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Mercy Allcutt Mystery #3
Fallen Angels
Angelica Gospel Hall Member Murdered, Local P.I. Suspected in Fallen Angels, a Historical Cozy Mystery from Alice Duncan
--1926, Los Angeles, CA--
Mercy Allcutt has had exciting times as secretary to private investigator, Ernie Templeton. While it’s true she’s been in what she considers a wee bit of trouble--Ernie considers out-and-out danger--a time or two, she’s determined to continue learning the ways of the “real” world.
However, when she sets out to find her wandering boss, Ernie, one hot September afternoon, she not only discovers a corpse, she also finds Ernie, bound and gagged. Even worse, when the police arrive to investigate the crime, they peg Ernie as the killer.
Mercy isn’t about to let the police get away with that, no matter how many times Ernie tells her to butt out of the case. The only question is whether she’ll survive her investigatory efforts before she becomes one more “Fallen Angel.”
Publisher Note: Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries in historical settings are sure to appreciate the Mercy Allcutt series set in 1920s Los Angeles, California. No vulgarity or explicit sex for those who appreciate a clean and wholesome read.
Winner of:The 2012 NM/AZ book of the year award for mystery
The Mercy Allcutt Mystery Series
Lost Among the Angels
Angels Flight
Fallen Angels
Angels of Mercy
Thanksgiving Angels
--1926, Los Angeles, CA--
Mercy Allcutt has had exciting times as secretary to private investigator, Ernie Templeton. While it’s true she’s been in what she considers a wee bit of trouble--Ernie considers out-and-out danger--a time or two, she’s determined to continue learning the ways of the “real” world.
However, when she sets out to find her wandering boss, Ernie, one hot September afternoon, she not only discovers a corpse, she also finds Ernie, bound and gagged. Even worse, when the police arrive to investigate the crime, they peg Ernie as the killer.
Mercy isn’t about to let the police get away with that, no matter how many times Ernie tells her to butt out of the case. The only question is whether she’ll survive her investigatory efforts before she becomes one more “Fallen Angel.”
Publisher Note: Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries in historical settings are sure to appreciate the Mercy Allcutt series set in 1920s Los Angeles, California. No vulgarity or explicit sex for those who appreciate a clean and wholesome read.
Winner of:The 2012 NM/AZ book of the year award for mystery
The Mercy Allcutt Mystery Series
Lost Among the Angels
Angels Flight
Fallen Angels
Angels of Mercy
Thanksgiving Angels
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2011
96 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Alice Duncan
103 books112 followersAlso writes as Emma Craig, Rachel Wilson, Anne Robins and wrote two books under the name of Jon Sharpe (Pecos Belle Brigade and California Crusader).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 27, 2020
4.5 Stars
I love Mercy (Mercedes Louise) Allcutt. A very unusual detective. She's young, wealthy. a Boston Brahmin, naïve, but also intelligent, determined, and a very forward thinker for the '20's. Though she does not need to work, she's trying to live in the real world and earn her own way. But for me the real charm of the book is the feeling that you're sitting in her living room while she recounts the tale over cocktails. There are little asides inserted. There are times when she wanders off topic, then brings herself back around to the subject. There are moments when her life intrudes and then is set aside. It is a very uncommon style and I really enjoy it. I hope Ms. Duncan continues to add to this series.
I love Mercy (Mercedes Louise) Allcutt. A very unusual detective. She's young, wealthy. a Boston Brahmin, naïve, but also intelligent, determined, and a very forward thinker for the '20's. Though she does not need to work, she's trying to live in the real world and earn her own way. But for me the real charm of the book is the feeling that you're sitting in her living room while she recounts the tale over cocktails. There are little asides inserted. There are times when she wanders off topic, then brings herself back around to the subject. There are moments when her life intrudes and then is set aside. It is a very uncommon style and I really enjoy it. I hope Ms. Duncan continues to add to this series.
July 27, 2023
Mercy is in fine form, ablaze with righteousness as she attempts to bluster her way into saving the day yet again. This time it’s her boss (and potential love interest, if all the yelling they exchange can be perceived as foreplay) who is being framed for the dastardly deed.
Well may she phooey, I was well phooied by the end of it myself. She’s feisty, she’s flouncy, she’s blazing with fury but heck can’t a gal extend her range a bit. It’s all getting a bit one note. And no, eating hot dogs with sauerkraut to spite her mother is not the act of defiance she thinks it is.
Thankfully the supporting players such as Lulu, the brightly hued, bottle blond, nail-filing, flapper/receptionist/aspiring actress extraordinaire, help add some much needed flavour. Now a book series lead by Lulu LaBelle is something I’d happily peruse.
Whilst the murderer was obvious, the finale ties all the loose ends up with grand Hollywood fisticuff flare. And Mercy exhibits true backbone against her mother dearest with the help of her cohorts so perhaps there’s hope for her yet.
Well may she phooey, I was well phooied by the end of it myself. She’s feisty, she’s flouncy, she’s blazing with fury but heck can’t a gal extend her range a bit. It’s all getting a bit one note. And no, eating hot dogs with sauerkraut to spite her mother is not the act of defiance she thinks it is.
Thankfully the supporting players such as Lulu, the brightly hued, bottle blond, nail-filing, flapper/receptionist/aspiring actress extraordinaire, help add some much needed flavour. Now a book series lead by Lulu LaBelle is something I’d happily peruse.
Whilst the murderer was obvious, the finale ties all the loose ends up with grand Hollywood fisticuff flare. And Mercy exhibits true backbone against her mother dearest with the help of her cohorts so perhaps there’s hope for her yet.
December 13, 2020
Mercy
When Ernie took on Mrs Persephone Chambers theft case Mercy had rather assumed that she was a widow and he was attracted to her wafting, dramatic personality. But when he leaves her a note to say he's working on her case and will be in later she can't decide if he's working or playing especially when he fails to arrive for an important meeting with Phil Bigelow, LAPD detective and his close friend.
Phil's fired up over his case and departs the office in some frustration that Mercy has no more than a brief note from the absent Ernie that lacks any pertinent information.
When Ernie has still not returned nor, for that matter, contacted Phil by 2.30pm she sets off to find her erstwhile boss starting at the home of the fluffy Persephone and expecting to discover him on a different kind of assignation.
What she does discover is a body at the bottom of the stairs and a captive unconscious Ernie bound and gagged in the victims bedroom.
This leads to Ernie's freedom being at risk as the police struggle to find anyone with a motive to murder her. Mercy is having none of it, however, they may think she's just a secretary but she's determined to investigate and ensure that Ernie isn't locked up for a crime he didn't commit and nothing will stop her. She's got questions enough to answer.. was there really any stolen jewellery? What was her interest in Sister Emmanuel's new church? How much had she donated and how had her husband and stepson felt about her generosity?
Can Mercy finally solve a case without gettinging into trouble herself??
When Ernie took on Mrs Persephone Chambers theft case Mercy had rather assumed that she was a widow and he was attracted to her wafting, dramatic personality. But when he leaves her a note to say he's working on her case and will be in later she can't decide if he's working or playing especially when he fails to arrive for an important meeting with Phil Bigelow, LAPD detective and his close friend.
Phil's fired up over his case and departs the office in some frustration that Mercy has no more than a brief note from the absent Ernie that lacks any pertinent information.
When Ernie has still not returned nor, for that matter, contacted Phil by 2.30pm she sets off to find her erstwhile boss starting at the home of the fluffy Persephone and expecting to discover him on a different kind of assignation.
What she does discover is a body at the bottom of the stairs and a captive unconscious Ernie bound and gagged in the victims bedroom.
This leads to Ernie's freedom being at risk as the police struggle to find anyone with a motive to murder her. Mercy is having none of it, however, they may think she's just a secretary but she's determined to investigate and ensure that Ernie isn't locked up for a crime he didn't commit and nothing will stop her. She's got questions enough to answer.. was there really any stolen jewellery? What was her interest in Sister Emmanuel's new church? How much had she donated and how had her husband and stepson felt about her generosity?
Can Mercy finally solve a case without gettinging into trouble herself??
January 9, 2020
Another wonderful tale following Mercy as she 'helps' her boss in solving crimes....not that he appreciates it at all.
The series is set in the 1920's in Los Angeles and Mercy is a secretary to P.I. Ernie Templeman, much to the horror of her mother. This time she finds her boss is starting to look like the prime suspect in a murder. Can you sort through the red herrings and spot the real guilty party before the end?
As always the writing and character voices are wonderfully done. Really looking forward to the next one.
I received a copy of this book from ebook discovery. This is my freely given, honest review.
The series is set in the 1920's in Los Angeles and Mercy is a secretary to P.I. Ernie Templeman, much to the horror of her mother. This time she finds her boss is starting to look like the prime suspect in a murder. Can you sort through the red herrings and spot the real guilty party before the end?
As always the writing and character voices are wonderfully done. Really looking forward to the next one.
I received a copy of this book from ebook discovery. This is my freely given, honest review.
January 15, 2020
Excellent read!
Another exciting adventure in the life of Mercy Allcut PI assistant/secretary. When Mercy sets out to find her wayward boss Ernie she instead finds the dead body of the client he was meeting and Ernie trussed up. When the police seem laser focused on blaming Ernie and Ernie seems to have given up Mercy is determined to find out who the real killer is.
A wonderful and well written mystery. Lots of twists and turns. Definitely enjoyed this latest installment and am eagerly awaiting the next.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
Another exciting adventure in the life of Mercy Allcut PI assistant/secretary. When Mercy sets out to find her wayward boss Ernie she instead finds the dead body of the client he was meeting and Ernie trussed up. When the police seem laser focused on blaming Ernie and Ernie seems to have given up Mercy is determined to find out who the real killer is.
A wonderful and well written mystery. Lots of twists and turns. Definitely enjoyed this latest installment and am eagerly awaiting the next.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
August 4, 2020
Mercy Allcutt is a naive feminist from a moneyed Boston family which has relocated to 1926 Los Angeles. She is secretary to a private eye who is less than socially correct and she finds him in a situation where he is the prime suspect in the murder of a recent client. As the investigating police detective would dearly love to prove that Ernie is guilty, Mercy begins doing her own sleuthing in her own way. Good fun with some historical background included.
My copy is narrated by Darlene Allen who has a good way of differentiating characters and making then come more alive.
I won this audiobook in a giveaway!
My copy is narrated by Darlene Allen who has a good way of differentiating characters and making then come more alive.
I won this audiobook in a giveaway!
January 12, 2020
Just delightful fun!
The character of Mercy Alcott is simply delightful, fun and very eager to be part of the modern 1926 world! Alice Duncan does a brilliant job of bringing the movie crazed Los Angeles 1920’s to life for us. Truly amazing to read this and realize my grandmothers were there at the time!
The character of Mercy Alcott is simply delightful, fun and very eager to be part of the modern 1926 world! Alice Duncan does a brilliant job of bringing the movie crazed Los Angeles 1920’s to life for us. Truly amazing to read this and realize my grandmothers were there at the time!
October 23, 2022
Love this series!
Third book in series. Recommend reading in order. Love love love it!
The author keep thing moving. Sad when I finish. Hope you keep writing this series! I'll keep reading all the books and hope and pray for more! I really enjoy this golden age in time. Wish life was as innocent now. Keep writing please !!
Third book in series. Recommend reading in order. Love love love it!
The author keep thing moving. Sad when I finish. Hope you keep writing this series! I'll keep reading all the books and hope and pray for more! I really enjoy this golden age in time. Wish life was as innocent now. Keep writing please !!
October 10, 2023
Fallen Angels Book 3 Historical Cozy A Mercy Alcutt Mystery
Mercy and her boss Ernie catch a murder that will frame Ernie. Mercy is determined that nothing will keep her from finding the real killer. Lulu her friend joins her on one of her investigating suspects as well. A fun historical cozy with the nieve protagonist with a heart of gold .Another great story by Alice Duncan.
Mercy and her boss Ernie catch a murder that will frame Ernie. Mercy is determined that nothing will keep her from finding the real killer. Lulu her friend joins her on one of her investigating suspects as well. A fun historical cozy with the nieve protagonist with a heart of gold .Another great story by Alice Duncan.
January 21, 2020
The mercy series
This series is absolutely wonderful! I laughed aloud several times! I love Mercy and her sister Chloe, and Ernie and Phil are a hoot. I've read the first three and bought the fourth. I can hardly wait until February 4th!
This series is absolutely wonderful! I laughed aloud several times! I love Mercy and her sister Chloe, and Ernie and Phil are a hoot. I've read the first three and bought the fourth. I can hardly wait until February 4th!
June 13, 2020
Mercy is once again giving us another delightful caper. She goes to find her boss, gagged and a corpse. Now why would police think he is guilty.
Love the character and the setting of the #20s. The audio is good and bring her character to life. Given my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Love the character and the setting of the #20s. The audio is good and bring her character to life. Given my voluntary review and my honest opinion
November 11, 2020
If there is a villain to pursue--Mercy will trip over him. A danger to be encounter, Mercy will land in the middle--yes a d the men pay no attention to her. She may not be able to pinpoint it but she can get you within a stone's throw.
January 25, 2021
Story is good
I purchased this in audible. I very much like the story but, Darlene wines. She needs to research her characters background better and then maybe she would sound real.
I purchased this in audible. I very much like the story but, Darlene wines. She needs to research her characters background better and then maybe she would sound real.
March 7, 2022
A Disception, A Dragon and Devine Inspiration.
I love this series! It's unique in the story line. It's exciting. It's funny. Mercy's mother is truly a dragon, but in this story the taming has begun.
I love this series! It's unique in the story line. It's exciting. It's funny. Mercy's mother is truly a dragon, but in this story the taming has begun.
March 4, 2023
Really good
Mercy is worried when her boss Ernie doesn't turn up for work. She goes to find him and as usual ends up finding a body and gets embroiled in mayhem. I can't wait to read the next book.
Mercy is worried when her boss Ernie doesn't turn up for work. She goes to find him and as usual ends up finding a body and gets embroiled in mayhem. I can't wait to read the next book.
December 25, 2025
Always a fun read with a vivacious, innocent of the world, and determined young protagonist. This time she must solve a murder to save her boss, despite his repeated demands that she stop investigating.
May 27, 2017
A new favorite author!
December 20, 2019
I love Alice Duncan's mystery series. Haven't tried the ones that look like romances since that's not a favourite genre for me.
June 25, 2020
I love this series, even more than the Daisy Gumm series.
February 19, 2022
I loved Mercy, Ernie, Lulu and Mercy's sister and brother- in- law. Her mother is "
old fashioned" but her two daughter aren't . Looking forward to finding more in this series.
old fashioned" but her two daughter aren't . Looking forward to finding more in this series.
January 1, 2023
Boring, same old stuff being rehashed. Did not finish.
Read
January 3, 2024Fallen Angels
March 28, 2025
More of the same but enjoying getting to know the characters.
June 9, 2011
Fallen Angels, the third Mercy Allcutt mystery, is set in the 1920’s Los Angeles area. I haven’t read the first two, but thought there must be previous stories, since there were a few references to past crimes solved.
Young Mercy has left her Boston Brahmin background and family, seeking to create a new life for herself in L.A. as secretary to P.I. Ernest (Ernie) Templeton. Living with her sister, Chloe, and brother-in-law, Harvey, the owner of a movie studio, she hasn’t cut all family ties. Still, she is highly dismayed when her rigid mother shows up on the west coast instead of back east where she belongs.
It doesn’t help Mercy’s familial relationships when she puts herself in danger trying to prove her boss’s innocence in the death of one of his clients, Mrs. Persephone Chalmers. Ernie, an ex-cop, is being investigated by another cop who hates him and wouldn’t mind being able to arrest him for murder. Factor in a religious group led by Sister Adelaide Burkhard Emmanuel that featured strongly in Mrs. Chalmers’ life and the mystery deepens.
This book is one where the setting becomes one of the characters, and I might add, one of the better ones. Mercy’s background is a strong feature as well, lending a rather formal tone to the book overall. It took a little time to get used to that aspect. As for Mercy, I liked her rebellious spirit and humor, but did find her Gosh Golly Darn attitude toward swearing a trifle cloying after a while.
Overall, a fun light read.
Young Mercy has left her Boston Brahmin background and family, seeking to create a new life for herself in L.A. as secretary to P.I. Ernest (Ernie) Templeton. Living with her sister, Chloe, and brother-in-law, Harvey, the owner of a movie studio, she hasn’t cut all family ties. Still, she is highly dismayed when her rigid mother shows up on the west coast instead of back east where she belongs.
It doesn’t help Mercy’s familial relationships when she puts herself in danger trying to prove her boss’s innocence in the death of one of his clients, Mrs. Persephone Chalmers. Ernie, an ex-cop, is being investigated by another cop who hates him and wouldn’t mind being able to arrest him for murder. Factor in a religious group led by Sister Adelaide Burkhard Emmanuel that featured strongly in Mrs. Chalmers’ life and the mystery deepens.
This book is one where the setting becomes one of the characters, and I might add, one of the better ones. Mercy’s background is a strong feature as well, lending a rather formal tone to the book overall. It took a little time to get used to that aspect. As for Mercy, I liked her rebellious spirit and humor, but did find her Gosh Golly Darn attitude toward swearing a trifle cloying after a while.
Overall, a fun light read.
July 27, 2014
“Transplanted Boston Brahmin, Mercy Allcutt, has had some very exciting times as secretary to private investigator, Ernie Templeton. While it’s true she’s been in what she considers a wee bit of trouble (and Ernie considers out-and-out danger) a time or two, she’s determined to continue learning the ways of the “real” world.
However, when she sets out to find her wandering boss, Ernie, one hot September afternoon, she not only discovers a corpse, but she also finds Ernie, bound and gagged. Worse, when the police arrive to investigate the crime, they peg Ernie as the killer.
Well, Mercy isn’t about to let them get away with that, no matter how many times Ernie tells her to butt out of the police inquiry. The only question is whether she’ll survive her investigatorial efforts once again, or if she’ll become one more “Fallen Angel.”
This is a series I look forward to getting every time I see a new one come out! This one is just as good as all the other one’s I’ve read --- quick to read, fast paced, fun (often just laughed out loud throughout it) and yet still a series mystery! The characters are just perfect for the setting –
including her little dog Buttercup! I was surprised with the ending – it was nothing I expected and came way to soon!
April 19, 2016
Ernie Is Suspected Of Murder.
In this entertaining narrative we find Mercy looking for Ernie, he is late. She goes to his client's house and find the client dead and tied up and drug upstairs. She unties Ernie, than calls the police. Mercy is dismayed to realize that Ernie is the main suspect in the murder because no one but her saw him tied up. Her Mother is still a problem. There funny scenes as Mercy begins to realize what life is like for the average person. Mercy convinces Lulu to go to a religious church as she feels the murderer will be a member. Chloe and Harvey are moving to Beverley Hills and parents have bought a house in Pasadena. Mercy does not want to leave her friends and is thinking of buying a house and renting out rooms. Looking forward to Mercy next adventure.
In this entertaining narrative we find Mercy looking for Ernie, he is late. She goes to his client's house and find the client dead and tied up and drug upstairs. She unties Ernie, than calls the police. Mercy is dismayed to realize that Ernie is the main suspect in the murder because no one but her saw him tied up. Her Mother is still a problem. There funny scenes as Mercy begins to realize what life is like for the average person. Mercy convinces Lulu to go to a religious church as she feels the murderer will be a member. Chloe and Harvey are moving to Beverley Hills and parents have bought a house in Pasadena. Mercy does not want to leave her friends and is thinking of buying a house and renting out rooms. Looking forward to Mercy next adventure.
December 27, 2023
✿●✿●✿●✿
Oh, the on and on about a Boston Brahmin Beacon Hill upbring and the problems about Mother that runs throughout this novel! There is so much of that in this historical fiction mystery (I think that is what this is), and Mercy Allcutt makes sure we know it. I admit that the genre of the book piqued my interest, but mercy! Mercy Allcutt is a drag. Though this book is not my favorite, other readers may find this story their cup of tea and right up their alley.
✿▬✿●✿▬✿
🏮Kindle Unlimited version.
Oh, the on and on about a Boston Brahmin Beacon Hill upbring and the problems about Mother that runs throughout this novel! There is so much of that in this historical fiction mystery (I think that is what this is), and Mercy Allcutt makes sure we know it. I admit that the genre of the book piqued my interest, but mercy! Mercy Allcutt is a drag. Though this book is not my favorite, other readers may find this story their cup of tea and right up their alley.
✿▬✿●✿▬✿
🏮Kindle Unlimited version.
June 30, 2012
Another fun story featuring Mercy Allcutt - 1920's old money Boston girl determined to experience life as a working girl through her job as secretary to a private investigator. I love Mercy. Her interactions with Ernie - the PI she works for are so funny. Although the mystery and Mercy's entertaining views of the world around her are good enough to stand alone I would like to see a little romance develop between her and Ernie.
January 3, 2024
This time it's Ernie's turn to be Suspect no.1 and Mercy is not about to have that happen to her boss, no matter how many times he tells her to leave things alone and not to put herself in danger!
I really enjoy the Mercy Allcut Mysteries and this latest one does not disappoint. Mercy is a strond, intelligent young lady and I truly admire her gumption. Looking forward to more.
I really enjoy the Mercy Allcut Mysteries and this latest one does not disappoint. Mercy is a strond, intelligent young lady and I truly admire her gumption. Looking forward to more.
March 8, 2016
Oh I love these books!!!!
Alice Duncan writes the greatest books, I love Mercy and all of her cohorts. I also love Butternut. I hope she writes many more books about Mercy. Shirley
Alice Duncan writes the greatest books, I love Mercy and all of her cohorts. I also love Butternut. I hope she writes many more books about Mercy. Shirley
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews