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Mercy Watts Mysteries #3
Double Black Diamond
USA Today Bestselling author A.W. Hartoin brings you twisty mysteries and quirky characters in her first crime series. Her stories are filled with humor, friendship, family and more than a little murder.
Would you commit a crime to save a child?
Mercy Watts is off to Colorado for a ski trip with her boyfriend and his parents. She thinks her biggest problem will be pretending to be a normal girlfriend. A girlfriend that doesn't know how to pick locks and absolutely never gets her face on the national news. But a desperate friend asks a favor that cannot be refused. A child in St. Louis is in desperate need of a drug that can only be found in Colorado. The problem? It’s illegal in Missouri. The math works for Mercy and she figures she can fit a little smuggling in between trips up the lift and dips in the hot tub. Simple, right? Not quite. Before she has a chance to do much of anything, a brutal crime is committed and Mercy becomes a suspect. The cops are all over her and now she's saddled with a pint-sized partner, a stalker, and a ticking clock. All she has to do is solve a crime in order to commit a crime. A child's life hangs in the balance. No pressure.
Would you commit a crime to save a child?
Mercy Watts is off to Colorado for a ski trip with her boyfriend and his parents. She thinks her biggest problem will be pretending to be a normal girlfriend. A girlfriend that doesn't know how to pick locks and absolutely never gets her face on the national news. But a desperate friend asks a favor that cannot be refused. A child in St. Louis is in desperate need of a drug that can only be found in Colorado. The problem? It’s illegal in Missouri. The math works for Mercy and she figures she can fit a little smuggling in between trips up the lift and dips in the hot tub. Simple, right? Not quite. Before she has a chance to do much of anything, a brutal crime is committed and Mercy becomes a suspect. The cops are all over her and now she's saddled with a pint-sized partner, a stalker, and a ticking clock. All she has to do is solve a crime in order to commit a crime. A child's life hangs in the balance. No pressure.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2014
150 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
A.W. Hartoin
47 books230 followersUSA Today bestselling author A.W. Hartoin grew up in rural Missouri, but her grandmother lived in the Central West End area of St. Louis. The CWE fascinated her with its enormous houses, every one unique. She was sure there was a story behind each ornate door. Going to Grandma’s house was a treat and an adventure. As the only grandchild around for many years, A.W. spent her visits exploring the many rooms with their many secrets. That’s how Mercy Watts and the fairies of Whipplethorn came to be.
As an adult, A.W. Hartoin decided she needed a whole lot more life experience if she was going to write good characters so she joined the Air Force. It was the best education she could’ve hoped for. She met her husband and traveled the world, living in Alaska, Italy, and Germany before settling in Colorado for nearly eleven years. Now A.W. has returned to Germany and lives in picturesque Waldenbuch with her family and two spoiled cats, who absolutely believe they should be allowed to escape and roam the village freely.
As an adult, A.W. Hartoin decided she needed a whole lot more life experience if she was going to write good characters so she joined the Air Force. It was the best education she could’ve hoped for. She met her husband and traveled the world, living in Alaska, Italy, and Germany before settling in Colorado for nearly eleven years. Now A.W. has returned to Germany and lives in picturesque Waldenbuch with her family and two spoiled cats, who absolutely believe they should be allowed to escape and roam the village freely.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 12, 2014
Another GREAT Mercy Watts novel! Book 3
In the third book of the Mercy Watts Series we join Mercy as she is caring for the aunts, trying to solve a family mystery all while she is suppose to be packing for a ski trip with her boyfriend, Pete, and his parent's. Pete has neglicted to tell his parents any of the many things which make Mercy not a unique woman even though she has been on the. news, on you-tube and in newspapers. This has Mercy on edge and now she has a been ask to return with a package for a terminally ill child, one which is crucial in his care, but is also illegal. With Mercy things just don't go smoothly regardless of her best planning.
A.W. Hartoin, author of this series, has again brought us an inventive plot with interesting, exciting new characters. The mystery she weaves is a masterpiece. Intrigue. Suspense. Who done it? We have it all. And it seems to change continually. This cast was so 'in their own world' our sleuth had quite a challenge unraveling the result of their fears and actions from decades ago as they were so entwined around new fears, new dreams, long sought revenge and the competitiveness, even greediness, which matched that of years gone by. In playing this out Hartoin takes the reader on a bit of a rollercoaster ride leaving us dazed and finding it difficult to grasp the direction of our story. That is remedied and we are set back on course with an exciting, unexpected ending.
Aaron was another of Hartoin's ingenious characters who has been with us as Mercy's shadow. His eccentric ways and his character are entertaining. He is just around too much and the idea of him being able to walk into a restaurant kitchen sight unseen and start cooking is a stretch.
The setting of this book is a ski town. Hartoin painted a vivid picture transporting the reader to the busy ski town covered in snow. Not only do we see the sidewalks, the touristwith their cameras, the giftshops, we hear the sound and feel the brisk air. Hartion's writing does this with such ease it never sounds forced.
The heartbeat of this series is Mercy's antics, suspense and the mystery. We fell in love with Mercy's character from the beginning of book one. We see her as a woman deserving of respect. This book being a trip with Pete and his family would have been good time for relationship definition. Without saying too much and spoiling it for those who have not read, I will just say the Mercy we have come to love would not accept Pete's behaviour or his excuses.
I highly recommend any of A.W. Hartoin's books. Her original flavor and zesty plot will not disappoint and you will have extended you circle of friends as you get to know her characters.
I am hoping for book 4 - what will Mercy get herself into next?
In the third book of the Mercy Watts Series we join Mercy as she is caring for the aunts, trying to solve a family mystery all while she is suppose to be packing for a ski trip with her boyfriend, Pete, and his parent's. Pete has neglicted to tell his parents any of the many things which make Mercy not a unique woman even though she has been on the. news, on you-tube and in newspapers. This has Mercy on edge and now she has a been ask to return with a package for a terminally ill child, one which is crucial in his care, but is also illegal. With Mercy things just don't go smoothly regardless of her best planning.
A.W. Hartoin, author of this series, has again brought us an inventive plot with interesting, exciting new characters. The mystery she weaves is a masterpiece. Intrigue. Suspense. Who done it? We have it all. And it seems to change continually. This cast was so 'in their own world' our sleuth had quite a challenge unraveling the result of their fears and actions from decades ago as they were so entwined around new fears, new dreams, long sought revenge and the competitiveness, even greediness, which matched that of years gone by. In playing this out Hartoin takes the reader on a bit of a rollercoaster ride leaving us dazed and finding it difficult to grasp the direction of our story. That is remedied and we are set back on course with an exciting, unexpected ending.
Aaron was another of Hartoin's ingenious characters who has been with us as Mercy's shadow. His eccentric ways and his character are entertaining. He is just around too much and the idea of him being able to walk into a restaurant kitchen sight unseen and start cooking is a stretch.
The setting of this book is a ski town. Hartoin painted a vivid picture transporting the reader to the busy ski town covered in snow. Not only do we see the sidewalks, the touristwith their cameras, the giftshops, we hear the sound and feel the brisk air. Hartion's writing does this with such ease it never sounds forced.
The heartbeat of this series is Mercy's antics, suspense and the mystery. We fell in love with Mercy's character from the beginning of book one. We see her as a woman deserving of respect. This book being a trip with Pete and his family would have been good time for relationship definition. Without saying too much and spoiling it for those who have not read, I will just say the Mercy we have come to love would not accept Pete's behaviour or his excuses.
I highly recommend any of A.W. Hartoin's books. Her original flavor and zesty plot will not disappoint and you will have extended you circle of friends as you get to know her characters.
I am hoping for book 4 - what will Mercy get herself into next?
June 23, 2021
They keep getting better
I read the first Mercy Watts book and was intrigued enough to buy the second. I liked it better than the first. The third is better yet.
Mercy's character develops and grows with each book. Her "posse" was mildly irritating in book one but I've grown to like all of them as well.
I read the first Mercy Watts book and was intrigued enough to buy the second. I liked it better than the first. The third is better yet.
Mercy's character develops and grows with each book. Her "posse" was mildly irritating in book one but I've grown to like all of them as well.
July 13, 2023
Wow
This author just keeps getting better and better, if that's even possible. The plots are so well written with crime, murders, anything goes. The characters, major and minor, developed and fleshed out not with just current attitudes but past feelings and historical events that they get more real with each book in the series. Love that the author introduces humor throughout. On to the next book as fast as possible.
This author just keeps getting better and better, if that's even possible. The plots are so well written with crime, murders, anything goes. The characters, major and minor, developed and fleshed out not with just current attitudes but past feelings and historical events that they get more real with each book in the series. Love that the author introduces humor throughout. On to the next book as fast as possible.
November 3, 2024
What again? Laughter and tears in a great story.
I love the detailing of the mystery at the heart of the story. I love that Mercy will do what ever it takes to help those affected by the perpetrator. I love how the resolution to the central story is woven into the touching side stories that give these books heart.
I love the detailing of the mystery at the heart of the story. I love that Mercy will do what ever it takes to help those affected by the perpetrator. I love how the resolution to the central story is woven into the touching side stories that give these books heart.
July 23, 2017
it was good but I think the whole rockstar storyline was awkward. most of this story was pretty awkward. I didn't like it as much as the others. Plus I'm not sure cannabis oil is magical. I don't think it can heal, let alone that quickly
July 12, 2018
As a person living with Multiple Sclerosis, the mom of three, and an old school rocker this book hit on many levels in my life. Another Mercy Watts winner 🏆 . I loved it can't wait to move on to the next book or short. A.W Hartoin blends humor and fast action beautifully.
November 28, 2019
I LOVE this series. Mercy is quite a character, not hardened or tough, but not vulnerable either.
There's no situation she can't deal with somehow. Aaron, Uncle Morty, the whole team make this series a 10.
There's no situation she can't deal with somehow. Aaron, Uncle Morty, the whole team make this series a 10.
June 19, 2023
Another interesting twist
These books keep me entertained while sick, a gift that is priceless. Mercy is interesting and u like her n cheer her on. Sometimes they pile a lip too much on her but overall its a smooth read w a lot to keep ur attention.
These books keep me entertained while sick, a gift that is priceless. Mercy is interesting and u like her n cheer her on. Sometimes they pile a lip too much on her but overall its a smooth read w a lot to keep ur attention.
April 24, 2023
Another hit!
Love these books. I swear my blood pressure goes down 20 points when I read them. Entertaining, engaging, well written and the humor is top notch!
Love these books. I swear my blood pressure goes down 20 points when I read them. Entertaining, engaging, well written and the humor is top notch!
October 31, 2023
loved it!
Every book is better than the last. The characters and plot are so twisted. You think you’ve got it figured out when everything changes!
Every book is better than the last. The characters and plot are so twisted. You think you’ve got it figured out when everything changes!
November 10, 2024
Entertaining
Another great story in this entertaining series. Mercy Watts is humorous as always as she gets into numerous scrapes and yet manages to solve the mystery.
Another great story in this entertaining series. Mercy Watts is humorous as always as she gets into numerous scrapes and yet manages to solve the mystery.
November 20, 2024
I am enjoying this series. Mercy, along with her family & friends) get themselves involved in solving all kinds of problems/cases. The characters are very funny.
June 6, 2025
most excellent
As always, fun, funny, exciting and entertaining. This is a series to savor, to read slowely to totally enjoy the atmosphere created..
As always, fun, funny, exciting and entertaining. This is a series to savor, to read slowely to totally enjoy the atmosphere created..
March 7, 2017
Enjoyable mysteries
What great read fun, moves along and in the middle of great mysteries you get a huge laugh you won't be expecting
What great read fun, moves along and in the middle of great mysteries you get a huge laugh you won't be expecting
July 25, 2014
Mercy Watts is off to meet her boyfriend's parents during a skiing vacation at Cooper Mountain and everything goes haywire when the guy she's supposed to meet on the sly to pick up some medicine for a friend's very ill son ends up in a coma and Mercy finds herself investigating a case of attempted murder. Pretty soon mysteries abound and Mercy finds herself in the thick of it.
I love Mercy Watts and her quirky friends and family. The banter between them makes me laugh out loud and keeps a smile on my face until the last page...when I'm sad because I want more Mercy!!
I love Mercy Watts and her quirky friends and family. The banter between them makes me laugh out loud and keeps a smile on my face until the last page...when I'm sad because I want more Mercy!!
May 2, 2014
Mercy Watts continues to be a delightful character with her Marilyn Monroe good looks and down to earth attitude. A "relaxing" vacation of skiing with the boyfriend's parents turns sideways as Mercy tries to solve a medley of mysteries including why the boyfriend has no intention of skiing. Another good read by AW Hartoin.
May 31, 2014
Great book every one should read
Great book every one should read
this is a very well written book kept me wanting to read was hard to put down. l hope there will be more in the series,as I can't wait.
Great book every one should read
this is a very well written book kept me wanting to read was hard to put down. l hope there will be more in the series,as I can't wait.
August 25, 2015
I'm completely hooked on these books, I just can't help myself! They're perfect quick reads and great for those times where you need a come down book or something for when you life has got to stressful and you need a guaranteed quick escape.
October 11, 2016
Another great story
I am liking this series more with each book . The characters are well written and we learn more about them in each successive book. Looking forward to jumping right into the next book.
I am liking this series more with each book . The characters are well written and we learn more about them in each successive book. Looking forward to jumping right into the next book.
May 29, 2014
I love this series! I can't wait for the next book to come out. Yes there may be quite a few grammatical errors,but the stories are really enjoyable.
May 19, 2014
A very good book, which will have you laughing out loud. It will keep you guessing as to who the bad "guy" is.
May 2, 2016
I love Mercy and all her characters. The book is a light and easy read. They usually keep me guessing until the end.
July 17, 2016
I am officially in love with the Mercy Watts books! Great reads with fascinating characters and intriguing plots!
February 1, 2017
This was book 3 of the series. I like the series. The full entourage went skiing. I look forward to book four. Hope she gives the dog back.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews