Cover of THE MERCY OAK
courtesy of St Martin's Press
THE MERCY OAK by Kathryn R Wall

THE MERCY OAK is the eighth novel by mystery writer Kathryn R Wall featuring Bay Tanner. Once again Bay is up to her eyeballs in trouble in the lowcountry of South Carolina. As a private investigator it is her job to look into problems and solve crimes, and she is good at what she does. But in this story the problems get personal as her housekeeper Dolores and her father’s housekeeper/companion Lavinia are involved.

Bay is drawn into a mystery when Bobby Santiago, Dolores’ college age son, calls her and asks for her help. There has been an automobile hit and run accident that has resulted in a friend of his being killed. Bobby thinks this might not have been an accident but a murder. Before Bay can get details from him, he is off the line.

Later Lavinia, who has been like a mother to Bay, is involved in an attempted bank robbery. In investigating this event Bay begins to think the two incidents are involved. Her boyfriend Red Tanner, who is the brother of Bay’s late husband Rob, tells her to stay out of it. He is a Sheriff’s Deputy and doesn’t want Bay in harm’s way. Bay however is an independent soul and Red’s pleas fall on deaf ears.

The relationship between Bay and her brother-in-law is heating up. Bay thinks she might actually be in love with Red but the specter of her late husband looms mightily between them. If her mind and her heart can actually separate the two she might be able to find some happiness with Red.

First there are two mysteries to be solved and friends to be protected, even if it puts her in jeopardy. Bay races around Hilton Head, South Carolina and the surrounding communities as she becomes more and more involved with a situation that could involve illegal aliens.

This is the best Bay Tanner mystery yet. Wall’s writing gets more assured and enjoyable with each successive story she pens. She knows her characters inside and out and she makes them consistent in their thoughts and actions. There are no flaws and slip-ups in the plot or the characters. 

Wall also knows the area of which she writes and that makes all the difference in the world. You can get a map out and follow Bay as she makes her excursions in and around Hilton Head. This is one of the most beautiful areas of our country and Wall brings its beauty to life with her expressive phrases.

You can rely on Wall and THE MERCY OAK for hours of reading enjoyment. Bay Tanner is no superhero but a flesh and blood woman who lives dangerously but believably. She gets by with a little help from her friends whom she loves passionately and protects without thought of her own well being.

You will find yourself cheering her on as she tackles her biggest challenges yet in THE MERCY OAK.

THE MERCY OAK is published by St Martin’s Press. It contains 320 pages and sells for $24.95.
 

 

 

 

 

©2008 Jackie K. Cooper

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