Mercy and Elvis Mystery Books in Order

The Mercy and Elvis mysteries follow Mercy Carr, a former Army military police officer trying to rebuild her life in Vermont after a devastating deployment. Her closest companion is Elvis, a retired Belgian Malinois bomb-sniffing dog who belonged to her late fiancé, Martinez. Both carry trauma from their service, and both find some peace in long walks through the Green Mountains.

Peace does not last long in Northshire.

The series begins in A Borrowing of Bones, when Mercy and Elvis find an abandoned baby near a shallow grave in the woods. The discovery brings Mercy into contact with Troy Warner, a U.S. game warden, and Susie Bear, his Newfoundland search-and-rescue dog. Mercy’s instincts as an investigator, Elvis’s training, and Troy’s knowledge of the land make the four a natural team, even when they do not agree on the best way to handle a case.

Vermont is more than a pretty backdrop in these books. Its forests, steep trails, sudden weather, hunting seasons, old farms, and close-knit towns all shape the mysteries. A missing person can be hidden by miles of wilderness. A blizzard can trap suspects together. Local history, family grudges, and land disputes often matter as much as the physical clues.

The dogs are working partners, not just mascots. Elvis tracks scents, detects danger, and reacts to the world with the instincts of a dog trained for high-pressure work. Susie Bear brings search-and-rescue skills and a calmer presence. Their abilities help move the investigations forward, while their bonds with Mercy and Troy give the series much of its heart.

Each book has its own central mystery, from murders during hunting season to old disappearances, a troubled wedding weekend, and secrets inside a supposedly haunted Vermont manor. The ongoing story follows Mercy as she creates a new life, works through grief, and lets more people into her circle. Troy, Mercy’s grandmother Patience, and the wider Northshire community become increasingly important as the series continues.

Expect mysteries with real stakes, outdoor action, and plenty of time spent in the woods.

The tone balances suspense with warmth. There are dangerous situations and difficult subjects, including loss and the lasting effects of service, but there is also humor, family friction, animal care, and the everyday work of building trust. Starting with A Borrowing of Bones is the best choice because it introduces Mercy, Elvis, Troy, Susie Bear, and the emotional foundation that carries through the later books.