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Merciless Murder #3

Merciless Crimes

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A secluded private academy. A missing schoolgirl. A most unlikely killer out for vengeance.

If you saw her disappear, you could be next.


A high-tech tycoon’s fifteen-year-old daughter goes missing from an exclusive private girls’ boarding school.

In desperation, the principal turns to Asha Kade’s private detective agency.

Timelines are tight.

Discretion is a must.

Asha and her team arrive at the isolated school located on sprawling grounds on the outskirts of Boston.

But an unseen killer strikes within hours of their arrival.

Soon after stumbling into a bizarre hazing party and a second mysterious and sudden death, Asha realizes there’s a disturbing underbelly to this upscale academy.

She's no longer searching for a vanished girl.

She’s on the hunt for a devious murderer who has returned to take vengeance for a haunting past.

Can Asha overcome the harrowing nightmares of her own dark past, to expose the elusive killer before they silence her for good?

_________________________________________________
For fans of Lisa Gardner, Rachel Caine, Lisa Gray, Melinda Leigh, and Ruth Ware. Get your copy today.

This is a murder mystery thriller with a small circle of suspects, unpredictable plot twists, and gripping suspense. There is no graphic sex or violence and only light cursing. This book is complete on its own.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2021

379 people are currently reading
305 people want to read

About the author

Tikiri Herath

43 books376 followers
Tikiri 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.

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5 stars
158 (45%)
4 stars
103 (29%)
3 stars
58 (16%)
2 stars
20 (5%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
12.7k reviews189 followers
September 17, 2021
An intriguing story that keeps you hooked until the end. A missing 15yr old from a private school. Plenty of twists and turns that keeps you guessing as to why and how. Absolutely loved this book, don’t miss out.
Profile Image for S McK.
292 reviews8 followers
September 1, 2021
Thrilling twists, unputdownable!

Don't miss this series.
The RHR have some intriguing cases to investigate, in this extension of the original series. I thought it would be hard to beat the original but these books are more than on par with it. I'm loving the focus shift to the cases they investigate, rather than their personal trails & tribulations. Excellent writing by Tikiri.

The characters are stronger and well developed, with a good mix of honest, true ones, as well as the ones you could give a good shake - or worse! The RHR family have different responsibilities now but the same passion and drive for justice.

Boarding school shenanigans, end in lives being lost and family twists being revealed. The multitude of links span decades of cover ups, to protect the school's reputation but they won't be covered up for long, with the RHR on the case!

A real MUST read book, you'll be sorry if you miss it!

I received an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
20 reviews
August 22, 2021
Awesome mystery thriller !
Asha and Katy are asked to investigate a missing student at an exclusive private school for the rich . This mystery is more than they bargained for as they find murder,drugs,kidnapping stealing of precious jewels and more are involved. This book is a page turned you won’t want to put down ,I was given this book to read as an ARC reader and am leaving my honest review freely !
1,306 reviews16 followers
July 31, 2021
An intense plot, dangerous characters, murder, theft, drugs, and a kidnapping, keep your pulse
pounding and your head spinning as you try to discover who is behind all the evil occurring at a posh, private school for girls. Wonderfully crafted and masterfully written, a Tikiri Herath trademark, this gripping, tragic novel will be one of your top picks for 2021. The Red Heeled Rebels triumph once again. Very Highly Recommended.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,370 reviews13 followers
August 10, 2021
I loved this action packed mystery. Asha and Katy are asked to find a missing girl from a private school. As the investigation continues, they uncover rape, kidnapping, hazing and murder. I enjoyed the red herrings thrown up to throw me off...couldn't guess who the killer was. I would highly recommend it. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
1,821 reviews13 followers
August 1, 2021
Asha and Katy are asked to investigate a missing student at a private school. They get more than they bargained for. Murders, kidnapping, rape and stealing of precious jewels. A page turning thriller.
Profile Image for Dena Akbar.
588 reviews73 followers
August 3, 2021
It is a really good book and It is really interesting.
201 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2021
As always this book is excellent. Well written, full of excitement, page turner, great characters. Love it. Great job. I received a copy and voluntary leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cyndi.
425 reviews9 followers
March 20, 2022
Ms. Herath has given us another suspenseful page turner! When Asha is called in to find a run away girl at a fancy private girls school, she has no idea what she is getting herself into. This book has so much happening that you just have to keep reading! There is never a dull moment at Red Lake Academy, the students are spoiled rich girls who act like everyone is beneath them. The principal, Martha May reminds you of Class Deville! The wicked rich lady in One Hundred and one Dalmations! Lol! She is absolutely horrible with everyone she meets and everyone is terrified of her. The staff are all afraid of her, her personal assistant acts like a scared rabbit, running here and there doing her bidding. Strange things are happening and it seems like as soon as you start to get to know someone, you find out you were wrong. I love reading this authors books because I know I'm going to be taking a journey away from my life and into the dangerous world of The Red Heeled Rebels. Even though they are grown up now their lives are so exciting taking on investigation cases from the elusive and dead Madame Bouchard's friends. Another investigation finished! I'm excited to read the next book and I don't even have to wait! It is out already! Woohoo!
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is totally my own honest opinion.
7,766 reviews50 followers
January 7, 2022
MERCILESS CRIMES..#3
Tikiri..Herath
A call for my discrete PI services to come
Isolated place among trees, a fortress.
A girl’s boarding school, one girl had vanished
Said she was rebellious, breaking boundaries
Finding a mayor’s involvement, drugs, jewelry heist
A chilling tale, of innocence betrayed. well done
Given ARC for my voluntary review and honest opinion



58 reviews
April 20, 2023
suspense who done it????

This book was great except for one problem. The last sentence of each chapter made it impossible to put the book down. I had many sleepless nights. They went to a private girls school to find a missing student. Did she know too much and ran away or kidnapped. Is she alive? Employees keep ending up dead. Are they going to survive. Can they stop these killings without getting killed
1,046 reviews5 followers
April 14, 2023
What a thriller.

My first book by this author. It is so unbelievable what all happens in one story. It is an amazing story.
1 review
April 13, 2023
Outstanding

Loved this book and I’m ordering the next in the series.
Had a hard time putting this down Loved it.
20 reviews
April 20, 2023
Excellent read! Asha and Katy are asked to help find a young girl missing from an exclusive girls’ school. Tests and turns and clues pointing to everyone keep you guessing until the end!
Profile Image for Micky Parise.
550 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2023
This is my second time reading Tikiri Herath and another great book. Love her writing style and characters. Book flowed real nicely and storyline kept you interested throughout the book. Recommend highly.
69 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2023
Great read! So many twist and turns and I couldn't guess the ending!
Profile Image for Liesbeth.
384 reviews5 followers
April 16, 2023
I had never read anything by this author before, and tbh I usually avoid American authors. But this was a fab read, intriguing, good characters and plot. Really enjoyed it and will read more by the author.
1,573 reviews7 followers
April 16, 2023
poor

This story lacked good editing and spelling. Treaded instead of trod. One second they are in the principals office, the next setting is in nicks office then they are back and forward from each of these rooms without moving. That’s how badly this book is proof read. Also you have two mossad and CIA trained women, one of whom is so spooked by a shadow she’s not sure what she’s seen, is scared of breaking into an office and being caught. Honestly the inconsistencies of this book are almost hilarious. At least it was free.
Profile Image for Saundra Wright.
2,898 reviews13 followers
June 14, 2022
Quite a twisted mystery/thriller with the superior writing I've come to expect from this author.
Profile Image for Jilly.
784 reviews5 followers
April 24, 2023
This is a murder mystery thriller with a small circle of suspects, unpredictable plot twists, and gripping suspense. There is no graphic sex or violence and only light cursing. This book is complete on its own.

A secluded private academy. A missing schoolgirl. A most unlikely killer out for vengeance.
If you saw her disappear, you could be next.

A high-tech tycoon’s fifteen-year-old daughter goes missing from an exclusive private girls’ boarding school.

In desperation, the principal turns to Asha Kade’s private detective agency. Timelines are tight.
Discretion is a must. Asha and her team arrive at the isolated school located on sprawling grounds on the outskirts of Boston. But an unseen killer strikes within hours of their arrival.

Soon after stumbling into a bizarre hazing party and a second mysterious and sudden death, Asha realizes there’s a disturbing underbelly to this upscale academy.

She's no longer searching for a vanished girl. She’s on the hunt for a devious murderer who has returned to take vengeance for a haunting past.

Can Asha overcome the harrowing nightmares of her own dark past, to expose the elusive killer before they silence her for good?
Profile Image for Dwayne Keller.
1,009 reviews13 followers
September 25, 2022
Another sensation mystery by Tikiri Herath. Asha is hired to find a missing daughter of a high tech tycoon from a private girls' boarding school. But things are not what the seem. There is more to it than just a missing girl. And then dead bodies start showing up. This is another great story, with plenty of mystery and intrigue and suspense. Pick it up, you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,049 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2021
This book deserves more than 5 stars. I love the characters. This book is well written and it really held my interest. This is a standalone book. Even though I was given a copy of this book by the author, it in no way influenced my opinion and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Ann.
953 reviews
April 13, 2022
Do you have any nails left❓

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❣️
179 reviews
October 15, 2023
Hard to put down

The storyline was very much action packed and this kept up throughout the book. It was difficult to work out who was doing what as there was so much happening. Good read
Profile Image for Michele bookloverforever.
8,336 reviews39 followers
April 1, 2022
Runaway student? Hardly. A series of sordid crimes and a huge coverup? Read it and find out who, how and why.
12 reviews
June 20, 2023
Spellbinding. Good read. Always anxious to turn the page to see what happens next. Love that there are no sexual description.
Profile Image for Maryellen Linder.
90 reviews
February 16, 2025
Mercy is Needed

I know it is not easy to sit down and write a really great book. Kudos for the accomplishment of getting several books published. I liked the setting and the premise of the book. However, the more I read the more these extremely well trained women with guns and knives and judo training etc sounded, in their literary conversations, as if they were 14 year old girls. For the length of time they were supposedly at the school, they did not do much. A young girl and an untrained in tactical procedure nurse held these two "badass" women with guns, having a conversation about poor Clara etc. Nancy Drew was.more mature. You wanted honesty. Sorry to be harsh, but the setting and idea of a missing girl were fine until these super sleuths came to visit.
35 reviews
September 6, 2025
An Unput-Downable Book

I read this in two days. I couldn't wait to see if Asha & Katy would find the missing girl. I was trying to see if I could figure out the villians. I picked the wrong person but that's okay. I'll figure it out next time. I love the author' s name and many of the characters names. I have a thing for names and especially unique and unusual ones. There was one little thing that niggled in my brain. In the book, it didn't say if they gave back the heirloom earring left at the bakery to the girl who was looking for her missing one or not. I choose to believe that it was a match and she got it back and it just was an oversight left out of the book. Looking forward to more enjoyable book reading from this author.
457 reviews9 followers
May 11, 2023
Compulsive reading

The story is a fast paced page turner which I enjoyed. The plot and motive are a bit ridiculous as is usual with these types of novels.
The two main characters are a bit too keen on vigilante justice making them as bad as the perpetrator. They are also juvenile at times and overly jumpy considering their trained for catching criminals. The last chapter 'two days later' was unnecessary and just a recap of the crimes. I'd have liked a 6 months later and what actually happened to all those involved. There were some minor errors in the time line.
Profile Image for Hannah May.
821 reviews18 followers
October 25, 2023
3.5 stars but rounded up
I had not read any of the other books in this series, so I was a bit confused at the start, but once I started understanding what was going on, I did not end up putting it down. I did end up guessing who it was but definitely not for the reason. I was hoping for the last chapter to have a little update on Brianna, but sadly it did not. I will most likely go back and read the rest of the series, as it was definitely interesting and I want to know how they got into doing this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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