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A Mercy Carr Mystery #6
The Night Woods
The sixth Mercy Carr Mystery in which Mercy and Elvis must prove the innocence of a new friend accused of murder.
Record snow and sleet and rain are pummeling Vermont and a wild boar has escaped from an exclusive hunting club nearby—but that won’t stop a very pregnant and very bored Mercy Carr from hiking her beloved woods with her loyal dog Elvis. She’s supposed to be decorating the nursery and helping her mother plan the baby shower, but she’d much rather be playing Scrabble with Homer Grant, a word-loving, shotgun-toting hermit living deep in the forest. But when she and Elvis drop by Homer’s cabin for their weekly game, they arrive to find an unknown dead man—and no sign of Homer.
As they search the woods, Mercy discovers a patch of devastation that could only be left behind by wild boar. She’s relieved when Elvis tracks Homer, injured but alive. But Homer’s troubles are far from over, as he’s still the number one suspect and he remembers nothing of the attack. When another corpse with a link to Homer is found, Mercy is determined to help her friend, an effort complicated by the unexpected arrival of her young cousin Tandie, sent by Mercy’s mother to keep an eye on her until the baby is born.
As the floods worsen, Troy and Susie Bear are called out with all the other first responders, and Mercy finds herself alone at Grackle Tree Farm with a concussed Homer, Tandie, and Elvis. As waters rise and the wild boar rampages, Mercy realizes that the murderer is out there ready to strike again, this time much closer to home.
Record snow and sleet and rain are pummeling Vermont and a wild boar has escaped from an exclusive hunting club nearby—but that won’t stop a very pregnant and very bored Mercy Carr from hiking her beloved woods with her loyal dog Elvis. She’s supposed to be decorating the nursery and helping her mother plan the baby shower, but she’d much rather be playing Scrabble with Homer Grant, a word-loving, shotgun-toting hermit living deep in the forest. But when she and Elvis drop by Homer’s cabin for their weekly game, they arrive to find an unknown dead man—and no sign of Homer.
As they search the woods, Mercy discovers a patch of devastation that could only be left behind by wild boar. She’s relieved when Elvis tracks Homer, injured but alive. But Homer’s troubles are far from over, as he’s still the number one suspect and he remembers nothing of the attack. When another corpse with a link to Homer is found, Mercy is determined to help her friend, an effort complicated by the unexpected arrival of her young cousin Tandie, sent by Mercy’s mother to keep an eye on her until the baby is born.
As the floods worsen, Troy and Susie Bear are called out with all the other first responders, and Mercy finds herself alone at Grackle Tree Farm with a concussed Homer, Tandie, and Elvis. As waters rise and the wild boar rampages, Mercy realizes that the murderer is out there ready to strike again, this time much closer to home.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2024
91 people are currently reading
5134 people want to read
About the author
Paula Munier
27 books618 followersPAULA MUNIER is the author of the bestselling Plot Perfect, The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings, Writing with Quiet Hands, and the acclaimed memoir Fixing Freddie. The first novel in her mystery series, A BORROWING OF BONES (Minotaur, 2018) was inspired by the hero working dogs she met through Mission K9 Rescue, her own Newfoundland-retriever-mix rescue Bear, and her lifelong passion for crime fiction. In her fabulous day job as Senior Literary Agent and Content Strategist for Talcott Notch Literary, she represents many great writers. Her specialties include crime fiction, women’s fiction, upmarket fiction, MG/YA, high-concept SFF, and nonfiction. She lives in New England with her family, Bear, Freddie, and a torbie tabby named Ursula.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
September 28, 2024
The gangs all back: expectant parents, Mercy and Troy, and their adorable K9’s, Elvis and Susie Bear. Grandma Patience, the local veterinarian, is also back along with Mercy’s mom, Grace, who is still bugging the crap out of Mercy so much that she can barely stand being around her for very long. Amy and little Helena are back too, along with Brodie, who becomes a welcome addition to one of the storylines.
There’s a new addition to the cast, Tandie, the 16yr old daughter of Mercy’s cousin. Ed. Tandie has been expelled from school for the rest of the year and her mother has sent her to her father because she has decided it’s his turn to deal with their daughter. Single, working dad, Ed has convinced Mercy that if Tandie can stay with her and Troy, she can help when the baby comes, which is any day now. No worries, a very pregnant Mercy has no intention of letting this stop her from stumbling through the forest, with Elvis, where killer boars are loose, just so she can go play scrabble with a hermit. Good grief!!!
The book summary pretty much lays out all the different storylines of Mercy’s impending delivery date, Troy’s tracking of wild killer boars along with a missing hunter, Tandie’s arrival as well as Homer’s convalescing in Mercy and Troy’s home, along with his trusted companion, Argos, a bloodhound. Homer, a former Dartmouth literature professor, has spent 15yrs off-grid in the wilds of Vermont grieving the deaths of his wife and daughter. He was attacked and unconscious when Mercy and Elvis show up (to play scrabble), and his good friend, a Dartmouth professor and former colleague, lays dead.
There is a lot going on here, which keeps the story moving along at a really steady pace. The chapters transition well among all the different storylines and keep the flow of information coming at a pretty steady pace. Deep into the second half, the storylines begin to merge and there are some really intense scenes that had me up reading late because I could not go to sleep until I knew how it ended.
"Of all the soldiers, who came home to a place they could no longer recognize and could no longer navigate. A place they could no longer call home, no matter how hard they tried."
Mercy Carr
I mostly flipped back and forth between the book and the audiobook; I really like the narrator, Kathleen McInerney. She narrates another one of my fave series, so I enjoy her work. While I enjoyed the audiobook, I’m so glad I had the ebook too, for those nights that I needed a break from the other book I was reading, that was kind of boring me. The continuing character developed on the story’s MC’s as well as some of the ensemble characters was well done. The pacing was steady and the storyline very interesting. The writing was classic Munier, and I love the addition of doggies Argos and Monroe, making this installment a great addition to the series. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.2 that I’ll be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley, St Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #MacmillanAudio #TheNightWoods
There’s a new addition to the cast, Tandie, the 16yr old daughter of Mercy’s cousin. Ed. Tandie has been expelled from school for the rest of the year and her mother has sent her to her father because she has decided it’s his turn to deal with their daughter. Single, working dad, Ed has convinced Mercy that if Tandie can stay with her and Troy, she can help when the baby comes, which is any day now. No worries, a very pregnant Mercy has no intention of letting this stop her from stumbling through the forest, with Elvis, where killer boars are loose, just so she can go play scrabble with a hermit. Good grief!!!
The book summary pretty much lays out all the different storylines of Mercy’s impending delivery date, Troy’s tracking of wild killer boars along with a missing hunter, Tandie’s arrival as well as Homer’s convalescing in Mercy and Troy’s home, along with his trusted companion, Argos, a bloodhound. Homer, a former Dartmouth literature professor, has spent 15yrs off-grid in the wilds of Vermont grieving the deaths of his wife and daughter. He was attacked and unconscious when Mercy and Elvis show up (to play scrabble), and his good friend, a Dartmouth professor and former colleague, lays dead.
There is a lot going on here, which keeps the story moving along at a really steady pace. The chapters transition well among all the different storylines and keep the flow of information coming at a pretty steady pace. Deep into the second half, the storylines begin to merge and there are some really intense scenes that had me up reading late because I could not go to sleep until I knew how it ended.
"Of all the soldiers, who came home to a place they could no longer recognize and could no longer navigate. A place they could no longer call home, no matter how hard they tried."
Mercy Carr
I mostly flipped back and forth between the book and the audiobook; I really like the narrator, Kathleen McInerney. She narrates another one of my fave series, so I enjoy her work. While I enjoyed the audiobook, I’m so glad I had the ebook too, for those nights that I needed a break from the other book I was reading, that was kind of boring me. The continuing character developed on the story’s MC’s as well as some of the ensemble characters was well done. The pacing was steady and the storyline very interesting. The writing was classic Munier, and I love the addition of doggies Argos and Monroe, making this installment a great addition to the series. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.2 that I’ll be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley, St Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #MacmillanAudio #TheNightWoods
October 5, 2024
This mystery is wrapped up in a major storm, a pack of dogs and the Greek classics. If you are a fan of mystery solving dogs and "The Odyssey" you should just love it. I am more than a little in love with Mercy's cousin, 15-year-old Tandie. She is just like my granddaughter: so smart she is in continual trouble, but fiercely loyal and protective. Mercy and Troy are having a baby, but that hasn't slowed Mercy down at all, even as she enters the home stretch. This is a wonderful cast of characters and even if she tries, Mercy just can't seem to stay out of the murder solving game.
It's mud season in Vermont that period from late winter to early spring. Rain, snow or sleet at any time, and likely to change hour to hour. In other words - nasty weather. Mercy is feeling closed in so a hike to visit her new friend, reclusive classics scholar Homer, for their weekly Scrabble game is in order, even if it means trudging through ankle deep mud. When she gets to Homer's cabin, she doesn't find Homer, but she finds a dead body. Elvis finds an unconscious Homer and they get him to the hospital. Mercy's mother, Grace is beside herself and orders cousin Tandie, who was recently expelled from yet another boarding school, to stick to Mercy and keep her out of trouble. Tall order for a 15-year-old.
When Mercy returns home her security expert Uncle and Daniel Feinberg, Vermont's only billionaire, are waiting for her. A friend of Daniel's, billionaire Alister Chisholm III, has gone missing from the very exclusive hunting club, Artemis Park. Also missing are wild boar. Working theory is that Alister was following the boar, and no one knows what has happened to him, but they don't think it is anything good.
Like a puzzle, Mercy keeps working the pieces of the two murders and finds herself in danger, not just from the storms, but from a murderer too.
My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
It's mud season in Vermont that period from late winter to early spring. Rain, snow or sleet at any time, and likely to change hour to hour. In other words - nasty weather. Mercy is feeling closed in so a hike to visit her new friend, reclusive classics scholar Homer, for their weekly Scrabble game is in order, even if it means trudging through ankle deep mud. When she gets to Homer's cabin, she doesn't find Homer, but she finds a dead body. Elvis finds an unconscious Homer and they get him to the hospital. Mercy's mother, Grace is beside herself and orders cousin Tandie, who was recently expelled from yet another boarding school, to stick to Mercy and keep her out of trouble. Tall order for a 15-year-old.
When Mercy returns home her security expert Uncle and Daniel Feinberg, Vermont's only billionaire, are waiting for her. A friend of Daniel's, billionaire Alister Chisholm III, has gone missing from the very exclusive hunting club, Artemis Park. Also missing are wild boar. Working theory is that Alister was following the boar, and no one knows what has happened to him, but they don't think it is anything good.
Like a puzzle, Mercy keeps working the pieces of the two murders and finds herself in danger, not just from the storms, but from a murderer too.
My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
September 19, 2024
TW: An exclusive hunting club (Nothing graphic. No descriptions of animals being killed but references to how many bears, deer, and boars have been killed. Also, a portion of the book takes place in the skinning shack, which sickened me every time I saw those words.)
I didn't read the description of The Night Woods carefully enough. I love Elvis and Susie Bear so much that when I read there was an early copy of The Night Woods available, I said "I'M IN!!" and I grabbed it!
On the positive side, I love the characters in this series so much! Mercy and Troy make the perfect couple and their dogs are utterly loveable. Mercy's grandmother (Patience) was her usual wise and gentle character. Mercy's mom (Grace) was nicer in this book, which was a shocker. I want Tandie to come and live in my house! She constantly impressed me and made me laugh at the same time.
But, ugh. The whole hunting club/skinning shack part of the book turned my stomach. I mean, I just watched a doe as she walked past my office window, not to mention that I'm a vegetarian! (All I can say is that I was the child carried out of the theater, sobbing hysterically when my parents took me to see Bambi and I haven't changed much!)
Moving on, the storyline felt a little too farfetched to me, and some of Mercy's choices as she was about to go into labor felt questionable, too. (Sorry for being such an outlier this time!!)
Ending on another positive note, Homer was a fabulous addition to the series, as was his bloodhound. AND there was a vizsla in this book, as well. Bring on as many dogs as you want to add to this series ... but don't gratuitously kill deer and bears, even if you haven't graphically described their deaths, pretty please. :(
Many thanks to both #MinotaurBooks and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of #TheNightWoods. This book is #6 in the #MercyAndElvis series, It has an expected publication date of October 8, 2024.
I didn't read the description of The Night Woods carefully enough. I love Elvis and Susie Bear so much that when I read there was an early copy of The Night Woods available, I said "I'M IN!!" and I grabbed it!
On the positive side, I love the characters in this series so much! Mercy and Troy make the perfect couple and their dogs are utterly loveable. Mercy's grandmother (Patience) was her usual wise and gentle character. Mercy's mom (Grace) was nicer in this book, which was a shocker. I want Tandie to come and live in my house! She constantly impressed me and made me laugh at the same time.
But, ugh. The whole hunting club/skinning shack part of the book turned my stomach. I mean, I just watched a doe as she walked past my office window, not to mention that I'm a vegetarian! (All I can say is that I was the child carried out of the theater, sobbing hysterically when my parents took me to see Bambi and I haven't changed much!)
Moving on, the storyline felt a little too farfetched to me, and some of Mercy's choices as she was about to go into labor felt questionable, too. (Sorry for being such an outlier this time!!)
Ending on another positive note, Homer was a fabulous addition to the series, as was his bloodhound. AND there was a vizsla in this book, as well. Bring on as many dogs as you want to add to this series ... but don't gratuitously kill deer and bears, even if you haven't graphically described their deaths, pretty please. :(
Many thanks to both #MinotaurBooks and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of #TheNightWoods. This book is #6 in the #MercyAndElvis series, It has an expected publication date of October 8, 2024.
June 12, 2024
Mercy is in her 8th month of pregnancy, but doesn't seem to slow down. When Mercy goes to visit Homer, she finds a dead man in his cabin, and Homer near death. She rigs up a system to help move him to safety, and eventually the hospital. But it becomes clear that someone, perhaps from her military past, is stalking Mercy. Some of the choices Mercy made were certainly questionable for a woman so close to delivering, but between storms, murders, and a stalker, there was a lot of excitement. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
November 22, 2024
Too much.
I have read all of the books in the series and loved them but not this one. Mercys actions were just so irresponsible and reckless for me to believe. Way too much going on towards the end of the book that had me saying stupid over and over. The whole Odyessey plot line was confusing.
I have read all of the books in the series and loved them but not this one. Mercys actions were just so irresponsible and reckless for me to believe. Way too much going on towards the end of the book that had me saying stupid over and over. The whole Odyessey plot line was confusing.
November 4, 2024
I'm a big fan of the Mercy Carr series, but this was my favorite yet: smart, suspenseful, authentic, and layered. Paula Munier weaves themes inspired by The Odyssey cleverly into a page-turning plot full of atmospheric tension, in a beautifully rendered setting that is by turns cozy (I could practically taste the fresh-baked brownies as Mercy nested into her new hard-won home full of love, warmth, and the loyalty of her four-legged companions) and through-to-the-bone cold in the wilderness beyond. Mercy's navigation of her pregnancy in the midst of an emotional investigation added a depth of meaning and raised the stakes sky-high. Already looking forward to the next installment.
November 26, 2024
I have enjoyed this series in the past, but this one was too much for me. I lost track of the amount of times the 8 month pregnant main character crashed to the ground, was hit, smashed in a car accident, was tied up and bounced around in a jeep, takes a hazardous helicopter ride, the list goes on. Oh and the amount of false labour pains, until they weren't false. Spent my whole reading time being concerned for the unborn child and couldn't focus on the actual story. I'm hoping they hire a sensible nanny for this child!
May 12, 2025
Atmospheric and suspenseful with great characters, human and canine.
December 17, 2024
This continues to be a surprisingly good series.
I’m impressed by how well written these books are and how intricate the plotting is, exceptionally so for this subgenre. Atmospherically these feel more like a cozy mystery (I mean that in a good way), but they’re plotted more like a quality amateur sleuth mystery.
To call Mercy an “amateur” sleuth is a bit off the mark since she is ex-military police, but since she operates in a non-professional capacity in this series, that feels like the subgenre where these belong.
All the parallels with The Odyssey that Munier used here were really interesting and well thought out, and successfully elevated this to something beyond just your average light mystery/thriller.
The pregnant detective subplot was just as annoying here as it always is (maybe more so because of how the character is written in general), but that’s my only real complaint. The dogs are always a delight and are thoughtfully woven into the story, and the universe of secondary characters continues to expand in a way that feels meaningful.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I’m impressed by how well written these books are and how intricate the plotting is, exceptionally so for this subgenre. Atmospherically these feel more like a cozy mystery (I mean that in a good way), but they’re plotted more like a quality amateur sleuth mystery.
To call Mercy an “amateur” sleuth is a bit off the mark since she is ex-military police, but since she operates in a non-professional capacity in this series, that feels like the subgenre where these belong.
All the parallels with The Odyssey that Munier used here were really interesting and well thought out, and successfully elevated this to something beyond just your average light mystery/thriller.
The pregnant detective subplot was just as annoying here as it always is (maybe more so because of how the character is written in general), but that’s my only real complaint. The dogs are always a delight and are thoughtfully woven into the story, and the universe of secondary characters continues to expand in a way that feels meaningful.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
November 16, 2024
Mercy Does it Again
I love this series, and I loved being reunited with Mercy, her wonder dog Elvis and the gang. In this complex tale set in rural Vermont, interwoven with references to Homer’s “Odysseus,” a pregnant Mercy investigates two seemingly unrelated murders. Exciting scenes build toward a dynamite climax. I couldn’t put it down. Already waiting for the next Mercy & Elvis mystery.
I love this series, and I loved being reunited with Mercy, her wonder dog Elvis and the gang. In this complex tale set in rural Vermont, interwoven with references to Homer’s “Odysseus,” a pregnant Mercy investigates two seemingly unrelated murders. Exciting scenes build toward a dynamite climax. I couldn’t put it down. Already waiting for the next Mercy & Elvis mystery.
April 28, 2025
A delightful cozy thriller that melded multiple mysteries into an entertaining story. This is one of the “Mercy Carr” series and a new author to my shelf. Highly recommend for those looking for ex-military turned law enforcement, Vermont locals, and dog enthusiasts!
May 13, 2024
Another Mercy Carr mystery - I love them! This one finds Mercy, 8 months pregnant, in the middle of murder, mystery, and The Odyssey. I loved all the twists, the seemingly unrelated, yet intertwined characters and events, and the way Mercy’s mind works to figure it all out. Add in a couple of new characters and two new dogs to love, and this is a fast moving and entertaining mystery.
May 6, 2024
I'm excited for another Mercy and Elvis mystery! :)
I am just so invested in the goings on of Mercy and Elvis that I read this new installment in record time, and will now be waiting impatiently for the next.
I am just so invested in the goings on of Mercy and Elvis that I read this new installment in record time, and will now be waiting impatiently for the next.
June 16, 2025
This book was slower than the usual Mercy Carr book, but was still a good summer read. I relearned a lot about the Odyssey since one of the characters was a linguist doing a modern translation of the Odyssey. For me, this was a plus for the book. The usual characters ran true to form with the exception of one who seemed to make a change for the better at the end.
Pet peeves with this book.
- I found the lack of capitalization of the proper nouns in the first paragraph of each chapter annoying.
- Mercy keeps using her cell phone flashlight app even though she is at home and lives in an area that has frequent power outages. Doesn’t she own a battery operated flashlight or are flashlights only used by us dinosaurs who grew up before cell phones?
I can see draining cell phone battery with the flashlight app if one is away from home and has emergency need of a flashlight, but it seems like if one is at home one would want a light source that doesn’t drain your communication tool.
Also, given Mercy and Todd”s careers and training I would think they would have at least one flashlight in the house since that is part of a basic disaster survival kit.
Pet peeves with this book.
- I found the lack of capitalization of the proper nouns in the first paragraph of each chapter annoying.
- Mercy keeps using her cell phone flashlight app even though she is at home and lives in an area that has frequent power outages. Doesn’t she own a battery operated flashlight or are flashlights only used by us dinosaurs who grew up before cell phones?
I can see draining cell phone battery with the flashlight app if one is away from home and has emergency need of a flashlight, but it seems like if one is at home one would want a light source that doesn’t drain your communication tool.
Also, given Mercy and Todd”s careers and training I would think they would have at least one flashlight in the house since that is part of a basic disaster survival kit.
November 19, 2024
Unfortunately for me this book was completely and totally unbelievable. Mercy, Troy and their dogs were boring, the mystery of who done it was silly and I just could not enjoy their journey of solving a murder that was so darn ridiculous that it made me cringe. The 'skinning shack' was an abomination and the idea of it made me queasy. Obviously this book was just not for me. I think it was well written but the story was just plain insipid and not worth my time. I listened to the audio version and the narrator grated on my nerves with her rendition of the colonel and other older female characters. I understand that this book is part of a series but it reads fine as a stand alone, just not for this reader. 2 stars. Thank you to net Galley and Macmillan Audio for a chance to read/listen to an ARC version of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 25, 2025
A very pregnant Mercy and Troy move into their new home. As what usually happens with Mercy and her dog, Elvis, they stumble upon a body at the cabin of Homer, a friend of Mercy’s. The story has a lot to do with Homers translation of The Odyssey, and since I’ve never read The Odyssey, I was quite lost and confused at parts, but the book was still very good and exciting. And as usual Elvis and Susie Bear, were the stars of the book.
February 4, 2025
The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it was the last one in this wonderful, binge-worthy series. I enjoyed every on of the five titles, feeling like the characters were "friends" by the end, and imagining the life they will all have together. I would recommend this whole series to anyone looking for a good mystery series without the usual gore. Great storytelling, intriguing plots, interesting themes, well-researched details, and compelling characters.
February 4, 2025
First time reading this author - very good
June 15, 2025
Absolutely love this series and hope there will be more.
December 11, 2025
An exciting story. I wonder if the series will continue.
October 30, 2024
One would think that being nine months pregnant would slow Mercy Carr down, but it's going to take more than that to keep her out of trouble. Approaching spring in Vermont means snow, rain, and mud. That won't keep her and her beloved dog, Elvis, from hiking in the woods to play Scrabble with her friend and semi-hermit Homer Grant. It also helps her avoid her mother's insistent questions about decorating her home on Grackle Tree Farm and planning a baby shower. When Mercy and Elvis reach Homer's cabin, they find a dead body on the floor, along with scattered pages of The Odyssey. A quick search outside turns up a badly injured Homer.
With the help of Elvis and Homer's dog, Argos, Mercy manages to get Homer to a place where she can call for help. At the hospital, they learn that Homer is the chief suspect in the murder. His head injury leaves him unable to recall the event. Mercy is determined to help clear her friend's name, much to her mother's dismay. Mercy's husband, Troy, and his tracker dog, Susie Bear, are called away on a search that leads to another dead body in the woods near a private game preserve. Are the deaths related? Mercy is determined to help prove Homer's innocence, but she does concede to allowing her young cousin, Tandie, to stay and help care for her.
Mercy's pursuit of clues puts her in the crosshairs of some dangerous people. With storms pummeling the area, a murderer on the loose, and a baby on the way, the stakes have never been higher for Mercy.
Paula Munier draws up another solid mystery with clues from her world and The Odyssey. Mercy's investigation leads her into sticky situations that provide thrills and frights. What stands out most is her warm and wonderfully drawn characters. Mercy, her family and friends, and especially those wonderful and amazing dogs, are a delight. This is a fine addition to an always interesting series.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publishers.
With the help of Elvis and Homer's dog, Argos, Mercy manages to get Homer to a place where she can call for help. At the hospital, they learn that Homer is the chief suspect in the murder. His head injury leaves him unable to recall the event. Mercy is determined to help clear her friend's name, much to her mother's dismay. Mercy's husband, Troy, and his tracker dog, Susie Bear, are called away on a search that leads to another dead body in the woods near a private game preserve. Are the deaths related? Mercy is determined to help prove Homer's innocence, but she does concede to allowing her young cousin, Tandie, to stay and help care for her.
Mercy's pursuit of clues puts her in the crosshairs of some dangerous people. With storms pummeling the area, a murderer on the loose, and a baby on the way, the stakes have never been higher for Mercy.
Paula Munier draws up another solid mystery with clues from her world and The Odyssey. Mercy's investigation leads her into sticky situations that provide thrills and frights. What stands out most is her warm and wonderfully drawn characters. Mercy, her family and friends, and especially those wonderful and amazing dogs, are a delight. This is a fine addition to an always interesting series.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publishers.
November 16, 2025
This series has everything I love; great characters, atmospheric settings, and dogs. The Night Woods picks up where the previous book left off but it is a standalone. The character development has been great, and Mercy is about to have her baby in this book which is a real nail biter. I also enjoyed the references to The Odyssey and how that was woven into the story.
September 25, 2024
To start off with the positives, this book is well written and the narrator (Kathleen McInerney) did a nice job with the audio. I just think this particular whodunit wasn’t for me at this stage of my life. I’ve been into graphic, dark, twisted, and gory novels, which this is not. I felt like too much of the book was focused on events unrelated to the case. For those looking for a milder female protagonist whodunit involving heroic canines without gore or spicy content, this is for you! Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with an ARC of The Night Woods by Paula Munier in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2024
A three star review until the last 75 or so pages. I’m all for twists and turns and having multiple story lines but this had way too many. The author should have taken the big story lines and made them into 2 mystery books
November 22, 2024
SPOILER ALERT
A very pregnant Mercy Carr is involved in two cases, and I was on the edge of my seat much of the read. She loves Grackle Tree Farm, where she and Troy are renovating the beautiful old house. She and Elvis are hiking in the forest every day. On one of her hikes to see Homer Grant to play their regular game of Scrabble, she is confronted with a dead man, a splitting maul in his chest, and no Homer. There is blood on the door, and she and Elvis begin the search for Homer. When they find him, he has a gash on his head and is at risk of hypothermia. There is no signal for her phone. She rigs a travois from her mother's gift, a Burberry poncho, and get Elvis along with Argos, Homer's Bloodhound, to pull him up the mountain to a cell power that Homer had constructed on the ridge.
They are rescued and Homer is saved. The man in his cabin is Dr Leon Vallance, a colleague from Dartmouth, where he was Classics Chair. Homer had been doing translations for Vallance since he had left the college. Homer has also just finished a new translation of Homer's "Odyssey" the pages of which are scattered all over the cabin. At first the police are ready to accuse him of the murder, but he is released and comes to stay with Mercy.
The next blip in her life is the introduction of Tandie, the daughter of a friend Ed, who has found herself in and out of several public and private schools. Clearly she is in need of something to do, and it is proposed that she become Mercy's companion as she treks around the woods. Tandie, at the push of Grace, Mercy's mother, and Patience, her grandmother, agrees to never let Mercy out of her sight. When Mercy finds a note on the door of her home, simply a picture of a blue bird, and it interpreted as a possible Blue Falcon, the implication of which is she has betrayed someone, it becomes even more important. The one person she thinks of is Mara Donahue. Mara had been assaulted while they were in Afghanistan together, and Mercy had stood by her. But Mercy had not witnessed the assault and she refused to say she had. Mara is transferred and the offending man transferred. She is later discharged from a job she had always wanted, and she blamed Mercy. She had moved to Maine, married and her husband had died. She is now in the wind.
When her uncle and Daniel Feinberg, the local billionaire, show up at the cabin she is presented another case to solve. Malcolm Chisholm, III, has disappeared. He is described as a Black Knight, finding and taking over other business in trouble. He was the head of a party of hunting colleagues staying at the exclusive Artemis Park, a private game reserve for the wealthy. She reluctantly boards a helicopter to fly to the reserve and interview the other members there and search for any evidence. The members include Janice Copeland, a real estate mogul, Sam and Iris Tanaka, Iris having been a martial arts expert who was a movie star and Sam the richest businessman in Japan. Wylie Jackson, and Fatih Omar, Clark, Chisholm's bodyguard, and Mrs Comstock, the housekeeper and cook are all interviewed. They then leave to go home. Gualt, a missing member shows up at the last minute and quickly leaves.
Mercy then surveys the house, and the skinning shed where she finds several white boards with the names of the guests, and coded information that appears to have been keeping track of their kills. It is at this time that it is revealed that a number of pigs are on the loose, perhaps boar or feral pigs. When Troy and Gil Guerrette begin their search for Chisholm they find tracks of some kind of pigs. They later discover a body, not recognizable, with a slit throat and animal predation, who is later identified at Chisholm. Mercy will eventually determine that Iris Tanaka is the killer.
She will also be kidnapped by Mara, zip-tied, taken by ATV, threatened with a knife and kept in an old bunker. Mara intends to kill her. Elvis who had been drugged, and Mercy had been searching for, shows up and attacks Mara. She runs. Tandie shows up with Argos. They follow her to the quarry lake, seeing her across the lake staring at a huge boar. The pig retreats into the woods as Tandie and Mercy yell at them, then Mara jumps into the lake.
Troy shows up, having found a couple of lost children, and getting a message that Mercy is missing. When he gets to her, she is deep into contractions and Troy delivers their daughter in the nearby abandoned kiln. They name her Felicity, as Homer quotes lines from "The Odyssey". Throughout the story, quotes from the classic begin each chapter, using various translations, and are referenced as part of the story, along with other literary references. Another excellent installment of the series.
A very pregnant Mercy Carr is involved in two cases, and I was on the edge of my seat much of the read. She loves Grackle Tree Farm, where she and Troy are renovating the beautiful old house. She and Elvis are hiking in the forest every day. On one of her hikes to see Homer Grant to play their regular game of Scrabble, she is confronted with a dead man, a splitting maul in his chest, and no Homer. There is blood on the door, and she and Elvis begin the search for Homer. When they find him, he has a gash on his head and is at risk of hypothermia. There is no signal for her phone. She rigs a travois from her mother's gift, a Burberry poncho, and get Elvis along with Argos, Homer's Bloodhound, to pull him up the mountain to a cell power that Homer had constructed on the ridge.
They are rescued and Homer is saved. The man in his cabin is Dr Leon Vallance, a colleague from Dartmouth, where he was Classics Chair. Homer had been doing translations for Vallance since he had left the college. Homer has also just finished a new translation of Homer's "Odyssey" the pages of which are scattered all over the cabin. At first the police are ready to accuse him of the murder, but he is released and comes to stay with Mercy.
The next blip in her life is the introduction of Tandie, the daughter of a friend Ed, who has found herself in and out of several public and private schools. Clearly she is in need of something to do, and it is proposed that she become Mercy's companion as she treks around the woods. Tandie, at the push of Grace, Mercy's mother, and Patience, her grandmother, agrees to never let Mercy out of her sight. When Mercy finds a note on the door of her home, simply a picture of a blue bird, and it interpreted as a possible Blue Falcon, the implication of which is she has betrayed someone, it becomes even more important. The one person she thinks of is Mara Donahue. Mara had been assaulted while they were in Afghanistan together, and Mercy had stood by her. But Mercy had not witnessed the assault and she refused to say she had. Mara is transferred and the offending man transferred. She is later discharged from a job she had always wanted, and she blamed Mercy. She had moved to Maine, married and her husband had died. She is now in the wind.
When her uncle and Daniel Feinberg, the local billionaire, show up at the cabin she is presented another case to solve. Malcolm Chisholm, III, has disappeared. He is described as a Black Knight, finding and taking over other business in trouble. He was the head of a party of hunting colleagues staying at the exclusive Artemis Park, a private game reserve for the wealthy. She reluctantly boards a helicopter to fly to the reserve and interview the other members there and search for any evidence. The members include Janice Copeland, a real estate mogul, Sam and Iris Tanaka, Iris having been a martial arts expert who was a movie star and Sam the richest businessman in Japan. Wylie Jackson, and Fatih Omar, Clark, Chisholm's bodyguard, and Mrs Comstock, the housekeeper and cook are all interviewed. They then leave to go home. Gualt, a missing member shows up at the last minute and quickly leaves.
Mercy then surveys the house, and the skinning shed where she finds several white boards with the names of the guests, and coded information that appears to have been keeping track of their kills. It is at this time that it is revealed that a number of pigs are on the loose, perhaps boar or feral pigs. When Troy and Gil Guerrette begin their search for Chisholm they find tracks of some kind of pigs. They later discover a body, not recognizable, with a slit throat and animal predation, who is later identified at Chisholm. Mercy will eventually determine that Iris Tanaka is the killer.
She will also be kidnapped by Mara, zip-tied, taken by ATV, threatened with a knife and kept in an old bunker. Mara intends to kill her. Elvis who had been drugged, and Mercy had been searching for, shows up and attacks Mara. She runs. Tandie shows up with Argos. They follow her to the quarry lake, seeing her across the lake staring at a huge boar. The pig retreats into the woods as Tandie and Mercy yell at them, then Mara jumps into the lake.
Troy shows up, having found a couple of lost children, and getting a message that Mercy is missing. When he gets to her, she is deep into contractions and Troy delivers their daughter in the nearby abandoned kiln. They name her Felicity, as Homer quotes lines from "The Odyssey". Throughout the story, quotes from the classic begin each chapter, using various translations, and are referenced as part of the story, along with other literary references. Another excellent installment of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2024
In THE NIGHT WOODS, the latest installment in Paula Munier’s mystery series, Mercy Carr and her husband, Troy, have settled into their new historic home, Grackle Tree Farm, and are awaiting the birth of their first child. Mercy is restless, and as her delivery date nears, she worries more and more about being a mother. Will a baby change her? Will she be unable to continue working and solving murders? Will she be a decent mother? Will her baby be a dainty feminine girl with whom she will have nothing in common? (She's hoping for a boy.)
Hiking in the woods with her dog Elvis, a former military K9, Mercy goes to visit a new friend, a hermit named Homer. They play Scrabble together, and while he lives far off the grid, his skill with words is prodigious. Elvis also likes to play with his huge bloodhound, Argos. But when she arrives at his cabin, there is a murdered man inside and no sign of Homer. Elvis manages to find an injured Homer, and Mercy ingeniously creates a travois to get him to safety.
The mystery deepens when a local billionaire disappears during a hunt he hosted on his huge property for other one-percenters. And when Troy, who is the local game warden, is out with his search-and-rescue dog, Susie Bear, and they stumble across the naked body of a man in a flooded creek, the murder count quickly doubles. The crimes seem unconnected. What could a billionaire and a visitor to a hermit have in common? But as fans of Munier know, she is supremely capable of throwing spaghetti at the ceiling and not only having some stick up there, but braiding it en route. The more messy facts and mysterious matters there are, the more Munier will confound us with myriad suspects and many possible motives.
The trail that Mercy follows will lead back to her days as an MP in Afghanistan and bring back bitter memories. There's some serious trauma that those returning from war zones face, and Munier reminds us of what the soldiers not only endure, but suffer when they try to resume a "normal" life. In fact, “The Odyssey,” the story by the Greek poet Homer, is one of the central topics in this novel because it’s about a soldier, Odysseus, coming home after his decades of travel and discovering that homecomings are not always what they should be. Too often, returning soldiers learn that sad fact in heartbreaking ways.
As Mercy plods along, worrying about false labor and premature contractions, trying to solve the murders and absolve Homer, we are afforded a real sense of who she is --- her strengths, her loyalty and her insecurities. And, dare I say, we like her better for all those very human traits, including her frailties and worries. There are many things to appreciate about this series, and the abundance of dogs is one of them. There's also a rescue cat for those who like furry felines, but Elvis, Susie Bear and Argos are delightful. And one of the murder victims leaves behind a Vizsla that must be cared for and rehomed.
It's obvious that Paula Munier, like other mystery authors who love their dogs (think David Rosenfelt and Spencer Quinn), enjoys writing about her canine pals. And we love reading about them.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
Hiking in the woods with her dog Elvis, a former military K9, Mercy goes to visit a new friend, a hermit named Homer. They play Scrabble together, and while he lives far off the grid, his skill with words is prodigious. Elvis also likes to play with his huge bloodhound, Argos. But when she arrives at his cabin, there is a murdered man inside and no sign of Homer. Elvis manages to find an injured Homer, and Mercy ingeniously creates a travois to get him to safety.
The mystery deepens when a local billionaire disappears during a hunt he hosted on his huge property for other one-percenters. And when Troy, who is the local game warden, is out with his search-and-rescue dog, Susie Bear, and they stumble across the naked body of a man in a flooded creek, the murder count quickly doubles. The crimes seem unconnected. What could a billionaire and a visitor to a hermit have in common? But as fans of Munier know, she is supremely capable of throwing spaghetti at the ceiling and not only having some stick up there, but braiding it en route. The more messy facts and mysterious matters there are, the more Munier will confound us with myriad suspects and many possible motives.
The trail that Mercy follows will lead back to her days as an MP in Afghanistan and bring back bitter memories. There's some serious trauma that those returning from war zones face, and Munier reminds us of what the soldiers not only endure, but suffer when they try to resume a "normal" life. In fact, “The Odyssey,” the story by the Greek poet Homer, is one of the central topics in this novel because it’s about a soldier, Odysseus, coming home after his decades of travel and discovering that homecomings are not always what they should be. Too often, returning soldiers learn that sad fact in heartbreaking ways.
As Mercy plods along, worrying about false labor and premature contractions, trying to solve the murders and absolve Homer, we are afforded a real sense of who she is --- her strengths, her loyalty and her insecurities. And, dare I say, we like her better for all those very human traits, including her frailties and worries. There are many things to appreciate about this series, and the abundance of dogs is one of them. There's also a rescue cat for those who like furry felines, but Elvis, Susie Bear and Argos are delightful. And one of the murder victims leaves behind a Vizsla that must be cared for and rehomed.
It's obvious that Paula Munier, like other mystery authors who love their dogs (think David Rosenfelt and Spencer Quinn), enjoys writing about her canine pals. And we love reading about them.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
October 9, 2024
This is one of my favorite series, and The Night Woods did not disappoint! There was lots of suspense in this one. I have to admit I got a little lost in the whole "Game Theory" theme, but I understood enough to figure out the part it played in the scheme of things.
I loved that "The Odyssey" was brought into it. I was very familiar with it because I taught 10th grade literature for 19 years, and a condensed version of it was part of the curriculum. Of course, I read the complete version at university. I also loved that we got to meet two new dogs and two new characters. I hope we see more of Tandie, Homer and their dogs in future books. In fact, Tandie might be a great spin-off character if the author would like to branch out into the YA market.
Of course, Mercy had several "too stupid to live" moments where you just wanted to slap her upside the head and shout "wake up and think about the precious life you're growing inside you." There were a few loose threads left at the end affecting the characters but they were more like "leaving room to grow the cast" rather than leaving the reader confused about the chain of events. For awhile there, the ending was starting to feel like a "series finale," but in her acknowledgments, the author seems to indicate there are more stories to tell about Mercy and Elvis. I hope so. I can't wait to find out what is next for Mercy and Elvis and the baby.
There was one weird formatting glitch or stylistic choice that I found puzzling. At the beginning of new chapters, when character names are first mentioned, they are not capitalized. It happened too often to be simple "typo" errors. If there's a hidden meaning, I missed it. (As a retired English teacher, I wanted to grab my purple passion pen and write in the margin "capitalize proper nouns." I don't remember if there was a similar pattern in the original version of "The Odyssey.")
I loved that "The Odyssey" was brought into it. I was very familiar with it because I taught 10th grade literature for 19 years, and a condensed version of it was part of the curriculum. Of course, I read the complete version at university. I also loved that we got to meet two new dogs and two new characters. I hope we see more of Tandie, Homer and their dogs in future books. In fact, Tandie might be a great spin-off character if the author would like to branch out into the YA market.
Of course, Mercy had several "too stupid to live" moments where you just wanted to slap her upside the head and shout "wake up and think about the precious life you're growing inside you." There were a few loose threads left at the end affecting the characters but they were more like "leaving room to grow the cast" rather than leaving the reader confused about the chain of events. For awhile there, the ending was starting to feel like a "series finale," but in her acknowledgments, the author seems to indicate there are more stories to tell about Mercy and Elvis. I hope so. I can't wait to find out what is next for Mercy and Elvis and the baby.
There was one weird formatting glitch or stylistic choice that I found puzzling. At the beginning of new chapters, when character names are first mentioned, they are not capitalized. It happened too often to be simple "typo" errors. If there's a hidden meaning, I missed it. (As a retired English teacher, I wanted to grab my purple passion pen and write in the margin "capitalize proper nouns." I don't remember if there was a similar pattern in the original version of "The Odyssey.")
September 20, 2024
Mystery Thriller featuring a pregnant former Army MP and her retired bomb-sniffing dog and her game warden husband and his SAR dog search for a murderer after a friend.
5/5 stars: This is the sixth entry in Munier's Mercy & Elvis Mysteries series which is a Mystery Thriller that takes place in Vermont and features a very pregnant former Army MP and her retired bomb-sniffing dog and her game warden husband and his search-and-rescue dog as they investigate the murder of a classics professor during an attack on a hermit friend, who are working on a The Odyssey translation, and search for a missing billionaire hunting wild boar at an exclusive New Hampshire private game reserve. After another corpse is found, she's determined to investigate but her efforts soon becomes complicated by worsening weather and a murderer who's ready to strike again, this time much closer to home. With plenty of twists and turns, the Munier's write a gripping fast-paced investigative tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the final reveal. I really like how the Munier's plot unfolds and the deft way everything weaves together so effortlessly. Written in dual POV, Munier's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's a joy to catch back up with Mercy, Troy and her friends and family. It's great to see how far Mercy's come and her and Troy's excitement for the birth of their first child's heartwarming. Additionally, the animals are as important character's as the humans, especially Mercy's Belgian Malinois Elvis and Troy's Newfoundland retriever mix Susie Bear. And of course one can't forget Muse, Mercy's cat. Munier's touch on some serious topics; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, A Borrowing of Bones. This is a long-time favorite series, highly recommend!
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
5/5 stars: This is the sixth entry in Munier's Mercy & Elvis Mysteries series which is a Mystery Thriller that takes place in Vermont and features a very pregnant former Army MP and her retired bomb-sniffing dog and her game warden husband and his search-and-rescue dog as they investigate the murder of a classics professor during an attack on a hermit friend, who are working on a The Odyssey translation, and search for a missing billionaire hunting wild boar at an exclusive New Hampshire private game reserve. After another corpse is found, she's determined to investigate but her efforts soon becomes complicated by worsening weather and a murderer who's ready to strike again, this time much closer to home. With plenty of twists and turns, the Munier's write a gripping fast-paced investigative tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the final reveal. I really like how the Munier's plot unfolds and the deft way everything weaves together so effortlessly. Written in dual POV, Munier's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's a joy to catch back up with Mercy, Troy and her friends and family. It's great to see how far Mercy's come and her and Troy's excitement for the birth of their first child's heartwarming. Additionally, the animals are as important character's as the humans, especially Mercy's Belgian Malinois Elvis and Troy's Newfoundland retriever mix Susie Bear. And of course one can't forget Muse, Mercy's cat. Munier's touch on some serious topics; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, A Borrowing of Bones. This is a long-time favorite series, highly recommend!
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
November 29, 2024
Written with humor and heart— treated to classic quotes heading each chapter. I was impressed with inclusion of great literature for a complicated plot no average bear could conceive with the twist of PTSD - research, experimentation and extreme potential consequences. Greed and hubris
combined.
Hiking through the Green Mountains, Mercy and Elvis are on their way to find their friend, hermit HOMER GRANT. Instead, Mercy finds a man (Leon) with an axe in his chest. Elvis finds Homer outside suffering from concussion and hypothermia. Homer, of course, will be the number one suspect for the axed man. Someone is desperately looking for Professor Homer’s interpretation of Leon’s Greek Odyssey manuscript; his office is ransacked. Surely no one would kill for it?
In Vermont’s mud season, a hugely pregnant MERCY CARR and teenaged cousin TANDIE, are a Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, accompanied by Elvis, Mercy's loyal dog. Of course, Mercy and Tandie believe Homer is NOT the killer. Mercy loves puzzles and this is a hunting game. Is this puzzle for the birds?
As the season culminates in a torrent of flash flooding and escaped wild boars on the rampage, the murderer is getting ready to strike again. And it ’s all happening in a miserably cold, wet, dark forest.
There is another murder—an unidentifiable naked man in a muddy stream at an elite hunting lodge owned by a billionaire who is missing. And why didn’t Mr. Gault show up for this prized invitation to hunt with the billionaire who was expected to be a business partner? Is this some kind of game?
We also have a plague of wild pigs and wild boar with tusks that will eat humans; while some elitist wild game hunters hunt humans? "Beware the poachers, pigs and the pigs that are not pigs."
Interspersed is a lot of “baby talk.” Homey/folksy, outdoorsy, a little superstition, good foods, French, Greek, Latin, literature, chic, shabby. It’s all here for contrasting atmosphere. Mercy and Troy’s Grackle Tree Farm is something to crow about as the roomy old Victorian home is being remodeled by skilled family and redecorated by Mercy’s chic mother and her committees. This baby will be born into money and acres of WILD-LIFE and never be boared — surrounded by fierce human mama bears and lots of doggies and a cat.
combined.
Hiking through the Green Mountains, Mercy and Elvis are on their way to find their friend, hermit HOMER GRANT. Instead, Mercy finds a man (Leon) with an axe in his chest. Elvis finds Homer outside suffering from concussion and hypothermia. Homer, of course, will be the number one suspect for the axed man. Someone is desperately looking for Professor Homer’s interpretation of Leon’s Greek Odyssey manuscript; his office is ransacked. Surely no one would kill for it?
In Vermont’s mud season, a hugely pregnant MERCY CARR and teenaged cousin TANDIE, are a Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, accompanied by Elvis, Mercy's loyal dog. Of course, Mercy and Tandie believe Homer is NOT the killer. Mercy loves puzzles and this is a hunting game. Is this puzzle for the birds?
As the season culminates in a torrent of flash flooding and escaped wild boars on the rampage, the murderer is getting ready to strike again. And it ’s all happening in a miserably cold, wet, dark forest.
There is another murder—an unidentifiable naked man in a muddy stream at an elite hunting lodge owned by a billionaire who is missing. And why didn’t Mr. Gault show up for this prized invitation to hunt with the billionaire who was expected to be a business partner? Is this some kind of game?
We also have a plague of wild pigs and wild boar with tusks that will eat humans; while some elitist wild game hunters hunt humans? "Beware the poachers, pigs and the pigs that are not pigs."
Interspersed is a lot of “baby talk.” Homey/folksy, outdoorsy, a little superstition, good foods, French, Greek, Latin, literature, chic, shabby. It’s all here for contrasting atmosphere. Mercy and Troy’s Grackle Tree Farm is something to crow about as the roomy old Victorian home is being remodeled by skilled family and redecorated by Mercy’s chic mother and her committees. This baby will be born into money and acres of WILD-LIFE and never be boared — surrounded by fierce human mama bears and lots of doggies and a cat.
November 2, 2025
Absolutely Brilliant – A Perfect Blend of Mystery, Heart, and High Stakes!
I just finished The Sixth Mercy Carr Mystery, and I’m still buzzing from how perfectly crafted it was! As a longtime mystery lover, this series has always stood out for its vivid characters, emotional depth, and breathtaking Vermont setting but this latest installment takes everything to a whole new level.
From the very first page, I was completely drawn into Mercy’s world a woman who is strong, stubborn, and wonderfully human. Even heavily pregnant, she can’t resist following her instincts when something feels off. The dynamic between Mercy and her loyal dog Elvis continues to be one of my favorite parts of the series their partnership is not just believable, it’s heartwarming and powerful. You can feel their bond in every scene.
The mystery itself was top-notch. The discovery of a dead man at Homer’s cabin immediately sets the tone, and the twists that follow kept me guessing right up to the end. The tension is beautifully layered between the rising floodwaters, the escaped wild boar, and the murderer lurking close to home, the story never loses momentum. Every chapter had me saying, “Just one more,” until I realized I’d read half the book in one sitting!
What really stood out, though, was how much heart the author poured into this story. The themes of friendship, family, loyalty, and resilience shine through the suspense. I loved the addition of Mercy’s cousin Tandie she brings a youthful spark and some much-needed levity amid the chaos. And Homer! His vulnerability and mystery add a layer of emotional depth that made me genuinely care about his fate.
The writing, as always, is rich and atmospheric. The descriptions of storm-battered Vermont were so vivid that I could almost hear the wind howling and the rain pounding on the farmhouse windows. It’s cinematic, emotional, and deeply satisfying from start to finish.
If you enjoy mysteries with strong female leads, intelligent plotting, and characters that feel real, this book is a must-read. It’s one of those rare stories that balances adrenaline and emotion perfectly. I’m already counting the days until the next Mercy Carr mystery!
I just finished The Sixth Mercy Carr Mystery, and I’m still buzzing from how perfectly crafted it was! As a longtime mystery lover, this series has always stood out for its vivid characters, emotional depth, and breathtaking Vermont setting but this latest installment takes everything to a whole new level.
From the very first page, I was completely drawn into Mercy’s world a woman who is strong, stubborn, and wonderfully human. Even heavily pregnant, she can’t resist following her instincts when something feels off. The dynamic between Mercy and her loyal dog Elvis continues to be one of my favorite parts of the series their partnership is not just believable, it’s heartwarming and powerful. You can feel their bond in every scene.
The mystery itself was top-notch. The discovery of a dead man at Homer’s cabin immediately sets the tone, and the twists that follow kept me guessing right up to the end. The tension is beautifully layered between the rising floodwaters, the escaped wild boar, and the murderer lurking close to home, the story never loses momentum. Every chapter had me saying, “Just one more,” until I realized I’d read half the book in one sitting!
What really stood out, though, was how much heart the author poured into this story. The themes of friendship, family, loyalty, and resilience shine through the suspense. I loved the addition of Mercy’s cousin Tandie she brings a youthful spark and some much-needed levity amid the chaos. And Homer! His vulnerability and mystery add a layer of emotional depth that made me genuinely care about his fate.
The writing, as always, is rich and atmospheric. The descriptions of storm-battered Vermont were so vivid that I could almost hear the wind howling and the rain pounding on the farmhouse windows. It’s cinematic, emotional, and deeply satisfying from start to finish.
If you enjoy mysteries with strong female leads, intelligent plotting, and characters that feel real, this book is a must-read. It’s one of those rare stories that balances adrenaline and emotion perfectly. I’m already counting the days until the next Mercy Carr mystery!
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