Dying for Mercy: A Novel of Suspense (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

At the start of bestseller Clark's smooth third Eliza Blake puzzler (after It Only Takes a Moment), the KEY to America TV host is looking forward to attending a party to celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi at Ennis and Valentina Wheelock's newly renovated villa in Tuxedo Park, N.Y. Soon after Ennis's suicide by stigmata in the villa's greenhouse puts an end to the party, someone begins killing anyone who knows too much about the Wheelocks' connection to a 20-year-old cold case involving an abandoned convertible and its missing owner, landscaper Martin O'Shaughnessy. Each murder mimics aspects of the Passion of Jesus Christ. As Eliza and her three KEY co-workers, who have dubbed themselves the Sunrise Suspense Society, swing into action, Eliza must fight to avoid becoming headline news herself as the killer's next victim. Those curious about Tuxedo Park will appreciate the well-researched portrait of the real-life exclusive community. (Aug.)
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Review

Clark's latest rivals Christie's best. Her short, to-the-point chapters, lucid prose, numerous suspects and faceless murderer's creepy monologues keep the suspense at its chilliest level - and move the story forward at a brisk clip. One of Clark's - and the genre's - best. (Associated Press )

smooth... Those curious about Tuxedo Park will appreciate the well-researched portrait of the real-life exclusive community (Publishers Weekly )

"Clark has perfected the suspense novel . . . in classic Christie fashion." (Booklist )

As always, Clark gives the reader a strong trail of red herrings. This is another satisfying look at the behind-the-scenes world of television network news tied around an intriguing puzzle (Booklist )

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow; 1 edition (July 28, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061286117
• ISBN-13: 978-0061286117
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #29,694 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clark's Best Thriller Yet, July 30, 2009

By	A Longtime Mystery Lover (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

Mary Jane Clark's latest, Dying for Mercy, is her most imaginative suspense novel yet. Beginning with a gruesome suicide, the story just gallops forward as Eliza Blake, Clark's savvy heroine, begins an investigation and soon comes across an intricate puzzle left behind by the dead man - a puzzle meant to expose the perpetrators of a long-forgotten crime. Eliza is joined by her KEY News colleagues, Annabelle Murphy, B.J. D'Elia and Margo Gonzalez - dubbed the Sunrise Suspense Society - and as each puzzle piece is unearthed, a killer is hiding in the shadows to make sure that a 20-year-old mystery never comes to light. Eliza's on-again, off-again romance with Mack McBride seems to be deepening, but as the killer closes in on Eliza, Mack becomes "collateral damage." The Associated Press review says it all: "As Agatha Christie did with her classic `And Then There Were None,' Clark . . . deftly combines the clue-searching and puzzle-solving fun of mysteries with the action-packed, emotion-driven narrative thrust of thrillers." This is a fast-moving and inspired tale that takes place in New York State's Tuxedo Park, a walled-in enclave for the rich and famous - and in Clark's latest, no amount of wealth or status can keep these pampered residents safe. The killer thinks that some puzzles probably shouldn't be solved, but Mary Jane Clark fuels this page-turner with enough puzzle-solving fun - and menace - that getting to the explosive finale is a nail-biting joyride!

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fast, fun mystery, July 30, 2009

By	Lunajumper (Virginia) - See all my reviews

I found this mystery to be very engrossing. The way the mystery was revealed bit by bit kept my interest going. I love a good puzzle, and the way that the mystery was laid out as a large puzzle/treasure hunt was very appealing. From the start, it was unclear even what sort of mystery we were dealing with, which made it all the more intriguing. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, and the Italy themes that were incorporated added a nice touch. Overall I really enjoyed this book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, August 21, 2009

By	Barb P (Columbus, Ohio) - See all my reviews

I have read all of Mary's books,and impatiently waited for my pre-ordered copy of Dying for Mercy. I found the book to be cryptic in many ways. I thought that the suicide was even more bizarre when I discovered his reasons for doing it. The puzzle and its pieces seemed contrived, and their discovery too coincidental. The links and relationship of the clues had to be explained because the reader could surmise nothing on his or her own. As I approached the last few chapters, I couldn't wait for the story to be over because it just didn't all come together for me. Not being familiar with the saga of Francis of Assisi also restricted my appreciation for the story.