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Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Town Without Mercy by Joanne Simon Tailele is the story of how and why Mercy became a killer. Sixteen-year-old Mercy went to a firework display for Independence Day and opened fire. It was only a police bullet that stopped her from killing more people and now she lies in a coma. Her mother, Adele, has been married to her female partner for years and neither can understand why Mercy would do this. What could drive a teenage girl to become a mass killer? The town says it’s because Adele is a lesbian, but is that it? Or is there something else going on in the background, something in Mercy’s life that her mother is unaware of? Is she really the criminal or is she a victim herself?
Town Without Mercy by Joanne Simon Tailele is a truly gripping story. It's not a long book and I managed it in one reading, mostly because it is one of those books that is difficult to put down. The subject is entirely relevant to current events and Ms. Tailele has done an amazing job of writing this story in a believable way. Not only is she dealing with mass murder and lesbianism, she is also dealing with the heartbreak of everyone concerned, the questions that arise, the whys and wherefores of what could possibly drive a young girl to kill. This book wrenches emotions out of you; you can feel the pain, the fear, the distress, and it’s a real emotional roller-coaster ride. You find yourself turning detective, trying to figure out the answers as well, but this will leave you with some questions of your own, in light of recent shootings. Excellent book. Ms. Tailele is a brilliant writer who knows exactly how to draw a reader in. I will certainly be reading more from her.
