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A Salem's Cipher Mystery #2
Mercy's Chase
9 hours, 54 minutes
What if everything you thought you knew about Stonehenge was wrong?
When agoraphobic genius Salem Wiley lands her dream job as an FBI cryptanalyst, she vows never to return to the witch hunt underworld, where ancient secrets encrypted by hunted women have the power to rewrite history. Her resolve disappears when sweet Mercy Mayfair, the child she is pledged to protect, is kidnapped. With the help of the enigmatic Agent Lucan Stone, Salem is forced to code hunt in Ireland, England, and Scotland to keep the girl alive. As the clock ticks, she must face the terrible truth that there is only one way to free Mercy: crack the unbreakable code of Stonehenge.
What if everything you thought you knew about Stonehenge was wrong?
When agoraphobic genius Salem Wiley lands her dream job as an FBI cryptanalyst, she vows never to return to the witch hunt underworld, where ancient secrets encrypted by hunted women have the power to rewrite history. Her resolve disappears when sweet Mercy Mayfair, the child she is pledged to protect, is kidnapped. With the help of the enigmatic Agent Lucan Stone, Salem is forced to code hunt in Ireland, England, and Scotland to keep the girl alive. As the clock ticks, she must face the terrible truth that there is only one way to free Mercy: crack the unbreakable code of Stonehenge.
10 pages, Audiobook
Published August 19, 2025
465 people are currently reading
4903 people want to read
About the author
Jess Lourey
49 books4,384 followersMy name is Jess Lourey, and I write about secrets.
The story of my first published novel is both devastating and transformative, something I speak about in my TEDx Talk (https://youtu.be/a5vSLh3oPXI). I've come a long way since then. I'm proud to call myself a bestselling, twice Edgar-nominated, and twice Goodreads Readers Choice Awards shortlisted author who has won the ITW Thriller, Minnesota Book, and Anthony Awards. I write crime fiction, young adult, nonfiction, children's books, and book club fiction.
I've reached over a million readers since 2020. I'm also a former writing and sociology professor who still loves to teach transformative creative writing workshops built around my Rewrite Your Life method.
I live in Minneapolis with a rotating batch of foster kittens (and occasional foster puppies, but man those goobers are a lot of work). Pop on over to Lourey's Literati, my VIP Reader group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/38538...) and/or sign up for my molasses newsletter (https://jessicalourey.com/newsletter) for the latest news, giveaways, and insider information.
p.s. You can find the Unspeakable Things epilogue here: https://jessicalourey.com/survey-two.
The story of my first published novel is both devastating and transformative, something I speak about in my TEDx Talk (https://youtu.be/a5vSLh3oPXI). I've come a long way since then. I'm proud to call myself a bestselling, twice Edgar-nominated, and twice Goodreads Readers Choice Awards shortlisted author who has won the ITW Thriller, Minnesota Book, and Anthony Awards. I write crime fiction, young adult, nonfiction, children's books, and book club fiction.
I've reached over a million readers since 2020. I'm also a former writing and sociology professor who still loves to teach transformative creative writing workshops built around my Rewrite Your Life method.
I live in Minneapolis with a rotating batch of foster kittens (and occasional foster puppies, but man those goobers are a lot of work). Pop on over to Lourey's Literati, my VIP Reader group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/38538...) and/or sign up for my molasses newsletter (https://jessicalourey.com/newsletter) for the latest news, giveaways, and insider information.
p.s. You can find the Unspeakable Things epilogue here: https://jessicalourey.com/survey-two.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
April 1, 2024
This is book two in the Salem’s Cipher series. This is being republished and while I don’t think the writing is quite as excellent as this authors more recent books it is a fun ride. The game for world dominance between The Order and The Underground continues and this time Salem is tasked to solve the riddles in the Stonehenge Cipher. The stakes seem even higher this time because The Order has Mercy and if Salem doesn’t solve the train and give the location to The Order they will kill her. Salem feels guilty because she knows if it wasn’t for her Mercy would be safe. I like the ties of history with the fast paced spy novel setting. I also love the way that female voices are highlighted especially historical ones. These books were interesting and I wouldn’t mind the series continuing now.
March 11, 2024
This is the second book os the Salem’s Cipher series. I wasn’t a huge fan of the first one, however, I requested these at the same time. The writing is more elementary compared to The Taken Ones, which I loved! I am sure this is just growth on the writers part. Which is fine.
Salem Wiley is a cryptanalysis for government. She works with the country’s national security programs. She broke a code and saved her mother’s life in the first book.
Mercy, a seven year old has been kidnapped by The Order, a secret society. She is being forced to figure out the secret codes of Stonehenge for Mercy’s life.
This was just an okay read for me. Some of it is confusing for sure. I felt this was somewhat slow as well. I do enjoy Jess Lourey’s later works and will definitely read more by her, I’m just not a huge fan of secret code books, example…. The Da Vinci Code. If you are fan of those types, this might be one to check out!
I’d like to thank Thomas& Mercer, NetGalley and Jess Lourey for the opportunity. All opinions are my own. Publication date for the kindle edition is March 26, 2024.
3 ⭐️
Salem Wiley is a cryptanalysis for government. She works with the country’s national security programs. She broke a code and saved her mother’s life in the first book.
Mercy, a seven year old has been kidnapped by The Order, a secret society. She is being forced to figure out the secret codes of Stonehenge for Mercy’s life.
This was just an okay read for me. Some of it is confusing for sure. I felt this was somewhat slow as well. I do enjoy Jess Lourey’s later works and will definitely read more by her, I’m just not a huge fan of secret code books, example…. The Da Vinci Code. If you are fan of those types, this might be one to check out!
I’d like to thank Thomas& Mercer, NetGalley and Jess Lourey for the opportunity. All opinions are my own. Publication date for the kindle edition is March 26, 2024.
3 ⭐️
January 18, 2021
I absolutely LOVED Bloodline, the newest series by Jess Lourey so I decided to pick up another book or two by the author. Salem's Cipher is a fast paced thriller revolving around Salem and her childhood friend, Bel. The two women were raised under auspice of parents who belong to a secret society known as the Underground, a society that revolves around the power of the female. Of course, they are opposed by "the Order" a group of very powerful, extremely wealthy men. When Salem and Bel's mothers are kidnapped, they are charged with solving a series of ciphers in order to discover what is truly going on.
Most reviewers compare Salem's Cipher and the subsequent book, Mercy's Chase, to Dan Brown's books, particularly Angels and Demons. I've read all of Dan Brown and I found that this series is more similar to James Rollins' books. Both include underground subversives, both revolve around a massive amount of history and both contain a fair amount of action. Also, they stretch the reader to the point of disbelieving.... except.
If you follow the history that is presented in both books, Salem's Cipher and Mercy's Chase, you're going to find a whole lot of facts about women that you never knew existed. If you've been following current events in the US, well ever, but particularly over the past few month (November 2020 through the present, January 2021) you shouldn't have any problem comprehending the fact that there ARE subversive groups in the US. Someone is funding these Fascist groups, now aren't they? The interesting thing about both books is that they don't necessarily lean one way or another politically. They lean hard on being pro-Female and that is where I fall as well. I'm tired of pretending that men are the best and brightest in our culture when, in fact, we - women - have sat silently on the sidelines allowing them to get the glory for OUR work. So, with that in mind, I hope you will read these books AND follow up with your research. You will be amazed at what history has to show you!
For the sake of reviewing both books simultaneously, Salem's Cipher was a better read than the second book, Mercy's Chase but both were fascinating.
Most reviewers compare Salem's Cipher and the subsequent book, Mercy's Chase, to Dan Brown's books, particularly Angels and Demons. I've read all of Dan Brown and I found that this series is more similar to James Rollins' books. Both include underground subversives, both revolve around a massive amount of history and both contain a fair amount of action. Also, they stretch the reader to the point of disbelieving.... except.
If you follow the history that is presented in both books, Salem's Cipher and Mercy's Chase, you're going to find a whole lot of facts about women that you never knew existed. If you've been following current events in the US, well ever, but particularly over the past few month (November 2020 through the present, January 2021) you shouldn't have any problem comprehending the fact that there ARE subversive groups in the US. Someone is funding these Fascist groups, now aren't they? The interesting thing about both books is that they don't necessarily lean one way or another politically. They lean hard on being pro-Female and that is where I fall as well. I'm tired of pretending that men are the best and brightest in our culture when, in fact, we - women - have sat silently on the sidelines allowing them to get the glory for OUR work. So, with that in mind, I hope you will read these books AND follow up with your research. You will be amazed at what history has to show you!
For the sake of reviewing both books simultaneously, Salem's Cipher was a better read than the second book, Mercy's Chase but both were fascinating.
March 28, 2024
I truly wish there were more novels in this series, as I read through Salem's Cipher and Mercy's Chase in two days, about as fast as the pace of the novels is. In Mercy's Chase we follow Salem separately as she becomes an FBI code breaker and is assigned a special Presidential duty to rescue a kidnapped girl. Like in Salem's Cipher, the secret societies continue to wage war against one another, with the patriarchy attempting to hold strong to the male power in place. Salem must track clues and break codes from Ireland to London in Mercy's Chase, this time by trusting the strangers placed in her path and strong in the belief that Stonehenge's secret can be revealed.
Mercy's Chase was much quicker than Salem's Cipher, but no less interesting. I loved the mix of modern-day mystery with the historical background. Salem comes into her own in this novel, with her confidence boosted by the incredible people she meets who push her, both negatively and positively, to solve one of the world's longest unsolved mysteries.
arc provided.
Mercy's Chase was much quicker than Salem's Cipher, but no less interesting. I loved the mix of modern-day mystery with the historical background. Salem comes into her own in this novel, with her confidence boosted by the incredible people she meets who push her, both negatively and positively, to solve one of the world's longest unsolved mysteries.
arc provided.
August 28, 2018
This is the second book in the Salem’s Cipher series by Jess Lourey and while the book’s blurb is very enticing the book itself is less impressive.
Salem Wiley is cryptanalysis savant who is working with a secret U.S. group to break codes while she develops GAEA, a quantum computing program to help keep the country’s national security programs superior to foreign programs and systems.
In the series first book, Salem broke a code that led to great treasure as well as saving her mother’s life and that of 7-year-old Mercy with whom she has become incredibly close. In addition, Bel, her childhood friend, managed to save the life of Gina Hayes, the first female President of the United States.
It seems there is an ancient conspiracy that revolves around two groups: The Hermitage (or the Order in Europe) that is run by men and The Underground, run by women. The Underground is dedicated to “cracking ciphers rumored to lead to a truth that would right history and restore women’s global power”.
In this adventure Salem is forced to figure out the secrets of Stonehenge in exchange for Mercy’s life since she has been kidnapped by the Order. Of course, the Order has assassins trailing Salem and her partner, an MI5 agent, to make sure they know when she has solved the “code” or mystery of Stonehenge.
While the premise is good the execution is somewhat weak. The pace is a little irregular as character confusion distracts along with a few unrealistic steps here and there on the way to the solution. What really works are the detailed descriptions of how Salem puzzles through to find the hidden places in which clues are found.
Salem Wiley is cryptanalysis savant who is working with a secret U.S. group to break codes while she develops GAEA, a quantum computing program to help keep the country’s national security programs superior to foreign programs and systems.
In the series first book, Salem broke a code that led to great treasure as well as saving her mother’s life and that of 7-year-old Mercy with whom she has become incredibly close. In addition, Bel, her childhood friend, managed to save the life of Gina Hayes, the first female President of the United States.
It seems there is an ancient conspiracy that revolves around two groups: The Hermitage (or the Order in Europe) that is run by men and The Underground, run by women. The Underground is dedicated to “cracking ciphers rumored to lead to a truth that would right history and restore women’s global power”.
In this adventure Salem is forced to figure out the secrets of Stonehenge in exchange for Mercy’s life since she has been kidnapped by the Order. Of course, the Order has assassins trailing Salem and her partner, an MI5 agent, to make sure they know when she has solved the “code” or mystery of Stonehenge.
While the premise is good the execution is somewhat weak. The pace is a little irregular as character confusion distracts along with a few unrealistic steps here and there on the way to the solution. What really works are the detailed descriptions of how Salem puzzles through to find the hidden places in which clues are found.
August 25, 2018
This is the second book in a series. I read the first and was totally unimpressed, but decided to read the second just to give the series a chance. I have loved the other books by this author in the past. But this one was just another disappointment. I will not read any more of this series as there are many choices to be made in reading material that I find more uplifting and enlightening.
While I can understand some of the language used by the "bad guys" I was horrified that the f-word frequently appeared in the text. There were numerous other terms used that I also would prefer to not have repeatedly drilled into my brain. The problem is that once read, it is impossible to unread. I felt that the characters could have used other words, terms, expressions that would not have been as offensive and the change would not have harmed the story line.
I am very sorry that I ever requested these books from NetGalley and will be much more careful about Jess Lourey's books in the future.
Sadly, I don't think I can recommend this book to anyone.
While I can understand some of the language used by the "bad guys" I was horrified that the f-word frequently appeared in the text. There were numerous other terms used that I also would prefer to not have repeatedly drilled into my brain. The problem is that once read, it is impossible to unread. I felt that the characters could have used other words, terms, expressions that would not have been as offensive and the change would not have harmed the story line.
I am very sorry that I ever requested these books from NetGalley and will be much more careful about Jess Lourey's books in the future.
Sadly, I don't think I can recommend this book to anyone.
March 27, 2024
I read Mercy's Chase in one day, I just couldn't stop reading it! The story is rich in historic details, it has beautiful descriptions of celebrated landmarks as Stonehenge, and is action packed with likeable characters. It also depicts the importance of women through times and their contribution in diverse areas as different as medicine or agriculture. Mercy's Chase is also full of conspiracies that does not enable Salem to trust anyone as nothing is as it seems. Her major power is her capacity to decipher codes, ciphers, and apply her analytical mind to analyse what goes on in the world, therefore, bringing power and knowledge to those with whom she works.
I thank Ms. Lourey, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank Ms. Lourey, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
August 19, 2025
4 star read for me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This is the second book in the Salem character series. It’s a twisty thriller filled with cryptography and ancient findings. Will keep you guessing till the very end trying to solve the clues and catch up to kidnapped Mercy. Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the early audible arc.
November 15, 2024
Salem Wiley finds herself working for the FBI in London in this sequel to SALEM'S CIPHER. She's still an agoraphobe who would much rather be at home in Minneapolis working on her potentially ground-breaking computer program. And she does not want to be in the Underground which has furthered the bad relationship she's had with her mother since her father died when she was twelve.
However, there is an up-coming climate conference that the new President Hayes will be attending, and the FBI is concerned with the various threats made to assassinate her. Investigating one threat leads to Ireland and the discovery of a small, buried copy of Stonehenge which Salem sees as a feminist symbol and a possible code.
When her young friend Mercy is kidnapped by the evil Order that wants to keep things in the hands of the patriarchy, Mercy finds herself swept into solving a cipher that has eluded both the Underground and the Order for centuries if she wants to save Mercy's life.
Mercy knows that the Order is watching, and she doesn't know who she can trust, but she knows she needs to find the answer. She's swept way out of her comfort zone as she travels to Stonehenge, other henges in Scotland, sea caves and the Queen's Robing Room at the House of Parliament as she struggles to solve the code in time.
I enjoyed this fast-paced thriller. I liked the intrigue. I liked the various sites Salem visits. I liked the historical details.
However, there is an up-coming climate conference that the new President Hayes will be attending, and the FBI is concerned with the various threats made to assassinate her. Investigating one threat leads to Ireland and the discovery of a small, buried copy of Stonehenge which Salem sees as a feminist symbol and a possible code.
When her young friend Mercy is kidnapped by the evil Order that wants to keep things in the hands of the patriarchy, Mercy finds herself swept into solving a cipher that has eluded both the Underground and the Order for centuries if she wants to save Mercy's life.
Mercy knows that the Order is watching, and she doesn't know who she can trust, but she knows she needs to find the answer. She's swept way out of her comfort zone as she travels to Stonehenge, other henges in Scotland, sea caves and the Queen's Robing Room at the House of Parliament as she struggles to solve the code in time.
I enjoyed this fast-paced thriller. I liked the intrigue. I liked the various sites Salem visits. I liked the historical details.
June 18, 2024
(( audiobook ))
More DaVinci Code-esque clue solving, picking up where Salem's Cipher left off. The characters were a little all over the place, but there was a fun (if predictable) twist at the end -- this seems like it needs a third book, though, to really wrap things up and make all of the searching and chaos feel really worthwhile.
* thanks to Amazon Publishing for the NetGalley review copy of this reissued title. I listened to the audiobook version through Hoopla.
More DaVinci Code-esque clue solving, picking up where Salem's Cipher left off. The characters were a little all over the place, but there was a fun (if predictable) twist at the end -- this seems like it needs a third book, though, to really wrap things up and make all of the searching and chaos feel really worthwhile.
* thanks to Amazon Publishing for the NetGalley review copy of this reissued title. I listened to the audiobook version through Hoopla.
August 24, 2025
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BrillancePublishing for the book #MercysChase by #JessLourey. I loved this book and cannot wait for the next in the series. Salem works for the FBI as a cryptanalyst and is pulled in two directions; one about a replica of Stonehenge and the other, the kidnapping of Mercy, a seven year old her mother is taking care of. How are these cases related and can Salem figure everything out before something terrible happens?
April 4, 2024
Full Disclosure- Goodreads Winner of this Kindle Book
Thoroughly enjoyed Mercy’s Chase by Jessica Lourey and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in coding and history. I understand this is a second book by this author and feel it stood well on its own. I did not read her first book (Salem’s Cipher) but it’s been recommended by others that you do so and read it first.
Thoroughly enjoyed Mercy’s Chase by Jessica Lourey and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in coding and history. I understand this is a second book by this author and feel it stood well on its own. I did not read her first book (Salem’s Cipher) but it’s been recommended by others that you do so and read it first.
March 24, 2024
4/5 stars: This is the second book in Salem’s series and it was better than the first! I fell in love with Salem & Mercy in the first book, so I was able to jump right into this captivating story.
Very House of Cards and National Treasure vibes with a child’s life on the line. Just when you think you have the twist at the end figured out, Jess throws another curveball! I would definitely recommend reading Salem’s Cipher before diving into Mercy’s Chase.
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Jess Lourey for the e-ARC of this book. I would absolutely read another book with these characters in the future!
Very House of Cards and National Treasure vibes with a child’s life on the line. Just when you think you have the twist at the end figured out, Jess throws another curveball! I would definitely recommend reading Salem’s Cipher before diving into Mercy’s Chase.
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Jess Lourey for the e-ARC of this book. I would absolutely read another book with these characters in the future!
March 11, 2022
Mercy’s Chase
A long twisted, confused trip to nowhere. Fruitless, wasted hours of reading. Definitely a large waste of time never to be recovered.
A long twisted, confused trip to nowhere. Fruitless, wasted hours of reading. Definitely a large waste of time never to be recovered.
August 23, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I'm trying hard in this set of reviews not to spoil parts so you can enjoy and feel their weight as they happen. In Mercy's Chase, Salem has gone to work in the FBI. They had told her it would give her time to work on her AI program but haven't really given her any time, so she has to work at it in her off work hours. The FBI has given her new skills in weapons and self defense which she needs being who she is.
Things go wild, when Mercy, an orphan from the last book, is abducted. The villains from the previous book are holding her hostage so that Salem will track down another piece of long hidden messages and treasure. It is much harder for Salem because she is working on her own, and not with Belle. She sometimes doubts herself and her instincts. The inability of not knowing who to trust is even worse than the previous adventure without Belle. But the answer both times is no one.
Salem recognizes the face changing man who abducted her mother and is following her. Then there's Charlie from MI5 is he trustworthy? Lucan Stone the attractive agent, is he safe? A new character is Alafair; a researcher also looking for the hidden knowledge from women pioneers in science.
She travels from clue to clue with dead and mutilated bodies following her journey. She gets her own scrapes and bruises in some remote locations. Slowly but surely Salem deciphers the truth, against all odds. It's a fast paced and dangerous hunt. All the while worrying about Mercy in the clutches of her abductors.
Mercy's Chase kept me on edge but enjoying the puzzles and strategy of them, as well as the promise for women. To succeed, the women had to work harder, be smarter and endure much more than the men, including the small girl child.
Narration:
This series was previously recorded with a different narrator. When I got behind on the first book, I checked out the audio at the library and discovered it was Christina Delaine, who is a familiar narrator to me. I got shades of a different character while listening. The new version is narrated by Samara Naeymi. I prefer the newer version after listening to both, although the story seems identical. And nobody knows how to pronounce Edina (city in Minnesota). I find the new version to be a clearer, somehow crisper voice. I listened at my newer 1.75x speed.
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I'm trying hard in this set of reviews not to spoil parts so you can enjoy and feel their weight as they happen. In Mercy's Chase, Salem has gone to work in the FBI. They had told her it would give her time to work on her AI program but haven't really given her any time, so she has to work at it in her off work hours. The FBI has given her new skills in weapons and self defense which she needs being who she is.
Things go wild, when Mercy, an orphan from the last book, is abducted. The villains from the previous book are holding her hostage so that Salem will track down another piece of long hidden messages and treasure. It is much harder for Salem because she is working on her own, and not with Belle. She sometimes doubts herself and her instincts. The inability of not knowing who to trust is even worse than the previous adventure without Belle. But the answer both times is no one.
Salem recognizes the face changing man who abducted her mother and is following her. Then there's Charlie from MI5 is he trustworthy? Lucan Stone the attractive agent, is he safe? A new character is Alafair; a researcher also looking for the hidden knowledge from women pioneers in science.
She travels from clue to clue with dead and mutilated bodies following her journey. She gets her own scrapes and bruises in some remote locations. Slowly but surely Salem deciphers the truth, against all odds. It's a fast paced and dangerous hunt. All the while worrying about Mercy in the clutches of her abductors.
Mercy's Chase kept me on edge but enjoying the puzzles and strategy of them, as well as the promise for women. To succeed, the women had to work harder, be smarter and endure much more than the men, including the small girl child.
Narration:
This series was previously recorded with a different narrator. When I got behind on the first book, I checked out the audio at the library and discovered it was Christina Delaine, who is a familiar narrator to me. I got shades of a different character while listening. The new version is narrated by Samara Naeymi. I prefer the newer version after listening to both, although the story seems identical. And nobody knows how to pronounce Edina (city in Minnesota). I find the new version to be a clearer, somehow crisper voice. I listened at my newer 1.75x speed.
April 25, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
In the world of thrillers where codes intertwine with human lives, "Mercy's Chase" by Jess Lourey stands out as a labyrinthine tale that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally gripping. This second installment in the Salem's Cipher series takes readers on a whirlwind journey from the FBI's cryptanalysis labs to the rolling green fields of Ireland, where history's shadows loom as large as the stakes.
Salem Wiley, the agoraphobic genius codebreaker, returns with a personal mission that transcends her fears and tests her intellect. The discovery of a miniature Stonehenge replica on an Irish farm, complete with an extra stone marked 'mercy,' sets the stage for a high-stakes puzzle. The kidnapping of seven-year-old Mercy Mayfair, a child under Salem's family's care, reveals a chilling connection to Salem's past and a lineage that could unlock the mysteries of Stonehenge itself.
Lourey's narrative is a masterclass in tension and pace. The prose is crisp, the chapters are taut, and the plot twists are as unpredictable as they are satisfying. The author's background in teaching and writing about secrets is evident in the way she weaves historical intrigue with modern-day conspiracy, creating a tapestry that feels both timeless and urgent.
What sets "Mercy's Chase" apart is its heart. Salem is not just a protagonist; she's a person with depth, battling her inner demons while facing a very tangible threat. Her growth throughout the novel is a testament to Lourey's skill in character development, making readers root for Salem not just to solve the puzzle, but to find her own peace.
The book's exploration of ancient societies and their patriarchal leanings is thought-provoking, adding a layer of social commentary to the thrilling narrative. The feminist undertones are subtle yet powerful, challenging the reader to consider the historical suppression of women and their knowledge.
In conclusion, "Mercy's Chase" is a compelling sequel that delivers on all fronts. It's a book that will appeal to lovers of puzzles, history, and character-driven stories. Lourey has crafted a novel that is both a page-turner and a thinker, a rare combination that makes this book a must-read..
In the world of thrillers where codes intertwine with human lives, "Mercy's Chase" by Jess Lourey stands out as a labyrinthine tale that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally gripping. This second installment in the Salem's Cipher series takes readers on a whirlwind journey from the FBI's cryptanalysis labs to the rolling green fields of Ireland, where history's shadows loom as large as the stakes.
Salem Wiley, the agoraphobic genius codebreaker, returns with a personal mission that transcends her fears and tests her intellect. The discovery of a miniature Stonehenge replica on an Irish farm, complete with an extra stone marked 'mercy,' sets the stage for a high-stakes puzzle. The kidnapping of seven-year-old Mercy Mayfair, a child under Salem's family's care, reveals a chilling connection to Salem's past and a lineage that could unlock the mysteries of Stonehenge itself.
Lourey's narrative is a masterclass in tension and pace. The prose is crisp, the chapters are taut, and the plot twists are as unpredictable as they are satisfying. The author's background in teaching and writing about secrets is evident in the way she weaves historical intrigue with modern-day conspiracy, creating a tapestry that feels both timeless and urgent.
What sets "Mercy's Chase" apart is its heart. Salem is not just a protagonist; she's a person with depth, battling her inner demons while facing a very tangible threat. Her growth throughout the novel is a testament to Lourey's skill in character development, making readers root for Salem not just to solve the puzzle, but to find her own peace.
The book's exploration of ancient societies and their patriarchal leanings is thought-provoking, adding a layer of social commentary to the thrilling narrative. The feminist undertones are subtle yet powerful, challenging the reader to consider the historical suppression of women and their knowledge.
In conclusion, "Mercy's Chase" is a compelling sequel that delivers on all fronts. It's a book that will appeal to lovers of puzzles, history, and character-driven stories. Lourey has crafted a novel that is both a page-turner and a thinker, a rare combination that makes this book a must-read..
February 18, 2024
Edgar Award nominated Jess Lourey has recently written acclaimed thrillers mostly set in small town Minnesota locales, but she also has a backlog worth investigating. “Mercy’s Chase” is a sequel to “Salem’s Cipher” a thriller featuring witches, a secret world overlord organization, and a lot of codes and ciphers akin to a Dan Brown novel. The same characters return in the second novel and although you could read this as a standalone, I think it’ll be easier if you’ve “Salem’s Cipher” and enjoy the continuing ride with “Mercy’s Chase.” Both of them are being re-released in March 2024, through Thomas and Mercer, part of Amazon Publishing.
Most of the well-written characters return (they really did get rid of a few villains the first time around). This isn’t an immediate follow up to the timeline, so Salem has moved to a new position working within the government in the highly secretive cryptanalysis unit “Black Chamber.”
Lourey has an action-packed story with plenty of secrets to solve and codes to decipher along the way, including the mystery of Stonehenge. I loved the follow up to the first book and there’s room to bring back the major characters in the future. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO “Five Eyes,” yes; green eyes, no.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But I loved when talking about the fact that roses have been around for 35 million years and seem to be just a fancy for women, there’s this quote “Men build towers and walls. Women plant flowers. You see which stands the test of time.”
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Most of the well-written characters return (they really did get rid of a few villains the first time around). This isn’t an immediate follow up to the timeline, so Salem has moved to a new position working within the government in the highly secretive cryptanalysis unit “Black Chamber.”
Lourey has an action-packed story with plenty of secrets to solve and codes to decipher along the way, including the mystery of Stonehenge. I loved the follow up to the first book and there’s room to bring back the major characters in the future. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO “Five Eyes,” yes; green eyes, no.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But I loved when talking about the fact that roses have been around for 35 million years and seem to be just a fancy for women, there’s this quote “Men build towers and walls. Women plant flowers. You see which stands the test of time.”
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
February 18, 2024
Edgar Award nominated Jess Lourey has recently written acclaimed thrillers mostly set in small town Minnesota locales, but she also has a backlog worth investigating. “Mercy’s Chase” is a sequel to “Salem’s Cipher” a thriller featuring witches, a secret world overlord organization, and a lot of codes and ciphers akin to a Dan Brown novel. The same characters return in the second novel and although you could read this as a standalone, I think it’ll be easier if you’ve “Salem’s Cipher” and enjoy the continuing ride with “Mercy’s Chase.” Both of them are being re-released in March 2024, through Thomas and Mercer, part of Amazon Publishing.
Most of the well-written characters return (they really did get rid of a few villains the first time around). This isn’t an immediate follow up to the timeline, so Salem has moved to a new position working within the government in the highly secretive cryptanalysis unit “Black Chamber.”
Lourey has an action-packed story with plenty of secrets to solve and codes to decipher along the way, including the mystery of Stonehenge. I loved the follow up to the first book and there’s room to bring back the major characters in the future. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO “Five Eyes,” yes; green eyes, no.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But I loved when talking about the fact that roses have been around for 35 million years and seem to be just a fancy for women, there’s this quote “Men build towers and walls. Women plant flowers. You see which stands the test of time.”
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Most of the well-written characters return (they really did get rid of a few villains the first time around). This isn’t an immediate follow up to the timeline, so Salem has moved to a new position working within the government in the highly secretive cryptanalysis unit “Black Chamber.”
Lourey has an action-packed story with plenty of secrets to solve and codes to decipher along the way, including the mystery of Stonehenge. I loved the follow up to the first book and there’s room to bring back the major characters in the future. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO “Five Eyes,” yes; green eyes, no.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But I loved when talking about the fact that roses have been around for 35 million years and seem to be just a fancy for women, there’s this quote “Men build towers and walls. Women plant flowers. You see which stands the test of time.”
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
August 16, 2025
Release: August 19, 2025
Author: Jess Lourey
Publisher: Brilliance
Rating: 4★
Mercy’s Chase by Jess Lourey is a high-stakes thriller that blends cryptography, ancient history, and personal danger. FBI codebreaker Salem Wiley has spent years avoiding the shadowy conspiracy her late mother warned her about. But when she’s sent to rural Ireland to investigate a strange archaeological find—a miniature Stonehenge with an extra stone carved with the word mercy—her carefully controlled life unravels. Things take a sharp turn when Mercy Mayfair, a young girl connected to Salem’s family, is abducted. The deeper Salem digs, the more she realizes that Mercy’s kidnapping, her bloodline, and the Stonehenge replica are tied to an age-old patriarchal power determined to protect its secrets at all costs. Racing against time, and battling her own fears, Salem must crack an impossible code to save the child before it’s too late.
Mercy’s Chase is a suspenseful and atmospheric follow-up to Salem’s Cipher, brimming with historical intrigue and cryptographic puzzles. Salem Wiley is a sharp, layered protagonist—her genius with codes is matched by her vulnerability, which makes her relatable despite the extraordinary stakes. Lourey’s descriptions of Ireland are vivid and immersive, bringing both the lush countryside and the underlying menace to life. The story’s mix of ancient mysteries, modern conspiracies, and personal stakes creates a propulsive tension, even if a few sections slow the momentum. Mercy’s plight adds emotional depth, and the narration (in the audiobook) heightens the urgency and drama. Overall, it’s an intelligent, twisty mystery that keeps the reader invested until the final reveal.
Author: Jess Lourey
Publisher: Brilliance
Rating: 4★
Mercy’s Chase by Jess Lourey is a high-stakes thriller that blends cryptography, ancient history, and personal danger. FBI codebreaker Salem Wiley has spent years avoiding the shadowy conspiracy her late mother warned her about. But when she’s sent to rural Ireland to investigate a strange archaeological find—a miniature Stonehenge with an extra stone carved with the word mercy—her carefully controlled life unravels. Things take a sharp turn when Mercy Mayfair, a young girl connected to Salem’s family, is abducted. The deeper Salem digs, the more she realizes that Mercy’s kidnapping, her bloodline, and the Stonehenge replica are tied to an age-old patriarchal power determined to protect its secrets at all costs. Racing against time, and battling her own fears, Salem must crack an impossible code to save the child before it’s too late.
Mercy’s Chase is a suspenseful and atmospheric follow-up to Salem’s Cipher, brimming with historical intrigue and cryptographic puzzles. Salem Wiley is a sharp, layered protagonist—her genius with codes is matched by her vulnerability, which makes her relatable despite the extraordinary stakes. Lourey’s descriptions of Ireland are vivid and immersive, bringing both the lush countryside and the underlying menace to life. The story’s mix of ancient mysteries, modern conspiracies, and personal stakes creates a propulsive tension, even if a few sections slow the momentum. Mercy’s plight adds emotional depth, and the narration (in the audiobook) heightens the urgency and drama. Overall, it’s an intelligent, twisty mystery that keeps the reader invested until the final reveal.
August 29, 2025
So far I’m really liking this series. The characters are well thought out, and I love it when I get into a story and don’t know who to trust. That’s one of the key things about this series. The only people you know for sure you can trust are Salem, Bel, and Mercy. Even Vida is questionable, because she only ever really looks out for herself. It just so happens that (most of the time) she and Salem are on the same side. Their relationship is very much like mine with my mother, so it made it really easy to identify and root for Salem, and have the overwhelming urge to give Vida the evil eye. By the end of this book, I was side-eyeing every character other than the three main women, and rightfully so. In an adventure story like this, you can’t trust anyone. Someone is always out to snatch the big prize. This one takes Salem clear over to the UK and Ireland (consequently, I’ll be there in four days). It was great to recognize some of the locations and be able to visualize exactly what they were doing. One thing I will note is that, while it’s clear where the author lies on the political spectrum with this book, there weren’t many of the political potshots at the other end like I normally see in books nowadays. It was much more subtle. Honestly, it was refreshing. I’m pretty burned out on all the political insults (from both sides) that have become commonplace in current literature. As for where the next one will take Salem, Bel, and Mercy, I am genuinely curious. I will say I liked the first book a bit more. But with Salem being involved in a worldwide group, there are a lot of options!
Huge thanks to Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
Huge thanks to Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
May 9, 2019
I only shelve this as occult fiction because it's about codes and involves secret societies. It's feminist in that the main characters are women, and it's about female resistence against the Order, a patriarchal conspiracy, this time in Europe. I do not recommend reading these books out of order. I thought my emotional distance from Bel was because I hadn't formed any opinion of her, hadn't the backstory on her paralysis other than capsule summaries provided by the author. Having read Salem's Cipher, I still felt detached from Bel. And she doesn't figure heavily into this novel except as a transatlantic figure. The action takes place in England. Yet large parts of this book are verbatim from book one, sort of like those infernal drawers that keep popping out, and clues hidden in paintings. Having decoded the Beale Cipher in Book 1, Salem next takes on Stonehenge and a lesser known stone circle in the Orknies. I I still don't like Isobel very much and wonder at this supposedly close friendship that seems to be riddled with lies secrets silences and suspicion. You really get the toxicology of Vida in this one. My affection for little Mercy is improving. I don't really buy that she wasn't feral after her brother's 'firing' by the Hermitage.
Points should be given for the light cast at the Cathdral and the fact chemistry was necessary because the secret had been hidden by a crystallographer. I enjoyed the locket story, and had never heard of such devices. But it's a replay of the spectacles, in the first novel-an ocular device that aids in deciphering a hidden message. I won't be reading the third in this series unless I am stuck in an airport.
Points should be given for the light cast at the Cathdral and the fact chemistry was necessary because the secret had been hidden by a crystallographer. I enjoyed the locket story, and had never heard of such devices. But it's a replay of the spectacles, in the first novel-an ocular device that aids in deciphering a hidden message. I won't be reading the third in this series unless I am stuck in an airport.
February 12, 2024
Rating: 4/5 Stars
•
Mercy’s Chase is the second in the Salem’s Cipher series and this one starts a little bit after Salem’s Cipher. Once again, I was getting some serious DaVinci Code vibes with this whole cipher cracking going ons; not to mention I just really love Salem and Bel. This time we are in the UK / Ireland territory – mainly focusing on Stonehenge – which I loved because Stonehenge was the cipher to be broken and lets be honest – I would love for this to be real. There are a lot of elements to the cipher that Salem needs to crack once again and I loved all of the paths that Salem took – especially the part with Rosalind Franklin.
•
Just like Salem’s Cipher this book is fast paced with tons of twists strategically placed to keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Once again, I am going to call book two – a fun read from start to finish. Mercy’s Chase is also told in multiple points of view, giving you insight to all of the characters. The major twist at the end, I feel like I should have seen coming, but blindsided the hell out of me and I was left so shocked. Such a great read.
•
There is so much action throughout the entire series that you wont be bored at all. All of the information that Jess Lourey uses is informative and is super interesting. 10/10 recommend the series. Honestly, I would love for another installment to this series. Also, I would love to see this one become a TV series or a movie – this is right up my alley for things I would watch.
•
Mercy’s Chase is being rereleased on 3/26 along with the first in the series – Salem’s Cipher. Be sure to check out both of these books – they are really amazing!! Huge thank you to NetGalley, Jess Lourey and Thomas and Mercer for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
•
Mercy’s Chase is the second in the Salem’s Cipher series and this one starts a little bit after Salem’s Cipher. Once again, I was getting some serious DaVinci Code vibes with this whole cipher cracking going ons; not to mention I just really love Salem and Bel. This time we are in the UK / Ireland territory – mainly focusing on Stonehenge – which I loved because Stonehenge was the cipher to be broken and lets be honest – I would love for this to be real. There are a lot of elements to the cipher that Salem needs to crack once again and I loved all of the paths that Salem took – especially the part with Rosalind Franklin.
•
Just like Salem’s Cipher this book is fast paced with tons of twists strategically placed to keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Once again, I am going to call book two – a fun read from start to finish. Mercy’s Chase is also told in multiple points of view, giving you insight to all of the characters. The major twist at the end, I feel like I should have seen coming, but blindsided the hell out of me and I was left so shocked. Such a great read.
•
There is so much action throughout the entire series that you wont be bored at all. All of the information that Jess Lourey uses is informative and is super interesting. 10/10 recommend the series. Honestly, I would love for another installment to this series. Also, I would love to see this one become a TV series or a movie – this is right up my alley for things I would watch.
•
Mercy’s Chase is being rereleased on 3/26 along with the first in the series – Salem’s Cipher. Be sure to check out both of these books – they are really amazing!! Huge thank you to NetGalley, Jess Lourey and Thomas and Mercer for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
May 31, 2024
Oh my goodness, what a book. 10/10. You have got to read this series! The twists and turns had me thrown throughout the entirety of the book. I started this immediately after finishing Salem's Cipher and what a fantastic sequel it was. In fact, I am only craving more! I am going to need a 3rd, 4th and 5th book in this series following Salem's journey as I do have some follow up questions and think there is so much more to her character that could be explored. I was no where near ready for this book to come to an end and I tried taking my time with it so I could truly savor each chapter, but man that was so hard when I did not want to put this one down. I think Salem's Cipher and Mercy's Chase are easily author Jess Lourey's best books and I will be highly recommending them to everyone I know. The writing style is so compelling and you get sucked into Lourey's books from the first chapter. Each chapter felt like a cliffhanger, pulling you along and keeping you guessing the whole time. The genuinely best part of this series was thinking I had certain parts figured out and then getting completely shocked. There were multiple parts of this story where my jaw actually dropped. This book had the perfect combination of actual historical people and modern day fictional characters, making it feel like this could be a real life story. Bonus points for getting me to research some of the actual ciphers and people mentioned within both books! Quite fascinating if you have the time to look into it!
March 26, 2025
Salem Wiley, our MC, is a cryptanalyst working with the FBI, while continuing to develop GAEA. (GAEA is her pet project – a quantum computing program that can process data in a completely different way which would make ECHELON look like a cereal box decoder ring!) She is also an agoraphobe who would like nothing more than to work from home and never going out into the field. She never intends to return to the conspiratorial underworld her mother revealed to her. (Two opposing factions – the Underground and the Order – one ran by women and one by men.) Of course, Salem gets sucked right back in when a curious discovery of a near-perfect replica of Stonehenge in miniature—except for one extra stone engraved with the word mercy.
Then Mercy Mayfair, a 7 year old child in Salem’s family’s care, is kidnapped. As Salem follows a winding trail of clues and ciphers, the clock is ticking and her fears are escalating. Because the only way to save Mercy is for Salem to crack the unbreakable code of Stonehenge!!
The book has lots of twists and conspiracies and you never really know what to believe or who to trust. Many times, I thought I had discovered who was running things and who was the villain only to find out that I was completely off the map! It’s interesting to see all the theories that revolve around women and their role in history and society. The book has some brutal parts, but it is great read.
This series may not be Jess Lourey writing at her best or current level, but the books are worth a read if you like conspiracies and code breaking, and would like to see all that revolving around women!
“Mercy’s Chase” is the second book in the Salem’s Cipher series (and currently the last book in the series). I really hope that the author writes more books in this world!
Then Mercy Mayfair, a 7 year old child in Salem’s family’s care, is kidnapped. As Salem follows a winding trail of clues and ciphers, the clock is ticking and her fears are escalating. Because the only way to save Mercy is for Salem to crack the unbreakable code of Stonehenge!!
The book has lots of twists and conspiracies and you never really know what to believe or who to trust. Many times, I thought I had discovered who was running things and who was the villain only to find out that I was completely off the map! It’s interesting to see all the theories that revolve around women and their role in history and society. The book has some brutal parts, but it is great read.
This series may not be Jess Lourey writing at her best or current level, but the books are worth a read if you like conspiracies and code breaking, and would like to see all that revolving around women!
“Mercy’s Chase” is the second book in the Salem’s Cipher series (and currently the last book in the series). I really hope that the author writes more books in this world!
April 2, 2024
Mercy's Chase is the second book in the Salem's Ciphers Mysteries. I love Jess Lourey books and this series really has been a pleasure to read. I do hope that we will see more of Salem and the other characters in the future.
This story much like Salem's Cipher is slightly political, very mysterious and perfect for those who love a thriller with some twists. I really can't talk too much about characters in this one as it will give spoilers. There's a lovely twist in it and I admit I was guessing who it would be, I was right. But that didn't take from the story at all. Set mostly in London and Ireland it was refreshing that Jess has used real places (Many I've visited) and described them well. I still have a few questions, namely about Salem's mother and her attitude towards Salem (Not a spoiler!!). I also can't wait to see (There has to be more books!) where the 'research' will take a certain someone next.
I enjoyed Mercy's Chase more than Salem's Cipher surprisingly and really hope we do hear more from Salem, Bel and Mercy. A solid 4 stars, these books do need to be read in order, so make sure to read Salem's Cipher first. Both books are currently available on Kindle Unlimited, if you subscribe to the service.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.
This story much like Salem's Cipher is slightly political, very mysterious and perfect for those who love a thriller with some twists. I really can't talk too much about characters in this one as it will give spoilers. There's a lovely twist in it and I admit I was guessing who it would be, I was right. But that didn't take from the story at all. Set mostly in London and Ireland it was refreshing that Jess has used real places (Many I've visited) and described them well. I still have a few questions, namely about Salem's mother and her attitude towards Salem (Not a spoiler!!). I also can't wait to see (There has to be more books!) where the 'research' will take a certain someone next.
I enjoyed Mercy's Chase more than Salem's Cipher surprisingly and really hope we do hear more from Salem, Bel and Mercy. A solid 4 stars, these books do need to be read in order, so make sure to read Salem's Cipher first. Both books are currently available on Kindle Unlimited, if you subscribe to the service.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.
January 7, 2024
The second book in the Salem's Cipher series turned out to be better than the first one for me. Not just because we are getting to know the characters in more depth, but also because most of the action in the second book is centred around the UK and Ireland - more familiar territory to me - and also involves cracking a code based on Stonehenge which, like millions of other people, I have actually visited.
After the first book, where Salem was able to retrieve treasure and locate her kidnapped mother, this second book Seas the abduction of 7-year-old Mercy by The Order, which is the European equivalent of The Hermitage Foundation. Since Salem is agoraphobic and suffers from PTSD, it is only her affection for Mercy that drives her into the kind directions she must take, after initially having thought that she could not settle down and focus on her FBI codebreaker/code-developer job.
Mercy's character is a welcome addition to this storyline, and Bel take something of a backseat. We get to know Salem much better, and although the cipher and code elements are not that appealing in terms of my own personal interests, they are nevertheless well-done.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
After the first book, where Salem was able to retrieve treasure and locate her kidnapped mother, this second book Seas the abduction of 7-year-old Mercy by The Order, which is the European equivalent of The Hermitage Foundation. Since Salem is agoraphobic and suffers from PTSD, it is only her affection for Mercy that drives her into the kind directions she must take, after initially having thought that she could not settle down and focus on her FBI codebreaker/code-developer job.
Mercy's character is a welcome addition to this storyline, and Bel take something of a backseat. We get to know Salem much better, and although the cipher and code elements are not that appealing in terms of my own personal interests, they are nevertheless well-done.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
February 28, 2024
Like many readers it was The Quarry Girls that first got me hooked on Jess Lourey’s books. For character driven small town secrets novels with a coming of age nostalgia I don’t think there’s a finer author. I raced through those novels, Unspeakable Things and Litani being my favourites, I also enjoyed The Taken Ones and can’t wait for The Reaping.
I wanted more and was curious to read this reissued / re-edited duology of Salem’s Cipher and Mercy’s Chase.
Mercy’s Chase continues Salem’s story, do read in order! Salem is once again trying to crack the codes to protect the world from the ancient secret conspiracy, working with government and visiting the UK.
It’s interesting to see an author’s previous styles, but I much prefer Jess Lourey’s small town secrets and empathetically written dark crime thrillers.
I enjoyed this more than Salem’s Cipher, the scene was set, I knew the characters and the framework so it was less of a shock to my system. That being said I’m looking forward to getting back to Jess Lourey’s newer works.
Curiosity it’s got me reading these two books, if you enjoy Da Vinci Code-esque quests with centuries of secret history then then these might be the books for you.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer
I wanted more and was curious to read this reissued / re-edited duology of Salem’s Cipher and Mercy’s Chase.
Mercy’s Chase continues Salem’s story, do read in order! Salem is once again trying to crack the codes to protect the world from the ancient secret conspiracy, working with government and visiting the UK.
It’s interesting to see an author’s previous styles, but I much prefer Jess Lourey’s small town secrets and empathetically written dark crime thrillers.
I enjoyed this more than Salem’s Cipher, the scene was set, I knew the characters and the framework so it was less of a shock to my system. That being said I’m looking forward to getting back to Jess Lourey’s newer works.
Curiosity it’s got me reading these two books, if you enjoy Da Vinci Code-esque quests with centuries of secret history then then these might be the books for you.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer
February 24, 2024
I read both Salem Wiley books consecutively and am glad I did. I think I would have been confused or not have understood the full story and relationships reading them independently.
Mercy's Chase continues Salem Wiley's work on behalf of The Underground, an organization of women that has been racing to uncover the key to a long-held secret that will reveal a world-changing truth. While Salem worked side-by-side with her best friend, Bel Odegaard, in the first book, the people close to her in Mercy's Chase are a mystery in and of themselves, which makes the book an even more interesting read. It was also interesting to see Salem's personal growth between the two novels; she seems stronger and more self-reliant, more in control of the anxiety that plagued her through the first book. As with Salem's Cipher, this book has DaVinci Code elements that require Salem to use her cryptanalyst skills, but she also faces more physical challenges. I figured out an important piece of the puzzle well before the end of the book but kept reading, because the author slips in quite a few red herrings across the board. This was an exciting, fast-paced read for me, well-researched and suspenseful.
Mercy's Chase continues Salem Wiley's work on behalf of The Underground, an organization of women that has been racing to uncover the key to a long-held secret that will reveal a world-changing truth. While Salem worked side-by-side with her best friend, Bel Odegaard, in the first book, the people close to her in Mercy's Chase are a mystery in and of themselves, which makes the book an even more interesting read. It was also interesting to see Salem's personal growth between the two novels; she seems stronger and more self-reliant, more in control of the anxiety that plagued her through the first book. As with Salem's Cipher, this book has DaVinci Code elements that require Salem to use her cryptanalyst skills, but she also faces more physical challenges. I figured out an important piece of the puzzle well before the end of the book but kept reading, because the author slips in quite a few red herrings across the board. This was an exciting, fast-paced read for me, well-researched and suspenseful.
April 10, 2024
When I saw "new" Jess Lourey on Netgalley I got super excited and immediately downloaded. I didn't realize these are re-pubs of her prior work until later on. I was worried they'd fall flat being earlier works as I LOVE Reed and Steinbeck SO much! This didn't fall flat for me -- in fact I think Salem is up there with my favorite BA FMCs.
Be sure to check out the first in this series: Salem's Cipher.
This one felt like it started slower than the first. Also I literally had NO idea who to trust. This one gave me whiplash in which characters to trust in and which may be on the bad side. We get a lot less of Bel in this story which I didn't prefer, Salem's projecting her own self consciousness kept Bel at arm's length throughout the whole story until the conclusion. The ending was explosive and while it wasn't perfect I liked it.
I still loved the ciphers and codes and super old mysteries aspects of this novel and the WOMEN POWER aspect was AMAZING.
Would recommend this if you love:
-badass women
-codes/ ciphers prevalent to story line
-fast paced
-cross world travel
-sub plots relating to politics/ secret organizations
Be sure to check out the first in this series: Salem's Cipher.
This one felt like it started slower than the first. Also I literally had NO idea who to trust. This one gave me whiplash in which characters to trust in and which may be on the bad side. We get a lot less of Bel in this story which I didn't prefer, Salem's projecting her own self consciousness kept Bel at arm's length throughout the whole story until the conclusion. The ending was explosive and while it wasn't perfect I liked it.
I still loved the ciphers and codes and super old mysteries aspects of this novel and the WOMEN POWER aspect was AMAZING.
Would recommend this if you love:
-badass women
-codes/ ciphers prevalent to story line
-fast paced
-cross world travel
-sub plots relating to politics/ secret organizations
August 19, 2025
Salem, a cryptanalyst, is on the hunt for new discoveries, except this time it is involving Stonehenge. When Mercy, someone her family looks after, is taken by the Order, Salem is determined to find her and figure out how she relates to the past and the mysteries surrounding Stonehenge. Not only that, but Salem’s role is to uncover how women were instrumental in history. I didn’t see the twist coming, but it did right itself in the end. This is the following book after Salem’s Cipher, and I would recommend reading it first, as a threat is introduced in book one (and you get to see more of the characters and storylines). Despite the darker themes, there still managed to be lighter moments, like with the foam finger. While there was a conclusion, it seemed like there could be more to come from Salem and her new teammates. The accents the narrator went through in the audiobook were so well done, and there was a multitude.
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