by Kendra Elliot
Series: Mercy Kilpatrick #5
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Raised by preppers, survivalist and FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick has a deep-rooted need for a safe place. Her getaway in the Cascade Foothills is her secret. But when skeletal remains are unearthed—those of a murdered man linked to a notorious heist—Mercy realizes she isn’t the only one with something to hide.
Thirty years ago, an armored-car robbery turned deadly. The mastermind was captured. Four conspirators vanished with a fortune. One of them, it appears, never made it out of the woods alive. For Mercy and her fiancé, Police Chief Truman Daly, their investigation opens old wounds in Eagle’s Nest that cut deeper than they imagined. Especially when a reckless tabloid reporter draws fresh blood. It’s clear to Mercy that somebody in this close-knit community is not who they seem to be.
Some are still shattered by the heist. Some still have reason to be afraid. But which one will kill again and again to hide three decades of secrets? To land this case, it’s up to Mercy to unmask a familiar stranger before someone else dies.
I enjoy the Mercy Kilpatrick series by Kendra Elliot and I was excited to dive into A Merciful Fate. This is the fifth novel, in the series and I was not disappointed. For me, it was the strongest murder-mystery of the series. An unsolved, thirty-year-old bank heist gave way to suspense, townie secrets and more.
This case tested FBI Agent Mercy Kilpatrick and her fiancé Police Chief Truman Daly and provided an addictive tale that pulled me in and never let go.
An armored-car robbery turned deadly, before the mastermind of the heist is captured. However, four conspirators vanished with a fortune. Now, thirty-years later it appears one of the four never made it out of the woods
While out hiking, Ollie and his dog stumble upon a grizzly discovery in an abandoned cabin. When Truman discovers bank bags, he calls in the FBI. I love old unsolved mysteries and was all in.
Meanwhile, a purple-haired reporter seems to have insider information. Two local women have had their homes or businesses vandalizes. Rose is sick but has some exciting news and things are hopping at the coffee shop. Mercy and Truman are busy rebuilding her survivalist homestead as they make plans for the future.
I loved returning to the Cascade Foothills and the town of Eagles’ Nest. Surrounded by farms and mountains this is a popular place for survivalists and preppers. It is a tight community where everyone knows what car you drive and who was out late last night. But even in a small-town folks still hide secrets.
Elliot outdid herself with the mystery and investigation from red herrings to twists I never saw coming. From the pacing to the different crimes, I was all in and enjoyed this over the holiday break.
Fans of unsolved crimes, small-towns and balanced stories involving repeat characters will enjoy the Mercy Kilpatrick series and A Merciful Fate. While each book contains its own case, the story arc for the characters and small-town screams to be read in the order of release.
An unsolved thirty-year-old bank heist gave way to suspense, townie secrets and more gave way to an exciting tale in A Merciful Fate by Kendra Elliot #MustRead #NewRelease #Mystery 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!
A bank heist. Ooo this sounds really intriguing. I will have to put this one on my TBR list.
Mary
Rachel
I want to start this series very soon so I’m glad to hear you loved it! The idea of preppers kind of fascinates me. I’d love to be self-sufficient, not relying on outside sources for electricity, water or food. I know preppers are more involved than that, but the concept is interesting.
Carla
Great review Kimberly. I also love this series and have listened to the first four with KU. I am waiting to see if this one will be on there or not. I am looking forward to it with your comment that this is the strongest murder mystery of the series.
sherry fundin
Sounds like another one for the reading list. The mountain continues to grow. lol
Olivia Roach
Yay for a new favourite in the series. It sounds like the mystery element was really strong in this one and it made the reading experience a lot of fun ^.^
Laura Thomas
I;m surprised I haven’t read this series yet. I’ve been reading a bunch of books in this genre recently. Thanks for the great review, Kimberly. I’ll be adding this to my list!
Anne
Yes – spot on review. I loved this one too. Anne – Books of My Heart
Adriana @ BooksOnHerMind
Yay, for this being your favorite out of the series! My mom tends to like watching shows with unsolved murders and from time to time so do I. Add in small towns and it sounds like a book I would enjoy.
Angela Adams
I enjoy reading old, unsolved mysteries. Thanks for the post.
Bookworm Brandee
Okay, I’m really going to have to give Elliot a try. Your review did a great job of conveying the suspenseful nature of this installment. 😉
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
Why haven’t I read anything by Kendra Elliot? This book especially sounds like it was written for me! I love a cold case and I love the sound of this series. Adding it to myTBR.
Maggie @ ReadingDiva's Blog
I downloaded book #1 of the Bone Secrets series a while back and I am yet to read it. I have seen some of her other books available on KU, perhaps I should try this series. Great review Kim, thanks for sharing.
Sophia Rose
I just last week listened to book one in this series and fell in love with a new series. So glad it is strong several books in.
Debbie Haupt
I’ve enjoyed all your reviews for this series Kim, I’m glad she’s still living up to expectations. It looks like something I would enjoy
Melliane
That’s an author I really would like to try one day!
kindlemom1
This looks fun, I’ll have to look up the first book.
Nick
I’ve been slowly getting back into mystery novels (I’m reading Lisa Jewell’s book right now) and this needs to go on my list. It sounds like the mystery was executed brilliantly!
Nadene
I do need to start this series. I like mysteries which keep you guessing and this sounds perfect. Great review, Kim