Blue Mercy

Kay Delaney #1

by Illona Haus

Devastated by guilt over the death of her partner, Detective Kay Delaney's only comfort lies in the arrest of serial killer Bernard Eales, until the prosecution's star witness turns up dead, bearing the same gruesome marks as Eales's former victims, and Kay joins forces with her former lover, Danny Finnerty, to unlock the truth about a series of shocking crimes. Original.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Thriller

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Illona Haus announced her arrival in the world of crime fiction in the spring of 2005 with her acclaimed debut Blue Mercy - a gritty, edge-of-your-seat psychological-thriller featuring tough and savvy Homicide detective Kay Delaney. Set in Baltimore, Maryland, Haus's novels are populated with compelling characters, made genuine by her personal connections and experience with the city's Homicide Unit over many years.

It is Haus's bold and unique voice, her unflinching eye for detail, and her cutting-edge research, that make the Kay Delaney series a world that is both intensely authentic and horrifyingly dark.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the first one in this series.. page turner and kept guessing until the end

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty decent murder-mystery story. The author gave several suspects that could have committed the crimes, but didn't blantantly come right out and tell you which ones were wrong and which one was right. About 3/4 of the way through, though, it all started falling into place and pointed the way to the real killer. And from there it was a matter of how to stop him before he killed again.

Kay Delaney is the detective star of this story, and I understand that this book is the first of three (so far) featuring her character. She's got her own hang-ups and mental demons to battle (of course! What kind of crime-fighter would she be if she didn't?), as well as a fellow D that she's got a romantic relationship with. I'm already looking forward to the next book to see where it takes her next!

[John Senner · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this book because I saw a little blurb in a magazine that Illona Haus lived in Waterloo, Ont. I spent a year in that city a long time ago and was hoping that this book would be set in that city. Alas, not so. Set in Baltimore. I rated only one star because this was a book that should have been escapist crime fiction but instead turned out to be a chore to plow through. I can really say why. Just did not click with me.

Kay Delaney is a female detective with the Baltimore Police. In the course of pursuing a serial killer, her partner was killed. He was brought in and convicted, but the killings continue. Wrong guy. Now get the right guy before he gets you. You know how it ends.

[Barbara ★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the suspense in this book. Kay Delaney is an excellent detective and really worked the clues to figure out who the bad guy was. Of course, it took 325 pages and roughly 2 weeks but she did it with the help of her partner and lover, Danny Finnerty (Finn). I figured early on that the jailed killer took the blame for someone else but I didn't know who until the very end. The clues were there but I couldn't put it together. Well-written with very likable characters...even the bad guys!

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no idea what the title refers to, though I know that blue refers to the police. The author has created some strange villains who do weird things to their victims. One of the main characters is Kay Delaney, who has already had her lover killed and has been tortured herself. A normal human being might decide that this is where she should find another career. Instead, she and her partner, Finn, persevere in the hunt for the truth. This is very graphic, and certainly not for the squeamish.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giving this book four stars does not mean I actually liked it as well as say a four-star Karin Slaughter but it is definitely above average for its genre. Entertaining and well-written. Dialogue rings true and research is evident. Characters aren't as involving as I'd like but there's two more in the series so there's certainly hope for that. Slow start. I became more involved with the heroine Kay and her partner Finn after page 200.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!!!! It was fantastic!! This is the 1st book I've read by this author. I just loved all the twists & turns. Unforgettable ending!!! I will certainly be on the look-out for more books by this author. A big thanks to Crystal (who's book club I am a part of) for recommending this author to me!!!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, I have read better and have read worse :O)

[Nancito Bennett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful

[Lori D]

Great book= I loved all 3 of her books and would really love to read more!!!

[Deb Berke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the fact it was set in Baltimore and that a female cop was the main character.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book!

[Delany · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quit after about 40 pages. None of the characters seemed quite real, and they certainly were not engaging. It wasn't badly written -- just not good enough for me to want to spend my time on.