Mercy Watts is the central character in A.W. Hartoin’s long-running mystery series. A former nurse whose father happens to be a successful private investigator, Mercy wants nothing to do with detective work. Unfortunately for her, trouble keeps showing up at her door, and she has the skills and stubbornness to see each case through.
Mercy’s medical training gives her a unique edge in investigations, and her complicated family relationships add depth to the stories. The Mercy Watts Mysteries span over twenty books, following Mercy as she reluctantly embraces her talent for solving crimes while dealing with her father, her aunt, and a growing cast of recurring characters.
Reading Order#
See the complete Mercy Watts Mysteries reading order for all books in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mercy Watts called a "reluctant" investigator?
Mercy has no desire to be a detective. Her father is a well-known private investigator, but Mercy trained as a nurse and would prefer to stay out of trouble. Cases keep finding her anyway, and her medical knowledge and sharp instincts make her good at solving them whether she wants to be or not.
How many books feature Mercy Watts?
There are over twenty books in the Mercy Watts Mysteries series by A.W. Hartoin, published between 2012 and 2025, plus four companion stories in the Chronological Order of Mercy Watts Mysteries.
What is Mercy Watts's background?
Mercy Watts is a trained nurse whose father is a well-known private investigator. Her medical knowledge gives her a unique advantage in solving crimes, even though she would rather not be investigating anything at all.