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Wolf Lake #2
Fatal Mercy
Two bodies, zero suspects. And a murderer Thomas Shepherd can’t stop.
Recovering after a near fatal encounter with a serial killer, Deputy Thomas Shepherd seeks the tranquility of Wolf Lake. Until a rash of murders and abductions paralyze the resort village. Who is killing the villagers of Wolf Lake?
The killer is a phantom hiding in the shadows. Sheriff Gray blames a ghost from his past, the priest who ran his wife off the road and killed her. But is the sheriff's bias tainting his judgment? Deputy Shepherd must go rogue and unravel a bewildering tangle of evidence if he hopes to catch the killer.
Then Deputy Shepherd's friend goes missing, and he fears the killer is responsible.
Will Thomas save his friend before the killer claims another victim?
Recovering after a near fatal encounter with a serial killer, Deputy Thomas Shepherd seeks the tranquility of Wolf Lake. Until a rash of murders and abductions paralyze the resort village. Who is killing the villagers of Wolf Lake?
The killer is a phantom hiding in the shadows. Sheriff Gray blames a ghost from his past, the priest who ran his wife off the road and killed her. But is the sheriff's bias tainting his judgment? Deputy Shepherd must go rogue and unravel a bewildering tangle of evidence if he hopes to catch the killer.
Then Deputy Shepherd's friend goes missing, and he fears the killer is responsible.
Will Thomas save his friend before the killer claims another victim?
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2021
1734 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Dan Padavona
101 books611 followersAuthor of the Wolf Lake and Darkwater Cove series.
Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.
I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.
My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.
More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.
Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.
I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.
My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.
More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
June 24, 2022
So, I mistakenly read this book thinking it was the first of the series. It’s the second! But the book did a good job of catching me up, which was nice. I really liked this! It’s told from several people’s points of view, some main characters, some secondary, and some murder victims.
There are a few storylines going on simultaneously. A possible second chance romance, a private investigation into a cheating playboy, a kidnapping mystery, and the main plot, a serial killer is systematically killing people with terminal or incurable illnesses. A mercy killing, if you will.
Things I liked: the characters, though I want to shake Chelsea. The fast pace and the constant second guessing and character development.
What I didn’t like: though I figured out the whodunnit, I am very good at this so I wasn’t upset. But there was ZERO insight into the person’s motivation or actions, no follow up to explain how that person devolved into a murderer. It just kind of stopped and moved into the “love triangle” and set us up for book three.
There are a few storylines going on simultaneously. A possible second chance romance, a private investigation into a cheating playboy, a kidnapping mystery, and the main plot, a serial killer is systematically killing people with terminal or incurable illnesses. A mercy killing, if you will.
Things I liked: the characters, though I want to shake Chelsea. The fast pace and the constant second guessing and character development.
What I didn’t like: though I figured out the whodunnit, I am very good at this so I wasn’t upset. But there was ZERO insight into the person’s motivation or actions, no follow up to explain how that person devolved into a murderer. It just kind of stopped and moved into the “love triangle” and set us up for book three.
January 21, 2022
As always, the author gives us lots of twists and turns, but also a lot of character development. There's even a connection to his Scarlett Bell series, which is my favorite. I need to catch up on these, as the writer cranks them out consistently, which is great.
February 21, 2021
Good read, fast paced, with some red herrings tossed in just for fun! This is a pretty good series, this book can be read as a stand alone, but so much better to read in order - 3rd book in series being released in March (looking forward to it). If you are looking for a good police procedural, go no further!
4.5 stars and 2 thumbs up!
4.5 stars and 2 thumbs up!
August 19, 2024
I liked this way more than the first book. Was bit more fast paced too. However I have a very hard time liking Chelsey. I strongly believe that having health issues doesn't grant u a free pass on treating ppl like crap. I can't find any redeemable qualities for her, and it seems she will be present in all the books.I can't put up with her for another 8 volumes. Most probably I will stop reading the series (I feel bad for this...😔).
February 22, 2023
Getting more exciting!
October 8, 2021
Ooooo....
I wonder what is going to happen next? I can't wait to find out. She better actually try before he is gone!
I wonder what is going to happen next? I can't wait to find out. She better actually try before he is gone!
July 30, 2021
Fatal Mercy - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Wolf Lake's Deputy Sheriff Thomas, is trying to narrow down potential motives for murder, of Lincoln Ramsey and Cecilia Bond, by questioning locals. That produces some interesting facts for him and Sheriff Lambert Gray to add to their murder board, though Gray's fixated on the local priest Father Fowler, whom he believes caused his own wife's death in a car crash years earlier.
PI Raven is at the gym, on a case for a rich client who wants to know if her much younger boyfriend is cheating on her. Her findings lead to danger for Raven, her boss Chelsea and a young heiress, Ellie, who's kidnapped for ransom by someone she knows there. How will things be resolved?
When you learn the true identity of the killer, (by getting your copy of Dan Padavona's excellent Fatal Mercy), after many red herrings and set-backs, it's sure to be a shocking revelation, so don't delay in getting it today!
Wolf Lake's Deputy Sheriff Thomas, is trying to narrow down potential motives for murder, of Lincoln Ramsey and Cecilia Bond, by questioning locals. That produces some interesting facts for him and Sheriff Lambert Gray to add to their murder board, though Gray's fixated on the local priest Father Fowler, whom he believes caused his own wife's death in a car crash years earlier.
PI Raven is at the gym, on a case for a rich client who wants to know if her much younger boyfriend is cheating on her. Her findings lead to danger for Raven, her boss Chelsea and a young heiress, Ellie, who's kidnapped for ransom by someone she knows there. How will things be resolved?
When you learn the true identity of the killer, (by getting your copy of Dan Padavona's excellent Fatal Mercy), after many red herrings and set-backs, it's sure to be a shocking revelation, so don't delay in getting it today!
January 14, 2021
Dan Padavona took me on a rollercoaster ride in this one. He did grab my attention at the beginning and kept it through out the book. He kept the killer hidden for most of the book. My first instincts were right but I brushed it off, I fell in with Sheriff Gray in my thinking. I did figure out how the killer was going to be caught for the most part. In my opinion Dan Padavona gives like three stories in one. The past, the killer and the friends and family, I have to say I love all the stories. I'm really enjoying getting to know all the characters. I biggest complaint is I hated the ending, but I will get over it. Teehee!!! In my opinion Dan Padavona gives you a great mystery full of suspense. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.
January 4, 2021
Wolf Lake is a place of mystery and mysteries.
It has many potential targets, may more potential suspects.
Many stories from the past are dredged up to make it even more complicated than a regular who done it.
I found that the author brings you back to a small community with many hidden issues.
They do not all come to the top but bubble just under the site of our hero Deputy Thomas Shepherd.
You are caught right from the get-go about a problem, maybe a solution, at least a mystery in the first few pages.
Dan Padavona draws you in like the spider draws the fly into his web.
There are stories here that go back into the memories of the cast of characters that hold grudges and possible solutions for the future.
People do not seem to be the people everyone want to remember but the people who they might be trying to forget.
There are mysteries abound within this book. They allow us to believe there will be many intriguing tombs to follow.
Please read and see if you can tell who is the real villain here.
December 6, 2022
What A Great Series So far!
I read the first Wolf Lake Thriller and it was so great I couldn't wait to get to the second book! I was in such a hurry to continue reading that I didn't leave a review. If you haven't read it yet, get it and read it. It was 5 stars too.
Now, this second book was even better but I wanted to stop and leave a review before I hurry onto the next book! I love this series. The fact that people with handicaps are central characters makes the story even better! Now there's a dog too!! All my favorite sort of characters in one story!! That's all I'm telling you readers. I never spoil a book for others. I usually don't read reviews for just that reason. I DON'T want to know much about it BEFORE I read it,other than the fact it was good!!
Ok well on to the next book!
P.S. Thank you Dan Padavona for such a captivating series so far!!
I read the first Wolf Lake Thriller and it was so great I couldn't wait to get to the second book! I was in such a hurry to continue reading that I didn't leave a review. If you haven't read it yet, get it and read it. It was 5 stars too.
Now, this second book was even better but I wanted to stop and leave a review before I hurry onto the next book! I love this series. The fact that people with handicaps are central characters makes the story even better! Now there's a dog too!! All my favorite sort of characters in one story!! That's all I'm telling you readers. I never spoil a book for others. I usually don't read reviews for just that reason. I DON'T want to know much about it BEFORE I read it,other than the fact it was good!!
Ok well on to the next book!
P.S. Thank you Dan Padavona for such a captivating series so far!!
April 29, 2025
totally unbelievable characters and plot.
The characters in this book, lack complexity, and act in eye rolling, unrealistic ways. The sheriff wants to arrest somebody for murder on the most tenuous connected events. Another character holds a grudge to an extreme I wouldn’t even expect from a middle schooler, a woman expresses grief over the death of her husband who has been sick for over a year in a degree, that’s beyond pale. And that’s only some of the characters. I could imagine writing one character into a plot that acts in a ridiculous fashion, but nearly every one of them? I skimmed the last half of the book as quickly as I could just to see it and in a Fairytale ending reminiscent of the most cringy Fantasy Island/Love Boat episodes. I’ve read the first two books in this series. I won’t read the third.
The characters in this book, lack complexity, and act in eye rolling, unrealistic ways. The sheriff wants to arrest somebody for murder on the most tenuous connected events. Another character holds a grudge to an extreme I wouldn’t even expect from a middle schooler, a woman expresses grief over the death of her husband who has been sick for over a year in a degree, that’s beyond pale. And that’s only some of the characters. I could imagine writing one character into a plot that acts in a ridiculous fashion, but nearly every one of them? I skimmed the last half of the book as quickly as I could just to see it and in a Fairytale ending reminiscent of the most cringy Fantasy Island/Love Boat episodes. I’ve read the first two books in this series. I won’t read the third.
March 16, 2024
Repetitive
There's 10 of these in the series. The constant reminders of the past and the elementary descriptive are off putting. There's no real depth of emotion and logical thinking by the characters in this book was about a 4 out of 10.
Everything ends up alright for our cast of friends, but the ending was seen from a mile away.
I don't hate the books, but I am questioning of this is a series I complete. Everything wraps up so neatly. Like a beautiful gift under the tree, and life really isn't that way.
Lack of depth and the dual mystery means each plot twist feels a little less substantial and watered down. No real suspense or understanding of why for the killer in this book,which would have made it far more interesting.
There's 10 of these in the series. The constant reminders of the past and the elementary descriptive are off putting. There's no real depth of emotion and logical thinking by the characters in this book was about a 4 out of 10.
Everything ends up alright for our cast of friends, but the ending was seen from a mile away.
I don't hate the books, but I am questioning of this is a series I complete. Everything wraps up so neatly. Like a beautiful gift under the tree, and life really isn't that way.
Lack of depth and the dual mystery means each plot twist feels a little less substantial and watered down. No real suspense or understanding of why for the killer in this book,which would have made it far more interesting.
February 23, 2021
Just a great criminal thriller!
I really enjoy reading of Thomas and his fellow deputies solving murders and making for interesting tales! Chelsea and Thomas being a part and leaving us hanging as to what will happen next is expected because there must be a love interest to the hero of the book, and it usually ends up as this one has, and I would be more surprised if the love interest worked out and they could live happily, but as usual, that isn't the case. The only bothersome thing is when the writer puts in Chelsea's name when it should be Raven's name. But, with that said, these are worth reading!
I really enjoy reading of Thomas and his fellow deputies solving murders and making for interesting tales! Chelsea and Thomas being a part and leaving us hanging as to what will happen next is expected because there must be a love interest to the hero of the book, and it usually ends up as this one has, and I would be more surprised if the love interest worked out and they could live happily, but as usual, that isn't the case. The only bothersome thing is when the writer puts in Chelsea's name when it should be Raven's name. But, with that said, these are worth reading!
January 10, 2021
I just finished this 2nd book in the Wolf Lake thriller series. I can't believe how the book seems to read so quickly. Usually in several books I keep looking at how much I had read and how much was left to read. This is generally my indicator as to how much I am enjoying the story. Fatal Mercy kept my attention right to the last page. And now I want to read more. There are so many different roads the story can take and I am sure Dan Padavona will explore all of them. This was an advanced readers copy and my own personal review of it.
June 3, 2021
This is the 2nd in the series about the town of Wolf Lake. Thomas Shepherd is still a detective and recovering from his recent encounter with his last case. Now, there is another death. This one was a man who was terminally ill, but his daughter thought she heard someone come in the room and thinks her father was actually killed. No one really believes her until it happens again.
This one is getting close to home as someone tried to break into Thomas' house and he thinks
someone is stalking him.
Really enjoyed this one and can't wait until the next one. Great series.
This one is getting close to home as someone tried to break into Thomas' house and he thinks
someone is stalking him.
Really enjoyed this one and can't wait until the next one. Great series.
July 18, 2021
A lot of death for a small town
This story holds one's interest with characters who are realistically developed and a plot that keeps you turning pages. However, the author needs to pay some attention to continuity. In the woods, Raven needs facial recognition to unlock a cell phone, yet in the farmhouse, she opens the same phone and uses it to call for help without any facial recognition. The phone call was essential to the plot. Some readers may wonder what would have happened without that phone call.
This story holds one's interest with characters who are realistically developed and a plot that keeps you turning pages. However, the author needs to pay some attention to continuity. In the woods, Raven needs facial recognition to unlock a cell phone, yet in the farmhouse, she opens the same phone and uses it to call for help without any facial recognition. The phone call was essential to the plot. Some readers may wonder what would have happened without that phone call.
February 28, 2021
I haven't found a Padavona series that I didn't like.
I really enjoy reading all of Padavona's books. I love the characters and the story lines. The only thing that frustrates me is the frequent typo errors throughout every book. He could use a new editor. I really like the turn this book 2 took with the main character at the end. I was super disappointed when I finished it and realized I was going to have to wait a month before the next book would be available.
I really enjoy reading all of Padavona's books. I love the characters and the story lines. The only thing that frustrates me is the frequent typo errors throughout every book. He could use a new editor. I really like the turn this book 2 took with the main character at the end. I was super disappointed when I finished it and realized I was going to have to wait a month before the next book would be available.
March 3, 2022
Excellent read!! Looking forward to reading book 3. Dan Padavona is a new author for me. I’ve never read any of his books but after reading Book 1 and Book 2 I am definitely a fan of the Author. I love all the characters in this series. I have literally pictured how they look like in my head. His books are NOT boring at all. I’m looking forward now yo reading Book 3 of the Wolf Lake Series!! A definite must read..
November 23, 2022
Bit predictable but kept me reading
The characters are developing from book 1 giving a bit more interest although they’re all a little cliched in their own ways. I guessed the murderer by about chapter 3 and really don’t think there’s a need for a side story. If the writing is good enough the hunt for the killer should be enough to keep the reader going. I’ll try 1 more in the series before making a decision.
The characters are developing from book 1 giving a bit more interest although they’re all a little cliched in their own ways. I guessed the murderer by about chapter 3 and really don’t think there’s a need for a side story. If the writing is good enough the hunt for the killer should be enough to keep the reader going. I’ll try 1 more in the series before making a decision.
July 4, 2023
more development in the saga of Thomas Shepard
Gravely ill residents are found dead over a period of a few days. One was found at home - but the other was definitely not a natural death.
The most obvious suspects don’t fit the clues left behind, while Sheriff Gray homes in on the local priest to the exclusion of all other possibilities.
Meanwhile, Raven and Chelsey’s pursuit of a philanderer turns deadly, with unforeseen consequences.
Gravely ill residents are found dead over a period of a few days. One was found at home - but the other was definitely not a natural death.
The most obvious suspects don’t fit the clues left behind, while Sheriff Gray homes in on the local priest to the exclusion of all other possibilities.
Meanwhile, Raven and Chelsey’s pursuit of a philanderer turns deadly, with unforeseen consequences.
December 2, 2023
Something is off about this series! The suspect is being killed (same in Book 1) without interrogation. Book 1 suspect is obvious but I am not that convinced in this one, it feels like the suspect just appeared out of the blue. The story could have been better if Gray was the suspect to frame Fowler. It may be give us some hint but it will add more emotion to Thomas killing him.
And I don't like Chelsey! I am Team Naomi! 🙈
And I don't like Chelsey! I am Team Naomi! 🙈
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2021
Enjoying
Refreshing that this series has highlighted many human conditions. Recovering addicts, reformed gang members, physical as well as mental issues. It brings these things to the forefront and saying no matter your hardship you can persevere. Add all of those issues into a decent twisted storyline.
Refreshing that this series has highlighted many human conditions. Recovering addicts, reformed gang members, physical as well as mental issues. It brings these things to the forefront and saying no matter your hardship you can persevere. Add all of those issues into a decent twisted storyline.
January 24, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
March 10, 2021
Another great story.
This second book in the series picks up where book one left off. The same wonderful characters are investigating a couple of sudden deaths that might or might not be murder. Really enjoyed book one and this one did not disappoint. Recommend if you like strong characters and puzzling mysteries.
This second book in the series picks up where book one left off. The same wonderful characters are investigating a couple of sudden deaths that might or might not be murder. Really enjoyed book one and this one did not disappoint. Recommend if you like strong characters and puzzling mysteries.
September 2, 2022
Deputy Thomas Shepherd is trying to juggle work a sick parent and multiple bodies. Two women go missing and one is tailing a handsome guy suspected of being a gigolo.Do they have an Angel of Mercy Killer in Wolf Lake? Lots of suspects but several are soon victim to the real killer. Sheriff Gray his fixated on an old foe and ignoring the evidence. Great chilling thriller!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2022
I am loving the Wolf Lake series by Dan Padavona! This book is the 2nd installment, and it centers around the main character, Thomas Shepherd. Shepherd is a deputy at the local Sheriff's dept. There have been two murders who they deem a serial killer. Once again the small town races to find the killer. It has a small-time feel with mystery and suspense.
September 29, 2022
Another great thrill ride
In the second installment in the Wolf Lake Series we are joined again by Deputy Shephard and his group of friends. Together they have to figure out what is going on in their small town. Another murderer, living amongst them?! A great thriller that brings a great group of characters together. Highly recommend!
In the second installment in the Wolf Lake Series we are joined again by Deputy Shephard and his group of friends. Together they have to figure out what is going on in their small town. Another murderer, living amongst them?! A great thriller that brings a great group of characters together. Highly recommend!
January 25, 2021
Blockbuster
Another fabulous fast-paced novel by this author. This is the second book in this series I've read and it was just as fantastic as the first one. If you are looking for a murder mystery that includes personal relationships this is the novel for you.
Another fabulous fast-paced novel by this author. This is the second book in this series I've read and it was just as fantastic as the first one. If you are looking for a murder mystery that includes personal relationships this is the novel for you.
April 5, 2021
Excellent
I think these books get better and better. I really enjoyed the suspense and action. I couldn’t put it down along with the great twists and turns. I loved the characters. I can’t wait to read the next one.
I think these books get better and better. I really enjoyed the suspense and action. I couldn’t put it down along with the great twists and turns. I loved the characters. I can’t wait to read the next one.
April 11, 2021
Figured out the killer halfway through the book
Easy read ....a little predictable though .still worth reading over a weekend .not sure that I would read the next two books in the series though
Easy read ....a little predictable though .still worth reading over a weekend .not sure that I would read the next two books in the series though
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews