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Another clever and enticing read by Wendy Webb!
If I didn’t already have all of her books on my TBR list, I would most certainly add them now, after reading this and The Haunting of Brynn Wilder. The Fate of Mercy Alban is the second novel I’ve read by Webb. I love how she weaves together her stories with ghosts, secrets, mystery, and just a hint of romance.
Do you ever get that feeling that somehow, from somewhere, you’re being watched? This story plays on that creepy vibe! It takes place mostly in the old family home, with its haunts entangled within its family history. It’s filled with creepy passageways and descriptions of the enormity of an old castle-like mansion. The daughter (Grace) of the head of the family comes back home after being away for two decades to escape a troubling past. Strange things start happening and mysterious characters arrive, throwing everything out of whack and leaving a lot of unanswered questions for Grace. Things get really heated and even dangerous when she begins to uncover the truth. You’ll see how loyalty and fear can play into people’s decisions to keep secrets, and that often, the people we trust the most and suspect the least can hold the very keys to that truth.
What’s even more interesting is that there’s a story within the story, so it almost takes you back in time a little bit to discover clues about the past and how it dictates what’s going on in the present. The stakes get higher by the chapter, it seems, and the reader is kept enthralled. I read the entire thing within about 24 hours, and I was sure I had things figured out more than once. I love books that keep you guessing til the end.
I adore Webb’s style of writing. The story has good flow, and there were several times where my jaw dropped. She is gifted at adding the element of surprise at just the right moment. By the end, questions have been answered and it’s a satisfying close. But then, the epilogue! 😱
If you like a good ghost story/cozy mystery, do yourself a favour and grab a copy of The Fate of Mercy Albon (btw, I love the play on that title!).
You can follow Wendy Webb on Twitter @wendywebbauthor and on Instagram @wendywebbauthor.
Kathleen Foxx || Author || Editor || Podcast Host 