Origin Story

by A.W. Hartoin

Mercy Watts was born into multiple mysteries and she’s about to solve one of them.

The Watts family has been linked to the Bled brewing family for generations, but no one knew how or why until Mercy got nosy. Still, the biggest mysteries of all the fate of Josiah Bled and what Stella Bled stashed in the liquor cabinet in 1938.

When Fats Licata’s oddball Uncle Moe stumbles on a long-hidden clue to Josiah Bled’s disappearance, he sets in motion a series of events that will change both families forever.

With her godmothers in tow, Mercy hits the road to Hallstatt, Austria. She’ll uncover Josiah’s hidden history and reignite the fire of an old enemy. Following a carefully laid path with twists and turns, Mercy will discover a painful betrayal, lifelong loyalties, and a love like no other.

Will Mercy be able to discover the long-held secret that members of her own family died to protect? Or will The Klinefeld Group get there first?

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2025

About the author

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

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the very beginning of the story we got a little peek into Mercy returning to real life as a nurse – her “normal” life if there is such a thing, and it was hilarious. I had no idea what the problems with her patients were but I was already laughing out loud, which is often the case in a Mercy Watts story. But something sinister is always happening and Mercy the Nurse or Mercy the Detective investigating straightforward cases for her father isn’t around much. Instead she’s always in danger: kidnapped, attacked, chased by the Klinefeld Group. Often with her partner Aaron in tow or fiancé Chuck by her side.

It sounds trite or cliché to always say the latest book is better than the previous one, the best yet. But it’s true, whichever of author A. W. Hartoin’s series you’re talking about – Mercy Watts, Stella Bled or Jess and Libby. All three series are connected and all three series are amazing and fascinating.

Origin Story is the sixteenth book in the Mercy Watts series, the one that started it all. There have been references from the beginning that Mercy may be part of the Bled Family, actually related to “godmothers” Myrtle and Millicent and the infamous, secret heroine of World War II Stella Bled. As the series has progressed, more and more has been revealed: Stella brought something back with her and hid it somewhere. No one knows exactly what it is or where it’s hidden, but something called The Klinefeld Group is after it and they’ll do anything to get it, including the aforementioned kidnapping, attacks – and murder.

I’ve said it before but it bears repeating: author Hartoin’s superpower is taking all these details and scenarios and historical events and somehow expertly mixing them together to craft a superbly plotted tale of mystery and suspense full of clues and red herrings and lots and lots of fall-down-laugh-out-loud humor and just the right amount of romance.

Hartoin doesn’t tell us everything in Origin Story, because how could there be another book if she did, but we learn a lot. Connections, relationships, mysterious happenings become clearer. If you’ve read Hartoin’s other series, especially Stella Bled (and if you haven’t why not?) then Origin Story feels like a trip down a familiar path with familiar faces and events but in a different context. Step by step by step closer to all the answers, to what happened, who did it, and why.

Not only is Origin Story a riveting page-turner making you fear what’s around every corner, it’s also old home week for all your favorite characters, and some that are real stinkers. Trekking across Europe with the godmothers, chasing clues, being chased, non-stop danger. Narrow escapes, disguises, bodyguards, ‘the little weirdo’ Aaron cooking and saving the day. And best of all lots and lots of Chuck. From the exercise-obsessed pain in the rear in earlier books he’s now Mercy’s sexy, sweet, protective fiancé, all-in on an adventure when it’s important to her and always all-in to do whatever it takes to make her safe. Not that she can’t take care of herself – usually.

This series really does get better with every book. Origin Story is delightful, satisfying and keeps your brain working to keep up. I received an advance copy from the author as part of her review team. I welcome it as an addition to my Hartoin Library. I can’t wait to see what’s next up in whichever series is next in the queue. I recommend you read this book, all of Hartoin’s books and join the fun. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have been reading the Stella Bled and Mercy Watts series and haven’t picked up this book yet, I’m not sure what you are waiting for because THIS is the story I’ve…we’ve all… been waiting for. So many pieces of these stories come together and we really get into solving the puzzle Mercy has been trying to unwind for 15 books prior. Don’t get me wrong, every single Mercy book has been amazing, but this one was magic. I don’t know how Hartoin was able to keep track of so many tiny details from over 20 books to create this high tension, chaotic, and at times humorous read that is absolutely true to all characters and, moreso, all the experiences they have lived along the way to this point. I loved every second of it. There were some standout moments - not the least of which was Aaron talking more than ever. We learned more about Aaron in this book and that warmed my heart as much as his hot cocoa magic warms Mercy and others just when they need it most. Mercy faces fears, her mother lets Mercy know she’s not as obtuse about certain things as Mercy has believed, and secret sharing amongst family and friends leads to finally cracking the case wide open.

I am jealous of people who have not started the series yet, as you can read straight through to this point. I’d advise you to wait until things are even more resolved, but I hope that takes so many more stories that it would be silly to put off starting. Please start with book 1 in the Mercy series, A Good Man Gone, and enjoy every antic, and clue, and interaction as you read through the Mercy and the Stella books.

Thank you to A.W. Hartoin for early access to Origin Story so that I could provide feedback ahead of publication.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This story started during World War 2 with Stella Bled (the other captivating series this author writes) and Mercy Watts finally tracks down the package Stella smuggled out all those years ago. Of course it's never just as simple as that with Mercy around. The story takes you a roller coaster of a ride dodging bullets and uncovering long buried secrets, so plenty of history, action and humour to keep you hooked and entertained. The back story does cover several books from both series, so I recommend you read them and then you will recognise a number of characters and have a better understanding of what has transpired before. This story is well thought out and everything gets nicely wrapped up in a big bow. I just loved it and what ever review I write I know won't do the book or the series justice, so I am just going to say read it, you won't be disappointed.

Mercy receives a photo that has her and her elderly godmother's scrambling. The photo contained a plaque with 'The Girls' uncles name on. Can they finally learn what happened to the black sheep of the family? The problem is they aren't the only ones who want to know and the Klinefeld group come carrying guns. Josiah knew what Stella smuggled out of Germany and it's his clue that Mercy has to follow in order to find the decades hidden secret. Can she stay alive long enough to find it and more importantly keep 'The Girls' alive too?
I was given this free review book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Keli · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

So I couldn't wait for this to come out and of course I was not disappointed. These books are so good and I'm so glad that Chuck was finally a bigger part of the book. I felt like because the story was so big he had ended up being like her arm. Candy and Chuck is so much more than arm candy. He's brilliant and a great character. The story and what it ended up being was so complicated and so much and I'm going to be honest I need to reread the series because some of the stuff I couldn't even remember. But the series is so good. I'm excited to read it again... And guess what? I cannot wait for the next one... Again lol. These are absolutely some of my favorite books. They're funny, they're intriguing, they're adventurous and they're so sweet. I hope these go on for a long time.

[Michelle Folks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest installation of Mercy Watts is delightful! The story begins with a classic nursing snafu only Mercy could find herself embroiled in. As the tale progresses, Mercy is plunged into yet another mystery. The biggest difference is this mystery is rather personal.
The reader will travel with Mercy and the gang to Europe to uncover family secrets. They will meet new/old enemies along the way, as well as new friends! You will find yourself on a journey with many beloved characters in the Mercy Watts universe. As always, this tale will have you laughing, sitting on the edge of your seat, and wondering what comes next!

[lynne ramsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never want this story to end

This book was a dream to read it wish I was Mercy with her witt and bravery.These books have been a joy to read, I did not want this books to end thank ,you so much for writing these brilliant books

[Mary Barna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best yet

I love all of the Mercy Watts books, but this was the best yet. All of the strings from the other books seem to be gathered up and tied up in a bow.

I hope this isn't the last of the series. But Fats still hasn't given birth. Maybe there is a book in that.

[Tanesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the wait!!!

I am so relieved to find out what happened to Josiah. As always , this was an excellent read. Loved how everything unfolded

[SusanR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughly Entertaining

This series is so fun. Keeps a person guessing on the why the whole book through. I’m glad the story goes on.

[coachtv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery Mercy

Always a fast moving read. No word padding. Hate to get to the last chapter because I don't want it to end.

[Cindy Rippentrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chuck

Finally a story with her fiancee, Mercy is a whirlwind in this book starting to come in to her own.

[Alexandra Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading this series for years and I love the crazy world and characters.