I read and loved The Vanishing Season so I was excited for the sequel and it did not disappoint! Ellery is still scarred from her hallowing misfortune narrowly escaping a serial killer, and her wounds run deep as she is afraid to let anyone get close to her. When Reed surfaces again to help her, things are confusing as she has feelings for him but of course is terrified of giving in to them. There is a lot of tension, several cases going on at once, but great insights into survivor workshops and the healing that needs to happen when someone has suffered a traumatic event. I'm sure there will be a third book in this series as we need more of Ellery and Reed!

Note: I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The follow-up to the first Ellery Hathaway novel fell a bit flat for me. I was actually surprised that there even was a follow-up based on the ending of the first novel. While I was intrigued to see where Ellery's life had taken her following The Vanishing Season, it didn't last beyond the first few chapters. Ellery had obviously been through a lot in her life, but she came across as selfish, self-involved and obsessive. There was not much growth in her as a character and her constant negativity grew old after a while.

Her "relationship" with Reed felt forced and a little creepy. There isn't any chemistry and I couldn't help but wonder why Reed was even into Ellery. Setting that aside, the story itself seemed a bit all over the place. Ellery was trying to solve the serial-rapist case, while working on herself to get her job back and then also dealing with a decades old arson case, and let's not forget the budding romance with Reed. It was all too much and lacked focused, which made the story drag out.

Good thriller with some twists. Had not read #1 and still enjoyed but, but definitely will go back and read it. Will be curious where she goes with #3.

Gahh ok I loved this story. Kept me on the edge the whole time
I was so happy to be able to get this book. Thanks Netgalley

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC! I actually didn't enjoy reading this book as much as I hoped I would, so I'd prefer not to leave a negative review.

Thank you for this book. Awesome writing and excellent story line. I love these type of books. I will be buying this for a friend.

This is the stunning follow-up to the first Ellery Hathaway novel, The Vanishing Season. After being sidelined due to a recent incident, Ellery Hathaway finds herself in a group therapy session on the advice of her shrink. She is on an involuntary leave from the force pending a recommendation from her therapist. In the group session she meets two people that she immediately takes interest in. Their stories resonate with Ellery, and she vows to investigate the cases herself. One involved a decades old arson case where the pieces don't quite fit right, and the other is a case involving a serial rapist. She soon pulls her old FBI buddy Reed Markham into the mix and together they set out to solve these cases that have thus far stumped the local officials.

The story is told in third person, alternating between Ellery and Reed. Trouble seems to follow Ellery everywhere she goes. She begins to dig into the two cases, and she ruffles lots of feathers along the way. She begins receiving threats to mind her own business, but Ellery continues on in pursuit of justice. Her career is in jeopardy, and along the way her life is in jeopardy, but ultimately Ellery just wants to find justice in these two cases and peace for herself. She pushes forward no matter the cost.

Reed uses his skills and resources to develop a profile that fits with the suspects they are seeking. His boss has warned him to stay far away from Ellery, but Reed knows that they will forever share a past and he will help her whenever she needs him. Reed's investigation soon turns up that his boss may actually have an ulterior motive, something from his past that threatens to come to light. Reed must tread lightly in order preserve his career and protect Ellery from harm.

This book can be read as a stand alone, but reading the first book will give you much more insight into the background of Ellery and Reed and the relationship between them. The author does do a good job of developing their characters and filling in the gaps with just enough history. There is a huge shocker at the very end that sets the stage for things to come. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in this series.

I would recommend this book to fans of thrillers and suspense. I received this as a free ARC from Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I would like to thank Netgalley and St Martin's Press for an advance copy of No Mercy, the second novel to feature police officer Ellery Hathaway and FBI profiler Reed Markham.

After the events of The Vanishing Season Ellery has been suspended, moved to Boston and sent to mandatory counselling. Unfortunately she isn't doing too well at the one on one counselling so is forced to attend group therapy where she meets, among others, Myra and Wendy. Myra's story intrigues her and, sensing anomalies, she starts investigating while Wendy, a rape victim, begs for help in finding her attacker and hopefully some peace. With no official resources Ellery, once again, reaches out to Reed Markham for help.

I thoroughly enjoyed No Mercy which is a character driven investigation into both a current and a historical case. Doesn't sound all that interesting? I was riveted to the novel and found it hard to put down as both investigations pose their own problems. How do they find a predator who leaves no forensics and how do they prove a miscarriage of justice after twenty five years? The answers are fascinating and made me wonder why there are unsolved crimes. I would say, however, that I guessed the outcome of one of the cases in broad outline early on but it didn't spoil the read in the slightest as the journey to the solution held me in thrall.

The novel is well plotted and paced with just enough revealed at a time to maintain momentum and hold the interest. It is told in the third person from both Ellery and Reed's points of view which seems natural and in keeping with the narrative as both are wrestling with difficult situations. Both are strong personalities but Ellery is the one with the backstory as she is the only survivor of a serial killer and it was Reed who rescued her. Their relationship is fraught with misunderstanding, false steps and this history. Ms Schaffhausen does a great job of exploring her troubled psyche but there is much more to come and I'm really looking forward to it. That and the bombshell for Reed at the very end of the novel.

No Mercy seems to me to have a slower pace than The Vanishing Season but it is more nuanced and compelling therefore I have no hesitation in recommending it as a great read. 4.5*

Hmm... of all of the books I read last year, I'm not sure that "The Vanishing Season" warranted a sequel. I read this one mainly out of curiosity, because, well, I like to find out what happens to characters after I finish a book. But this follow up had many of this same issues as the first- mainly that the relationship between the main characters seems awkward and forced. There are also just too many coincidences that don't flow naturally in the story. The reveal of the arsonist left me scratching my head a little too and made me want to go back and reread earlier conversations. Not a terrible read, but a little on the clunky side.

A sadistic rapist is on the loose. Ellery is hoping to find out who it is. But, she is no longer a cop. She has to go to counseling because of the terrible tragedy that had happened to her. In her group therapy class is one of the rape victims and also a victim of a horrible fire that has taken a small child's life. Emersing herself self in trying to solve these crimes her life is nearly lost. Frankly, she doesn't care and is just looking for peace. Is death her only choice?
I enjoyed reading this novel. It has surprises all the way through. Culminating with an ending that will knock your socks off!! Strongly recommend reading.

Schaffenhausen tops The Vanishing Season with a finely crafted follow-up thriller. This will keep you turning the pages and wanting more of the main character!

No Mercy is the second book in the Ellery Hathaway series written by author Joanna Schaffhausen. I'm really looking forward to the next book. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press-Minotaur Books for the advance copy.