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The Mercy Contracts Kindle Edition

4.3 out of 5 stars 124 ratings

Tall, scruffy private investigator Caleb Pike knows insurance fraud and enjoys catching those who cheat the system. But it’s what he doesn’t know that could kill him.

Caleb is sent to investigate a case that makes no sense, a data anomaly discovered by Jenny Miller, an academic as smart as she is stunning. She finds that American seniors are dying in numbers that defy statistics, not by natural causes, but in violent murders.

Caleb and Jenny team up and travel west to California, chasing down the clues that could unravel the mystery behind the deaths. Their journey to the Golden State reveals the shocking details of who is ordering the murder of innocent seniors, and why.

As they close in on the truth, the syndicate behind the murders acts to protect their lethal, lucrative business. Caleb and Jenny join a deadly race against time, pursued by ruthless enemies ordered to ensure the killings continue, whatever the cost.

The Mercy Contracts is a fast-paced, suspenseful story full of intrigue and action, with a little romance on the side.

Editorial Reviews

Review

5.0 out of 5 stars Another page turner March 26, 2014 By tibet Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase It seemed I waited so long for Paul Wornham's second book after Philanthropist's Danse, and I really loved that one. I loved Mercy Contracts, it kept me up the better part of the night and in between busy work the next day.
I certainly would recommend this book to anyone who wants a lot of action a little bit of romance and just a great fast moving read. Now how long will we have to wait for your number three book Mr. Wornham, loved both of your books to date..

About the Author

Paul Wornham is the author of The Mercy Contracts and The Philanthropist's Danse.

Paul grew up in the city of Bath in England, a place that everyone should see once before they die.

He began his work life as a bookseller with WHSmith in the UK before they convinced him to sell music instead. He sold music and movies on both sides of the Atlantic over the next decade and a half, shifting with the times and technology from vinyl to CD and from VHS to DVD. In 2000, the emergence of Napster and file sharing convinced him the music business was over for retail, so he went back to school.

In 2002 he graduated with an MBA from the University of Alberta School of Business, joined a medical device manufacturer based in Edmonton, traveled to China and all over North America and generally had a blast.

He later moved to Ontario, where he now lives and writes in the company of a patient spouse and less patient felines. A lifelong reader, Paul's favorite books are A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving, Nobody's Fool by Richard Russo and everything by Charles Dickens.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00J3VRTHE
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 18, 2014
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0987717627
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 124 ratings

About the author

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Paul Wornham
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Paul Wornham is the author of mystery novels The Philanthropist's Danse and The Mercy Contracts.

Paul grew up in the city of Bath in England, a place that everyone should see before they die.

He lives and writes in Ontario, Canada in the company of a patient spouse and less patient felines.

A lifelong reader, Paul's favorite books are A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving, Nobody's Fool by Richard Russo, and more recently the Wool series and just about anything else by Hugh Howey.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
124 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's plot intriguing and engaging, with one noting how it makes readers think. Moreover, the writing style receives positive feedback, and customers appreciate the good character development.

17 customers mention "Plot"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, finding it intriguing and entertaining, with one customer noting that the beginning hooks the reader.

"Very much an action/mystery storyline that made an interesting read and particularly interesting for the off-beat euthanasia angle...." Read more

"...Excellent storyteller!!" Read more

"...I enjoyed the suspense, who the culprits turned out to be, even though you know from the beginning, it's just kind of shocking...." Read more

"...not exactly sure how I feel about the subject matter, but the book does make you think, especially if you are over 65...." Read more

15 customers mention "Readability"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and thought-provoking, with one customer noting it handles the euthanasia angle without being overly morbid.

"...seemed as though it was a first attempt but still I thought it was pretty good. Some grammar errors but that did not ruin the story...." Read more

"...Putting that prejudice aside, this was a good read." Read more

"Very much an action/mystery storyline that made an interesting read and particularly interesting for the off-beat euthanasia angle...." Read more

"Having read the author's first book and finding it a reasonably good read, decided to give this one a try...." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing style"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book.

"...I found both books to be very well written and intense enough to keep me on edge...." Read more

"Interesting read. Nicely written book based on the controversial subject of human euthanasia...." Read more

"...I will continue to buy books by this author as his style of writing appeals to me. Flows well...." Read more

"...Interesting stories that keep you guessing, well written, great pacing, I highly recommend." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...I loved the characters, albeit Jenny one of the main characters seemed to lose her strong personality a bit at the end but still I did like her..." Read more

"...well written and exciting thriller with great situations and believable characters. I enjoyed it, well worth the five stars." Read more

"Really good book! Very well written. Interesting plot idea, good character development. I recommend it." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    After reading "The Philanthropist's Danse", I immediately bought "The Mercy Contracts". I found both books to be very well written and intense enough to keep me on edge.

    I haven't enjoyed an author as much as Paul Wornham since I first came across Michael Connelly's books. I have read every one of Connelly's and can only hope that Wornham has the same success. Excellent storyteller!!
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I had read another book by this author, The Philosopher's Danse. It seemed as though it was a first attempt but still I thought it was pretty good. Some grammar errors but that did not ruin the story. Could have done with a little less profanity. Sorry, sometimes I can be a little bit of a prude. So, I read this book. It's not as good as the first book but it's still pretty good. I enjoyed the suspense, who the culprits turned out to be, even though you know from the beginning, it's just kind of shocking. I liked the intrigue. I think this author has a real gift, I hope he continues to develop it.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this book
    I'm not exactly sure how I feel about the subject matter, but the book does make you think, especially if you are over 65. There are a couple of mistakes not caught in proofing, i.e. 'she put her hands over her ears, but she had been handcuffed.' No biggie, it doesn't really distract from the book. I'm glad it has X-Ray, there are a lot of people to keep up with. I will definitely read more by this author.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    ....I did prefer his first book The Philantropist's Danse which was more on a psychological level. This is extremely action- based. No spoiler... People getting hunted down, killed and graphic details. A book I would not normally have chosen for that reason (not fond of violence in any form). Having said that I must say the plot is excellent and makes you think. The ability of corrupt people to exploit the weak and desparate is scary but sadly quite plausible. We hope it is just a story!! I will continue to buy books by this author as his style of writing appeals to me. Flows well. I hope he returns to more psychological themes and thrillers. (I wonder if authors read our comments??!)
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is the second book I've read by this author, and I'm now a huge fan. Interesting stories that keep you guessing, well written, great pacing, I highly recommend.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The characters and plot of this novel were well developed. With all the effort the author put into outlining how an important issue could be manipulated by nefarious forces, and the ultimate victory of good over evil, it is regrettable that a detail like University of Michigan being located in East Lansing irritated this reader to the point of nearly not reading past chapter three. Putting that prejudice aside, this was a good read.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It seemed I waited so long for Paul Wornhams second book after Philanthropist's Danse, and I really loved that one. I bought Mercy Contracts the first day it came up for sale on Kindle. I loved Mercy Contracts, it kept me up the better part of the night and in between busy work the next day. This is a fast reading book and the subject matter does draw you right into the story. I loved the characters, albeit Jenny one of the main characters seemed to lose her strong personality a bit at the end but still I did like her character as she was so bright and played a large part in solving the case in the end. Loved the organized crime and church involvement. The idea of Euthanasia does make one stop and ponder both sides of the issue. I certainly would recommend this book to anyone who wants a lot of action a little bit of romance and just a great fast moving read. Now how long will we have to wait for your number three book Mr. Wornham , loved both of your books to date..
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Very much an action/mystery storyline that made an interesting read and particularly interesting for the off-beat euthanasia angle. The subject the plot revolved around, euthanasia, is of particular interest to me and attracted me initially, but I found the book entertaining and very readable.

Top reviews from other countries

  • shirley wornham
    5.0 out of 5 stars just loved this book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 19, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    lots of characters to remember but kept me hooked right to the end ,so differant to pauls last book ,looking forward to the next one.
  • Adam
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting idea
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Another enjoyable read by this author with an unusual subject matter, plenty of characters and locations to keep you engaged.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 22, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Original idea and very readable

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