Returning to Taos (Five Star Expressions) by Lois Gilbert     After losing her estranged son Johnny to a bullet, and after spending time in a hospital after overdosing upon hearing the news, Elena Waters returns to Taos, New Mexico, where she and her ex-husband raised Johnny, and where he died.  Elena has a driving need to find out who killed Johnny and why.  The police believe it was a random event, but Elena knows better.  No one she talks to is forthcoming.  She even has beyond-the-grave conversations with Johnny, who urges her to drop her pursuit of the truth.  But Elena doesn't give up, and danger follows as she delves deeper into the mystery.  People come to question her sanity, and as Gilbert's tautly written novel progresses, the reader, too, begins to have doubts about Elena's mental state.  When the truth is finally exposed in this highly suspenseful, emotional tale, it is far more shocking than Elena, or the reader, could have imagined.   -- Maria Hatton, Booklist Sometimes in the throng of everyday entertaining releases in this genre, it's possible to find an outstanding original gem, one that rises above mere entertainment with such clarity and vision that it's truly awe-inspiring.  This is one of those times.  This beautifully poignant and suspenseful book is nothing short of an act of grace in its scope and ability to enthrall and to evoke several emotions at once.  Lyrical writing, true-to-life characterizations, a heartrending exploration of grief, and a mystery worth its weight in gold, all backlit by the vividly and beautifully detailed environs that make up this part of the country, combine for one of the best reads possible.  So whatever you do, don't miss this one, its originality and many strengths will amaze.    -- Stephanie Padilla, Editor-New Mystery Reader RETURNING TO TAOS is a haunting amateur sleuth tale ... RETURNING TO TAOS is a powerful mystery with a terrific twist that grips readers from the first “mother-son conversation” inside her head until their last.  -- Harriet Klausner, Amazon's #1 Reviewer  Readers won’t be able put RETURNING TO TAOS down as the suspense builds in an exciting crescendo.  It is a gripping and intense story that romantic suspense fans will not want to miss.  -- Marilyn Heyman, Romance Reviews Today Without Mercy Lois Gilbert

Average Customer Review: Based on 3 reviews. Write a review.  Editorial Reviews Book Description The acclaimed author of River of Summer delivers a compelling and emotionally moving novel of what happens when murder touches the heart of a family-and forever changes their past, present, and future.... Brett McBride is walking in the woods near her grandmother's farm when she discovers a dead body. The police, headed by her ex-husband, believe that no one is above suspicion. And when a devastating blizzard leaves the family snowbound, three generations will be forced to unlock thirty years of silence.... Praise for River of Summer: "An odyssey of self-discovery...a complex emotional drama."--Romantic Times All Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: Reviewer: Chris Baurle from New York Lois Gilbert's Without Mercy is a wonderful read! It is a fast-paced, action filled, suspenseful thriller. I couldn't put it down. Her characters are fully developed and richly drawn. Particularly poignant is Gilbert's portrayal of the lead character's (Brett) relationship with her teenage daughter. It reminded me of my own parenting tribulations and how difficult it is to be either a parent or a teenager. Without Mercy moves very quickly and has a wonderful mix of intrigue, romance, and humor. The excitement and uncertainty build with every page until a final astonishing climax. I can't wait to read Gilbert's next book!   Couldn't put it down!, September 13, 2000 Reviewer: A reader from Washington, D.C. This is a real page turner -- an absolutely riveting, compelling thriller, about family secrets, romance and murder.  Great Entertainment!, September 25, 2000 Exciting contemporary suspense, September 13, 2000 While hunting on the property's woods, Brett spots the mangled remains of a murder victim. Brett calls the police. Her ex-husband heads up the investigation that soon points towards Brett, her family, and a hired hand as the prime suspects. However, the identity of the corpse leads to more mysteries that threaten to destroy the loving McBride clan. WITHOUT MERCY is an exciting contemporary suspense with a pinch of romance that centers on the unraveling of ties that bond a family together. The cleverly designed story line focuses on the fully developed charcaters as they react to the murder especially who the victim is. The audience understands what motivates the cast notably Brett and Gran. Fans of Hoag and Johansen will enjoy Lois Gilbert's taut family thriller. Harriet Klausner