Step into the thrilling world of Mercy Thompson, where a shapeshifting coyote mechanic tackles werewolves, vampires, and fae with grit and wit! Patricia Briggs’ urban fantasy series, set in the gritty Tri-Cities of Washington, follows Mercedes 'Mercy' Thompson, a Native American Walker whose coyote alter ego and fierce independence make her a standout heroine. Blending heart-pounding action, slow-burn romance, and supernatural intrigue, this series has hooked readers since its 2006 debut.
With her wrench in hand and a knack for trouble, Mercy navigates a world where the supernatural is real, and danger lurks around every corner. Whether she’s fixing Volkswagens or facing off against a rogue vampire, Mercy’s adventures offer a fresh take on urban fantasy that’s as relatable as it is magical.
How Mercy Thompson Began
Patricia Briggs launched the Mercy Thompson series with Moon Called in 2006, inspired by her love for modern paranormal fantasy. A seasoned fantasy author, Briggs wanted to craft a heroine who wasn’t overpowerful but relied on cunning and heart. Mercy, a coyote shapeshifter raised by werewolves, emerged as a unique protagonist, rooted in Native American lore and Briggs’ Pacific Northwest home. The Tri-Cities setting, where Briggs herself lives, grounds the series in a vivid, authentic backdrop.
Briggs’ editor sparked the idea, asking for a story blending vampires and werewolves in a contemporary world. What began as a single novel grew into a sprawling series, with Briggs carefully avoiding 'power creep' to keep Mercy’s struggles relatable and high-stakes. Her 'pantser' writing style—planning loosely and letting the story unfold—infuses the series with spontaneity and surprises.
The Heart of Mercy Thompson
The series spans 14 novels and counting, with standout titles shaping Mercy’s journey. Moon Called introduces Mercy as she uncovers a plot experimenting on werewolves, setting the stage for her role as a supernatural mediator. Blood Bound dives into vampire politics, with Mercy hunting a demon-possessed killer alongside her friend Stefan. Iron Kissed tackles fae mysteries, as Mercy investigates murders on a fae reservation, while Silence Fallen sees her kidnapped by a European vampire lord, testing her resilience abroad.
Themes of loyalty, identity, and community pulse through the series. Mercy’s Native American heritage and Walker abilities—shapeshifting, ghost-seeing, and magic resistance—tie her to ancient traditions, while her outsider status among werewolves and vampires mirrors real-world struggles for belonging. The Tri-Cities, a melting pot of humans and supernaturals, adds a grounded, almost noir-like vibe. Briggs’ humor, especially Mercy’s quips and her Scooby-Doo-loving vampire pal Stefan, balances dark moments with levity.
Romance simmers without overpowering the plot, particularly Mercy’s slow-burn relationship with Adam Hauptman, the Columbia Basin Pack’s Alpha. Unlike typical urban fantasy tropes, Briggs avoids melodramatic love triangles, crafting a mature, evolving bond that anchors the series’ emotional core.
Why Mercy Thompson Resonates
The Mercy Thompson series has carved a niche in urban fantasy, praised for its strong world-building and relatable heroine. Fans adore Mercy’s underdog spirit—she’s not the strongest, but her resourcefulness and loyalty make her unforgettable. The series’ blend of Native American mythology and supernatural politics offers a fresh perspective, distinguishing it from vampire-heavy urban fantasies. Its Pacific Northwest setting, rare in the genre, adds a unique flavor.
With a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim, including consistent New York Times bestseller status, the series has inspired a spin-off, Alpha and Omega, and graphic novels like Homecoming. Mercy’s impact endures through her authenticity—a mechanic who fights monsters yet grapples with everyday bills—making her a timeless icon for readers craving adventure with heart.
- First Book: Moon Called (2006)
- Total Books: 14 (as of 2025), plus short stories and graphic novels
- Setting: Tri-Cities, Washington
- Spin-Off: Alpha and Omega series
Grab Moon Called and dive into Mercy Thompson’s urban fantasy world, where coyotes outsmart monsters and every page crackles with adventure!