Everyone deserves a second chance. But some scars never fade.
For almost two decades, Mercy Reid has lived behind the walls of Fairmile Prison, serving time for murder. But she's not your typical inmate – she mentors new arrivals, comforts the lost and tries to make sense of her past crimes.
When she learns that her sister is terminally ill, and her brother is struggling to hold their family together, Mercy knows this is her final chance at parole. But before she can walk free, she must prove she's no longer a danger – to others, or to herself.
But starting over isn't the same as being free. The women she's hell bent on saving are still haunted by their struggles, and Mercy soon realises that doing good isn't always enough to keep the darkness away. To truly move forward, she'll have to confront all the ghosts of her past.
Perfect for fans of Jane Cory and Kia Abdullah, Small Acts of Mercy is a haunting and redemptive crime thriller about guilt, sisterhood and how far we'll go to protect the ones we love.
Joffe Books Prize 2024 Finalist. I write gritty, crime fiction that focuses on the 'why'dunnit as well as the 'who'. I worked for a housing association supporting socially excluded men and ex-offenders, which provided me with a lot of inspiration. Fans of BBC series Happy Valley should try both my Coupland and Ashcroft detective series for their unflinching realism and pace.
ONE GOOD REASON, the first in my DS Ashcroft series, published by Bloodhound Books is out now!
Born and brought up in Manchester, I moved to Scotland 25 years ago. My inspiration initially came from working for a housing association supporting ex offenders into work.
Most evenings I can be found walking the family dogs on the beach near our home in East Lothian, Scotland. You can find out more on my website www.emmasalisbury.com and I can be found on Linktr.ee/Emma Salisbury
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began reading this book but I truly loved this story.
Mercy was a sympathetic character and I enjoyed learning about her experiences in prison. Some of the scenes were graphic and did bring out significant emotion in me.
I loved the description of friendship amid chaos and the concept of found family.
This story caught me off guard in the best possible way. I look forward to reading more work by this author.
📆 single timeline. 👀 single POV 🐢 -🐇 medium-paced 💬 "Telling someone they're resilient doesn't address the trauma they've endured or the scars they still carry"
This book deals with some deep and complex issues. But at the heart of it are strong, brave women who have been beaten down by circumstance. I could have wept for some of the women's stories. Women imprisoned for trying to protect themselves and their children.
I cant even begin to imagine what prison is like. I hope I never find out. But Salisbury has captured exactly how I think I'd imagine it, if that makes any sense. At times I was reminded of the TV series Bad Girls, which I loved! I honestly believe that female prisons are mainly full of broken, damaged and abused women. Yes, they are criminals. Yes, they have broken the law. But mainly because they've been broken, damaged and abused.They couldn't see any alternatives. I actually think it's criminal that the women are punished, when it's often a man who's caused it. And I know this book is fiction, but this happens in real life too.
Mercy was a wonderful character, her work in prison as a mentor means she is probably the first friendly face new arrivals see; and her ability to forge friendships with them is commendable. Most of the women seemed so lovely in their own ways, which seems like an odd opinion for a group of prisoners. But amongst all of the pain, and crime, was a story of friendship, found families and the strength to survive.
I found this to be a thought-provoking read which has tested some of my opinions on so called criminals, and reinforced others. I think this is my first book by this author and I'm definitely keen to read more in the future.
Mercy will never regret the reason she's serving a life sentence in Fairmile prison, she only regrets the years lost with her younger brother and sister, Clem and Hope, after their neglected, traumatic childhood. She plays by the rules, become a standup member of prison society, encouraging her inmates to better their lives while revealing nothing of her past to them.
Mercy has spent her life inside and outside of prison fixing everyone else's problems, but when she receives shocking news she realises time is now running out to get out and fix her own life. She begins her fight for freedom, facing her past and looking forward to her future, while hiding the truths that could shatter everything.
Mercy is en entirely selfless character, pragmatic and resourceful, she knows her worth but is modest, while still doling out what she believes are small acts of kindness that are in fact life changing to her friends and family. Even on her off days, Mercy is a character you will root for no matter what - she's giving "good for her". There are plenty of protagonists throughout and a variety of antagonists at different levels, that greatly add to the plot and tone of the book.
The pace is consistent and it doesn't go so heavy on the details that you struggle, but immerses you enough to get an idea of prison atmosphere and the desperate hope inmates cling to. Be prepared for plot twists that literally dropped my jaw, for feel-good triumphant moments, and characters that will leave you wanting to fight for justice - What Would Mercy Do? What can't she do?
Small Acts of Mercy is available now!
Thank you LoveBooksTours, Emma Salisbury, and Bloodhound Books for the book tour!
Set in a woman’s prison, Small Acts of Mercy is a gripping psychological read that completely hooked me from the first few pages. You always know a book is going to be good when the opening pulls you straight in — and this one certainly does.
Mercy is a fantastic main character: strong, selfless and deeply caring. After serving twenty years for murder, she’s facing what could be her final chance at parole — yet she doesn’t feel she deserves freedom. Instead of focusing on herself, she mentors new inmates, guiding them through prison life with compassion. She’s had an eventful and often difficult time inside, and it has shaped her into someone you can’t help but admire.
I loved how we’re slowly fed the truth about why Mercy is in prison. The twists are carefully revealed and well delivered, keeping the tension high throughout. The friendships she has built are beautifully written and at times emotional, and the author portrays prison life in a way that feels authentic and believable.
When something deeply personal resurfaces, Mercy realises she may finally need to fight for her future — she’s needed now more than ever.
This is a powerful story of guilt, redemption and friendship. Emma Salisbury is a new author for me, but definitely one I’ll read again. I’d love a follow-up to find out what happens to Mercy next.
I love a psychological thriller – they tend to be my go to as a palate cleanser! This one was unputdownable.
Loved Mercy – she was such a great character with so much depth. I had guessed her secret pretty early on, but I liked how the plot developed around her. The other women in the prison were excellent characters as well, but with that sad element of truth to them. I really enjoyed Orange is the New Black – both the series and the book – and I’m interested in watching prison documentaries. This all felt quite authentic and it was sad how the other FMC’s stories unravelled throughout the book and showed how it was often the men in their lives that lead them to prison.
I liked the positivity through the darkness of the book – how the characters grew and supported each other was lovely.
I hate putting spoilers out, so I won’t give anything away – but there was a good amount of drama and action throughout this book. Some good twists and turns!
A great thriller for those who love a bit of darkness.
This book is a gritty look inside the world of prison life and how women build a special bond when spending weeks, months, years together.
Mercy Reid is serving time for murder in Fairmile Prison. The story shows how a moment of madness can shape people’s lives and impact their future forever.
We get a good insight into Mercy’s upbringing and family commitments prior to the incident landing Mercy inside prison which is dark and upsetting at times.
We also get to know her fellow inmates Tanya, Vonnie, Lola and Debs - how they all came to serve time in Fairmile all with their own stories to tell on the circumstances around their incarceration.
This is a tragic story in parts but also has some heart warming elements within.
I couldn’t put this book down wanting to know how all the women will handle prison life and how they are treated within the prison walls by all.
I won’t say too much about the story line so you can read for yourself but I would definitely recommend reading this book a great psychological thriller.
I loved this so much! Described as a female version of Shawshank Redemption, it's like a mix of that and Orange is the new black, both good adaptions.
I really like Mercy, you can tell she's been through a lot over her 16 years incarcerated at Fairmile but she's also come to terms with things. Her attitude to her inmates is admirable, getting a "job" inducting the newbies, looking after her peers and friends and creating a strong bond with a handful of women including Vonnie and Tanya.
She's been around long enough to know who is who from inmates to prison officers, who to watch out for, who to be nice to to get things a certain way.
I was rooting for Mercy, you learn what happened to cause her to end up at Fairmile and I loved the ending! Get with Liam already! He's a good'un!
Hope's story is heartbreaking but it brings to life the story and the characters more. Empathy, emotions and aspirations are all over. Brilliant read!
WOW what a book, this had me absolutely hooked. I have been so tired as I couldn't put it down! Think Female shawshank reception with Female strength.
Interesting the different officers you find in the book and how each one treats Mercy differently. Makes you wonder whether that is the same in prison in real life?!
The way these women make a connection and look after each other is so humbling. And Mercy has done everything for her siblings from such a young age.
The twists and turns in this book were phenomenal, making you question morals! Was interesting to learn more about Mercy's childhood and why she was in prision but did not expect thay ending!
The injustice of some of these crimes the women are in for was soo frustrating and as always please check trigger warnings!
Such a gripping book, and had going through a host of emotions!
I absolutely loved this book. I am always drawn to stories set in prisons, so the premise alone had me sold from the start — and it did not disappoint.
What truly stood out to me were the characters. They were flawed, complex, and well developed. Even when they made questionable choices, you couldn’t help but root for them and hope they’d find some form of redemption. And as for the characters who were less than virtuous… let’s just say I was more than ready to see them get what they deserved!
The pacing was spot on — gripping without feeling rushed — and it kept me eagerly turning the pages. It’s a powerful, character-driven story.
After reading this, I’ll definitely be picking up more books by this author! Highly recommended!
Just finished reading Small Acts of Mercy, loved it, loved it A change from the usual detective themes I have read and enjoyed from this author, Emma, but it was just as well written and received.
It explores the friendship, fear and trust issues between women in a controlled area of a prison. It’s a punchy read, keeping you wanting to find out more about the background to each of the characters and how the struggles they have faced lands them in this position. Emma brings the characters to life and gives them legs to explore how they cope with life in a prison and beyond. I feel that there is a follow up book to come - I hope
This is a very character driven, emotional read which is set within a women's prison. Sisterhood and loyalty are very much the theme of the book and it had my interest right from the first chapter. The characterisation is very believable and I could empathise with Mercy from the opening chapters, I have a feeling she might stay in my thoughts for quite a while! I like the author's writing style, once I became immersed in the plotting I couldn't put the book down. A very good psychological thriller, with a couple of little twists along the way, which I am sure fans of the genre will enjoy.
Loved this book, my favourite of the year so far. Mercy is a long term prisoner, who has had parole turned down twice, and is not reluctant to try again. But when she learns her sister has terminal cancer, she is determined to do whatever it takes to get released and be with her. Mercy is such a likeable character, and I love the relationships she has with other inmates. The insights into prison life are well written, and I would thoroughly recommend this book. I was disappointed when I got to the end of it. Thanks to Bloodhound books for sending me and advanced copy to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
An absolute must read! Something totally different to what I normally read, set in a women’s prison it tells the story of a woman named Mercy and how she ended up there, the other women she meets and how friendships are made. A story of strong women but also shows their vulnerability at the same time. It delves into the nitty gritty of prison life and has a few twists and turns which make you want to keep reading to see what happens next! Made me gasp and punch the air in equal measures. Highly recommend
I absolutely love books set in prison and this wasn't an exception either. From the moment I've read the blurb and saw this cover, I just knew, I would love this novel.
Mercy was the sweetest, most likable and strong, female protagonist. She was relatable and it was impossible not to root for her from page one. ♡
I highly recommend reading this brilliant, psychological thriller!
Reading this book made me feel as if I was an extra in an episode of Bad Girls & Prisoner Cell Block H. An amazing plot with believable, well developed characters. I have read lots of crime novels but never before have I read one through the eyes of the convicted.
Each character was necessary, worthy of their place in the story and easy to empathise witho.
I devoured this book in super fast time. It was un-put-down-able.
Gripping insight into the life within the prison walls. The friendships formed whilst trying to keep safe, not just from the inmates. The ‘mental’ fight against the past and in turn coping with life challenges that they feel they can’t be a part of . Loved this book, it was a real eye opener of what prison life could be like and the psychological struggles of everyone concerned. Well written, great character that were brought to life by Emma
My goodness this was a compelling read, be of those reads that stays with you after you’ve closed the book. Mercy is a great character and some of the stories are heartbreaking from these women who come over so strongly. A thrilling read, with lots of twists but with it a fascinating insight into the women in a prison and throughout the read I was routing for Mercy, a character easy to fall in love with. Brilliant read
Small Acts of Mercy by Emma Salisbury. This was a good read. I loved the cover and blurb. That's why I signed up for this tour. It took me a few chapters to get into this book. It took me a few days to read this book. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. Mercy grew on me. I liked how she helped people. This reminds me of prisoner cell block h. With everything happening. Lots going on. But I liked the pace. I read this on kindle unlimited.
Absolutely outstanding read from Emma Salisbury I absolutely loved every minute of this amazing book. Mercy’s story was brilliant and the way she fought for herself, her family and her friends & their families was brilliant. Thank you so much to Bloodhound for giving me the opportunity to read this brilliant book before it’s release date, I loved it 👏👏
Absolutely brilliant read!! Not my normal genre of book but as it’s written by one of my favourite authors I thought I’d give it a go!!! Well it had me hooked from the first chapter. I actually struggled to put it down. The story is centred around a woman’s prison and has a strong female character. I would definitely recommend reading this book but be prepared not to sleep 😊
This is a good character driven book set in a woman’s prison. At times it could be quite emotional. A very good thriller that draws you in from page 1 . There is lots of twists as the story progresses. A good book with good believable characters, worth a read.
This was my first read from this author, and I really enjoyed it. Mercy is in prison for murder, and while she’s not the top dog, she’s a peacemaker among the women. She has her own friends, whom she will protect fiercely. Her solicitor wants her to go before the board for an appeal, but she thinks there’s no chance, as every time she tries, it’s stopped. Some of the warders make her life hell. It’s an amazing read with lots of twists and turns—highly recommend.