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Mercy Kilpatrick #5
A Merciful Fate
In the next book in the Wall Street Journal bestselling Mercy Kilpatrick series, there are no such things as little secrets…
Raised by preppers, survivalist and FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick has a deep-rooted need for a safe place. Her getaway in the Cascade Foothills is her secret. But when skeletal remains are unearthed—those of a murdered man linked to a notorious heist—Mercy realizes she isn’t the only one with something to hide.
Thirty years ago, an armored-car robbery turned deadly. The mastermind was captured. Four conspirators vanished with a fortune. One of them, it appears, never made it out of the woods alive. For Mercy and her fiancé, Police Chief Truman Daly, their investigation opens old wounds in Eagle’s Nest that cut deeper than they imagined. Especially when a reckless tabloid reporter draws fresh blood. It’s clear to Mercy that somebody in this close-knit community is not who they seem to be.
Some are still shattered by the heist. Some still have reason to be afraid. But which one will kill again and again to hide three decades of secrets? To land this case, it’s up to Mercy to unmask a familiar stranger before someone else dies.
Raised by preppers, survivalist and FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick has a deep-rooted need for a safe place. Her getaway in the Cascade Foothills is her secret. But when skeletal remains are unearthed—those of a murdered man linked to a notorious heist—Mercy realizes she isn’t the only one with something to hide.
Thirty years ago, an armored-car robbery turned deadly. The mastermind was captured. Four conspirators vanished with a fortune. One of them, it appears, never made it out of the woods alive. For Mercy and her fiancé, Police Chief Truman Daly, their investigation opens old wounds in Eagle’s Nest that cut deeper than they imagined. Especially when a reckless tabloid reporter draws fresh blood. It’s clear to Mercy that somebody in this close-knit community is not who they seem to be.
Some are still shattered by the heist. Some still have reason to be afraid. But which one will kill again and again to hide three decades of secrets? To land this case, it’s up to Mercy to unmask a familiar stranger before someone else dies.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2019
8299 people are currently reading
4328 people want to read
About the author
Kendra Elliot
39 books6,364 followersAn Amazon #1 selling author, Kendra Elliot has sold over 14 Million books and been on the WSJ best seller more than a dozen times.
She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives, but spends most of the time in the high desert in flip flops.
She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives, but spends most of the time in the high desert in flip flops.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 808 reviews
December 19, 2018
With this being number five in the Mercy Kilpatrick series, it’s beginning to feel like reuniting with old friends. I consistently like this series and the characters.
I will say, I’m a mystery, not a romance oriented gal, so sometimes the romance portion comes on a little strong for my taste. But it is refreshing to have a female main character whose personal life is not in pieces.
This time the story involves the found skeletal remains of someone involved in a bank heist that occurred 30 years earlier. A parallel storyline involves two women being harassed by an unknown vandal. Mercy is investigating the first; Truman the second. Both both issues are being tracked by an internet tabloid reporter. The pace here is fast and the plot is suspenseful. I had my suspicions and it was fun to see if they were right. A great ending!
Keep it up Ms. Elliot. I’m already anxiously awaiting book six.
My thanks to netgalley and Montclair Romance for an advance copy of this book.
July 24, 2020
In this 5th book in the 'Mercy Kilpatrick' series, the FBI agent investigates a decades old armored car robbery. The book can be read as a standalone.
For those not familiar with the series: Mercy Kilpatrick grew up in a prepper family in Eagle's Nest, Oregon but she fell out with her kinfolk and left.
After becoming an FBI agent Mercy returned to Eagle's Nest, where she works in the local FBI office and solves crimes with her partner, Eddie Peterson. Mercy is now on good terms with her mom and siblings, but still has a difficult relationship with her dad.
Mercy is engaged to Police Chief Truman Daly, and they sometimes collaborate on cases.
*****
As the story opens, a skeletonized body is found in an isolated shack in the Eagle's Nest woods along with empty money sacks from a 30-year-old armored-car robbery.
The holdup, called the 'Gamble-Helmet Heist', resulted in the death of a guard and the arrest of a perp named Shane Gamble - but four gang members got away with the cash. One robber, Ellis Mull, didn't get far though, because it's his body in the shack, and he's been dead for decades - shot in the head.
Mercy Kilpatrick and Eddie Peterson get the Ellis Mull case and consult with Art Juergen, the FBI agent who led the original investigation three decades ago. Art is retired now, but he's more than willing to lend a hand. For the most part, the FBI agents are trying to trace the three remaining gang members, identified as Nathan May, Trevor Whipple, and a driver known only as Jerry.
Meanwhile, there's other trouble brewing in Eagle's Nest, with two women experiencing malicious mischief. Sandy Foster's bed-and-breakfast was targeted by a vandal who broke car windows in her parking lot and spray painted profanity on her wall; and Bree Ingram's pickup truck and stable doors were defaced by large red X's. Chief Daly and his detectives look into these incidents - unsure whether they are pranks or threats.
Mercy and Truman think the confluence of these events - the discovery of the body and the vandalism - may be more than coincidental....and a reporter seems to agree with them. To Mercy's chagrin, an ambitious young journalist called Tabitha Huff is determined to write about the corpse related to the Gamble-Helmet Heist. So Tabitha stalks people who have information about Ellis Mull.....and interviews Sandy and Bree about the sabotage.
All this leads to violence and death before the various cases are solved.
Other characters that add interest to the story include Lucas - Sandy's son, who works for the Police Department; Rose - Mercy's blind sister, who's engaged and about to have a baby; Karl - Mercy's father, who (reluctantly) helps out in a pinch; Kaylie - Mercy's pretty teenage niece, who works in a coffee shop; Ollie - Truman's teenage ward, who has a crush on Kaylie; and Shep - Ollie's dog.
I enjoyed the mystery, which has an interesting plot and provides a peek into the prepper community.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author (Kendra Elliott) and the publisher (Montlake Romance) for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
July 9, 2020
It began with the discovery of human bones, unearthed by a dog. The remains were old and soon it was also discovered that they belonged to one of the participants in a 30-year old armored car robbery. Five people were involved in the Gamble-Helmet Heist but only one was captured. It’s the FBI’s case with Mercy and her team taking the lead in the investigation. Little did they know the beast they were unleashing with this one.
It was impossible to anticipate the twists and turns this story would take so I just hung on for the ride. It had a little slow start but I picked up on a valuable, obscure clue early on that ended up serving me well. Still, it wasn’t enough to prepare me for the stunning revelations that followed. And, the excitement kept coming when two of Eagle’s Nest residents experienced escalating vandalism and violence that was harrowing.
The case was interesting enough to make this an enjoyable reading experience but when you add in the personal relationship elements, this becomes a must read. I’m certainly not looking forward to the end of this series because with one more book remaining, there’s too much unresolved to complete in one story. Good news, however, as I discovered the author is working on another book for 2021. I’m not sure I’ll ever get enough of Mercy’s world. And, of course I’ll be getting the audio version because the narrator rocks!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
It was impossible to anticipate the twists and turns this story would take so I just hung on for the ride. It had a little slow start but I picked up on a valuable, obscure clue early on that ended up serving me well. Still, it wasn’t enough to prepare me for the stunning revelations that followed. And, the excitement kept coming when two of Eagle’s Nest residents experienced escalating vandalism and violence that was harrowing.
The case was interesting enough to make this an enjoyable reading experience but when you add in the personal relationship elements, this becomes a must read. I’m certainly not looking forward to the end of this series because with one more book remaining, there’s too much unresolved to complete in one story. Good news, however, as I discovered the author is working on another book for 2021. I’m not sure I’ll ever get enough of Mercy’s world. And, of course I’ll be getting the audio version because the narrator rocks!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
January 14, 2019
This case tested FBI Agent Mercy Kilpatrick and her fiancé Police Chief Truman Daly and provided an addictive tale that pulled me in and never let go.
An armored-car robbery turned deadly, before the mastermind of the heist is captured. However, four conspirators vanished with a fortune. Now, thirty-years later it appears one of the four never made it out of the woods
While out hiking, Ollie and his dog stumble upon a grizzly discovery in an abandoned cabin. When Truman discovers bank bags, he calls in the FBI. I love old unsolved mysteries and was all in.
Meanwhile, a purple-haired reporter seems to have insider information. Two local women have had their homes or businesses vandalizes. Rose is sick but has some exciting news and things are hopping at the coffee shop. Mercy and Truman are busy rebuilding her survivalist homestead as they make plans for the future.
I loved returning to the Cascade Foothills and the town of Eagles’ Nest. Surrounded by farms and mountains this is a popular place for survivalists and preppers. It is a tight community where everyone knows what car you drive and who was out late last night. But even in a small-town folks still hide secrets.
Elliot outdid herself with the mystery and investigation from red herrings to twists I never saw coming. From the pacing to the different crimes, I was all in and enjoyed this over the holiday break. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
An armored-car robbery turned deadly, before the mastermind of the heist is captured. However, four conspirators vanished with a fortune. Now, thirty-years later it appears one of the four never made it out of the woods
While out hiking, Ollie and his dog stumble upon a grizzly discovery in an abandoned cabin. When Truman discovers bank bags, he calls in the FBI. I love old unsolved mysteries and was all in.
Meanwhile, a purple-haired reporter seems to have insider information. Two local women have had their homes or businesses vandalizes. Rose is sick but has some exciting news and things are hopping at the coffee shop. Mercy and Truman are busy rebuilding her survivalist homestead as they make plans for the future.
I loved returning to the Cascade Foothills and the town of Eagles’ Nest. Surrounded by farms and mountains this is a popular place for survivalists and preppers. It is a tight community where everyone knows what car you drive and who was out late last night. But even in a small-town folks still hide secrets.
Elliot outdid herself with the mystery and investigation from red herrings to twists I never saw coming. From the pacing to the different crimes, I was all in and enjoyed this over the holiday break. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
April 2, 2019
I figured out the killer early on, still, I love this series! These characters have a special place in my heart. Ollie is a new favorite, introduced in the last book, and he was an important part to this story. Glad he didn't always take the advice given.
Got to say I wanted to smack Mercy's father! What a jerk. Now that I've binged my way through these last five books I have to wait for the next release. Not a long wait since the next one is coming out in June. Yay!
Teri Schnaubelt's narration is wonderful! She's Mercy's voice to me now, and I don't want to "read" the series any other way.
Got to say I wanted to smack Mercy's father! What a jerk. Now that I've binged my way through these last five books I have to wait for the next release. Not a long wait since the next one is coming out in June. Yay!
Teri Schnaubelt's narration is wonderful! She's Mercy's voice to me now, and I don't want to "read" the series any other way.
March 13, 2024
A Merciful Fate was another fantastic addition to the Mercy Kilpatrick series with an intriguing case for Mercy that I thoroughly enjoyed.
For FBI agent and survivalist Mercy Kilpatrick, her getaway in the Cascade Foothills is her sanctuary. But when a skeleton is found in those same woods, and that skeleton provides the first lead in thirty years from an unsolved armored-car robbery, Mercy knows those weekends away are on hold while she's looking at the biggest case of her career. As Mercy begins her investigation, it becomes clear that someone in Eagle's Nest is not who they claim to be. After someone starts coming after those involved in the investigation, Mercy knows she needs to catch the perpetrators before someone is killed.
The robbery investigation was incredibly interesting and one of my favorite cases that Mercy has worked on in this series. With the robbery taking place thirty years ago, Mercy had to come at this case from a different angle as there was very little new information outside of the discovery of the skeleton. I enjoyed watching her change her investigative style to suit the case as it definitely reinforced how great she is at her job. While Mercy is dealing with the robbery, Truman is dealing with multiple vandalism incidents involving two women in town. As the book goes on, there are ultimately connections between the two cases and I enjoyed getting to see Mercy and Truman work together. I have to admit I was surprised by who ended up being involved in the robbery, but I liked how the author built up to the reveal.
Mercy continues to grow in this book and I liked how she's become more open and accepting of having others in her life. Her relationship with Truman continues to be fantastic and I love how far the pair have come from their first meeting. I was very happy to see more of Ollie in this book as I really enjoyed his character in the last book. It's interesting watching Ollie adjust to his new life and I love how much he's come to consider Truman and Mercy his family.
Overall A Merciful Fate was just as amazing as the rest of the series and I'm looking forward to the release of the next book later this year. I highly recommend this series if you're looking for some great romantic suspense.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
For FBI agent and survivalist Mercy Kilpatrick, her getaway in the Cascade Foothills is her sanctuary. But when a skeleton is found in those same woods, and that skeleton provides the first lead in thirty years from an unsolved armored-car robbery, Mercy knows those weekends away are on hold while she's looking at the biggest case of her career. As Mercy begins her investigation, it becomes clear that someone in Eagle's Nest is not who they claim to be. After someone starts coming after those involved in the investigation, Mercy knows she needs to catch the perpetrators before someone is killed.
The robbery investigation was incredibly interesting and one of my favorite cases that Mercy has worked on in this series. With the robbery taking place thirty years ago, Mercy had to come at this case from a different angle as there was very little new information outside of the discovery of the skeleton. I enjoyed watching her change her investigative style to suit the case as it definitely reinforced how great she is at her job. While Mercy is dealing with the robbery, Truman is dealing with multiple vandalism incidents involving two women in town. As the book goes on, there are ultimately connections between the two cases and I enjoyed getting to see Mercy and Truman work together. I have to admit I was surprised by who ended up being involved in the robbery, but I liked how the author built up to the reveal.
Mercy continues to grow in this book and I liked how she's become more open and accepting of having others in her life. Her relationship with Truman continues to be fantastic and I love how far the pair have come from their first meeting. I was very happy to see more of Ollie in this book as I really enjoyed his character in the last book. It's interesting watching Ollie adjust to his new life and I love how much he's come to consider Truman and Mercy his family.
Overall A Merciful Fate was just as amazing as the rest of the series and I'm looking forward to the release of the next book later this year. I highly recommend this series if you're looking for some great romantic suspense.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
May 27, 2020
Mercy Kilpatrick is everything you could ask for.
Great characters, well written, great story.
My full review is here: A Merciful Fate
But honestly, all I did was use more words to say exactly what I said in the first two lines here.
Many thanks to Montlake Romance for providing me with this review copy
Great characters, well written, great story.
My full review is here: A Merciful Fate
But honestly, all I did was use more words to say exactly what I said in the first two lines here.
Many thanks to Montlake Romance for providing me with this review copy
February 9, 2021
A Merciful Fate is another great entry into the Mercy Kilpatrick series. This time around we find Mercy and her fiancé, Sheriff Truman Daly, in the midst of planning their wedding and honeymoon. It was so nice to see Mercy doing normal, womanly bridal things. She’s finally starting to believe she is not just a machine, but a woman deserving of love and a family.
Of course, another case is thrust into the middle of their lives when Ollie, Truman’s ward, finds a body in a cabin in the woods. The body is soon connected to a thirty-something-year-old bank robbery so Mercy is off and running on the case.
Truman is busy himself with strange vandalism cases that continue to perplex and upset his town. Is someone in his town not who they seem to be? Suddenly his and Mercy’s cases cross and all hell breaks loose. Truman must risk it all to save the woman he loves, but will he be in time?
I thoroughly enjoyed stepping back into Mercy and Truman’s world once again and gave this book four stars!
Of course, another case is thrust into the middle of their lives when Ollie, Truman’s ward, finds a body in a cabin in the woods. The body is soon connected to a thirty-something-year-old bank robbery so Mercy is off and running on the case.
Truman is busy himself with strange vandalism cases that continue to perplex and upset his town. Is someone in his town not who they seem to be? Suddenly his and Mercy’s cases cross and all hell breaks loose. Truman must risk it all to save the woman he loves, but will he be in time?
I thoroughly enjoyed stepping back into Mercy and Truman’s world once again and gave this book four stars!
December 10, 2018
4.5/5.0
If one is looking for a fantastic mystery/suspense series this one is the one to pick! In this installment, Mercy lands in the middle of a 30-year-old cold case when Ollie, her fiance’s ward, stumbles upon an old cabin with a man’s bones inside and a bullet hole in the skull. The story is classic and riveting mystery at its best with a surprise twist at the end that will shock even the best slueths out there!
If one is looking for a fantastic mystery/suspense series this one is the one to pick! In this installment, Mercy lands in the middle of a 30-year-old cold case when Ollie, her fiance’s ward, stumbles upon an old cabin with a man’s bones inside and a bullet hole in the skull. The story is classic and riveting mystery at its best with a surprise twist at the end that will shock even the best slueths out there!
April 6, 2020
A Merciful Fate by Kendra Elliot is book 5 in the Mercy Kilpatrick and Truman Daly series, This series is fast exciting and this book just adds to the fun.
The character's are easy to follow and a joy to read, with every book we learn a little more about them (your just waiting for the wedding 💒)
It has a great recipe to keep us wanting more with years old murders, a skeleton found in a shed, new murders, stalking and it all runs around a bank job 20+ years ago (see I told you 😉).
It's a nail biting pacy thriller which is hard to put down but it's also enjoyable too.
It definitely worth reading 📖
The character's are easy to follow and a joy to read, with every book we learn a little more about them (your just waiting for the wedding 💒)
It has a great recipe to keep us wanting more with years old murders, a skeleton found in a shed, new murders, stalking and it all runs around a bank job 20+ years ago (see I told you 😉).
It's a nail biting pacy thriller which is hard to put down but it's also enjoyable too.
It definitely worth reading 📖
February 1, 2019
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
A MERCIFUL FATE (Mercy Kilpatrick #5) by Kendra Elliot is the latest romantic suspense, mystery/suspense, FBI procedural, who cares what you call it, cannot put it down read featuring one of my favorite main characters! This is a series I recommend you read in order because each book builds on all of the characters’ relationships and secrets besides giving you new crimes and/or mysteries in each.
Special Agent Mercy Kilpatrick is thrown into a notorious, decades old bank robbery when the skeleton of one of the robbers is found in a decaying cabin. The mastermind of the team was captured and put in prison, but the money and the rest of the gang seem to have disappeared into thin air. Just as Mercy starts re-investigating the robbery, a young tabloid reporter shows up in Eagle’s Nest asking questions that are threatening long buried secrets.
Police Chief Truman Daly gets pulled into the investigation when the reporter is found dead in her car. Some of the people have secrets and are not who they appear in the Eagle’s Nest community. Whether they are related to the old robbery or not, they want them kept secret. Mercy and Truman need to reveal them all to find the threat to their community and family. Some long held friends and neighbors are not who or what they seem.
This series just keeps getting better and better. The old, unsolved robbery is an intriguing crime plot that builds the suspense and threat level at a rapid rate throughout the story. I was very surprised throughout the resolution. I love Mercy and Truman’s relationship and how Mercy is learning to navigate their relationship while balancing everything with her long held prepper lifestyle. All of the secondary characters are becoming fully fleshed out characters that I look for now in each book.
My only slight criticism of this series is that I believe Mercy’s father may have a point. Not his indifference or stubbornness, but the people around Mercy seem to be injured or killed quite frequently. In most series the main character is injured or almost killed so many times you wonder how they can keep recovering and working, but it is those around Mercy who suffer this author’s wrath.
That said, I highly recommend this series and Mercy! I always look forward to reading these books and catching up with all of the Eagle’s Nest community.
A MERCIFUL FATE (Mercy Kilpatrick #5) by Kendra Elliot is the latest romantic suspense, mystery/suspense, FBI procedural, who cares what you call it, cannot put it down read featuring one of my favorite main characters! This is a series I recommend you read in order because each book builds on all of the characters’ relationships and secrets besides giving you new crimes and/or mysteries in each.
Special Agent Mercy Kilpatrick is thrown into a notorious, decades old bank robbery when the skeleton of one of the robbers is found in a decaying cabin. The mastermind of the team was captured and put in prison, but the money and the rest of the gang seem to have disappeared into thin air. Just as Mercy starts re-investigating the robbery, a young tabloid reporter shows up in Eagle’s Nest asking questions that are threatening long buried secrets.
Police Chief Truman Daly gets pulled into the investigation when the reporter is found dead in her car. Some of the people have secrets and are not who they appear in the Eagle’s Nest community. Whether they are related to the old robbery or not, they want them kept secret. Mercy and Truman need to reveal them all to find the threat to their community and family. Some long held friends and neighbors are not who or what they seem.
This series just keeps getting better and better. The old, unsolved robbery is an intriguing crime plot that builds the suspense and threat level at a rapid rate throughout the story. I was very surprised throughout the resolution. I love Mercy and Truman’s relationship and how Mercy is learning to navigate their relationship while balancing everything with her long held prepper lifestyle. All of the secondary characters are becoming fully fleshed out characters that I look for now in each book.
My only slight criticism of this series is that I believe Mercy’s father may have a point. Not his indifference or stubbornness, but the people around Mercy seem to be injured or killed quite frequently. In most series the main character is injured or almost killed so many times you wonder how they can keep recovering and working, but it is those around Mercy who suffer this author’s wrath.
That said, I highly recommend this series and Mercy! I always look forward to reading these books and catching up with all of the Eagle’s Nest community.
January 14, 2019
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
Love, LOVE, LOVE this series and this book is just awesome. The mystery plot is fantastic and not having the baddie's POV just keeps the suspense building from beginning to end. Lost of twists and turns and no end of suspects and motives, just the way a really great mystery should be.
Nearly thirty years ago an armored car in Portland, OR was robbed. A guard was killed, a robber shot and captured. The remaining three robbers and their driver escaped with $2 million dollars. While on a hike in a remote area near Eagle's Nest, OR, the teenage ward of Police Chef Truman Daly, Ollie, and his dog, Shep, come upon a deserted, falling down cabin with a skeleton and empty money bags. At long last a link to the infamous Gamble-Helmet Heist has finally been established. And now there are three people with a real interest in the true facts of this case never coming to light.
FBI Agent Mercy Kilpatrick is assigned the cold case and taps retired Agent Art Juergen, lead investigator on the original case, to help her and partner, Eddie Peterson, finally solve this decades old case. For some people of this tight-knit community there are secrets they would have just as soon seen buried forever. When a tabloid reporter starts raising questions and turning over rocks, a killer crawls out. As the danger strikes too close to Mercy and her fiancé, Truman, they now have to face to possibility that someone they know is a murderer.
Love, LOVE, LOVE this series and this book is just awesome. The mystery plot is fantastic and not having the baddie's POV just keeps the suspense building from beginning to end. Lost of twists and turns and no end of suspects and motives, just the way a really great mystery should be.
Nearly thirty years ago an armored car in Portland, OR was robbed. A guard was killed, a robber shot and captured. The remaining three robbers and their driver escaped with $2 million dollars. While on a hike in a remote area near Eagle's Nest, OR, the teenage ward of Police Chef Truman Daly, Ollie, and his dog, Shep, come upon a deserted, falling down cabin with a skeleton and empty money bags. At long last a link to the infamous Gamble-Helmet Heist has finally been established. And now there are three people with a real interest in the true facts of this case never coming to light.
FBI Agent Mercy Kilpatrick is assigned the cold case and taps retired Agent Art Juergen, lead investigator on the original case, to help her and partner, Eddie Peterson, finally solve this decades old case. For some people of this tight-knit community there are secrets they would have just as soon seen buried forever. When a tabloid reporter starts raising questions and turning over rocks, a killer crawls out. As the danger strikes too close to Mercy and her fiancé, Truman, they now have to face to possibility that someone they know is a murderer.
March 22, 2019
While out hiking with his dog, Ollie (who we were introduced to in the previous book) finds human remains in a tumbledown cabin in the woods, miles from anywhere. It’s the beginning of an investigation that has its roots in a thirty year old cold case—an armoured car robbery, known as The Gamble-Helmet Heist, one of the biggest robberies in the Pacific Northwest. The man behind the whole operation was shot and captured at the scene after he killed a guard. The rest of the gang fled with the money and were never caught.
Mercy and her partner, Eddie, are investigating the human remains case, with the help of the retired original investigator, while local police chief Truman Daly is dealing with multiple cases of vandalism to the properties of two residents of Eagle’s Nest.
Both cases become more involved and complex than they seemed initially. There are secrets and lies to uncover, especially when a young and reckless tabloid reporter shows up in town asking questions about the remains found in the cabin and the vandalism, putting people and herself at risk. Long buried feelings are resurrected, old wounds reopened.
A Merciful Fate is the fifth, and I believe penultimate, instalment of the series and my favourite so far. The intriguing plot is well constructed with twists and surprising reveals, raising the question of how well we know the people around us, even those who have been a part of the community for some time.
A fast paced story that becomes quite intense, flowing smoothly with clear cut, detailed writing, the multiple threads merging seamlessly. Character development continues with Mercy seeming less uptight but still on track with the renovation of her cabin. Her prepper instincts are still apparent, it’s impossible for her to go against her upbringing, but her attitude is more relaxed, open to allowing other people in and her relationship with Truman reaches the next level. After so many years away, she feels as though she belongs again and, apart from her stubborn father, family relationships are all but patched up. The supporting cast is well defined and each have their place in the developing story line. Compelling characters and a surprising and tense reveal at the end.
Mercy and her partner, Eddie, are investigating the human remains case, with the help of the retired original investigator, while local police chief Truman Daly is dealing with multiple cases of vandalism to the properties of two residents of Eagle’s Nest.
Both cases become more involved and complex than they seemed initially. There are secrets and lies to uncover, especially when a young and reckless tabloid reporter shows up in town asking questions about the remains found in the cabin and the vandalism, putting people and herself at risk. Long buried feelings are resurrected, old wounds reopened.
A Merciful Fate is the fifth, and I believe penultimate, instalment of the series and my favourite so far. The intriguing plot is well constructed with twists and surprising reveals, raising the question of how well we know the people around us, even those who have been a part of the community for some time.
A fast paced story that becomes quite intense, flowing smoothly with clear cut, detailed writing, the multiple threads merging seamlessly. Character development continues with Mercy seeming less uptight but still on track with the renovation of her cabin. Her prepper instincts are still apparent, it’s impossible for her to go against her upbringing, but her attitude is more relaxed, open to allowing other people in and her relationship with Truman reaches the next level. After so many years away, she feels as though she belongs again and, apart from her stubborn father, family relationships are all but patched up. The supporting cast is well defined and each have their place in the developing story line. Compelling characters and a surprising and tense reveal at the end.
February 12, 2019
In this fifth outing of the Mercy Kilpatrick series, Special Agent Mercy Kilpatrick is pulled into an infamous bank robbery from thirty years ago. When a skeleton found in an abandoned cabin in the woods turn out to belong to one of the robbers, it is Mercy's job to see if she can finally solve the mystery of what happened to the rest of the gang and the money. Just as Mercy starts re-investigating the robbery with the help of the original FBI agent on the case, a young tabloid reporter shows up in Eagle’s Nest asking questions that are threatening long buried secrets. Who contacted her and brought her to Eagle's Nest. There also appears to be someone else around vandalizing property and making threats. Does it relate to the case or is it something else entirely?
I enjoyed this latest outing in this series. It will appeal to so many with its mix of genres from Romantic Suspense, Mystery, Suspense, and/or thriller. Reader be warned, this series needs to be read in order. Each book builds on the character development and situations from the previous story. I love the characters in this series. Mercy is tough and stubborn as well as having a hard time opening up to others. She is a solitary person, except, Truman is changing her. Truman is the local sheriff and they have saved one another on countless occasions. I love how Mercy and Truman’s relationship is slowly developing. Mercy is learning to balance their relationship with her ingrained prepper beliefs. All of the secondary characters are important to this story development as well. They are becoming fleshed out and are important in helping Mercy learn to trust. The unsolved robbery is an interesting storyline that plays out well in the story. There were several twists, which was to be expected, that built suspense and had me on the edge of my seat. The final reveal of who was involved in both storylines surprised me, but in hindsight, it fit the story well. The story was fast paced and had me racing through this one in one day. I definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy mystery, romantic suspense, and police/enforcement stories. The publisher, Montlake Romance, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I enjoyed this latest outing in this series. It will appeal to so many with its mix of genres from Romantic Suspense, Mystery, Suspense, and/or thriller. Reader be warned, this series needs to be read in order. Each book builds on the character development and situations from the previous story. I love the characters in this series. Mercy is tough and stubborn as well as having a hard time opening up to others. She is a solitary person, except, Truman is changing her. Truman is the local sheriff and they have saved one another on countless occasions. I love how Mercy and Truman’s relationship is slowly developing. Mercy is learning to balance their relationship with her ingrained prepper beliefs. All of the secondary characters are important to this story development as well. They are becoming fleshed out and are important in helping Mercy learn to trust. The unsolved robbery is an interesting storyline that plays out well in the story. There were several twists, which was to be expected, that built suspense and had me on the edge of my seat. The final reveal of who was involved in both storylines surprised me, but in hindsight, it fit the story well. The story was fast paced and had me racing through this one in one day. I definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy mystery, romantic suspense, and police/enforcement stories. The publisher, Montlake Romance, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
December 6, 2018
voluntarily read and reviewed an copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Netgalley
What a good suspense story! It was my first book from this author and will not be the last!! I swear!!
Great MCs SCs, plot, writing style, what wouldn't you like?
Although this is book 5 in series, you can read as standalone.
And what a twist!! I didn't see it coming!
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Netgalley
What a good suspense story! It was my first book from this author and will not be the last!! I swear!!
Great MCs SCs, plot, writing style, what wouldn't you like?
Although this is book 5 in series, you can read as standalone.
And what a twist!! I didn't see it coming!
March 8, 2019
Another excellent addition to this series.
April 15, 2019
A 30-year-old armored car robbery, a murdered thief and multiple missing suspects link Mercy Kilpatrick and her FBI team with Deschutes County and Eagle’s Nest, Oregon. It was one of the largest heists on record, second only to the D. B. Cooper case. Needless-to-say, Mercy was excited. Besides that, she would happily get to work with her now-fiancee, police chief Truman Daly.
Just when I thought I had a good handle with the townspeople, Ms. Elliot put me to shame. As Mercy digs into the past, the present becomes more ominous and the press clamors for details. Truth be told, I wish the story had more romance but it contained solid writing, a great cast of characters and an interesting plot.
Just when I thought I had a good handle with the townspeople, Ms. Elliot put me to shame. As Mercy digs into the past, the present becomes more ominous and the press clamors for details. Truth be told, I wish the story had more romance but it contained solid writing, a great cast of characters and an interesting plot.
April 22, 2020
Another good book in this series. This was a great mystery to solve and had quite a surprise in the end. One that bummed me a bit but one I should've and almost suspected.
Love Truman and Mercy and their cute scenes together.
One thing that still bothers me is that I didn't like her dad's delay in response to help Mercy versus going to be with Rose, who was in labor. Yeah, he "chose" Mercy but only at the insistence of Truman and Samuel. That really stuck in my craw. I'm assuming in the final book he'll finally open himself back up to Mercy.
Good book and very enjoyable series. The first book starts off a bit slow but the rest of the series really picks up speed.
Love Truman and Mercy and their cute scenes together.
One thing that still bothers me is that I didn't like her dad's delay in response to help Mercy versus going to be with Rose, who was in labor. Yeah, he "chose" Mercy but only at the insistence of Truman and Samuel. That really stuck in my craw. I'm assuming in the final book he'll finally open himself back up to Mercy.
Good book and very enjoyable series. The first book starts off a bit slow but the rest of the series really picks up speed.
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
January 22, 2019
Didn't enjoy this one as much as the other ones in the series. The story line was too transparent. Still love this series though and look forward to book 6.
July 5, 2020
There are some series I'm thankful to have discovered and this is one of them! Another good addition to the Mercy Kilpatrick series.
July 12, 2020
FBI Agent Mercy Kilpatrick is looking into a thirty-year-old armored car robbery after a skeleton and old bank bags turn up in a cabin in the woods. The Gamble-Helmet Heist was never solved. Four of the five gang members took the money and got away without a trace. One member was shot after killing a guard and is currently in prison. Now it looks like they've found the remains of one of the gang. Mercy and her partner, Eddie Peterson, get help from a retired FBI Agent who worked the case for years. Meanwhile, Mercy's fiancé, Police Chief Truman Daly, has been getting reports of vandalism from two residents in the community.
This series gets better and better with each book. There were several surprises that I didn't see coming. Along with the robbery investigation, we had the vandalism storylines. Two local residents have reported vandalism. Are these separate events or is the same person behind both incidents? As usual, I couldn't put the book down. My rating: 5 Stars.
This series gets better and better with each book. There were several surprises that I didn't see coming. Along with the robbery investigation, we had the vandalism storylines. Two local residents have reported vandalism. Are these separate events or is the same person behind both incidents? As usual, I couldn't put the book down. My rating: 5 Stars.
January 1, 2019
You can find this review in English below.
En esta quinta entrega de la serie, y pese a mis expectativas, la señora Elliot ha vuelto a sorprenderme. Después del último libro pensé que ya no habría mucho más que contar de este pueblo y de estos personajes, pero estaba equivocada.
De nuevo el suspense es original. Está hilado fino, es meticuloso y no deja nada al azar. Es casi perfecto. Y las pocas imperfecciones que tiene no hacen más que darle un toque realista. La trama mantiene tu atención desde el primer minuto y las pistas se van desvelando poco a poco a medida que avanza la investigación. En todo momento el lector sabe tanto (o tan poco) como los protagonistas, así que es muy interesante ver cómo piensan y actúan en función de los acontecimientos. Hay un giro tan interesante como inesperado casi al final de la historia que le da un vuelco a la trama de 180º. Realmente inspirado. Lo dicho, casi perfecto.
Soy lectora de suspense y de thrillers desde que tengo uso de razón y raramente encuentro una autora (o autor) tan inspirada y meticulosa como la señora Elliot. Es fantástica. He leído ya casi una decena de sus historias y siempre son originales y diferentes. No puedo decir eso de muchos autores.
El romance, como en casos anteriores, es muy sutil y está totalmente en un segundo (o tercer) plano. Las tramas familiares y relaciones personales siguen ocupando algo de espacio en la historia pero de forma muy poco intrusiva. Y las relaciones familiares siguen preocupándome por su dramatismo. Pero si hay alguien capaz de convencerme de que las cosas son así y punto esa es la señora Elliot. No sería la primera vez…
En resumen, un suspense de 5 estrellas y con algo de romance para acompañar. No puedo pedir más.
e-ARC kindly provided by Montlake Romance via Netgalley.
In this fifth installment in the series, and despite my expectations, Mrs. Elliot has surprised me again. After reading the last book, I sincerely thought there would not be much more to tell about this town or these characters, but I was wrong.
Once more, the suspense is original. It is thoughtful, it is meticulous and nothing is left to chance. Is almost perfect. And the few imperfections that it has do nothing but give it a realistic touch. The plot keeps your attention from the first minute; the clues are revealed little by little as the investigation progresses. At all times the reader knows as much (or as little) as the characters, so it is very interesting to see how they think and act according to events. There is a turn, as interesting as unexpected, almost at the end of the story that gives the plot a 180 degrees turn. Really, really inspired. As I said, almost perfect.
I have been reading suspense and thrillers for as long as I can remember, and I rarely find an author as inspired and meticulous as Mrs. Elliot. She is fantastic. I have already read almost a dozen of her stories and they always are original and different. I cannot say so about many authors.
The romance, as in the previous instalments, is very subtle and is totally in a second (or third) plane. The plots about familiar and personal relationships continue to occupy some space in the story but in a very non-intrusive way. The family relationships still worry me because of their drama. But if there is someone able to convince me that that´s the way it is and end of the story that would be Mrs. Elliot. It wouldn´t be the first time…
To sum up, a 5 stars suspense with some romance on the side. I couldn´t ask for more.
En esta quinta entrega de la serie, y pese a mis expectativas, la señora Elliot ha vuelto a sorprenderme. Después del último libro pensé que ya no habría mucho más que contar de este pueblo y de estos personajes, pero estaba equivocada.
De nuevo el suspense es original. Está hilado fino, es meticuloso y no deja nada al azar. Es casi perfecto. Y las pocas imperfecciones que tiene no hacen más que darle un toque realista. La trama mantiene tu atención desde el primer minuto y las pistas se van desvelando poco a poco a medida que avanza la investigación. En todo momento el lector sabe tanto (o tan poco) como los protagonistas, así que es muy interesante ver cómo piensan y actúan en función de los acontecimientos. Hay un giro tan interesante como inesperado casi al final de la historia que le da un vuelco a la trama de 180º. Realmente inspirado. Lo dicho, casi perfecto.
Soy lectora de suspense y de thrillers desde que tengo uso de razón y raramente encuentro una autora (o autor) tan inspirada y meticulosa como la señora Elliot. Es fantástica. He leído ya casi una decena de sus historias y siempre son originales y diferentes. No puedo decir eso de muchos autores.
El romance, como en casos anteriores, es muy sutil y está totalmente en un segundo (o tercer) plano. Las tramas familiares y relaciones personales siguen ocupando algo de espacio en la historia pero de forma muy poco intrusiva. Y las relaciones familiares siguen preocupándome por su dramatismo. Pero si hay alguien capaz de convencerme de que las cosas son así y punto esa es la señora Elliot. No sería la primera vez…
En resumen, un suspense de 5 estrellas y con algo de romance para acompañar. No puedo pedir más.
e-ARC kindly provided by Montlake Romance via Netgalley.
In this fifth installment in the series, and despite my expectations, Mrs. Elliot has surprised me again. After reading the last book, I sincerely thought there would not be much more to tell about this town or these characters, but I was wrong.
Once more, the suspense is original. It is thoughtful, it is meticulous and nothing is left to chance. Is almost perfect. And the few imperfections that it has do nothing but give it a realistic touch. The plot keeps your attention from the first minute; the clues are revealed little by little as the investigation progresses. At all times the reader knows as much (or as little) as the characters, so it is very interesting to see how they think and act according to events. There is a turn, as interesting as unexpected, almost at the end of the story that gives the plot a 180 degrees turn. Really, really inspired. As I said, almost perfect.
I have been reading suspense and thrillers for as long as I can remember, and I rarely find an author as inspired and meticulous as Mrs. Elliot. She is fantastic. I have already read almost a dozen of her stories and they always are original and different. I cannot say so about many authors.
The romance, as in the previous instalments, is very subtle and is totally in a second (or third) plane. The plots about familiar and personal relationships continue to occupy some space in the story but in a very non-intrusive way. The family relationships still worry me because of their drama. But if there is someone able to convince me that that´s the way it is and end of the story that would be Mrs. Elliot. It wouldn´t be the first time…
To sum up, a 5 stars suspense with some romance on the side. I couldn´t ask for more.
January 9, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I was happy to continue the Mercy Kilpatrick series. This feels more crime/ mystery suspense than a romance. There is kissing but the sex is mostly off page. I've enjoyed the world-building of this small town in a rural mountain area with many survivalists. The preppers are fascinating to me and cool; I love DYI and self-sufficient people.
A Merciful Fate is probably my favorite in the series so far, but it may be because I have come to love these characters. I do have to wonder how many people can die in a small town. Since there is a large prepper community, I'm NOT surprised with how many have secrets.
So much happens on a work and personal level for Mercy. At work, there is the new case which ties into an old bank heist. I did figure out one culprit without really trying. There are also many acts of vandalism in town which may or may not be related to each other or this case. And then people are getting shot and some are dying.
Personally, Mercy is still dealing with the loss of her prepper cabin. She has her niece living with her and is settling this into her world. Now she and Truman have Ollie working into their family life and routines, and Shep. Her father is still one cold fish. Her sister, Rose, is nearing the end of her pregnancy. Mercy and Truman have yet to make their wedding plans.
Even with some disbelief at the quantity of incidents in a small town, this was a fun, fast read. With all the gun violence these days, it might be very realistic, especially around preppers who are independent, anti-government NRA types. Many characters are quite well-developed. I just enjoyed reading.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I was happy to continue the Mercy Kilpatrick series. This feels more crime/ mystery suspense than a romance. There is kissing but the sex is mostly off page. I've enjoyed the world-building of this small town in a rural mountain area with many survivalists. The preppers are fascinating to me and cool; I love DYI and self-sufficient people.
A Merciful Fate is probably my favorite in the series so far, but it may be because I have come to love these characters. I do have to wonder how many people can die in a small town. Since there is a large prepper community, I'm NOT surprised with how many have secrets.
So much happens on a work and personal level for Mercy. At work, there is the new case which ties into an old bank heist. I did figure out one culprit without really trying. There are also many acts of vandalism in town which may or may not be related to each other or this case. And then people are getting shot and some are dying.
Personally, Mercy is still dealing with the loss of her prepper cabin. She has her niece living with her and is settling this into her world. Now she and Truman have Ollie working into their family life and routines, and Shep. Her father is still one cold fish. Her sister, Rose, is nearing the end of her pregnancy. Mercy and Truman have yet to make their wedding plans.
Even with some disbelief at the quantity of incidents in a small town, this was a fun, fast read. With all the gun violence these days, it might be very realistic, especially around preppers who are independent, anti-government NRA types. Many characters are quite well-developed. I just enjoyed reading.
January 1, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of A Merciful Fate in exchange for an honest review. A Merciful Fate is the 5th book in the Mercy Kilpatrick series. Mercy was raised in a survivalist family and left to pursue a career with the FBI, which was not welcomed by her family. When she returns to her hometown of Eagles Nest, she reunites with her old boyfriend,Truman Daly, who is now the police chief. Thirty years ago, an armored-car robbery turned deadly. The mastermind was captured and remains in prison. Four conspirators vanished with a fortune. One of them, it appears, never made it out of the woods alive when bones are found in an abandoned cabin. It becomes clear to Mercy that someone in their community is connected to the heist and is not who they appear to be.
Great story complete with bank robbers, tabloid reporters and plenty of intrigue. Elliot always comes through with a well-written, captivating mystery.
Great story complete with bank robbers, tabloid reporters and plenty of intrigue. Elliot always comes through with a well-written, captivating mystery.
December 6, 2018
voluntarily read and reviewed an copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Netgalley
What a good suspense story! It was my first book from this author and will not be the last!! I swear!!
Great MCs SCs, plot, writing style, what wouldn't you like?
Although this is book 5 in series, you can read as standalone.
And what a twist!! I didn't see it coming!
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Netgalley
What a good suspense story! It was my first book from this author and will not be the last!! I swear!!
Great MCs SCs, plot, writing style, what wouldn't you like?
Although this is book 5 in series, you can read as standalone.
And what a twist!! I didn't see it coming!
March 18, 2020
Wow, this one has all kinds of crazysauce. Ollie finds a skeleton in a shack on Christian Lake’s property that is eventually identified as a suspect from a bank robbery that took place 30 years previously. It turns out the driver of the getaway car is a beloved Eagle’s Nest resident. A reporter is shot and killed. Kaylie was also shot, mistaken for Mercy. Two local women are severely beaten - one is a red herring, the other is the missing driver from the robbery.
Can’t wait to read the next one and I read somewhere it’s the last of the series?
Can’t wait to read the next one and I read somewhere it’s the last of the series?
February 22, 2019
Excellent!
This book is so good! I love the characters in this series. They are fleshed out so well. This story is full of suspense and twists and the path from beginning to end is enjoyable. Love is sprinkled in nicely. Great read!!!
This book is so good! I love the characters in this series. They are fleshed out so well. This story is full of suspense and twists and the path from beginning to end is enjoyable. Love is sprinkled in nicely. Great read!!!
November 4, 2024
I am really enjoying this series. I say it every review, but it is so refreshing to read about a region and lifestyles that are not normally featured in these books. Highly recommend this series if you're looking for a place to start in romantic suspense that features the mystery/suspense plot as the focus but you still want that dash of romance.
December 27, 2018
Over thirty years ago, there was an armored car robbery. There were said to be five people involved. Only one was ever caught and sentenced to prison which was Shane. The others vanished without a trace along with the money. Now years later, out in the backwoods, a body has been found, and it looks like it is connected to the armed robbery case. Mercy who is now an FBI agent and her partner Police Chief Truman is on the case as they set out to identify the dead body. Doing this means re-opening old wounds as they head to the prison to talk to Shane. It looks like someone else is in town knows more about the case than they are letting on as a tabloid journalist Tabitha turns up asking questions.
Meanwhile, in this small town, there are also a few cases of vandalism occurring, is this all connected or something entirely different? As Mercy and Truman start to dig deeper, it seems that a few people in town might want the truth to remain hidden as they have created new lives for them and their families. Also as more victims start to pile up and one of the last calls is Mercy's father, it looks like she may have to pay her estranged father a visit. Can Mercy and Truman solve the case of the century before more people are injured or worst killed? Find out in another fast-paced mystery by Kendra Elliot. Also, I quite liked the cover of this book with the beautiful woods scenery. The Mercy Kilpatrick series is also a good read if you love strong female leads.
Meanwhile, in this small town, there are also a few cases of vandalism occurring, is this all connected or something entirely different? As Mercy and Truman start to dig deeper, it seems that a few people in town might want the truth to remain hidden as they have created new lives for them and their families. Also as more victims start to pile up and one of the last calls is Mercy's father, it looks like she may have to pay her estranged father a visit. Can Mercy and Truman solve the case of the century before more people are injured or worst killed? Find out in another fast-paced mystery by Kendra Elliot. Also, I quite liked the cover of this book with the beautiful woods scenery. The Mercy Kilpatrick series is also a good read if you love strong female leads.
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