Member Reviews
THRILLING police procedural with Kane & Jenna investigating the vicious murders of older women from their quilting club. Suspenseful in a great story line with a terrific finale.. RECOMMEND this & her entire series. D K Hood is an awesome author. Thanks to #NetGalley & #Bookouture for #Pray for Mercy in return for my honest review.
Pray for Mercy by D.K. Hood is the 14th in the Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputing Dave Kane series, and takes place in Black Rock Falls, Montana.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Former DEA, Jenna Alton is now the Sheriff in Black Rock Falls, Montana. Her past is a secret. Deputy David Kane's background is also a secret. He was a Special Forces sharpshooter, and a bodyguard to the President. They are now "an item", but keeping their relationship a secret. Then there is Forensic Scientist Shane Wolfe, who is not only a Medical Examiner with amazing computer skills, he used to be Kane’s handler. So, with a few other deputies, Jenna has a good team to handle crime in the small Black Rock Falls town, which seems to have more murders than a small town should.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
An elderly woman is murdered in her own home. Agnes Wagner was in her 80's.
Then Jolene Darvish is found dead in a car wreck along a mountain road. Jenna and Dave had talked to her yesterday, because someone in a GMC truck tried to run her off the road. She was also in her 80's -- and a friend of Agnes.
The team starts investigating links between the two women, and find quite a few. Other than their ages, they are both part of a quilting circle. They both live alone. They also both use the same contractors for repairs to their homes. They will not be the last elderly woman to die.
Meanwhile, Rio is having problems with his brother, who has gotten himself involved with an older woman. Rio himself is acting weird.
My Opinions:
Well, once more, the team is not good enough to solve their crime without calling in the FBI. I think Jo and Carter might as well just move to Black Rock Falls.
I have never held back my disdain for Jenna's weakness and Dave's over-bearing authority in these books, but I am starting to see a little more strength in Jenna, just not enough.
As well, I have always praised the plots of these books, and this was another good one, with a couple of twists. And although the big one had crossed my mind, it was a while before I was sure that I was right.
So, overall, these books are good solid mysteries, and I will continue reading them.
“What is wrong with this town?”
You know what Jenna? I really don’t know what is wrong with Black Rock Falls. It’s meant to be this quiet backwater town where two people can hide from the enemy and at every turn, there are psychopaths doing their upmost to make the town notorious! And this time, someone is bumping off elderly ladies!! What The Hell??!
Yes I’ve returned to my favourite location in Montana for another murder investigation with Kane, Alton and the team. but this killer is toying with the team, throwing them titbits to find the bodies left in remote locations. This killer has one helluva game plan to execute. My mind jumped through hoops as the investigation progressed, zipping from suspect to suspect. And the remoteness of each murder – that gave me the heebie jeebies!!
Hood has upped the ante with this one. Not only did I get into the guts of the investigation but I got to know the latest recruit Rio a bit better and also thrown into the mix is a minx trying to turn Kane’s head. Will she succeed? I was desperate to see how both Kane and Alton would deal both individually and together with this thorn in the proverbial.
I’ve loved this series from the start and I just can’t get enough of my trips to Montana. This book has left me with lots of questions so I’m waiting with baited breath for book 15(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Pray for Mercy is the fourteenth book in the police procedural series featuring Detectives David Kane and Jenna Alton. I picked up this series with Whisper in the Night (book 6) and I also thoroughly enjoyed books seven through to thirteen.
Set in Black Rock Falls, Montana, Sheriff Jenna Alton makes a very likeable detective. Jenna has a good team to handle crime in the small town, which has certainly seen more than its fair share of murders! Her deputy, David Kane is a former Special Forces marksman with exceptional profiling skills.
In this instalment, Agnes Wagner lies in a pool of blood, her body covered with stab wounds. A message has been scrawled on Jenna's home office door which is her only clue of the murderer's identity. When another elderly woman is found dead in a car on a quiet road it would seem that someone has a grudge against older ladies. But then one of Jenna's team, Rio is discovered with a victim's blood on him at another crime scene.
As I knew it would be, this novel was a well balanced, electrifying and solid police procedural that had me glued to the pages. I didn't want to put it down as I was desperate to know the outcome of the story. The tension snowballed as D.K. Hood launched at me some captivating misdirection. The writing flowed effortlessly and swiftly in a story rich in drama. I will be seeking out the first five instalments of this masterful series. A brilliant, compelling, pulse-pounding and very highly recommended crime-thriller.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Oh my days. Oh my days. Oh my days…
I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this book. I just had to know what was going to happen, but I did not expect anything as explosive as this!!! Eek.
I loved that in this book, it took until chapter 32 to reach inside the mind of said killer; however………..I could not have been more wrong. I need the next book now. I mean seriously! We have a case wide open, and I need a conclusion.
I loved how much was going on in this book with no idea how it would all link. These poor grandmas have been horrifically murdered. And then one of our own is found at the scene, excuse me, but oh my days!
This book was a sucker punch in so many ways. My emotions have been completely put through the wringer. I mean, how much can one person take and what I mean by that is me!! There is so much action, which I love, but equally, it was the edge of your seat stuff because I had no idea how this would all end. Too many times, my heart was in my throat!!!!
I love that Rio was a bit more in the forefront this time, as we witnessed him trying to be a brother and a father to the tearaway twins, causing more problems than it’s worth. Plus a new storyline for us to discover with Shane, too. Plus, newcomer Poppy, what an entrance she has made, and well, I am hoping we see her again soon!!! No more can be said.
The comradery with the team is one I love. They have each other’s back. Even Ty and Jo are extended to this, and I do love that they still get involved. I think it’s the personal moments I do love with this series throughout all the bleakness. It’s the quips with Ty and Jo; it’s the fondness with Jenna and Dave. The rare sacred moments with Rowley, Sally, and the twins. And the Papa bear ferocious protectiveness of Shane. All this makes them real to me.
I just adore this series, loving it from the start and after reading every one of them. I am never bored. I am entertained and put through an emotional rollercoaster each time, one where you are never sure what will happen when you get off. I love that we have more books coming, and I can’t wait to see where it all goes.
What a thrill ride! Jenna Alton and David Kane are hot on the trail again, relentless and unforgiving! I'm a huge fan of D.K. Hood's Kane and Alton and series. She knows just how far to take her readers knowing that we'll always come back for more!
Chills, thrills, ups and downs, unstoppable! Thank you #NetGalley for AC! I'm ready for more D.K. Hood!
Another complicated and riveting case for Jenna and David. Sheriff Jenna Alton survived years undercover and is now the Sheriff of Black Rock Falls, Montana. Her deputy, David Kane, is former military who could still be called to active duty upon orders from the Oval Office. When a message sends them to the home of an elderly woman, they find the woman savagely murdered and stuffed in a closet. Who could have done this to a helpless, elderly woman? When a second woman’s vehicle is forced over a cliff, is this a serial killer targeting the elderly? During the wide-ranging investigation, the duo deal with a new employee, personal issues affecting the lives of her close-knit family of deputies and a potential rock slide that may cost the life of one of their own. The killer is taunting them…how many will die before they are stopped? Jenna and David are used to danger and threats on their own lives, but as they wade through the evidence and suspects they learn that evil has no limit. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow! D. K. Hood never disappoints! This is book #14 in the Detectives Kane and Alton series. Of course, now Jenna Alton is Sheriff Jenna Alton of Black Rock Falls. This little snow-covered town has seen it's fair share of serial killers and psychopaths, but these killers have picked the wrong town to pick on. It may be a small town, but the police force is not your average small town police force (think former Navy Seal, FBI contacts, etc.) In this book someone is murdering the little old ladies of the quilting circle. Kane and Alton are stumped as to who would want to kill the harmless elderly church ladies of their community. The attacks are very up front and personal, but as usual not everything is as it seems. I absolutely love the characters in this series. You cannot forget Duke the beloved dog. He plays a very vital role in the book as well. The fear is well played and intensity is well controlled, but you will be on the edge of your seat at the end. The action really picks up at the end of the book. Suspense and intrigue are always present in this series. This is another win for D.K. Hood. I would highly recommend this book. Actually I would highly recommend that you read this entire series!
Agnes Wagner is discovered dead, brutally stabbed. Why would any one harm a defenseless old lady. Sheriff Jenna Alton and her team investigate. Then another old lady is killed. But the team still have no motive. When will the killing stop.
Another entertaining and well-written mystery. A good addition to the series with its varied and likeable characters.
I have read all the books in the series but this is the first time I got an inkling of the guilty party so early on.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A note on the Sheriffs office wall leads Sheriff Jenna and her deputy Dave to an elderly lady’s house – they find Agnes laying in a pool of blood. A very clean crime scene, a murderer that takes a shower and cleans up with bleach? As the team searches for the killer, an elderly woman is found in dead in ravine, she was a friend of Agnes and they were part of the same quilting group, who have the ladies in common, tradesmen, shopping, … And then another body, this time one of her team members is implicated. Who is killing these old ladies, why, and will they be able to end before they all die?
A new unexpected addition to the team arrives, and I am looking forward how that is going to play out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an early read
A big thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is the 14th in a series. It reads ok as a stand alone, but I think it would be best if you had some of the backstory and know some of the characters. This is a wild ride. For a small town, they sure have a lot of murders. A fast paced, what the heck will happen next feeling. 4 stars.
Another brilliant addition to this brilliant series. Number 14 and there’s no staleness creeping in like there are in so many other long running series. Of course there are multiple murders, and pies from Aunt Betty’s but somehow it’s all as fresh as the first one. Great development in the subplot with a great ending
Whilst many crime thrillers focus on the crime
This shares more about the team and how they spend their time.
There are family dramas, friendships and taking chances
As well as heartwarming romances.
The characters are shown as people who have a life
Away from their jobs and all its associated strife.
Making them feel like folks you may know
And making the books even more page turners as you go.
This time it is elderly ladies who're being killed
Leaving Jenna and her team with hearts that are chilled.
Why are these ladies being targeted - and by who?
Finding out is what Jenna and team are determined to do.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this chilling tale
And the ending had me smiling - it couldn't fail!
The author brings the events vividly to life so
The people and places feel like ones you know.
I can't wait to read more about Alton and Kane
And discover what happened to that new colleague who was a pain.
An intriguing crime thriller, such a great read,
Just what folks who enjoy this genre need!
What a great addition to this series of crime thrillers,
With totally unexpected serial killers.
I can never resist this author's books
And highly recommend you give them a good look!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
It is such a great read, this is my honest review.
Loved it! Love this couple! Love this town! Loved the gruesome scenario! Kane and Alton are a fantastic duo! I’ve loved every book in this series and they only get better and better.
What did I like? Book 14…. Doesn’t seem possible …but such an engrossing series. The slow burn between Kane and Alton is fantastic. Plus many of the characters also develop from book to book.
The publisher granted me an ARC to read and I voluntarily left a review!
Another brilliant book in the Kane and Alton series.
When an old lady is found with her throat slashed, Jenna has a feeling there’s more murders to come.
She’s absolutely right and calls on Jo and Carter to help.
It seems someone is killing off old ladies who live in remote locations but Jenna can’t work out why.
When Rio is found unconscious with a victim’s blood all over him, they know the killer is clever and is trying to play with them.
There’s a heart stopping moment when Kane and Alton come face to face with the killer and I’m still recovering!
I didn’t guess who the killer was but when it was revealed, it all clicked into place. This is a clever crime thriller which I really enjoyed.
I love this series and can’t wait for the next book.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
What is going on in Black Rock Falls????? Way too much if you ask Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy David Kane. Things start to get real when it looks like one of their own could be a suspect.
Why is there someone going around killing senior ladies? What is the motive?
Get ready for a suspenseful, chilling story.
The characters continue to be well developed and engaging.
I definitely recommend reading this series from the beginning. Having the backstory as to how all the characters became who they are is important to know.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
4.5 Stars
Writing scrawled on the wall of Sheriff Jenna Alton’s office overnight leads her and her deputy David Kane to a secluded house on the outskirts of town. Inside, Jenna is devastated to find a much-loved local resident lying in a pool of blood, stab wounds covering her lifeless body. With no trace of the killer at the scene, the deadly message written on Jenna’s door is her only clue. But as the small town grieves, it leads her to a contractor who recently had access to the woman’s home. She races to interview him, only to discover the wreck of a car on a steep mountain road with another dead woman inside. Jenna knows the victims were friends and regularly went to church together. But before she can make her next move, one of her own team is found unconscious and covered in the blood of a third female victim, a knife inches away from his hand.
Another well written book & the fourteenth book in the series, after so many books a series very often begins to pale but not this series, each new book is as fresh as the first & as Jenna & David feel like family I eagerly await each new outing. Another thrilling read which I devoured, there are plenty of twists, turns & of course red herrings as well as edge of the seat moments. An engrossing riveting read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
It certainly is never dull in Black Rock Falls. Kane and Alton slip away for one day and the bodies begin piling up. Who is offing the grannies? Elderly women keep being found in macabre demises. Alton and Kane have to call in their FBI friends.
I picked up on who the perks were as the clues weren’t that difficult to figure out. Poor Rio is put through the wringer in this book, but there’s a huge advance in Alton and Kate’s relationship. A new character emerges, only to not be around long. I hope the next book addresses this since I’m dying with curiosity.
I think Jenna and Dave deserve an uninterrupted vacation.
This is one of my favourite long running series. Jenna Alton and Dave Kane are two of the greatest characters I have read especially Dave.
The relationship between Jenna and Dave is one that is so strong and you can see so much in these characters that is noble and honourable.
Kane shows so much but also kind of scares me to a point as he seems to go from this sweet and innocent man and all of a sudden the switch is turned and he goes darkness incarnate.
The story itself is just like all the others top of the line. I don't think I have ever seen a bad story line in this series. This one is slightly harder to deal with as it deals a lot with elderly people and murders or attempted murders. It really brings it home as I see what a lot of these people live through daily.
Are the senior women in BlackRock Falls safe. A rash of attacks and murders has both Jenna and Dave trying to find out what happened as well as what they should do. The book is full of twists and turns but I love seeing the FBI back in the picture especially since they are such great help and I have really started to like Jo and Ty so much. Hoping to see a lot more of them maybe even a spin off series.
How this book made me feel was so glad that I found this super series. I love series but I find that most start to go downhill after a few books since there isn't much new to learn about the characters. This isn't the case with this series as I am still trying to figure out these characters even after 14 books.
I was so shocked by this book and was completely flabbergasted by the writing. You will have to read this book to really see what I am referring to. What a great book.
I really did not expect to enjoy this book as it is not a genre I normally read. What a wonderful surprise. I was definitely wrong and thoroughly enjoyed it. Although it is one of a series it is also a stand alone. I loved the people, the romance, the tension, the violence, the action, the scenery, the mystery. How much more do you need in a book? I am now thoroughly hooked and waiting to see where the next book takes us.