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Eden Mercer K-9 Mystery Thriller #2
Deadly Lessons
For fans of gripping thrillers and intense police procedurals comes a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.Eden Mercer, now a rising star in Nightfall's police department, faces her most challenging case yet. When a staff member is found dead at the secretive Cascade Residential Academy deep in the Oregon woods, Eden and her loyal K-9 partner, Shadow, are thrust into a dark world of troubled teens and sinister secrets.
As Eden investigates, she uncovers a web of abuse, manipulation, and corruption hidden behind the academy's façade of reform. The disappearance of a student, Zoe Bennett, raises the stakes, forcing Eden to confront her own painful past as she races to find the missing girl.
With each revelation, the danger mounts. Eden must navigate treacherous waters as she confronts the academy's intimidating director, uncooperative staff, and a maze of lies. The discovery of a potential serial killer in their midst turns the case on its head, leaving Eden to question whom she can trust.
As time runs out for Zoe, Eden must use all her skills and instincts to unravel the truth before another life is lost. But in doing so, she risks becoming entangled in a conspiracy that threatens to destroy everything she's worked for.
Will Eden's determination and Shadow's unwavering loyalty be enough to uncover the truth and save the missing student? Or will the dark secrets of Cascade Academy claim another victim?
Dive into "Deadly Lessons" and lose yourself in a pulse-pounding tale of suspense, courage, and the fight for justice in the face of unspeakable evil.
As Eden investigates, she uncovers a web of abuse, manipulation, and corruption hidden behind the academy's façade of reform. The disappearance of a student, Zoe Bennett, raises the stakes, forcing Eden to confront her own painful past as she races to find the missing girl.
With each revelation, the danger mounts. Eden must navigate treacherous waters as she confronts the academy's intimidating director, uncooperative staff, and a maze of lies. The discovery of a potential serial killer in their midst turns the case on its head, leaving Eden to question whom she can trust.
As time runs out for Zoe, Eden must use all her skills and instincts to unravel the truth before another life is lost. But in doing so, she risks becoming entangled in a conspiracy that threatens to destroy everything she's worked for.
Will Eden's determination and Shadow's unwavering loyalty be enough to uncover the truth and save the missing student? Or will the dark secrets of Cascade Academy claim another victim?
Dive into "Deadly Lessons" and lose yourself in a pulse-pounding tale of suspense, courage, and the fight for justice in the face of unspeakable evil.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2024
About the author
Paige Black
6 books56 followersPaige Black lives in Portland, OR, where the fog and rain form a perfect backdrop to her love of all things mysterious and thrilling. Often found exploring the misty, dark forests of the Oregon Coast, Paige draws inspiration from the shadowy corners of the world and the secrets they hide.
An escape room enthusiast and true crime aficionado, Paige devours documentaries and loves the challenge of solving puzzles and mysteries. In her free time, she’s on a mission to befriend the crows in her neighborhood via gifts of peanuts. It’s a work in progress, but she’s convinced they’ll come around eventually.
Join Paige for gripping tales of twisted cults, cunning serial killers, and the dedicated law enforcement officers who bring them to justice.
An escape room enthusiast and true crime aficionado, Paige devours documentaries and loves the challenge of solving puzzles and mysteries. In her free time, she’s on a mission to befriend the crows in her neighborhood via gifts of peanuts. It’s a work in progress, but she’s convinced they’ll come around eventually.
Join Paige for gripping tales of twisted cults, cunning serial killers, and the dedicated law enforcement officers who bring them to justice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
April 22, 2025
They/their = No/no
Author may believe in gender pronouns, but to go as far as including a girl wanting to be referred as "they/their" then writing a sentence as "Lake moved their eyes" instead of "her eyes" is distracting as can be and totally ridiculous.
Book was good but too many other good books out there to distracted by one written like this.
Author may believe in gender pronouns, but to go as far as including a girl wanting to be referred as "they/their" then writing a sentence as "Lake moved their eyes" instead of "her eyes" is distracting as can be and totally ridiculous.
Book was good but too many other good books out there to distracted by one written like this.
August 2, 2025
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A good sequel. Sequels don’t always hit but this one had a good follow up. It’s interesting to see our FMC continue to grow and we see more of her background. I wish the story didn’t feel as redundant. I inhaled the first book. I worked through the second one. Will be continuing the journey to see how book 3 hits
A good sequel. Sequels don’t always hit but this one had a good follow up. It’s interesting to see our FMC continue to grow and we see more of her background. I wish the story didn’t feel as redundant. I inhaled the first book. I worked through the second one. Will be continuing the journey to see how book 3 hits
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2025
Oh boy! I loved this book, talk about sat on the edge of your seat listening. The story is told by a number of characters. The two main perspectives are from Eden the k9 handler who is investigating the case as it happens and Zoe's a student whose ordeal lead to the investigation, so most of her view has already happened. This means as you are listening you are never sure if there is going to be a happy ending for the young student or if it's already to late. I liked the characters and it was nice to see Eden had a better relationship with her partner than in the previous book, which was just as compelling. Although I don't think Shadow (the dog) had as big a role as in the last book he is still an important part of the team. It's scary what people do to each other, yes I know this is fiction but the ideas come from somewhere. Although it makes for a great listen or listen but I certainly wouldn't want to go through it. The investigation starts as a accident and quickly develops into a murder investigation before branching off into a missing person. This meant the story moved at a quick pace and held my attention the whole way through. I can't wait for the next case.
A teacher dies in an accident on school grounds and his wife turns to Nightfall's police department and asks them to look into it. She thinks he was being stalked and there is more to his death than the school is saying. K9 officer Eden Mercer and her detective partner arrive at the school and are given the brush off, which only makes them want to take a closer look. The more they learn about the school, the more they believe the wife is right and something is very wrong at the Residential Academy. An academy that is secretive and isolated from any neighbours or prying eyes. When they learn the teacher had a problem with a student who has gone missing, the case takes a serious turn and the murder investigation turns into a missing person case, with a ticking clock.
The narrator is one of my favourites. I have heard a number of books read by her and she never fails to entertain or put in an excellent performance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A teacher dies in an accident on school grounds and his wife turns to Nightfall's police department and asks them to look into it. She thinks he was being stalked and there is more to his death than the school is saying. K9 officer Eden Mercer and her detective partner arrive at the school and are given the brush off, which only makes them want to take a closer look. The more they learn about the school, the more they believe the wife is right and something is very wrong at the Residential Academy. An academy that is secretive and isolated from any neighbours or prying eyes. When they learn the teacher had a problem with a student who has gone missing, the case takes a serious turn and the murder investigation turns into a missing person case, with a ticking clock.
The narrator is one of my favourites. I have heard a number of books read by her and she never fails to entertain or put in an excellent performance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2026
Audiobook Review
Deadly Lessons is the second installment in Paige Black’s Eden Mercer K9 series, set in the small town of Nightfall, Oregon.
While you can listen to this book as a standalone, starting with the first book, Shattered Silence, is highly recommended to fully appreciate the main character's background.
In this chapter of her journey, Eden is a local police officer training as a detective. She possesses a natural gift for getting people to talk—a survival skill honed after escaping a cult as a young girl.
The pair of detectives are brought into a supposed accident involving a teacher at a local private school for troubled youths. This marks Eden's first real taste of investigating what quickly develops into a murder investigation and branches off into a missing person case.
The story brilliantly unfolds through two main perspectives. We follow Eden’s live, real-time investigation alongside the past ordeal of a student named Zoe.
This dual timeline keeps the tension incredibly high, leaving the listener constantly wondering if help will arrive in time or if it is already too late.
It is interesting to see our main character continue to grow as we learn more of her background, and it was nice to see Eden have a better relationship with her partner than in the previous book, which was just as compelling.
While Shadow the K9 has a slightly smaller role this time around, he remains an essential and beloved part of the team.
The book deals with a very important and timely subject, child abuse, and there are some very detailed descriptions that are difficult to listen to but must be heard.
Hannah Somerville is a standout narrator who never fails to deliver an excellent, entertaining performance.
The audio format truly brings these characters to life and expertly builds the suspense, making it a great listen that is even better than print or digital because it brings the characters to life.
Overall, this is a solid follow-up with a great continuation of character growth, and I look forward to hearing what happens in the next case.
Deadly Lessons is the second installment in Paige Black’s Eden Mercer K9 series, set in the small town of Nightfall, Oregon.
While you can listen to this book as a standalone, starting with the first book, Shattered Silence, is highly recommended to fully appreciate the main character's background.
In this chapter of her journey, Eden is a local police officer training as a detective. She possesses a natural gift for getting people to talk—a survival skill honed after escaping a cult as a young girl.
The pair of detectives are brought into a supposed accident involving a teacher at a local private school for troubled youths. This marks Eden's first real taste of investigating what quickly develops into a murder investigation and branches off into a missing person case.
The story brilliantly unfolds through two main perspectives. We follow Eden’s live, real-time investigation alongside the past ordeal of a student named Zoe.
This dual timeline keeps the tension incredibly high, leaving the listener constantly wondering if help will arrive in time or if it is already too late.
It is interesting to see our main character continue to grow as we learn more of her background, and it was nice to see Eden have a better relationship with her partner than in the previous book, which was just as compelling.
While Shadow the K9 has a slightly smaller role this time around, he remains an essential and beloved part of the team.
The book deals with a very important and timely subject, child abuse, and there are some very detailed descriptions that are difficult to listen to but must be heard.
Hannah Somerville is a standout narrator who never fails to deliver an excellent, entertaining performance.
The audio format truly brings these characters to life and expertly builds the suspense, making it a great listen that is even better than print or digital because it brings the characters to life.
Overall, this is a solid follow-up with a great continuation of character growth, and I look forward to hearing what happens in the next case.
September 29, 2025
The only mystery here is how these characters function in daily life. Every decision had me wondering if common sense was on vacation. The police procedure was so wildly inaccurate I started wondering if the author thinks "detective" is just a fun personality trait rather than an actual job with rules.
The interrogations were particularly painful—apparently Miranda rights are optional and evidence chains are just suggestions? The plot lurched forward through sheer force of characters doing inexplicably illogical things.
There were moments of potential buried in here, but too many eye-roll-inducing choices overshadowed them.
And the last thing that really bothered me and pulled me out of the story, while the Author may believe in gender pronouns, and has included a girl wanting to be referred to as "they/their," writing a sentence using their instead of she actually pulled me out of the story. I thought she was talking about multiple people at one point and had to re-read the sentence.
I'll be honest: I disapprove of using alternative pronouns. I believe people who identify this way are struggling with mental health issues and need professional help.
I know this view is controversial, but my perspective comes from my own experience. I grew up in an era when children were allowed to explore their identities without intervention—neither encouraged nor discouraged from going through phases. This was considered a normal part of childhood development, something I believe is missing today.
I'm grateful I grew up when I did. Until age 16, I insisted I was a boy, called myself Chris, and PRETENDED to be a boy. Then, after puberty, I started to be attracted to boys and was most definitely female. Mind you prior to that age I was not interested in either gender because I was more interested in playing sports and singing. I'm now the proud mother of five beautiful children. I genuinely believe that if I had been born today, I might have been put on hormone blockers during my childhood questioning phase, and these five children might never have been born.
The interrogations were particularly painful—apparently Miranda rights are optional and evidence chains are just suggestions? The plot lurched forward through sheer force of characters doing inexplicably illogical things.
There were moments of potential buried in here, but too many eye-roll-inducing choices overshadowed them.
And the last thing that really bothered me and pulled me out of the story, while the Author may believe in gender pronouns, and has included a girl wanting to be referred to as "they/their," writing a sentence using their instead of she actually pulled me out of the story. I thought she was talking about multiple people at one point and had to re-read the sentence.
I'll be honest: I disapprove of using alternative pronouns. I believe people who identify this way are struggling with mental health issues and need professional help.
I know this view is controversial, but my perspective comes from my own experience. I grew up in an era when children were allowed to explore their identities without intervention—neither encouraged nor discouraged from going through phases. This was considered a normal part of childhood development, something I believe is missing today.
I'm grateful I grew up when I did. Until age 16, I insisted I was a boy, called myself Chris, and PRETENDED to be a boy. Then, after puberty, I started to be attracted to boys and was most definitely female. Mind you prior to that age I was not interested in either gender because I was more interested in playing sports and singing. I'm now the proud mother of five beautiful children. I genuinely believe that if I had been born today, I might have been put on hormone blockers during my childhood questioning phase, and these five children might never have been born.
January 26, 2025
Book #21 2025
"Deadly Lessons" ~ Paige Black
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audiobook
A Gripping Thriller with Twists at Every Turn
Paige Black’s "Deadly Lessons" is a masterfully crafted thriller that pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go. The story is an electrifying blend of suspense, mystery, and emotional depth. An Eden Mercer thriller who is both relatable and compelling, navigating a web of dark secrets, betrayal, and danger with intelligence and grit. Black’s ability to create tension is unparalleled, and every chapter leaves you on the edge of your seat, desperate to uncover the next layer of the mystery.
The setting is atmospheric at a school for out of control children. Zoe is one of these kids immersed into this school . . . Her parents caught her kissing another girl and sent her away(Zoe has done nothing wrong other than have homophobic parentsthat don't care about their own daughter). The writing is sharp and evocative, making it easy to picture every scene in your mind. Black doesn’t just tell a story—she immerses you in it, making you feel the stakes at every turn. The twists and reveals are unexpected yet perfectly paced, keeping you guessing until the very end. The story follows Officer Eden Mercer as she investigates a murder at the school, then learns of missing student Zoe.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a page-turner that’s impossible to put down!
#book #books #booknow #audiobook #bookstagram #booklover #booksoninstagram #booksarelife #booklife #booklist #bookish #BookLifestyle #booklibrary #bookhoarder #bookishcommunity #bookishthoughts #booktok #booksontiktok #booktoker #tiktokviral #readingcommunity #tiktokviral #fypage #booksgoals2025 #readinggoals #books2025 #thriller #goodreads #BooksToRead #booksworthreading #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookblogger #thrillerbooks #psychologicalthriller #DeadlyLessons #PaigeBlack
"Deadly Lessons" ~ Paige Black
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audiobook
A Gripping Thriller with Twists at Every Turn
Paige Black’s "Deadly Lessons" is a masterfully crafted thriller that pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go. The story is an electrifying blend of suspense, mystery, and emotional depth. An Eden Mercer thriller who is both relatable and compelling, navigating a web of dark secrets, betrayal, and danger with intelligence and grit. Black’s ability to create tension is unparalleled, and every chapter leaves you on the edge of your seat, desperate to uncover the next layer of the mystery.
The setting is atmospheric at a school for out of control children. Zoe is one of these kids immersed into this school . . . Her parents caught her kissing another girl and sent her away(Zoe has done nothing wrong other than have homophobic parentsthat don't care about their own daughter). The writing is sharp and evocative, making it easy to picture every scene in your mind. Black doesn’t just tell a story—she immerses you in it, making you feel the stakes at every turn. The twists and reveals are unexpected yet perfectly paced, keeping you guessing until the very end. The story follows Officer Eden Mercer as she investigates a murder at the school, then learns of missing student Zoe.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a page-turner that’s impossible to put down!
#book #books #booknow #audiobook #bookstagram #booklover #booksoninstagram #booksarelife #booklife #booklist #bookish #BookLifestyle #booklibrary #bookhoarder #bookishcommunity #bookishthoughts #booktok #booksontiktok #booktoker #tiktokviral #readingcommunity #tiktokviral #fypage #booksgoals2025 #readinggoals #books2025 #thriller #goodreads #BooksToRead #booksworthreading #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookblogger #thrillerbooks #psychologicalthriller #DeadlyLessons #PaigeBlack
June 5, 2026
Deadly Lessons is the second intense full-length novel in the Eden Mercer series, and it is equally as gripping as the first! Eden continues to impress with her great instincts and unconventional methods, learning and growing as an individual and as an officer of the law. Watching her navigate the case while balancing her personal life is fascinating, and I love the peeks we get of her grandmother and her younger sister Hope. Her schoolgirl crush—and how she chooses to interact with him—is awkwardly endearing and particularly fascinating to observe. I’m hoping we learn more about him and why he is equally as awkward with her at some point in the overarching series development. The storyline of this particular case is great—I enjoyed the multitude of twists and turns and the authenticity of Eden making mistakes along the way. There were a number of potential killers to keep us guessing, and the sinister and seedy characters were well-written. The narrator has an easy to listen to voice, but her delivery leaves something to be desired. Her pauses mid-sentence are frequent, and the inflection and tone are not always consistent with the content/character she is delivering. She does an overall decent job of bringing the story to audio life, and I am hoping and anticipating that as we receive more audiobooks in the series this will improve.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 28, 2026
I was really looking forward to the second book in the series after enjoying the first one so much.
This time, Eden and her partner are called to an academy to investigate the mysterious death of one of the staff members at a school, when a bomb threat initially halts the investigation initially. We quickly learn that something is different about this school when we meet Zoe a few years in the past, after her parents send her there upon finding out that she has a girlfriend.
With the concept of Eden slowly uncovering what happened in the present, alongside a parallel storyline from a main character’s POV in the past, I felt very confident that I would enjoy this one as well. It was something I already liked in the first book, and I appreciated that it was done in a similar way here. It felt like it gave me a head start on some of the events leading up to the present, while Eden slowly pieces together the puzzle.
Focusing on one of these schools—where teenagers are sent when their parents consider them “not acting normal” or simply don’t want to deal with them—felt like a heavy topic. What Zoe had to endure was heartbreaking, especially seeing her adapt to such a harsh environment.
Overall, I really enjoyed the second book, especially listening to it as an audiobook. What I can confidently say now is that I’m glad there are many more books already available, and I look forward to continuing the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This time, Eden and her partner are called to an academy to investigate the mysterious death of one of the staff members at a school, when a bomb threat initially halts the investigation initially. We quickly learn that something is different about this school when we meet Zoe a few years in the past, after her parents send her there upon finding out that she has a girlfriend.
With the concept of Eden slowly uncovering what happened in the present, alongside a parallel storyline from a main character’s POV in the past, I felt very confident that I would enjoy this one as well. It was something I already liked in the first book, and I appreciated that it was done in a similar way here. It felt like it gave me a head start on some of the events leading up to the present, while Eden slowly pieces together the puzzle.
Focusing on one of these schools—where teenagers are sent when their parents consider them “not acting normal” or simply don’t want to deal with them—felt like a heavy topic. What Zoe had to endure was heartbreaking, especially seeing her adapt to such a harsh environment.
Overall, I really enjoyed the second book, especially listening to it as an audiobook. What I can confidently say now is that I’m glad there are many more books already available, and I look forward to continuing the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 2, 2024
Good follow-up
I quickly found the second book in this series about rookie policewoman Eden, after enjoying the first one. Still filled with interesting, likable main characters, this story is about a horrible “school” for troubled teens. Zoe is sent there after her mother catches her kissing another girl. Once at the school, Zoe is subjected to the same horrors as the other kids who are there, with severe punishments for such things as making eye contact with teachers. Zoe has escaped when we enter the story. Eden and her older partner, Hanks, come to the school to look into the death of a teacher. The teacher was murdered, but that’s just the least of the issues they uncover through their investigation. Suspenseful and filled with twists, this second book in the series is as much about Eden’s personal and professional development as it is about the hunt for the missing girl. This is nicely woven into the story, though, so the development is organic. Personally, I was disturbed by the treatment meted out to the troubled teens. I hope the story is exaggerated, though I fear it may not be.
I quickly found the second book in this series about rookie policewoman Eden, after enjoying the first one. Still filled with interesting, likable main characters, this story is about a horrible “school” for troubled teens. Zoe is sent there after her mother catches her kissing another girl. Once at the school, Zoe is subjected to the same horrors as the other kids who are there, with severe punishments for such things as making eye contact with teachers. Zoe has escaped when we enter the story. Eden and her older partner, Hanks, come to the school to look into the death of a teacher. The teacher was murdered, but that’s just the least of the issues they uncover through their investigation. Suspenseful and filled with twists, this second book in the series is as much about Eden’s personal and professional development as it is about the hunt for the missing girl. This is nicely woven into the story, though, so the development is organic. Personally, I was disturbed by the treatment meted out to the troubled teens. I hope the story is exaggerated, though I fear it may not be.
February 27, 2026
My second book of Ms Black’s. I keep giving them 3 stars because the writing is fine, I like Eden’s dog Shadow, and I want to encourage the author to fix the problems other reviewers have noted. Shadow seems to be a bit of a love bunny for a certified K-9. I’m wishing the next books branch out from abusive cult stories. Hanks and Mercer may be a good team, but PLEASE PLEASE stop Hanks from calling his 29-year-old partner “kid.” It’s so disrespectful from so many perspectives. Unlike other reviewers, I was not distracted by the decision to call one person by her preferred adjectives. It always made sense and the sentence structure and grammar were clear. I appreciate Ms Black’s use of contemporary custom. The reader doesn’t have to agree to still “get it.”
I will keep reading and hope future books allow Eden to stop acting so impulsively with suspects, allow Hanks to treat Eden with the respect she deserves, Shadow to continue to be a star, and the plot lines to pick up speed, spend less time focusing on dysfunctional cults, and more time showing the police dealing with a variety of cases. Hoping for better editing too.
I will keep reading and hope future books allow Eden to stop acting so impulsively with suspects, allow Hanks to treat Eden with the respect she deserves, Shadow to continue to be a star, and the plot lines to pick up speed, spend less time focusing on dysfunctional cults, and more time showing the police dealing with a variety of cases. Hoping for better editing too.
May 31, 2026
When a staff member is found dead at the secretive Cascade Residential Academy deep in the Oregon woods, Eden and her loyal K-9 partner, Shadow, are thrust into a dark world of troubled teens and sinister secrets.
As Eden investigates, she uncovers a web of abuse, manipulation, and corruption hidden behind the academy's façade of reform. The disappearance of a student, Zoe Bennett, raises the stakes, forcing Eden to confront her own painful past as she races to find the missing girl.
I am enjoying this series, but, I find myself counting the times Hank calls her "kid" and getting really mad everytime it happens. Also, as a trained K9, I can't see Shadow being that friendly with absolutely everyone.
When it comes to any book set in a school, as a teacher, I have many thoughts and feelings about how teachers are portrayed (even if we are the bad guys) and found much of that unbelievable as well.
Enjoyable, but a bit of a stretch for me.
The audio was good and read well.
PLEASE, STOP WITH THE "KID". It's honestly distracting.
As Eden investigates, she uncovers a web of abuse, manipulation, and corruption hidden behind the academy's façade of reform. The disappearance of a student, Zoe Bennett, raises the stakes, forcing Eden to confront her own painful past as she races to find the missing girl.
I am enjoying this series, but, I find myself counting the times Hank calls her "kid" and getting really mad everytime it happens. Also, as a trained K9, I can't see Shadow being that friendly with absolutely everyone.
When it comes to any book set in a school, as a teacher, I have many thoughts and feelings about how teachers are portrayed (even if we are the bad guys) and found much of that unbelievable as well.
Enjoyable, but a bit of a stretch for me.
The audio was good and read well.
PLEASE, STOP WITH THE "KID". It's honestly distracting.
February 9, 2026
A great story
This story was about a school that's designed for unruly and out of control teens, but the school's secrets are almost as bad as their treatment of the kids. It's a story that will keep you guessing until the end.
I absolutely love reading stories about K-9's. Their jobs in search and rescue, law enforcement, military, as well as the various Service Animals, have always intrigued me. This series is listed as K-9 mystery/thriller, which the lead character does have a Police K-9. Although the K-9 is mentioned quite frequently throughout the stories, it is not a typical Police K-9, but serves as kind of a combination of Police K-9 and emotional Service Animal. This is not a bad thing at all, but it's not quite what I was hoping for. I've still enjoyed the stories, and plan to continue reading the series, but I felt it would help others to know.
I would recommend this book, series, and author.
This story was about a school that's designed for unruly and out of control teens, but the school's secrets are almost as bad as their treatment of the kids. It's a story that will keep you guessing until the end.
I absolutely love reading stories about K-9's. Their jobs in search and rescue, law enforcement, military, as well as the various Service Animals, have always intrigued me. This series is listed as K-9 mystery/thriller, which the lead character does have a Police K-9. Although the K-9 is mentioned quite frequently throughout the stories, it is not a typical Police K-9, but serves as kind of a combination of Police K-9 and emotional Service Animal. This is not a bad thing at all, but it's not quite what I was hoping for. I've still enjoyed the stories, and plan to continue reading the series, but I felt it would help others to know.
I would recommend this book, series, and author.
February 12, 2026
I would describe this as more of a cosy mystery rather than a thriller. That being said, it’s well written, with plenty of twists that keep you captivated until the last page.
In this book Eden and her K9 sidekick Shadow area assigned to work with Detective Hanks on a more permanent base. It’s nice to see that their relationship has improved with Hanks showing her much more respect in this book, actively listening to her ideas.
Eden, Shadow and hanks are tasked to investigate the death of a staff member at Cascade Residential Academy, which is advertised a reform school for ‘troubled’ teenagers. Once there, they also discover the disappearance of a student, lies, abuse, manipulation and corruption. All of these add difficulties and complications to their investigation.
Being the bestest doggo, Shadow saves the day, and Eden’s life.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this book Eden and her K9 sidekick Shadow area assigned to work with Detective Hanks on a more permanent base. It’s nice to see that their relationship has improved with Hanks showing her much more respect in this book, actively listening to her ideas.
Eden, Shadow and hanks are tasked to investigate the death of a staff member at Cascade Residential Academy, which is advertised a reform school for ‘troubled’ teenagers. Once there, they also discover the disappearance of a student, lies, abuse, manipulation and corruption. All of these add difficulties and complications to their investigation.
Being the bestest doggo, Shadow saves the day, and Eden’s life.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 3, 2024
Eden Mercer is a Detective in training for her small town police force with high hopes.
Eden is a small town police officer training as a detective. She is really good at getting people to talk to her. Her training officer says its the time she spent in the cult as a youngster. She and her sister Hope ran away when Eden was twelve and Hope ten. She only wishes she could have brought the rest of her siblings with her.
The pair of detectives are brought into a supposed accident to a teacher at a local private school for wayward kids. This is Edens first real taste of investigating what is starting to look like a real crime. She doesn’t quite get that she could be in real danger as she digs deeper each day. She also discovers a student is missing and that folds even more danger around her and Hanks. But she can’t quit now!
Eden is a small town police officer training as a detective. She is really good at getting people to talk to her. Her training officer says its the time she spent in the cult as a youngster. She and her sister Hope ran away when Eden was twelve and Hope ten. She only wishes she could have brought the rest of her siblings with her.
The pair of detectives are brought into a supposed accident to a teacher at a local private school for wayward kids. This is Edens first real taste of investigating what is starting to look like a real crime. She doesn’t quite get that she could be in real danger as she digs deeper each day. She also discovers a student is missing and that folds even more danger around her and Hanks. But she can’t quit now!
January 26, 2025
Deadly Lessons is the second in the Eden Mercer series. It deals with a very important and timely subject: child abuse. There are some very detailed descriptions that are difficult to read but must be heard. The whole story is filled with suspense, mystery and adventure. Once again the team of Eden, Detective Hanks and of course Shadow work together to find the answers to the murder and correct what wrongs they can for the town of Nightfall, Oregon.
The audiobook narrated by Hannah Somerville is well done as she continues to build the suspense throughout the story. This book, whether printed or digital, is good, but the audiobook is even better because it brings the charters to life. Give it a listen and you will enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The audiobook narrated by Hannah Somerville is well done as she continues to build the suspense throughout the story. This book, whether printed or digital, is good, but the audiobook is even better because it brings the charters to life. Give it a listen and you will enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2025
This isfor the audio book: Deadly Lessons is book 2 in the Eden Mercer K-9 Mysteries series by Paige Black. This is a thrilling mystery with Eden Mercer, her loyal K-9 partner Shadow and her partner Hanks. Eden is getting along better with her co-workers and building a comradery with a couple of them, it's nice to see things are getting better. The plot is compelling, the characters believable and the descriptiveness of Oregon just coming into spring is amazing, I could almost smell the flowers! The narrator Hannah Somerville does a better job with this book, differentiating the different characters and drawing me right into the story. Paige Black really knows how to spin a tale that captures your attention! I highly recommend this series and author!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2025
This is a gripping thriller that will have you listening to the very end. I listened to this whole audiobook withing 12 hours!
This audiobook had me on the edge of my seat and very eager to know how it ends!
Eden is a police officer on Nightfall's force. When a staff member is found dead at a secretive academy deep in the Oregon woods, Eden and her loyal K-9 partner, Shadow, are thrust into a dark world of troubled teens and sinister secrets. As Eden investigates, she uncovers a web of abuse, manipulation, and corruption. The disappearance of a student, Zoe, raises the stakes as she races to find the missing girl. The discovery of a potential serial killer in their midst turns the case on its head, leaving Eden to question whom she can trust.
Dive in and lose yourself in a pulse-pounding tale of suspense, courage, and the fight for justice in the face of unspeakable evil.
This audiobook had me on the edge of my seat and very eager to know how it ends!
Eden is a police officer on Nightfall's force. When a staff member is found dead at a secretive academy deep in the Oregon woods, Eden and her loyal K-9 partner, Shadow, are thrust into a dark world of troubled teens and sinister secrets. As Eden investigates, she uncovers a web of abuse, manipulation, and corruption. The disappearance of a student, Zoe, raises the stakes as she races to find the missing girl. The discovery of a potential serial killer in their midst turns the case on its head, leaving Eden to question whom she can trust.
Dive in and lose yourself in a pulse-pounding tale of suspense, courage, and the fight for justice in the face of unspeakable evil.
August 23, 2025
Eden and her K9, Shadow have been permanently assigned to assist the detectives and just as they’re about to go out to investigate a staff death at a secluded reform academy a bomb threat is phoned into the local high school. They gather some information but not enough as they go check out the homicide but something seems off about the school.
Meanwhile, Eden and detective Hanks discover the school is substandard enough on multiple levels to be shut down but don’t make progress on the staff death. The secondary thread tracks stellar student Zoe Bennett, her uncaring, homophobic parents enrolled her to be cured, Zoe’s been missing five days a fact that wasn’t discovered until school officials were caught k several lies. Afterward Eden finds herself in a precarious position.
Rating: 4.25stars
Meanwhile, Eden and detective Hanks discover the school is substandard enough on multiple levels to be shut down but don’t make progress on the staff death. The secondary thread tracks stellar student Zoe Bennett, her uncaring, homophobic parents enrolled her to be cured, Zoe’s been missing five days a fact that wasn’t discovered until school officials were caught k several lies. Afterward Eden finds herself in a precarious position.
Rating: 4.25stars
Currently Reading
October 3, 2025The Eden Mercer books are pretty good reading. They hold my interest enough that when I complete one, I’m ready to begin another.
3 critiques from Deadly Lessons:
1. To create the possessive form of a noun ending with an s- simply add an apostrophe after that s.
For example Doris’ book. Not Doris’s book. Hanks’ weapon not Hanks’s weapon.
2. Even though the character Lake wanted her pronouns to be them and they in the story, to use this every time you mention this person, using they and them is extremely confusing. They and them refer to plural subjects, making the reader think there is a second or third person when there is only one.
3. A WAKE is held before a funeral, not after. This error in the story could have been avoided by doing a bit of research, like looking up the definition of WAKE in the dictionary or Googling it.
3 critiques from Deadly Lessons:
1. To create the possessive form of a noun ending with an s- simply add an apostrophe after that s.
For example Doris’ book. Not Doris’s book. Hanks’ weapon not Hanks’s weapon.
2. Even though the character Lake wanted her pronouns to be them and they in the story, to use this every time you mention this person, using they and them is extremely confusing. They and them refer to plural subjects, making the reader think there is a second or third person when there is only one.
3. A WAKE is held before a funeral, not after. This error in the story could have been avoided by doing a bit of research, like looking up the definition of WAKE in the dictionary or Googling it.
January 2, 2025
Pretty good.
Eden Mercer is a police officer working on becoming a detective. She was raised in a religious cult until she escaped, along with her younger sister. This is an aspect that I find most interesting about her story. Eden seems to be rather naive for a 29-year-old police officer, maybe because of being raised in a cult and kept away from the rest of the world. The story itself is not exactly hard-core police work. It's not really gritty. It's cozy, although there is a small amount of swearing. There's no smut and just a touch of romance that doesn't get in the way of the story. Altogether, I enjoyed it. It did keep my attention, and when I finished it, I could honestly say that I enjoyed it. I will probably read the next book.
Eden Mercer is a police officer working on becoming a detective. She was raised in a religious cult until she escaped, along with her younger sister. This is an aspect that I find most interesting about her story. Eden seems to be rather naive for a 29-year-old police officer, maybe because of being raised in a cult and kept away from the rest of the world. The story itself is not exactly hard-core police work. It's not really gritty. It's cozy, although there is a small amount of swearing. There's no smut and just a touch of romance that doesn't get in the way of the story. Altogether, I enjoyed it. It did keep my attention, and when I finished it, I could honestly say that I enjoyed it. I will probably read the next book.
February 6, 2026
Two Things That Didn't Work
I really enjoyed the first book in this series. And, that was a 5 star rating. But two huge things really didn't work in this book.
Other than the below criticisms, it was a decent book.
***SPOILER ALERT***
-The character Lake using "they/them" pronouns. I don't care about the whole preferred pronoun thing, but reading "they" and "them" is jarring when I had to take myself out of the fantasy of the story and check if the author was referring to Lake only or multiple characters.
-Eden's confrontation of the widow at her husband's funeral was horrible and cruel. Even written later as Eden realizing she made a mistake, who would do that under any circumstances?
I really enjoyed the first book in this series. And, that was a 5 star rating. But two huge things really didn't work in this book.
Other than the below criticisms, it was a decent book.
***SPOILER ALERT***
-The character Lake using "they/them" pronouns. I don't care about the whole preferred pronoun thing, but reading "they" and "them" is jarring when I had to take myself out of the fantasy of the story and check if the author was referring to Lake only or multiple characters.
-Eden's confrontation of the widow at her husband's funeral was horrible and cruel. Even written later as Eden realizing she made a mistake, who would do that under any circumstances?
January 26, 2025
This is the second book in the rookie Eden Mercer K-9 Mystery series by Paige Black. I did not like the topic of the book due to the awful school and parents that do not check out where they ship their children when they are disappointed in them.
My heart went out to all the children that were treated badly. I did like the mystery part of the book but was happy to wrap it up and put it behind me.
I did like the mentoring by Detective Hank and Shadow is doing well in his tracking capabilities.
Thanks to Booksprout for allowing me to read the book. These are my opinions.
The narrator did a wonderful job.
My heart went out to all the children that were treated badly. I did like the mystery part of the book but was happy to wrap it up and put it behind me.
I did like the mentoring by Detective Hank and Shadow is doing well in his tracking capabilities.
Thanks to Booksprout for allowing me to read the book. These are my opinions.
The narrator did a wonderful job.
March 13, 2025
In book 2 of the series, Eden and her police dog investigate a murder at a facility for "troubled" teenagers and stumble upon all sorts of abuse. Why would parents commit their children to a place like this at a tuition 0f 70K per year? The money is definitely not going to the kids.
"Eden Mercer, now a rising star in Nightfall's police department, faces her most challenging case yet. When a staff member is found dead at the secretive Cascade Residential Academy deep in the Oregon woods, Eden and her loyal K-9 partner, Shadow, are thrust into a dark world of troubled teens and sinister secrets."
"Eden Mercer, now a rising star in Nightfall's police department, faces her most challenging case yet. When a staff member is found dead at the secretive Cascade Residential Academy deep in the Oregon woods, Eden and her loyal K-9 partner, Shadow, are thrust into a dark world of troubled teens and sinister secrets."
May 19, 2026
Good story and loved continuing the series
Eden Mercer is now a police officer but was trapped during her childhood in a cult that her Mother and her father one of the Elders of the cult. This case is about a school that takes in troubled youth for a fee from the parents. One girl was sent to the school by her parents because she liked girls. She was tortured in the guise of discipline. A staff person is killed at the school and the school officials did not want any investigation conducted at the school so they said it was an accident. Not so fast. Mercer and her partner, Hanks, investigate anyway and good thing they did.
Eden Mercer is now a police officer but was trapped during her childhood in a cult that her Mother and her father one of the Elders of the cult. This case is about a school that takes in troubled youth for a fee from the parents. One girl was sent to the school by her parents because she liked girls. She was tortured in the guise of discipline. A staff person is killed at the school and the school officials did not want any investigation conducted at the school so they said it was an accident. Not so fast. Mercer and her partner, Hanks, investigate anyway and good thing they did.
March 30, 2026
The cruelty of a reform school. A teacher dead. Accident or murder? A missing student. Past and present violence. Eden, Shadow, Hanks on the case. LGBT elements.
A complicated, well written, well paced plot. Love these characters. Lots of edge of your seat moments. An awesome read/listen.
I am loving this series so far.
The narrator, Hannah Somerville, IS the voice of Zoe in my mind. And her Hanks voice is perfect, too, for this older grumpy detective. 5 stars for her, as well.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A complicated, well written, well paced plot. Love these characters. Lots of edge of your seat moments. An awesome read/listen.
I am loving this series so far.
The narrator, Hannah Somerville, IS the voice of Zoe in my mind. And her Hanks voice is perfect, too, for this older grumpy detective. 5 stars for her, as well.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2026
The first book was so good - entertaining and easy to listen to and well drawn out characters who have a back story which is slowly unravelling, I went straight onto the second book. This did not disappoint and we learnt more about the main characters and they are growing. It looks like more information is going to come out re the cult, currently been drip feed.
The crime itself was scary - as a parent I just cant imagine sending my children to a school like that and I hope that they dont exist in the UK or Australia.
The crime itself was scary - as a parent I just cant imagine sending my children to a school like that and I hope that they dont exist in the UK or Australia.
January 11, 2025
Loved the narration of Hannah Somerville
Eden is a police officer working on becoming a detective. With her partner Hank and dog Shadow they find them selves looking for a killer at a private school. The school is for troubled teenagers. They must uncover the truth about the school and the death of a staff’s member or things will get worse.
Eden and her sister had once been raised in a religious cult until they escaped. Which helps you understand her ways.
Eden is a police officer working on becoming a detective. With her partner Hank and dog Shadow they find them selves looking for a killer at a private school. The school is for troubled teenagers. They must uncover the truth about the school and the death of a staff’s member or things will get worse.
Eden and her sister had once been raised in a religious cult until they escaped. Which helps you understand her ways.
January 28, 2025
This is the second book in the Eden Mercer K-9 mysteries and I highly recommend it. This first book was excellent and this book was even better. When someone on staff at the highly secretive Cascade residential Academy that his hidden deep in the Oregon woods. Eden and her K-9 partner Shadow must investigate. Eden begins to uncover corruption and abuse at the academy and the danger accelerates immediately.
April 29, 2025
Again another good book. I like the MC is getting out more and coming out of her shell. Also love the partnership between her and Hanks. Another one where the author did a lot of research on the subject matter. Still love the dog, and how well he is written. Also it went by quickly, so the pace is great. This one I did guess who the killer was but after reading the reviews it seems like I’m in the minority. Well on to the next.
August 24, 2025
Deadly Lesson by Paige Black is an amazing K-9 crime mystery thriller. Hannah Somerville did an amazing job with the narration. The story is thrilling, engaging, entertaining, funny and more. Deadly Lessons is the second book in Eden Mercer K-9 Mystery Thriller series. Can Eden and Shadow find out who killed at the academy before it to late?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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