Review of Dying for Mercy by Mary Jane Clark

Mary Jane Clark has authored over ten books and is a master at writing suspense. Dying for Mercy was released in 2009 and is a fine example of her skill. Set in the exclusive area of Tuxedo Park, New York, it tells the story of a bizarre suicide and the intriguing clues the deceased leaves behind.

The Storyline of Dying for Mercy

Dying for mercy centers around Innis and Valentina Wheelock. Innis throws a lavish party to honor St Francis and then commits suicide by reproducing the wounds inflicted on Christ on the cross. Shortly before this, he hints to television personality, Eliza Blake that something is wrong and that he wishes her to follow through on it.

His death leads to a string of murders as Eliza and her helpers begin to uncover a crime committed a couple of decades earlier. Those involved will go to any lengths to cover up their sins and soon Eliza is the next target.

The Main Characters in Dying for Mercy

The story of Dying for Mercy focuses on Innis and Valentina Wheelock. Innis was party to a secret and his desire was for it to be exposed through his death. Russell Wheelock is their adult child and appears to have secrets of his own. Clay Viatalli is the chief of police in Tuxedo Park and the reader discovers he is in cahoots with Peter Nordstrut and Fitzroy Heavener in trying to cover up the past. Father Gehry adds a spiritual dimension to the story and several of the characters confide in him.

Lesser character include architect Zack Underwood and his secretary Aurelia. Barman Bill O'Shaughnessy was keeping mum about the disappearance of his brother twenty years earlier but this comes to light during Eliza's investigation.

Who Tells the Story of Dying for Mercy

Dying for Mercy is told from the viewpoint of all of the above and allows the reader to get a good idea of what is transpiring in each of their minds. Hints and clues give the impression that any of them may have been involved in the killing spree and the final revelation is a true surprise.

About Mary Jane Clark

Mary Jane Clark worked at CBS News for many years as a writer and producer. Many of her novels were inspired by her experiences there. She was formerly married to the son of Mary Higgins Clark who is renowned as being the Queen of Suspense.

Dying for Mercy by Mary Jane Clark, HarperCollins Publishers, 2009, ISBN 978-0-06-128611-7