18 years.7 months.And 21 days.The torment can last only so long.Cooper Chain isn’t just down on his luck — he’s almost down for the count. The mob wants a piece of him, and he sees no way out.It’s a special week for Willow Ball, a woman who’s survived her own tribulations to reach this milestone in her life. Through fate — or a temporary misalignment of the stars — Willow and Cooper cross …
Through fate — or a temporary misalignment of the stars — Willow and Cooper cross paths for the first time since college. Will an unexpected spark reignite the flame?
A shattering discovery changes everything for Willow and Cooper. The murder is unlike any other. But what will the cops do about it?
Attacks ensue, chaos ruptures a family . . . Through it all, how can Willow and Cooper find the killer?
But it’s not over. As the bodies pile up, a pattern develops and it rocks Willow and Cooper to the core.
And then someone emerges after a three-decade disappearance. Could he be connected to this string of murders?
The past might provide the breadcrumbs to end this nightmare. But Willow and Cooper may not live long enough to see it through.
Will mercy save a life or end many?
Get MERCY now!
If you’re a fan of Michael Connelly’s Ballard and Bosch, David Baldacci’s King and Maxwell, Tess Gerritsen’s Rizzoli and Isles, or the TV show “Castle,” you’ll devour this first, page-turning Ball & Chain thriller.
Readers are saying…
“MERCY is full of suspense and sass. A chilling, mind-blowing adventure.”
“Willow Ball and Cooper Chain are flawed and funny, yet so very real in how they deal with the heart-pounding curve balls.”
“You’ll be enthralled by the gripping story, and you’ll laugh out loud from the snarky interactions between Willow and Cooper. I hope this is the first of many killer Ball & Chain adventures.”
“The most original new thriller series out there!”more
Mefford’s play on the the phrase “Ball and Chain” as the main characters’ names is a fun addition to this new series. Cooper and Willow reconnect after 18 years – both in completely different places; yet, it’s obvious as to why their paths crossed again. Their chemistry is obvious from the start and I can’t wait to see how it plays out. Throughout the book, we learn that each character has their own secrets — some that have yet to be fully-revealed that I’m sure are going to open doors to some interesting storylines with this pair! The suspense builds slowly, making you question every character — including the obvious “bad guys”. Just when I thought I had pieced everything together, the twists took me on another ride, opening doors to darker places. I have a feeling that Mefford is going to hook me on this series like I’m dragging a good ol’ ball and chain around!
I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Did Mr. Mefford do it?
January 25, 2019
The answer is yes he did and then some! Like others, I had been deeply engrossed in the Redemption Series and was very sad when it ended. But I can tell the the new Series Ball and Chain is going to be just as good and probably better. In my opinion it seemed to start out slow, however the further you go the more Mefford magic you see. The characters sure just starting to be filled out. The world that is being created starts out very well. The more you read the more Mercy pulls you in. I ended up loving it. Somehow while reading it I was hooked! A great start to another great series. Can’t wait for book 2.
“Mercy” written by John W. Mefford is the first book in his new The Ball & Chain Thriller series. Even though this book started out slow in his John Mefford style he pulls you in and won’t let you go until the last page. I had a hard time setting this book down. The twists and turns keep you guessing. Just when you think you have it figured out the story takes you somewhere else. This is an awesome start to a new series and can’t wait to read the next book.
After the explosive finale in the Redemption series I wondered what next Mefford had in store for his fans. As soon as I heard he had a new book published, I knew I had to cease the opportunity to read and review it.
Mercy, book 1 in the A Ball and Chain Thriller is the latest offering from Mefford’s repertoire. I went on this latest journey with high expectations and I ended it feeling satisfied and looking forward to more from these new and quirky characters.
Mercy introduces Cooper Chain and Willow Ball. Eighteen years ago, they dated in college, but their relationship ended. They have not seen each other since until they met in a bridal store when Cooper came to deliver magazines. They are both at different stages in their life. Willow is about to get married to a wealthy accountant and Cooper while barely making ends meet is deep in debt to some shady characters.
The chemistry between them is alive and well, but before they could even fathom what these feelings meant they found themselves embroiled in a murder investigation.
The story started out slow, but it picked up the pace as it progressed. In usual Mefford style it had me guessing as to the killer’s
identity, motive and who the next victim would be. I had a hard time putting this one down as I had to know who the killer was and if there was any connection to the person who had disappeared thirty years ago.
I enjoyed meeting this new cast of diverse characters and I am eager to learn more about them.
The POVs of Cooper and Willow added an emotional vibe to the story and made it easy to understand the myriad of emotions they experienced.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I would recommend this to fans of mysteries and thrillers. I found this enjoyable and cannot wait for the next book in the series
John Mefford has done it again with a brand new cast of characters. This is a great start to what surely will be a terrific series. Cooper Chain & Willow Ball haven’t forgotten about the relationship they had a almost 20 years earlier. When down trodden Cooper, accidentally runs into her while trying on her wedding dress, the sparks immediately start to fly. Trouble is,, Cooper brings a whole lot of baggage with him. A must read with all the ups and downs you expect from Mefford, with just a bit more humor than normal.
I hated to see the Redemption series end as I had grown so close to all the characters. Now, this new Ball and Chain series will have to be amazing to satisfy me. I didn’t know what to expect from these new characters. In fact, I wasn’t too thrilled with them. The story was slow paced as expected, getting to know the plot and the motivation of the characters. It wasn’t long though, that Willow Ball and Cooper Chain had me hooked. Even eighteen years after their split, the pull was still there for both of them. I loved their camaraderie. This is going to be another great series from the mind of John Mefford. I’m looking forward to seeing what he has in store for this community of goofballs.
I was unsure about this book at first since it started out slow for me but as I read further it start getting good. This looks to be another great series by John W. Mefford who has become one of my favorite authors. This book Mercy, the first in the Ball & Chain series, is about two people who are very different and have a lot of baggage. They were sweethearts in high school, went their own way and met in a bridal shop 18 years later. They find themselves trying to figure out is murdering friends. The book has a lot of mystery, thrills and suspense. Great start in a new series and can’t wait to read more.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book I have read by John Mefford, and if I am honest, a totally new genre for me. With this in mind, I wasn’t really sure what to expect from ‘Mercy’.
Mefford takes the time to fully enable you as a reader to become acquainted with his characters, and it didn’t take me long to become completely immersed in the story.
The book is focused around Cooper Chain, a writer who has made the mistake of borrowing a large sum of money from the wrong people, racking up a huge debt. He is desperate and attempts to form plans on how to get his hands on the money in order to free himself of such a bind.
Events bring him to reunite with Willow Ball, (Love the Ball and Chain thing going on here) someone he used to know from school, and she is not instantly receptive to him. They end up embarking on a murder mystery-solving adventure together. I grew to like them more as a team the more I progressed through the book when initially I was sceptical.
The book was full of suspense, intrigue and had me hanging on the edge of my seat wanting to know more. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read and the perfect introduction to not only a new genre and series for me but also to Mefford’s work. I am eagerly awaiting a second book, as I cannot wait to learn more.
A great first book in the new series. I can’t wait for book 2. I love the characters Cooper and Willow. Cooper is somewhat down and out at the moment and Willow is about to marry into wealth. Now John does what John does best, mixes in a bunch of twists! This is an action packed adventure that is hard to put down. I can’t wait to see if Willow will marry Harvey and if Cooper can get of Dr V of his back.
John W Mefford brings to the reader Book 1 of his new Ball & Chain thriller, MERCY. After reading Book 1, MERCY, I CANNOT wait until Book 2! Wonderful start of a new series. Two college sweethearts of long ago meet up and their state of their lives at that meeting, along with their past history, helps to weave the plot of this story to make for a very exciting read. Twists and turns, suspense, and intrigue, along with a few giggles even, had me from first pages. WELL DONE, and a great beginning of a new Ball & Chain series. Kudos Mr.Mefford for delivering once again! I HIGHLY recommend you do not miss out beginning this series.
Banter and development of new characters, Cooper Chain & Willow Ball, will make for an enjoyable new series from a proven author. Getting themselves involved in situations where the only action is to be embroiled in trouble. Through it all, the author is able to inject a sense of humor in both characters. I look forward to the next chapter of the old ” Ball & Chain.”
A good beginning to a new series. I don’t think Mr. Mefford could write a bad book if he tried!! This one starts slow as opposed to his earlier Redemption series but I’m sure it will build up as the series progresses. Good characters, good action, good story. Can’t wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Mercy is the 1st in Mr. Mefford’s new series and it doesn’t disappoint! His skill in weaving a mystery with twists & turns, action and humor pulled me right in. I read the book, turning the pages late into the night because I just couldn’t put the book down! As with his past series I connected with the main characters and can’t wait to read the next book to see what their next adventure is all about!
Willow and Cooper were college sweethearts. That was eighteen years ago. Now, Cooper is a total failure compared to what he was, and Willow is engaged to Harvey. That just happen to meet again after all this time. They go to one of Willow’s to her cousin’s house to return a wallet and find her dead and the guy still there! After a tussle with him and he gets away, Willow and Cooper need to find him again! After all he killed her cousin! Then there’s the mob who is after Cooper to the tune of fifty thousand dollars! Then there is a big surprise that rocks both Willow and Cooper’s world! What is it? Read the book to find out! Another great story by John W Mefford!!! Can’t wait for the next one! I voluntarily reviewed a free ARC of this book.
This series appears to be much lighter than the Redemption series with a lot of humor and sarcasm. However it still has the twists and turns that we’ve come to expect from Mefford as well as the unexpected ending. I recommend it to anyone who likes a light read with well developed characters.
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I am still riding on the coat tails of Mefford’s Redemption Series, and it did take me a while to get into this story. I have read 24 books featuring Alex Troutt et Al, that I found myself waiting for her to appear.
Cooper Chain and Willow Ball dated some 18 years ago in college and haven’t seen each other since. Until he walks into a bridal store to drop off some magazines and sees her. Willow is getting married to some rich guy whilst Cooper with a huge 50k debt loan to some questionable people is just making ends meet. It is clear she still holds a grudge for how things ended between them all those years ago, but there is also a slight spark between them despite their years apart.
They decide to meet to catch up but end up getting involved in the investigation of Willow’s cousin death – a death that they just so happened to disturb the “culprit” leaving them fighting him off only to then discover the body of her cousin.
What ensues is true to Mefford’s style, a killer with a connection, trouble at every turn and questions that you are desperate to get answered.
I will always miss Alex, but I have found a new love in Willow and Copper, and I can’t wait to see where Mefford is going to take this pair, and I am eagerly awaiting book 2!
Cooper is down on his luck–he was let go from his sports writing job and made a very bad mistake. He now has enforcers after him–Willow is about to marry a very wealthy man–but do they love each other? Willow and Cooper were a “thing” when in college–then he up and disappeared. They bump into each other. Of course neither are willing to tell the other the entire truth.
Cooper is working in a bookstore as a clerk-when he is not being beat up by those enforcers. Willow can tell something is wrong–they could still read each other perfectly. When the truth comes out—well Willow wants to help–then the enforcers see Willow in a car with Cooper. Cooper finds money in his car’s trunk–but who put it there?
Meanwhile at one of the parties thrown for the marriage Willow’s father shows up. He left them when she was very young–her mother, who is a definite character, has a fit.
There are lots of twists and turns in this one and things don’t turn out like you will expect them to. The ending will make you want to read the next in this series!
I was lucky enough to have gotten a ARC copy of this book from the author. Great short book plenty of action and suspense in a quick read.
John Mefford has been releasing the brilliant epic ‘Redemption’ thriller series for a while and a new series is very welcome, especially as although it is a genuine thriller, it is rather lighter in tone than the books featuring Alex, Ozzie and Ivy.
The two main characters are very well written with interesting back stories, and I love the play on words of their names ‘Cooper Chain’ and ‘Willow Ball’. Cooper’s sarcasm is very funny and really gives his character depth. The ancillary characters are also well written and I particularly like Ben Dover, who is rather obnoxious, but still engaging.
Whilst the murder mystery was very well done, this book mainly serves as an introduction to the characters, and I am really looking forward to the next book to see how the team of Ball and Chain work together.
I received an advance copy of the book and have voluntarily reviewed it.