Step into the quirky, thrilling world of Mercy Watts Mysteries, where a nurse with a knack for sleuthing tackles crimes with humor, heart, and a touch of Marilyn Monroe flair! A.W. Hartoin’s beloved cozy mystery series follows Mercy Watts, a reluctant detective whose sharp wit and eccentric family make every case a delightful adventure. From St. Louis to Honduras, this series blends suspense, comedy, and family ties into an irresistible read.
With her ex-cop father, Tommy, and glamorous mother, Caroline, by her side—plus a pair of snooping Siamese cats—Mercy stumbles into mysteries that keep readers hooked. Whether you’re a cozy mystery fan or just craving a fun escape, Mercy Watts Mysteries delivers charm and chills in equal measure.
How Mercy Watts Mysteries Began
A.W. Hartoin, a USA Today bestselling author, drew inspiration for Mercy Watts from her childhood adventures in St. Louis, where her grandmother’s neighborhood sparked her imagination. Hartoin’s time in the Air Force, traveling the world, added depth to her storytelling, infusing her characters with real-world grit and humor. Launched in 2012 with the short story Coke with a Twist, the series grew into a fan-favorite, with the first novel, A Good Man Gone, hitting shelves in 2013.
Hartoin crafted Mercy as a nurse who’d rather care for patients than chase criminals, but her father’s private investigation agency keeps pulling her in. This unique blend of medical know-how and detective work, paired with Hartoin’s witty prose, set the series apart in the cozy mystery genre.
The Heart of Mercy Watts Mysteries
The series kicks off with A Good Man Gone, where Mercy investigates the suspicious death of her father’s best friend, unraveling a web of secrets with her family’s help. In Diver Down, Mercy’s vacation in Honduras turns deadly when murder follows her to paradise, showcasing her knack for trouble. Double Black Diamond ups the ante with a snowy mystery, while Small Time Crime weaves a haunting cold case from 1965, blending past and present with paranormal hints.
Mercy Watts Mysteries thrives on its mix of humor, suspense, and family dynamics. Set primarily in St. Louis, the series ventures to exotic locales, grounding each tale in vivid settings and quirky characters like Aaron, Mercy’s food-obsessed sidekick. Themes of loyalty, resilience, and uncovering hidden truths shine through, while Mercy’s Marilyn Monroe-esque charm— inherited from her mother—adds a playful edge. Hartoin’s ability to balance lighthearted banter with gritty crime-solving keeps readers invested.
The series’ cozy mystery style appeals to fans of Janet Evanovich, with its fast-paced plots and laugh-out-loud moments. Yet, it stands out with Mercy’s nursing background and the Watts family’s tight-knit, if overbearing, dynamic, making each book a fresh yet familiar adventure.
Why Mercy Watts Mysteries Resonates
Mercy Watts Mysteries has carved a niche in the cozy mystery world, earning praise for its engaging plots and relatable characters. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about Hartoin’s storytelling, with reviews calling the series “a marvelous escape” full of “humor and heart.” Its blend of standalone mysteries and ongoing family secrets, like the enigmatic Klinefeld Group, keeps readers eagerly awaiting each release.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its ability to feel both comforting and thrilling, offering a perfect mix for readers seeking smart, funny mysteries. With 15 books and counting, Mercy Watts Mysteries continues to grow, cementing its place as a must-read for cozy mystery lovers.
- First Book Published: 2013 (A Good Man Gone)
- Total Books: 15 (as of 2024)
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
- Setting: Primarily St. Louis, with global adventures
Grab A Good Man Gone and dive into the witty, thrilling world of Mercy Watts Mysteries today! Join Mercy and her quirky crew for a cozy mystery adventure you won’t forget.