"You kill one guy, one time, and suddenly everyone thinks you need therapy, Ellery Hathaway thought as she stood in the biting wind of the subway T platform overlooking the icy Charles River. Doesn't matter if everyone is glad he's dead. She debated again whether to follow through on her shrink's orders to show up at the group meeting for survivors of violent crime. ... But Ellery knew all crimes were not created equal. There was getting mugged on the street, and then there was surviving an abduction by one of the world's most infamous serial killers."
Despite being on mandated leave from the police force, Ellery begins investigating two crimes involving two of the other violent crime victims in her group: an arson that took place two decades ago, and a more recent rape. She calls on FBI agent, Reed Markham, for help, needing his profiling skills. And though it puts his promotion on the line, he flies to Boston when she calls because it's Ellery. Their complicated relationship began sixteen years ago, when Markham rescued a 14-year-old Ellery from a notorious serial killer. Her scars still run deep. And as much as Reed would like to keep her safe, her own impulsiveness keeps putting her in danger. Especially when she gets a little too close to the truth on one of her new 'cases'.
No Mercy is Joanna Schaffhausen's second book about Ellery Hathaway and Reed Markham. And it's just as good as The Vanishing Season (which you really need to read first). Besides Schaffhausen's compelling writing, I really like her characters. They're complex and flawed, with personality quirks and vulnerabilities that make them irresistible. I love Ellery's and Reed's tangled past and their uneasy yet growing friendship. I also love the moments Reed spends with his daughter, Tula; Ellery's basset hound, Speed Bump, is a favorite, too. And the mystery itself? It's suspenseful and clever and skillfully drawn out. And that ending! Whew. It's a good one. It makes me even more excited for Schaffhausen's next book.
Happy Reading!
This sounds good. I started a new thriller last night, The Last Stage, for a blog tour coming up and it already has my attention.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear more about it! :)
DeleteI'll add the first book to by list as well. I'm wondering if there's a romance in the making between Ellery and Reed?
ReplyDeleteThere's the hint of a romance between Ellery and Reed in this book, which makes me want to read the next one even more. :)
DeleteI liked the first book, although I guessed the villain. Glad to here that this one is a suspenseful follow-up with more in depth about the characters. :)
ReplyDeleteI really like these two characters!
DeleteThat quote definitely has me interested. I'll have to check out the first book. :)
ReplyDeleteI liked the first one too and look forward to reading this one. I think I already own it. Yes...I do. Now I'll really look forward to it soon.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy! :)
DeleteEllery sounds like a great protagonist! Tough, flawed but still likable.
ReplyDeleteEllery is tough. Impulsive at times, but definitely likable.
DeleteI loved a good suspenseful read, and this sounds like it delivers. Plus a basset hound named Speed Bump? That's pretty awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the greatest name for a dog? She calls him Bump for short. :D
DeleteI read the first, The Vanishing Season, and enjoyed it. I look forward to reading this one also. Glad you enjoyed!
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice when a second book in a series exceeds your expectations. :)
DeleteThis one sounds good. I'm adding it to my reading list. :)
ReplyDeleteI think you'll really like this one. :)
DeleteA hound called Speed Bump? Interesting!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the best name for a basset hound?
DeleteWait wait, the second book is out? I didn't even realise! And omg that para you quoted - LOL, reminded me of why I like Ellery so!
ReplyDeleteShe's great, isn't she? :D
DeleteI never heard of the series, but the books sound fantastic. I hope I will pick it up some autumn day))
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a chance to try this series someday, too. :) It's a good one.
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