Mercy Gunderson isn't sure she's cut out for being an agent in the FBI. Learning riot procedures in the middle of South Dakota doesn't seem like the best use of her time, but procedures are procedures and Mercy's trainer Special Agent Shay Turnbull is nothing if not a gung-ho fed. When seventeen-year old Arlette Shooting Star is found staked through the heart, Mercy begins to wish for orientation because Arlette is just the first. With the body count rising, and possibly going back years, Mercy must find the killer before he can strike again—this time closer to home.

MERCILESS by Lori Armstrong is the third book featuring the amazing Mercy Gunderson. Armstrong delves into the darkest corners of the heart and begs the question—is duty stronger than love? Mercy's complex nature allows us to see how important both core beliefs are to her. As an Army Sniper, she's trained to follow orders without question, to trust in the chain of command and the justice of her actions. She spent years never allowing anyone close to her, but now that she's out of the military, she's trying to open herself up to building a lasting relationship with Sherriff Mason Dawson and his son Lex. Mercy drives the story with complex emotions, insight, and humor. I love the evolution and growth of her character not only in MERCILESS but throughout the series. She's a character worth following.

I love Mercy and Dawson's relationship. They're equals in every aspect because at the base of their relationship is respect. They're still learning to trust each other and their feelings. Mercy holds herself at a distance as protection. She's not willing to confide all her secrets to Mason and I can't say that I blame her, not because he isn't trustworthy but because Mercy is a character whose real fear lies in her 'true' nature. Her ability to kill and feel justified makes her question herself and her ability to love and be loved without reserve. Also, the very nature of their jobs comes between them as Mercy must keep information from Mason about the murders. When another victim is found in Mason's jurisdiction, the work lives they've tried to separate collide with their personal relationship.

Secrets linger between Mercy and Dawson, and secrets are a large part of what makes this story suspenseful. The inner workings of a small community allow the tension between Mercy, Mason, and the murder investigation to twist tighter. Everyone is hiding something and no one wants their secret revealed. The over-lapping secrets, the complex relationships of families, and Mercy's relentless personality make MERCILESS by Lori Armstrong a thrilling novel. I highly recommend this series.