No Mercy: A Mystery

Mercy Gunderson, Book 1

By: Lori Armstrong

Narrated by: Jennifer Van Dyck

Mercy Gunderson is a straight shooter with a hard edge. On medical leave from the Army, she returns home to South Dakota, which isn't much safer for her than Iraq. Arriving just after the death of her father, it is up to Mercy to decide what to do with the family ranch. Trying to deal with her irresponsible sister and nephew, while silently coping with her own guilt, Mercy is suddenly pulled into the local community when the body of a Native American boy is found on her land. But nobody seems to be doing anything about it, especially not the local law enforcement.

When tragedy strikes again, Mercy is ready to throw all her energy into her own investigation, and she's out for revenge. As she digs up the truth behind the shocking crimes, Mercy uncovers dark and dangerous secrets and must race to stop a killer before everything she's fought for is destroyed forever.

©2010 Lori Armstrong (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

No Mercy

This is my first Lori Armstrong book. Jennifer Van Dyck did a good job narrating the story. Mercy is a army women sniper who was wounded and has returned home on leave due to her Father's death. Her nephew is murdered and the family look to her for help as their Father was the local sheriff before his death. Was a fast paced story set in South Dakota ranch country next to the Indian Rez. Lots of general information about the site of the story. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Great story, lousy narration

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I quit listening after one chapter - but I enjoyed READING the book immensely. Definitely should have listened to the sample first.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Terrific plot and story - will be reading the entire series, just not planning on listening to it.

What didn’t you like about Jennifer Van Dyck’s performance?

This narrator's sort of "breathless" reading style wears thin real fast. I found it to be unlistenable after only one chapter.

Do you think No Mercy: A Mystery needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

There are several books in this series, which is terrific - I would be open to listening again, as long as someone else is narrating.

Blood, Misfortune and Revenge

Loved the heritage and things that most South Dakotans will appreciate if not recognize. Armstrong's writing it a mesh between action and sensuality. There are romantic tones that did feel stressed at times, but flowed well into the nature of her main character.

Enjoyable!

I purchased this because I love the books this author writes as Lorelei James, and I am glad I gave it a try as it is nothing like the others books I've read. The story wasn't very fast but it fit perfectly with the slow paced country life the characters live. Mercy Gunderson is a little rough around the edges but I liked that about her. Jennifer Van Dyck did a great job narrating. I will be purchasing the next book in this series.

Wish I hadn't.....

I don't remember what genre this book was listed in, but it should be under romance because the majority of the writing is about the love interests. Very little attention was given to developing a good mystery. The characters were one dimensional and predictable, the plot line not at all suspenseful. I could not wait for it to end and considered abandoning it numerous times. The narrator tried to make it into a good listen, but was saddled with some pitiful prose. Don't download this unless you're looking for a stereotypical story about a fiercely independent woman who returns to her childhood home after many years away and falls for the sheriff who is as stubborn as she is.

Too many details get in the way.

What disappointed you about No Mercy: A Mystery?

Too many details describing every single detail of surroundings. Almost to the point that you forget what the real story is.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Plot good... took way too long "to get to it."