Toni Andrews Beg For Mercy

I love paranormals but I've gotten a little weary of the mysterious stranger that turns out to be a vampire/werewolf, although I love the chills that go along with the urban fantasy genre. So Beg for Mercy turned out to be a wonderful surprise.

Not truly a romance (although Sam can put his deck shoes under my bunk any time!), this is the first book in a series that introduces one of the most complex and compelling anti-heroines I've ever met. Mercy's encounters with the villainous Dominic raised the hairs on my arms!

The book is also full of dark humor - Andrews' voice is often sardonic - and introduces a cast of characters that I'm looking forward to meeting again. I especially loved Sukey, Mercy's irrepressible side-kick. More installments, please!

Beg For Mercy

Toni Andrews

Mira, Sep 2007, $6.99

ISBN: 9780778323655

In the Balboa Peninsular of California, Mercy Hollings believes her skill with the "presses" should be used by her to help other people through positive suggestions. Her plan is to assist people through hypnotherapy as she understands the need of cautiousness when manipulating others as controlling people is unethical and can lead to dangerous unintended consequences.

Mercy and her best friend Sukey have too much to drink. At a bar with Sukey she meets kind eyes Sam Falls. Intoxicated she misuses her gift to "presses" Sukey's odious boyfriend Rocko to behave nicer. However, her misuse has led to a series of steps that places her friends in danger. Meanwhile glib Dominic Dellarosa knows of Mercy's ability and her error; he also seems to know much about her past. He apparently wants to use her talent for his benefit; if she fails to adhere to his demand, Sukey will be the first to die, but he has angered her and she will show no mercy to anyone who steps inside her circle though Sam willingly takes the risk.

Although Rocko's annoying dialogue requires a mercy lobotomy, fans will enjoy this fine paranormal thriller. The story line is fast-paced especially when Rocko is off-stage as Mercy knows she crossed the ethics boundary by doing an amoral act even if she can rationalize her manipulation due to imbibing too much. Told mostly in the first person by the heroine, fans will appreciate the dilemma of too much power can at times corrupt the most conscientious ethical person.

Harriet Klausner