A serial killer Jesus would love?: My review of Dangerous Mercy by Kathy Herman (Secrets of Roux River Bayou Series)

Publisher: David C. Cook (October 1, 2011)


Book two in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou Series continues the story of Zoe and Pierce Broussard, owners of a popular eatery in Les Barbes who were introduced in book 1 of the series (False Pretenses), along with Zoe's former employer, elderly Adele Woodmore. Adele has recently moved to Les Barbes to be close to the Broussard family, and her kind heart leads her to show mercy to the men living in the local half-way house, employing them for odd jobs around her home. Her hand of mercy causes others to question her decision to seemingly trust these men to be in her life, especially in light of the spate of murders that have suddenly rocked their community. Dubbed the bathtub killer, the murderer seems intent on carrying out his personal revenge, and it seems that no one in town is safe.

I thought that Dangerous Mercy was a strong addition to the series, and was more tautly woven than the first addition, False Pretenses. The action seemed to build chapter by chapter, and as the body count built up the tension in the town could be felt through the pages. Although I guessed who the killer was early in the book, Herman did a fine job building up to the conclusion, and lovers of thrillers will be truly pleased with Herman's latest offering. I especially enjoyed reconnecting with Adele, a sweet and loveable woman first introduced in False Pretenses, and one who puts her faith to action. While her decisions may be questionable at times, she truly lives out the verse "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7). Herman raises some powerful points in this story, such as the question of whether you can be too merciful, too trusting, and how you balance mercy and forgiveness with sound judgment. How would Jesus show mercy to a serial killer?

There is no doubt that if you always played it perfectly safe, you'd miss out on a lot of blessings God would have in your life. This book not only entertained, but left me with a lot to ponder. I strongly recommend this book and give it 4 out of 5 stars.

An egalley of this book has been provided from the publisher via netgalley.