For fans of gripping thrillers and intense police procedurals comes a chilling tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.Eden Mercer, a determined young officer in Nightfall, Oregon, is making strides to overcome her traumatic past in a fundamentalist cult. With her loyal K-9 partner, Shadow, at her side, she's ready to tackle any challenge.
When a local journalist goes missing after attending a writers' conference, Eden is thrust into a twisted web of deceit and danger. The journalist had been investigating rumors of crimes committed by the conference organizers. As Eden delves deeper, she uncovers disturbing connections between the missing woman and the literary world, leading her down a path darker than she could have imagined.
The case takes a sinister turn when Eden discovers a pattern of secrets and lies spanning years. Each revelation brings her closer to a horrifying truth hidden in a remote cabin. As the stakes escalate and the clues point back to Eden’s own haunted past, she realizes that solving this case means confronting her deepest fears. Failure could mean more lives lost and the continuation of a violent cycle that hits too close to home.
With time running out, Eden must navigate a labyrinth of deception, literary intrigue, and lethal obsession to save the latest victim and stop a killer.
Dive into "Lethal Lines" and lose yourself in a pulse-pounding story that will leave you questioning the power of words.
Paige 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.
I’m really enjoying this series. I’m intrigued with the running thread about her past and ready to see how it turns out. I’m also loving how her relationship with her mentor Hank is progressing and how he listens to her instincts. I’m looking forward to more in this series.
When Jessica Fields, a journalist posing as an aspiring author at a writers retreat to gain information about the activities of the retreat organizers, goes missing, Officer Eden Mercer of the Nightfall, OR police department is assigned to the case. Officer Mercer, her K9 partner, Shadow, and mentor, Detective Hanks pursue all leads. This is an opportunity to prove that Eden will one day be qualified to earn her detectives shield. The excitement in this book ramps up with each passing hour, making this fast read. The characters are well developed. I recommend this story. It held my attention and I will be reading more in The Eden Mercer K9 Mystery series. Release date: 11/8/2024.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When I first started listening to this book I didn't think it was as good as the previous books but it soon had me hooked and I loved. I think it was because it was slow to start with setting the scene. It also gives you two perspectives, so while you wanted Eden to hurry up and find a clue, you were also curious as to why Jessica was taken and wanted to get back to her to learn more. The reason she was taken was unusual and was very well crafted and timed to keep you wanting more. I could see this series being made into a tv show, especially as the author has created a wonderful cast of characters in Eden, Hanks and of course Shadow. I don't think shadow had much to do in this investigation but of course he is there when Eden and Hanks needs him. The nice thing about this series is Eden is human and not a super hero that knows everything and picks up every clue like some, she works things out and also comes from a troubled past. We learn a little but more about that with each new book, as she is trying to find her family that she left behind when she escaped an unusual up bringing. That all combines to keep me up late into the night and eagerly awaiting the next book.
Eden and Hanks get called in by a writer when her friend and assistant doesn't make it home from a writers conference. They quickly learn that the missing woman wasn't who she pretended to be and trouble from the conference might have followed her home, it's not just a missing person case anymore. Jessica is a reporter and was investigating the conference but is that what got her kidnapped. Something more is going on at the conference than writing, the owners won't talk to them and authors are giving them the run around. Then they turn up a possible connection to another missing writer, could they be connected? If so what does that mean for Jessica? Time is running out and Eden, Hanks and Shadow will have to piece together the clues in order to find her in time and find out what happened to the other missing. I liked the narrator. She was the reason I started listening to this series but the great stories created by the author now has me reading and listening to them. I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I devoured the first two books in this series so I was really looking forward to this one. And I wasn’t disappointed.
I’ve really enjoyed the way Ms Black has built the description of the tiny Police Department of Nightfall in the midst of the beautiful wooded Oregon across the books. Each one has added another layer and this book is no different as we learn more.
This one is centred around a missing reporter from the local newspaper. No stranger to delving into investigative stories, Jessica Fields is undercover whilst helping her best friend and novelist, Stephanie Baker, at the author conference, “Portland Thriller Fest.” Looking into the organisers, she suspects a cover up but it’s not until she’s on her way home does she disappear completely leaving her friend convinced something has happened when the phone goes dead.
Detective Hanks and Officer Eden Mercer with her trusty K-9, Shadow, pick up the case and from then on in a rollercoaster of leads, dead ends, twists and turns take us across Oregon from the city of Portland to the deepest woods, meeting a smooth-talking world famous author, stalling-assistants and devious organisers.
This novel brings Detective Hanks more to life as he’s gone from grouchy, lone-wolf and only detective in Nightfall, to including and mentoring his new sidekick and trainee detective (in all but name) Mercer. Eden has also grown under his tutelage although we hear less of Nathan giving her pep talks than we did in the earlier books (and I kinda miss Nathan). But Eden is learning to trust her instincts more and it shows as she’s growing into her role and by the end of this book, she’s much more the future detective she wants to be. Not to be left behind, Shadow finally gets to show his mettle in a showdown towards the end of the story, too, and he definitely earns his treats!
I really enjoyed this twist on what might seem to be a well-known tale (it’s certainly not what you think it’s going to be!) so hold onto your hats, and grab your coffee to go because you’ll need to keep your wits about you for this story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lethal Lines is a great third installment in the Eden Mercer series. With a complex plot that kept twisting and turning, I was hooked on this audiobook right away. Eden is such a diverse study, and her character development throughout this series has been so fascinating. She has a brilliant mind and great instincts, but her social skills are definitely lacking. It’s to be expected given all we have learned so far about her unusual upbringing. Listening to her navigate what is arguably a grade school style crush on a colleague as a side plot throughout the series is a lovely break in the intensity of trying to identify and apprehend the perpetrator. Her mentor is such a fun and unique character, and her partner Shadow is outstanding in his capacity as a working police dog. I always chuckle at Eden’s grandmother and her insistence on making her muck—I mean coffee—and how Eden chooses to navigate her blood family situation is really interesting. While each book in this series could be read as a stand-alone, things make more sense if you enjoy them all in order. I adore how this author focuses on the case as the main storyline and we get to experience bits and pieces of Eden’s personal life along the way.
The narrator does a decent job of delivering the story with emotion and inflection—her performances have gotten better with each audiobook—though she occasionally still has moments where the delivery is a bit disjointed. Her voice is smooth and easy to listen to, and her portrayal of the characters fits in line with how I imaged them when I read the ebook version of the story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I know this author from another genre and loved everyone of her books. This is a pretty new genre for her. I liked the plot and the characters, but I definitely have issues with some things. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. I know Paige is a great author, so I'm surprised by the items that bugged me. I will read the next book regardless. With that in mind, some of the issues below may be because my copy was pre-final edit.
1 The main character, Eden Mercer, apparently can't function without sleep. The night she's called to a disappearance and works well through the night, goes home sometime early morning, and her partner, Hanks, tells her to come in at 11 a.m. This is a police officer (for 5 years), and once she comes in, the entire day she's exhausted and yawning and moaning about one night with a few hours of sleep! This character needs to get a grip - she's a cop with lots of sleepness nights ahead of her. It gets better the more days without sleep she has.
2 Shadow - her K-9 officer who mostly sleeps. Why did they wait 48 hours before using him to search for the victim?
3 What is this thing with Det. Wilder? I understand because of her backstory why she would be shy. However, she's 29. He's a grown man, so why in book 3 did I feel like I was witnessing high school when they were left alone? I'm more concerned about him than her.
I would have given this book 3.5 stars if it was available.
I really like the Eden Mercer character, and her backstory is unique and interesting. The plot of this book (and the last two) are very good.
A journalist posing as a helper at a booth in a book author's convention goes missing, and Eden, her K9 companion and her detective partner have to find her before she's killed.
Good characters, good plot.
However, I have more than a few bones to pick. This author has broken into the "Mystery/Thriller" genre, but there are so many "Cozy" elements that this series just doesn't get there.
Eden has a trained K9 named Shadow. He's lovable and will stay with anyone who feeds him treats. Not believable.
Eden wants to be a detective, so is training with an older, experienced detective. He calls her "kid". It's condescending and unnecessary. She's 29 years old, and if she wants to be taken seriously, she needs to shut that down.
She lives with her Grandma and sister in a cozy Victorian within walking distance to a coffee shop with a cutesy name and free dog treats.
Don't get me wrong, I like this series, and this book, but it straddles the line between genres, leaning more toward the "Cozy" side.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So I’ve given the first two 4 stars, this one again very well researched and not a bad story line. I was honestly going to give it a two, just because this storyline just wasn’t as interesting to me. That is totally my preference and has nothing to do with the author! Please know that!! The reason I don’t give it a two was the ending. That climax and actually seeing Shadow in action was probably one of my favorite moments in any of these three books. I will not give it away, but Eden had the correct reaction to seeing I’m in action so that made it so much more believable!!
Lastly, another reason it’s 3 instead of two is the partnership between her, Hanks and Shadow. I loved the last chapter where they went on a trip, again not spoiling anything but those last few pages showed how well bonded these two characters are. I started book one thinking this was a romantic suspense because I need some romance but for me to stay in this series says a lot about the story and development of the characters so much so I can’t wait until the next one! Again, it was just a preference with Jessica’s POV that I didn’t like reading about so please continue this series!
Lethal Lines is the third in the Eden Mercer series. From the very beginning the story captivates you with the violent disappearance of a journalist who is beginning to gather information for a story she is investigating. The whole story is filled with suspense, mystery and adventure. Because the journalist is local to Nightfall, Oregon, the team of Eden, Detective Hanks and of course Shadow work together to find the answers to the disappearance. There are many twists and turns which lead you down various paths trying to figure out the mysteries, which make this one of those stories hard to stop listening to. You also learn more about Eden’s continuing quest to find her family that is still in the cult her father rules. Hannah Somerville’s narration is very well done as she continues to build the suspense throughout keeping me on the edge of my seat at times. This book is one of Paige Black’s best, and the audiobook is even better because it really brings the characters to life. Give it a listen. I know you will enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s not easy to concoct a new and different evil motivation behind a serial kidnapper/murderer’s crimes, but that’s what the author of this book has done. Eden, now becoming even more comfortable and confident in her role as a police officer and aspiring detective, works on the missing person case of Jessica, a woman who disappeared on her way back home from a writer’s conference. Jessica, a reporter, was working on an expose of the conference organizers, following up on rumors of possible fraud. The story alternates between the police investigation and Jessica’s imprisonment by a cold and implacable woman who makes unusual demands on her prisoner. Jessica endures torture when she defies the woman and is soon broken down. This is a multi-layered story, with several themes skillfully interwoven, with a satisfying mystery and thrilling conclusion. I’m continuing to enjoy this series and look forward to the next entry.
The third book in the series has Eden and Detective Hanks involved in a missing persons case. Strange motive for the kidnapping. Also, we finally get to see Shadow, the dog, in action. Full of suspense. "Eden Mercer, a determined young officer in Nightfall, Oregon, is making strides to overcome her traumatic past in a fundamentalist cult. With her loyal K-9 partner, Shadow, at her side, she's ready to tackle any challenge. When a local journalist goes missing after attending a writers' conference, Eden is thrust into a twisted web of deceit and danger. The journalist had been investigating rumors of crimes committed by the conference organizers. As Eden delves deeper, she uncovers disturbing connections between the missing woman and the literary world, leading her down a path darker than she could have imagined." synopsis copied
poor Eden; she seems to attract the weird and deadly
A missing local journalist-cum-kidnap victim case becomes a matter for Eden and Detective Hanks when the local Chief - and sole law enforcement officer - has his hands full.
A convention with a slew of authors from the nationwide bestselling author to fledgling aspiring writers. Some participants are raising questions with the organizers about the fees paid for participation - and Nightfall’s intrepid reporter - seeking answers - attends the event sub rosa as her friend’s go-fer.
At the conclusion of the event, the two friends part ways, in their separate vehicles.
Paige Black had me hooked from the very beginning! I loved the fast pace action and the ending was so good! This books follows Eden Mercer and her K-9 dog, shadow. Together they solve the disappearance of a journalist, Jessica. But what Eden discovers goes deeper than she could possibly imagine.
This was the first book I have read by Paige Black and I will definitely dive into her other novels! The only reason this book was a 4 star was the swearing in this book, there were a few F words and I don’t enjoy reading that in books.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I love when a series hooks me by making me care about a character like Eden and her story, while being involved in the dark mystery. With each of these three books (so far waiting for morre!), I feel like I'm checking in and visiting friends who live in Nightfall. I happen to be a fan of the author's other pen name, so I already knew I could rely on her to craft an engaging world, but I truly believe each Paige Black book is better than the one before. It's dark without being too dark, suspenseful, and multifaceted!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 3rd book in the Eden Mercer K-9 mystery and I love it. I mean who doesn't love a good mystery and a dog?? Eden is a police officer in Oregon who was traumatized by a cult when she was younger and is trying to get her life back. her K-9 partner Shadow is always by her side to help with anything. Shadow and Eden are on the case of a missing journalist and hopes to solve the case quickly but so many things happen quickly that it leaves Eden struggling to find the girl before it's too late.
This is the third book in the Eden Mercer K-9 Mystery Thriller series. I really enjoy following Eden’s investigations — she’s clever, determined, and easy to root for. The storyline is gripping and intense, filled with intrigue, danger, mystery, and twists. The plot is well crafted and keeps you hooked from start to finish. Hannah Somerville did an excellent job bringing the story and characters to life. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great Eden Mercer novel by Paige Black! I'm never disappointed I have to say and I'm always on the edge of my seat by the ending because I know there is going to be a big twist! I thought the idea of the writer kidnapping writers to write his own books and holding them hostage for years was quite a sadistic plot and and a great puzzle for Eden and Hanks! All and all it was a fantastic book and I would recommend as a 10 out of 10!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The storyline itself was good, I was definitely surprised; although I did figure out who was involved by the middle of the book. The background situations were interesting, and this will follow into the next few books, I imagine. I love that she has a K9, there's so much that can be done with that. I'm looking forward to reading the next few books (hopefully) in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an amazing read by a truly gifted author. I love this author's work and this series does not disappoint. Eden and her K9, Shadow, are on the trail of a missing reporter who disappeared on the way back from an author convention where she helped a friend of hers for the weekend. Did she just walk away or is there something more sinister involved and can Eden and Shadow solve this before it's too late? Wonderful read.
Eden and Hank are pulled into a crazy serial killer mystery.
Eden and Hank, her mentor at the police station, fall into a case. It starts with a local journalist that comes up missing after attending the Portland mysteries book show. They find themselves involved in a serial murder and a charity con at the same time. This puts the missing and themselves at risk. Add on Eden gets another taste of information on her missing family members.
I enjoyed this mystery novel very much. Edens dubious background gives her an extra edge in detecting crime. With her K-9 companion and her mentor she can figure out just about anything. This particular book has a very interesting plot I've not seen before. A missing woman with very few clues to go on. Can they find her in time? Narration is good, the only minus is the echo and background noises.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When a journalist goes missing it is up to Officer Mercer and her K9 partner, Shadow to uncover what happened. With timing running out will Eden be able to uncover the truth. While this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. A great read for thriller fans. I am really enjoying reading the Eden Mercer Mystery Thrillers and I hope the series doesn't come to an end anytime soon.
I’m enjoying Eden Mercer. She is a good character and I’m loving her K9. The relationship between her and her mentor Hank, is such a lovely bond. This book was action packed and well written. I’m loving the little tidbits about Eden’s childhood throughout the book. I can’t wait til the next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
High three. I think it could have been written better, but it was a great premise! This author seems to be more adventurous in choosing the plot than usual police procedural/mystery. I find that the author chops a lot of scene out however. They find the cabin, next thing it's days later and the bad guys went to jail.
Lethal Lines Book 3 of Eden Mercer Mystery Thrillers by Paige Black is an excellent continuation of the series, full of action, suspense and twists and turns to keep the reader interested. Hannah Somerville does a good job voicing the story. I can't wait to read/listen more!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m hooked on this series. I love the undercurrent of the detective’s personal story with the cases they work in each book, reminiscent of CSI or Law and Order. Easy to follow and visualize, the cases are gripping and thrilling.
Such a great author I’m glad to have found her and I usually listen on Spotify!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Eden grew up in a cult and escaped with her sister when she was 14. She is now a police officer in Nightfall with a k-9 Shadow and a mentor, detective Hanks. Each book has a police mystery storyline, but also a continuation as Eden searches for her mother and other siblings. I will read more in the series.
Officer Eden Mercer of the Nightfall, OR, police department along with her K9 are tasked with finding a missing journalist. Lots of action and suspense will keep you reading way past midnight! Highly recommended this series and looking forward to the next book!
Can Eden, Hanks and Shadow find Jessica before is too late? All the clues point to a writer's signing in Portland that Jessica attended undercover with her best friend. Well writen and full if twist. A gret thriller.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This series just keeps getting better! This book doesn't jump right in, it rolls up the hill and comes barreling down to a mighty crescendo. Then leaves with a cliff hanger. Always leave 'em wanting more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.