Diver Down

Mercy Watts Mysteries #2

by A.W. Hartoin

A sunny place for shady people.
Vacations can be murder, especially when you’re Mercy Watts. She’s trying to get away from it all, including her godmother’s lawsuit and a certain situation with the mafia. So she heads to Roatan, Honduras, a place known for scuba diving and lawlessness. Mercy’s on the island less than twenty-four hours when she discovers that she hasn’t gotten away from anything. Her problems hitched a ride and increased tenfold. The deeper she dives, the more dangerous her vacation becomes. She must stop a murder or she’ll be the next on the hit list.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 15, 2013

About the author

USA Today bestselling author A.W. Hartoin grew up in rural Missouri, but her grandmother lived in the Central West End area of St. Louis. The CWE fascinated her with its enormous houses, every one unique. She was sure there was a story behind each ornate door. Going to Grandma’s house was a treat and an adventure. As the only grandchild around for many years, A.W. spent her visits exploring the many rooms with their many secrets. That’s how Mercy Watts and the fairies of Whipplethorn came to be.
As an adult, A.W. Hartoin decided she needed a whole lot more life experience if she was going to write good characters so she joined the Air Force. It was the best education she could’ve hoped for. She met her husband and traveled the world, living in Alaska, Italy, and Germany before settling in Colorado for nearly eleven years. Now A.W. has returned to Germany and lives in picturesque Waldenbuch with her family and two spoiled cats, who absolutely believe they should be allowed to escape and roam the village freely.

Reviews

[Sandi Blaylock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow

WOWZA what a roller coaster ride. A lot going on in this book. Mystery who done it or was trying to do it and humor. I love Aaron. So good.

[Rbucci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining. Love Aaron’s character. More polished than the first book.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am definitely in the minority here, but I just have issues with most of the characters. I don't really connect with Mercy - she is not very bright sometimes and really just keeps going when she should stop and actually evaluate what's going on. I dislike being constantly told how breathtaking she and her mother are and how she gets grimy to the gross level and stays that way for almost all day. She may be a nurse in the storyline but as a job, it is a very small part of her life. She did actually do some clinical follow-up (and follow through) with some of the characters injuries in this book though. I really dislike the way her family treats her and the growing idea that a love triangle with current boyfriend and Chuck seems to be looming. Aaron is one of the characters that doesn't make a lot of sense. He is there to "protect" her and may be some comic relief but basically, he's just plain weird. I don't find the storyline all that funny either - again I am in the minority. I do like the author's series Afterlife Issues so I will try another one of the books in this series before I decide to move on.

[Susan Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot was great

I see a lot of reviews talking about the Marilyn comparison driving them crazy. I can look over this detail. The book talks about food a little too much. Mercy's partner is always cooking and eating. I can look over this too.
Anyways what is important to me is the plot. I lobe the details this author goes into while writing her story. It is planned and we'll thought out. I love the plot of this book and it was not as easy to figure out "whodunit". I was shocked by the ending. The Marilyn comparison stops being talked about as much as you read further into the story.
Also this writer is hilarious. Some things in the book are so relatable and funny. It is enjoying to read. These books are cozy mystery type books and the humor really makes this book an enjoyable read from start to finish.
I am starting the next book now. I cannot wait to read more witty narrative that tells a really interesting whodunit story. Who can complain when the book gives you plenty of laughs along the way?

[B.R. Stateham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A.W. Horton has invented a feisty little heroine by the name of Mercy Watts. She is a dead-ringer for a Marilyn Monroe lookalike; a nurse, and the daughter of a homicide detective. The Marilyn Monroe part she hates, but has to endure. Otherwise, she has this nose for trouble, and she gets into it quite often. The trouble being finding herself involved in solving a murder mystery.

In this one, she finds herself trying to understand why her family is involved in legal hearings over the inheritance of a very expensive house. On top of that, her mother--also a lookalike Marilyn Monroe creature--and aunt fly down to a Caribbean island for a vacation, only to get themselves involved in protecting the daughter of a mob family from being murdered.

Actually some interesting tidbits of medical knowledge is shared to the reader I found quite interesting.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, they are so funny and Mercy is just a great main character but it is the sidekicks or should I say her family and her dads friends that really make it enjoy able. She is a nurse but some how always gets dragged kicking and screaming into her dad investigations.
I love the fact Mercy is stuck on an island with a killer and as well as workout who the killer is she also has to keep the potential victim live or Mercy could be the next victim.
I have books on audio and have even gone as far as contacting the author asking for the books to be released on audio, as I would differently buy them too.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, funny mystery set at a beach resort

Mercy Watts was supposed to be going on a cruise but is instead roped into a vacation at a beach resort on the an island off the coast of Honduras. Predictably, she falls out of her swimsuit multiple times. Just like last time, the mystery was really good and I didn't guess who it was even though the clues were there. Mercy is still annoying, but the side characters have me hooked. Aunt Tenne and Dixie's storylines were wonderful and Aaron is so sweet. I'm hoping that Mercy develops out of this bratty princess persona so I'll keep reading.

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely liked this one much better than the last one. I guess the last one just pissed me off so much because of all of the horribly inaccurate information surrounding her time investigating in Lincoln. I went to the University of Nebraska, and all these hugely ridiculous errors were just too much.

[Pamela E. Burtraw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This series just keeps getting better with every book. The author writes a superb plot line with play of twists and turns. The characters develop over each book, you learn more about their history and what makes them tick. The crimes or mysteries are not only intriguing but humor abounds everywhere. On to the next book in the series, can't wait.

[Darin Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this fun series with the first…

I started this fun series with its first book. If it’s any indication from the second the series just keeps getting better. I can’t wait to start the next. Fun smart wicked humor just what look for in a boyfriend or a book. Favorite authors are a blessing in snarky clothes.

[SusanR · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fun Twisty Read

Mercy seems to attract all kinds of trouble. Luckily, she has all kinds of backup.
I get the feeling we will be saying goodbye to Pete, because she is getting all kinds of attention from the all the guys. I like how things aren’t always how it seems. Onto the next book.

[Louis Deegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new series for me with a protagonist out of sight. Exciting diving action within reason. Lots of story changes and some sketchy characters filling in the slow moments. An entertaining read. Nothing more for me.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the 1st book in the series. The second, Diver Down, was even better. I couldn't put it down.
Mercy Watts has guts, spunk, call it what you like...she's a great character. I love her supporting characters, too, especially the Girls. This is a series that must be read!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

I have been looking for an author that would be funny, serious and keep my attention. I loved it. This series is a must read for people who enjoy reading Janet Evanovich

[maryanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story!

Loved the humor, the mystery and the twists! Mercy just can't help but find herself in some outrageous situations, and she drags us along for the ride! Totally willing of course!

[Melanie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

The second story in this brilliantly humorous murder mystery series does not disappoint.

I finally finished reading at 2.50am after deciding to have an early night and going to bed at 10pm!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book did a good job at concealing who the assassin's were. I could use a little less gawking at the server but it was still a good read

[Lucretia Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it Loved it Loved it. Great characters and funny

[Karen Calhoun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining fluffy read.

[Rebecca Kilgras · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series also, just gets better with each book!

[Mary Barna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun. I LOVE HER FAMILY. The mystery worked. It's a must read.

[Tracey Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good, charming and funny and fresh

Reminds me a bit of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum but not so formulaic so far. I’m enjoying them, even if this is only my 2nd book.

[marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Once again a fantastic read. Excellent storytelling with great characters and it moves right along. The humor made me laugh out loud!

[Babs Wenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diver Down

Roll on floor laugh out loud so much I though of I Love Lucy! Mercy Watts is so comical and her family and friends!

[Elan Ashby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooo Good!

The characters are building slowly, layers upon layers, and the more I read the better I love them. Fun. Engaging. Hard to put down once I get started.

[Rhea Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in the series I have read. It was a quick, funny book. Good mystery mixed with humor.

[Nancy Priest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-stop action

These stories are fast-paced, funny, and filled with quirky characters. I just can't read them fast enough. More Mercy Watts, please!

[Carmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its two hours passed my bedtime!


That's all I need to say about this one and noe I am off to get another. Sleep
Is overrated.

[vikki galyean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Absolutely not a dull moment in this book! The most amazing and impossible injuries . Very funny and full of secrets. I strongly recommend that you purchase this book.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There must be something wrong with me. I read all the reviews of Diver Down but never did connect with the book or its characters. In this book, Mercy is off to the islands with her mother, aunt and a recently widowed friend of her mother for a “girls’ vacation”. They end up at a resort, where lots of things happen to put Mercy again in the position of being a detective like her father, who remained at home. Again, Aaron follows her and spends most of the time cooking up delicious meals. I found this whole part of the book strange, to say the least. A tourist doesn’t go to the islands and just waltz into public restaurant or resort kitchens and begin to cook, but Aaron did. Like in the last book, I am not sure why the author put him into the series. He is not very likable and definitely is not a love interest, as the author tries to suggest. He really adds little. In this book, Mercy’s mother and her family is again overbearing. I still find it hard her father cannot just let go of his little girl. I mean, after all, she is a grown woman, a professional nurse, who should be and is by now on her own. I guess the author wants to let this add to the humor, but it really didn’t to me. Some have compared this to Janet Evanovich and her Stephanie Plum series, but I think that series is funny (at least, for sure, the earlier books), but I fail to see humor in this book. In fact, I got tired of Mercy. Either she is going to act like the grown professional woman she wants to be or she is going to continue acting like the little brat she is depicted as. Somehow, I cannot see her as a successful detective solving mysteries/crimes—not when she continues to act like a little kid. I guess I just don’t get it. If you enjoyed the first book, you will probably enjoy this one also. I wanted to try one more before giving up. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.