Description
Is it nature or nurture that drives Adele Baxter Warren’s teenage daughter, Mercedes, to become a mass murderer? Town Without Mercy, a complete novella, is contemporary women’s fiction dealing with current event drama of mass shootings and gay marriage. Told through the eyes of the mother, a TV news correspondent, Adele must find the answer, even as it takes her away from Mercedes’ deathbed where she lays in a coma from the police bullet that stopped the carnage. If Adele follows the leads, the cost could be her 17-year-old marriage to same-sex partner, Jodi Warren. The townspeople of Concord Park wants revenge. They blame Adele and Jodi’s lifestyle as the cause of their daughter’s actions, but are they innocent of all blame?
*Trigger warnings for mass shootings*
Catrina P –
I am still in a heightened emotional state after listening to Town Without Mercy. Such a well written story that deals with many tough situations… I don’t want to spoil anything by even listing the topics here. Just be prepared for a very emotional listen.
Kudos to Joanne Simon Tailele for tackling such sensitive topics. This book will really make you think.
Cecilia Marie really brought out the emotions. Well done.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
Janalyn Prude –
I love a good book and that is exactly what this is. Although the parents were two women that was secondary to the plot. I don’t like when I get a book and it happens to be LGBT and it is mostly about that and not what the summary stated. That is not the case with this book. It is not only riveting and draws you in and keeps you there it is also a very emotional read. Please Make sure you have tissue in enough time to finish the book, because you will not want to put it down. I loved it and look forward to more books by this author.
Patricia Reichardt –
Sometimes you listen to a book, and are completely caught up in it. This story by Joanne Simon Tailele had me listening in shock, frustration and compassion as I heard the story of Mercedes. “Mercy” went to a fireworks show, and instead of enjoying the display, created her own with a mass shooting. Adele and Jodi, her parents were distraught over the shooting, and shocked to find out the shooter was their daughter. Now with their daughter in a coma, the questions as to how and why need to be answered. This story so powerful and current in today’s society. We all watch the news and are horrified by such tragedy. But we never take into account the family of the shooter, and what would have driven them to such a decision. Tailele takes us through twists and turns, the effects it has on relationships and communities and the victim themselves. It will stay with you and give you a different perspective.
Cecilia Marie narrates this dramatic story, letting us live through the characters. We feel Adele and Jodi’s pain and insecurity as parents. Marie draws us in with her inflections and emotions, giving us a minute part of the experience these families go through. She gives a powerful performance for this well written book.