The Mercy Oak (Bay Tanner Mystery) - Softcover

Wall, Kathryn R

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1933523743 ISBN 13: 9781933523743

Publisher: Bella Rosa Books, 2009

Synopsis

#8 in the Bay Tanner Mystery Series

The new case for young widow and sometime private investigator Bay Tanner strikes too close to home when an unexpected call from her housekeeper's son threatens to endanger those she holds dear. Roberto Santiago hints that the victim of a recent hit-and-run may have been a local crusader for the rights of illegal immigrants—and that it wasn't an accident. Before Bay can launch an investigation, the young man disappears.

Meanwhile, Bay's brother-in-law and suitor, Sheriff's Sergeant Red Tanner, is up to his ears in a string of holdups terrorizing the Lowcountry. When Lavinia Smalls, longtime companion to Bay's crippled father, is caught up in one of the armed robberies, Bay finds herself enmeshed in yet another mystery. What does Lavinia know about the gang of thieves, and what clues does her friend, the ancient black man with the intricately carved walking stick, carry in his muddled memory?

When the threatening phone calls begin, Bay knows she's on the right track. Almost too late she discovers that tempers run hot and prejudices deep when it comes to the growing immigrant population of the sultry South Carolina Lowcountry.

. . . . . . . . . .

"Sue Grafton, Sara Paretsky, and Marcia Muller come to mind as the quintessential writers of the modern female private eye novel. Wall, in a quiet and unassuming way, has produced a body of work of equal quality. Highly recommended."
—Library Journal on The Mercy Oak

About this title

Review

"The South Carolina resort of Hilton Head, for all of its tourist attractions and glitz of Southern wealth, takes on a more down-to-earth feel in Wall's capable hands. Series PI Bay Tanner ("Bishop's Reach") must tackle two cases that hit close to home. Her housekeeper's son disappears after the suspicious hit-and-run death of a young Hispanic woman who had been advocating for the rights of illegal immigrants. Then, during a bank robbery, Lavinia, the woman who raised Bay and still lives with her father, tries to help an old man who has recognized one of the robbers. At the risk of her own life, Bay is desperate to keep those she cares about safe. Sue Grafton, Sara Paretsky, and Marcia Muller come to mind as the quintessential writers of the modern female private eye novel. Wall, in a quiet and unassuming way, has produced a body of work of equal quality as she tackles complex modern issues that trouble her very human characters. Highly recommended."--"Library Journal" "In her eighth adventure, Hilton Head, South Carolina, private investigator Bay Tanner receives a cryptic call from teenager Bobby, her housekeeper Dolores' son. A friend of Bobby's was killed in a hit-and-run accident, but he believes it was murder. Bobby disappears soon after this phone call, and when Dolores disappears, too, Bay begins to investigate, convinced that both mother and son are in danger. Meanwhile, Bay's personal life has its own turbulence, as her developing relationship with former brother-in-law and local policeman Red forces her to come to terms with the murder of her husband. Determined to find Dolores and keep her and Bobby safe, Bay receives threats on her own life, angering Red. A deep sense of South Carolina's Low Country adds to the story, which combines a nicely textured portrayal of personal relationships, including Bay's close friendship with Delores, with a fast-paced mystery."--Sue O'Brien, "Booklist"

From the Back Cover

Praise for the Novels of Kathryn R. Wall

Sanctuary Hill
“Wall once again delivers credible characters, a gripping plot, and pitch-perfect local color.”
—Publishers Weekly

“This is the seventh Bay Tanner mystery in seven years . . . and for my money, one of her best.”
—The Island Packet

Bishop’s Reach
“Oozing with Southern charm, this whodunit flows like hot molasses to a deliciously clever conclusion.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Curling up with a new Bay Tanner book feels just as it should—like settling in for tea with an interesting old friend, always familiar, yet always surprising.”
—Lowcountry Weekly

Resurrection Road
“Intricate and suspenseful.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

“Resurrection Road should be part of your carry-on baggage on your next trip.”
—Chicago Tribune

Edition details

• Publisher: Bella Rosa Books
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1933523743
• ISBN 13: 9781933523743
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 276