What do you think?
Rate this book
Defenders of Justice #1
Fatal Frost
Mehl Ramps Up the Suspense in This Brand-New U.S. Marshals Series
Mercy Brennan followed in her father's footsteps in a law enforcement career, but she has no interest in any other connection to him. A U.S. Marshal in St. Louis, Missouri, she's assigned to a joint task force with the St. Louis PD that puts her back into contact with her father and in the sights of St. Louis's most powerful gang.
When the gang has reason to believe Mercy has possession of some highly sensitive and incriminating information, her boss assigns Mark St. Laurent--a Deputy U.S. Marshal and Mercy's ex-boyfriend--to get her out of town until they can guarantee her safety.
Initially unaware of the danger she's in and uncomfortable working with Mark, Mercy's frustration escalates when she discovers the extent her boss and Mark have been keeping her in the dark. It isn't until a freak ice storm hits, stranding them at a remote location and out of contact with the district office, that the full severity of their situation becomes clear. As the storm worsens, the forces of nature combine with a deadly enemy closing in to put their lives at imminent risk. Can they survive long enough for help to arrive--if help is even coming at all?
Mercy Brennan followed in her father's footsteps in a law enforcement career, but she has no interest in any other connection to him. A U.S. Marshal in St. Louis, Missouri, she's assigned to a joint task force with the St. Louis PD that puts her back into contact with her father and in the sights of St. Louis's most powerful gang.
When the gang has reason to believe Mercy has possession of some highly sensitive and incriminating information, her boss assigns Mark St. Laurent--a Deputy U.S. Marshal and Mercy's ex-boyfriend--to get her out of town until they can guarantee her safety.
Initially unaware of the danger she's in and uncomfortable working with Mark, Mercy's frustration escalates when she discovers the extent her boss and Mark have been keeping her in the dark. It isn't until a freak ice storm hits, stranding them at a remote location and out of contact with the district office, that the full severity of their situation becomes clear. As the storm worsens, the forces of nature combine with a deadly enemy closing in to put their lives at imminent risk. Can they survive long enough for help to arrive--if help is even coming at all?
Audiobook
First published November 1, 2016
687 people are currently reading
1484 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Mehl
67 books1,380 followersNancy Mehl is the bestselling author of over 50 books. She’s won the Daphne Du Maurier Award, as well as an ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award and a Carol award. She was also a finalist for the prestigious Christy award. Her short story, Chasing Shadows, was in the USA Today bestselling Summer of Suspense anthology. Learn more about her at www.nancymehl.com and on her blog, the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
November 9, 2016
About this book:
“Following in her absentee father's footsteps in a law enforcement career, U.S. Marshal Mercy Brennan has just recovered from being shot in the line of duty. And, unbeknownst to her, her father’s recent reappearance in her life has put her in the sights of St. Louis’s most powerful gang. Her boss assigns Deputy U.S. Marshal Mark St. Laurent—Mercy's ex-boyfriend—to get her out of town until her safety can be guarantee.
Unaware of the extent her boss and Mark have been keeping her in the dark, it isn't until a freak ice storm strands them at a remote location and out of contact with the district office that the full severity of their situation becomes clear. As the storm worsens, the forces of nature combine with a deadly enemy closing in to put their lives at imminent risk. Can they survive long enough for help to arrive—if help is even coming at all?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Defenders of Justice” series.
Spiritual Content- Prayers; Witnessing to Mercy; Talks about God, Jesus, God’s will, faiths, believing, prayers, & love; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Mark believes & Tally is a new believer; Mercy doesn’t believe God exists (since He didn’t answer childhood prayers) *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; Many mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of God; Mentions of being/getting religious, going to churches & having faith; Mentions of talking to a pastor; Mentions of sins, sinners, hell & needing Jesus; Mentions of sisters, deacons, a reverend & churches; A few mentions of miracles; A few mentions of Catholic churches & nuns; A couple mentions of The Holy Ghost; A couple mentions of a church for a funeral; A mention of a church leader; A mention of Christmas;
*Note: A mention of having a positive energy.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: three ‘shut up’s, (a gang leader calls police officers ‘pigs’ four times), four ‘idiot’, six ‘dumb’s, and seventeen forms of ‘stupid’; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Sarcasm & Eye rolling; A raid, being shot, injuries, blood, pain, passing out, seeing stars, & a car crash (up to semi-detailed); All About drugs, a cartel, gangs, killings/murders, deaths, criminals, crimes, violence, guns shot, a video of killing, gang fights, dirty officers & important figures in a community (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of deaths & bodies (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of torture, being hit, kicked & slapped, blood, kidnapping, murders/killings, bloodthirsty people (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of threats; Many mentions of hatred & gang members hatred for the law enforcement; Many mention of drugs & raids; Mentions of blood, bruises, pain, being shot, gunshot wounds & injuries (barley-above-not-detailed); Mentions of officers shot/killed, funerals, arrests, & prisons; Mentions of beating, being shot, & murders; Mentions of an abused husband/father (barley-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a helicopter crash & explosion (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of robberies & break-ins; Mentions of crooks & rigged bids; Mentions of nightmares; Mentions of throwing up & nausea; Mentions of Mercy’s mom who has/had an alcohol & drug problem; Mentions of alcohol, drunks & hangovers; A few mentions of going out for drinks & drinking; A few mentions of being sober & drug-free; A few mentions of cigarettes & smoking; A few mentions of blackmail; A few mentions of divorce; A couple mentions of terrorism & ISIS; A couple mentions of losing limbs in drastic situations; A couple mentions of tattoos; A couple mentions of bullies.
Sexual Content- a forehead kiss and a boarder-line semi-detailed // detailed kiss; Noticing; Mark says his & Mercy’s relationship wasn’t exactly chaste; Mentions of kisses; Mentions of Mercy’s father leaving his family for another woman; A few mentions of blushes; A few mentions of noticing & turning heads; A few mentions of a teenager looking at & salivating over Mercy’s body; A few hints of a mother entertaining a man to buy food for her children; A mention of a man & his wife’s closeness & passion; Some love, being in love & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of gangs “being in bed with” a huge cartel; A couple mentions of men’s pants hanging down showing their boxers; A few mentions of a man being in just his underwear (not sexually at all).
-Mercy Brennan, age 26
-Mark St. Laurent
P.O.V. switches between them, Tally(5x), Batterson(3x), Angel, Daruis & Al(once each)
297 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
{Add ½ star for girls interested in law enforcement.}
This was my first Nancy Mehl book & I thought it would be right up my alley with all the law enforcement agents in it. I didn’t realize that the plot would be so focused heavily on drugs, a cartel & gangs, but that was a (nice?) difference from a normal romance book—this one was pretty light in the romance compared to the whole book, so that was refreshing. The ending wrapped up a bit too quickly for my tastes, but I really loved Mercy’s backup plan. That was awesome. ;)
I look forward to learning more about the series as they come out.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Bethany House) for this honest review.
“Following in her absentee father's footsteps in a law enforcement career, U.S. Marshal Mercy Brennan has just recovered from being shot in the line of duty. And, unbeknownst to her, her father’s recent reappearance in her life has put her in the sights of St. Louis’s most powerful gang. Her boss assigns Deputy U.S. Marshal Mark St. Laurent—Mercy's ex-boyfriend—to get her out of town until her safety can be guarantee.
Unaware of the extent her boss and Mark have been keeping her in the dark, it isn't until a freak ice storm strands them at a remote location and out of contact with the district office that the full severity of their situation becomes clear. As the storm worsens, the forces of nature combine with a deadly enemy closing in to put their lives at imminent risk. Can they survive long enough for help to arrive—if help is even coming at all?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Defenders of Justice” series.
Spiritual Content- Prayers; Witnessing to Mercy; Talks about God, Jesus, God’s will, faiths, believing, prayers, & love; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Mark believes & Tally is a new believer; Mercy doesn’t believe God exists (since He didn’t answer childhood prayers) *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; Many mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of God; Mentions of being/getting religious, going to churches & having faith; Mentions of talking to a pastor; Mentions of sins, sinners, hell & needing Jesus; Mentions of sisters, deacons, a reverend & churches; A few mentions of miracles; A few mentions of Catholic churches & nuns; A couple mentions of The Holy Ghost; A couple mentions of a church for a funeral; A mention of a church leader; A mention of Christmas;
*Note: A mention of having a positive energy.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: three ‘shut up’s, (a gang leader calls police officers ‘pigs’ four times), four ‘idiot’, six ‘dumb’s, and seventeen forms of ‘stupid’; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Sarcasm & Eye rolling; A raid, being shot, injuries, blood, pain, passing out, seeing stars, & a car crash (up to semi-detailed); All About drugs, a cartel, gangs, killings/murders, deaths, criminals, crimes, violence, guns shot, a video of killing, gang fights, dirty officers & important figures in a community (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of deaths & bodies (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of torture, being hit, kicked & slapped, blood, kidnapping, murders/killings, bloodthirsty people (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of threats; Many mentions of hatred & gang members hatred for the law enforcement; Many mention of drugs & raids; Mentions of blood, bruises, pain, being shot, gunshot wounds & injuries (barley-above-not-detailed); Mentions of officers shot/killed, funerals, arrests, & prisons; Mentions of beating, being shot, & murders; Mentions of an abused husband/father (barley-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a helicopter crash & explosion (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of robberies & break-ins; Mentions of crooks & rigged bids; Mentions of nightmares; Mentions of throwing up & nausea; Mentions of Mercy’s mom who has/had an alcohol & drug problem; Mentions of alcohol, drunks & hangovers; A few mentions of going out for drinks & drinking; A few mentions of being sober & drug-free; A few mentions of cigarettes & smoking; A few mentions of blackmail; A few mentions of divorce; A couple mentions of terrorism & ISIS; A couple mentions of losing limbs in drastic situations; A couple mentions of tattoos; A couple mentions of bullies.
Sexual Content- a forehead kiss and a boarder-line semi-detailed // detailed kiss; Noticing; Mark says his & Mercy’s relationship wasn’t exactly chaste; Mentions of kisses; Mentions of Mercy’s father leaving his family for another woman; A few mentions of blushes; A few mentions of noticing & turning heads; A few mentions of a teenager looking at & salivating over Mercy’s body; A few hints of a mother entertaining a man to buy food for her children; A mention of a man & his wife’s closeness & passion; Some love, being in love & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of gangs “being in bed with” a huge cartel; A couple mentions of men’s pants hanging down showing their boxers; A few mentions of a man being in just his underwear (not sexually at all).
-Mercy Brennan, age 26
-Mark St. Laurent
P.O.V. switches between them, Tally(5x), Batterson(3x), Angel, Daruis & Al(once each)
297 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
{Add ½ star for girls interested in law enforcement.}
This was my first Nancy Mehl book & I thought it would be right up my alley with all the law enforcement agents in it. I didn’t realize that the plot would be so focused heavily on drugs, a cartel & gangs, but that was a (nice?) difference from a normal romance book—this one was pretty light in the romance compared to the whole book, so that was refreshing. The ending wrapped up a bit too quickly for my tastes, but I really loved Mercy’s backup plan. That was awesome. ;)
I look forward to learning more about the series as they come out.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Bethany House) for this honest review.
January 18, 2018
This book was very . . . interesting.
Mercy Brennan, the MC, captured my interest at the beginning. She was a very complex character. Mark St. Laurent, the other MC, fell a little short in my opinion. He was very sweet, but didn't have the same complexity that Mercy had, and I missed that. Overall, the characters were interesting, but I never truly connected with them. I personally love character-driven stories, so this was a little disappointing for me in that regard.
The storyline was well-thought out, and very fast-paced. I read this in about 24 hours. There were some parts that were predictable, and others that weren't very realistic. I found some of the details with the gang\cartel rather disturbing, and a little violent for my tastes.
Overall, I was a bit disappointed in this. It was okay for a one-time read, but isn't necessarily something I'd recommend or read again.
CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for ages 16+ for violence, mainly.
Mercy Brennan, the MC, captured my interest at the beginning. She was a very complex character. Mark St. Laurent, the other MC, fell a little short in my opinion. He was very sweet, but didn't have the same complexity that Mercy had, and I missed that. Overall, the characters were interesting, but I never truly connected with them. I personally love character-driven stories, so this was a little disappointing for me in that regard.
The storyline was well-thought out, and very fast-paced. I read this in about 24 hours. There were some parts that were predictable, and others that weren't very realistic. I found some of the details with the gang\cartel rather disturbing, and a little violent for my tastes.
Overall, I was a bit disappointed in this. It was okay for a one-time read, but isn't necessarily something I'd recommend or read again.
CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for ages 16+ for violence, mainly.
November 3, 2016
This novel covers the parallel journeys of the protagonist--the journey to bring cartel members to justice and the journey to find God and His will for her life. The author does a great job in intertwining the two, and keeping the reader involved. Just when I thought we were approaching the end, another crisis point was reached. And although I wondered at first how the title came about, by the time I'd turned the last page of the novel I felt as though I needed a jacket. Well-done.
December 28, 2017
RATING: 3 STARS
(I received an ARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY)
(Review Not on Blog)
This is my first novel by Nancy Mehl, and I am undecided if I will read more. I found the characters were okay and the story line was predictable. This book is also tagged as a "Christian" book, and there are few mentions of God, but doesn't really have much to do wth the story or novel.
(I received an ARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY)
(Review Not on Blog)
This is my first novel by Nancy Mehl, and I am undecided if I will read more. I found the characters were okay and the story line was predictable. This book is also tagged as a "Christian" book, and there are few mentions of God, but doesn't really have much to do wth the story or novel.
March 28, 2020
I wanted to like this book, and it had potential. But to be honest, there were too many unrealistic parts for me to appreciate it.
December 6, 2016
Nancy Mehl like you've never read her before! And I'm lovin' it! I've always enjoyed the way this author spins a suspenseful tale but until Fatal Frost all those mysteries have involved quaint Old Order Mennonite towns and while I loved that aspect of series like Harmony, Road to Kingdom and Finding Sanctuary, I am over the moon about this new, hard-hitting law enforcement centred series.
Fatal Frost -- just the title sends a shiver up your spine, doesn't it? And brrr, curl up in front of a fire with a hot drink because the majority of this story takes place in the middle of a horrendous winter storm and Mehl's descriptive prose makes you feel like you're right there.
And be prepared for sinister chaos. These villains are e-v-i-l and sneaky and ruthless. I turned pages with breathless anticipation and read the last hundred in one gluttonous gulp. Great character dynamics and detailed backstory bring depth to both hero and heroine. Mercy is a walking contradiction. Even her name doesn't quite match her tough, stoic persona. She's built a wall around her heart and keeps everyone except childhood friend, Tally, at a distance.
She doesn't do relationships -- not even with a pet which is why her relationship with Mark came to a crashing halt. He said 'I love you' and she couldn't say it back. But she thought it and that was enough to send her running scared. Now they're together again facing danger at every turn. And neither of them have forgotten the intense emotions of their past. Seriously delicious -- and oh so torturous -- romance! As taut and tense as the relentless suspense.
An enthralling start to the Defenders of Justice series. Can't wait to read more!
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Fatal Frost -- just the title sends a shiver up your spine, doesn't it? And brrr, curl up in front of a fire with a hot drink because the majority of this story takes place in the middle of a horrendous winter storm and Mehl's descriptive prose makes you feel like you're right there.
And be prepared for sinister chaos. These villains are e-v-i-l and sneaky and ruthless. I turned pages with breathless anticipation and read the last hundred in one gluttonous gulp. Great character dynamics and detailed backstory bring depth to both hero and heroine. Mercy is a walking contradiction. Even her name doesn't quite match her tough, stoic persona. She's built a wall around her heart and keeps everyone except childhood friend, Tally, at a distance.
She doesn't do relationships -- not even with a pet which is why her relationship with Mark came to a crashing halt. He said 'I love you' and she couldn't say it back. But she thought it and that was enough to send her running scared. Now they're together again facing danger at every turn. And neither of them have forgotten the intense emotions of their past. Seriously delicious -- and oh so torturous -- romance! As taut and tense as the relentless suspense.
An enthralling start to the Defenders of Justice series. Can't wait to read more!
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
June 3, 2019
Mercy Brennan is a US Deputy Marshal working out of the St. Louis office. She is from a dysfunctional background with her father leaving her family when she was a child, her mother falling apart, and Mercy taking care of her younger brother. Her father is a policeman and has returned to St. Louis and has tried to fix their relationship but Mercy doesn't quite trust him. He is working undercover with a drug cartel when he is killed. Her life is in danger because it is thought that he left a flash drive with her. In an attempt to keep her save, her boss sends Mark, her partner/former boyfriend, her best friend, St. Louis cop, Tally and Mercy to a cabin under the pretense to meet up with a WITSEC needing their protection. Mercy isn't aware of her danger and that her father left a flash drive with her. Where is it? Things get dangerous with a killer snowstorm leaving them without power and cell phone service and a mole within the department giving away their location. A year ago, Mercy broke up with Mark because he got religion. She called on God as a child but He didn't help her. Now, Tally tells her he has been going to church. But as their situation gets bad, Mark's God may be their only hope against a Mexican cartel and St. Louis gang. Lots of danger, action and the dilemma of not knowing who to trust.
November 18, 2016
I've kept seeing the books by Nancy Mehl appear in my book recommendations on Goodreads, but until this book, I'd never read anything of hers. I knew going in to expect a romantic suspense book, but beyond that, I didn't know what to expect.
I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. This book started off fast and kept going. The action alone kept me interested.
I did find that the characters didn't seem to be quite as well developed as I'm used to, but that could be that this is the first in a series. I don't know if these characters will make appearances in the rest of the series or not.
Overall, this was a fast and enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher as Bethany House's blogging program. I was asked only to give my honest opinion about the book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of Lisa Harris, Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, romantic suspense
Rating - 4 stars
I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. This book started off fast and kept going. The action alone kept me interested.
I did find that the characters didn't seem to be quite as well developed as I'm used to, but that could be that this is the first in a series. I don't know if these characters will make appearances in the rest of the series or not.
Overall, this was a fast and enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher as Bethany House's blogging program. I was asked only to give my honest opinion about the book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of Lisa Harris, Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, romantic suspense
Rating - 4 stars
Read
December 27, 2017I like suspense, and since I've read one other by this author, I was interested to see how this one would be. Sadly, it fell short for me. Lots of trite expression, predictable scenes, and characters that I couldn't sympathize with. This is a clean book, with romance that was quite minimal. Some good spiritual content, with mentions of conversions and a possible salvation toward the end (although it wasn't clear).
In the middle I was a little more interested, especially with the one main snow scene, but everything seemed so contrived. I wished I could have enjoyed this!
In the middle I was a little more interested, especially with the one main snow scene, but everything seemed so contrived. I wished I could have enjoyed this!
November 13, 2016
It's hard to believe that in my four and a half years of reviewing books I have only read one other book by Nancy Mehl (the first book in her Road to Kingdom series!) which I loved and have been wanting to read more of her books, but other books just kept taking priority. But when I heard about this new series, I knew I had to read it! And I am beyond thrilled to say that I loved this book from beginning to end! It did have a bit of a different feel to it than other romantic suspense books I've read but I loved that about it. I also loved that, while there was a romance it didn't seem (at least to me anyway) that it was the major focus of the book, which I found to be totally awesome and refreshing and a nice change of pace! The majority of the plot focused on the mystery and suspense and let me just say that with as many suspense books as I have read it is very difficult to surprise me but this book threw numerous curveballs at me that I totally didn't see coming! This book was just so good, I could see it playing out in my mind's-eye like a TV show or movie!
I really liked that this story dropped us right into the action and then let us get to know the characters through their thoughts as well as their actions as the story progressed.
I don't want to risk giving anything away so I will just say that I loved every minute of this book and hated to see it end! I cannot wait for the next book in the series! I highly recommend Fatal Frost to all fans of Christian romantic suspense.
I received this book for free from Bethany House publishers. No review required. The above is my honest opinion, all thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
I really liked that this story dropped us right into the action and then let us get to know the characters through their thoughts as well as their actions as the story progressed.
I don't want to risk giving anything away so I will just say that I loved every minute of this book and hated to see it end! I cannot wait for the next book in the series! I highly recommend Fatal Frost to all fans of Christian romantic suspense.
I received this book for free from Bethany House publishers. No review required. The above is my honest opinion, all thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
December 30, 2016
Previous books by Nancy Mehl have focused on Mennonite or Amish communities interacting amongst those in secular communities and often laced with a strong element of suspense. In Fatal Frost Mehl steps firmily into the suspense genre aligning her characters in the U.S.Marshal camp and with the world of protection, gang-bashers, and drug cartels.
I say this is a good fit for Mehl's talents as she takes the reader into the corruption that drugs, murder, and ill-gained money place characters. As the title indicates, the death defying chill of a severe winter storm and the deadly pursuit of evil men takes the reader into the mind, actions, and horrors of a spine chilling suspense read. Frosty indeed!
Character development is excellent and reveals weaknesses and strengths of each of the major players. Corruption in high places as well as low-life gang members run a strong thread of fearful encounters throughout the book. There is, however, a promise of hope as characters share their Christian faith.
As the first book in a series of Defenders of Justice, Fatal Frost has given me a sure-fire appetite for additional "defenders of justice" stories. Thanks Nancy Mehl for a good, Christian read.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review of my honest opinions and received no compensation to review.
I say this is a good fit for Mehl's talents as she takes the reader into the corruption that drugs, murder, and ill-gained money place characters. As the title indicates, the death defying chill of a severe winter storm and the deadly pursuit of evil men takes the reader into the mind, actions, and horrors of a spine chilling suspense read. Frosty indeed!
Character development is excellent and reveals weaknesses and strengths of each of the major players. Corruption in high places as well as low-life gang members run a strong thread of fearful encounters throughout the book. There is, however, a promise of hope as characters share their Christian faith.
As the first book in a series of Defenders of Justice, Fatal Frost has given me a sure-fire appetite for additional "defenders of justice" stories. Thanks Nancy Mehl for a good, Christian read.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review of my honest opinions and received no compensation to review.
October 27, 2016
This story reads like the headlines, something we have been reading about and watching almost on a daily basis, and ironically it takes place around St. Louis, MO. Once that cover is turned on this book, you won’t be happy until the last page is turned.
Mercy Brennan is a U.S. Marshall and along with her former boyfriend Mark, and her best friend are sent on a mission to help a witness protection having problems, or so they are told.
If you enjoy a book with non-stop action, you will not be disappointed here, and my only hope throughout were that the characters I cared about would survive, and how any do is a mystery.
I have read a lot of Nancy Mehl’s books, and this one is a big change from all of the previous ones, but she sure got my attention fast and kept it throughout.
I received this book through Net Galley and Bethany House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.
Mercy Brennan is a U.S. Marshall and along with her former boyfriend Mark, and her best friend are sent on a mission to help a witness protection having problems, or so they are told.
If you enjoy a book with non-stop action, you will not be disappointed here, and my only hope throughout were that the characters I cared about would survive, and how any do is a mystery.
I have read a lot of Nancy Mehl’s books, and this one is a big change from all of the previous ones, but she sure got my attention fast and kept it throughout.
I received this book through Net Galley and Bethany House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.
August 20, 2017
I started reading Fatal Frost by Nancy Mehl on my iPhone while I waited for a friend to finish shopping, and I really wanted the friend to keep shopping! The story grabs you by the throat and holds on to the end.
Mercy Brennan was the “frost” in the story, a woman so hurt by events in her past that she couldn’t relate to others. Watching her grow was very rewarding. And Mark St. Laurent can save me anytime! He was the perfect hero. And the tension…let’s just say I didn’t get to sleep until after midnight last night because I couldn’t put the book down.
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Mercy Brennan was the “frost” in the story, a woman so hurt by events in her past that she couldn’t relate to others. Watching her grow was very rewarding. And Mark St. Laurent can save me anytime! He was the perfect hero. And the tension…let’s just say I didn’t get to sleep until after midnight last night because I couldn’t put the book down.
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
April 2, 2023
Contrived and unrealistic. Many plot holes. Tighter editing necessary to provide plausible scenarios and authentic dialogue. Being SO over-the-top implausible with SO many plot holes/errors, it is farcical and inane, even with suspension of disbelief.
July 9, 2017
Wow. This was a great read. Very action packed. I could do with a LOT LESS bloodshed and details but I understand how it might make the storyline "believable." I truly enjoyed Mercy's awakening to God's love and protection. Things in life don't always turn out the way we think they should. However, what matters most is having faith and trust in the One who knows all. He always brings his people through to victory. This story is a great reminder of this.
February 28, 2018
I loved this book. I like how Mercy is so headstrong and how she refuses to give in. I like how Mark still loves her and how he would give his life to protect her. I am glad that Tally was okay and did not die. I like how they caught Angel and the cartel, and how nobody was severely injured. I hate how Jess turned out to be Angel and how two people working for the police were actually spies. I rate this a five star book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2021
Could have been better, but with so many sub-plots and evolving characters, she had trouble really making them likeable.
January 5, 2022
I feel like I just got off of a roller coaster but in a good way. This story was full of twists and situations that you didn’t see coming. Can’t wait for the next one!
January 1, 2022
Good crime drama novel. Felt odd when midway through it became religious. Had I read other reviews I’d have known. It was recommended to me so I just checked it out and read it.
March 2, 2017
Nancy never disappoints! This book is full of action and suspense! You keep turning the pages and don't want to put it down.
Mercy Brennan is a no nonsense U.S. Marshal who doesn't trust easily. She buries herself in her work to avoid reality..... If you get past the wall around her heart, you will find it is made of gold. The marshals race against time to bring down a drug cartel that is trying to destroy their city. Her father is killed because he refuses to give up something the cartel wants. He puts Mercy in extreme danger.
Mark St. Laurent - Mercy's ex-boyfriend- is a really good guy. She really cares about him but her trust issues won't allow her to admit it.
To find out if Mercy gets out of danger, if the cartel gets what they what, and if Mark & Mercy get back together.........you have to read the book. Happy Reading!
Mercy Brennan is a no nonsense U.S. Marshal who doesn't trust easily. She buries herself in her work to avoid reality..... If you get past the wall around her heart, you will find it is made of gold. The marshals race against time to bring down a drug cartel that is trying to destroy their city. Her father is killed because he refuses to give up something the cartel wants. He puts Mercy in extreme danger.
Mark St. Laurent - Mercy's ex-boyfriend- is a really good guy. She really cares about him but her trust issues won't allow her to admit it.
To find out if Mercy gets out of danger, if the cartel gets what they what, and if Mark & Mercy get back together.........you have to read the book. Happy Reading!
November 8, 2016
When I read a romantic suspense novel, I expect to be taken on a wild and thrilling journey with a hint of romance filtered in the pages. I'm not that familiar with Nancy Mehl's writing, but the cover grabbed my attention and a story with a girl running from something in the dead of night catches my attention. I am an avid reader of mysteries and romantic suspense, so I know what to expect. With harrowing characters, some in the law enforcement agencies, mixed with a touch of romance trying to solve a mystery, Mehl knew what was needed to keep avid fans of the genre interested in the novel.
I had a really hard time with Fatal Frost. The story read like a first draft that needed a bunch of work in order to be ready to be published. For instance, the writing is clear and concise, and I had a easy time following the story, but the setting was not really that described in some places. I had a hard time knowing where the story took place. But in other places, the description clogged the pages.
As for the characters, I had a really hard time getting to know Mercy Brennan and Mark. Mercy has a lot of issues from her past, and Mehl does a good job at allowing me to know what the dark moments are, but the back-story comes pretty early in the story whereas, writers are told to sprinkle the past throughout the story. Don't shove it down the reader's throat within the first fifty pages. The romance between Mercy and Mark is a little awkward at times. I know they had a past, but the romance in the present seemed stilted and forced.
The plot moved really, really slow. There were pages and pages of dialogue that really didn't the move the story forward. In the beginning, I observed Mercy as she had a meal with her father aka Nick. Why Mehl didn't call Nick her father right away to clear up confusion would have been helpful. I kept getting confused as to who Mercy was having a meal with. Was it her father or this man name Nick? The suspense element reads like every drug cartel novel. Nothing really different.
Familiar to the genre, I had a really hard time getting into Nancy Mehl's introduction to her new Defender of Justice series Fatal Frost. The characters really had no motivation while the writing could use some improvement to capture my attention. If you're a fan of romantic suspense, I recommend staying away from this book and pick up something else.
I received a complimentary copy of Nancy Mehl's Fatal Frost from Bethany House Publishers and the opinions stated are all my own.
I had a really hard time with Fatal Frost. The story read like a first draft that needed a bunch of work in order to be ready to be published. For instance, the writing is clear and concise, and I had a easy time following the story, but the setting was not really that described in some places. I had a hard time knowing where the story took place. But in other places, the description clogged the pages.
As for the characters, I had a really hard time getting to know Mercy Brennan and Mark. Mercy has a lot of issues from her past, and Mehl does a good job at allowing me to know what the dark moments are, but the back-story comes pretty early in the story whereas, writers are told to sprinkle the past throughout the story. Don't shove it down the reader's throat within the first fifty pages. The romance between Mercy and Mark is a little awkward at times. I know they had a past, but the romance in the present seemed stilted and forced.
The plot moved really, really slow. There were pages and pages of dialogue that really didn't the move the story forward. In the beginning, I observed Mercy as she had a meal with her father aka Nick. Why Mehl didn't call Nick her father right away to clear up confusion would have been helpful. I kept getting confused as to who Mercy was having a meal with. Was it her father or this man name Nick? The suspense element reads like every drug cartel novel. Nothing really different.
Familiar to the genre, I had a really hard time getting into Nancy Mehl's introduction to her new Defender of Justice series Fatal Frost. The characters really had no motivation while the writing could use some improvement to capture my attention. If you're a fan of romantic suspense, I recommend staying away from this book and pick up something else.
I received a complimentary copy of Nancy Mehl's Fatal Frost from Bethany House Publishers and the opinions stated are all my own.
December 21, 2016
Fatal Frost begins with a bang—literally—as U.S. Marshal Mercy Brennan is injured in a drug raid. The rapid pace of the novel continues throughout the book, which kept me on the edge of my seat as I read.
The suspense aspect of Fatal Frost is excellent. I was constantly questioning who could and could not be trusted. In a couple cases, I figured out who was untrustworthy fairly quickly, but I don't think the author was necessarily trying to keep it a secret. That even added to the tension as I read because I was willing Mercy to keep her mouth shut and listen to her gut ... even though I knew she probably wouldn't.
I also felt like the story wrapped up in a fairly realistic way—many people were injured, some people died, and no one really escaped unscathed. Overall, I found this to be a very satisfying suspense novel.
I also found it to be a very satisfying *romantic* suspense novel.
Sometimes, I struggle with rapidly-moving romantic suspense because the romance seems manufactured out of nowhere or the couple goes from "Hello, my name is..." to "I love you" in a couple of weeks. It feels like Bachelor-land to me, where people are in stressful, out of the ordinary circumstances and form emotional connections that often disintegrate in the real world. (Of course, in a novel, the end conveniently comes before the couple has to face "real life" together, so the reader doesn't ever see what comes next.) What I appreciate about Fatal Frost is that Mercy and Mark already had a relationship in the past, so author Nancy Mehl didn't have to convince readers that the two were falling in love over the course of the novel—they already were in love, and the events of the novel caused Mercy to finally acknowledge that fact. This may seem like a small thing, but it goes a long way towards creating believablility, which is an aspect I often find lacking in this genre.
Fatal Frost is exactly the kind of romantic suspense I can get behind—it's romantic, suspenseful, and not too graphic. I definitely recommend it.
Disclosure of material connection: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
The suspense aspect of Fatal Frost is excellent. I was constantly questioning who could and could not be trusted. In a couple cases, I figured out who was untrustworthy fairly quickly, but I don't think the author was necessarily trying to keep it a secret. That even added to the tension as I read because I was willing Mercy to keep her mouth shut and listen to her gut ... even though I knew she probably wouldn't.
I also felt like the story wrapped up in a fairly realistic way—many people were injured, some people died, and no one really escaped unscathed. Overall, I found this to be a very satisfying suspense novel.
I also found it to be a very satisfying *romantic* suspense novel.
Sometimes, I struggle with rapidly-moving romantic suspense because the romance seems manufactured out of nowhere or the couple goes from "Hello, my name is..." to "I love you" in a couple of weeks. It feels like Bachelor-land to me, where people are in stressful, out of the ordinary circumstances and form emotional connections that often disintegrate in the real world. (Of course, in a novel, the end conveniently comes before the couple has to face "real life" together, so the reader doesn't ever see what comes next.) What I appreciate about Fatal Frost is that Mercy and Mark already had a relationship in the past, so author Nancy Mehl didn't have to convince readers that the two were falling in love over the course of the novel—they already were in love, and the events of the novel caused Mercy to finally acknowledge that fact. This may seem like a small thing, but it goes a long way towards creating believablility, which is an aspect I often find lacking in this genre.
Fatal Frost is exactly the kind of romantic suspense I can get behind—it's romantic, suspenseful, and not too graphic. I definitely recommend it.
Disclosure of material connection: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
November 4, 2016
In one word BRILLIANT. This book was incredibly brilliant. The characters were well defined and they seemed to come alive from the pages. You come to care about them as the pages fly by. You can sit there reading and realize eventually uh oh - I haven't eaten - I better go get something ready. Your stomach is kind of funny that way. This is a story about Mercy, whose father was a member of the gang task force - him and mercy met for lunch and she felt that funny about it after she left - well not too long after she got home she got a know on the door and she looked through the peep hole and saw her neighbor and friend - she knew right away before he was in the door - her father was gone. well the gang was ordered to kill him if he would not keep Mercy under his thumb to keep her from going after the gangs - and if he didn't they would show a tape doctored of course that she killed someone in cold blood. Well an informant gave him the original video showing the truth of who really shot him - and now the gang thinks he gave it to her - now they are after her to get it back - she has no idea about anything = that is just the first two chapters - so - where is the tape? will the gang get to her? What is that amazing twist that no one will see coming in a million years? How does her ex boyfriend fit into this? Why was she ordered out of town? Will things ever b e back to normal or will the gang get to her and she get to HEAVEN first? You will not believe that answers to these questions and more. I received this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2016
I have not read many of Nancy Mehl's books, but each one that I have read has taken me on an adventure that I loved. This book is no different. I love suspense novels and this is book has spine tingling suspense that I couldn't put down.
From the first page I was immediately drawn into the story which takes place in Missouri. This story centers around US Marshal Mercy Brennan. Mercy is shot during an undercover sting and saved by the one person she trusts, her childhood friend Tally who is currently with the St Louis PD. When her estranged father is murdered she suddenly becomes a target and her superiors want her out of the city. Under the guise of investigating a man in witness protection she and fellow US Marshal Mark St. Lourent along with Tally head out to a small town about 130 miles away. Unfortunately someone is set on them not making the drive and with the weather conditions they may not.
Mercy is a complex character, but one I grew to really love. She has trust issues do to her father's abandonment and doesn't let anyone close, expect for Tally. She and Mark have a history and not one she wants to revisit. Mark has always loved Mercy and he will protect her even if that means putting his own life in danger.
This is a spine tingling, suspense that is filled with many twists and turns. The characters are engaging. The setting is detailed and perceptive. This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves suspense.
I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
From the first page I was immediately drawn into the story which takes place in Missouri. This story centers around US Marshal Mercy Brennan. Mercy is shot during an undercover sting and saved by the one person she trusts, her childhood friend Tally who is currently with the St Louis PD. When her estranged father is murdered she suddenly becomes a target and her superiors want her out of the city. Under the guise of investigating a man in witness protection she and fellow US Marshal Mark St. Lourent along with Tally head out to a small town about 130 miles away. Unfortunately someone is set on them not making the drive and with the weather conditions they may not.
Mercy is a complex character, but one I grew to really love. She has trust issues do to her father's abandonment and doesn't let anyone close, expect for Tally. She and Mark have a history and not one she wants to revisit. Mark has always loved Mercy and he will protect her even if that means putting his own life in danger.
This is a spine tingling, suspense that is filled with many twists and turns. The characters are engaging. The setting is detailed and perceptive. This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves suspense.
I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 3, 2016
"I know you won't believe this, but I love you, Mercy . . . . . I've loved you every day since you were born, even though I have done a terrible job of showing it."
These would be some of the last words that U. S. Marshal Mercy Brennan would ever hear her father speak. Did he know that his days were numbered, thus attempting to make amends for his years of silence and desertion? Mercy can only wonder, for he was gunned down just hours later, supposedly caught in the crossfire of violent gang warfare. She can also only wonder about the fact the she is abruptly assigned to a special task force sent to secure a safe house, teamed with the man she so valiantly tried to push out of her own life months earlier.
Deputy U. S. Marshal Mark St. Laurent is extremely worried about the horrific ice and snow storm that is impeding his team's attempts to arrive at their remote location. He also feels sincere guilt about the fact that Mercy does not know the real reason for this mission; her father's actions have implicated her in possible duplicity; and while Mark is convinced of her innocence, he also knows that her life is in danger, determining to protect her at all cost. In the long run, the weather is only one of many factors contributing to a fight for their lives.
Enjoy this first installment in Nancy Mehl's new "Defenders of Justice" series with its fast paced suspense, tempered by traitors and heroes, inspiration and romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions are entirely my own.
These would be some of the last words that U. S. Marshal Mercy Brennan would ever hear her father speak. Did he know that his days were numbered, thus attempting to make amends for his years of silence and desertion? Mercy can only wonder, for he was gunned down just hours later, supposedly caught in the crossfire of violent gang warfare. She can also only wonder about the fact the she is abruptly assigned to a special task force sent to secure a safe house, teamed with the man she so valiantly tried to push out of her own life months earlier.
Deputy U. S. Marshal Mark St. Laurent is extremely worried about the horrific ice and snow storm that is impeding his team's attempts to arrive at their remote location. He also feels sincere guilt about the fact that Mercy does not know the real reason for this mission; her father's actions have implicated her in possible duplicity; and while Mark is convinced of her innocence, he also knows that her life is in danger, determining to protect her at all cost. In the long run, the weather is only one of many factors contributing to a fight for their lives.
Enjoy this first installment in Nancy Mehl's new "Defenders of Justice" series with its fast paced suspense, tempered by traitors and heroes, inspiration and romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions are entirely my own.
February 10, 2017
First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, FATAL FROST is the first book in Ms. Mehl's newest series and it is definitely an edge-of-your-seat reading experience. In the first few pages we are introduced to the gang-ridden streets of the inner city of St. Louis--an area where you don't go with your car doors unlocked! And even where you don't stop at traffic lights if you see gangs loitering around!
Sadly, the recent opinion of law enforcement is foremost in this book. They are the enemies, and killers, and it is up to them to take control of the city and get rid of the nasty, hated, evil police (please note, this is not the opinion of this reviewer and not of the author, this is simply a work of fiction that is saturated in the opinions of some in society).
You know who is behind the murders, behind the crimes in this fast paced book, and you know what they are after. What you don't know is enough to keep the pages turning. Where... How... When... and Why.
Those who love romantic suspense will love FATAL FROST. Mercy is a U.S. Marshal, so technically not police, though close enough. She is hard, having seen and been through a lot, and isn't much on close friendships, relationships, and even God. She has a thick wall that will take a super-hero to breach. As a result she did keep the reader at a distance, but once she began to open up to others in the book she began to let the reader in.
A fantastic suspense that is sure to keep you up late reading.
Sadly, the recent opinion of law enforcement is foremost in this book. They are the enemies, and killers, and it is up to them to take control of the city and get rid of the nasty, hated, evil police (please note, this is not the opinion of this reviewer and not of the author, this is simply a work of fiction that is saturated in the opinions of some in society).
You know who is behind the murders, behind the crimes in this fast paced book, and you know what they are after. What you don't know is enough to keep the pages turning. Where... How... When... and Why.
Those who love romantic suspense will love FATAL FROST. Mercy is a U.S. Marshal, so technically not police, though close enough. She is hard, having seen and been through a lot, and isn't much on close friendships, relationships, and even God. She has a thick wall that will take a super-hero to breach. As a result she did keep the reader at a distance, but once she began to open up to others in the book she began to let the reader in.
A fantastic suspense that is sure to keep you up late reading.
Read
November 27, 2016 All I have read by Nancy Mehl so far has been her Amish/Mennonite suspense novels, so this was a departure from what I normally read by her... and I think from what she normally writes.
This has got to be her best book yet. I seriously loved it, and enjoyed every page of it. It was suspenseful with plenty of surprises, there were some great characters, and Mehl outdid herself on the plot and setting. There were plenty of nail biting moments that kept me glued to the book until I finished it.
I like it when an author can weave a Christian message throughout the book, and not make it look contrived, and Mehl did it in this novel. The spiritual journeys of the three main characters added a lot to the book without making it preachy.
I also liked the US Marshal angle, It is one branch of law enforcement I don't know a lot about, and it made the book all the more interesting reading about their work and what they do.
The book had a satisfying conclusion that didn't wind up everything with the main characters, and left me wanting to read more. Looking forward to the next book.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This has got to be her best book yet. I seriously loved it, and enjoyed every page of it. It was suspenseful with plenty of surprises, there were some great characters, and Mehl outdid herself on the plot and setting. There were plenty of nail biting moments that kept me glued to the book until I finished it.
I like it when an author can weave a Christian message throughout the book, and not make it look contrived, and Mehl did it in this novel. The spiritual journeys of the three main characters added a lot to the book without making it preachy.
I also liked the US Marshal angle, It is one branch of law enforcement I don't know a lot about, and it made the book all the more interesting reading about their work and what they do.
The book had a satisfying conclusion that didn't wind up everything with the main characters, and left me wanting to read more. Looking forward to the next book.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 17, 2016
A terrible storm with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures are awful enough to deal with but Mercy and Mark have drug cartel members after them. Mercy has something they want and they'll do anything to retrieve it. Mercy and Mark have had a previous relationship together but it's over so that creates further complications to the entire ordeal. What will they do to remain alive and they have another agent with them and they have never met him before. Can they trust him?
I love suspense novels and this is one of Nancy Mehl's best works. I can't wait for the next book in the series! Hurry up and get to writing, Nancy. After more fans read this, they're going to be anxiously awaiting it too. Thank you for writing something I could really enjoy in my spare time. It's a winner!
I rate this book 5 stars!
This book was a gift and my review was my own decision and all thoughts expressed are my own.
I love suspense novels and this is one of Nancy Mehl's best works. I can't wait for the next book in the series! Hurry up and get to writing, Nancy. After more fans read this, they're going to be anxiously awaiting it too. Thank you for writing something I could really enjoy in my spare time. It's a winner!
I rate this book 5 stars!
This book was a gift and my review was my own decision and all thoughts expressed are my own.
November 19, 2016
The main characters in Fatal Frost are very well developed, and I loved all three of them. They are very different personalities, but with roles that attract the reader's attention. Their relationships are connected to the past. Although Mark and Mercy are no longer connected by their past love for one another they find they can work together when life gets tough.
Descriptive and pictorial, as well as frightful scenes take the reader to the location, and draw the reader into the plot. This is one unpredictable suspense novel that was hard to put down. I've read other books written by this author, and this one even tops the rest in my estimation. I look forward to the next book in this series! Pick up a copy and enjoy a fast paced trip through the underworld of drugs and deception!
Disclaimer: The publisher sent me a copy of this book but I was not required to write a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.
Descriptive and pictorial, as well as frightful scenes take the reader to the location, and draw the reader into the plot. This is one unpredictable suspense novel that was hard to put down. I've read other books written by this author, and this one even tops the rest in my estimation. I look forward to the next book in this series! Pick up a copy and enjoy a fast paced trip through the underworld of drugs and deception!
Disclaimer: The publisher sent me a copy of this book but I was not required to write a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews