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Mercy Watts Mysteries #7
My Bad Grandad
Good girls go to heaven. Bad girls go to Sturgis.
Grandad Ace Watts has a bucket list and Sturgis is at the top of it — a Vietnam reunion, old friends, and the kind of father-son bonding that Tommy Watts has been meaning to get around to for decades. This time, he was actually going to make it.
The FBI had other ideas.
Now Grandad needs a wingman. Somebody has to make sure he eats and doesn’t come out of retirement again. It’s Mercy’s mom's turn, but Mercy decides to take one for the team and steps in to save her mother from a week of denim and partying geezers. A week in South Dakota with Grandad, his buddies, her worst frenemy, and an incontinent pug. How bad can it be?
Pretty bad.
After some unsettling encounters at a Sturgis bar, one of Grandad's Vietnam buddies turns up dead. And suddenly, Mercy is being asked to investigate a murder in the middle of fifty thousand bikers, which is not how she planned to spend the week.
The deeper she goes, the darker it gets. There's a string of deaths, a secret the veterans have been protecting for fifty years, and something in the present that's been feeding off that old lie like it's been waiting for exactly the right moment. It's not just stalking Sturgis.
It's coming for the Watts family.
Grandad Ace Watts has a bucket list and Sturgis is at the top of it — a Vietnam reunion, old friends, and the kind of father-son bonding that Tommy Watts has been meaning to get around to for decades. This time, he was actually going to make it.
The FBI had other ideas.
Now Grandad needs a wingman. Somebody has to make sure he eats and doesn’t come out of retirement again. It’s Mercy’s mom's turn, but Mercy decides to take one for the team and steps in to save her mother from a week of denim and partying geezers. A week in South Dakota with Grandad, his buddies, her worst frenemy, and an incontinent pug. How bad can it be?
Pretty bad.
After some unsettling encounters at a Sturgis bar, one of Grandad's Vietnam buddies turns up dead. And suddenly, Mercy is being asked to investigate a murder in the middle of fifty thousand bikers, which is not how she planned to spend the week.
The deeper she goes, the darker it gets. There's a string of deaths, a secret the veterans have been protecting for fifty years, and something in the present that's been feeding off that old lie like it's been waiting for exactly the right moment. It's not just stalking Sturgis.
It's coming for the Watts family.
- GenresCozy MysteryCozy
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2017
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 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 24, 2017
I love this series and I couldn't wait to read My Bad Grandad but I was very disappointed in this latest adventure.
Chuck was missing from this book and his absence had a huge impact on my enjoyment of the story. I missed his alpha male attempts to help and protect Mercy during her investigations. There was no light flirtation, sexual frustration, cute little jealousies or silly arguments to lighten the mood. Instead, we get a pug, who gets treated quite badly in the name of comedy. I didn't particularly like the new cast of characters. There wasn't that same chemistry that the established characters have together. I liked Mercy's grandfather but I had no liking for Raptor at all and I couldn't see why she and Mercy had to be friends when they couldn't stand each other, just because they dormed together in college and their grandfathers were friends. She was a nasty character and I didn't warm to her at all.
I also missed Aaron in this book. He is practically invisible in this story; being relegated to the position of just someone who turns up with hot chocolate at odd moments.
I enjoyed the fact that Mercy is still making a splash in the rock work of DBD and I hope that continues as it provides plenty of scope for comedy and something for Chuck to get all hot and bothered about.
Despite my lukewarm reaction to My Bad Grandad, the Mercy Watts series has been fantastic entertainment up to this point and so I will look forward to the next release with as much enthusiasm as ever.
I voluntarily received a review copy.
Chuck was missing from this book and his absence had a huge impact on my enjoyment of the story. I missed his alpha male attempts to help and protect Mercy during her investigations. There was no light flirtation, sexual frustration, cute little jealousies or silly arguments to lighten the mood. Instead, we get a pug, who gets treated quite badly in the name of comedy. I didn't particularly like the new cast of characters. There wasn't that same chemistry that the established characters have together. I liked Mercy's grandfather but I had no liking for Raptor at all and I couldn't see why she and Mercy had to be friends when they couldn't stand each other, just because they dormed together in college and their grandfathers were friends. She was a nasty character and I didn't warm to her at all.
I also missed Aaron in this book. He is practically invisible in this story; being relegated to the position of just someone who turns up with hot chocolate at odd moments.
I enjoyed the fact that Mercy is still making a splash in the rock work of DBD and I hope that continues as it provides plenty of scope for comedy and something for Chuck to get all hot and bothered about.
Despite my lukewarm reaction to My Bad Grandad, the Mercy Watts series has been fantastic entertainment up to this point and so I will look forward to the next release with as much enthusiasm as ever.
I voluntarily received a review copy.
January 22, 2017
The Mercy Watts mysteries just keep getting better and better. My Bad Grandad by A. W. Hartoin is the seventh entry in the Mercy Watts Mysteries series and I loved it.
Mercy’s got troubles. She’s Mercy; she’s always got troubles. Her cop boyfriend Chuck is dealing with some trauma. In addition, they need to make some money after their trip to Paris in “The Wife of Riley” so Mercy is singing with the band Double Black Diamond. Not her favorite thing. The members seem to count their age in rock years, kind of like dog years but in reverse. Ugh. So when she gets the chance to leave her troubles behind and attend the motorcycle rally and Vietnam Veteran Reunion in Sturgis, South Dakota, with her grandad, Ace Watts, Mercy jumps at it. But by now we know that where Mercy goes, trouble follows, or is already there in advance just waiting for her. Sturgis is no different.
The bizarre characters that usually accompany her fade a little into the background this time around. Chuck and Spidermonkey and Uncle Morty are still there and as weird as ever, but because she is “on-site” with Ace the interaction with them is long-distance. Instead, she gets to see a side of her grandad she never imagined and meet a group of his war buddies. Raptor – oops, Raquel – is the granddaughter of one of Ace’s pals and has always been just a bit hostile to Mercy. “I spit in your drink” is about as nice as she gets. The two of them are thrown together and it’s not always fun. And if Raptor isn’t enough, Wallace the Wonder Pug makes the trip with them. Wallace becomes famous and is oh so lovable – when she’s not biting Mercy’s ankles or peeing on her feet, that is. Typical Pug.
As always, Mercy is smart and sassy and droll and loyal and dedicated and stubborn. And really, really funny. Two minutes into the story and I’m laughing out loud. The visuals and Mercy’s take on things are hilarious. I always forget that Mercy is a Marilyn Monroe lookalike until she says something like, “You look great, said one, but he wasn’t talking to me. He was talking to my chest. Honestly, that happens all the time. My chest had its own Twitter handle.”
When one of Ace’s Vietnam veteran buddies dies, her grandad’s group of friends expect her to investigate. But they won’t answer any questions. What are they hiding? Mercy is determined to get to the bottom of things. People are dying and Grandad could be next. It will take all of Mercy’s investigative skills to figure this out. Her nursing skills and medical knowledge are needed more often than she would like. Even though Mercy’s situation will often leave you chuckling, serious issues are raised and the mystery and suspense are compelling. It’s dangerous. Her partner, the “little weirdo” Aaron is by her side, protecting her and doing pretty amazing things when we least expect it. After all this time I think I’ve come to really like him. And the food descriptions are mouth-watering.
Once again, the continuing story of the Klinefeld Group and the Bleds is woven into this story. The mystery in Sturgis is satisfactorily resolved – but – My Bad Grandad ends with a cliffhanger about Mercy and her family’s history, making you wish the next book in the series was already written and waiting on your bedside table so your delightful journey with Mercy could continue without interruption.
Note: I was given an advance copy with a request to provide a fair and honest review. I can’t wait to read more about Mercy, and neither should you.
Mercy’s got troubles. She’s Mercy; she’s always got troubles. Her cop boyfriend Chuck is dealing with some trauma. In addition, they need to make some money after their trip to Paris in “The Wife of Riley” so Mercy is singing with the band Double Black Diamond. Not her favorite thing. The members seem to count their age in rock years, kind of like dog years but in reverse. Ugh. So when she gets the chance to leave her troubles behind and attend the motorcycle rally and Vietnam Veteran Reunion in Sturgis, South Dakota, with her grandad, Ace Watts, Mercy jumps at it. But by now we know that where Mercy goes, trouble follows, or is already there in advance just waiting for her. Sturgis is no different.
The bizarre characters that usually accompany her fade a little into the background this time around. Chuck and Spidermonkey and Uncle Morty are still there and as weird as ever, but because she is “on-site” with Ace the interaction with them is long-distance. Instead, she gets to see a side of her grandad she never imagined and meet a group of his war buddies. Raptor – oops, Raquel – is the granddaughter of one of Ace’s pals and has always been just a bit hostile to Mercy. “I spit in your drink” is about as nice as she gets. The two of them are thrown together and it’s not always fun. And if Raptor isn’t enough, Wallace the Wonder Pug makes the trip with them. Wallace becomes famous and is oh so lovable – when she’s not biting Mercy’s ankles or peeing on her feet, that is. Typical Pug.
As always, Mercy is smart and sassy and droll and loyal and dedicated and stubborn. And really, really funny. Two minutes into the story and I’m laughing out loud. The visuals and Mercy’s take on things are hilarious. I always forget that Mercy is a Marilyn Monroe lookalike until she says something like, “You look great, said one, but he wasn’t talking to me. He was talking to my chest. Honestly, that happens all the time. My chest had its own Twitter handle.”
When one of Ace’s Vietnam veteran buddies dies, her grandad’s group of friends expect her to investigate. But they won’t answer any questions. What are they hiding? Mercy is determined to get to the bottom of things. People are dying and Grandad could be next. It will take all of Mercy’s investigative skills to figure this out. Her nursing skills and medical knowledge are needed more often than she would like. Even though Mercy’s situation will often leave you chuckling, serious issues are raised and the mystery and suspense are compelling. It’s dangerous. Her partner, the “little weirdo” Aaron is by her side, protecting her and doing pretty amazing things when we least expect it. After all this time I think I’ve come to really like him. And the food descriptions are mouth-watering.
Once again, the continuing story of the Klinefeld Group and the Bleds is woven into this story. The mystery in Sturgis is satisfactorily resolved – but – My Bad Grandad ends with a cliffhanger about Mercy and her family’s history, making you wish the next book in the series was already written and waiting on your bedside table so your delightful journey with Mercy could continue without interruption.
Note: I was given an advance copy with a request to provide a fair and honest review. I can’t wait to read more about Mercy, and neither should you.
February 21, 2023
This entry in the Mercy Watts mystery series has her accompanying her Grandad to Sturgis for a yearly meetup with his old Vietnam buddies when her mother can't go and her father is out of town. Mercy, along with her chef/partner-sleuth and amazing hot chocolate maker Aaron aren't in Sturgis for long before someone starts murdering Grandad's friends, and even Grandad ends up in the hospital after being knifed in the back during a hail storm. Mercy struggles to untangle the threads of a mystery that go way back to Vietnam and uncover old secrets that no one wants to reveal.
The banter was so funny in this one that I was laughing out loud in bed and stayed up until the very early hours in order to finish the book and find out who the killer was. I was stumped throughout. Even when we come to the end and discover the truth, it only ends up creating more questions and suspense because Mercy realizes the web of secrets and violence reaches out in more directions, and to more wicked people than she thought. And those people seem to have Mercy's family and loved ones in their sights. Already started the next book in the series! Highly recommend this series.
The banter was so funny in this one that I was laughing out loud in bed and stayed up until the very early hours in order to finish the book and find out who the killer was. I was stumped throughout. Even when we come to the end and discover the truth, it only ends up creating more questions and suspense because Mercy realizes the web of secrets and violence reaches out in more directions, and to more wicked people than she thought. And those people seem to have Mercy's family and loved ones in their sights. Already started the next book in the series! Highly recommend this series.
July 14, 2017
I enjoyed this book very much but could we please resolve the story line about the Bled family as well as the one involving the mass murderer. There are so many characters and the plot harkens back to what happened in many of the previous books (which I have read) that I am thoroughly confused. Since I don't read one book immediately after the other, instead reading other books in between, I am lost regarding these secondary plots. Also, I truly wish everyone would cut Mercy some slack! I find it depressing that people, especially her family, are so hard on her. I will try the next in the series but it is getting a bit draining!
August 9, 2017
This was another great adventure for Mercy. It introduced her extended family in the guise of her Granddad known as Ace and his Vet buddies from the Vietnam war. Murders occur and the wonder dog Pug plays a roll along with Aaron and a host of others. The murders keep happening along with rides in vintage BMW sidecar motorcycles. If you have not read any of this series you are in for a real treat, with great dialogue, humour and action.
May 30, 2019
YUCK! the war.
All in this series have been excellent so far. This probably the one that was the hardest for me to get through. First of all, I hate war and everything that goes with it. There were so many characters I had a hard time keeping them straight. I knew in the end, it would all come together and it did. And of course there was a beautiful lead into the next in the series, which I have already downloaded .
All in this series have been excellent so far. This probably the one that was the hardest for me to get through. First of all, I hate war and everything that goes with it. There were so many characters I had a hard time keeping them straight. I knew in the end, it would all come together and it did. And of course there was a beautiful lead into the next in the series, which I have already downloaded .
May 24, 2017
I need Chuck. That about sums it up. While I am glad they're finally together, I do miss the tension there. I of course get why he has changed since his UC assignment, but I hope he and Mercy can deal with it and stay together.
November 6, 2021
Gotta read the next book and the next!
I really like this character, Mercy, like the way she talks to herself like we all do silently in all kinds of situations. Just like this author. Just keep reading the next book.
I really like this character, Mercy, like the way she talks to herself like we all do silently in all kinds of situations. Just like this author. Just keep reading the next book.
June 19, 2017
I have enjoyed this whole series, but I think this was one of my favorites. I can't wait for the next chapter. Mercy is so much fun. She isn't perfect. She has flaws just like the rest of us.
February 18, 2018
Who wouldn't want Ace as their Grandad?!
May 16, 2020
I like this series. But this one was just not the same. Mercy seemed a little snarky in this one. But I’ve bought the next one so I continue the series.
June 1, 2023
Mysteries upon mysteries
You cannot become bored by Mercy Watts and her friends and family. They are all basically crazy with a side of nuts. Charming mystery.
You cannot become bored by Mercy Watts and her friends and family. They are all basically crazy with a side of nuts. Charming mystery.
Read
April 16, 2024Lots of the usual fun in this instalment, but with extra twists to a great ending! It’s all getting a bit complex now…
September 22, 2024
Mercy Watts never disappoints.
January 18, 2017
Mercy Watts’ relatives would make anyone else’s look dull. This time she’s babysitting (ha!) her Grandad who is driving off to Sturgis on an antique BMW cycle with Mercy in the sidecar, and that’s the calm and normal part of the story. Once there murders and attempted murders ensue. Alongside is the continuing story of the Klinefeld Group, just who is and who isn’t part of the Bled family, and what Aaron will cook next. DBD appears as well, and poor Mercy has to deal with performing with them when she’d rather eat crab than do so. (BTW, I liked DBD’s hipster ninja bodyguard.) Wallace the Wonder Pug is on the case too; Grrr. I have a feeling this book sets up for a lot of drama in the next installment. As always, this is a well-written book with several laugh out loud moments. Highly recommended!
January 20, 2017
Spoiler Free Review:
This is the seventh of A.W's Mercy Watts series. They just keep getting better. The central character is Mercy Watts a BSN. She has the fortune or misfortune as the case may be of being a Marilyn Monroe look alike. She is also a bit of a klutz. That in itself makes for some humorus situations however throw in a famous detective father, a mother who looks more like her sister and two extremely wealthy godmothers and a cast of quirky characters and you get a fun humorous series.
Each of these is a complete standalone book however they fit into the overarching plot. That is a family mystery that drives Mercy a natural snoop to distraction. Each adventure brings her closer to her goal of finding out what the family mystery really is and who she really is.
This book marks the return of Wallace the Pug. She was a big part of Double Black Diamond (Book 3) and is a real addition to this story. Wallace has a bit of an attitude and a predilection for ruining shoes, particularly Mercy's.
A.W. has a clean writing style and you will find her works not only well written but well edited. Written with a bit of twisted sense of humor the series will have you laughing out loud. While each book is a standalone you will enjoy the series more if read in order as each book builds on the series. There is enough information given in each book to understand what is occurring but you will miss the dynamic of how Mercy's rather quirky group of supporters both came to be and has grown.
This is the seventh of A.W's Mercy Watts series. They just keep getting better. The central character is Mercy Watts a BSN. She has the fortune or misfortune as the case may be of being a Marilyn Monroe look alike. She is also a bit of a klutz. That in itself makes for some humorus situations however throw in a famous detective father, a mother who looks more like her sister and two extremely wealthy godmothers and a cast of quirky characters and you get a fun humorous series.
Each of these is a complete standalone book however they fit into the overarching plot. That is a family mystery that drives Mercy a natural snoop to distraction. Each adventure brings her closer to her goal of finding out what the family mystery really is and who she really is.
This book marks the return of Wallace the Pug. She was a big part of Double Black Diamond (Book 3) and is a real addition to this story. Wallace has a bit of an attitude and a predilection for ruining shoes, particularly Mercy's.
A.W. has a clean writing style and you will find her works not only well written but well edited. Written with a bit of twisted sense of humor the series will have you laughing out loud. While each book is a standalone you will enjoy the series more if read in order as each book builds on the series. There is enough information given in each book to understand what is occurring but you will miss the dynamic of how Mercy's rather quirky group of supporters both came to be and has grown.
January 22, 2017
Sturgis will never be the same after Mercy Watts visits with her Grandad and his military buddies. Someone wants to harm her grandfather and Mercy is determined to find out who. Unfortunately none of the Vets will help her. What comes next is non stop action and complete mayhem. Wallace the wonder pug is at her side. He's ready to grab the limelight as well as Mercy's ankles. He's an interesting partner. I like Mercy. She has great skills and knows how to use them. I was pulled into My Bad Grandad. I couldn't stop reading until I had answers. The characters are interesting and quirky. The Sturgis motorcycle rally is the perfect setting for mystery and murder. A.W. Hartoin did a great job with this exciting novel. The ending was unexpected. I enjoyed this story and I can't wait for more of Mercy Watts. She has style and class.
January 18, 2017
What another awesome Mercy Watts adventure. I have been a huge fan since the very beginning and I eagerly await every new Mercy Watts adventure. Mercy is a character I admire a lot she is smart, sassy and sweet she also lives by family first and always even if that get's her into trouble...lol.
In Mercy's latest adventure she is off with her Grandpa trying to keep him out of trouble and finding herself in trouble which is not unusual.
Mercy uses all of her god given talents to save the day and solve the mystery with Sass and pizazz just like Marilyn Monroe.
In Mercy's latest adventure she is off with her Grandpa trying to keep him out of trouble and finding herself in trouble which is not unusual.
Mercy uses all of her god given talents to save the day and solve the mystery with Sass and pizazz just like Marilyn Monroe.
February 5, 2017
Left us hanging!
Awesome story! Love Grandpa! Can't wait for the next book! Mercy is like the all American girl that finds herself always in a pickle.
Awesome story! Love Grandpa! Can't wait for the next book! Mercy is like the all American girl that finds herself always in a pickle.
January 19, 2017
Mercy watts the Marilyn Monroe lookalike that has trouble following her. In this adventure her and her grandfather head to Sturgis and have an adventure that no one expected. Murder, mayhem and a rock band .
January 29, 2017
The Girl Does it Again
Once you meet Mercy, you are hooked. Now, through threads, food, and rock, that pug takes us on an adventure that did not stop. Bring on the next one!!!
Once you meet Mercy, you are hooked. Now, through threads, food, and rock, that pug takes us on an adventure that did not stop. Bring on the next one!!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews