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Van Shaw #4
Mercy River
Helping a fellow veteran accused of murder, Van Shaw is drawn into a dangerous labyrinth involving smuggled opioids, ruthless mercenaries, and deadly family secrets that will challenge his notions of brotherhood, and justice in this riveting thriller from Anthony, Macavity and Strand Critics award-winning author Glen Erik Hamilton.
When his friend Leo Pak is arrested for murder, Van Shaw journeys to a remote Oregon county to help his fellow soldier. The troubled vet had come to the small town of Broken Ridge for a reunion of hundreds of former and active Rangers—a raucous event that dominates the town for one weekend each year. The reunion is more than just a party; it’s the central celebration of a growing support network called the Rally, founded and led by a highly decorated Special Operations general.
Van quickly discovers there’s more going on in Broken Ridge than just a bunch of Army hard cases blowing off steam. The murder victim was the front man for a team of private military contractors hired to recover stolen heroin-grade opiates. The missing drugs are just the latest score in a series of daring heists targeting armored cars around the nation. The mercenaries could help clear Leo’s name, but only if Van agrees to use his skills and criminal contacts to find the robbers.
Van’s search will stir up old grudges and dark secrets beneath the surface of this placid small town, pit his criminal instincts against his loyalties to his brothers in arms, and force him to question his own belief in putting justice above the letter of the law.
When his friend Leo Pak is arrested for murder, Van Shaw journeys to a remote Oregon county to help his fellow soldier. The troubled vet had come to the small town of Broken Ridge for a reunion of hundreds of former and active Rangers—a raucous event that dominates the town for one weekend each year. The reunion is more than just a party; it’s the central celebration of a growing support network called the Rally, founded and led by a highly decorated Special Operations general.
Van quickly discovers there’s more going on in Broken Ridge than just a bunch of Army hard cases blowing off steam. The murder victim was the front man for a team of private military contractors hired to recover stolen heroin-grade opiates. The missing drugs are just the latest score in a series of daring heists targeting armored cars around the nation. The mercenaries could help clear Leo’s name, but only if Van agrees to use his skills and criminal contacts to find the robbers.
Van’s search will stir up old grudges and dark secrets beneath the surface of this placid small town, pit his criminal instincts against his loyalties to his brothers in arms, and force him to question his own belief in putting justice above the letter of the law.
358 pages, Hardcover
First published March 12, 2019
89 people are currently reading
1142 people want to read
About the author
Glen Erik Hamilton
11 books296 followersGlen Erik Hamilton writes crime thrillers. His novels have been called “outstanding” (Publishers Weekly), “perfect mix of serious crime and caper movie” (Criminal Element), and “a must-read series” (Mystery Scene Magazine).
Hamilton's debut novel Past Crimes won the Anthony, Macavity, and Strand Magazine Critics Awards, and was also nominated for the Edgar®, Barry, and Nero Awards. Kirkus called Past Crimes “an exciting heir to the classic detective novel.” Each of his subsequent books in the Van Shaw series have earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and more, and been published in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Japan.
Glen grew up aboard a sailboat in Seattle, Washington, and around the islands, marinas, and commercial docks of the Pacific Northwest. He served as President of the Southern California chapter of Mystery Writers of America from 2018-2019 and is also a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. He lives near Los Angeles with his family and openly acknowledges his addiction to Columbo.
Hamilton's debut novel Past Crimes won the Anthony, Macavity, and Strand Magazine Critics Awards, and was also nominated for the Edgar®, Barry, and Nero Awards. Kirkus called Past Crimes “an exciting heir to the classic detective novel.” Each of his subsequent books in the Van Shaw series have earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and more, and been published in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Japan.
Glen grew up aboard a sailboat in Seattle, Washington, and around the islands, marinas, and commercial docks of the Pacific Northwest. He served as President of the Southern California chapter of Mystery Writers of America from 2018-2019 and is also a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. He lives near Los Angeles with his family and openly acknowledges his addiction to Columbo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
July 2, 2021
A middle of the night phone call sends Van Shaw to the small town of Mercy River, Oregon. The call had come from fellow former Army Ranger Leo Pak, and Leo has been arrested for a murder in the community. Van thinks Leo is innocent, but Leo won’t answer Van’s questions about what happened. Meanwhile, the town is the site of an event for current and former Ranger, so the population is swelling this weekend. Will that help or hurt Van’s efforts to clear his friend?
While this may sound like the set up for many of the books I normally read, it isn’t long before the plot branches off in some thrilling new directions. Those looking for a thriller will not be disappointed with the action scenes, yet the mystery is tied up perfectly. Since Van is out of town for much of this book, the series regulars are reduced to cameos, yet we still get some updates on them. The new characters are fully developed, and Van continues to be a complex main character. I appreciated how this book works in issues that vets face without slowing down the book by preaching. Like the earlier books in the series, this one does have flashbacks, but they don’t focus on any particular time in Van’s life while still helping us appreciate the events unfolding in Van’s life currently. This book has more language and violence than I typically read, but it fits for a thriller and never gets excessive. This was another compelling entry in the series. Anyone looking for a great thriller will be pleased this picked up this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
While this may sound like the set up for many of the books I normally read, it isn’t long before the plot branches off in some thrilling new directions. Those looking for a thriller will not be disappointed with the action scenes, yet the mystery is tied up perfectly. Since Van is out of town for much of this book, the series regulars are reduced to cameos, yet we still get some updates on them. The new characters are fully developed, and Van continues to be a complex main character. I appreciated how this book works in issues that vets face without slowing down the book by preaching. Like the earlier books in the series, this one does have flashbacks, but they don’t focus on any particular time in Van’s life while still helping us appreciate the events unfolding in Van’s life currently. This book has more language and violence than I typically read, but it fits for a thriller and never gets excessive. This was another compelling entry in the series. Anyone looking for a great thriller will be pleased this picked up this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 2, 2019
Apparently, there is only room for two plots in the entire state of Oregon--Eco-terrorists or White Supremacists. In this book we get the latter.
Van Shaw gets a call for help from a fellow ranger in rural Oregon. He goes down there, and finds a Ranger Convention, headed by a Colonel. There's also murders and robberies. Van has to get to the bottom of things, and before too long, there's the inevitable White Supremacists. Still, Hamilton manages to generate a lot of suspense and tension despite the cliches.
Good hard boiled fiction. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Van Shaw gets a call for help from a fellow ranger in rural Oregon. He goes down there, and finds a Ranger Convention, headed by a Colonel. There's also murders and robberies. Van has to get to the bottom of things, and before too long, there's the inevitable White Supremacists. Still, Hamilton manages to generate a lot of suspense and tension despite the cliches.
Good hard boiled fiction. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 12, 2019
“Mercy River” is book four in Glen Erik Hamilton’s “Van Shaw” series. New readers will easily follow along because Hamilton includes any needed background as part of the current scenario. The story is presented as a first-person narrative by Donovan Shaw, former Ranger, former husband, and always friend. Readers learn about Shaw through his actions and reactions. He is concerned, helpful, devoted, prepared, and has untraceable guns. Readers know what he thinks, where he goes, what he fears, and what he wants. His present is molded by his past. “I can’t lead a regular life. Maybe I might have once, and maybe someday the chance will come around again. But it’s not who I am now.” Then a phone call changes everything; it calls him to action.
A complex cast of secretive citizens and visiting soldiers drives the plot. Each player is fully developed and intricate, with varied feelings, plans, and fears. Readers also get to know people through Hamilton’s precise descriptions.
Hamilton sets the stage with scenic images.
The plot is fast moving, intense, and at times violent. There is much more going on than just a Ranger Rendezvous, and some players are not who they seem to be at first glance. An unseen enemy lurks in the dark, and local law enforcement does not want any help from an outsider, especially not from Shaw who has never really been much of a “people” person.
There is some offbeat humor amid the chaos.
“Mercy River” is a tale of drama, destruction, and death. The pace is fast; the action is unexpected, and the tension is relentless. I was given a review copy of “Mercy River” by Glen Erik Hamilton, William Morrow, and Harper Collins. In the end, it is a saga of loyalty and justice, and hard to put down.
“Leo was breathing heavily, his voice strained. There was a sound of quick movement before he spoke again. “They’re coming. I can’t make it.” … “This is the Mercy River police, who is this on the line?”
A complex cast of secretive citizens and visiting soldiers drives the plot. Each player is fully developed and intricate, with varied feelings, plans, and fears. Readers also get to know people through Hamilton’s precise descriptions.
“Her long blond hair was pulled back and held with a carved wooden comb. She wore a wine-colored coat, buttoned up against the autumn chill, Luce’s eyes could be the shade of rain clouds at times, but tonight, under the pale light of the streetlamps, they were the blue sky above the storm.”
Hamilton sets the stage with scenic images.
“The town of Mercy River lay in a haphazard jumble in the crease between two colliding hill ranges, as if its buildings and houses had been scattered across the land like big handfuls of dice, most of them tumbling to rest on the floor of the valley, with a few dozen strays left on the slopes above.”
The plot is fast moving, intense, and at times violent. There is much more going on than just a Ranger Rendezvous, and some players are not who they seem to be at first glance. An unseen enemy lurks in the dark, and local law enforcement does not want any help from an outsider, especially not from Shaw who has never really been much of a “people” person.
There is some offbeat humor amid the chaos.
“That’s Daryll’s deer rifle,” Fain said as I set the leather carrying case on the table. “Where did you get that?” “From his room”...“A good choice if you’re defending covered wagons.”
“Mercy River” is a tale of drama, destruction, and death. The pace is fast; the action is unexpected, and the tension is relentless. I was given a review copy of “Mercy River” by Glen Erik Hamilton, William Morrow, and Harper Collins. In the end, it is a saga of loyalty and justice, and hard to put down.
October 9, 2019
The only reason I cannot give this book four stars is I am really, really not in its target audience. It is a very taut, well written story about a former U.S. Army Ranger who now spends his time fixing impossible, dangerous situations. As I said, not my thing. But I kept reading it!
I got caught up in the mystery, the whodunnit, the whydunnit, even while the military talk, the drunken parties, the killings, and the sheer animal maleness disconcerted me.
Then 2/3 of the way through, the mystery is solved, and the last part of the book is just revenge and retribution. I wouldn't have even finished it if I hadn't wanted to be absolutely sure so I could write my scathing review.
Yeah. No.
Don't quit 2/3 through.
Read this one to the very end.
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I got caught up in the mystery, the whodunnit, the whydunnit, even while the military talk, the drunken parties, the killings, and the sheer animal maleness disconcerted me.
Then 2/3 of the way through, the mystery is solved, and the last part of the book is just revenge and retribution. I wouldn't have even finished it if I hadn't wanted to be absolutely sure so I could write my scathing review.
Yeah. No.
Don't quit 2/3 through.
Read this one to the very end.
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2023
A good book in a very good series. The author isn’t as widely read as I would’ve guessed, however, Past Crimes (book #1) won the 2016 Anthony & Macavity awards and was a finalist for the Barry, Edgar & Nero awards. On to #5 next!
February 20, 2023
Award-winning thriller writer and Seattle native Glen Erik Hamilton was feted as a Guest of Honour at last month’s Left Coast Crime festival in Arizona, and you only have to pick up any of his books starring ex-thief and Army Ranger Van Shaw to discover why.
Mercy River, the fourth in a consistently excellent series, sees Van Shaw travelling to a rural Oregon after he gets a troubling call from his friend and fellow former Ranger Leo Pak. Van was Leo’s sergeant in Afghanistan, and back in the States Leo had helped Van when he needed it most. Now Leo’s been arrested for the murder of a gun shop owner in Mercy River, on the eve of a popular Rally that draws hundreds of Rangers past and present to the tiny town. Has Leo been set up? Why doesn’t he want Van to help? Van’s investigations stir up a hornets’ nest of old grudges and dark secrets in a town that’s been home to a community of white supremacists and may be a hub for opiate trafficking.
Hamilton’s assured storytelling quickly soaks readers into the troubled world of Van Shaw, a good man capable of bad things, and takes us on a heck of a ride. This is action-packed thriller writing with a character-centric heart. Themes of loyalty and brotherhood, and Van’s personal relationships, provide emotional wallop alongside the adrenalin rush.
Mercy River, the fourth in a consistently excellent series, sees Van Shaw travelling to a rural Oregon after he gets a troubling call from his friend and fellow former Ranger Leo Pak. Van was Leo’s sergeant in Afghanistan, and back in the States Leo had helped Van when he needed it most. Now Leo’s been arrested for the murder of a gun shop owner in Mercy River, on the eve of a popular Rally that draws hundreds of Rangers past and present to the tiny town. Has Leo been set up? Why doesn’t he want Van to help? Van’s investigations stir up a hornets’ nest of old grudges and dark secrets in a town that’s been home to a community of white supremacists and may be a hub for opiate trafficking.
Hamilton’s assured storytelling quickly soaks readers into the troubled world of Van Shaw, a good man capable of bad things, and takes us on a heck of a ride. This is action-packed thriller writing with a character-centric heart. Themes of loyalty and brotherhood, and Van’s personal relationships, provide emotional wallop alongside the adrenalin rush.
January 16, 2020
Van Shaw finds himself in a strange little town with a mystery involving an old friend. I must say that I am hooked on this series, it's great. Love the characters development.
I strongly recommend this series.
I strongly recommend this series.
September 7, 2023
Although this is the 4th book in the series, you can definitely read it out of order. I did. This is the first book I’ve read by Hamilton and there are some things that I really enjoyed. There was just something about this book that dragged for me, which doesn’t make much sense since it’s a very fast paced, intense read.
Van Shaw finds himself in the small town of Mercy River, Oregon with the sole purpose of defending his friend, and fellow Army Ranger veteran Leo Pak from a murder charge. But in the search for what really happened, Van falls down a rabbit hole he’ll never fully claw his way out of.
I really like Van. He’s a strong character with a mysterious background and facial scars who’s willing to do whatever it takes for his friends. And his friends will do anything they can for him, which also says quite a bit. I like the character as a whole, though I do feel like things come to him a little easily.
The storyline is really intense right from the beginning. I just didn’t feel fully connected to the story. It didn’t hold my attention despite the near constant onslaught of things going on. And then the ending left something to be desired for me. It’s a good story, it just didn’t work that well for me for a reason I can’t quite pinpoint.
3 stars. I feel it just isn’t memorable.
Van Shaw finds himself in the small town of Mercy River, Oregon with the sole purpose of defending his friend, and fellow Army Ranger veteran Leo Pak from a murder charge. But in the search for what really happened, Van falls down a rabbit hole he’ll never fully claw his way out of.
I really like Van. He’s a strong character with a mysterious background and facial scars who’s willing to do whatever it takes for his friends. And his friends will do anything they can for him, which also says quite a bit. I like the character as a whole, though I do feel like things come to him a little easily.
The storyline is really intense right from the beginning. I just didn’t feel fully connected to the story. It didn’t hold my attention despite the near constant onslaught of things going on. And then the ending left something to be desired for me. It’s a good story, it just didn’t work that well for me for a reason I can’t quite pinpoint.
3 stars. I feel it just isn’t memorable.
December 20, 2019
Mercy River
Van Shaw is an ex-Ranger, you may leave the USA armed forces, but being a Ranger never leaves you. You are part of a very large, very muscle bound family of alpha males, sometimes it can be a curse other times a blessing. Especially that he is now living back in Seattle and trying to avoid the life of his Grandfather.
When Van receives a call from his friend and former comrade, Leo Pak, he knows he has to get to him and that means leaving Seattle and heading for the back of beyond in Oregon. He is heading for Mercy River, where Pak is was sat in a prison cell accused of murder.
Facing a charge of murdering the local gun deal, whom he happened to work for, he believes Pak when he says he is innocent. Van begins his own covert investigation, just as the town fills with former Rangers for a weekend of “fun” and fundraising.
During the course of the investigation Van founds links that the police have conveniently overlook. There are links between the Rangers, a white supremacist community, bank robberies and a murder of a couple of guards.
The more he investigates the more Van is in danger himself, from who is a different matter. Van knows Pak’s life depends on him finding the truth, while at the same time, there are many people going to get in the way and try and stop him. Whether he succeeds and helps Pak is a different matter.
Van Shaw is an ex-Ranger, you may leave the USA armed forces, but being a Ranger never leaves you. You are part of a very large, very muscle bound family of alpha males, sometimes it can be a curse other times a blessing. Especially that he is now living back in Seattle and trying to avoid the life of his Grandfather.
When Van receives a call from his friend and former comrade, Leo Pak, he knows he has to get to him and that means leaving Seattle and heading for the back of beyond in Oregon. He is heading for Mercy River, where Pak is was sat in a prison cell accused of murder.
Facing a charge of murdering the local gun deal, whom he happened to work for, he believes Pak when he says he is innocent. Van begins his own covert investigation, just as the town fills with former Rangers for a weekend of “fun” and fundraising.
During the course of the investigation Van founds links that the police have conveniently overlook. There are links between the Rangers, a white supremacist community, bank robberies and a murder of a couple of guards.
The more he investigates the more Van is in danger himself, from who is a different matter. Van knows Pak’s life depends on him finding the truth, while at the same time, there are many people going to get in the way and try and stop him. Whether he succeeds and helps Pak is a different matter.
January 11, 2020
I didn’t know this book was #4 is a series as I picked it up from the New Release section of my local library. It certainly isn’t necessary to have read the other books to follow along with what was happening in this one.
Overall, I liked this book. It’s easy to picture it being made into a movie of some kind with all the action, military, twists, family/friend loyalty, and neo-Nazi angles.
I will likely check out some of the other Van Shaw books.
Overall, I liked this book. It’s easy to picture it being made into a movie of some kind with all the action, military, twists, family/friend loyalty, and neo-Nazi angles.
I will likely check out some of the other Van Shaw books.
August 3, 2019
Van Shaw finds himself in a strange little town with a mystery involving an old friend. I must say that I am hooked on this series, it's great. Love the characters development.
I strongly recommend this series.
I strongly recommend this series.
September 29, 2021
The 4th Van Shaw novel is a very good read. Shaw responds to the dire need of a fellow ranger veteran arrested for a murder that he didn't commit. The book is tough-minded and exciting.
April 6, 2021
5 stars for sheer enjoyment factor and for the fact that I never suspected the actual murderer(s).
In Mercy River, ex-Army Ranger Van Shaw has decisions to make and once again those decisions take him a step outside the law. To be honest ... more than a step, but when your skill set includes those learned in your early years as a thief ... well, skirting the law to get the job done comes naturally.
Recommend: Yes. Start with the first in the series Past Crimes and then continue. The books keep getting better and better.
In Mercy River, ex-Army Ranger Van Shaw has decisions to make and once again those decisions take him a step outside the law. To be honest ... more than a step, but when your skill set includes those learned in your early years as a thief ... well, skirting the law to get the job done comes naturally.
Recommend: Yes. Start with the first in the series Past Crimes and then continue. The books keep getting better and better.
June 7, 2019
Welcome to Mercy River, Oregon where you’ll “feel a growing energy in the town like kids before summer vacation. Or maybe animals before an earthquake.” Author Glen Erik Hamilton shares a gripping mystery thriller where friendship is tested, and dangers surround criminal actions that threaten a person’s belief in whether justice can ever emerge. This is the fourth novel in the award winning Van Shaw mystery series that started with the first book winning the Anthony, the Macavity, and the Strand Magazine Critics awards.
Now Van’s friend and fellow Veteran Leo, is accused of murder and jailed in the secretive, small town of Mercy River in Oregon. The victim was the front man for a team of private military contractors hired to recover stolen opiates. The accused is doing little to help his own defense, and is eerily silent on much of what happened that night. The bonds of brotherhood and friendship are sorely tested as Van works to uncover what actually happened and tries to show his friend’s innocence. This drama unfolds over the background of a raucous U.S. Army Rangers weekend reunion and town-wide party of a growing Veteran support network. Devoted celebrants rally around this network’s founder and highly decorated special operations general.
The memorable characters are skillfully created. Van Shaw is an Army Ranger Veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and within his tough exterior he hides a loyal heart and a haunted spirit. He’s motivated by an ethical code formed through his own extraordinary experiences. A loner, he struggles with the complicated emotions of a life of what could have been, with his ex-girlfriend Luce. She also turns up in Mercy River, in the name of friendship. Now Van must focus his energies to try and survive a chilling fight against this deadly adversary who is lurking in plain sight.
This award winning, best-selling author knows a lot about the Pacific Northwest. He grew up aboard a sailboat in the Seattle area, and spent much time sailing the islands in the area. He now lives in Burbank, California with his family, but left his heart in Seattle and visits frequently.
To hear more from the author listen on YouTube where Wendy Kendall & Carl Lee Co-Host A Novel Talk with Glen Erik Hamilton
Now Van’s friend and fellow Veteran Leo, is accused of murder and jailed in the secretive, small town of Mercy River in Oregon. The victim was the front man for a team of private military contractors hired to recover stolen opiates. The accused is doing little to help his own defense, and is eerily silent on much of what happened that night. The bonds of brotherhood and friendship are sorely tested as Van works to uncover what actually happened and tries to show his friend’s innocence. This drama unfolds over the background of a raucous U.S. Army Rangers weekend reunion and town-wide party of a growing Veteran support network. Devoted celebrants rally around this network’s founder and highly decorated special operations general.
The memorable characters are skillfully created. Van Shaw is an Army Ranger Veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and within his tough exterior he hides a loyal heart and a haunted spirit. He’s motivated by an ethical code formed through his own extraordinary experiences. A loner, he struggles with the complicated emotions of a life of what could have been, with his ex-girlfriend Luce. She also turns up in Mercy River, in the name of friendship. Now Van must focus his energies to try and survive a chilling fight against this deadly adversary who is lurking in plain sight.
This award winning, best-selling author knows a lot about the Pacific Northwest. He grew up aboard a sailboat in the Seattle area, and spent much time sailing the islands in the area. He now lives in Burbank, California with his family, but left his heart in Seattle and visits frequently.
To hear more from the author listen on YouTube where Wendy Kendall & Carl Lee Co-Host A Novel Talk with Glen Erik Hamilton
February 21, 2019
In keeping with the series, Glen Erik Hamilton doesn't disappoint in his latest Van Shaw thriller, Mercy River.
Van Shaw is trying to be a good guy, but who may rely on his criminal past too frequently, in his pursuit of trying to do the right thing.
It's this sense of loyalty and justice that brings Van Shaw and his motley crew of semi-criminal (well, some not so semi) associates to Mercy River on a mission to help his army buddy, Pak.
Van Shaw has become one of my go-to characters when I am looking for a well paced, solidly plotted, take-me-away mystery. A great option for when I want the quick pacing and unexpected qualities of a mystery, but am not in the mood for a crime procedural or psychological thriller.
This series is perfect for fans of Lee child, Vince Flynn, Craig Johnson, Elmore Leonard, Denis Lehaine, and John Sanford.
Van Shaw is trying to be a good guy, but who may rely on his criminal past too frequently, in his pursuit of trying to do the right thing.
It's this sense of loyalty and justice that brings Van Shaw and his motley crew of semi-criminal (well, some not so semi) associates to Mercy River on a mission to help his army buddy, Pak.
Van Shaw has become one of my go-to characters when I am looking for a well paced, solidly plotted, take-me-away mystery. A great option for when I want the quick pacing and unexpected qualities of a mystery, but am not in the mood for a crime procedural or psychological thriller.
This series is perfect for fans of Lee child, Vince Flynn, Craig Johnson, Elmore Leonard, Denis Lehaine, and John Sanford.
March 21, 2020
Yet another Glen Erik Hamilton thriller. I can’t say enough good thinks about the story. A very rural town in the Pacific Northwest is hosting an Army Ranger week-long reunion. With white militias, corrupt local officials, country law enforcement, and a thriving illegal business, what could go wrong. Well for one, an Army Ranger friend of the hero is accused of a murder he didn’t commit. Van will help his friend by any means, legal or not, if he needs to. What could go wrong? The characters are well developed and believable. The story twists and turns and seems to make sense in several places: then another twist. I couldn’t put the book down. Great to the last page. Five stars to Hamilton and Mercy river. He is one of my favorite authors. Jeff Bailey, author of Not On MY Watch.
March 28, 2019
I am happy to report that Glen Erik Hamilton continues his win streak with MERCY RIVER, the fourth book in his Van Shaw series. Shaw is a former Army Ranger who combines his considerable combat skill set with the larcenous abilities that he acquired from his grandfather Dono, a well-known and somewhat benevolent criminal in the Seattle area who operated a quiet tavern as a legitimate business front. The novel exhibits a slightly different side of both Shaw and his creator, adding an interesting dimension to both.
MERCY RIVER is a bit of a slow boil at first, but things get moving rather quickly. The festivities begin when Shaw receives a mysterious and unexpected early morning call from Leo Pak, his superior officer in their Ranger platoon during their military tour in Afghanistan. Pak is obviously in distress and in trouble, a fact made more clear when a voice identifying the owner as a Mercy River police officer gets on the line. Shaw quickly learns that Mercy River is a small town in Oregon and that Pak is being held there, under arrest for the murder of a local resident named Erle Sharples.
Shaw drops everything and makes the six-hour drive from Seattle to Mercy River to help his friend. The situation he encounters upon his arrival is by turns confusing and surreal. It develops that Sharples, a local gun dealer, had been employing Pak in his store. Pak really doesn’t seem to want the help that Shaw is bringing, including a high-priced Seattle defense attorney. The small town also is in the grip of a major annual event called The Rally, a large gathering of former and active-duty Army Rangers, which is both a social event and a means to raise money for a number of organizations benefiting Rangers and their families. It is the brainchild of a retired general who is benevolent as can be, at least on the surface.
However, Shaw soon discovers there are layers upon layers of secrets in Mercy River that intersect with Sharples’ murder, as well as a group of white supremacists who had set up camp in the town’s vicinity but had been chased out. It takes him some time to discover precisely what is going on, primarily because everyone, including Pak, is lying to him, though for different reasons. What Shaw discovers leads him from Mercy River to Seattle, where a dangerous plan erupts violently and causes him to retrace his steps to Mercy River, where the final truth is revealed and leads to a deadly denouement where ultimately very few will survive.
The ending is artistically satisfying for Hamilton and the reader, but is a mixed blessing for Shaw, who continues to find that life back in the civilian world is not what he expected it to be. MERCY RIVER is more than complete in itself, but some of the vignettes that occur may play themselves out further in future installments of the series. Hamilton, like his creation, walks the walk and talks the talk, which is worth the price of admission all by itself.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
MERCY RIVER is a bit of a slow boil at first, but things get moving rather quickly. The festivities begin when Shaw receives a mysterious and unexpected early morning call from Leo Pak, his superior officer in their Ranger platoon during their military tour in Afghanistan. Pak is obviously in distress and in trouble, a fact made more clear when a voice identifying the owner as a Mercy River police officer gets on the line. Shaw quickly learns that Mercy River is a small town in Oregon and that Pak is being held there, under arrest for the murder of a local resident named Erle Sharples.
Shaw drops everything and makes the six-hour drive from Seattle to Mercy River to help his friend. The situation he encounters upon his arrival is by turns confusing and surreal. It develops that Sharples, a local gun dealer, had been employing Pak in his store. Pak really doesn’t seem to want the help that Shaw is bringing, including a high-priced Seattle defense attorney. The small town also is in the grip of a major annual event called The Rally, a large gathering of former and active-duty Army Rangers, which is both a social event and a means to raise money for a number of organizations benefiting Rangers and their families. It is the brainchild of a retired general who is benevolent as can be, at least on the surface.
However, Shaw soon discovers there are layers upon layers of secrets in Mercy River that intersect with Sharples’ murder, as well as a group of white supremacists who had set up camp in the town’s vicinity but had been chased out. It takes him some time to discover precisely what is going on, primarily because everyone, including Pak, is lying to him, though for different reasons. What Shaw discovers leads him from Mercy River to Seattle, where a dangerous plan erupts violently and causes him to retrace his steps to Mercy River, where the final truth is revealed and leads to a deadly denouement where ultimately very few will survive.
The ending is artistically satisfying for Hamilton and the reader, but is a mixed blessing for Shaw, who continues to find that life back in the civilian world is not what he expected it to be. MERCY RIVER is more than complete in itself, but some of the vignettes that occur may play themselves out further in future installments of the series. Hamilton, like his creation, walks the walk and talks the talk, which is worth the price of admission all by itself.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
November 22, 2021
I like this series. Van Shaw, Hamilton’s main character, is a former crook turned ‘White Knight’ after a stint as an Army Ranger.
Here, Shaw rushes to the aid of a fellow Ranger accused of murdering a citizen of an isolated town where everyone knows everyone and their business and most of them are related to each other. But there’s more going on in the town than a gathering of active duty and retired Rangers. On the path to clearing his fellow soldier, he encounters drug smuggling and a white power group.
This book was better overall than Every Day Above Ground, the previous entry in the series. The main plot was engaging and the sub-plots had just enough weight to them to be realistic with taking over the story. However, the story was a bit confusing at times (I never quit got a handle on whole thing with the stolen opioids) and I felt the book went on about a hundred pages too long. After about page 375, it felt like Hamilton was just repackaging earlier actions just to extend the page count.
That minor quibble aside, I’ll be back for the next book in this series.
Here, Shaw rushes to the aid of a fellow Ranger accused of murdering a citizen of an isolated town where everyone knows everyone and their business and most of them are related to each other. But there’s more going on in the town than a gathering of active duty and retired Rangers. On the path to clearing his fellow soldier, he encounters drug smuggling and a white power group.
This book was better overall than Every Day Above Ground, the previous entry in the series. The main plot was engaging and the sub-plots had just enough weight to them to be realistic with taking over the story. However, the story was a bit confusing at times (I never quit got a handle on whole thing with the stolen opioids) and I felt the book went on about a hundred pages too long. After about page 375, it felt like Hamilton was just repackaging earlier actions just to extend the page count.
That minor quibble aside, I’ll be back for the next book in this series.
February 10, 2019
I was a First Read Winner of this book, which was so awesome since I have been a huge fan of Glen Erik Hamilton and the Van Shaw Series. Usually when there is a book that I love I devour it, but somehow I am never able to this with this series, I take my time reading and and savoring all the intricate little details, twists and turns that take place in the pages. It's almost like a mini movie playing in my head. I would recommend to read the books in order, just so you get a feel of Van, but you could still read it on its own, you will miss some backstory but the action and suspense will soon make you forget it all. The only thing that I would like to happen is for Van to have a romantic interest but that is just the romantic and me. Can't wait to see what will happen next. Hope there will be many more books in the series.
March 23, 2024
Yet another Glen Erik Hamilton thriller. I can’t say enough good thinks about the story. A very rural town in the Pacific Northwest is hosting an Army Ranger week-long reunion. With white militias, corrupt local officials, country law enforcement, and a thriving illegal business, what could go wrong. Well for one, an Army Ranger friend of the hero is accused of a murder he didn’t commit. Van will help his friend by any means, legal or not, if he needs to. What could go wrong? The characters are well developed and believable. The story twists and turns and seems to make sense in several places: then another twist. I couldn’t put the book down. Great to the last page. Five stars to Hamilton and Mercy river. He is one of my favorite authors.
May 17, 2020
My first book by this author. Overall, one of the best thrillers I have read this year. I was able to get into this book and the characters even though this was the first book I read in this series and it was number four in the series.
The characters were well written. The action was clear and easy to follow. The plot moved along well and the story flowed with good tension and plot twists.
The military elements attracted me to this book and I think the author wrote the veterans as complex and human characters. I did have one minuscule issue. I wrote the author and he wrote a nice response.
I am definitely going to be picking up Mr. Hamilton’s other books.
The characters were well written. The action was clear and easy to follow. The plot moved along well and the story flowed with good tension and plot twists.
The military elements attracted me to this book and I think the author wrote the veterans as complex and human characters. I did have one minuscule issue. I wrote the author and he wrote a nice response.
I am definitely going to be picking up Mr. Hamilton’s other books.
August 6, 2021
I'm reading the books in this series out of order. Not intentionally, but it's kinda just happened that way. What I'm discovering is that once you've read books 1 and 2 to get the background of Van Shaw, it's not necessarily required to read the others in order. There is some continuity with the supporting characters that is missing, but it's not impossible to piece together what is happening.
I love the character of Van Shaw, and the books are very well written. It's been a long time since I've read a book that I literally couldn't put down. I found myself up at 1 AM saying, "One more page".
I love the character of Van Shaw, and the books are very well written. It's been a long time since I've read a book that I literally couldn't put down. I found myself up at 1 AM saying, "One more page".
January 14, 2019
First off, let me thank Glen Erik Hamilton for inviting me back into his world. Thanks also to William Morrow & Goodreads for the ARC in return for my honest review.
Van Shaw returns to find his friend Leo Pak needing his help. He comes to find himself among other Rangers at a reunion Rally. When Shaw needs to call in some markers to his connections, and bring in his trustworthy friends because he doesn’t know who is telling the truth, we get to see the man behind the scars of war.
Van Shaw returns to find his friend Leo Pak needing his help. He comes to find himself among other Rangers at a reunion Rally. When Shaw needs to call in some markers to his connections, and bring in his trustworthy friends because he doesn’t know who is telling the truth, we get to see the man behind the scars of war.
May 27, 2020
I haven't read the other books in this series but I'm glad I received this one from the "powers that be" like the author, publisher and Goodreads cause I certainly enjoyed it and it lived up to its reputation as being an excellent thriller. Van Shaw reminded me of Jack Reacher and I love that character. I haven't missed one of Reacher's books and now I want to read more of Shaw's adventures too. I highly recommend this book if you like a lot of action - it is well worth your time.
July 2, 2020
A page Turner!
Once again, Van Shaw puts his loyalty to his friends first. I think this might just be the best of the series so far. Definitely my favorite. Such an interesting character. You can't help but root for him, regardless of how he chooses to handle things. I was especially glad to see Leo return for this book. Thank you Glen Erik Hamilton for another amazing adventure with Shaw. Here's to many more!
Once again, Van Shaw puts his loyalty to his friends first. I think this might just be the best of the series so far. Definitely my favorite. Such an interesting character. You can't help but root for him, regardless of how he chooses to handle things. I was especially glad to see Leo return for this book. Thank you Glen Erik Hamilton for another amazing adventure with Shaw. Here's to many more!
October 18, 2020
This is my first time reading Glen Erik Hamilton, won't be my last. Van Shaw is a Vet who has seen a lot of combat, and like Nick Petrie's character, Peter Ash, he has issues. Ones that don't let him settle down to a regular job, but instead he goes out of his way to help other Vets who need his assistance. In this novel, he runs into some complicated issues, and he weighs the job to be done and ethics of the means being taken, and come up wanting.
April 20, 2021
I do like the series. However, the one problem I had with this book is that when Schuyler was stuffed in the closet she came out “fully dressed, from a Nordic-patterned turtleneck down to Ked sneakers”. 16 pages later, “Schuyler scowled at Fain as she replaced her heels”. What I want to know is when did she change into heels while running from the bad guys and more importantly why? It’s details like this that distract me from the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2022
I had no idea this was a seriesand I would guess they are stand alone ones since this was totally wrapped up at the end. Van Shaw is an ex Army Ranger and he got a call from another ex ranger so he went to a town to help his friend who was in jail on a charge of murder. Van solved the murder, solved the mystery of the town and got the Neo Nazi's taken care of ... pretty much all by himself....but he lost the girl
November 25, 2022
Just like the rest of the series, the 5th Van Shaw installment is well above your average mystery-thriller. Glen Erik Hamilton gives us all the ingredients of an outstanding novel of this genre: action, suspense, mystery, a decent villian and dab of romance. Couldn't quite give it 5 stars, doesn't quite have the depth, and a few loose ends that might have been explained but still stretched my believability. However, this is one you'll want to read.
January 12, 2023
I think
Mercy River
was an okay book.
Van absolutely was a military man to the nth degree, and the details that were shared in the story that pertained to any maneuvers felt very accurate to his nature.
The dedication that Van showed to Leo in trying to get his named cleared was also extremely reminiscent of the 'no man left behind' mentality.
While this book was not really my cup of tea, I am glad that I read it.
Van absolutely was a military man to the nth degree, and the details that were shared in the story that pertained to any maneuvers felt very accurate to his nature.
The dedication that Van showed to Leo in trying to get his named cleared was also extremely reminiscent of the 'no man left behind' mentality.
While this book was not really my cup of tea, I am glad that I read it.
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