Iron Kissedby Patricia Briggs

When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it's up to shapeshifting car mechanic Mercy Thompson to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not. And she'll have to choose between the two werewolves in her life-whether she wants to or not. (goodreads.com)

It had been a while since I read the first two books in the Mercy Thompson series. I had put this book on my wishlist long ago, though never thought to look for it in the store when I would wander in. Finally I started looking for it and it was never in stock. So I ordered it online with Christmas gift certificates.I really enjoyed this story. I had forgotten that the Urban Fantasy world that Mercy lives in also includes the fae and I do love me some fae! The first book had a focus on werewolves, the second on vampires and this time around the fae were the focus. I love the way Briggs twirls the three worlds together in an original way. Sure there are power struggles but that's not the main focus of the stories (I have to stop saying "focus", sorry!).I love Mercy and this book reminded me of just how much. I also love Adam, the pack Alpha and his daughter Jesse. I am not a fan of Samuel and I'd rather he not be around as much as he is, but hey, you can't have everything, right? And on top of that, throughout this book Mercy is constantly nagged to finally make her choice between Adam and Samuel. I am sort of glad that happened as there is only so much love triangle story I can take (*cough* Anita Blake series *cough*)One thing that frustrated me with this story was actually part of the plot. Zee and Uncle Mike, both fae, ask Mercy to help them investigate a series of murders and then get upset at her because she knows too much. I mean, hello? What did they expect when they asked her to change into a coyote and sniff around in all the houses of the murder victims in fairyland? Of course she'll sniff things she shouldn't and have questions. They act like it's her fault she's seen or smelled what she did when THEY are the ones who asked her to do this and put her in the situation in the first place. And of course all the fae are after her because she "knows too much". Good grief. That whole aspect of the book made me so angry. Let's get mad at the people who help us when we ask them to. Sheesh.This was a completely engaging read, it held me captive from the first pages. So far out of the three books I think this one is my favourite, and that's saying a lot since I loved the first book. The second one was great as well, though I am not as much of a vampire story fan as others.Happily the next book is due in paperback this month. Woohoo! And I have a birthday coming up, too. ;)Mercy Thompson series

1. Moon Called
2. Blood Bound
3. Iron Kissed
4. Bone Crossed
5. Silver Borne
6. River Marked - hardcover March 2011