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Secrets of Roux River Bayou #2
Dangerous Mercy
This intense psychological thriller is the second book in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou series from best-selling author Kathy Herman. When elderly Adele Woodmore moves to Les Barbes to be near the Broussards, she wants nothing more than a comfortable, quiet life. Employing men from Father Vince’s halfway house for the homeless to do odd jobs, she takes an interest in their lives and is delighted to be helping them get back on their feet. Now a series of murders has cast a pall over the town and one of Adele’s handymen becomes a person of interest to the police. But Adele continues to show the young men kindness and care, in spite of her friends’ concern. This time that kindness could kill her.
416 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
About the author
Kathy Herman
33 books234 followersBest-selling suspense novelist Kathy Herman has written twenty novels—including the Secrets or Roux River Bayou Series, Sophie Trace Series, the Seaport Suspense Series, and the Phantom Hollow Series—since retiring from her family’s Christian bookstore business. She and her late husband Paul have a blended family of three grown children. Kathy lives in the Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 15, 2020
4.5. A delightful Christian thriller - with an incredible inspiring elderly lady. Whose faith and mercy is boundless. Fuelled, initially, by her decades of anger to God and those around her: because God had given her everything but a child. One day she turned to God. And she found peace.
She, Adele, became the "kind of fearless, trusting, merciful Christian I wish I could be" Kathy Herman. I agree.
Unputdownable
She, Adele, became the "kind of fearless, trusting, merciful Christian I wish I could be" Kathy Herman. I agree.
Unputdownable
September 2, 2020
Second book in a romantic suspense series. Kathy Herman has a great way of creating atmosphere and this book puts the reader right in the midst of the bayou and the action. Can't wait to see what happens next.
April 14, 2023
This. Book got my attention at the very beginning of the book and than kinda lost my attention for the rest of the book which is why I gave it a 4 star rating. I thought the characters in the book did a very good job at there parts in the book though.
July 6, 2012
Title: DANGEROUS MERCY
Author: Kathy Herman
Publisher: David C. Cook
October 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7814-0341-2
Genre: Inspirational/Suspense
Eighty-five year old Adele Woodmore moves to Les Barbes to be near the Broussards--and her namesake, their daughter--and she wants nothing more than a quiet, comfortable life. She employs homeless men to do odd jobs and landscaping and delights in the casual conversations she has with them, the fledgling friendships, and knowing she's playing a part in helping them get back on their feet.
But a series of murders in Les Barbes has cast a pall over the town. One of the homeless working for Adele is a person of interest in the case. But Adele cares for these men, she knows them, and she continues to treat them kindly despite her friends concerns.
And then one day a murderer walks through Adele's defenses...
DANGEROUS MERCY--now that is a title that grabs the attention! This is the second book in Ms. Herman's Secrets of the Bayou series, but it easily stands alone. Ms. Herman is a best-selling author and very gifted in her ability to draw the reader into the story. The prologue is gripping and chilling at the same time and the tone doesn't let up much through the course of the book.
I had to admire Adele for her kindness to the down-trodden and I hoped that none of the men she helped were guilty. I also hoped that Adele would be safe. I didn't even try to guess the identity of the killer, though I did have some suspicions. If you like spine-chilling suspense, don't miss DANGEROUS MERCY. $14.99. 336 pages.
October 31, 2011
I've read many books by Kathy Herman (including 'False Pretenses') and I was pretty sure, before I even started 'Dangerous Mercy', that I would enjoy it!
Thankfully, I was right and 'Dangerous Mercy' was very enjoyable, held my attention, and was overall just a great mystery/suspense!
When I read the first book in this series ('False Pretenses'), Adele Woodmore was one of my favorite characters - mainly because she was so friendly, merciful, and forgiving. In 'Dangerous Mercy', though, that mercy may put her life in danger.
I was so excited to read more about the Broussard's - and learn what's been happening since 'False Pretenses' with them, the Langleys, and other characters we met in the first book.
I liked pretty much all of the characters in 'Dangerous Mercy'. Some of my favorites were Adele (as mentioned above), Zoe, Vanessa, Noah, and the guys from the restaurant - I loved how they interacted with Grace.
There was so much suspense and mystery in 'Dangerous Mercy' that I found it easy to read and now I'm patiently looking forward to reading 'Relentless Pursuit' when it releases.
I most definitely recommend 'Dangerous Mercy' if you enjoy mysteries, but I would suggest you read 'False Pretenses' first.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done.*
Thankfully, I was right and 'Dangerous Mercy' was very enjoyable, held my attention, and was overall just a great mystery/suspense!
When I read the first book in this series ('False Pretenses'), Adele Woodmore was one of my favorite characters - mainly because she was so friendly, merciful, and forgiving. In 'Dangerous Mercy', though, that mercy may put her life in danger.
I was so excited to read more about the Broussard's - and learn what's been happening since 'False Pretenses' with them, the Langleys, and other characters we met in the first book.
I liked pretty much all of the characters in 'Dangerous Mercy'. Some of my favorites were Adele (as mentioned above), Zoe, Vanessa, Noah, and the guys from the restaurant - I loved how they interacted with Grace.
There was so much suspense and mystery in 'Dangerous Mercy' that I found it easy to read and now I'm patiently looking forward to reading 'Relentless Pursuit' when it releases.
I most definitely recommend 'Dangerous Mercy' if you enjoy mysteries, but I would suggest you read 'False Pretenses' first.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done.*
December 27, 2011
Kathy Herman's Dangerous Mercy is the sequel to False Pretenses, the second novel in the Secrets of the Roux River Bayou series, published October 1, 2011, by David C. Cook. While the first novel was good, this one is better with more satisfying depth. I loved Adele Woodmore, an elderly lady who moved to Les Barbres, Louisiana, to be near the Broussards, characters from the first novel in the series. Noah and Murray are two men from a halfway house Adele befriends, thinking she's helping them get back on their feet. Five deaths occur in a week's time, and the murder is dubbed the Bathtub Killer. Adele thought the community would be peaceful and quiet, much safer than the Big Easy, as did tourists and guest to Langely Manor. Despite being warned about employing the two handymen, Adele continues to use them and has a private investigator complete background checks. My favorite character is Adele. While the ending was predictable, Herman has created believable, well-rounded characters in Adele and Murray. I loved the ending and depth of feeling and emotion in this story, and I look forward to the third novel in the series.
February 11, 2015
As the second book in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and dive right in! I wasn't disappointed, as I loved reading more about the Broussards and Adele. The characters in this series is what kept me coming back for more! Their growth and love for one another is so charming, and made this book a quality and enjoyable read!
Zoe worries and frets over Adele as she is in danger...What will happen to this woman she loves so much? Adele doesn't deserve this.
Adele's kindness might not have been enough this time. Only God can get her out of the situation she finds herself in. But despite her fear, Adele never wavers from her commitment to grace and continues to care about those who don't deserve it. Does that make a difference this time? I can't wait read the third one!
Zoe worries and frets over Adele as she is in danger...What will happen to this woman she loves so much? Adele doesn't deserve this.
Adele's kindness might not have been enough this time. Only God can get her out of the situation she finds herself in. But despite her fear, Adele never wavers from her commitment to grace and continues to care about those who don't deserve it. Does that make a difference this time? I can't wait read the third one!
October 28, 2015
This is a great series "Secrets of Roux River Bayou." It is a trilogy and very worth reading.
January 30, 2020
I enjoyed this. It’s a down-home in Louisiana story of Adele, an 86-year-old woman who has a deep heart for people. She befriends two men from a home for homeless men, handyman Murray and gardener Noah, whose ancestors were slaves and lived in a manor nearby and helped with the Underground Railroad.
In this murder mystery, five people are killed, four with the same modus operandi: being drugged then put in their own bathtub fully clothed and drowned. The killer was dubbed “The Bathtub Killer”.
In this murder mystery, five people are killed, four with the same modus operandi: being drugged then put in their own bathtub fully clothed and drowned. The killer was dubbed “The Bathtub Killer”.
March 8, 2018
Another great read!
Often the second book of a series disappoints but I’m happy to say this one didn’t. I enjoyed time spent with familiar characters and new ones. Great lessons in faith, grace, and forgiveness.
Often the second book of a series disappoints but I’m happy to say this one didn’t. I enjoyed time spent with familiar characters and new ones. Great lessons in faith, grace, and forgiveness.
March 12, 2021
this author is new to me, but, keeps your interest with her novels. It is christian fiction, so topics of Christianity are included. Adele, as retired, widowed senior is very much involved in this mystery.
I'm glad I came across this series.
I'm glad I came across this series.
September 11, 2021
It had been a while since I read #1 in the series, but it was easy to jump back in and remember the characters. I enjoyed the intertwined stories and the non-stop suspense! It was also fun to learn a bit about Louisiana and now I want to know more. Looking forward to starting the next book!
June 24, 2017
Very good story.
September 15, 2017
Another book that leaves you hungering to get to the end so you can solve the mystery. It's never who you think.
May 17, 2018
Outstanding Christian suspense novel....loving the characters in this second of a series. Entertaining and enjoyable....highly recommend.
October 3, 2019
It was a bit slow and repetitive. But mostly ok. I like the Louisiana references.
February 10, 2020
2nd read 2020
September 15, 2021
The characters are so much fun and the story really drags you in!! An easy book to get lost in
February 5, 2022
** VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED **
February 19, 2022
Great book
Good clean reading without bad language or sexual content. Page turning. I love a good mystery and this one doesn't disappoint.
Good clean reading without bad language or sexual content. Page turning. I love a good mystery and this one doesn't disappoint.
January 2, 2023
Dangerous Mercy
This book is an excellent story of God's forgiveness and grace. An excellent read that brings one to repentance the Him.
This book is an excellent story of God's forgiveness and grace. An excellent read that brings one to repentance the Him.
March 17, 2017
enjoyed spirituality throughout the story
First book I've read by this author. Listened to via Kindle using voiceover. Part of series, yet stand alone. Love the spirituality throughout. Looking forward to following these characters in the next book.
First book I've read by this author. Listened to via Kindle using voiceover. Part of series, yet stand alone. Love the spirituality throughout. Looking forward to following these characters in the next book.
November 10, 2011
Kathy Herman in her new book, "Dangerous Mercy" Book Two in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou series published by David C. Cook takes us back to the town of Les Barbes in Louisiana.
From the Back Cover: When eighty-five-year-old Adele Woodmore moves to Les Barbes to be near the Broussards—and her namesake, their daughter—she wants nothing more than a comfortable, quiet life. Employing men from Father Vince’s halfway house for the homeless to do odd jobs and landscaping, she delights in the casual conversation she has with them, the fledgling friendships, and the idea that she is helping them get back on their feet.
A series of murders in Les Barbes has cast a pall over the town and, in fact, one of Adele’s handymen becomes a person of interest to the police. But Adele cares for these young men, she knows them, and continues to show them kindness in spite of her friends’ concern. And then one day a murderer walks through Adele’s defenses, sits down at her kitchen table … and they begin to talk …
Get ready for a page-turning thriller. Set aside the chores, order take out for dinner, make yourself comfortable because once you get started reading "Dangerous Mercy" you are not going to want to stop until the pages run out--and even then. Kathy Herman has delivered a winner that will chill you as you follow the life of Adele Woodmore. "Dangerous Mercy" is a lot like an Alfred Hitchcock thriller as the story wraps itself around your nerves and just begins to squeeze and squeeze. Ms. Herman has done a great job in giving us a heroine that is eighty-six years old. I enjoyed this book a lot and am looking forward to the next one.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Jeane Wynn at Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the Back Cover: When eighty-five-year-old Adele Woodmore moves to Les Barbes to be near the Broussards—and her namesake, their daughter—she wants nothing more than a comfortable, quiet life. Employing men from Father Vince’s halfway house for the homeless to do odd jobs and landscaping, she delights in the casual conversation she has with them, the fledgling friendships, and the idea that she is helping them get back on their feet.
A series of murders in Les Barbes has cast a pall over the town and, in fact, one of Adele’s handymen becomes a person of interest to the police. But Adele cares for these young men, she knows them, and continues to show them kindness in spite of her friends’ concern. And then one day a murderer walks through Adele’s defenses, sits down at her kitchen table … and they begin to talk …
Get ready for a page-turning thriller. Set aside the chores, order take out for dinner, make yourself comfortable because once you get started reading "Dangerous Mercy" you are not going to want to stop until the pages run out--and even then. Kathy Herman has delivered a winner that will chill you as you follow the life of Adele Woodmore. "Dangerous Mercy" is a lot like an Alfred Hitchcock thriller as the story wraps itself around your nerves and just begins to squeeze and squeeze. Ms. Herman has done a great job in giving us a heroine that is eighty-six years old. I enjoyed this book a lot and am looking forward to the next one.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Jeane Wynn at Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 13, 2014
Dangerous Mercy
Kathy Herman
Book Summary: Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. --Matthew 5:7 When eighty-five-year-old Adele Woodmore moves to Les Barbes to be near the Broussards--and her namesake, their daughter--she wants nothing more than a comfortable, quiet life. Employing men from Father Vince's halfway house for the homeless to do odd jobs and landscaping, she delights in the casual conversation she has with them, the fledgling friendships, and the idea that she is helping them get back on their feet. A series of murders in Les Barbes has cast a pall over the town and, in fact, one of Adele's handymen becomes a person of interest to the police. But Adele cares for these young men, she "knows" them, and continues to show them kindness in spite of her friends' concern. And then one day a murderer walks through Adele's defenses, sits down at her kitchen table ... and they begin to talk ...
Review: There are many good qualities in this book. They mystery was ongoing and not surprising overall with the resolution. I enjoyed reading about all the previous characters. That made so much of it worthwhile. I did find it slower to get into. Once it took off it was a quick read and I wanted to know how it was going to be resolved and that Adele was going to be OK. I thought the wrestling match Adele had with herself and others about forming relationships with the men from Haven House. That was a great part of the book and something very real when you are doing ministry. The only thing that was sad and true about ministry is that doing ministry alone is unfortunate because many times the people of God forget that we are to be partners in ministry privately and corporately. Overall it was a good read and was very realistic. The ending was remarkable and worth the wait.
I would like to thank Net Galley and David C. Cook for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
Kathy Herman
Book Summary: Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. --Matthew 5:7 When eighty-five-year-old Adele Woodmore moves to Les Barbes to be near the Broussards--and her namesake, their daughter--she wants nothing more than a comfortable, quiet life. Employing men from Father Vince's halfway house for the homeless to do odd jobs and landscaping, she delights in the casual conversation she has with them, the fledgling friendships, and the idea that she is helping them get back on their feet. A series of murders in Les Barbes has cast a pall over the town and, in fact, one of Adele's handymen becomes a person of interest to the police. But Adele cares for these young men, she "knows" them, and continues to show them kindness in spite of her friends' concern. And then one day a murderer walks through Adele's defenses, sits down at her kitchen table ... and they begin to talk ...
Review: There are many good qualities in this book. They mystery was ongoing and not surprising overall with the resolution. I enjoyed reading about all the previous characters. That made so much of it worthwhile. I did find it slower to get into. Once it took off it was a quick read and I wanted to know how it was going to be resolved and that Adele was going to be OK. I thought the wrestling match Adele had with herself and others about forming relationships with the men from Haven House. That was a great part of the book and something very real when you are doing ministry. The only thing that was sad and true about ministry is that doing ministry alone is unfortunate because many times the people of God forget that we are to be partners in ministry privately and corporately. Overall it was a good read and was very realistic. The ending was remarkable and worth the wait.
I would like to thank Net Galley and David C. Cook for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
April 29, 2012
Dangerous Mercy is the second book in the Roux River Bayou trilogy, and begins around three years after the end of the first book (although this could have been made clearer). I would recommend reading the books in order, as there is a large cast of characters that can become confusing. It may also be worth rereading False Pretences before reading Dangerous Mercy—even though I had read it, it still took me a while to remind myself of who was who.
The story opens with the discovery of a murder victim, a businessman who has been found dead in his own bathtub. More disturbingly, “#1” has been written on the wall, -implying there will be more victims—and there are. As in the first book, False Pretence, Zoe B’s restaurant becomes the central area where all the community characters meet and discuss what is happening in their town, especially when one of the victims is more closely related to them.
By two-thirds of the way through, I thought I had worked out who-dun-it. But the one character who actually knew all the vital information didn’t join the dots and make the connection. Of course, with a good murder mystery, the reader is never sure what is a clue and what is merely a red herring.
Dangerous Mercy finishes with a clear gospel message without being saccharine or preachy. I would have liked to have seen the members of the police department being extended more as characters in their own right, rather than as unwanted but necessary side players in a murder mystery. Overall, it was a good read, but was weaker than the first book in the trilogy.
Thanks to David C Cook and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
The story opens with the discovery of a murder victim, a businessman who has been found dead in his own bathtub. More disturbingly, “#1” has been written on the wall, -implying there will be more victims—and there are. As in the first book, False Pretence, Zoe B’s restaurant becomes the central area where all the community characters meet and discuss what is happening in their town, especially when one of the victims is more closely related to them.
By two-thirds of the way through, I thought I had worked out who-dun-it. But the one character who actually knew all the vital information didn’t join the dots and make the connection. Of course, with a good murder mystery, the reader is never sure what is a clue and what is merely a red herring.
Dangerous Mercy finishes with a clear gospel message without being saccharine or preachy. I would have liked to have seen the members of the police department being extended more as characters in their own right, rather than as unwanted but necessary side players in a murder mystery. Overall, it was a good read, but was weaker than the first book in the trilogy.
Thanks to David C Cook and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
May 10, 2016
Dangerous Mercy lives up to its name in a very vivid way. The plot revolves mainly around the men of Haven House, a halfway home, and Adele Woodmore's compassion for them. Many of the people in her life feel that she is taking too many risks in ministering to these men, but are they right or is this God's will?
As the bodies start piling up, and people become even more cautious, Adele sticks firmly to what she believes is right, no matter the consequences or heartbreak. She is an absolutely inspiring character to read about, and with beloved characters from the previous book, makes for a great cast. The mystery is suspenseful and kept me flippin' the pages. Once everything started coming together, I admit to feeling some disappointment at first. But Kathy Herman ties everything together in a very satisfying manner. This book is a great character-driven suspense that I highly recommend!
[I received this book for free through First Reads and was not required to write a positive or any other type of review. All opinions stated herein are solely my own.]
As the bodies start piling up, and people become even more cautious, Adele sticks firmly to what she believes is right, no matter the consequences or heartbreak. She is an absolutely inspiring character to read about, and with beloved characters from the previous book, makes for a great cast. The mystery is suspenseful and kept me flippin' the pages. Once everything started coming together, I admit to feeling some disappointment at first. But Kathy Herman ties everything together in a very satisfying manner. This book is a great character-driven suspense that I highly recommend!
[I received this book for free through First Reads and was not required to write a positive or any other type of review. All opinions stated herein are solely my own.]
January 10, 2012
Someone is killing CEO's in the town of Les Barbes....
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even though I had pretty much figured out who the killer was before the authorities did. This is the second book in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou series; I read the first one - False Pretenses - last year and it was just as gripping. I already have written book 3 in my list of books to get once it is published in May. While I wait for it I have three other books of hers from the library - the Sophie Trace Trilogy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even though I had pretty much figured out who the killer was before the authorities did. This is the second book in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou series; I read the first one - False Pretenses - last year and it was just as gripping. I already have written book 3 in my list of books to get once it is published in May. While I wait for it I have three other books of hers from the library - the Sophie Trace Trilogy.
April 25, 2012
I wanted to read this book before reading the final book in the series due to release next week. (I'm kinda anal about reading the books in order) It was a good story story. I love the characters that the author has created for this series. I find it interesting how one of the characters is from another series.
It is also nice that you don't have to necessarily read book one to understand what's going on in book two.
One of the main characters, Adele, is such a wonderful example of what God can do in a person's life when they full yield themselves to Him.
Now on to book three!
It is also nice that you don't have to necessarily read book one to understand what's going on in book two.
One of the main characters, Adele, is such a wonderful example of what God can do in a person's life when they full yield themselves to Him.
Now on to book three!
June 18, 2013
Great second book in the Roux River Bayou series. The focus of this one is on Adele, wealthy widow in her 80s who befriends and employs men from a halfway house for former homeless men. Friends urge her to be more careful of who she lets in her house but she feels this is loving her neighbor as Jesus would want her to do. As said on the back cover, the question is how to help without taking unnecessary risks. Although the villain was hinted at before the end, the suspense was still tremendous. What a finish!
July 25, 2011
Dangerous Mercy: A Novel (Secrets of Roux River Bayou)Dangerous Mercy: A Novel by Kathy Herman
Kathy Herman's latest, Dangerous Mercy, brings up a question many Christians face--how to help without taking unnecessary risks. More importantly to readers, it's a riveting suspense ride, set in the Lousiana bayou country. A can't miss!
I count Kathy as a friend but also I count myself as one of her biggest fans! Keep up these thrilling and heartwarming stories coming, Kathy!
Kathy Herman's latest, Dangerous Mercy, brings up a question many Christians face--how to help without taking unnecessary risks. More importantly to readers, it's a riveting suspense ride, set in the Lousiana bayou country. A can't miss!
I count Kathy as a friend but also I count myself as one of her biggest fans! Keep up these thrilling and heartwarming stories coming, Kathy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews