A Merciful Truth
By  Kendra Elliot

Mercy Kilpatrick, a FBI agent fresh out of Quantico is put in charge of investigating a string of arson fires that quickly escalate into shootings.

She works with Truman Daly,  her unoffical boyfriend and Eagle's Nest Oregon's police chief to solve the crimes.

A fast paced crime thriller, full of excitement and intrigue.
4 stars !

I received this ARC through Netgalley for a honest review.

Arson and murder in a survivalist town…

This is the second book in the Mercy Kilpatrick series that can be read as a stand-alone.

FBI Agent Mercy Kilpatrick was raised by survivalists until the age of eighteen, years later it’s still very much in her mindset to be prepared for all eventualities. She’s raising her teenage niece after the death of her brother and learning how to be a mother which she finds daunting at times. Two months into a relationship with Police Chief Truman Daly has her navigating unfamiliar emotions, trust in another is hard but she’s trying. Having permanently moved back to Eagle’s Nest, Oregon not everyone is happy with her presence, understanding the prepper mentality makes her uniquely qualified to investigate crimes in this area.

Someone is setting fires and they are escalating with each strike of the match. What started out as damage to random property now includes the death of two sheriff’s deputies, not from the arsonist’s blaze but by a sniper at the site. Together Mercy and Truman must find the arsonist/killer before more people lose their lives. The danger level increases dramatically when their investigation crosses paths with an antigovernment and law enforcement militia movement that’s secretly grown in the area.

This was a captivating fast-paced story filled with mystery, long held secrets, action and suspense. The romance wasn’t prominent, the couple came together in the first book, but you feel the depth of caring that exists between them interspersed throughout the complicated storyline. Both are haunted by their separate pasts, they are two people with flaws they are aware of connected by more than just physical chemistry, shared feelings and the capacity for empathy help them understand and start to heal, and they were great down to earth kick-ass protagonists.

The plot had many moving parts intricately woven together with unexpected twists which wrapped up nicely at the end, the mystery unraveled at a good pace, the writing was tight, there were hints that you realize were there after Mercy learns of a shocking secret. This reader loves a story she can’t figure out. The life of survivalists made for an interesting environment and characters. One thing missing was the reasons why Mercy left home so young. I suspect that will be found in book one which is now on my reading list as is the next book in this series.

An advanced reading copy was obtained from the publisher via NetGalley.

Love Kendra Elliot's writing. I always feel like I live in the small towns she writes about. I enjoy seeing Mercy's relationships change and grow with her prepper family who disowned her. The secrets keep coming out! Great mystery, it is creepy and will keep you turning the pages.

Mercy is one of the strongest heroines I've ever read! That girl can go up against anybody and not even flinch. The little community of Eagle's Nest has an arsonist on the loose and he's escalated to murder. Truman and Mercy aren't sure what the reason is behind the fires and the clues point to different people. Secrets are kept until they aren't. In this cute little town, where people are prepping for TEOTWAWKI (the end of the world as we know it), everyone is related to or at least knows everybody else. Having been gone for fifteen years and only recently returned Mercy is finding herself a little lost. Truman is there to support her silently and, lately, a bit more openly. I enjoyed the build up in the story going back and forth with suspects and the finale was not expected. This is a series that you could pick up here, the second book, but Mercy's personal struggles with family and her career are vitally important to the story and need to be understood. I definitely recommend reading in order. My copy was given through Netgalley and my review written voluntarily.

I loved this book! It had me holding my breath and not wanting to read what was coming all while making it so I HAD to read what was next. It was a believable story with good people as the characters at the center. The events in this book could have been plucked right from the headlines.
The Hero (Truman) was humble and kind and a true leader in his department. Mercy (heroine) was smart and brave. They both had flaws and damage from previous experiences that made them human and likable. These were people who could be relied upon to keep their community safe.
I'm going back to read the first book in this series. Although this was the second book and I had not read the first, I was not lost and didn't feel like I had missed too much. Of course, I've never been disappointed by Kendra Elliot!

I love reading series books and two things hook me every time -- the stand alone mystery and a connection to the characters. This book hits both points on multiple levels. The mystery is one that kept me guessing and thinking, including a twist at the end. Mercy, the main character, is flawed but yet written so that you understand her flaws. I just discovered this author and series last week and was thrilled to read the second in the series so quickly... I wanted to know more about the major and minor characters and how they were doing. It's the characterization that keeps me coming back to a series and now I'm quite depressed realizing it will be awhile before I get to see this group again. To summarize -- interesting plot with a unique spin and well written characters. An interesting read.

The story of mercy and Truman keeps getting better and better! Loved this fast paced book! And the constant twists and turns that keeps you wondering what's in store for this couple next? The book is aptly named as well...wow- talk about a surprise ending!

Once again Kendra Elliot takes readers on a emotionally charge Mystery that will keep readers engaged from first to last page.
A Merciful Truth is the second book in a series and while it is only book 2 a lot of things happened in book 1 that some readers might be lost but Kendra tries hard to update readers throughout the book.
Mercy has a hard background that causes her not to trust as well as fear not being able to take care of herself. Lincoln has fallen head over heels with Mercy but he is waiting for her to take the lead in fear she might bolt if he pushes to hard. Backstories are filled in but is you pay attention most readers will pick up on who everyone is.
I enjoyed the authors known when it came to preppers. The author gives reader into the insight of how some of the government hate groups start and are controlled. The fear of everything they worked hard for being taken away. The groups start to find ways of coming together but one twisted voice can take them from peaceful to militia. As you read you an see the authors knowledge in this area bringing the story to life.

Each character in the book has a purpose of driving the story forward. Kendra Elliott is a master at bring emotions to everyone who readers her books.

Kendra Elliot books are hard to put down and readers will finish it in a day.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an advance Copy.

Kendra Elliot is a masterful storyteller! Merciful truth was a riveting read. It was fast paced. Prepares as a premise to much of this story is fascinating. Kendra Elliot gives insight into the reasoning of being For or Adrain's the prepping. The mysteries and murders that we follow along in the story are intriguing. I very much enjoyed this story and look forward to the next one.
****I voluntarily reviewed and gave my honest opinion of this Advanced Readers Copy of this book from Net Galley.****

Book Info
Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: June 6th 2017 by Montlake Romance
Original Title A Merciful Truth
ISBN 1477848290 (ISBN13: 9781477848296)
Edition Language English
Series Mercy Kilpatrick #2
Other Editions (3)
Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK BLURB


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?

My Thoughts


Being prepared for the worst while hoping for the best for most of us means making lists and formulating plans as each new life challenge presents itself. However growing up as a prepper and staying true to both the teachings and lifestyle comes with a much more complicated way of being prepared.

In this second book not only are preppers in the town of Eagle’s Nest being targeted with devastating destruction of their property resulting in losses of months of work but now a new twist is added when murders are committed at the scene of these crimes as well.

Once again returning her to the rural community of Eagle’s Nest, Oregon where Mercy Kilpatrick grew up and is still persona-non-grata to certain members of her family, and it seems most members of the community also, she faces not only their lack of welcome but also a dangerous foe.

When one of a series of fires end up with the murder of two sheriff’s deputies leaving Mercy and Police Chief Truman Daly on the hunt for an arsonist turned killer things heat up on both her professional and personal fronts.

This second heart pounding book in the series has a resounding theme that Mercy finally becomes comfortable with enough to embrace before it ends. Family is everything and no matter what they say or do keeping it's members close in ones heart is of utmost importance.

Having now made peace for the first time in years with past events Mercy and her niece Kaylie grow closer, as do she and Truman Daly.

Mercy has finally embraced the idea that she is in fact lovable and that loving someone back is worth risking the pain of losing them.

[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]

FBI Agent Mercy Fitzpatrick has returned to her hometown of Eagle's Nest, Oregon to a chilly reception from her family. Mercy's family members are survivalists who believe in living off the land and being prepared for disaster. Not all of her siblings are speaking to her while others have welcomed her back with open arms. On top of being an FBI agent, Mercy is also raising her deceased brother's teenage daughter.

A series of fires have been set around the rural community and Mercy gets involved when two police officers are murdered while on the scene of a barn fire. Her boyfriend, Truman Daly; who just happens to be the police chief, is working the arson cases as well. While attempting to solve the case of the arson(s) and murders, Mercy and Truman learn that there is something else going on the community. A survivalist group that is anti-government, anti-police and anti-FBI is forming.

Kendra Elliot is a very underrated Author. She writes mystery/thrillers that will appeal to most readers. Her books are not graphic, there is not a lot of harsh language or any content that would turn off most readers. Kendra Elliot delivers time after time. This book is #2 in a series, but worked very well as a stand alone book. I really enjoyed learning Mercy's backstory and getting a glimpse into why Mercy's family is not very welcoming to her. This book was very well written. I enjoyed how the plot and subplots were all woven together. As the story unfolded, everything made sense, everything seemed plausible and this book was a good solid read. I found "A Merciful Truth" to be fast paced and enjoyable. Not only will I be reading the next book in this series, I will also be going back and reading the first book in this series. I really hope to see more people reading Kendra Elliott. I have read several of her books and they were all wonderful.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Merciful Death is the second book in the Mercy Kilpatrick trilogy, and thanks to Net galley and publisher gifting me an ARC it has introduced me to two wonderful characters.
I had not read the previous book A Merciful Death where FBI special agent mercy has to return to her childhood home of Eagles Nest Oregon to assist the local law enforcement and so met police chief Truman Daly, this by no means spoilt my enjoyment of this book and it could be read as a stand alone, but I will be reading the previous book asap now as I was so impressed by this story.
Mercy and Truman have to investigate a series so arson attacks and the cold blooded murder of two police officers and another initially unknown corpse. This is a book with lots of action, a host of great characters good and bad, but above all a cracking read, in other words a real page turner.
A will now eagerly await the third book, but in the meantime at least I've the first to enjoy...how lucky am I!

A MERCIFUL TRUTH a Mercy Kilpatrick series # 2 by Kendra Elliot
Release date June 6
Mercy was the FBI agent called in, she looked at the ashes of a barn she had played in 2 decades ago. Four fires, and 4 shots, that killed deputies, this was not a whim, not the norm for this quiet town, either. Raising a teenager, and her love for Truman, wasn't the norm either, she always kept her emotions under a tight rein. The secrets, especially her Dad, he knew of the uncle that supposedly died years ago, only to have died now. Can Mercy take the biggest risk of her life and accept Truman's love, and the love she has for him. A great plot, as we follow Mercy, to investigating and excepting
family and love. Given ARC by Net Galley for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

This is the second book in the “Mercy Kilpatrick´s” series and it is not a good idea to read it like a stand-alone. You would miss very important details about both the romance and the characters. Although the suspense is different in each book you need the previous book which is where the precedents are set.

It is an interesting and above all original story. Such as it happened with the previous book, it continues fascinating me the way of life that the author describes. I had never read anything about survivalists or TEOTWAWKI (The end of the world as we know it). So if only for this reason it has been worth reading.

This time Mercy (a FBI agent) and Truman (the police chief) join forces again to find out who is behind the fires that are devastating the rural community and the deaths of two of their colleagues. In the story´s background are still the romance between Mercy and Truman and Mercy´s strangled family.
I will not lie, the romance hardly has room this time. It isn´t the story´s centerpiece and I was hoping to be able to see more of these two together. What has great weight in the story is Mercy´s difficult relationships with her family. I'm not a fan of family melodramas and this one is dangerously close to become one. Although in its favor I will say that it is becoming more and more restrained on each book. The melodrama, I mean.

And about the suspense as I said above: so original. Add to the survivalists a handful of anti-government militiamen and you already have the foundation for a lot of problems. A couple of flaws I have found are that the final twist deserved more explanations and a more solid base for it to have been shocking and that in a community as closed as Eagle's Nest it seems unlikely that anyone could walk through the town without being recognized. The author relies on that to deny the relationship between one of the deceased and his employer. See spoiler.

So too much family drama, a bit of romance and a original and interesting suspense.
Between 3.5 and 4 stars.

*SPOILER*
I was shocked when the bad guy denied meeting the dead man after being seen together in town. And there were witnesses but the authorities did not use this information either. The bad guy thought someone betrayed him when the connection between them was exposed. There has been something that didn´t add up ...

***

Este es el segundo libro de la serie “Mercy Kilpatrick” y no es una buena idea leerlos fuera de orden porque te perderías detalles muy importantes del romance y sobre los personajes. Aunque el suspense es diferente en cada libro, se necesita el libro anterior que es dónde se sientan los precedentes.

Aclarado esto, decir que la serie está muy bien. Es muy interesante y sobre todo original. Cómo ya me pasó con el libro anterior, me sigue fascinando esa forma de vida que la autora me ha descubierto. Nunca había leído nada sobre survivalistas o EFDMTYCLC (El fin del mundo tal y como lo conocemos) Así que aunque sólo sea por esto ha merecido la pena leerlo.

En esta ocasión Mercy (agente del FBI) y Truman (jefe de policía) vuelven a unir sus fuerzas para descubrir qué hay detrás de los últimos incendios que están azotando su comarca y de la muerte de dos de sus colegas. Como trasfondo en la historia siguen estando el romance entre Mercy y Truman y las enmarañadas relaciones familiares de Mercy.
No voy a mentir, el romance me ha sabido a poco. No es el punto fuerte ni importante de la historia y esperaba poder ver algo más de estos dos personajes que tanto me gustan juntos. Lo que sí tiene gran peso en la historia es la difícil familia de Mercy. No soy fan de los melodramas familiares y esta familia lo roza peligrosamente. Aunque en su favor diré que cada vez está más comedido. El melodrama, quiero decir.

Y sobre el suspense pues lo dicho anteriormente: muy original. Añadir a los survivalistas un puñado de milicianos antigubernamentales y ya tienes la base para un montón de problemas. Un par de faltas que le he encontrado es que el giro final merecía más explicaciones y una base más sólida para que hubiese sido impactante y que en una comunidad tan cerrada como Eagle´s Nest me parece poco probable que alguien pueda pasearse por el pueblo sin ser reconocido. La autora se apoya en esta base para negar la relación existente entre uno de los difuntos y su empleador. Ver Spoiler.

En general demasiado drama familiar, muy poco romance y un buen e interesante suspense.
Entre 3.5 y 4 stars.

*SPOILER*
Me ha chocado que el malo niegue conocer al muerto después de haber sido vistos juntos en el pueblo. Y había testigos pero las autoridades tampoco utilizan esta información. El malo piensa que alguien lo ha traicionado cuando la conexión es expuesta. Ha habido algo que no ha cuadrado….

A Merciful Truth is the 2nd book in the Mercy Kilpatrick series. I highly recommend reading A Merciful Death before reading this book. You will have a better understanding of Levi's and Rose's history and the cause of the tension that exists in the family.

In the rural community of Eagle’s Nest, Oregon, a series of fires, at first believed to be teenage pranks, takes a deadly turn with the murder of two sheriff’s deputies. Now, along with Police Chief Truman Daly, FBI agent Mercy is on the hunt for an arsonist turned killer.

This book did not disappointment. It was well-written, suspenseful and had a great plot. I love Mercy and Truman's relationship. Great series and looking forward to reading the next one.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Montlake Romance for supplying a copy of Kendra Elliot's "A Merciful Truth" in exchange for an honest review.

A Merciful Truth is a really good follow-up to the first book in the Mercy Kilpatrick Series. As an avid Kendra Elliot fan, I was so glad to read another great book by her. FBI agent, Mercy Kilpatrick, and Chief of Police, Truman Daly, are again investigating together in this book, as they search for an arsonist and killer. Their characters were just as good as in the first book, and I loved watching the relationship between them continue to develop. This book had a great balance of romance and suspense. The storyline kept me interested and intrigued and had a few twists and turns. This one was a winner for me! 5 stars! Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest review.

Thank you Kendra and NetGalley for the early access! This was a great read. From start to finish, there's no stop in the action. More pieces of Mercy's separation from her family come to play with a few new revelations!

A Merciful Truth by Kendra Elliot is the second book in the Mercy Kilpatrick series. This time Mercy & Truman are trying to catch an arsonist. It evolves into so much more. It's a page turner that kept me reading well into the night (morning)! A Merciful Truth is a well written & detailed mystery that will intrigue from page one. Looking forward to more of Mercy & Truman!

*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

A Merciful Truth is the second book in the Mercy Kilpatrick series written by author Kendra Elliot. Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for the advance copy. Great series.