Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson: Book 3)

9/10

It wasn't hard to follow the scent of blood to the living room where the fae had been killed. It had been a violent death, perfect for creating ghosts. Mercy Thompson enjoys life as a mechanic, but life is never simple given her increasing closeness to the local werewolf pack, and her ability to change into coyote form at will. And when a member of the fae community calls in a favour, needing her skills for a covert murder investigation, she jumps into the hunt. But the dangers multiply and she clashes with shadowed creatures of great power. When her old boss Zee is charged with a brutal assassination, Mercy find herself fighting alone. There are those who love her, who would keep her safe, but she is wary and holds her freedom precious. Until, that is, she has nothing left to lose but her life...

When there are murders on the fae reservation Zee, Mercy's ex boss and fae himself is arrested.  The Grey Lords (the highest of the fae and keeper of their laws) are content to let him rot even though he's innocent.  Brought in to help by Uncle Mike, local bar owner and fae, Mercy finds herself once more in the fire but this time she may be in for more than she bargained as she comes under the scrutiny of the most powerful fae still alive.  Calling on the help of all her friends and finding herself followed constantly by an enchanted fair staff Mercy gambles everything she has in order to save Zee.

Once again Patricia Briggs delivers a twisting, enthralling tale packed full of mystery, humor, and drama right up until the very end. The love triangle between Mercy, Samuel, and Adam deepens until the reader is almost certain who she will choose only to be surprised.  Throughout all the novels so far it is hinted at what kind of fae Zee might be as he is one of very few fae that can touch iron with out it bringing him harm, though once again the reader is left guessing till the very end and even then the mystery might not be solved.

By far the most gut wrenching of the Mercy Thompson novels to date. Patricia Briggs throws Mercy under the bus only to drag her from beneath it and beat on her some more.  Thankfully for Mercy and we readers, there are enough good guys to ease the pain.  A stellar novel leaving you wanting more.