What do you think?
Rate this book
Without Mercy
After a violent bank robbery where her boss is gunned down in front of her, China Beckett wants nothing more than to rush home to be with her child and put the horrific event behind her. But she soon learns that the nightmare is only beginning. The same criminals have infiltrated her home and they take over her life, threatening her young daughter and everyone they love. Each time China makes a mistake, someone dies. As the full scope of their ruthless plan unfolds, China is faced with a shocking truth. Now she'll have to decide who to trust, and time is running out.
- GenresSuspense
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2014
30 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Alicia Dean
67 books681 followersAt age ten, Alicia Dean wrote her first ever romance (featuring a hero who looked just like Elvis Presley and who shared the name of Elvis’ character in the movie, Tickle Me), and she still has the tattered, pencil-written copy. Alicia is from Moore, Oklahoma, and now lives in Edmond. She has three grown children and a huge network of supportive friends and family.
Other than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley, MLB, NFL (she almost always works in a mention of one or all three into her stories) and watching (and rewatching) her favorite television shows like Dexter, Justified, Friends, Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Breaking Bad. Some of her favorite authors are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Ridley Pearson, Joseph Finder, and Jonathan Kellerman…to name a few.
Other than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley, MLB, NFL (she almost always works in a mention of one or all three into her stories) and watching (and rewatching) her favorite television shows like Dexter, Justified, Friends, Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Breaking Bad. Some of her favorite authors are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Ridley Pearson, Joseph Finder, and Jonathan Kellerman…to name a few.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 18, 2014
GRIPPING FROM COVER TO COVER!!!
This book was amazing! Ms. Dean was able to create a number of unforgettable characters, including a slew of bad guys so despicable you were happy when they received their justice. She did a great job of not lumping them together as one sordid crew. They each had unique characteristics, some with sympathetic traits, some wholly irredeemable.
And I simply adored Aidan! (That name alone had me halfway in love!) Dark, brooding, but also wonderfully giving and loyal. His counterpart, China, was a worthy heroine. You felt sympathy for her plight while at the same time acquiring a deep admiration for her perseverance in the face of it. This was no mamby-pamby woman. She grieved, she was horrified, but she never stopped fighting.
This was one of those books you were driven to read, but didn't want to finish. The kind that pleasantly lingers long after you are finished reading. Thank you, Ms. Dean, for a great read!
Oh, and keep 'em coming, please!
This book was amazing! Ms. Dean was able to create a number of unforgettable characters, including a slew of bad guys so despicable you were happy when they received their justice. She did a great job of not lumping them together as one sordid crew. They each had unique characteristics, some with sympathetic traits, some wholly irredeemable.
And I simply adored Aidan! (That name alone had me halfway in love!) Dark, brooding, but also wonderfully giving and loyal. His counterpart, China, was a worthy heroine. You felt sympathy for her plight while at the same time acquiring a deep admiration for her perseverance in the face of it. This was no mamby-pamby woman. She grieved, she was horrified, but she never stopped fighting.
This was one of those books you were driven to read, but didn't want to finish. The kind that pleasantly lingers long after you are finished reading. Thank you, Ms. Dean, for a great read!
Oh, and keep 'em coming, please!
October 15, 2014
No way out?
China and her 6 year old daughter, Emma, are caught in a plot of greed, hate and obsessive unrequited love. Both are held hostage emotionally by six mercenaries who kill people close to China if she doesn't follow their orders. This story contains violence and adult language but it didn't bother me too much as it wasn't used gratuitously but to move the story forward. I really liked this story but I was not able to connect to the characters emotionally. Overall, I'm glad I bought this book.
China and her 6 year old daughter, Emma, are caught in a plot of greed, hate and obsessive unrequited love. Both are held hostage emotionally by six mercenaries who kill people close to China if she doesn't follow their orders. This story contains violence and adult language but it didn't bother me too much as it wasn't used gratuitously but to move the story forward. I really liked this story but I was not able to connect to the characters emotionally. Overall, I'm glad I bought this book.
April 21, 2015
Looking for an edge of your seat thriller? This is the book. Ms. Dean writes a gripping suspense that is every mother's nightmare. The characters are well-drawn and surprising. The good guys aren't totally good and the bad guys aren't totally bad. While some situations are harsh, the violence and language are appropriate. I can't imagine what I would do if someone threatened my child. Probably the same as China. Well done, Ms. Dean!
October 11, 2014
This was a very engrossing, gripping suspense. The author kept you always wondering what was going to happen next & who would survive. The characters were very believable & you were well-vested in what would happen to them. Even some of the bad guys had likable personalities. I would recommend this awesome read to anyone who loves a good suspense story.
December 7, 2014
I've enjoyed everything Ms. Dean has written, and this may be her best book yet! This story has a large cast of characters, and the author gives each one a vivid, distinct personality. It's easy to fall in love with China and Aiden, the H/H, and to hate the bad guys. The plot is complex and will keep you turning pages late into the night. Major kudos, Ms. Dean!
July 6, 2015
An awesome suspense with some romance!
China is a great mom, who has a daughter with asthma. When there’s a bank robbery at the bank she works at and one of the robbers calls her by name, things in her life change quite drastically. A slew of very evil bad guys end up at her house, taking control of her life and turning it upside down. All China wants to do is protect her daughter, with her life if need be. There isn’t anything these bad guys won’t do to get what they want. They put all of China’s family and friends in danger. They will take out whoever they need to for the end result. And someone from China’s past comes back into her life. Will Aiden protect China and her daughter? Will he be able to go up against these evil guys no matter what?? Will he be willing to do what needs to be done to help China, after all he’s been through himself? Who’s behind all the evil in this story? Read This Book!!! It is a truly great suspense with romance. It is really graphic in some parts. I would most definitely recommend it as a must read.
China is a great mom, who has a daughter with asthma. When there’s a bank robbery at the bank she works at and one of the robbers calls her by name, things in her life change quite drastically. A slew of very evil bad guys end up at her house, taking control of her life and turning it upside down. All China wants to do is protect her daughter, with her life if need be. There isn’t anything these bad guys won’t do to get what they want. They put all of China’s family and friends in danger. They will take out whoever they need to for the end result. And someone from China’s past comes back into her life. Will Aiden protect China and her daughter? Will he be able to go up against these evil guys no matter what?? Will he be willing to do what needs to be done to help China, after all he’s been through himself? Who’s behind all the evil in this story? Read This Book!!! It is a truly great suspense with romance. It is really graphic in some parts. I would most definitely recommend it as a must read.
November 5, 2016
I had never listened to a book before and Alicia Dean sent me Without Mercy. OHH Lord am I hooked. I couldn't put it down. I did the dishes with my Kindle Fire right beside me, mopped the kitchen floor, dusted the livingroom and even took it to the bank with me. My hubby said to get another audio book because the house was clean when he got home. haha. I see Mizz Dean has 2 more audio books I have to HEAR.. The story of China, Emma, Aunt Lucy and even China's not so nice boss Sophie will tear your heart out. I wanted to help China so many times and as an asthmatic myself, Emma will make you tear up and not be able to breathe on occasions. I HIGHLY recommend this story on a cold day, wrapped in your snuggly blanket, with a hot cup of coffee. I absolutely loved the story line and the ending was superb. No spoilers but I love a HEA book. Read it for yourself and you will love this book as much as I do.
December 31, 2014
Without Mercy
This is my first experience with Ms Deans writing. It will not be my last.
I was given a copy of this book for review. That being said:
Without Mercy is a thriller that grabs you and doesn't let go. The characters are written with so much depth that i Ifelt I was with China and Emma. I even got a little
teary in everal places. The ending of the book tied up all the plot twists and left the characters and the readers satisfied.
I would recommend Without Mercy to thriller and mystery lovers, and will be reading more of Alice Dean's work
This is my first experience with Ms Deans writing. It will not be my last.
I was given a copy of this book for review. That being said:
Without Mercy is a thriller that grabs you and doesn't let go. The characters are written with so much depth that i Ifelt I was with China and Emma. I even got a little
teary in everal places. The ending of the book tied up all the plot twists and left the characters and the readers satisfied.
I would recommend Without Mercy to thriller and mystery lovers, and will be reading more of Alice Dean's work
December 22, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The action in this book starts immediately and keeps going until the end. It was fairly easy for me to figure out who was the mastermind behind the scheme, it was the why and how did it involve the heroine that took a little longer to figure out. I found reason behind the how and why it involved the heroine to be a bit of a let down, but it fit with the story line.
The action in this book starts immediately and keeps going until the end. It was fairly easy for me to figure out who was the mastermind behind the scheme, it was the why and how did it involve the heroine that took a little longer to figure out. I found reason behind the how and why it involved the heroine to be a bit of a let down, but it fit with the story line.
June 29, 2015
I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review. this is a must read book. I loved it.
September 22, 2020
Usually, when I say a book is hard to put down, I mean I enjoy going reading it every night before I go to sleep, or picking it up on the weekend eagerly awaiting what comes next. Without mercy by Alicia Dean was not one of those stories. I literally could not put this book down until I was finished reading.
The suspense literally had me biting my nails. China Beckett personified a strong woman whose love for her child was unyielding, and the ruthless villain showed no mercy. The graphic scenes and language are worth a warning, but overall I give Ms. Dean five beautiful stars for a terrific story.
The suspense literally had me biting my nails. China Beckett personified a strong woman whose love for her child was unyielding, and the ruthless villain showed no mercy. The graphic scenes and language are worth a warning, but overall I give Ms. Dean five beautiful stars for a terrific story.
September 24, 2020
Alicia Dean is now one of my favorite authors. I’ve read at least a half dozen of her stories. She is versatile and successful regardless of the genre. This could be her best novel yet. China Beckett witnesses the murder of her boss during a bank robbery where she works. Going home to be with her daughter and get past her horrific experience isn’t going to happen. She and her daughter become hostages to these criminals in her home. Protecting her daughter is upmost for her, but these ruthless killers have a plan of their own. You’ll be flipping the pages and staying up later than you intended once you pick up this book.
October 3, 2017
Page turner
This book had me captivated by the first few pages and on the edge of my seat the whole time. Just when you think nothing else can get worse, it does. This book will stick with you, long after the last page is read.
This book had me captivated by the first few pages and on the edge of my seat the whole time. Just when you think nothing else can get worse, it does. This book will stick with you, long after the last page is read.
February 18, 2019
Riveting read
I read it in only a couple of sitting because I couldn't put it down. I loved that my home town of Wynnewood was mentioned. Even books set in Oklahoma don't mention towns that small so excellent research. A must read!
I read it in only a couple of sitting because I couldn't put it down. I loved that my home town of Wynnewood was mentioned. Even books set in Oklahoma don't mention towns that small so excellent research. A must read!
October 1, 2020
Without Mercy grabs hold and doesn’t let go until the very end. The ruthless action, realistically carved characters and heart wrenching emotion kept me reading mercilessly until the very end. Definitely one for my keeper shelf.
July 15, 2019
I was engrossed from start to finish. This book made me cringe a few times--in the way a thriller should make you uneasy. I was never certain how the protagonists would make it out alive. Well done!
October 8, 2020
An oft-repeated piece of advice to writers goes like this: "Get the main character up a tree, and then once they are up there, throw rocks at them. Then get them down." Not only does Alicia Dean get her heroine China Beckett up a tree and throw rocks at her, she throws bullets, knives, forks, and the entire kitchen sink--and then she starts sawing at the branches. I dare not share too much of the story except to say this was one of the most gripping stories I've listened to in a long time. Ms. Dean has written other pieces in the True Crime genre. Suffice it to say, all that research is put to good use in this story!! No spoilers, just 5 throwing stars for this story and my hearty enthusiasm--and suggestion to listen to it DURING THE DAY!!!!
April 25, 2015
I couldn't put this book down
Alicia Dean is no Lisa Jackson but comes close. Since I have read so many crime and mystery books, I had to rate this one a 3. Maybe Dean's next book Wii be an improvement over this one. I.e.
Alicia Dean is no Lisa Jackson but comes close. Since I have read so many crime and mystery books, I had to rate this one a 3. Maybe Dean's next book Wii be an improvement over this one. I.e.
October 14, 2020
I love a good suspense story, and Without Mercy delivers. I've read other books by this author so I knew I'd be in for a treat, but wow! When a normal day turns into the stuff of nightmares for China the author had me feeling like I was right there with the characters. What a page turner!
December 29, 2014
Sorry not going to read this one
Once I start reading bad language and talking about men's body parts, I quit. I don't like R rated books
Once I start reading bad language and talking about men's body parts, I quit. I don't like R rated books
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews