowning?
I loved this mystery, especially having the added pressure of Hen being involved. The stakes were particularly high for Shana, and you could feel that pressure reverberating throughout her life.
Subsequently, there was some exploration of Shana and Tim's relationship and all that sort of shined a light on how Shana's past may still be negatively effecting her.
Her traumas are certainly a lot to get over, so it's no surprise. I think maybe Shana had thought it was more put to rest than it actually is though, so it was nice to see her examining that closer.
I frequently find myself saying about Adult Mystery series that they can be read in any order. And while that's true here, it is a standalone mystery, this is one of the cases where I believe you are best served to start this series at the beginning and read them all the way through.
Wegert has taken great care developing her characters and sense of place. Shana in particular is such a well-fleshed out MC. She is on such a journey in this series and it would be most impactful for you, as the Reader, to start at the beginning with her.
Trust me, they're all so good, you'll be happy you did. Personally, I'm excited to get my hands on the 6th-book. I hope this series continues on for a long, long time. 25-books wouldn't be enough. Keep 'em coming, Wegert!!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Severn House, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This was a great mystery featuring one of my favorite detectives.
I can't wait for more Shana Merchant!!!
October 11, 2023
Book 5 in the Shana Merchant series and another page turning mystery.
Shana is finally starting to feel normal and happy, she is engaged to a great man, they are renovating their home and things are going pretty well. The town is finally starting to accept her and not glare at her when they see her. Can she finally put her serial killing cousin behind her? She agrees to look after her teenage niece for a while. Henrietta is going off the rails a bit and her parents are desperate for some help. Shane doesn’t realise what she is getting herself into with Hen, and soon she finds herself investigating a drowning, one where Hen was a witness,or is she the prime suspect?
This series has a way of getting you so invested in the characters and storylines. I found myself cursing Shana at times, she doesn’t always make the best decisions. We saw her and Tim in a different way in this instalment. I look forward to what comes next for them.
Thanks to Severn House for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on 5th December
Shana is finally starting to feel normal and happy, she is engaged to a great man, they are renovating their home and things are going pretty well. The town is finally starting to accept her and not glare at her when they see her. Can she finally put her serial killing cousin behind her? She agrees to look after her teenage niece for a while. Henrietta is going off the rails a bit and her parents are desperate for some help. Shane doesn’t realise what she is getting herself into with Hen, and soon she finds herself investigating a drowning, one where Hen was a witness,or is she the prime suspect?
This series has a way of getting you so invested in the characters and storylines. I found myself cursing Shana at times, she doesn’t always make the best decisions. We saw her and Tim in a different way in this instalment. I look forward to what comes next for them.
Thanks to Severn House for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on 5th December
May 17, 2024
Another solid 5 stars, Tessa Wegert 👏🏻 — love this series!!
October 12, 2023
Thank goodness there is another book in the Shana Merchant series because I was worried for a second! And thank you to Tessa Wegert for sending it to me! This book is about Shana in the aftermath of her cousin’s death. Her brother Doug is having a hard time with her niece Henrietta, especially now that their family is in the news. Doug asks if Hen can come stay with Shana and she decides she will be able to straighten her out. But when Hen arrives, she is all over the place- sneaking out, lying, and stealing things.
The worst part is that when Shana is called out to the suspicious drowning of a local teenager, Hen is found at the crime scene. No one is talking, and when strange and familiar words are found at the crime scene, Shana fears that Hen has more to do with the crime than she is letting on.
Thoughts: Even though this story is technically a standalone, there were a lot of things from previous books that you need to know to truly enjoy it. I have been following Shana from the beginning, so it was easy to see the way she progressed into this story. I love the setting in A-bay and I loved the new twist with the ghost tours and serial killer fame. The story was interesting and easy to follow, but Shana really annoyed me in this book! I feel like every time things are actually going well she can’t handle it and ruins it.
Hen was a great character to add, even though she was a bit one dimensional. I enjoyed the mystery in this story, especially as you find out more layers throughout the story. I am so happy this series is continuing and I can’t wait to see what Tessa comes up with next. 4-stars
The worst part is that when Shana is called out to the suspicious drowning of a local teenager, Hen is found at the crime scene. No one is talking, and when strange and familiar words are found at the crime scene, Shana fears that Hen has more to do with the crime than she is letting on.
Thoughts: Even though this story is technically a standalone, there were a lot of things from previous books that you need to know to truly enjoy it. I have been following Shana from the beginning, so it was easy to see the way she progressed into this story. I love the setting in A-bay and I loved the new twist with the ghost tours and serial killer fame. The story was interesting and easy to follow, but Shana really annoyed me in this book! I feel like every time things are actually going well she can’t handle it and ruins it.
Hen was a great character to add, even though she was a bit one dimensional. I enjoyed the mystery in this story, especially as you find out more layers throughout the story. I am so happy this series is continuing and I can’t wait to see what Tessa comes up with next. 4-stars
December 8, 2024
I really enjoy this series and loved the intro of Shana's niece coming to stay. Barely there a week and she's a witness to a death of one of her classmates...and then becomes a suspect. Love!
The true crime vibe and some more dark secrets coming out make this a total page turner. Love the mix of police procedural with complex family dynamics and the dynamics within the police make for a great story.
The true crime vibe and some more dark secrets coming out make this a total page turner. Love the mix of police procedural with complex family dynamics and the dynamics within the police make for a great story.
October 11, 2023
Normally I would agree that this could be a stand alone in the series but I had to knock down a few stars because I disagree. There was too much time focusing on the past making me wish I had read all the previous books first.
The murder mystery itself was amazing and quite a shock in the end.
Much thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity.
The murder mystery itself was amazing and quite a shock in the end.
Much thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity.
November 23, 2023
Book 5! Devils At The Door! My favourite of the series so far.
This series is sooooo good! The storyline never disappoints and in each book we are introduced to new side characters and reaquainted with previous ones.
There's a lot happening in book 5 and I wasn't sure where it was taking us. It's twisty and had me questioning just about everything at one point. So, so good!! I have a lot of love for the main character, Shana Merchant. She may not always make the best decisions, but she's damn good at her job and certainly not someone to be underestimated. I can not wait to see where her story takes her next.
Um.... Tessa! You're killing me with that cliffhanger at the end! Stop that right now! ;)
My thanks to Suzy Approved Book Tours, Tessa Wegert and Severn Books for this gifted copy!
This series is sooooo good! The storyline never disappoints and in each book we are introduced to new side characters and reaquainted with previous ones.
There's a lot happening in book 5 and I wasn't sure where it was taking us. It's twisty and had me questioning just about everything at one point. So, so good!! I have a lot of love for the main character, Shana Merchant. She may not always make the best decisions, but she's damn good at her job and certainly not someone to be underestimated. I can not wait to see where her story takes her next.
Um.... Tessa! You're killing me with that cliffhanger at the end! Stop that right now! ;)
My thanks to Suzy Approved Book Tours, Tessa Wegert and Severn Books for this gifted copy!
October 6, 2023
This is the fifth book in the senior investigator, Shana Merchant series.
Shana finally has her life in order after it was torn apart by her cousin, and later revealed serial killer Blake Bram. Shana has a fiancé and a stable career in Alexandria Bay. But then she receives a call from her brother Doug, her niece, Henrietta (Hen), is going through a rough patch, and he thinks it might be good for her to spend some time with Shana. Except Hen isn’t the innocent child that Shana remembers and she’s not sure if she can trust her. Soon after she arrives, Shana is called to a crime scene to investigate a suspicious drowning of a local teenage boy, at the uninhabited island, Devils Oven, only to discover her niece at the scene of the crime.
This has become one of my favourite series, and while it’s probably better read from the beginning, the author does provide enough background that you could just jump in to this novel. The story pulled me in from the very beginning. Small town setting, lots of secrets and new characters to shake things up.
Another one I highly recommend. 4.5*
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Severn House for this gifted review copy.
Shana finally has her life in order after it was torn apart by her cousin, and later revealed serial killer Blake Bram. Shana has a fiancé and a stable career in Alexandria Bay. But then she receives a call from her brother Doug, her niece, Henrietta (Hen), is going through a rough patch, and he thinks it might be good for her to spend some time with Shana. Except Hen isn’t the innocent child that Shana remembers and she’s not sure if she can trust her. Soon after she arrives, Shana is called to a crime scene to investigate a suspicious drowning of a local teenage boy, at the uninhabited island, Devils Oven, only to discover her niece at the scene of the crime.
This has become one of my favourite series, and while it’s probably better read from the beginning, the author does provide enough background that you could just jump in to this novel. The story pulled me in from the very beginning. Small town setting, lots of secrets and new characters to shake things up.
Another one I highly recommend. 4.5*
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Severn House for this gifted review copy.
November 2, 2023
Gosh, did I enjoy this novel, a great addition to a really good series. The novel focuses in on an accidental drowning in tiny Alexandria Bay. Investigator Shana Merchant becomes embroiled in the case on both a personal and professional level. The novel is atmospheric and really well plotted, and Wegert does a masterful job of capturing the claustrophobia of small town living. Highly recommend!
This is a great jumping off point if you’re new to the author as many of the series’ story arcs concluded in the last novel.
This is a great jumping off point if you’re new to the author as many of the series’ story arcs concluded in the last novel.
December 3, 2023
Where have I been, this was my first book by Tessa Wegert and I have been missing out! While this is a part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, which is what I did! Now after finishing book #5, I need to read the first 4. This was a twisty and unexpected police procedural that really had you questioning everyone and so many shocking moments! I highly recommend that you add this book to your TBR if you are a fan of police procedurals!
****Many thanks to @Suzyapprovedbooktour and @tessawegert for the gifted copy in turn for an honest review.
****Many thanks to @Suzyapprovedbooktour and @tessawegert for the gifted copy in turn for an honest review.
December 14, 2023
Shana Merchant is back! She is even better then ever, much more fierce and protective, because… she has a teenager to deal with!!! Lmao I know this struggle. Let me tell you, Tessa Wegert may have written this one about my own kids. Lmao
I think book five may be my favorite. Devils At The Door felt a little closer to home for me. Not because of the crazy true crime seeking junkies, but because of the struggle of dealing with teenager emotions. Teens are definitely a bomb waiting to explode, and the suspense is real. Tessa captured that in this story, and brought out maternal instincts that Shana didn’t even know she had. It was great to see this side of her.
Shana is such an incredibly vulnerable character, with a strong facade. Watching her, through the last four books, figure out who she is and what she wants, is truly a transformative journey. Throw in the crazy psycho cousin who never seems to go away, it makes for an excellent thriller.
That ending tho. Wait til you get to it. There most definitely is another book coming and I’m ready for it!
I think book five may be my favorite. Devils At The Door felt a little closer to home for me. Not because of the crazy true crime seeking junkies, but because of the struggle of dealing with teenager emotions. Teens are definitely a bomb waiting to explode, and the suspense is real. Tessa captured that in this story, and brought out maternal instincts that Shana didn’t even know she had. It was great to see this side of her.
Shana is such an incredibly vulnerable character, with a strong facade. Watching her, through the last four books, figure out who she is and what she wants, is truly a transformative journey. Throw in the crazy psycho cousin who never seems to go away, it makes for an excellent thriller.
That ending tho. Wait til you get to it. There most definitely is another book coming and I’m ready for it!
October 23, 2023
3,5 ⭐️
February 15, 2024
“It all started with two innocuous words. She's here.”
The Shana Merchant novels just get more and more compelling - and dare I say, each one a little more twisted than the last? I love a good dark and twisty thriller, so when Tessa sent me this fifth book in the series, I couldn't wait to see what kind of trouble my fave female detective and her fiancé, Tim, would find themselves in this time.
I really enjoyed the tension in this one, the fckd-up family dynamics, the even more fckd-up friend dynamics, and I'll be counting the days until the grand finale!
The Shana Merchant novels just get more and more compelling - and dare I say, each one a little more twisted than the last? I love a good dark and twisty thriller, so when Tessa sent me this fifth book in the series, I couldn't wait to see what kind of trouble my fave female detective and her fiancé, Tim, would find themselves in this time.
I really enjoyed the tension in this one, the fckd-up family dynamics, the even more fckd-up friend dynamics, and I'll be counting the days until the grand finale!
2023
June 18, 2024📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House
November 23, 2023
It’s no secret, I absolutely adore Tessa Wegert. This spunky little lady has produced best seller after best seller and has kept me thoroughly entertained with her wildly explosive thrillers.
Wegert does an incredible job leading you down the rabbit hole with a perfectly executed plot that will have you almost scared to flip the next page.
Devils At the Door
Yikes, I’ll be checking under my bed for weeks to come.
Check out this teaser :
A suspicious drowning throws New York State senior investigator Shana Merchant's life into turmoil in this taut, thrilling small-town mystery - perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Ruth Ware.
Sixteen-year-old Henrietta used to be happy. But that was before her family hit the national news. Before she - and the whole world - knew she was related to one of New York's most prolific serial killers.
Senior Investigator Shana Merchant readily agrees when her brother asks her to take in his troubled, rebellious daughter for the fall semester. Doug's convinced that spending a few months in Alexandria Bay with Shana will straighten Hen out.
But when Hen arrives, Shana's not so sure. She can't help but distrust the strange and manipulative teen, who binge-watches bloody movies and roams the house at night, taking things that aren't hers.
Soon, though, Shana has more to worry about than missing heirlooms when she's called to investigate the suspicious drowning of a local teenager, only to discover her niece at the scene of the crime.
What happened that night on the dark, uninhabited island of Devil's Oven? With Hen and her new friends not talking, and a community determined to keep their secrets dead and buried, Shana knows it's a race against time to uncover the truth before her niece is upgraded from key witness to prime suspect.
Wegert does an incredible job leading you down the rabbit hole with a perfectly executed plot that will have you almost scared to flip the next page.
Devils At the Door
Yikes, I’ll be checking under my bed for weeks to come.
Check out this teaser :
A suspicious drowning throws New York State senior investigator Shana Merchant's life into turmoil in this taut, thrilling small-town mystery - perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Ruth Ware.
Sixteen-year-old Henrietta used to be happy. But that was before her family hit the national news. Before she - and the whole world - knew she was related to one of New York's most prolific serial killers.
Senior Investigator Shana Merchant readily agrees when her brother asks her to take in his troubled, rebellious daughter for the fall semester. Doug's convinced that spending a few months in Alexandria Bay with Shana will straighten Hen out.
But when Hen arrives, Shana's not so sure. She can't help but distrust the strange and manipulative teen, who binge-watches bloody movies and roams the house at night, taking things that aren't hers.
Soon, though, Shana has more to worry about than missing heirlooms when she's called to investigate the suspicious drowning of a local teenager, only to discover her niece at the scene of the crime.
What happened that night on the dark, uninhabited island of Devil's Oven? With Hen and her new friends not talking, and a community determined to keep their secrets dead and buried, Shana knows it's a race against time to uncover the truth before her niece is upgraded from key witness to prime suspect.
December 15, 2023
First, I want to say thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @tessawegert for providing me with a ecopy of Devils at the Door for this tour! I instantly fell in love with series when I signed up for a tour for book 1. 😍
Devils at the Door is told in 1st person from Shana’s POV. First of all, I absolutely loved Hen’s character and how mysterious she was. I couldn’t tell if I could trust her for most of the book which I really enjoyed. This book was a little less “serial killer-y” (yes, I made that up) than the other books in the series but it was jam packed with drama as well as twists! I genuinely had no idea who the real killer was until the very end. Also, the very last page had me soooo excited but that’s all I will say. I’m not sure if this is the last Shana Merchant book or not but I really hope it isn’t because I’m not ready for it to end or to not read about Shana! Highly recommend this series.
Devils at the Door is told in 1st person from Shana’s POV. First of all, I absolutely loved Hen’s character and how mysterious she was. I couldn’t tell if I could trust her for most of the book which I really enjoyed. This book was a little less “serial killer-y” (yes, I made that up) than the other books in the series but it was jam packed with drama as well as twists! I genuinely had no idea who the real killer was until the very end. Also, the very last page had me soooo excited but that’s all I will say. I’m not sure if this is the last Shana Merchant book or not but I really hope it isn’t because I’m not ready for it to end or to not read about Shana! Highly recommend this series.
July 10, 2024
Thank you Netgalley & Severn House for an eARC of Devils at the Door by Tessa Wegert, a Shana Merchant novel.
Yes! Another Investigator Shana Merchant novel in the books. Every time I see Tessa Wegert coming out with a new one, I get giddy. I know they can't go on forever, but I keep hoping and praying. I pushed this to the top of my TBR as soon as I was approved because I know that Wegert will always write an atmospheric mystery that will have me absolutely hooked - Just in time for September and this spooky season.
What's Shana up to this time?
Shana's 16 year old niece, Hen, moves in with her and fiance Tim. Moving to A-Bay doesn't help Hen fit in, everyone knows she was related to one of NY's most prolific serial killers. When Hen arrives, Shana finds her at the scene of a suspicious drowning of a local teenage boy. What happened that night? Was Hen involved?
I loveeee the small town mysteries in this series. As always, the community wants to keep their secrets dead and buried, but Shana won't give up until she finds the truth. This could be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the series from the start so you have the background on Shana, her connection to the famous serial killer and her relationship with Tim. This one explores the mystery aspect as well as Shana's personal life which I love to see. Did I cry at the end of this one? Tessa, how the hell did you manage to make me cry?
Yes! Another Investigator Shana Merchant novel in the books. Every time I see Tessa Wegert coming out with a new one, I get giddy. I know they can't go on forever, but I keep hoping and praying. I pushed this to the top of my TBR as soon as I was approved because I know that Wegert will always write an atmospheric mystery that will have me absolutely hooked - Just in time for September and this spooky season.
What's Shana up to this time?
Shana's 16 year old niece, Hen, moves in with her and fiance Tim. Moving to A-Bay doesn't help Hen fit in, everyone knows she was related to one of NY's most prolific serial killers. When Hen arrives, Shana finds her at the scene of a suspicious drowning of a local teenage boy. What happened that night? Was Hen involved?
I loveeee the small town mysteries in this series. As always, the community wants to keep their secrets dead and buried, but Shana won't give up until she finds the truth. This could be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the series from the start so you have the background on Shana, her connection to the famous serial killer and her relationship with Tim. This one explores the mystery aspect as well as Shana's personal life which I love to see. Did I cry at the end of this one? Tessa, how the hell did you manage to make me cry?
October 21, 2023
Another exciting Shana Merchant mystery! I was very excited to get this ARC from Net Galley. I have enjoyed this series so much. The mysteries are very well crafted. The settings- both in NY and VT are very familiar to me, which makes this series even more enjoyable. Wegert expertly captures year round life in a small, summer tourist town. Shana has been carefully developed throughout the series, as have the supporting characters. The series keeps getting better with each book.
Shana is a flawed person, with a lot of personal guilt to carry, in regard to a deceased relative, who is still managing to disrupt her life from the grave. But- she still is able to forge relationships and a have personal life in The Bay. In this book, her niece comes to stay with her, and quickly becomes embroiled in a suspicious death. Shana should stay out of the investigation because family is involved. But can she? You'll just have to read this book to find out!
Thanks Net Galley!
Shana is a flawed person, with a lot of personal guilt to carry, in regard to a deceased relative, who is still managing to disrupt her life from the grave. But- she still is able to forge relationships and a have personal life in The Bay. In this book, her niece comes to stay with her, and quickly becomes embroiled in a suspicious death. Shana should stay out of the investigation because family is involved. But can she? You'll just have to read this book to find out!
Thanks Net Galley!
July 20, 2023
It was a huge honor to get to be a beta reader for this book, and I can say with absolute confidence that Tessa Wegert knocked it out of the park with the 5th in her Shana Merchant series. I loved it! It’s twisty, scary, has some awesome spooky vibes, and Shana continues to be a protagonist with moxie and intelligence, making her a delight to spend a few hours with. 10/10 recommend!
March 3, 2024
'When the Devil knocks let Jesus answer.'
This was ok. Lacked rhythm. The Bram storyline needs to end.
Should have focused more on the teenagers and their parents secret. Naughty naughty.
This was ok. Lacked rhythm. The Bram storyline needs to end.
Should have focused more on the teenagers and their parents secret. Naughty naughty.
October 4, 2023
Although this is the fifth book in the series, it is the first for me. While there were lots of references to earlier books, I never had any trouble following the story as the author did a good job of providing all needed information.
The story is set in upstate New York on the St. Lawrence River. The main character is New York state troopers investigator Shana Marchant. She and her fiance, a fellow investigator, are busy renovating their home and preparing for their wedding when her brother calls. He begs Shana to take his troubled teenage daughter, Henrietta, for the school term in hopes that a change of scenery will straighten her out.
Shana quickly finds her hands full dealing with the strange and moody teen, and things take a turn for the worse when the girl is found at the scene of the death of another teen. Hen and her friends aren’t talking and seem obsessed with death and the occult.
I thought the author did a fine job of juggling all the doubts and fears in Shana’s personal life, with the mistrust and exasperation that comes with dealing with a teenage girl. Throw in a large dose of small town secrets and a suspicious death from the past, and you have a fine setting for a taut mystery. I know that my guesses at who done it was quite long and all were wrong.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good small town mystery and a psychological storyline. Many thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for allowing me to read this advance copy in exchange for an impartial review.
The story is set in upstate New York on the St. Lawrence River. The main character is New York state troopers investigator Shana Marchant. She and her fiance, a fellow investigator, are busy renovating their home and preparing for their wedding when her brother calls. He begs Shana to take his troubled teenage daughter, Henrietta, for the school term in hopes that a change of scenery will straighten her out.
Shana quickly finds her hands full dealing with the strange and moody teen, and things take a turn for the worse when the girl is found at the scene of the death of another teen. Hen and her friends aren’t talking and seem obsessed with death and the occult.
I thought the author did a fine job of juggling all the doubts and fears in Shana’s personal life, with the mistrust and exasperation that comes with dealing with a teenage girl. Throw in a large dose of small town secrets and a suspicious death from the past, and you have a fine setting for a taut mystery. I know that my guesses at who done it was quite long and all were wrong.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good small town mystery and a psychological storyline. Many thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for allowing me to read this advance copy in exchange for an impartial review.
January 10, 2024
Our favorite serial killer surviving detective is back! And now she’s been put in charge of her teen niece, Henrietta who was being bullied at her old school for being related to Blake Bram. This is the 5th book in the series.
Hen has a penchant for bloody movies and snooping. She also stirs up mischief and poking her nose where it doesn’t belong. She’s had trouble making friends and is bullied at her new school too. Late one night, Shana is called to investigate the mysterious drowning of a local teenager and the last person she expects to find at the scene is her niece. Now Hen is considered an eye witness and possible witness. Can Shana get to the bottom of this? Was Hen involved?
I liked that this was a little different from the other books. It was more about Shana and her family and personal life. Being related to a famous serial killer will always follow anyone with the last name “Merchant” and it must be so hard for Hen to start over at a new school with such notoriety.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours @tessawegert and @severnhouseimprint for my gifted ebook. Devils at the Door is out now!
Hen has a penchant for bloody movies and snooping. She also stirs up mischief and poking her nose where it doesn’t belong. She’s had trouble making friends and is bullied at her new school too. Late one night, Shana is called to investigate the mysterious drowning of a local teenager and the last person she expects to find at the scene is her niece. Now Hen is considered an eye witness and possible witness. Can Shana get to the bottom of this? Was Hen involved?
I liked that this was a little different from the other books. It was more about Shana and her family and personal life. Being related to a famous serial killer will always follow anyone with the last name “Merchant” and it must be so hard for Hen to start over at a new school with such notoriety.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours @tessawegert and @severnhouseimprint for my gifted ebook. Devils at the Door is out now!
December 5, 2023
I am such a huge fan of Tessa Wegert and this series! If you have not read them, what are you doing?? Start NOW! You will love the first in the series - Death in the Family - for its locked room Agatha Christie murder mystery vibes and you will stick around and continue through this series because of the lead character Shana Merchant.
There is so much I could say about this 5th installment - Devils at the Door - but what I am going to focus on is this character. You would think that after 4 books getting to know Shana and her history and how what she has gone through has shaped who she is now, that there wouldn't be anything left to learn about her. And how wrong you would be!
I am incredibly impressed with Wegert and the ways that she continues to develop and peel back the layers of this amazing, strong, complicated, flawed, beautiful character. The added introduction of her niece and the dynamic of Shana as an aunt, a caretaker, a fiance, and a survivor going through grief and stress and so many different emotions just elevated this character to a whole new level for me.
Bravo Miss Wegert! I am stunned that after 5 books - I desperately want to get back into Shana's world and watch you peel back even MORE layers of this brilliant character - I cannot wait to see what's next for one of my favorite female lead characters!
Thank you to Netgalley & Severn House for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
There is so much I could say about this 5th installment - Devils at the Door - but what I am going to focus on is this character. You would think that after 4 books getting to know Shana and her history and how what she has gone through has shaped who she is now, that there wouldn't be anything left to learn about her. And how wrong you would be!
I am incredibly impressed with Wegert and the ways that she continues to develop and peel back the layers of this amazing, strong, complicated, flawed, beautiful character. The added introduction of her niece and the dynamic of Shana as an aunt, a caretaker, a fiance, and a survivor going through grief and stress and so many different emotions just elevated this character to a whole new level for me.
Bravo Miss Wegert! I am stunned that after 5 books - I desperately want to get back into Shana's world and watch you peel back even MORE layers of this brilliant character - I cannot wait to see what's next for one of my favorite female lead characters!
Thank you to Netgalley & Severn House for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
November 24, 2023
This is book 5 in the Shana Merchant series, and this has been a really good series. I cannot put the books down. This is not like a mystery you figure out right off the bat. You never see this coming.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
December 22, 2023
4.5/5
I am so happy my sweet friend Jessica introduced me to this new author. I can’t wait to discuss this in her #tckbuddyreads next week and will absolutely be reading more of this series. Thankfully these can be read as standalone books as I will certainly be going back for more!
First…I’m obsessed with the cover. It 💯 matched the mood of this book which was mysterious, eery and starts out on an isolated island. Throw in a moody teenager and you have the makings of a perfect mystery! Henrietta (Hen) is a 16 year old girl typical rebellious teenager that is relocated to a new town to live with her Aunt after her father needs some space. A fall semester away should hopefully be enough for her to get her attitude in check. 😂 (Being a mom of teens I 💯 understand this sentiment!) Anywho, her Aunt Shana is a lead detective of in town and quite notorious her relation to a high profile serial killer. Yep, you got that right. The investigators cousin was a serial killer. 😱 As soon as Hen moves in she seems to be a wee bit too interested in her familial past and it’s making Shana uncomfortable. A dead body floats to the surface at Devil’s Oven which is a remote island where teenagers sometimes visit to hang and Hen is the last to have been around that person alive. Shana is too close to the case and has to bring in a fresh set of eyes to determine what sinister behavior is at play. Is Hen just a temperamental emotional teenager or should they be more concerned?
As I mentioned, I loved this book. The mood. The setting. The teenager. The serial killer relation. It all made for the perfect chilling story that kept me guessing until the very end. The beginning immediately grabbed me and didn’t let me go until Tessa turned over every rock and looked in every nook and cranny in this small town. If you’re looking for the perfect winter thriller, grab a blanket, a hot coffee and this book. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
I am so happy my sweet friend Jessica introduced me to this new author. I can’t wait to discuss this in her #tckbuddyreads next week and will absolutely be reading more of this series. Thankfully these can be read as standalone books as I will certainly be going back for more!
First…I’m obsessed with the cover. It 💯 matched the mood of this book which was mysterious, eery and starts out on an isolated island. Throw in a moody teenager and you have the makings of a perfect mystery! Henrietta (Hen) is a 16 year old girl typical rebellious teenager that is relocated to a new town to live with her Aunt after her father needs some space. A fall semester away should hopefully be enough for her to get her attitude in check. 😂 (Being a mom of teens I 💯 understand this sentiment!) Anywho, her Aunt Shana is a lead detective of in town and quite notorious her relation to a high profile serial killer. Yep, you got that right. The investigators cousin was a serial killer. 😱 As soon as Hen moves in she seems to be a wee bit too interested in her familial past and it’s making Shana uncomfortable. A dead body floats to the surface at Devil’s Oven which is a remote island where teenagers sometimes visit to hang and Hen is the last to have been around that person alive. Shana is too close to the case and has to bring in a fresh set of eyes to determine what sinister behavior is at play. Is Hen just a temperamental emotional teenager or should they be more concerned?
As I mentioned, I loved this book. The mood. The setting. The teenager. The serial killer relation. It all made for the perfect chilling story that kept me guessing until the very end. The beginning immediately grabbed me and didn’t let me go until Tessa turned over every rock and looked in every nook and cranny in this small town. If you’re looking for the perfect winter thriller, grab a blanket, a hot coffee and this book. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
December 25, 2023
Not my favorite by this author even if it's a well plotted and dark thriller that kept me hooked and on the edge.
A fast paced story full of suspence and secrets.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
A fast paced story full of suspence and secrets.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 2, 2024
Finally getting caught up in this series and this is the best one yet! I loved the addition of Shana's niece Hen, as well as Val, who appears to be continuing on in the next one, and I loved the case here and the River Rats. So well done, this is definitely one of my most favorite series!!
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