Beyond Mercy by Morgan James

Readers return to the mysterious mountains of North Carolina in Beyond Mercy, the second installment of Morgan James’ thrilling Beyond Mysteries series. As this saga’s fearless protagonist makes the sleepy and superstitious town of Beyond her permanent home, it becomes clear that not every resident is happy with her arrival, nor her curiosity about the town’s tangled secrets. There is a sinister edge to this story from the start, and James masterfully maintains an eerie, threatening mood that makes it hard to put this novel down. There are some plot gaps and loose ends, as well as occasionally awkward dialogue, but the story is generally thick with tension and authentic language. From exciting moments of whimsical sleuthing to lyrical passages that grab and hold readers’ attention, Beyond Mercy is a gripping sophomore addition to this series.