This 14th in the series takes Mercy and Adam to Montana to recover a magic harp a frost giant blames her half brother for stealing.

They head to the Looking Glass Hot Springs dude ranch, where the giant cannot follow.

They find a lot of fey folk and a maelstrom of magic and danger.

*Fiasco* by Constance Fay is an engaging and dramatic exploration of personal turmoil and the consequences of poor decisions. The story centers around characters whose lives spiral out of control, each facing the fallout of their actions. Fay's writing is sharp and raw, capturing the emotional depth and complexity of her characters. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers hooked as they witness the characters' unraveling. Themes of redemption, failure, and self-realization are thoughtfully explored. *Fiasco* is a compelling read for those who enjoy character-driven stories that delve into human flaws and the messy realities of life.

This is classic Patricia Briggs, and anyone who has read the rest of the Mercy series will be right at home here. I appreciated the slight mystery. I'm not so sure about the winter theme, only because it feels like Patty is responding to writing prompts: write a Halloween book, write a winter book, etc. I liked the winter book more than the Halloween book, though. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who hasn't read the rest of the series.

As a long fan of Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson series, this book is my least favorite of the series.

The multiple POVs did not work here. The different stories were unnecessary and impacted the pacing. This installment should have been a novella or even an anthology of stories. There is too much filler and repetitive, overly detailed explanations. No one is jumping into book 14 without any Mercy Thompson history. At this point, the grander series plot needs a goal with new developments.

As for a personal peeve, the internal monologue of Adam not liking any politicians since John McCain is jarring. Books are inherently political, but real-world references when I am reading about werewolves takes me out of the story. I want an author to show me politics through storytelling (as Briggs has done previously in the series) and this was a lazy reference. I had to put the book aside for awhile and nearly wish I hadn’t picked it up again. I hope the next book will feel purposeful and better planned. I’m not ready to give up on Mercy Thompson yet.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

One does not simply just pick up a Mercy Thompson Novel unless they are ready to consume it in one sitting. And that is what I did yesterday. I love this series and how the dynamics and chain of events it always fresh and full of surprises. This latest installment was pure magic I absolutely was thrilled to have Norse gods involved. It was nice to see more of some of the more side characters like Sherman, Mary Jo, and Gary. I'm glad that we are getting to know them all a little more as time moves on. I was really excited when they got to the lodge. I think that is when the story really hit its full momentum. It's hard to say a lot without giving anything away but what a ride! And the wedding? Superb!! I cannot wait to see what is in store next for Mercy, Adam and the rest of the paranormal creatures that I have come to absolutely love.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to be able to read and review this book!

One of the best covers of this year. Such a beautifully woven story. I loved it!

Another delightful read in the Mercy series! After her brother shows up cursed and speaking gibberish, Mercy heads north with Adam to figure out how to cure him, right into the heart of a winter storm. There's some private detective work, a bit of wedding crashing, and a surprising amount of Norse mythology, but not much in terms of the overarching plot, except some intriguing foreshadowing. It reads as a kind of locked-room mystery, which I enjoyed.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Reading Copy.

Rating: 4.5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

I received this book then I saw that it was book number 14, and I have never read this series and seriously why did it take me this long. Over these past few months, I have been reading the series so I could dive into this book and wow. I am so happy that I did because, yes you can read this book as a standalone, but reading the other books gives you so much more information that you wouldn’t necessarily think is important, but it is.

I really enjoyed that this book really does focus more on Adams and Mercys relationship, you will see them solve what is causing the mayhem now for them. Will it be another Fae creature, or another vampire, or even another wolf pack? All I will tell you is that it has to deal with Norse Pagan Gods this time and I loved it so much. I loved the twists and turns that Briggs takes you on, she has you questioning who or what is doing this. She also leaves hints and clues throughout the book as well. I loved that Briggs knows how to write a paranormal romance with action, drama, mystery/suspense and of course romance. I loved that we got to dive more into their relationship to see how strong and connected they were, I loved getting to see their growth as characters and in their relationship.

Mercy is a strong female character that was already well developed from the first book, but you can see that she was still healing herself, but once she understood her feelings for Adam she really started to grow more and more. I loved seeing how she handled what happened in the past books and to see that she is still strong but still scared at the same time. That made her real to me, someone I could connect/relate to too. I found Adam to be the perfect mate in this book, he was there for her when she didn’t even know that she needed him, he was supportive but still made sure that she handled things in her own time and that she would ask for help or comfort when she needed it.

I really can’t wait to see what book 15 will bring us and what other magical creatures we will get to meet.

I want to thank NetGalley and Berkley Pub for the opportunity to review this book.

Mercy is still recovering from her interaction with the Soul Taker. When Mercy's half-brother shows up to her house unable to communicate, she travels with Adam to Montana to get answers from a frost giant. An otherworldly winter storm causes Mercy and Adam to become trapped at a resort with strangers. Can Mercy find a missing lyre so that the curse on her brother can be broken? Will she ever find relief from the effects of the Soul Taker?

I love everything about the world that Patricia Briggs has created. I was happy that this book featured several solo scenes of Adam and Mercy. They are usually busy with pack and family drama, but the reader is able to see how they have grown as a couple. I don't know why I was expecting Anna and Charles to appear in this book, but I was disappointed that they did not make an appearance. I can't wait to read more about Mercy and Adam with the next book in the series.

I’ve been a fan of the Mercy Thompson series for over a decade and always look forward to the next book. Winter Lost was a solid entry into the series. Briggs is a master at weaving folktales into modern stories. I enjoyed the interludes—I hope this is a method she uses in future books. A solid five stars from me.

From the shelves

Through spring and summer, we now fall into reading


By Tom Mayer
tmayer@cullmantimes.com

So many books, so little time, so … let’s get to it. Here we offer two dozen titles that I’ve picked and plucked from the … more than a few dozen … I receive from publishers each year. From the best nonfiction (and a journey through history with Pope Francis), children’s fiction (just try to resist a story with the title, “Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week”) and fiction from acknowledged masters to masters-in-the-making, this list isn’t exhaustive — somewhere north of 1 million books are published each year — but I’m betting you’ll find more than few titles listed here to ignite your fall reading.

“Ferris” (Candlewick) by Kate DiCamillo: Introduce a ghost and a family of warring raccoons into Ferris Wilkey’s summer before fifth grade and it becomes a season of sheer pandemonium. As always, DiCamillo's writing shines with warmth and empathy.

“After Annie” (Random House) by Anna Quindlen: A poignant story of loss and the long road to healing following the death of Annie Bowen as her husband, children and closest friend are left to understand and repair the chasms left in their own lives and addictions. The novel is a beautiful exploration of love, grief and resilience.

“The Number One Lawyer” (Little, Brown and Company) by James Patterson and Nancy Allen: The authors team for a fast-paced legal thriller about a top lawyer who becomes a top murder suspect following the death of his wife. The novel is a gripping page-turner filled with unexpected twists and turns.

“Life: My Story Through History” (HarperOne) by Pope Francis, translated by Aubrey Botsford: Pope Francis shares his personal journey intertwined with pivotal moments in modern history, offering insights into his faith and leadership. This memoir is a deeply reflective and inspirational account of a life dedicated to service.

“Friends in Napa” (Mindy’s Book Studio) by Stella Yasmin Marikar with an introduction by Mindy Kaling: Marikar’s novel is a delightful exploration of friendship and wine in California's Napa Valley, where six old friends reunite to navigate life’s complexities … and the illusion of friendship. The story is filled with warmth, humor and a touch of nostalgia.

“Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week” (Peachtree) by Sarah L. Thomson, illustrated by Vin Vogel: Thomson presents a heartwarming tale of friendship, adventure and Otto the dog that turns two soon-to-be friends' world upside down. Those who loved “The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking” will relish this new tale.

“For Worse” (Blackstone Publishing, paperback) by L.K. Bowen: This dark thriller puts readers into intricate plots of marital revenge as Ellie tries to, again, leave her seemingly picture-perfect married life. A tale about a psychologically abusive, manipulative and cruel marriage keeps readers on the edge.

“The Forgetters” (Heyday) by Greg Sarris: Sarris delivers a compelling tale of memory and identity, as two crow sisters, Question Woman and Answer Woman, must work in tandem to recount the journeys of the Forgetters. The novel, told in the style of Southern Pomo and Coast Miwok creation stories, is a profound meditation on the power of storytelling.

“Lost to Dune Road” (Thomas & Mercer, paperback) by Kara Thomas: Pulled back into an unsolved murder after a mistake ruined her reporting career, Lee Ellerin finds a chance for redemption in finding the killer. Thomas weaves a tale of secrets buried along a road to vindication. The story is a haunting exploration of the past's grip on the present.

“Pictures of Time” (Silver Street Media, large format) by David Alexander with graphic design by Tommy Steele: A tale of time is told through photographs as the book explores how art and science converge and cross. The book is rich with vivid descriptions and thought-provoking themes.

“Murder on Demand” (Blackstone Publishing) by Al Roker and Matt Costello: Book 4 in Roker’s The Morning Show Murders series takes place a decade after Billy Blessing’s adventure in Chicago. Much has changed for Blessing in the past 10 years, but when a woman walks into his life talking about murder, things start to seem very familiar. The novel is a clever, fast-paced thriller with a bookish twist.

“Matterhorn” (Mac Dekker Book 1) by Christopher Reich: Mac Dekker is living in an Alpine village, trying to put his past in the past — until he learns that his son, following in his footsteps, was killed in the Alps. Reich crafts a tense military thriller set against the backdrop of a high-stakes mission. The novel is packed with action, suspense and geopolitical intrigue.

“The Hunter’s Daughter” (Berkley, paperback) by Nicola Solvinic: Suppressed childhood memories return after Lt. Anna Koray kills a man in the line of duty. The novel is a haunting exploration of family as a serial killer emerges — and one who is both copying her father and seems to know way too much about her.

“The House That Horror Built” (Berkley, paperback) by Christina Henry: House cleaner Harry Adams tries to do her job, keep her head low and safeguard the employment she need to support her son. She maintains all of that until she hears noises from behind a locked door that sound like a human cry for help. The story is a spine-chilling mix of gothic horror and psychological suspense.

“In Our Stars” (The Doomed Earth Duology) (Ace) by Jack Campbell: Campbell’s space opera is an epic tale of love, loss, and interstellar conflict. The novel is a sweeping adventure that explores the human spirit's resilience in the vastness of space as the genetically engineered — and ostracized because of it — Lt. Selene Genji is thrust four decades into the past with a chance to save Earth from the annihilation she witnessed in her present time.

“Freeset” (The Four Cities Series Book 3) (Blackstone) by Sarina Dahlan: This sequel to “Reset” (“Preset” was the first in the series) continues the thrilling saga of a group of Dreamers fighting to find each other after Tabula Rosa — the process that wipes citizens’ memories every four years. The story is built on a foundation of family and hope … and fragile trusts.

“Camino Ghosts” (Doubleday) by John Grisham: The best of the Camino Island series to date (“Camino Island” and “Camino Winds” preceded), Grisham’s latest legal drama follows a seasoned lawyer on a quest for justice in a small coastal town. The justice here is social as the sole descendent of a community of runaway Black slaves must save a haunted island, and her heritage, from the hands and wallets of developers. The novel is a gripping exploration of corruption and redemption.

“Lake County” (Thomas & Mercer, paperback) by Lori Roy: Reimagining the life of Marilyn Monroe, aka Aunt Jean, involves a niece and her boyfriend, who also happens to be part of the illegal bolita he’s running on mob lands. When he’s forced to make a deal that could save both of their lives, worlds are altered in an atmospheric 1950s setting from the Edgar Award-winning Roy.

“Serendipity” (Dutton, paperback) by Becky Chalsen: Chalsen weaves a heartwarming tale of unexpected love and second chances set in the charming backdrop of a seaside town. The novel is a delightful mix of romance, humor and serendipitous moments as Maggie reconnects with her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend. In a summer share house named Serendipity, Maggie, with the help of her friends, will try to get her life back on track — if she can avoid the drama running on the rails.

“Shelterwood” (Ballantine Books) by Lisa Wingate: Exploring a centuries-old legacy of missing child cases, Wingate’s novel tells the story of a long-hidden burial site in the newly minted Horsethief Trail National Park. When a ranger’s quest for justice unearths more than the burials from a century ago, the book becomes a poignant exploration of memory, loss and the story of children abandoned by the law.

“The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra Needle” (Holiday House) by Dan Gutman: Gutman’s novel is a playful retelling of Cleopatra’s life, with a humorous twist that reimagines history: Could Central Park’s Cleopatra’s Needle have been built by thousands of people in 1461 BCE? The story is a fun and educational romp through the ancient world.

“Jackpot Summer” (Penguin) by Elysa Friedland: Born into a frugal family, the four Jacobson siblings have nonetheless made a mess of their adult financial lives. Whiles one declines to partake, the other three buy a (winning) Powerball ticket and soon find their lives really spiraling out of control. The story is a suspenseful exploration of greed, family, fate and drama.

“The Helper” (Blackstone) by M.M. Dewil: Written by a former monk from North India who is today an award-winning Hollywood director and director, Dewil’s novel is laced with lies, deceit, revenge and how one woman struggles to earn her own piece of the American Dream. The debut is a testament to the author’s biting wit and satirical commentary.

“Winter Lost” (Mercy Thompson, book 14) (Ace) by Patricia Briggs: Ancient and arcane magics are at work, as is Mercy Thompson Hauptman’s mate, a werewolf protector of the Tri-Cities of Washington State, and her brother, Adam, who needs a helping hand in Montana. “Winter Lost” is the 14th segment of this best-selling, highly rated urban fantasy series.

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I have to admit, it's been a minute since I read the entire Mercy Thompson library of books, and there are quite a few - so I know I did not remember details as well as I could have if it was all fresher in my mind. That said, Mercy and Adam are always awesome to visit, and Winter Lost was creative and different from others in the series - which is a good thing! Series get old and stagnant for me when they're the same general plot and format repeated over and over again, and this has never been a problem for Briggs. Loved this installment of the series, and didn't see that twist coming!

The Mercy Thompson never gets old. With 14 books and an on going series readers my think the plots and series story arch would get stale, but we are always learning something in this world and when Coyote is involved. Readers will leave satisfied at book's end but eagerly the next in the series. Readers will get lost in the world of Briggs created, and will never want to leave unlike Underhill.

Details: Mercy and Adams balanced and realistic relationship is refreshing. One would be hard pressed to believe there are no issues after "years" together. The supporting characters are enjoyable and their storylines are fresh with every new release. Weaving folklore, myth, and paranormal with realism in a believable and seamless way is an incredible feat.

Gate crashing a holiday wedding in the wilds of Montana during a magic-induced snow storm created by Norse god, Mercy and Adam must once again save the world. Patricia Briggs has once again and without surprise produced a rip-roaring Mercy Thompson adventure that makes one regret there is only one first-time read experience.



Winter Lost is the fourteenth installment of an amazing urban fantasy series that is a must-read in order.



Winter Lost is told predominantly from Mercy’s perspective, but happily has expanded on previous book’s style in that Adam gets a large chunk of the telling along with other familiar and brand new characters narrating. This gives a chance for a story that has past parts and multiple story threads with very little happening off page to the great reader fan’s satisfaction.



There is no mystery why I suggest this book be read in order. Part of the plot and character development is directly linked to the books that came before it. Mercy is suffering greatly after the Soultaker adventure and the vampire Lord of Night, Bonarata looms lethally over Mercy and then there is Jessie’s side plot of something interesting with Tad and the other big side plot of how the Columbia Basin Pack, top heavy with Alphas, has to work out the dynamics of working together to do the job of providing a supernatural haven in the Tri-Cities.



But, the new and exciting is Gary Laughing Dog, Mercy’s half-brother, landing on her door step needing her help and a fascinating new winter adventure with a dip into the realm of Fae meets Norse mythology. Mercy and Adam are up against the clock to find a magical artifact and the one who stole it before something worse than a Montana snow storm on steroids and monsters attacking out of the snow happens.



Again, I planned to take my time and savor Winter Lost, but the story is just too compelling and drove me to keep reading rapidly and lost to the world of real life around me. Fans will be deeply satisfied and to those who look at a series in double digits and hesitate? Worth it!

Patricia has been a longstanding author for me. Her books are always a hit! This latest Mercy book had me gripped from page one. Coyote out here yet again causing his mischief

Mercy Thompson Hauptman is the mate of Adam Hauptman, the Alpha of the Tri-Cities werewolf pack. She is a daughter of Coyote, the Native American avatar of Loki. Mercy and Adam head to Montana in an effort to help Mercy's brother, another of Coyote's offspring, who has been cursed by a frost giant, who believes he has stolen his harp. Mercy and Adam struggle through a supernaturally fueled blizzard to arrive a a remote lodge, no cell service, not sat phone service and a lot of snow. They discover a wedding party that is actually a supernatural union that must be performed in order to delay the beginning of Ragnarok, the Scandinavian version of the Apocalypse. Lots of action, as always and some very interesting Norse lore. Always recommended.

The switching back and forth between narrators was sometimes confusing to me. Otherwise it was a good mystery. I love how Briggs incorporates old and sometimes barely remembered legends into her tales. Ragnorak was unusual and very well done.

WINTER LOST is book fourteen in the long running and popular ‘Mercy Thompson’ series by Patricia Briggs. The story builds off of the events in the previous book Soul Taken, but not so much that it can’t be read on its own. Here, Mercy is grappling with the wounds inflicted upon her soul and magic, while her loyal pack and friends stand by her side. When her cursed brother enters the picture, Mercy and Adam embark on a perilous journey to Montana, where they confront not only a killer storm but also a sinister force threatening to unleash chaos upon the world unless its demands are met.

One of the highlights of Winter Lost is the dynamic between Mercy and Adam. Their bond is as strong as ever, and following their adventures is always fun. Briggs seamlessly blends magic, action, and emotion, creating a narrative that is both captivating and immersive. Good story, even if the series as a whole is being to show some signs of wear. Recommended to pnr fans, and fans of the series.

Ms. Briggs is an amazing storyteller, with the ability to use words that help readers see it all very clearly and easily.

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=87125