What do you think?
Rate this book
Merciless Murder #2
Merciless Games
A remote island retreat. Seven reluctant guests. A killer on the prowl.
Lock your door. You could be next.
Seven strangers are invited to an exclusive writers’ retreat on a remote island off the coast of Oregon. Their stay is at a hundred-year-old lighthouse revamped into a luxury ocean-front getaway for the discerning literati who shy from publicity.
Asha arrives on the island, believing her job is to cater to this sagacious celebrity party.
But before the weekend is over, an unseen killer will attempt to murder them, one by one.
With their phones taken away and their only connection to the mainland cut off, panic sets in on the island. Everyone suspects each other until a chilling realization dawn on them.
They are all connected by one horrific incident in the past they’d rather forget.
With a target on her back as well, Asha races against the clock to crack the killer’s code before more innocents die.
But are these seven guests as innocent as they make out to be?
Lock your door. You could be next.
Seven strangers are invited to an exclusive writers’ retreat on a remote island off the coast of Oregon. Their stay is at a hundred-year-old lighthouse revamped into a luxury ocean-front getaway for the discerning literati who shy from publicity.
Asha arrives on the island, believing her job is to cater to this sagacious celebrity party.
But before the weekend is over, an unseen killer will attempt to murder them, one by one.
With their phones taken away and their only connection to the mainland cut off, panic sets in on the island. Everyone suspects each other until a chilling realization dawn on them.
They are all connected by one horrific incident in the past they’d rather forget.
With a target on her back as well, Asha races against the clock to crack the killer’s code before more innocents die.
But are these seven guests as innocent as they make out to be?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2021
437 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Tikiri Herath
43 books376 followersTikiri Herath is the award-winning author of the best-selling crime thriller, HER DEADLY END.
Tikiri is an adrenaline junkie who has rock climbed, bungee jumped, flown upside down in a stunt plane, and parachuted solo.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Victoria, Canada, and a master’s degree from the Solvay Business School in Brussels. She’s worked in risk management for Canada’s top federal intelligence agency and for NATO in Europe.
A fifth-culture kid raised across four continents, Tikiri now calls Canada home.
When she’s not plotting her next murderous twist, you’ll find her baking decadent treats in her kitchen, vintage jazz on the speakers and a glass of red Shiraz in hand.
Her globetrotting adventures and real-life brushes with danger inspire her mystery thriller novels, infusing deadly menace and psychological suspense into every page she writes.
Tikiri is an adrenaline junkie who has rock climbed, bungee jumped, flown upside down in a stunt plane, and parachuted solo.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Victoria, Canada, and a master’s degree from the Solvay Business School in Brussels. She’s worked in risk management for Canada’s top federal intelligence agency and for NATO in Europe.
A fifth-culture kid raised across four continents, Tikiri now calls Canada home.
When she’s not plotting her next murderous twist, you’ll find her baking decadent treats in her kitchen, vintage jazz on the speakers and a glass of red Shiraz in hand.
Her globetrotting adventures and real-life brushes with danger inspire her mystery thriller novels, infusing deadly menace and psychological suspense into every page she writes.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 9, 2021
I love mysteries that use the “and then there were none” trope. Merciless Games starts off with an excellent premise—a group of writers at a luxury retreat on an isolated island with a lighthouse, no cell phones, and plenty of sniping and squabbling among the attendees.
Asha and her friend Katy, also in attendance, are bakers who moonlight as PIs and have been hired to deliver a special cake for the occasion at the behest of the unknown owner of the retreat. It isn’t long before a murder occurs, and the retreat takes a dark turn.
This is the second book in a series, but I had no problem understanding related events that happened previously. There are plenty of suspects, along with plenty of motives and the author kept me guessing and changing my opinion about who the killer was right up until the reveal. There is some repetition and a few slow moments but overall, this is a well-crafted mystery.
Asha and her friend Katy, also in attendance, are bakers who moonlight as PIs and have been hired to deliver a special cake for the occasion at the behest of the unknown owner of the retreat. It isn’t long before a murder occurs, and the retreat takes a dark turn.
This is the second book in a series, but I had no problem understanding related events that happened previously. There are plenty of suspects, along with plenty of motives and the author kept me guessing and changing my opinion about who the killer was right up until the reveal. There is some repetition and a few slow moments but overall, this is a well-crafted mystery.
July 2, 2021
A remote Island with 7 strangers. They don’t want to be there! There’s definite danger lurking and no way you can stop reading until the end. How will this all be solved. Don’t miss out!
October 13, 2021
Another NAIL-BITING story from a very talented master storyteller ❣️
I am completely addicted to reading about the adventures of Asha and her Red Heeled Rebels "found-family". This new series is just as addictive❣️ Enjoy❣️
I am completely addicted to reading about the adventures of Asha and her Red Heeled Rebels "found-family". This new series is just as addictive❣️ Enjoy❣️
July 10, 2022
Another good one!
Absolutely falling in love with this series ! The girls work well together and hard to figure out who done it!
Absolutely falling in love with this series ! The girls work well together and hard to figure out who done it!
July 4, 2021
Let the games begin!
The RHR, Asha and Katy are asked for help by the owner of a lighthouse on a remote island, under the guise of hand delivering a cake for the writers, on a retreat. As things start to turn deadly, they realise that they are completely cut off from the outside world, luckily, concern from back home, sends Tetyana out to help them.
The writers are being taken out one by one. Is this the work of a deranged psychopath or a more cunning revenge plot? Is there an evil thread that links these writers or are they unwitting participants in this merciless game?
Great writing that kept me hooked from the start, with vivid scenes described so well that it felt like I was watching a movie!
I love the RHR books and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
I received a review copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The RHR, Asha and Katy are asked for help by the owner of a lighthouse on a remote island, under the guise of hand delivering a cake for the writers, on a retreat. As things start to turn deadly, they realise that they are completely cut off from the outside world, luckily, concern from back home, sends Tetyana out to help them.
The writers are being taken out one by one. Is this the work of a deranged psychopath or a more cunning revenge plot? Is there an evil thread that links these writers or are they unwitting participants in this merciless game?
Great writing that kept me hooked from the start, with vivid scenes described so well that it felt like I was watching a movie!
I love the RHR books and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
I received a review copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 30, 2021
4.5 stars
Tikiri Herath has given us a suspenseful imaginative novel that had me asking “whodunit” all the way up until the unpredictable ending.
The mysterious characters were well-written and an exceptional mix of personalities in this small group that wound up on the remote island.
The intense search to find the killer had me up late reading…..
I loved the expressive lighthouse on the cover and it definitely lends directly to the mystery in this novel.
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.
Tikiri Herath has given us a suspenseful imaginative novel that had me asking “whodunit” all the way up until the unpredictable ending.
The mysterious characters were well-written and an exceptional mix of personalities in this small group that wound up on the remote island.
The intense search to find the killer had me up late reading…..
I loved the expressive lighthouse on the cover and it definitely lends directly to the mystery in this novel.
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.
June 30, 2021
Chilling had harrowing, Merciless Games is set on an island with a cast of characters that will have you guessing who really is killing the invited guest. Spine-tingling scenes, mysterious and sombre, it has all of the elements needed for a creepy, foggy island mystery. Those wonderful Rebels can not be out-smarted though. Impossible to put down - finish the book - sleep can come later.
A 10 star read. Outstanding and Very Higly Recommended.
A 10 star read. Outstanding and Very Higly Recommended.
July 14, 2021
This book is a mystery thriller full of twists and turns that will engage you from page 1 till the very end ! Asha and Katy are hired to bring a special cheesecake to serve to a group of writers at an off the coast island of Oregon …as they are dining on the first night at the island a writer disappears and soon another dies ..it’s up to. Asha and Katy to solve the mystery ..if you love mystery thrillers you will love this book !I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving an honest review !
June 30, 2021
I enjoyed this action packed story. The suspense built slowly, but the twists kept me guessing until the surprise ending that will leave you reeling. I liked the strong female leads who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty to solve the mystery. Highly recommended. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
July 1, 2021
Asha and Katy are hired to bring a cheesecake and serve it on an island off the coast of Oregon in a luxury resort. They are hired to stay the weekend. A retreat for writers. One goes missing and it looks like she fell to her death. Then more of the writers are killed. No phones and no way to reach the outside world. A lot of twists and turns.
July 1, 2021
Oh my god, what a book. Full of twists & turns, you can’t stop reading it. Well written, page turner, great characters. Love it. Good job. I received a copy and voluntary leaving a review.
April 21, 2022
A book I didn't want to put down! Excellent read!
June 14, 2022
This is quite a puzzling mystery/thriller. I had suspicions but it truly does take nearly the whole book to figure out completely.
November 15, 2021
My goodness but 3 days sure had an awful lot of things happening for Asha and Katy when they hand deliver one of their world famous cakes to a remote island. This is another non stop action and suspense novel by Ms. Herath! I don't know how she is able to dream this stuff up without having nightmares! I have enjoyed all the books in the Red Heeled Rebels and so far the ones in this new series where the group are all grown up but still getting into lots of trouble. With the million dollar pay cheque from Ms. Bouchard to help her friends when they call, it's pretty hard not to go running into their next case! Another fabulous book!
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.
October 4, 2021
Who is the killer?
This was quite a mystery. I couldn't hardly wait to find out who the killer was.The book was well written and held your interest. I thought it was too long especially the last chapter.
This was quite a mystery. I couldn't hardly wait to find out who the killer was.The book was well written and held your interest. I thought it was too long especially the last chapter.
October 5, 2021
The action starts and continues with this book, a steady pace, not frenetic. I was not surprised at who the murderer was, but the author does leave the reader understanding the 'why' the person did it, and that helped. I loved the description of the island (Coffin shaped) and the resort and the lighthouse. The setting was a character, too. A good read.
October 7, 2021
Quick read interesting plot
Interesting plot keeps you guessing, I would have liked more character depth but I enjoyed the book, nice easy and quick read.
Interesting plot keeps you guessing, I would have liked more character depth but I enjoyed the book, nice easy and quick read.
February 13, 2022
A good mystery
Somewhat Reminiscent of Agatha christie's10 little Indians This book has pretty well-defined characters and it will keep you guessing. I recommend this book.
Somewhat Reminiscent of Agatha christie's10 little Indians This book has pretty well-defined characters and it will keep you guessing. I recommend this book.
March 8, 2022
Merciless
Merciless certainly describes this novel. This is the first I've read of this series or author. Well done and suspenseful. Likeable series characters.
Merciless certainly describes this novel. This is the first I've read of this series or author. Well done and suspenseful. Likeable series characters.
April 14, 2023
I could not put it down! So much excitement beautifully woven together - outstanding crime series!
March 25, 2023
love these characters ~ the twisted situation was unique!
April 20, 2023
Great Book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The murders were very creative and I was stumped regarding who the killer was. It’s also nice to read books without any swearing!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The murders were very creative and I was stumped regarding who the killer was. It’s also nice to read books without any swearing!
November 21, 2021
Very good mystery!
This book reminds me of an Agatha Christie novel. The mystery is good, the clues confusing, and the suspense delightful!
This book reminds me of an Agatha Christie novel. The mystery is good, the clues confusing, and the suspense delightful!
September 19, 2022
Merciless Retreat
Loved the twists and turns until the murderer is revealed. Disappointed in the motive and the connection between the invitees. The ending seemed a little rushed. I do like the makeup of the female characters especially Tetyana!! A person would certainly feel safe around her. This is the third of the Merciless series that I have read and plan to read the rest. Very entertaining!!
Loved the twists and turns until the murderer is revealed. Disappointed in the motive and the connection between the invitees. The ending seemed a little rushed. I do like the makeup of the female characters especially Tetyana!! A person would certainly feel safe around her. This is the third of the Merciless series that I have read and plan to read the rest. Very entertaining!!
December 28, 2021
Holding your breath
Waiting, watching and dreading. A fast paced, well written story that will have you on the edge of your seat. Twists and turns will have your head spinning. Great mystery reading.
Waiting, watching and dreading. A fast paced, well written story that will have you on the edge of your seat. Twists and turns will have your head spinning. Great mystery reading.
August 22, 2022
Great read, plenty of intense, gripping action and suspense, keeps the reader guessing what is going on, who is behind the scenes, controlling the action. Murphy’s law - if anything could go wrong, it will!
A writers’ festival, remote island, Asha Kade PI and her team invited by unknown party to attend. Talk about let the games begin! Isolated, no communication with outside, and the bodies start to drop…
A master of suspense, this author is a must read. Worth five stars but for the unrealistic (“Boys Own” style) plot.
I received this book as an arc and this review is entirely voluntary.
A writers’ festival, remote island, Asha Kade PI and her team invited by unknown party to attend. Talk about let the games begin! Isolated, no communication with outside, and the bodies start to drop…
A master of suspense, this author is a must read. Worth five stars but for the unrealistic (“Boys Own” style) plot.
I received this book as an arc and this review is entirely voluntary.
February 19, 2022
Great Story. Asha and Katy are stranded on an island for a weekend retreat but it turns deadly. The killer has to be on the island with them but which one of the guests is it? This story brings to mind the classic by Agatha Christie. Wonderful story, well developed making it a page turner to find out who is doing the killing and if they make it off the island.
August 8, 2022
First time reading Tikiri Herath and came away really impressed. Book just flowed, characters were great, story line was outstanding, and was a page turner. Recommend highly.
August 1, 2022
Interesting and Entertaining
Couldn’t put it down until I’d read the whole set of books. She gives small personal background hints interspersed throughout the book to refresh your memory on each character. Loved it!
Couldn’t put it down until I’d read the whole set of books. She gives small personal background hints interspersed throughout the book to refresh your memory on each character. Loved it!
Read
October 26, 2021Read 10/21
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews