Dead Wind

This is the 3rd book in the series and I enjoyed it just as much as the rest of them! Lots of twists and turns throughout reading and that's what I love about Tessa's books! Thank you the opportunity to read and review early!

Third tango with Shana Merchant drags us into two different mysteries:
Killing of Hope Oberon: a convicted governmental officer along with her three friends for defrauding the government during bringing a wind farm to their local community is the first one! Hope had so many enemies, getting death threats from environmental groups. One of the environmentalists may take this threat too far!

And second mystery includes ongoing big mystery of Blake Bram: a ruthless serial killer and abductor of Shana who was once upon a time the trickster cousin Abe and whose fixation on Shay’s life is getting stronger at each second.

Shana teams up with her longtime partner Tim Wellington, investigating both cases, hardly restraining her unresolved feelings to her partner.

She still suspects the death of Hope might be related with the cat- mouse game Bram has been playing with her. Each second his stalking tendencies are getting out of control , breaking in Shana’s house, leaving gifts related with their childhood times and clues pointing his possible next victim’s identity.

Shana should keep her loved ones in distance for protecting them against the unpredictable jealousy of him.

On the other hand, the investigation of Hope’s death raises more political conflicts which feed bottled up grudges and long time revenge plans of locals.

Are both cases connected? Could Shana get upper hand to defeat Bram at his own game?

I was about to give four stars this book but the second half of the book, increasing high tension about Shana’s unfinished business with her cousin, revelations about the big secrets and impactful ending were so intense, heart wrenching and riveting! I literally had hard time to put the book down!

This book was more emotional, dark, heart throbbing than the other two books of the series. I liked Shana’s evolving throughout those journeys. At first book she was unreliable and broken character who was still nursing her traumatic experience she’s had in expanse ruining the entire case she and Tim were investigating. But at this book she’s wiser, stronger, braver. I loved to witness her self improvement and I also supported TIMSHA since he helped Shana to get rid of her dysfunctional relationship with her narcissistic ex.

Overall: this was one of my fastest reads! I’m rounding up 4.5 stars to 5 islander, obsessive, exciting, wild ride stars!

Looking forward to read more adventures of Shana and Tim in near future!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.

What better way to start of 2022 than reading Book 3 of the Shana Merchant series!?!

I love this series SO much and I’m glad I finally got caught up on the books! This series follows senior investigator Shana Merchant as she navigates life in the Thousand Islands/Alexandria Bay area, makes a new life for herself, and deals with demons from her past.

I really loved this newest installment of the series! We continued to learn more about Shana's past and complex family dynamic, in addition to seeing her friendship with Tim Wellington progress. And as always, I can't get enough of the unique setting of this book. I don't think I've read any other books set in the Thousand Islands area!

I think Dead Wind ended in a good place, but now I have no idea what comes next!! I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book of the Shana Merchant series!

Thank you @netgalley and @severnhouseimprint for the #gifted copy of Dead Wind!

What. A. Ride! Wow. I have loved this series since the first book and getting to know Shana and Tim has been so satisfying. Tessa Wegert has such a unique writing style that appeals to true hard crime readers, novice crime readers, and anyone who just loves a good mystery/suspense novel. The growth of Shana over these three novels was so interesting and has you rooting for her the whole time. Well done. Highly recommend this whole series!

Thank you so much to Tessa Wegert for my copy of Dead Wind. You guys know I love this locked room mystery style series, and the third book in the series is no exception. The third book continued Shana’s search for her serial killer cousin Bram. A body is discovered on Wolf Island, and it has Bram’s name all over it. Not only does Shana know the victim, but she feels it is Bram taunting her. She tries to balance solving the case, searching for her cousin, and dealing with a new attraction she has to her partner. But will she be able to catch her cousin, or is it too late?

Thoughts: I love Tessa Wegert’s writing style. She knows how to draw a reader in right from the beginning and capture their attention. I loved both the current mystery of who killed Hope and the overarching mystery of where Blake Bram is. It’s a fun cat and mouse mystery that ties together in a great way.

This book is both character and plot driven, as Shana really develops throughout the three books. It is fun to learn about her and her background throughout the series. I love the stories in each book as well. I highly recommend this series, and would also tell potential readers to start with Death in the Family to get the full scope of the story. 5-stars!

It’s no secret that I love the Shana Merchant novels and each time I finish one, I’m pestering Tessa to see when the next one will be out!

A truly gripping, tense and atmospheric novel, Shana is often pulled between family loyalty and her love for the job.

This is pure action from start to finish and the book really packs a punch. Based in the stunning location of Thousand Islands in New York (a place I’d love to visit one day), this chilling police procedural will literally have you on the edge of your seat right until its shocking climax.

Dead Wind is book three in the Shana Merchant novels and, I have to say, it’s the best one yet. I feel like Shana is really proving she’s a force to be reckoned with. Full of twists and turns and everything you need in a first class thriller: mystery, action and a kick-ass lead!

Shana may as well cuff me and chuck me in the back because I’m in this for the long-haul!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review and advanced copy of Dead Wind and I can't wait to read book 4!

Firstly, huge thank you to Tessa Wegert for e-ARC of DEAD WIND! I was beyond thrilled to start this right away!

Holy smokes. This is cleverly well-written. Wegert did an amazing job drawing me right from the beginning and I certainly loved the two events occurring in the story, the mystery of who killed Hope and the ongoing adventures with Blake Bram. I thought the characters were well developed and well-woven to the end. I devoured this book in two nights!

I want to thank Tessa Wegert, NetGalley and Severn House for gifting me with e-ARC of DEAD WIND in exchange for honest review/ opinion.

4.5 stars!

Dark And Sinister…
The third in the Shana Merchant series and another to keep the reader gripped with an edge of seat, tumultuous read. A body is discovered on Wolfe Island, near a wind turbine and eventual identification sends ripples of shock throughout the community. Can Shana find the killer and is she keeping secrets of her own? A cast of interesting and credible characters, a dark and sinister storyline and a thorough sense of menace throughout makes this a wholly compelling tale.

As this is the third book in the series I really loved watching the story and characters develop even more. Shana is still on the hunt for her serial killer cousin and a body has washed ashore in Canada that has his name written all over it. Thus begins her journey to Canada to check things out and see if she can get any closer to finding Bram. Loved this book and looking forward to more from Tessa.

This is my first 5 star read of 2022! I love Shana and the story surrounding her cousin. The murder in this one was super interesting, and there was also information about wind farms that I was fascinated by. I am a total greenie and have been into wind farms, and this gave me a pause on that. I was very satisfied with this story! Cannot wait to read more in the future!

"Small towns have long memories."

Full disclosure: I absolutely LOVE the Shana Merchant series. Tessa Wegert manages to write compelling mystery novels with flawed but loveable characters that result in twisty stories that I can never pin the culprit down in. Some mystery books will make the reader feel stupid for not picking up on little clues and hints, but Wegert does something I wish other mystery authors would do and that is put the reader in the shoes of their detectives. I don't feel bad for missing something, because I'm right there with Shana thinking about the case; often times you won't be able to pin down the who or why until Shana does and I really love that dynamic. It's far more engaging in my opinion, and doesn't feel like it's pandering to readers or trying to pull the rug out from under them (I've read plenty of mystery novels where twists were thrown in purely for shock value - a sudden twist doesn't make a mystery a fantastic read). Okay, now that I've fangirled over Wegert and her writing (her Instagram is so worth following, by the way, because she posts gorgeous pictures all.the.time.), onto the book!

This is only book 3 in the series, and it kept me on my toes. Initially we have the death of a woman who was about to be sentenced in a corruption case - her body is found propped up next to a wind turbine and as the corruption case involved her taking bribes to try to install a wind farm in a nearby town, it only seems natural that her death is linked. But she was about to be sentenced - she was being punished, so why kill her now? There's no shortage of motives, and unfortunately, some may not even deal directly with the victim, but point back to her father, a (mostly) beloved mayor, pulling a similar stunt back in the 80s. He wasn't taking bribes, but he tried to bring in a resort, and it was something townspeople still gossiped and harped on about years later. In addition to dealing with that, Shana is still trying to track down Bram and capture him for good, plus she's dealing with growing feelings for her partner, Tim. There's also a really crappy, manipulative ex that's creating drama for no good reason and he always infuriates me, so seeing him return had me grinding my teeth.

I can't say too much without spoiling it, but if you want a good detective story, you should absolutely be reading Wegert's books. I was afraid after this one that there wouldn't be another, but she's working on book 4 now, so I highly encourage everyone to jump into the series now and get acquainted with all the characters of A-Bay.

With this third installment in her Shana Merchant series, Wegert delivers an atmospheric, tense, and utterly creepy story of a police detective determined to stop a serial killer from striking again – a serial killer who happens to be her cousin. The author brings a fresh perspective to the serial killer story, focusing less on voyeurism and more on the lasting impact of those touched by crime. She backs that up with a solid whodunnit that will keep you guessing. All that, paired with beautiful imagery from the isolated upstate New York setting of a Thousand Islands, makes for a killer read!

Shana Merchant is back in the most chilling and compelling installment of the series yet. "Dead Wind" picks up after the cliffhanger in "The Dead Season." Wegert’s previous books are more locked-room mysteries but this one, while certainly still a mystery, presses more into the psychological thriller genre. It was my favorite of the series so far, showcasing not one, but two killers who are on the loose and on a crash course for Shana in the quiet Thousand Islands community she now calls home.

I knew after reading "Death in the Family" that I was going to enjoy this series and I had predicted that as the series progressed, so would my enjoyment of the books. I was right. We get a double mystery in this one with Shana and Tim trying to solve a local murder that’s wrapped in politics, as well as chasing down Bram Blake who has resurfaced in the area. The dual plots kept the pacing fast and intriguing. They also fit seamlessly together and didn’t confuse or take away interest from each other. In "Dead Wind" we get a more confident Shana. She’s still haunted by her past but in this one she comes across as a stronger, more capable character. I loved her take action mentality to hunt down Bram, confront her relationship with Tim (yay, was anxiously waiting for that to play out), stand up to Carson and solidify her place in the gossipy community despite being an outsider. There was also a lot of complex emotion in this one—how she tries to rectify the Abe of her past with the serial murderer stalking her. I know we are getting a fourth installment, but with no cliffhanger and a wrapped up, emotional ending, I’m curious to see where Wegert takes this series next.

What a fabulous thriller! I must admit I did not read the first two in this series but I was able to catch on quickly. 

Shana Merchant is a senior investigator and finds herself working a case with partner Tim Wellington, where a body is discovered on Wolfe Island under some wind turbines. As the story goes on, we are immersed in a twisted mystery and the backstory of the victim emerges that leads to more questions than answers. Is this murder totally unconnected to Shana's past, or is Bram back? The story soon provides that answer. 
I loved the way the author combined the current mystery with Shana's past. Obviously those parts were a surprise to me, having not read the previous novels, but I found it so interesting as the novel unfolded. The authors writing really hooks you in and builds the suspense. Another one I highly recommend.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and Severn House for this gifted copy.

This was a thrilling conclusion to this story line. It’s full of action and a few surprises. I really like Shana, she’s a tough female. I hope there’s more in this series. I really enjoyed it
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

I read The Dead Season, Book 2 in the Shana Merchant Series, in January and devoured it and was thrilled to have the opportunity to read Book 3 this month. It was exciting to get back to A-Bay and Shana's pursuit of Bram after the major cliffhanger at the end of Book 2! The continuation of the cat and mouse game between the cousins plus a new murder and small town politics + dynamics made for a real page turner.

I tend to love the part of a book where the significance of the title is revealed and “dead wind” was the perfect title for this fantastic novel. Plus I love a book that keeps me guessing until the end which this definitely did. Dead Wind exceeded expectations for me and I highly recommend this series for anyone who enjoys compelling twisty psychological thrillers.

Do you enjoy a riveting crime story about murder, politics, and power? Come along with Senior Investigator Shana Merchant and her partner Detective Tim Wellington as they solve not one, but two jaw dropping cases!

"Dead Wind" by Tessa Wegert, is book three of the "Shana Merchant" series. I read this as a standalone and it was wonderful. It is a complex police procedural storyline with hints of romance scattered in. Readers need to pay close attention to the book as Shana and Tim attempt to solve the murder of a local woman and catch a serial killer. Both are juicy plots that will keep readers asking questions till the very end. Can you figure out the cases before Tim and Shana do?

"Dead Wind" will be published April 5th.

Thank you NetGalley and Severn House, for the honor of reviewing this exciting thriller. It is a twisty read full of exciting plots twists!

This thriller had a great mix of suspense, mystery, and police procedural! I loved the small-town atmosphere that gave the story a claustrophobic feeling. It made everything feel more suspenseful, and I loved it!

Dead Wind is the third book in the Shana Merchant series, and it absolutely lived up to the previous ones! This one is coming off the ending of the previous book, and I do think it would make more sense to read the first two books before reading this one. There is a new murder mystery, but there is also the serial killer from the previous stories that is still a part of the story. It’s such a good blend of new story and previous history, but I think it works better if you’ve read the previous ones!

This had great character growth throughout the series, and I loved where Shana is in this book. She’s stronger and has shown her growth as an investigator. I enjoyed the secrets and surprises throughout this story! This is a great one for anyone that enjoys police investigation and serial killer stalking.

Dead Wind, A Shana Merchant novel
Author, Tessa Wegert
Pub date: 4.5.22
Available 3.1.22 on Kindle!

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours, @severnhouseimprint, @tessawegert, and @netgalley for my e- arc!

This is the third novel in the Shana Merchant series and while the second and third can be read as stand-alones, I did buy the first novel so that I can read how it all began! I know that seems backwards, but oh well!

The body of a very public citizen involved in a small- town scandal is found on Wolfe Island under the wind turbines. It seems more like a message than a simple murder and Shana Merchant and Tim Wellington are on the case to discover who and why. Overwhelmed in the politics and power, the two being to uncover dark secrets from the community's past that make even the innocent seem suspicious.

In the meantime, Shana is still recovering from her kidnapping by serial killer Blake Bram eighteen months ago and just can't let go of her own dark past. What else can she learn about Blake that can lead her closer to not only understanding their shared past, but also never allowing him to hurt another again?

And Shana and Tim begin to recognize the spark in their relationship and start protecting each other much more than investigative partners do..

Dead Wind is a gripping psychological thriller that has it all- investment in the characters and their outcomes, engaging police investigations, and an atmospheric and close- knit community filled with secrets, passion, deceit, and drama that will keep you guessing until the final shocking reveal!

4.5 stars!

Dead Wind by Tessa Wegert: A Review

Set in the Thousand Islands in upstate New York bordering Canada, Tessa Wegert’s thriller Dead Wind follows the New York State police detective Shana Merchant during her first year in the remote area. This is the third installment of the Shana Merchant series, and it is even better than the first two, which were quite good to begin with. The first two, Death in the Family and The Dead Season, also take place during this first year.

The story begins when Shana and her partner Tim are called to a wind farm on a Canadian island to investigate the death of an American citizen, whose body was found at the base of an enormous wind turbine. The woman, a local figure who had recently been found guilty of corruption in a neighboring town was due to be sentenced for her crimes.

Shana and Tim set about to solve the mystery, investigating a wealth of suspects. But all the while both wonder if the murder is the work of Blake Bram, the serial killer from whom Shana had escaped when she was a New York City police detective. The closer Shana and Tim get to solving the crime, the more unnerved they are by proof that someone is following their every move.

Wegert’s writing is evocative, conjuring the bleak atmosphere of the end of winter in a historic summer community for the old wealth of the early 20th century. Her pacing is well-timed and the stakes keep rising with each chapter. The plot twists toward the end are well planned but not at all easy to see coming.

I’m looking forward to reading the next installment. Although, given the three adventures Shana has survived in her first year in the Thousand Islands, I wouldn’t blame her if our heroine wanted a vacation!

I'd like to thank NetGalley for an advance copy of the book.

tessawegert is back with another Shana Merchant novel! DEAD WIND is boom 3 in the series and it’s so satisfying.
Read if you like:
-serial killer thrillers
-small town mysteries
-police procedural
-book series

In this book, serial killer Blake Bram is on the loose yet again, having skipped past authorities after his last heinous crimes. He’s following Shana, watching her, and she’s determined to put an end to all of it. And him.
Investigator Tim Wellington is resigned to protect Shana and help her on this crazy quest. And he might just like her a little bit;)

Oh wait! There’s more, the body of a local woman found near a wind turbine. She doesn’t fit Bram’s typical MO, but he’s not exactly predictable.

I really enjoyed this one, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone, however reading the book before gives you a richness to the story that you wouldn’t otherwise have. And I need to get to reading the first book in the series!

.

Whoa! This book had me hook, line, and sinker! My mind is still reeling, my heart rate is racing, and trails mark my cheeks where tears dripped moments ago. If it isn't obvious, I loved this book. Tessa Wegert does an astounding job creating likeable characters, that drag you into the story. This is the third book in the Shana Merchant Series and of course I read the third book first. Don't worry I already added the first two to my cart. This book is a high-octane ride, that will have you glancing over your shoulder to make sure no one is there, as the hairs on your neck slowly rise. Dead Wind will have all your senses heightened as the rush of the river fills your ears, the mud sucking at your boots, and your emotions run high.

Shana Merchant is a police officer working in the Thousand Lakes region of Northern New York. Wegert's descriptions will transport you to this small town, where everyone knows your name and your business. As a Hope Oberon's body is discovered beneath a large wind turbine the hunt is on for who would want her dead. Could Shana's serial killer cousin be involved? Or are there two murders on the lose? As Shana's past collides with her present, all bets are off. There are twists and turns you do not see coming as the past of Thousand Lakes is dusted off and not everything is as it appears.

Seriously you need to read this book! I am assuming you will need to start with book one to really experience Shana and her past. I had no issues reading this as a standalone. I could not have been happier to discover that Shana is from Swanton, Vermont! What! Vermont does not get enough attention and I loved this detail! Thank you to Tessa Wegert, Book Forward, and Severn House for sending me this fast paced, tense, all-encompassing read that I could not put down!

This stunning, intense thriller kept my full attention.
I loved the first two books in the series but Dead Wind blew me away!
Really a truly intriguing and atmospheric mystery, with lots of twists and turns and a very captivating protagonist.
This book is so expertly plotted and executed I thought Tessa did a great job at captivating the readers into the plot. I would describe this novel as an intense dark mystery thriller.. effortlessly creating an exciting thrill ride of twists, turns, suspense, and tension. The writing is smooth and clear. And the characters are wonderfully written, damaged, desolate, and devious.
I loved how this book caught the readers attention right off rip. And never once did I want to look away!

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Severn House,
Thank you so much for an advanced copy of Meant to Be Mine
I will post my review to B&N, platforms, blog and Waterstone close to pub date!.

Dead Wind is the 3rd book in the Shana Merchant series and they are best read in order. I missed book 2 but I did manage to pick the story up without too much trouble. I will be going back to read it though as ai really enjoy this fantastic series.

I love a good police procedural with a strong female lead character. Shana and Tim’s relationship and bond is interesting to see develop 5rough the books. And a serial killer with a strong link to our main character, love it so much. These books are written so well, sucking up you into Shana’s world and thoughts.

I hope there will be more o come. Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.

Dead Wind by Tessa Wegert is the third book in the Shana Merchant series. I just recently read the second one and I’m so glad I had this to follow. The continuation of the Blake Bram storyline is fascinating and kept me involved. I love Shana’s strength and determination. The atmosphere was so thick and claustrophobic, it was almost another character. While this can be read as a standalone, I believe it is much more satisfying to read in the series order.

Third book in the series, and Shana Merchant is back for more! This is my favorite so far. I do recommend starting at the beginning, but this is my fav in the series. Definitely pick it up!

A spectacular climax to an outstanding series.
In this, the third book in the Shana Merchant series, we find Shana and her partner, Tim, knee deep in the muck of a murder while also trying to catch a serial killer. When the body of a prominent city official is found mutilated at the base of a wind turbine it has all the earmarks of another Blake Bram murder. The same Bram who has occupied much of Shana's thoughts throughout the series. As youngsters they were best friends and he was her cousin that she knew as Abe Skilton. When evidence that the killer of the woman found under a wind turbine may not be him it sets into motion a series of events the small town in upstate New York will not soon forget. It also makes for a great character driven story.
I absolutely loved this whole series. Getting to know Shana, Tim and the rest of the cast of characters has been a delight. I love a capable, strong female detective that drives the story while also showing her vulnerabilities which makes her a well rounded character. The authors writing style is succinct, atmospheric and compelling. The plot is brilliantly crafted and the story just flows like a river in the story.
Although I think this one can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend one starts at the beginning to get 'the whole' story.

This is book 3 in this mystery series that combines psychological thriller and police procedure.

In this book, we have a new mystery of a murdered woman whose body was positioned at a wind farm in Canada. This victim was just days away from being sentenced for corruption charges so the list of potential suspects is vast.

Along with this current murder, Shana and her investigative partner, Tim, also continue the search for serial killer, Blake Bram, who always feels just out of reach.

I know my description of this book may be vague, but I really don’t want to give anything away.

I will tell you I had never seen a real live wind farm until I completed my first road trip from
Florida to Chicago in 2020. I love that stretch of Highway about an hour or so outside the city so I was fascinated to learn more about wind farms and why not everyone is in favor of that form of alternative energy.

I love the atmosphere of this book. It’s written with the intensity and feeling of a small town on the edge. I felt that nervous vibration throughout the read.

I was impressed with the twists involved in ALL aspects of the plot and am still a little shocked at how everything transpired in the end.

So the final question I always like to answer is, “Can this be read as a stand alone?”
I did read Book 2 before this book, but I actually am listening to book one (DEATH IN THE FAMILY) while I’m typing this review. So my answer is you can read book 3 first, but you will be hooked and feel the need to read the others for sure.

This was a great way to wrap up the series! I loved the small town, island vibe and set up throughout the 3 books. The psychological games are strong with this one and the ending wrapped up with an explanation about Shana and Bram’s relationship I’d been waiting for! 👏🏻

Thanks for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have to say I love this series and this author in general so I highly suggest you check out the other before getting to this. With that, I loved this book and I really enjoyed seeing how Shana developed over the course of the books. This book is both character and plot driven, which made for such an overall well rounded story. It was such a suspenseful read I highly recommend!!

Tessa Wegert, Author of “Dead Wind” has written a third novel in the Shannon Merchant series. Although it is beneficial to read the other books, this can be a stand-alone. The author writes a tense, captivating, suspenseful psychological thriller. The genres for this novel are Suspense, Mystery, Psychological thriller, and Fiction. The story is presented in the current timeline but goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. The author describes the dramatic characters as complex and complicated. There are a few characters that don’t appear to be who they are. There are some quirky and evil characters. There are betrayals, gaslighting, threats, and murder. There are also many deep dark secrets.

Detective Shannon Merchant finds herself in a suspenseful and mysterious situation when there is a murder that she is investigating. There is a feeling of deja-vu, and dread as she realizes something feels so familiar. This murder seems to reveal problems with power, politics, and different personalities.

It also seems that people that are close to Shannon, are getting hurt, threatened, or possibly murdered. What is the connection? As Shannon investigates she realizes that she is in terrible danger. I would highly recommend this intriguing and thought-provoking novel. There are twists and turns. I also was taken aback by the ending.

There were a lot of people who didn't like Hope but murder? Shana. however, sees more than anger at corruption in the wind farm- she sees the hand of her cousin Bram, a serial killer. She's the senior investigator on the case so she's got a problem since no one knows about Bram. This is a fairly standard cozy amped up with the Bram plot arc. I'm new to the series but Wegert does a good job of providing background on Shana who is an interesting protagonist. I also enjoyed the Thousand Island setting. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Complete the sentence-
NEVER HAVE I EVER________.



#deadwind by Tessa Wegert.
#march2022release

What if one gets to know one's cous is an abductor, a serial killer?
What if he's playing games, is on a spree on killing women & the count is unknown?
What if he gives you clues to reach him?
What if you are able to resolve the mystery, his reasons & understand his psyche when it's too late?
📍If these questions intrigue you, you wouldn't want to miss on this page turner👇

The author:
Tessa Wegert is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, The Huffington Post, Adweek, and The Economist.

#netgalley
Blurb:
The body is discovered on Wolfe Island, under the shadow of an enormous wind turbine. Senior Investigator Shana Merchant, arriving on the scene with fellow investigator Tim Wellington, can't shake the feeling that she knows the victim - and the subsequent identification sends shockwaves through their community in the Thousand Islands of Upstate New York.

Politics, power, passion . . . there are dark undercurrents in Shana's new home, and finding the killer means dredging up her new friends and neighbors' old grudges and long-kept secrets.

That is, if the killer is from the community at all. For Shana's keeping a terrible secret of her own: eighteen months ago she escaped from serial killer Blake Bram's clutches. But has he followed her . . . to kill again?

From my blog: Always With a Book

This is the third book in Tessa Wegert’s Shana Merchant series and I cannot tell you how much I love this series. It really is the perfect combination of police-procedural and psychological thriller, with a locked-room mystery thrown in…and I just love it!

This latest installment is full of twists and misdirection and really kept me guessing the entire time. As much as this book could be read as a stand-alone in the fact that has a self-contained case for Shana and her colleagues to solve, it also deals with a continuing thread that started in the first book and has been building ever since. This thread weaves itself into the current case and while the author does give a bit of backstory for those who haven’t read the previous books, you will have such a richer reading experience if you have. But maybe if this is the first one you are picking up, it will leave you eager to go back to the beginning.

I loved the character development we get here, not only for Shana but also on Bram. I feel like we learn quite a bit more about him and this makes for a much more thrilling, chilling and downright eerie read. I already didn’t like the guy and learning more about him just makes my feelings that much stronger towards him.

I think what I love best about this series is the small-town feel and how claustrophobic and atmospheric it can be. As Shana is focused on trying to solve the local murder, she is also trying to get to Bram before anyone else suffers. What ensues is quite the cat-and-mouse game until things come to quite a surprising end.

I went into this book thinking it was the last one of the series and when I got to the end, I felt like it had been wrapped up quite well, but then I found out there was another book coming, which pleases me immensely. I am excited and quite intrigued as to where things go next for Shana…and will definitely be eager to get my hands on that next book! If you haven’t picked this series up yet, I highly recommend it.

Investigator Shana Merchant knows he’s still out there when she is called to a murder scene across the border on Canada’s Wolfe Island. She pairs up with her old partner Tim to help solve this case.

At first, this murder appears to have Bram’s signature on it. Bram is the serial killer who abducted Shana over a year ago, only to let her go so that he could play some kind of sick, twisted game with her. But the victim here was a corrupt government official, using a bid from the wind farm to fill her coffers. Is this murder a distraction, is there another killer, or has Bram changed the rules?

𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝 is an intelligent, intense psychological thriller. The characters are complex, and the plot moves ahead swiftly as clues become more and more intertwined. The obsession, history, and relationship between Bram and Shana make this series truly chilling.

This was fantastic and somewhat surprising. I look forward to reading what Tessa Wegert writes next.

Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @tessawegert for a gifted ebook.

Dead Wind is the third book in the Shana Merchant mystery series. This is a fantastic book that is not only a police procedure but a psychological thriller. This is a stand-alone story, and the author does an amazing job at recapping the events of the first two books. I highly recommend reading the first two books in the series as they are absolutely FANTASTIC!

Dead Wind is an atmospheric mystery of a murder of a woman found at a wind farm. This was such an interesting location. There were multiple suspects which made for a great mystery.

As if that is not enough Shana and Tim are still on the search for the serial killer.

This book not only lived up to my expectations but exceeded them.

The characters are well written, complex, flawed and well fleshed out.

The perfectly plotted pace kept me on my toes and excited to turn the next page!

The twists were fantastic!

That ending was one I did not see coming a MILE away!


Highly Recommended!

Wegert is back with another Shana Merchant novel! And this one packs a punch! Yet another homicide that Shana has to determine if it could possibly be by the hands of someone close to her. Full of suspense and full blown mystery. Really enjoyed this installment and highly recommend this series!!

**Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @tessawegert for the copy in exchange for an honest review.**

Tessa Wegert is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to crime fiction. All of the Shana Merchant books have been superb and Dead Wind is no exception - this one was so addictive and well paced that I read it in one sitting. This author is an auto-buy for me and I would read anything she publishes.

Shana is back on the case in this third installment of this series. In this one, she is still suffering from the affects of being pursued by a serial killer. A prominent local man is found dead and Shana is determined to find the killer, even if it means dredging up dark secrets and old grudges.

I love Shana's gutsiness and grit in a world of crime and police procedures. The killer seems to have a vendetta against her, but this just fuels Shana's determination to get to the bottom of it. Set in the remote islands in Canada, the wild sparse location is perfect for this chilling tale full of suspense.

Fans of crime, police procedures and suspenseful, detective mysteries will love this one.

‘So how exactly is this going to work?’

A body is discovered on Wolfe Island, near an enormous wind turbine. When Senior Investigator Shana Merchant and her colleague Tim Wellington arrive at the scene, she feels that the victim is familiar, and the subsequent investigation confirms this. Hope Oberon, convicted with others for defrauding the government, had not yet been sentenced for her crime. Hope had many enemies in the Thousand Islands region of New York and had received threats from environmental groups. Could her killer have been one of the environmentalists? Early investigations seem to point this way.

But Shana is also concerned about other cases. Blake Bram, her cousin, is a ruthless serial killer who had once abducted Shana and recently abducted and injured a child. Shana knows that he is watching her, and wonders if he was involved in Hope Oberon’s murder.

‘The only thing worse than not having a single lead on a homicide is watching a case fall apart.’
While I have not read the first two books in this series, there’s enough detail provided for me to understand Shana Merchant’s background. To solve Hope Oberon’s murder, Shana Merchant has to delve into the past of a number of community members. Old grudges and long-held secrets complicate the investigation as does the spectre of Blake Bram.

Shana is torn between her feelings for Tim and the need to keep those she cares for safe. And the personal aspect becomes complicated when her toxic ex-boyfriend and Tim’s ex-girlfriend form a relationship.

‘Trust is a trickster. We convince ourselves it’s safe to give up and give in.’

A fast-moving novel that held my attention from beginning to end.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

First: This is the third book in a series, and while events continue from the previous two books, this book can be read as a standalone. I had no problem picking up the storyline, even though I hadn't read the first two.

Minor spoilers ahead for the first two books, as it is unavoidable to the storyline. But I'll keep it as under wraps as I possibly can.

This book starts off running, with Shana and Tim still in the middle of the hunt for a serial killer, who happens to be Shana's cousin, when a new case pops up that may be connected to him, or may be the work of a completely new killer. With so little to go on, Tim and Shana are puzzled - and it's amazing to watch them try to work through everything. Because there are plenty of suspects and avenues to explore. The ending is a bit of a shocker and definitely kept me on my toes, though the clues were all there! Like a complex puzzle, it can be solved!

I liked Shana, Tim and Mac, they made a great team, and I'm hoping we see more of them in the future. They were the type of friends you hope you make as an adult: true friends who will protect you and help you, no matter the circumstances. Shana was also a pretty badass heroine who was willing to do what it took to get justice ... even a little subterfuge.

I hope we see more of this series, with its great series and equally amazing setting. While it may be helpful to read in order, I'm glad I was introduced to it, no matter what the order! It's well worth the read!

#DeadWind:

Shana is back one more time (queue Daft Punk) and it’s a definite bang to end the series. This is a book that you’ll definitely need to read the other two and not treat as a stand-alone. I had to go back and review my previous reviews to make sure I knew what was going on and to refresh my memory.

Tessa Wegert and the Shana Merchant series is prime time psychological thriller at its finest. I’m always clutching my pearls during this series, but I think I may have snapped them this time from clutching so hard because of Dead Wind. I’ve always enjoyed Shana as a character, but I felt she freaking ✨shined✨ in book 3. She has amazing growth and we really got to get to know her and love her (more)

Overall, a very solid series that I will be forcing my husband to read because this is one that we will both agree on. I’m so sad to see Shana go, but I’m so thankful this amazing series was made. Read all 3 in order to get the full effect. Thank you so much booksforward for the gifted copy. Dead Wind is out Tuesday, April 5th.

I’ve read the first and second book in the series so I jumped at the chance to review the third book for Books Forward. Shana Merchant is a wonderfully strong female character, damaged yet stronger for it. The author does a great job of deepening and strengthening Shana’s character arc while at the same time never ever making it easy for her or anyone she cares for. Though this is the culmination of her hunt for Bram, I’m hoping to see much more of Shana.
Family drama is a hallmark of these novels, as Shana’s own family secrets begin to blend in with those of the small town she’s living in now. I think this is the side of Shana that makes the books so engrossing for me.
The tightly woven mystery moves from the past to the present effortlessly with well-researched police procedures worked throughout. The excellence of prose and mastery of plot that keeps me from putting down a book is here at 110%.
There are a lot of books out there. This series stands far above the crowd for me. Highly recommended.

Tessa absolutely outdid herself with Dead Wind! I'm so glad that I read the 2nd book in the Shana Merchant series, The Dead Season, right before this one. I needed to know what would happen to Shana ASAP - And now, the rest of the people in her life (Tim, lookin at you)! I can only hope that this series continues, but given the ending to this one (which in my mind was perfectly done), I'm not sure where it will go next. I love the way that with each and every book, Tessa draws you more into the characters so that you feel as if you're in the story with them. This one had me thinking, guessing, and for a detective story really did give me all of the feels.

Dead Wind is the third book in Tessa Wegert’s Shana Merchant series. Shana is a tenacious and resilient police investigator, working cases while also overcoming past trauma. All three novels are a unique blend of page-turning police procedural and psychological suspense. Dead Wind is dark, gritty, and so well crafted! While it can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading the series, it’s just that good!

I didn’t realize this book was part of a series. That being said I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had more of the back story. I was able to understand everything okay but I’m guessing a missed a lot of character development in the past books that was what I was missing in this one. The MC was likeable, smart, and I felt was dealing with her past trauma in a relatable way. If you are interested I certainly recommend you read the other books first.

𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦!

Dead Wind is the third book in the Shana Merchant series and what a fantastic way to finish, I loved the end but I’m so sad to say goodbye to all these characters.
If you like intense psychological thrillers you need to read these books.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and Severn House for this gifted copy.

Dead Wind by Tessa Wegert, Author ebook released March 1, 2022 and Hardcover releases April 5, 2022.

𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦: 𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺, 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳, 𝘚𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦, 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘒𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘴.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcoffeemx/

TITLE: DEAD WIND
SERIES: Shana Merchant Book 3
AUTHOR: Tessa Wegert
PUB DATE: 4.5.2022 Available Now

Synopsis

The body is discovered on Wolfe Island, under the shadow of an enormous wind turbine. Senior Investigator Shana Merchant, arriving on the scene with fellow investigator Tim Wellington, can't shake the feeling that she knows the victim - and the subsequent identification sends shockwaves through their community in the Thousand Islands of Upstate New York.

REVIEW

I loved the first two books and the third one was highly anticipated for me. Glad to be back with Shana and Tim as they investigate another murder and this time with some sinister take on politics and that continual intense moments with Shana’s previous captor Bram, and his relationship with Shana.

The writing is intense, gripping, and I just devoured it! My little thrilling and suspenseful loving heart was so happy for this five star worthy read I really enjoyed!

This is the first book i read in this series and i think I discovered a new series I'm going to read.
This is a gripping story full of twists, it kept me guessing and on the edge till the end.
I liked the characters and the storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

5 stars!! This series never disappoints!

If you’ve been following me for a few years, you know that this series has been a favorite of mine! Each subsequent book has been as good as the last and I can always count on a 5 star read and it makes me happy because Tessa is one of the nicest people. It’s nice for good people to achieve success and her books have been completely embraced by the bookstagram community (as they should)!

What I love the most about this series (besides it’s dependability) is that there is no annoying re-hashing of old plot points. She sprinkles cookie crumb reminders and then moves on to the new plot. She also amazingly makes it easy to just pick up without having read the others - which, for someone like me who is super long winded (no pun here 🤣), I have no idea how she reviews things from previous books so concisely - that’s a talent all it’s own in my opinion. I also love how much her main character Shana has progressed and grown in each book. Her character development is flawless and I seriously had chills at certain points in this book. I read a lot of it on the elliptical and I have documented proof of my heart rate rising (and I don’t think it was all exercise if you get my point!).

There’s so much to love here, it’s a great mystery, with great characters, a part of the country that doesn’t get written about ad nauseam AND you’re supporting a really nice and genuine person. It’s a WIN WIN for all of us 👏🏻👏🏻So if you’re looking for a new series or haven’t picked this up, but you have a book mountain on the floor (like me 😘😉), be sure to pick this out of the pile sooner rather than later!

Thanks to Netgalley and Severn House for the gifted copy!

Review Date: 04/11/2022
Publication Date: 04/07/2022

Senior Investigator Shana Merchant is back in the third book of the Shana Merchant series with Dead Wind by Tessa Wegert .

This book continues with the atmospheric psychological thriller police procedural content that I have loved from the beginning of the series. Shana is involved in yet another case that she may or may not have personal ties to.
I enjoy the action, the suspense, the locked room mystery inside a mystery and Shana’s growth over these three books.
This is one of my most favorite series that I highly recommend.

Shana Merchant is back and must delve back into her dark memories in order to solve a murder. Shana escaped from the serial killer months before but is he now following her again?

Although I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series I was really intrigued by the plot and wasn't disappointed. I would definitely recommend reading the series in order (which is what I will be going to do now).

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review

Love this series! Tessa Wegert does such an amazing job crafting great characters, upping the suspense, and keeping us guessing. Can't wait for Book #4!!

Dead Wind by Tessa Weber’s

Senior investor, Shana Merchant, must dredge up dark secrets and old grudges if she is to solve the murder of a prominent local citizen in the Thousand, Island community she calls home.

Excellent book. Includes thrills,twists, and turns throughout. Couldn’t put it down. Character base was good.I recommend this book.

This was a small town mystery that bubbles with secrets and intrigue. I really did race through Well written, with a plot and characters that haunt you long after you've finished.

Dead Wind is another atmospheric suspense/police procedural that picks up on the cliff hanger from The Dead Season. It was a painful wait trust me. When a body is discovered on Wolfe Island, Shana and Tim find themselves on Canadian soil to assist in the investigation and figure out who the victim is and where she’s from. With the identity of the victim, a small community is suddenly uprooted and past secrets are dredged up. While trying to solve the new crime while still searching for Bram, Shana can’t help shake the feeling that he is somehow involved in this.
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I love how these books are a locked room type mystery within a mystery. Perfectly atmospheric, small community setting and a bit of cat and mouse with plenty of twists and suspects really make this series a whole package for me. But that’s also the problem, I’ve gotten a bit attached to the characters so after finishing the book I was both happy and sad. I want more Tim and Shana but it seems that this could be the end of the series? Is this the end? I don't want it to be the end.

It’s rare that I will read a series one book after another. But this series is one I just don’t want to put down.

The ending to Dead Wind, book 3, was almost shocking and not at all what I was expecting.
But it was well worth the wait.

I can’t wait to read what’s next by Tessa Wegert.

I enjoyed this final installment of the Shana Merchant series. If you haven’t read Death in the Family or Dead Season you should start there, because you definitely need those for the backstory.

If you’ve been following along for the whole series, this book is going to be your favorite. We FINALLY get answers to all the questions we had at the end of the first two books. Shana and Tim finally get together, and everything is right with the world!

I enjoyed this series the whole way through and definitely recommend it. Now that it’s wrapped up, I’m excited to see what Tessa Wegert writes next!

I am so thankful I got to spend more time with Shana Merchant, Senior Investigator. This is hands down my favorite of the series so far. The way the story evolved worked so well while keeping in theme with long term fans!

Wegert is the queen of creating the creepiest atmospheres. In Dead Wind, we have another slow start but by halfway through- all bets are off and things go bonkers and I am so here for it.

I oddly loved the backstory of Dead Wind’s fatal victim, Hope Oberon. Her family’s story is tragic but also so entertaining. While it feels strange to type that, I am not sure how else to explain it all!

Shana and Tim together was a refreshing change. While I adore these books they do feel so heavy so their new dynamic was needed and a nice change of pace.

For my lovers of a smart procedural thriller, this series is absolutely it! I cannot wait to read the 4th in the series, The Kind to Kill which comes out in December!

Thank you to the publisher and @NetGalley for the E-ARC copy of this book. The rating of this book is entirely of my own opinion. #NetGalley #DeadWind #MustReadMysterySeries

Again, another series you cannot go wrong with. Tessa Wegert writes a beautiful Crime Fiction, and she needs to keep going

I like mysteries and this was a good one. There are several mysteries that overlap plus some old relationships too. A small tourist town should be calm on the off season. But a dead body is found at the base of a wind turbine. And the turbine is in Canada. Turns out Shay and Tim work just across in America and the dead body is from their town. As they search for the clues there are more questions than answers. Shay's cousin is heavily in the frame for committing the murder. But did he? A good story from beginning to end.