Dreadnought

Gutsy Mercy Lynch returns in this sequel to Boneshaker (2009), which begins with her working as a nurse in a Richmond hospital in a strangely extended American Civil War. Her husband has died as a Union POW, and now her father is dying in the Pacific Northwest. She sets out to reach his bedside, first by riverboat and then, from St. Louis onward, by rail. The locomotive Dreadnought is a character in its own right (which reflects the view of “high-tech” at that time), and Mercy also has to deal with hostile Indians, Union and Confederate guerrillas, just plain bandits, and some of her fellow passengers with designs on her virtue and everything else that is hers.

Without Mercy

As Detective Superintendent Hannah Bernstein of Special Branch lies recuperating in the hospital, a dark shadow from her and Dillon's past, scarred deep by hatred, steals across the room and finishes the job. Consumed by grief and rage, Dillon, Blake, Ferguson, and all who loved Hannah swear vengeance, no matter where it takes them. But they have no idea of the searing journey upon which they are about to embark-nor of the war that will change them all.

Without Mercy

Without Mercy really packs the punches and the adrenaline rush. I am a big fan of Lisa Jackson's and have read almost all of her books. I have to admit that it has been a little while since I have enjoyed myself reading one of her books, until now. The ending for this book leaves much to be desired. I know it is intentional as there will be a follow up book. I just finished this one and already am impatient for the next one. Julies is a fighter. She is the best big sister anyone could ask for. Shay turned out to be a huge surprise.

‘Oh, please, dear hunter, have mercy! If you will let me go, I’ll gladly wander away, far away into the wildwood and I’ll never come back again.’

“The huntsman was glad enough to help the sweet innocent girl, so he said, ‘Well, run away then, poor child, and may the beasts of the wood have mercy on you.’ As a token he brought back the heart of a wild boar, and the wicked Queen thought it was Snow White’s. She had it cooked and ate it, I am sorry to say, with salt and great relish.”