Former Army MP Mercy Carr and her retired bomb-sniffing dog Elvis are back in Blind Search, the sequel to the page-turning, critically acclaimed A Borrowing of Bones It’s October, hunting season in the Green Mountains–and the Vermont wilderness has never been more beautiful or more dangerous. Especially for nine-year-old Henry, who’s lost in the woods. Again. Only this time he sees something … Only this time he sees something terrible. When a young woman is found shot through the heart with a fatal arrow, Mercy thinks that something is murder. But Henry, a math genius whose autism often silences him when he should speak up most, is not talking.
Now there’s a murderer hiding among the hunters in the forest–and Mercy and Elvis must team up with their crime-solving friends, game warden Troy Warner and search-and-rescue dog Susie Bear, to find the killer–before the killer finds Henry. When an early season blizzard hits the mountains, cutting them off from the rest of the world, the race is on to solve the crime, apprehend the murderer, and keep the boy safe until the snowplows get through.
Inspired by the true search-and-rescue case of an autistic boy who got lost in the Vermont wilderness, Paula Munier’s mystery is a compelling roller coaster ride through the worst of winter–and human nature.
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Blind Search by Paula Munier is the first book I’ve read in the Mercy Carr mystery series and it totally captivated me. The main characters were likable, delightful, and mysterious. The author did a great job in her construction of these characters. It’s the first day of hunting season and a nine-year old boy with autism witnesses a murder. The team struggles to protect the boy as they search for the killer. Without giving away any spoilers, this is a thrilling mystery with all the elements of danger, ,surprise, twists and turns, suspense and romance. This book just kept getting better and better and more gripping and intense with every page and I can’t recommend reading it highly enough.
Hello my Fellow Book Dragons on this snowy November Evening. A special thank you out there to all our Veteran Book Dragons. Thank you for serving your country so well, for protecting our freedoms, may we never take for granted that we can sit and read in peace because you fought for us, served to keep our peace, that you sometime, somewhere did your bit and for that we thank you. Bless you. In honor of you, our Gem this evening is a beautiful Poppy Red. Look how it sparkles and shines. If you look very closely, it has what at first seems to be a flaw, but in reality seems more to be a bit of magic. See it? It seems to be two figures side by side, trekking, one taller than the other, one on two legs, the other on four. It lights up from the inside. The figures are black in relief. Continue to concentrate and until you can see them (if you are fortunate enough) while I talk about our Gem.
Our Gem Maker is Paula Munier. She has brought us this fine offering of a Veteran MP named Mercy Carr and her deceased fiance’s Bomb Sniffing K-9, Elvis. Mercy’s true love, Sergeant Martinez, was killed in action in Afghanistan. Elvis had developed PTSD and Mercy, herself had been wounded. You can read about how she and Elvis, the Belgian Malinois, found each other in Munier’s first Gem “A Borrowing of BONES”, but you don’t need to read that tale to enjoy this one.
In this tale, Mercy goes looking for Elvis who has gone looking for a wayward arrow in the woods, which she and a friend lost target practicing. What they both find is the body of a woman, shot straight through the heart with an arrow, though not the one Elvis was looking for. The woods is on the estate of a very rich man, Daniel Feinberg. Not only is he a very rich man, he is one of THE richest men in Vermont and beyond.
From there we meet Henry, nine years old, who may or may not have witnessed the murder, Feinberg and his weekend guests, his Game Keeper, Gunnar and a host of others including Game Ward Troy Warner and his own dog Susie Bear, a huge New Foundland with a penchant for finding objects and nine year old boys.
Here is the puzzle for this mystery. Was this a murder? It’s October, it’s hunting season in Vermont. Four million acres of forest. Not only are there licensed responsible hunters out there, poachers abound. The victim had enemies. Enemies she knew, and one’s she didn’t. Where does One start to look? The only thing to do is a blind search.
Blind Search is one of those rare books where you feel you are part of the story. Not easy for a Dragon to do, but she did it. Think Agatha Christie and James Patterson had a love child, and you get Paula Munier. I loved this story. The side characters like Grandma Patience and her friend Lillian are people One knows. In Feinberg’s cast of weekend guests are those you’d sit down and have a cuppa with and those you’d not mind seeing walk off the edge of a cliff. You want to hold that little nestling in your lap and make all the Baddies go away, especially a Detective named Harrington. Who is he? Was it a murder? Who did it? Well you will just have to read the book, now won’t you? And you will want to. I gave this book 5 Flames. It’s on sale now on Amazon.
Until tomorrow, I remain, your humble Book Dragon, Drakon T. Longwitten
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
law-enforcement, murder-investigation, k-9, protective-dogs, search-and-rescue, autism-spectrum, small-town, vermont
Elvis the Belgian Malinois is a retired US army MP with two tours in Afghanistan behind him, just like his human partner, Mercy. Susie Bear, the beautiful Newfoundland dog is a search and rescue specialist working with her Fish and Wildlife warden, Troy.
The good natured bazillionaire with the magnificent compound in Vermont has a group of old friends out for legal hunting on his property, but it turns out very badly with the first murder. Even worse, the murder was witnessed by a young boy who has enough problems of his own and becomes targeted by persons unknown. Thankfully, he has both protectors enjoying and guarding him while their partners go about doing the detecting. Lots of plot twists and red herrings to keep things crazy!
A good read that grabbed me by the brain and wouldn’t let go until finished!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
The book cover was the first point of interest for me, then the setting, and the search and rescue element made me choose this book. I became engrossed in the story and the murder mystery. As with any community based story, there were a lot of characters to keep track of, but I managed. This was probably because I have not read book one in this series. I loved prime-number-counting Henry, and Mercy is an extremely likable protagonist. I rooted for her and Troy to step things up a notch. As I mentioned, as one of the “leaf peepers” the author referred to in this story, I connected with the Vermont setting and really enjoyed it. It was fun to have the trope of super rich person hosting a group of privileged people in his home where not one, but two of the guests wind up dead. Dead in an untraditional way with bows and arrows. I enjoyed how Mercy pieced together the clues and finally, with this readers expected “great flare” announced why the people were killed and by whom. A good surprise and one that made sense. I also enjoyed the amount of time spent describing two very important characters in this book – Elvis and Susie Bear – the rescue dogs. Though I did worry about the amount of human food they were fed. Pizza! This was a unique story told solidly, and I’m glad I read this book.
After reading the first book in this series, I was delighted to get my hands on another. The human characters are great, the plot line is one that intrigues me and is pulled from real events, but it is the dogs (a bomb sniffing Malinois and a search and rescue Newfie) who I really love. The author pulls their skills and personalities in as integral parts of the story.
Blind Search
Mercy & Elvis Mystery, Book #2
Paula Munier
5+ Stars
Synopsis:
Former Army MP Mercy Carr and her retired bomb-sniffing dog Elvis are back in Blind Search, the sequel to the page-turning, critically acclaimed A Borrowing of Bones
It’s October, hunting season in the Green Mountains–and the Vermont wilderness has never been more beautiful or more dangerous. Especially for nine-year-old Henry, who’s lost in the woods. Again. Only this time he sees something terrible. When a young woman is found shot through the heart with a fatal arrow, Mercy thinks that something is murder. But Henry, a math genius whose autism often silences him when he should speak up most, is not talking.
Now there’s a murderer hiding among the hunters in the forest–and Mercy and Elvis must team up with their crime-solving friends, game warden Troy Warner and search-and-rescue dog Susie Bear, to find the killer–before the killer finds Henry. When an early season blizzard hits the mountains, cutting them off from the rest of the world, the race is on to solve the crime, apprehend the murderer, and keep the boy safe until the snowplows get through.
Inspired by the true search-and-rescue case of an autistic boy who got lost in the Vermont wilderness, Paula Munier’s mystery is a compelling roller coaster ride through the worst of winter–and human nature. (Goodreads)
Review:
Search and Rescue books are one of my favorite genres to read, and this book and series are as good as any that I have read. I have always been fascinated with this subject and I am always looking for good books revolving around this. I am happy to say that I found a great series in the Mercy and Elvis series.
The characters are well wounded and well developed. Mercy is a no-nonsense type of woman, she is tough as nails and she has a keen sense of right and wrong. But she also has a soft side, which we see when she is interacting with her grandmother, Patience, and Elvis. Then we see a caring loving Mercy.
Elvis and Susie Bear, Troy’s search and rescue dog, are such an integral part of the book. They know when they have a job to do, and they are eagerly looking forward to doing that job. But they also love to act like dogs, and they enjoy spending time with each other and any human they can find.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there watching all of the action taking place. The mystery was well plotted and had me riveted until I found out who the culprit was.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted mystery. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
SO terrific! Paula Munier is such a rock star–and her wonderful mysteries about driven and fascinating people and their brave and intrepid dogs will keep you turning pages like mad. Paula is such a master at setting and puzzles–she’s literate and passionate and wildly talented–and that comes through on every page. This is Julia Spencer-Fleming–with dogs! Fans of the traditional mystery–and all animal loved–will adore this book! I loved it–and am eagerly awaiting book 3.
This is the second book in a series about Mercy Carr and, her retired Army dog, Elvis. Vermont State Game Warden Troy with his search and rescue dog is on the hunt with Mercy and Elvis to find who murdered two people in a hunting party. Henry who is autistic wanders off and happened to witness one of the murders. Now his life is in danger. Throw in some poachers and a blizzard and you won’t want to put this book down.
just a really good read
It was a relaxing easy read. I found the characters interesting and well discribed which made it easier to identify with them.
It was the kind of book where you can follow the clues.
This is the second book in this series that I have read and I am enjoying getting to know the main characters better.
It was just good!
a mystery told by a great story teller. You don’t want to miss it
Had a great time reuniting with Mercy, Troy, and the other real-to-life characters and canines in this series; all cast in a setting so well-painted it seems familiar even to one who’s never been there. The various adult folks are cool, intriguing, or despicable as they interact and weave through the twisting whodunit plot. The on-again, off-again attraction between the main characters is a teasing subplot. Will they ever get together? But young Henry, the adorable, smart boy who fits somewhere on the spectrum, steals the show. Well, and the dogs. Elvis, Susie Bear, and Hemingway make the book worth reading. Love those dogs. Want those dogs.
This is my first time reading this author and this book was a delight to read. I love a good mystery and this one is brilliant. I love the plot and found it engaging as well as enthralling. The characters had depth and I love the fact that there is a dog in the story playing a prominent role. A wonderful story that I enjoyed cover to cover.
Very enjoyable book. The characters and storyline kept me engaged and entertained. This is the second book in the series but I didn’t feel like I missed anything by not having read the first book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
Blind Search is the second book in Paula Munier’s Mercy Carr Mystery series. Retired Army MP Mercy Carr is drawn in to a murder investigation after following her Belgian Malinois Elvis, also retired Army, into the woods as he chases a lost arrow. What Elvis finds instead is the body of a beautifully dressed archer. Mercy cordons off the area and calls in the local authorities. Mercy’s billionaire neighbor Daniel Feinberg and his hunting party appear and identify the woman as a late comer to their hunting trip. Next arrival is Game Warden Troy Warner, then ME Dr. Darling to begin the investigation.
When state police detective Kai Harrington arrives on the scene, Mercy and Troy are banished from the area. In searching the area for what is believed to be a wounded bear, Mercy and Troy find a torn square from Batman pajamas. Following search and rescue dog and sidekick to Troy, Susie Bear, they find a small boy some distance from the crime scene. It’s possible that he was a witness to the murder. The trouble is that Henry, in spite of his high intellect, isn’t very verbal.
In this mystery, Mercy and Troy face blizzards, gun runners, and poachers. Will they also face their growing feelings for one another? This is a well written mystery that explores multiple topics. It addresses the world of the very wealthy, how long held secrets can come back to haunt you, and the lengths a mother will go to for her child. It also gives very real insight into children with Asperger syndrome.
I have very much enjoyed the books in this series. They are well written with strong characters and a wonderland setting. While I do encourage everyone to read the entire series, the book could stand alone. I do recommend this book!
Love this series – the people and the dogs
I just finished re-reading the first book in this series A BORROWING OF BONES and I’m glad I had this book ready to dive into next. I really encourage people to read the first book before this one. You will miss a lot of background and a great book if you don’t.
Retired military MP Mercy Carr and her bomb searching dog Elvis are back along with Vermont Fish and Game Warden Troy Warner and his search and rescue dog Susie Bear.
They end up getting involved in a billionaire’s hunting party (it’s now Autumn and hunting season in Vermont), murder, a lost autistic boy, poaching, and a whole different cast of characters.
I loved the dogs, as always. I wish our dogs were half as smart. I loved Henry’s story. He is autistic and he’s never lost – people just can’t find him.
This was a mystery that kept me guessing and I liked that. It ended on a bit of a cliffhanger so at least I know the author plans more books in this excellent series. I just hope we don’t have to wait too long to read it.
I highly recommend this book to mystery lovers and dog lovers and anyone that enjoys a well-written book.
I received this book from Minotaur Books through Edelweiss and Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!
Blind Search is a terrific mystery. Mercy & Elvis are back and entangled in another murder mystery and keeping a special little boy safe. This story takes place in Vermont in the autumn and the location is as much a part of the story as the suspects. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more adventures with Mercy & Elvis.
This is the second book in the series and it was as good as the first one! The story started off with a bang and I had a hard time putting it down. I really liked the characters especially the dogs. I thought it was very descriptive, I felt like I was in the forest and the snow with them. I really enjoyed the book! Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for the early copy