Dying for Mercy

“[Clark] deftly combines the clue-searching and puzzle-solving fun of mysteries with the action-packed, emotion-driven narrative thrust of thrillers.”

—Pittsburgh Tribune Review

“One of Clark’s—and the genre’s—best.”

—Associated Press

A very suspicious death and a sprawling mansion with secrets and puzzles built into the very architecture are among the elements that make Dying for Mercy an unputdownable mystery. The third riveting thriller from New York Times bestselling Mary Jane Clark to feature Eliza Blake and her KEY News television colleagues, Dying for Mercy combines the gripping suspense of Faye Kellerman with the kind of brilliant twists, turns, and surprises that would make Agatha Christie proud. Mary Jane Clark is a member of the same writing family as fellow suspense superstars Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark, and this superior puzzler puts her at the very top of the family tree.

The recently renovated Pentimento, located in New York's exclusive moneyed enclave of Tuxedo Park, is no ordinary estate. Strange secrets have been ingeniously built into its fountains, frescoes, statues, and architecture—clues to a bizarre mystery that is first brought to light when the owner commits suicide during a lavish gala.

Eliza Blake, co-anchor of the popular morning television show KEY to America, is present when the party is cut short by the host's sudden, macabre death—and she's the first to discover that Pentimento is a giant "puzzle house." But each piece is leading Eliza and her KEY News colleagues—producer Annabelle Murphy, cameraman B. J. D'Elia, and psychiatrist Margo Gonzalez—deeper into darkness, toward a killer who believes that some puzzles must never be solved. And it soon becomes shockingly clear that no amount of wealth or privilege can keep the residents of Tuxedo Park safe . . . and alive.

“Clark has perfected the suspense novel . . . in classic Christie fashion.” - Booklist

Clark’s latest rivals Christie’s best. Her short, to-the-point chapters, lucid prose, numerous suspects and faceless murderer’s creepy monologues keep the suspense at its chilliest level — and move the story forward at a brisk clip. One of Clark’s — and the genre’s — best. - Lisa Ko, author of The Leavers

“smooth . . . Those curious about Tuxedo Park will appreciate the well-researched portrait of the real-life exclusive community.” - Publishers Weekly

As always, Clark gives the reader a strong trail of red herrings. This is another satisfying look at the behind-the-scenes world of television network news tied around an intriguing puzzle - Booklist