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Mercy Watts Mysteries #17
Loved and Lost: A Humorous Twisty Murder Mystery
Lantern Hill Lane might look perfect. Not everyone living there is.
When Mercy solved the Shill murders and Fats Licata got her dream house, Mercy thought she was done with Lantern Hill Lane. What could go wrong on a street with perfect houses and even more perfect people?
As it turns out, quite a lot. When Fats’ baby arrives safe and healthy, the happy occasion brings joy, relief, and—less welcome—a request from a concerned neighbor. Treasured mementos have been disappearing from the beautiful homes with locked windows and good security. The neighbors are getting nervous, the thefts are growing bolder, and no one knows what’s next.
Mercy thinks it's a simple job, and for once, she's right. The thefts themselves are no trouble to solve. But the reason they started in the first place isn't simple at all, and it leads Mercy straight back to a crime the cops declared solved—when it most certainly wasn't.
Worse, Mercy’s picked up a stalker—or possibly two—and she can’t be sure she’s the real target. Add a young woman on the lam from a life she never wanted, a pair of aunts with some pretty peculiar ideas about Lantern Hill Lane, and Mercy's about to find out exactly how many secrets one street can hold.
There's a whole lot of crime to go around and murder is on the menu.
When Mercy solved the Shill murders and Fats Licata got her dream house, Mercy thought she was done with Lantern Hill Lane. What could go wrong on a street with perfect houses and even more perfect people?
As it turns out, quite a lot. When Fats’ baby arrives safe and healthy, the happy occasion brings joy, relief, and—less welcome—a request from a concerned neighbor. Treasured mementos have been disappearing from the beautiful homes with locked windows and good security. The neighbors are getting nervous, the thefts are growing bolder, and no one knows what’s next.
Mercy thinks it's a simple job, and for once, she's right. The thefts themselves are no trouble to solve. But the reason they started in the first place isn't simple at all, and it leads Mercy straight back to a crime the cops declared solved—when it most certainly wasn't.
Worse, Mercy’s picked up a stalker—or possibly two—and she can’t be sure she’s the real target. Add a young woman on the lam from a life she never wanted, a pair of aunts with some pretty peculiar ideas about Lantern Hill Lane, and Mercy's about to find out exactly how many secrets one street can hold.
There's a whole lot of crime to go around and murder is on the menu.
- GenresMystery
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2026
About the author
A.W. Hartoin
63 books246 followersUSA 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 1, 2026
How to start? I am always beyond delighted when I have a new book to read by long-time favorite author A.W. Hartoin, but when it’s Mercy Watts again I practically swoon. Is it because Mercy Watts is the first series by Hartoin I read? Or because I am always laughing out loud before I finish the first page? Because Mercy was the start of it all (if you were paying attention at the very beginning) and has threads going back and forth with Hartoin’s Stella Bled or Jess and Libby Paranormal other mystery series? I don’t know, probably all of the above, but when Mercy says ‘crap on a cracker’ or a dog persistently pees on her shoe or people are struck speechless by her stunning resemblance to Marilyn Monroe or . . . lots of possible or’s.
Loved & Lost is the seventeenth book in the series, after Origin Story. Origin Story solved a lot of mysteries, confirmed the Bled connection and recovered a lot of valuable artifacts. Mercy has Stella Bled’s scrapbook and notebooks and is still trying to figure out the code she used, but “the” book that has featured so prominently through these series has been donated to the Library of Congress. Nothing to search for anymore, so the murderous Klinefeld group should be off Mercy’s back and all should be quiet, right? Well, yeah . . . no.
The seemingly never-ending Klinefeld danger pops in and out throughout the book, but as always Mercy has a lot of other stuff going on. Fats Licata is finally ready to have that baby (if she’ll get her makeup just right and agree to go to the hospital) and Tiny has a job for Mercy in the meantime. It’s not enough that Fats and Tiny moved into the ‘murder’ house that may or may not be cursed, but now someone is stealing family photos from their neighbors. Fats loves the house; Tiny loves Fats so there will be no mention of any curse and could Mercy please hurry up and solve the missing photo case. Should be straightforward and fairly simple, right? Again . . . well, yeah . . . no.
Mercy has an idea right away about who the thief is, but of course there’s more to it. She might know WHO, but WHY? Mysteries and secrets from the past, stalkers, suspicions, overprotective parents. The neighborhood is full of kids that hang together and parents that socialize frequently, too, but there’s something off beneath the surface. And is the hit and miss meant for Mercy or one of the folks in the neighborhood? And what’s that smell?
Hartoin once again provides her usual convoluted plot full of coincidences and crazy motives and diverse, aggravating, annoying, lovable, scary characters. Lots of threads and more than a few red herrings to follow and lots of possibilities to the current crime and also to the past but it’s all ultimately logical and will (eventually) make sense if you
concentrate.
Everybody you love – or don’t love – is back. Mercy’s ‘little weirdo’ partner Aaron who trots everywhere, is fearless and is unbelievably insightful about the food everyone needs and when they need it. Godmother aunts Myrtle and Millicent, demanding, always proper and with Mercy’s best interests at heart. Aunt Miriam the terrifying nun and Tiny’s equally terrifying Aunt Willasteen. Uncle Moe and the other hacker Spidermonkey. Fats’ brother Rocco, Mercy’s mom Carolina (we get a break from Tommy this time around; he’s off-page). scary crime boss Calpurnia Fibonaci. Mercy’s Bad Granddad, still in Europe with Grandma J. Fats’ unexpected sister Kat, who is so tall and thin that hugging her is like being hugged by a beautiful Jack Skellington. And a lot of Fats and Tiny and that gorgeous little as-yet-un-named baby and a couple of pesky-yet-adorable animals. All welcome and all integral to the plot.
And of course there’s Chuck, Mercy’s handsome, hunky lovable fiancé Chuck, who lets her do her thing but is always concerned and always ready and willing to literally put his life on the line for her. I didn’t get quite enough Chuck, but that’s on me; I can never get enough Chuck.
Loved & Lost moves briskly along from person to person and place to place and narrow escape to narrow escape, building the solution to the mystery one clue at a time. Included, of course, are the connections to Stella Bled and a trip to St. Sebastian by Aunt Willasteen. When Mercy calls folks there they beg her not to come because there’s always trouble when she’s around. Mention of St. Seb always makes me smile and think of that handsome, charming ever-helpful ghost Leo.
I was drawn in from the start and fully immersed after a few pages. The series really does get better with each book. And I will bore you again just a little bit with my always amazed observation about how Hartoin keeps track of all this and how I would love a tour of her workroom. Wall-to-wall post its? Note cards? Huge files on the computer? All in her head? No idea but I am always impressed. She takes what seems to be an endless number of details and scenarios and historical events and mixes them together to make sense throughout the entire series and to have plausible connections to her other series. Yes, amazing, but that’s what makes these books so special. Get ready for the perfect combination of fall-down-laugh-out-loud humor, just the right amount of romance, and an abundance of mystery, suspense and danger.
I received an advance copy of Loved & Lost from the author as part of her review team. Another satisfying book my Hartoin Library. As always, I can’t wait for whichever series is up next. I recommend you read this book, all of Hartoin’s books and become a fan yourself. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Loved & Lost is the seventeenth book in the series, after Origin Story. Origin Story solved a lot of mysteries, confirmed the Bled connection and recovered a lot of valuable artifacts. Mercy has Stella Bled’s scrapbook and notebooks and is still trying to figure out the code she used, but “the” book that has featured so prominently through these series has been donated to the Library of Congress. Nothing to search for anymore, so the murderous Klinefeld group should be off Mercy’s back and all should be quiet, right? Well, yeah . . . no.
The seemingly never-ending Klinefeld danger pops in and out throughout the book, but as always Mercy has a lot of other stuff going on. Fats Licata is finally ready to have that baby (if she’ll get her makeup just right and agree to go to the hospital) and Tiny has a job for Mercy in the meantime. It’s not enough that Fats and Tiny moved into the ‘murder’ house that may or may not be cursed, but now someone is stealing family photos from their neighbors. Fats loves the house; Tiny loves Fats so there will be no mention of any curse and could Mercy please hurry up and solve the missing photo case. Should be straightforward and fairly simple, right? Again . . . well, yeah . . . no.
Mercy has an idea right away about who the thief is, but of course there’s more to it. She might know WHO, but WHY? Mysteries and secrets from the past, stalkers, suspicions, overprotective parents. The neighborhood is full of kids that hang together and parents that socialize frequently, too, but there’s something off beneath the surface. And is the hit and miss meant for Mercy or one of the folks in the neighborhood? And what’s that smell?
Hartoin once again provides her usual convoluted plot full of coincidences and crazy motives and diverse, aggravating, annoying, lovable, scary characters. Lots of threads and more than a few red herrings to follow and lots of possibilities to the current crime and also to the past but it’s all ultimately logical and will (eventually) make sense if you
concentrate.
Everybody you love – or don’t love – is back. Mercy’s ‘little weirdo’ partner Aaron who trots everywhere, is fearless and is unbelievably insightful about the food everyone needs and when they need it. Godmother aunts Myrtle and Millicent, demanding, always proper and with Mercy’s best interests at heart. Aunt Miriam the terrifying nun and Tiny’s equally terrifying Aunt Willasteen. Uncle Moe and the other hacker Spidermonkey. Fats’ brother Rocco, Mercy’s mom Carolina (we get a break from Tommy this time around; he’s off-page). scary crime boss Calpurnia Fibonaci. Mercy’s Bad Granddad, still in Europe with Grandma J. Fats’ unexpected sister Kat, who is so tall and thin that hugging her is like being hugged by a beautiful Jack Skellington. And a lot of Fats and Tiny and that gorgeous little as-yet-un-named baby and a couple of pesky-yet-adorable animals. All welcome and all integral to the plot.
And of course there’s Chuck, Mercy’s handsome, hunky lovable fiancé Chuck, who lets her do her thing but is always concerned and always ready and willing to literally put his life on the line for her. I didn’t get quite enough Chuck, but that’s on me; I can never get enough Chuck.
Loved & Lost moves briskly along from person to person and place to place and narrow escape to narrow escape, building the solution to the mystery one clue at a time. Included, of course, are the connections to Stella Bled and a trip to St. Sebastian by Aunt Willasteen. When Mercy calls folks there they beg her not to come because there’s always trouble when she’s around. Mention of St. Seb always makes me smile and think of that handsome, charming ever-helpful ghost Leo.
I was drawn in from the start and fully immersed after a few pages. The series really does get better with each book. And I will bore you again just a little bit with my always amazed observation about how Hartoin keeps track of all this and how I would love a tour of her workroom. Wall-to-wall post its? Note cards? Huge files on the computer? All in her head? No idea but I am always impressed. She takes what seems to be an endless number of details and scenarios and historical events and mixes them together to make sense throughout the entire series and to have plausible connections to her other series. Yes, amazing, but that’s what makes these books so special. Get ready for the perfect combination of fall-down-laugh-out-loud humor, just the right amount of romance, and an abundance of mystery, suspense and danger.
I received an advance copy of Loved & Lost from the author as part of her review team. Another satisfying book my Hartoin Library. As always, I can’t wait for whichever series is up next. I recommend you read this book, all of Hartoin’s books and become a fan yourself. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! Only Mercy can start investigating one case and end up finding herself investigating something totally different and I loved every moment.
There is so much going on and so many characters that we have been introduced too before or situations that has happened in previous books that I think you get a better understanding if you read the books in order and don't start at book seventeen. Wow! Mercy has been with us for seventeen books and I wouldn't say there has been a bad book amongst them, I would say they need to be at top of every bodies be read pile.
I just love Mercy and the gang. I drop what ever I am reading as soon as a new Mercy book comes out because I know if will be fun, entertaining, laugh out loud and totally chaotic. This book proves to be no different.
As for the mystery, I was hooked. How the author kept juggling all the balls (or story lines) is truly amazing, especially as when reading it doesn't come across as complicated and it's only when you stop to think about it, that you realise how much was really going on. The author is a true genius at her craft, the way the story is off and running in one direction, before pivoting and going in a different direction, without losing any speed or entertainment value. I can't wait for the next book.
It's finally time for Mercy's bodyguard, Fats to have her baby, even if she hasn't finished moving in to her new house. The house that a serial killer once owned and is still giving off had vibes. The street isn't exactly normal either. One of Fats new neighbours turns to Mercy for help when family photos start disappearing and he isn't the only home hit. With Fats attention taken up by the new baby and resting up, Mercy will have to keep her investigation quite. A little difficult when Fats own sister has run away and Mercy has picked up another stalker. Aided by food loving Aaron, Mercy quickly discovers there is a lot more going on in Fats street and it is not so quite and innocent as it appears. Especially when her investigation opens up a cold case her grandfather was involved in and a dead cops father asks her to solve his sons last case. Can Mercy get to the bottom of missing photos and what it has to do with a cold case, all without Fats finding out?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
There is so much going on and so many characters that we have been introduced too before or situations that has happened in previous books that I think you get a better understanding if you read the books in order and don't start at book seventeen. Wow! Mercy has been with us for seventeen books and I wouldn't say there has been a bad book amongst them, I would say they need to be at top of every bodies be read pile.
I just love Mercy and the gang. I drop what ever I am reading as soon as a new Mercy book comes out because I know if will be fun, entertaining, laugh out loud and totally chaotic. This book proves to be no different.
As for the mystery, I was hooked. How the author kept juggling all the balls (or story lines) is truly amazing, especially as when reading it doesn't come across as complicated and it's only when you stop to think about it, that you realise how much was really going on. The author is a true genius at her craft, the way the story is off and running in one direction, before pivoting and going in a different direction, without losing any speed or entertainment value. I can't wait for the next book.
It's finally time for Mercy's bodyguard, Fats to have her baby, even if she hasn't finished moving in to her new house. The house that a serial killer once owned and is still giving off had vibes. The street isn't exactly normal either. One of Fats new neighbours turns to Mercy for help when family photos start disappearing and he isn't the only home hit. With Fats attention taken up by the new baby and resting up, Mercy will have to keep her investigation quite. A little difficult when Fats own sister has run away and Mercy has picked up another stalker. Aided by food loving Aaron, Mercy quickly discovers there is a lot more going on in Fats street and it is not so quite and innocent as it appears. Especially when her investigation opens up a cold case her grandfather was involved in and a dead cops father asks her to solve his sons last case. Can Mercy get to the bottom of missing photos and what it has to do with a cold case, all without Fats finding out?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved and Lost
Hartoin is a genius with plotting, developing characters old and new, and building suspense, and with her Mercy series, doing so with an undertone of humor. This time around, Mercy and some of her usual crew (Morty, Aaron, Rocco, and others), balances the evolution of one good deed investigation of neighborhood thefts into multiple complex cases all while supporting her best friend Fats as a new mother, nursing her diminutive battle-axe aunt Miriam recovering from surgery, hiding Fats’ 17 year old sister from her mother’s wrath, and even more! Every single detail is relevant, and Mercy is a master at collecting them and making inferences that guide her in the right direction. The trick is getting there while keeping herself and loved ones alive.
I loved that we got to meet so many new characters on Fats’ and Tiny’s new street, and that many of them are high schoolers who added a new depth to the community Mercy has built around herself. There are so many possibilities for new stories! That said, I did get a little confused with who was who on the street and even more so with all of the husbands and children of a victim that becomes part of the case she’s exploring. I think for someone new to the series who doesn’t already know the key people, it would be too overwhelming. So…if you are new to Mercy, start at the beginning with A Good Man Gone; you won’t regret it!
Thank you to A.W. Hartoin for early access to Origin Story so that I could provide feedback ahead of publication.
Hartoin is a genius with plotting, developing characters old and new, and building suspense, and with her Mercy series, doing so with an undertone of humor. This time around, Mercy and some of her usual crew (Morty, Aaron, Rocco, and others), balances the evolution of one good deed investigation of neighborhood thefts into multiple complex cases all while supporting her best friend Fats as a new mother, nursing her diminutive battle-axe aunt Miriam recovering from surgery, hiding Fats’ 17 year old sister from her mother’s wrath, and even more! Every single detail is relevant, and Mercy is a master at collecting them and making inferences that guide her in the right direction. The trick is getting there while keeping herself and loved ones alive.
I loved that we got to meet so many new characters on Fats’ and Tiny’s new street, and that many of them are high schoolers who added a new depth to the community Mercy has built around herself. There are so many possibilities for new stories! That said, I did get a little confused with who was who on the street and even more so with all of the husbands and children of a victim that becomes part of the case she’s exploring. I think for someone new to the series who doesn’t already know the key people, it would be too overwhelming. So…if you are new to Mercy, start at the beginning with A Good Man Gone; you won’t regret it!
Thank you to A.W. Hartoin for early access to Origin Story so that I could provide feedback ahead of publication.
October 18, 2026
A.W. Hartoin has done it again! Loved & Lost is another thoroughly entertaining addition to the Mercy Watts series, packed with mystery, humor, quirky characters, and the wonderfully chaotic situations that make these books so much fun to read.
I absolutely loved that Fatts and Tiny had their baby! Watching that part of their story unfold was such a treat. And, of course, the antics the Aunts managed to get Mercy involved in were hilarious. Those women never disappoint when it comes to keeping Mercy on her toes!
The neighborhood mystery was a refreshing change, and trying to keep everything hidden from Fatts provided some of the funniest moments in the book. The combination of mystery, suspense, and laugh-out-loud humor is exactly what makes this series so enjoyable.
One of my favorite things about the Mercy Watts books is how the characters start to feel like old friends. Each new installment brings another adventure, more outrageous situations, and plenty of reasons to keep turning the pages. Hartoin has a knack for balancing a genuinely engaging mystery with the unpredictable antics of her characters.
If you’re already a Mercy Watts fan, Loved & Lost is a must-read. Another five-star adventure, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what A.W. Hartoin has in store for Mercy and the gang next!
I absolutely loved that Fatts and Tiny had their baby! Watching that part of their story unfold was such a treat. And, of course, the antics the Aunts managed to get Mercy involved in were hilarious. Those women never disappoint when it comes to keeping Mercy on her toes!
The neighborhood mystery was a refreshing change, and trying to keep everything hidden from Fatts provided some of the funniest moments in the book. The combination of mystery, suspense, and laugh-out-loud humor is exactly what makes this series so enjoyable.
One of my favorite things about the Mercy Watts books is how the characters start to feel like old friends. Each new installment brings another adventure, more outrageous situations, and plenty of reasons to keep turning the pages. Hartoin has a knack for balancing a genuinely engaging mystery with the unpredictable antics of her characters.
If you’re already a Mercy Watts fan, Loved & Lost is a must-read. Another five-star adventure, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what A.W. Hartoin has in store for Mercy and the gang next!
October 4, 2026
Another Good One
Wasn't what I was expecting but a good read. Didn't follow the last one with the big reveal, but gave us something else to think about.
The baby's here, you meet people who you've only heard about in passing. Maybe another Paris trip will come.up. Lots of possibilities.
Thanks for an enjoyable afternoon.
Wasn't what I was expecting but a good read. Didn't follow the last one with the big reveal, but gave us something else to think about.
The baby's here, you meet people who you've only heard about in passing. Maybe another Paris trip will come.up. Lots of possibilities.
Thanks for an enjoyable afternoon.
October 2, 2026
Excellent book
I got the book as soon as it came out. I really like this series. I have read most of the books twice. Mercy is such an amazing person. The storyline is nicely complex. The writing is always well done so I don't get trapped trying to make mental corrections.
I got the book as soon as it came out. I really like this series. I have read most of the books twice. Mercy is such an amazing person. The storyline is nicely complex. The writing is always well done so I don't get trapped trying to make mental corrections.
October 6, 2026
Perfect Winner 🏆
Another amazing book by who, in my opinion,is the best author around! The fast pace, the intrigue, the humour, makes me clamour for more. I hate coming to the end of the books, I just want more.
Another amazing book by who, in my opinion,is the best author around! The fast pace, the intrigue, the humour, makes me clamour for more. I hate coming to the end of the books, I just want more.
October 10, 2026
What a wonderful colorful series
I have enjoyed all of Ms. Hartoin's main characters as she made sure that they all stood out. Clever, funny an enchanting series with lots of mystery. Pure fun.
I have enjoyed all of Ms. Hartoin's main characters as she made sure that they all stood out. Clever, funny an enchanting series with lots of mystery. Pure fun.
October 10, 2026
Mercy rides again!!
I love this series!! Fats has her baby and Mercy is being stalked again, possibly. On to the new case!! Stolen photos, diarrhea, Aaron and cheese. It's such an amazing read. Fun. So much fun. Love seeing Mercy’s circle expand. Can't wait for the next book.
I love this series!! Fats has her baby and Mercy is being stalked again, possibly. On to the new case!! Stolen photos, diarrhea, Aaron and cheese. It's such an amazing read. Fun. So much fun. Love seeing Mercy’s circle expand. Can't wait for the next book.
October 10, 2026
Hartoin never disappoints!
Her books are wonderful, but Mercy will always be my favorite. I’m sad every time I finish one. Rereads are just as good as the first time. Loved and Lost is no exception.
Her books are wonderful, but Mercy will always be my favorite. I’m sad every time I finish one. Rereads are just as good as the first time. Loved and Lost is no exception.
October 15, 2026
Always great
Mercy watts is always unpredictable but funny when you least expect it. Dialogue is quick and sharp and snappy and you can't put the book down. Be prepared to have a laugh suddenly sneak up on you
Mercy watts is always unpredictable but funny when you least expect it. Dialogue is quick and sharp and snappy and you can't put the book down. Be prepared to have a laugh suddenly sneak up on you
October 20, 2026
Mercy, Mercy
Mercy is at it again. Mysteries abound as she and Aaron wind their way through a maze of intertwined who done it's. I love this whole series and can't wait for the next one to come out. Enjoy.
Mercy is at it again. Mysteries abound as she and Aaron wind their way through a maze of intertwined who done it's. I love this whole series and can't wait for the next one to come out. Enjoy.
October 28, 2026
And so it continues
I'm in love with this story line. The history and fiction are mixed with fun and action. I recommend this book to everyone who loves a mystery, mixed with a sense of humor.
I'm in love with this story line. The history and fiction are mixed with fun and action. I recommend this book to everyone who loves a mystery, mixed with a sense of humor.
Read
October 5, 2026i love this character so many different ways she and her friends interact and then there are the relatives
October 14, 2026
Lived up to the previous ones
I love this series. Mercy can get some miles out of a day. I love all the characters and this one had them all. Let’s go book 18.
I love this series. Mercy can get some miles out of a day. I love all the characters and this one had them all. Let’s go book 18.
October 24, 2026
love
Love all of the Mercy books! Will have to be patient waiting for the next one. Its so hard though!!
Love all of the Mercy books! Will have to be patient waiting for the next one. Its so hard though!!
October 28, 2026
Fabulous addtion
I have loved every book in this series, but this one is especially intriguing. I hope there will be many more.
I have loved every book in this series, but this one is especially intriguing. I hope there will be many more.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews