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Joe Boyd Suspense #3
The Scandal of Mercy
Lieutenant Joe Boyd gets some surprising news from his wife, Kate. He barely has time to process it when he’s given an assignment to confront an aging ex-con, just paroled for a brutal murder committed 36 years ago. The man’s on his way back there now, even though he has no friends and no family left in Culpepper. The chief’s convinced this can only mean trouble. When Joe and his partner Hank visit Sam Clemens, their instincts tell them there might be more to this story than anyone imagines. Much more. But their captain, the courts, and everyone else in town believes this murder was solved decades ago. Are they right? Is a paroled killer coming back to town now? Or has the real killer been here all along, roaming the streets of their lovely little town?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2021
480 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Dan Walsh
37 books746 followersDan Walsh is the bestselling author of 27 novels including The Unfinished Gift, When Night Comes and The Reunion. Over 1.3 million copies of his books are in print or downloaded. He's won 3 Carol Awards (finalist 6 times), 4 Selah Awards and 4 of his books have been finalists for RT Review’s Inspirational Book of the Year. His novels have received over 47,000 Amazon reviews (4.7 Avg).
A member of Word Weavers International and ACFW, Dan writes fulltime in the Daytona Beach area. He and his wife Cindi have been married 46 years. You can find out more about his books or follow him on other social media sites from his website at http://www.danwalshbooks.com.
A member of Word Weavers International and ACFW, Dan writes fulltime in the Daytona Beach area. He and his wife Cindi have been married 46 years. You can find out more about his books or follow him on other social media sites from his website at http://www.danwalshbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
May 24, 2024
"…mercy — by its definition — is always undeserved. I don't deserve God's mercy. You don't. The man who ruined my life certainly doesn’t. None of us do. What we all deserve is justice, to get what we have coming to us. But God is merciful.."
Sam Clemmons was put away for decades for a crime he did not commit. What he wanted to do upon his release was go back to the town that convicted him, find proof of his innocence, clear his name and take out the man who ruined his life.
Four, no, five significant people in town were on Sam's side and did all they could to help him complete three of his four goals. Captain Pendleton accepted Lieutenants Joe Boyd and Hank Jensen's reasons for believing Sam was probably innocent, giving them the okay to open an investigation.
After Sam reasoned with remaining family members of the murder victim (Roberto Sanchez), Alonzo and Juan could have no doubt the killer was still out there.
But who framed Sam and where was the proof? All Sam could remember was a young, blonde man outside Roberto Sanchez's house a few days before his murder. Not much to go on, but it was a start.
Dan Walsh has a gift for turning a mystery into an epic investigation.
In this story a Nazi SS officer was introduced, letting the reader know that another storyline would come into the picture. And wow, was this good!
Suspenseful at times and a great mystery, but Mr. Walsh always has a faith theme included for those of us who want to read about how Christ can change things.
Highly recommend.
Disclosure for those offended by secular wording…This series has one unacceptable word at least twice per book. I get it. It seems as though this word is completely acceptable in the vocabulary of many a Christian these days. Not something I care to read in Christian fiction, but this would be laughably mild in secular murder mysteries. So, there it is.
Sam Clemmons was put away for decades for a crime he did not commit. What he wanted to do upon his release was go back to the town that convicted him, find proof of his innocence, clear his name and take out the man who ruined his life.
Four, no, five significant people in town were on Sam's side and did all they could to help him complete three of his four goals. Captain Pendleton accepted Lieutenants Joe Boyd and Hank Jensen's reasons for believing Sam was probably innocent, giving them the okay to open an investigation.
After Sam reasoned with remaining family members of the murder victim (Roberto Sanchez), Alonzo and Juan could have no doubt the killer was still out there.
But who framed Sam and where was the proof? All Sam could remember was a young, blonde man outside Roberto Sanchez's house a few days before his murder. Not much to go on, but it was a start.
Dan Walsh has a gift for turning a mystery into an epic investigation.
In this story a Nazi SS officer was introduced, letting the reader know that another storyline would come into the picture. And wow, was this good!
Suspenseful at times and a great mystery, but Mr. Walsh always has a faith theme included for those of us who want to read about how Christ can change things.
Highly recommend.
Disclosure for those offended by secular wording…This series has one unacceptable word at least twice per book. I get it. It seems as though this word is completely acceptable in the vocabulary of many a Christian these days. Not something I care to read in Christian fiction, but this would be laughably mild in secular murder mysteries. So, there it is.
September 19, 2024
I thought the story was really good and it kept me reading
May 11, 2024
A beautiful, clean, thoughtful suspense novel in the Joe Boyd Suspense series. This book will touch your heart in many ways and have you thinking about the characters for weeks to come. Just getting a clear understanding of the name 'The Scandal of Mercy' makes the reading worthwhile. I also found myself thinking of 'the sins of the fathers' and the importance of the heritage we leave behind. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series, and also many more by this talented author, who can switch from one genre to another and write equally well in all genres. A dog lover? Make sure you read his Forever Home books.
November 24, 2021
Dan Walsh does it again.
5 stars from this curmudgeon are far and few between, but not so with Dan Walsh. He’s written a few five stars and some fours stars would have been five, but I am a curmudgeon 🤨.
Dan’s books do
well in my desired area when it comes to reading, they’re clean, but they also entertain. Heck, I’ve even given some of his romance 😝 books good reviews, The Deepest Waters got a 5 star review, but 🤫
I like the Joe Boyd series, I wish they were more frequent but than
again if they were the series might loose its good story lines.
This was probably my favorite of the Joe Boyd series thus 5 stars, The Reunion is probably my favorite.
Thanks for a great read Dan. I still have several books of yours to read, but they are saved to lift my hope in good writing after a streak of duds. 🤓
5 stars from this curmudgeon are far and few between, but not so with Dan Walsh. He’s written a few five stars and some fours stars would have been five, but I am a curmudgeon 🤨.
Dan’s books do
well in my desired area when it comes to reading, they’re clean, but they also entertain. Heck, I’ve even given some of his romance 😝 books good reviews, The Deepest Waters got a 5 star review, but 🤫
I like the Joe Boyd series, I wish they were more frequent but than
again if they were the series might loose its good story lines.
This was probably my favorite of the Joe Boyd series thus 5 stars, The Reunion is probably my favorite.
Thanks for a great read Dan. I still have several books of yours to read, but they are saved to lift my hope in good writing after a streak of duds. 🤓
May 6, 2022
Great story masterfully told.
Mr Walsh is such a master craftsman especially when taking you to the past back into the present without losing the reader.
I am very picky when a book takes on an historical bend in a fictional book. So many times writers use 'poetic license' and use it to twist it until actual history is gone showing their own bias or political beliefs.
Sadly certain schools, teachers and even politicians are attempting to rewrite the history of WWII denying the well documented atrocities committed against Jews, the Romany and other peoples Hitler had his officers commit. We must Not let them do this! I am of German descent, my family immigrated to this great country before WWI and though I am ashamed for my fellow German people, we, especially, cannot allow ourselves or the world forget or deny the truth!
There have been atrocities made by every nationally by evil people at sometime or another because evil knows no borders.
Mr Walsh, thanks for reminding us that evil may abound but God's "Scandalous Mercy," still is the answer yesterday, today, tomorrow forever!
P.S. Mr Walsh, I haven't heard of a pamphlet by that particular name so unless there is one, please write one! You wrote that explanation so well, simple but profound. Thank you!
Mr Walsh is such a master craftsman especially when taking you to the past back into the present without losing the reader.
I am very picky when a book takes on an historical bend in a fictional book. So many times writers use 'poetic license' and use it to twist it until actual history is gone showing their own bias or political beliefs.
Sadly certain schools, teachers and even politicians are attempting to rewrite the history of WWII denying the well documented atrocities committed against Jews, the Romany and other peoples Hitler had his officers commit. We must Not let them do this! I am of German descent, my family immigrated to this great country before WWI and though I am ashamed for my fellow German people, we, especially, cannot allow ourselves or the world forget or deny the truth!
There have been atrocities made by every nationally by evil people at sometime or another because evil knows no borders.
Mr Walsh, thanks for reminding us that evil may abound but God's "Scandalous Mercy," still is the answer yesterday, today, tomorrow forever!
P.S. Mr Walsh, I haven't heard of a pamphlet by that particular name so unless there is one, please write one! You wrote that explanation so well, simple but profound. Thank you!
May 11, 2022
Love the History
The history in these books makes them very interesting. I think it adds to the plot while giving context to the characters motives.
The history in these books makes them very interesting. I think it adds to the plot while giving context to the characters motives.
May 7, 2025
I really, really liked this story! This author is proof that Christians can write great detective stories free of offensive language and crude situations. The main character in this series, a cold case detective in a small town in GA, is a family man and Christian who actually lives like a believer in Christ. In this story, he gets the chance to talk about Jesus's expectations to resolve a mystery in a way that describes the words in the book title, The Scandal of Mercy.
Though this is a story with a crime that occurred in 1985, the author doesn't resort to dual timeline storytelling, which I appreciate! He unfolded the history through memories, witnesses, and evidence. This keeps the plot moving and lets readers fill in much on their own. They will empathize with and like the man seeking to clear his name. And sometimes, the author gives us a comical look at how new technology such as cellphones look to someone who has never used one!
In the end, readers have the satisfaction of justice, as well as it can be had in a fallen world, and something much richer and more satisfying happens in the heart and life of the man who thought justice would be found through his own efforts.
Readers who enjoy CLEAN Southern mysteries, small town detective stories, and cold case murder mysteries will like this book. Christian readers should LOVE this one!
Though this is a story with a crime that occurred in 1985, the author doesn't resort to dual timeline storytelling, which I appreciate! He unfolded the history through memories, witnesses, and evidence. This keeps the plot moving and lets readers fill in much on their own. They will empathize with and like the man seeking to clear his name. And sometimes, the author gives us a comical look at how new technology such as cellphones look to someone who has never used one!
In the end, readers have the satisfaction of justice, as well as it can be had in a fallen world, and something much richer and more satisfying happens in the heart and life of the man who thought justice would be found through his own efforts.
Readers who enjoy CLEAN Southern mysteries, small town detective stories, and cold case murder mysteries will like this book. Christian readers should LOVE this one!
May 26, 2024
After serving 36 years of a sentence for first-degree murder, Sam Clemens is paroled and returns to Culpepper, Georgia, where the murder had taken place. The Culpepper police send Lieutenant Joe Boyd to warn Clemens that some family members of the victim might react violently to the news that he has come back.
Clemens asserts that he was wrongfully convicted and has returned to clear his name. eventually persuading Boyd to take a new look at the old case. As Boyd and his partner close in on the real killer, Clemens must decide whether to seek revenge against the one responsible for his long prison sentence.
I have enjoyed all three books in this series of entertaining Christian suspense novels.
Clemens asserts that he was wrongfully convicted and has returned to clear his name. eventually persuading Boyd to take a new look at the old case. As Boyd and his partner close in on the real killer, Clemens must decide whether to seek revenge against the one responsible for his long prison sentence.
I have enjoyed all three books in this series of entertaining Christian suspense novels.
December 13, 2021
Scandalous Mercy Indeed
I certainly enjoyed this book on many levels. I had to laugh at myself for an ironic happenstance. I read a portion of the book late one evening, and stopped. When I began to read it later, on my Kindle App, a few days later, I thought I had a different book. I apparently read the background story originally, and then picked it back up at the “current day.”
I love the Christian perspectives that are interwoven throughout the book, in subtle ways. When the title of the book is uncovered through the characters dialogues, it becomes all the more relevant.
I highly recommend this book!
I certainly enjoyed this book on many levels. I had to laugh at myself for an ironic happenstance. I read a portion of the book late one evening, and stopped. When I began to read it later, on my Kindle App, a few days later, I thought I had a different book. I apparently read the background story originally, and then picked it back up at the “current day.”
I love the Christian perspectives that are interwoven throughout the book, in subtle ways. When the title of the book is uncovered through the characters dialogues, it becomes all the more relevant.
I highly recommend this book!
May 11, 2025
The Scandal of MercyI
Dan Walsh masterfully weaves an intricate narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, guiding his characters through a labyrinth of suspense and unexpected revelations. From the first page, the story unfolds with such compelling unpredictability that I found myself completely absorbed, unsure of where the plot would lead. The detectives' methodical approach to solving the case demonstrates Walsh's keen understanding of investigative storytelling. His skillful writing has left me eagerly anticipating his future works, confident that they will be equally captivating and immersive.
Dan Walsh masterfully weaves an intricate narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, guiding his characters through a labyrinth of suspense and unexpected revelations. From the first page, the story unfolds with such compelling unpredictability that I found myself completely absorbed, unsure of where the plot would lead. The detectives' methodical approach to solving the case demonstrates Walsh's keen understanding of investigative storytelling. His skillful writing has left me eagerly anticipating his future works, confident that they will be equally captivating and immersive.
July 2, 2025
Sam has spent 36 years in prison for a murder he declares he did not commit. Now he is back in his hometown, and the police wonder why he chose to come there when he had no friends or family in the area. Lieutenant Joe Boyd and Sergeant Hank Jensen go to visit him to see if they can learn what he has in mind, but Sam is not forthcoming with information. The story grabbed me from the start and wouldn’t let go. I enjoyed the action and suspense which built gradually throughout the book. I like the close relationship between Joe and his wife and their strong faith and witness. The title of the book has a real message behind it that Joe seeks to help Sam recall. Great story!
November 22, 2021
Loved the Book
I had pre-ordered the book and was thrilled when it showed up on my Kindle Fire. I had already read the two previous books in the series and was anxiously awaiting this book. I was not disappointed! To be honest, I have read almost all of Mr. Walsh's books and have never been left disappointed. His writing style is clear, crisp and concise. He definitely does his research prior to sitting down to write his books. I am looking forward to the next book he writes.
I had pre-ordered the book and was thrilled when it showed up on my Kindle Fire. I had already read the two previous books in the series and was anxiously awaiting this book. I was not disappointed! To be honest, I have read almost all of Mr. Walsh's books and have never been left disappointed. His writing style is clear, crisp and concise. He definitely does his research prior to sitting down to write his books. I am looking forward to the next book he writes.
November 25, 2021
The Boyd saga continues
In this third book of the series, Joe Boyd, cold case homicide detective works to exonerate a man wrongly convicted of a murder 36 years prior, and to find the real killer...who is now trying to kill the man he framed all those years ago. Some proofreading would have been helpful (the past tense of the verb "to lead" is led, not lead, etc.) But the story overcomes the editing errors so all is well. I recommend the series. Each book is a stand alone, but it is easier to know the characters if they are read in order.
In this third book of the series, Joe Boyd, cold case homicide detective works to exonerate a man wrongly convicted of a murder 36 years prior, and to find the real killer...who is now trying to kill the man he framed all those years ago. Some proofreading would have been helpful (the past tense of the verb "to lead" is led, not lead, etc.) But the story overcomes the editing errors so all is well. I recommend the series. Each book is a stand alone, but it is easier to know the characters if they are read in order.
November 29, 2021
Awesome book!!
This series has been amazing, but this book was really good!!! I loved the main character Sam, he was such an interesting character! I loved watching him try to catch up with how things had changed while he was in prison. I was glued to this book from the very beginning. I hope to read more about Sam! I really enjoy Joe and Jack, they are cool guys to read about. Dan Walsh is a great author!! This series is definitely a must read!
This series has been amazing, but this book was really good!!! I loved the main character Sam, he was such an interesting character! I loved watching him try to catch up with how things had changed while he was in prison. I was glued to this book from the very beginning. I hope to read more about Sam! I really enjoy Joe and Jack, they are cool guys to read about. Dan Walsh is a great author!! This series is definitely a must read!
December 2, 2021
Great Read!
Another of Dan Walsh’s books read and enjoyed! Dan’s a great storyteller and writes in a down to earth way. However, being an Australian, I don’t especially appreciate the way Dan might be writing depicting his character’s very casual way of speech, perhaps in a Southern American way. That said, nothing stopped it from being a good read with a positive message and a moderate dose of suspense.
Another of Dan Walsh’s books read and enjoyed! Dan’s a great storyteller and writes in a down to earth way. However, being an Australian, I don’t especially appreciate the way Dan might be writing depicting his character’s very casual way of speech, perhaps in a Southern American way. That said, nothing stopped it from being a good read with a positive message and a moderate dose of suspense.
January 2, 2022
Dan Walsh does it again!!
Lieutenant Joe Boyd is given the assignment to confront a convict just paroled for a murder committed 36years ago. He is back even though he has no family or friends in Culpepper. This could only mean trouble. When Joe and his partner visit Sam Clemens their instincts tell them their might be more to this story than anyone can imagine. Are they right?
Is the killer coming back or has he always been here?
Lieutenant Joe Boyd is given the assignment to confront a convict just paroled for a murder committed 36years ago. He is back even though he has no family or friends in Culpepper. This could only mean trouble. When Joe and his partner visit Sam Clemens their instincts tell them their might be more to this story than anyone can imagine. Are they right?
Is the killer coming back or has he always been here?
Read
February 3, 2022Had to rearrange my priorities just to keep reading this awesome mystery!! I really had to evaluate my thinking about forgiveness and could I do likewise if this had happened to me. I have had to ask the Lord of late to show me how to forgive all that have hurt me and has freed me up and so glad I read this book. I shall keep reading every book Dan Walsh writes now that I see his heart behind the writing.
April 29, 2022
Dan Walsh delivers another great book!
Sam is falsely accused of murder and spends 36 years in prison. When he is released on parol, he comes back to the town where the murder is committed determined to find the real killer and clear his name. With the help of Lieutenant Joe Boyd and his partner Hank from the Cold Case squad they attempt to do that.
I recommend this book if you like a mystery, suspense, and a good clean read.
Sam is falsely accused of murder and spends 36 years in prison. When he is released on parol, he comes back to the town where the murder is committed determined to find the real killer and clear his name. With the help of Lieutenant Joe Boyd and his partner Hank from the Cold Case squad they attempt to do that.
I recommend this book if you like a mystery, suspense, and a good clean read.
December 4, 2022
Focus on people, individual and relationships in challenging situations and challenging times
I enjoyed creative setting s that included a "today" setting plus a major historical setting from war years in a timeframe when I had been born. In addition, I have been privileged to live and work in many places...in the USA and abroad over quite a few years in real places used in the book. I greatly appreciate the approach and insights of author Dan Walsh!
I enjoyed creative setting s that included a "today" setting plus a major historical setting from war years in a timeframe when I had been born. In addition, I have been privileged to live and work in many places...in the USA and abroad over quite a few years in real places used in the book. I greatly appreciate the approach and insights of author Dan Walsh!
May 15, 2023
Super story
A great feel-good mystery suspense. Not exactly a cold case at the beginning but a cold case solved by the end.
Great character development. As you continue to read Dan Walsh novels, you can't help but like his style. Clean wholesome stories with wonderful endings. I again thank Dan Walsh for no sex, graphic violence or foul language. I also thank Dan for his Christian faith intertwined in his stories.
A great feel-good mystery suspense. Not exactly a cold case at the beginning but a cold case solved by the end.
Great character development. As you continue to read Dan Walsh novels, you can't help but like his style. Clean wholesome stories with wonderful endings. I again thank Dan Walsh for no sex, graphic violence or foul language. I also thank Dan for his Christian faith intertwined in his stories.
October 15, 2023
Wow! I had to stay up half the night to finish this (even though I realized I had church this morning). I have loved everything I've read by Dan Walsh, and like the others, this is Christian, clean and one I would love to recommend (too few of those, anymore). It was kind of fun to revisit Joe Boyd, and while I wondered how the Prologue was going to fit into the story, but did it ever! Good book!
June 2, 2024
justice and mercy
Told from POV of police officer assigned to case and individual he is monitoring. The end is far from beginning in tone and resolution. Not my usual style of book but I read The Reunion by this author and found it well written so persisted with this one. A good description of small town life and exploration of motives for killing. Excellent plot development. Ex-con returns to home town on release with one thought in mind.
Told from POV of police officer assigned to case and individual he is monitoring. The end is far from beginning in tone and resolution. Not my usual style of book but I read The Reunion by this author and found it well written so persisted with this one. A good description of small town life and exploration of motives for killing. Excellent plot development. Ex-con returns to home town on release with one thought in mind.
July 27, 2024
Mercy and Grace
Paroled from prison after 36 years, Sam Clemens returned to Culpepper, GA to prove his innocence and seek revenge against the real murderer. In so doing Sam becomes acquainted with the local PD and members of the victim's family. The information he shares convinces them that Sam was framed. What steps and procedures did Sam and the police follow? Was providential intervention involved? How did Sam and Joe connect to create a friendship?
Paroled from prison after 36 years, Sam Clemens returned to Culpepper, GA to prove his innocence and seek revenge against the real murderer. In so doing Sam becomes acquainted with the local PD and members of the victim's family. The information he shares convinces them that Sam was framed. What steps and procedures did Sam and the police follow? Was providential intervention involved? How did Sam and Joe connect to create a friendship?
November 22, 2021
Great book!!!
Dan Walsh is a gifted writer. The way he weaves a story full of suspense and to weave God into it. I could not put the book down. I hope he is already working on the next one in the Joe Boyd series.
I will keep reading one of his other books until the next one comes out. That is a promise.
Dan Walsh is a gifted writer. The way he weaves a story full of suspense and to weave God into it. I could not put the book down. I hope he is already working on the next one in the Joe Boyd series.
I will keep reading one of his other books until the next one comes out. That is a promise.
November 23, 2021
exciting story!
I’ve really enjoyed reading about these characters!
Samuel Has finally gotten parole after spending 36 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit. Now he’s back in town trying to find out who the killer really is. Joe Boyd and his partner Hank are also on the case.
Hard to put the book down.
I’ve really enjoyed reading about these characters!
Samuel Has finally gotten parole after spending 36 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit. Now he’s back in town trying to find out who the killer really is. Joe Boyd and his partner Hank are also on the case.
Hard to put the book down.
November 27, 2021
Whodunit
World War II had many of Hitler's henchmen manage to get out of Germany and one settled in Culpepper. Unfortunately a young journalist trying to make a name for himself is investigating the possibility that one of the citizens in Culpeper is a Nazi. And the young journalist ends up dead. Great job. Thank you.
World War II had many of Hitler's henchmen manage to get out of Germany and one settled in Culpepper. Unfortunately a young journalist trying to make a name for himself is investigating the possibility that one of the citizens in Culpeper is a Nazi. And the young journalist ends up dead. Great job. Thank you.
November 29, 2021
What a great story
Dan never fails to write a great story and weaves into that story the truth.
Samuel Clemens has just been released from prison and is determined to clear his name as the crime he was in for he did not commit.
Another case for Joe and Hank, who also call on Jack Turner for help.
Started to read it slowly then couldnt put it down until I had finished it.
Dan never fails to write a great story and weaves into that story the truth.
Samuel Clemens has just been released from prison and is determined to clear his name as the crime he was in for he did not commit.
Another case for Joe and Hank, who also call on Jack Turner for help.
Started to read it slowly then couldnt put it down until I had finished it.
December 5, 2021
The title of this book intrigued me. When the subject finally came up in the text I found the discourse about it profound and thought provoking. I like the character, Joe Boyd. I like to play armchair detective as he works through his cases; his cases always turn out to be fascinating but sometimes easily predictable.
December 27, 2021
I have enjoyed all of Dan Walsh's books, both suspense and non-suspense. This one may be his best suspense novel so far. The book had a terrific plot. I admit I wondered what the prologue had to do with the rest of the book, but I eventually realized where the book was going with the plot. Awesome read
January 24, 2022
Great Story!!
This is the first book I've read by this author. I will read the other two in the series. I liked the characters Sam, Joe and Hank, they and the story was well written. Clean and no inappropriate situations. I recommend to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel.
This is the first book I've read by this author. I will read the other two in the series. I liked the characters Sam, Joe and Hank, they and the story was well written. Clean and no inappropriate situations. I recommend to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews