by Kendra Elliot
Series: Mercy Kilpatrick #2
Genres: Mystery
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Raised by a family of survivalists, FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick can take on any challenge—even the hostile reception to her homecoming. But she’s not the only one causing chaos in the rural community of Eagle’s Nest, Oregon. At first believed to be teenage pranks, a series of fires takes a deadly turn with the murder of two sheriff’s deputies. Now, along with Police Chief Truman Daly, Mercy is on the hunt for an arsonist turned killer.
Still shunned by her family and members of the community, Mercy must keep her ear close to the ground to pick up any leads. And it’s not long before she hears rumors of the area’s growing antigovernment militia movement. If the arsonist is among their ranks, Mercy is determined to smoke the culprit out. But when her investigation uncovers a shocking secret, will this hunt for a madman turn into her own trial by fire?
A Merciful Truth by Kendra Elliot is the second novel in the Mercy Kilpatrick series featuring an FBI Agent in Bend, Oregon. Family, fires and growth made for an interesting case as we get to know the players and work to solve a mystery that has left police wives widowed.
I discovered Kendra Elliot through Amazon’s Prime library and enjoyed A Merciful Death. I’ve decided to continue the series. A Prime Day deal for Kindle Unlimited pushed the series to the top of my TBR pile. My plan is to read them over the course of the next three months.
Fires originally mistaken as teenage pranks turn deadly and police officers lose their lives. The FBI assigns a team to investigate the murders in Eagle’s Nest, Oregon. Mercy along with Police Chief Truman Daly are hunting for the arsonist turned killer. The closer Mercy gets to the truth, the deadlier the hunt becomes.
Mercy was raised in a survivalist family until a disagreement led to her father and family shunning her. Since transferring to Bend she is beginning the process of reconnecting with her siblings and parents. It isn’t easy, particularly with Mercy’s career choice. Her brother Owen blames her for the events of the previous book and Mercy struggles not to blame herself.
Elliot does a delightful job of blending Mercy’s daily life and trails within the community as Mercy investigates. It gives a nice balance to the suspenseful thread. Mercy is raising a teenager, and it scares the heck out of her as does the growing connection she feels with the local police chief.
As the reader we know who is responsible for the fires and killings which added suspense particularly as Mercy grew closer. Insider looks into different preppers from your average joe to secular groups were fascinating. It forced me to consider what I would do if everything shut down. I rarely carry cash or keep more than a weeks supply of food in my home. Sure, I prepped for Hurricanes and Snowstorms but this is quite bigger. What if the banks crashed?
I enjoyed seeing all the pieces click together as climatic scenes had me holding my breath. I am looking forward to diving into, A Merciful Secret, the next book in the series. There are four books published in the series. All are available in KU, paperback, ebook, and audio formats. Two more novels will release in 2019.
Arson and murder in Eagle's Nest, Oregon have FBI Agent Mercy Kilpatrick and Chief Daly searching for a killer in A Merciful Truth by Kendra Elliot. #suspense #thriller Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
This sounds like a great thriller. I have to add it to my list! Great review!
Mary
Kimberly
Thanks Mary.Enjoy.
Olivia Roach
You do read a lot of thrillers! Which is a good thing because then I get to hear about a lot of them and see if there are ones that I should be reading too. Thanks for this review 🙂
Kimberly
I really do. Right now I am taking advantage of Kindle Unlimited for 3 months at 99 cents and reading the entire series.
Dani Eide
Sounds like a great thriller where we get to watch Mercy creep closer and closer to the guilty party. Great review draws you right in to reading the book. ♥️
Kimberly
This has been a fun series, I need to read book four then I am caught up with current releases.
Lorna
I read and reviewed her Rogue River series(with Melinda Leigh) for Pure Textuality. I did enjoy them. Glad these have been good ones for you!
Kimberly
I haven’t even looked at her other books. I will keep it in mind.
Nise'
I read the first book as a freebie too and want to get back to the series.
Kimberly
Glad to hear it. I hope you are able to get to the next ones.
Angela Adams
Sounds like an intriguing series. Thanks for the post.
Kimberly
Happy to share Angela.
Anna
Sounds delish. I’m in. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Kimberly
Indeed.
Sophia Rose
I grabbed the deal, too, so I’m glad to know of some good ones available on KU. This series does sound good.
Kimberly
Cool. Right now I am focusing on Elliot and Hailey Edwards books.
sherry fundin
Sounds like a great series to get involved int. I love the vibrant colors on the cover.
Kimberly
I like the covers too. Apparently a lot of peeps love this series, its like #2 in mystery.
Bookworm Brandee
I remember your review of A Merciful Death and I was intrigued with Mercy then. Now, I’m even more so. And I’m happy you’re making a KU membership work. 😉 I want to meet Mercy as she sounds like a very interesting person. I want to know about her chosen career and how her background led her here. And I also want to be with her as she works. 🙂 I admit you do have me wondering about the ‘prepping’. I think I’d have to say I’m far from prepared. Yikes!
Kimberly
Hey, I can handle 3 months for 99 cents. LOL I will cancel after that since my TBR pile beacons.
Melliane
yay for more novels and a great series! I like books like that!
Kimberly
Agreed 🙂
Debbie Haupt - The Reading Frenzy
Kim I’ve enjoyed your reviews on both books and her being raised by survivalist is what put it on my wish list in the first place. Thanks for this
Kimberly
It really an interesting side thread Debbie.
Nick
I love that the reader already knows who is responsible. I can see how that serves to keep you on the edge even more than usual. It sounds like you had a fabulous time with the book, Kim. I hope the series continues to impress!
Kimberly
Yes, we got their perspective as well which heightened things.
Tyler H. Jolley
It’s awesome you found this through the Prime program. It’s a great program to expand your reading palate.
Kimberly
Agreed. I try to take full advantage of all the deals and free books/audios they offer.
Ailyn Koay
the mystery deepens, although if banks crashed here in australia I think the old people would be fine with it. I hear they keep money in their couches
Kimberly
Not here…banks, cds, etc.