3.5 stars. Thoroughly enjoyed. Interesting mystery, great characters. A little too much going on and kinda slow at times, but absolutely was a great read.

"Home at Night" is a mystery/suspense novel. It's the 5th book in a series. You don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this novel didn't spoil the whodunit of the previous novels.

The characters were engaging, complex, and acted in realistic ways. Mercy and her talented service dog and U.S. Game Warden Troy Warner and his search and rescue dog tracked down clues, asked good questions, and pieced together what was going on. The suspense remained high as someone--or maybe more than one person--was attacking and killing people as Mercy looked for a possible, hidden literary treasure that would be worth much and reveal secrets.

There was no to occasional use of bad language (I didn't keep track this time, but I do know it was minimal). There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this novel to people who enjoy canine mysteries and suspense.

How have I missed this series? As someone who was owned by a Belgian shepherd for nearly 16 years (although he was a different variety….more a herder than a protection type) I was immediately drawn in to the book by the super intelligent and responsive Elvis, a Belgian Malinois. The depiction of the breed was spot on, and the interaction between human and dog rang completely true. Throw in beautiful rural Vermont at Halloween, great characters, ghosts, poachers, and a mystery involving an old house needing a new lease on life, and plenty of plot twists, and you have a wonderful book with atmospheric descriptions that set the scenes beautifully.
This book can definitely be read as a stand alone, Mercy and Troys’ past and relationship are quickly recapped, you can feel their emotional connection through the writing. I loved the spooky old house with hidden mysteries, the various quotes about the meaning of home at each chapters start, the conservation work done by Troy, and the history.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martina’s Press for an advance copy, I’ll be reading the first 4 soon.

Newly married Mercy is thrilled when her dream home comes up for sale. What could be better than the dilapidated 150 year old former home of her favorite poet? Discovering a home library full of leather-bound books makes it perfect - except for the man’s body lying in the previously locked room.

Munier’s fifth Mercy Carr mystery celebrates the glory of fall in Vermont as well as weaving Halloween traditions into clues for a fun mystery. I enjoyed the quotes about home that started each chapter, and how nature, literature and family threads twined throughout. Of course dogs Elvis and Susie Bear add to the appeal. This is a terrific entry in the series, and can easily stand alone. Recommended.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

"Home at Night" by Paula Munier is a riveting mystery novel that masterfully blends elements of Halloween, haunted legends, hidden treasures, and danger. Set in the enchanting Vermont countryside, the story follows Mercy Carr, who finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and deceit as she ventures into Grackle Tree Farm, an alluring yet sinister place.

The book opens on a spooky note, with winter creeping in and the allure of Halloween festivities in the air. Mercy Carr, her two dogs, and a cat are crammed into her small cabin, leaving her yearning for more space. Her wish comes true when she discovers Grackle Tree Farm, a vast estate with a mysterious history and a haunted reputation. Despite its dark past, Mercy is irresistibly drawn to the place, even when her dog Elvis discovers a lifeless body in the library.

What follows is a roller-coaster of events that involve hidden treasure, cryptic codes, and murder. As the story unfolds, Munier weaves a complex plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The discovery of a coded letter on the victim opens up the possibility of a fortune buried somewhere on the property, adding an element of thrilling treasure hunting to the narrative.

Mercy's partnership with Captain Thrasher is central to the investigation, and their chemistry adds depth to the story. However, their hunt for the treasure takes a dangerous turn when they encounter a masked assailant, leading to a life-threatening confrontation. The subsequent events leave Mercy and her loyal dog Elvis injured, Captain Thrasher fighting for his life in the hospital, and the pursuit of justice becomes a race against time.

The strength of "Home at Night" lies in Munier's skillful storytelling. She expertly balances moments of tension, emotional depth, and surprising twists, making it a gripping page-turner. Her vivid descriptions of the Vermont setting, especially during Halloween, bring the story to life and immerse readers in the haunting atmosphere of Grackle Tree Farm.

Mercy Carr is a compelling protagonist. Her determination to uncover the truth, coupled with her compassion for animals and loyalty to her friends, makes her a relatable and admirable character. The supporting cast, including her partner Troy and the dogs, contribute to the heartwarming and engaging dynamics throughout the story.

The novel also delves into the theme of greed, as the pursuit of the hidden treasure brings out the worst in people, leading some to commit heinous acts. This exploration of human nature adds depth to the narrative and keeps readers questioning the motives of every character involved.

Although the book excels in storytelling and character development, at times, the pacing may seem slightly uneven. Some sections of the story move at a rapid pace, while others are more reflective, which might not suit all readers' tastes.

In conclusion, "Home at Night" by Paula Munier is a thrilling mystery that seamlessly combines the allure of Halloween, the chill of haunted legends, and the excitement of treasure hunting. With its well-crafted plot, engaging characters, and atmospheric setting, the book is a must-read for mystery enthusiasts. Paula Munier has once again proven herself as a talented storyteller, and readers will find themselves eagerly turning the pages until the satisfying and unexpected conclusion.

Newlyweds Troy and Mercy are house hunting at Grackle Tree Farm where they discover a body. Part of a series, if I hadn’t read the other books it could still be a standalone, and you don’t miss a thing.

Another phenomenal Mercy Carr whodunit! I highly enjoyed this mystery and I know that the Mercy Carr series is an auto read for me. I will be placing this on my book club to read list and will be recommending this series for fans of traditional mysteries!

Home at Night is an enjoyable read, filled with numerous twists and turns, a few chilling murders, an abundance of mystery, and even the possibility of encountering a ghost. I look forward to reading more in this series.

Home At Night is the latest Mercy Carr mystery. Mercy is now married to Troy( in the last book) and their little cabin is running short on space. They need a bigger space and Grackle Tree Farm is coming up for sale. The former home of Mercy’s favorite poet and reportedly haunted, Mercy and Troy love the old Victorian home and the thirty acres that surrounds it. Tripping over a dead body while touring the estate doesn’t keep Mercy from placing an offer on the house. With her flair for solving mysteries, Mercy investigates the murder and all the secrets that the house holds that have a killer on the loose. Full of dramatic poets, mystical druids, treasure hunters, and poachers, the story sends Mercy on a wild, danger filled ride right in time for Halloween and witchy season. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

A very good suspenseful and thrilling mystery of murder and mayhem centered around Halloween. Mercy and Troy set out to buy a Victorian house, a local legend with ghosts included in the sale. Upon going through the house with the real estate agent, they find a dead man in the library. Naturally, Mercy cannot sit by and let law enforcement solve the mystery without her help. The book has plenty of suspense, twists and turns that kept me captivated. I loved the Halloween theme and highly recommend it!

This might have been my favorite book so far in the series. Mercy gets involved in a mystery when she goes to look at a house for her and Troy and the gang. She finds a dead man.

Thus begins an interesting mystery focused on a famous dead poet whose family estate owns the house they wish to buy and brings druids, poachers, more dead people, shot people and a little romance into the mix. I love the characters and that includes all those in Mercy's circle. She is the hub and there are not mysteries that she cannot solve. Her and her sidekick, Elvis.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur books for the early read.

This entry to one of my favorite series seemed rather inspired, full of prose, quotables, and down home philosophy.

The plot is a good one and there is a lot going on. The doggies have an active part—love Elvis and Suzy Bear!

Also loved the atmospherics. The author knows how to weave in the suspense, the unknown. Builds up tension and multiplies interest in the characters, who are engaging, both human and animal. The farm sounded so neat I wanted a tour.

There are pushes into the poetry world I’d have never considered otherwise. Romance language interwoven as easily as English.

“The ghosts that stalk us are the secrets we cannot keep, the trespasses we cannot forgive, the truths we cannot bury.”

I really liked the progress that Mercy and Troy made this time and can’t wait to discover what’s next. Never hurts to catch up on Elvis either. He is an awesome canine character, as is Suzy Bear, both so different yet so competent in their separate roles.

Well paced, great characters, good mystery. 4.5 stars

PAULA MUNIER
Home at Night: A Mercy Carr mystery

In this, the fifth book of the Mercy Carr and Troy mystery series, opens with the newlyweds trying to find a house large enough for a family. Mercy has always loved the local haunted house, Grackle Farm, a 30-acre estate with a slightly rundown Victorian that had belonged to a famous poet. When it comes up for sale, the couple decides to make an offer. But apparently there are secrets hidden somewhere on the estate, and someone wants them—no matter who they have to kill.

What I like. The dogs: Mercy’s Belgian Malinois (Elvis) that she brought home from the war in Afghanistan. Both she and the dog have suffered from PTSD. Troy’s very large Newfoundland (Susie Bear) who is invaluable in search and rescue and helps with Troy’s game warden duties.

The family: Especially Mercy’s grandmother. Also the young mother who lives with Mercy.

The setting: Vermont at Halloween.

Specific to this story: The interaction with Troy’s boss, Captain Thrasher, and working through mystery. And always, the part the dogs play.

What slowed the story for me: The plot seemed a bit weak, maybe because I’m not a fan of poetry in general. Logically, it seemed odd all this searching was happening right at this time.

That said, I always enjoy Munier’s writing and her characters. Reading one of her stories is like having a good visit with friends.

The mere mention of Halloween, plus the sinister looking cover had me hooked. I learned that this is the fifth installment in this series, and I am going to read all the earlier ones, starting with the first one.

I cautiously watched for spoilers that would lessen the surprise element of finding out “whodunnit” in the earlier books, but I am confident that I shall enjoy reading earlier books with no spoilers in mind.

The characters are lovable, and I made friends with the good guys right away. That is important to me when reading…you have to like the protagonist(s)!

I found this book enjoyable and intriguing, and I read it quickly, as the writing is smooth, and the plot moves by twists and turns, and kept me amused and anxious to find the big reveal at the end.

Now I have to get the first 4 books in the series!

I highly recommend this book, especially to be read in October, before Halloween. Preorder it so you can get is on October 17, 2023.
Thank you, Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for making this book available for me to review and leave a review.

I received a free copy of, Home at Night, by Paula Munier, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 5 of the Mercy & Elvis Mysteries series. Mercy's house is crowded an she has always loved Gackle Tree Farm, she knows it haunted but that a plus to her not a minus. Elvis finds a dead body in the library, which intrigues instead of frightens Mercy. This is an enjoyable read with lots of twists and turns. I would be far more anxious and frightened if I were Mercy.

I get the feeling that this isn't the first book in this series, but it reads well as a stand-alone. The characters come to life and have such rich personalities. The setting of Halloween at a neglected haunted farm adds an otherworldly vibe to the goings-on during their holiday festivities. There are many groups (Druids, authors, historical, nature conservation, hunters) all at play, and that makes for high adventure since there is some character or group doing something at all times. When a man is found dead in a locked room of a haunted farmhouse, any of the groups could be the cause ... but who has the strongest motive? This is a high action ride through what is really Mercy and Troy looking for a bigger place to call home. Nothing simple about this story, but it was entertaining and engaging from the start!

Home at Night is a twisty turning tale full of mystery, intrigue, murder, and romance.. If you love literature, animals, and and a good DIY then this book is going to be a treat! This was the first Paula Munier book I have read, but it definitely won’t be the last!

Great story-I had never read a Mercy Carr novel but now I want to go back and find the series. Entertaining story line that keeps the action moving throughout. Enjoyed the story although the heroine tends jump into situations ill prepared and should know better. Descriptions are lovely and give vivd pictures of places and areas. Would recommend for a bit of light humor and reading.

Another great mystery for Mercy and Elvis along with Troy and Susie Bear to solve. They go to look at an older house for sale and stumble on a dead body. Who is the man and what was he looking for in the library? There are clues to it that only Mercy can solve if she can only stay out of the hospital due to injuries she gets investigating. Then, we add in poachers that Troy and his boss are looking to stop. It is a creative and complex mystery story. The usual cast of characters are there to support Mercy and Troy as well as add chaos and levity to the story. A special surprise is added that makes you wonder what the future will hold for their family.

I have loved all the books in this series but this one was my least favorite. Too much about poetry. It just seems like it took me a long time to read. I still look forward to the next book to catch up with Mercy, Troy and their dogs.