Haunted House and Hidden Secrets

Mercy Thompson, a shapeshifter, visits her old college friend Amber in Spokane to help with a ghost problem and escape vampire politics. Amber's Victorian mansion is grand but unsettling, with Amber's son, Chad, wary of Mercy, and her husband, Corban, skeptical about the ghost. Mercy explores the house, sensing its odd atmosphere and trying to reassure Chad about the ghostly disturbances. The visit is a chance for Mercy to confront supernatural challenges while navigating her complex relationships.

Ghostly Encounters and Unseen Forces

Mercy and Chad explore the mansion, encountering strange occurrences that suggest a real haunting. They find a toppled bookcase in Chad's room and experience a chilling presence. Mercy senses the ghost's anger and tries to comfort Chad, who is brave but frightened. Despite the ghost's unsettling presence, Mercy is determined to help Chad and figure out the ghost's motives. She suspects the ghost is intelligent and possibly dangerous, but she lacks the knowledge to banish it.

Dinner with a Vampire Guest

During a formal dinner with Amber, Corban, and his client Jim Blackwood, Mercy realizes that Blackwood is a vampire. She is on edge, trying to avoid drawing attention to herself while observing Blackwood's interactions. The dinner is tense, with Mercy trying to remain unnoticed by the vampire, who is charming but potentially dangerous. Mercy is relieved when the dinner ends without incident, but she remains wary of Blackwood's intentions and his connection to Amber's family.

Unraveling the Ghostly Mystery

Mercy and Chad continue their investigation, exploring the attic and finding old records and documents. They are locked in by the ghost, which confirms its malevolent nature. Mercy is concerned about the ghost's intentions and the safety of Chad and Amber. She also discovers that Amber has been unknowingly involved with a vampire, adding another layer of danger to the situation. Mercy is determined to protect Chad and uncover the truth behind the haunting.

A Dangerous Revelation

Mercy wakes up with a vampire bite on her neck, realizing that she is in more danger than she thought. She suspects Stefan, a vampire ally, but worries about the presence of other vampires. Mercy is conflicted about her next steps, knowing she must protect Chad and Amber while dealing with the supernatural threats. She is frustrated by her lack of knowledge about ghosts and vampires, but she is resolved to find a solution.

Confronting the Supernatural Threat

Mercy confronts the ghost in Chad's room, where it has trapped him in a frozen state. With Stefan's help, she tries to free Chad and dispel the ghost. The situation is dire, and Mercy realizes she needs more help to deal with the supernatural forces at play. She is determined to protect Chad and Amber, even as she grapples with the complexities of vampire politics and her own safety. Mercy's resolve is tested as she faces the ghost and the looming threat of the vampire Blackwood.

Ghostly Allies and Vampire Schemes

Trapped in Blackwood's lair, Mercy learns from the ghost of a young boy, John, and a former vampire, Catherine, that Blackwood has been using their powers to maintain control over his domain. Catherine reveals that Blackwood gains abilities from those he feeds on, including the power to control ghosts. Mercy realizes that Blackwood intends to use her unique abilities as a walker to enhance his own power. Despite the dire situation, Mercy's resolve strengthens as she understands the depth of Blackwood's manipulation and the potential threat he poses.

A Desperate Escape Plan

Mercy, determined to escape and protect Chad, Corban, and herself, devises a plan. She learns from the oakman, a fae prisoner, that Blackwood's power can be disrupted. Mercy calls upon Stefan, her vampire ally, to rescue Chad, knowing it will leave her vulnerable but hoping it will buy them time. As Blackwood's control over his captives wavers, Mercy's connection to the supernatural world becomes her greatest asset in the fight for freedom.

Confrontation with the Vampire Master

Blackwood, enraged by Chad's escape, turns his fury on Mercy. Despite the vampire's attempts to break her spirit, Mercy remains defiant. She uses her connection to the fae and her own supernatural abilities to resist his control. In a desperate move, Mercy calls upon the power of the fairy staff, a magical artifact that has been mysteriously aiding her, to strike a blow against Blackwood. The confrontation escalates as Mercy's allies rally to her side, turning the tide against the vampire master.

Unlikely Allies and Final Showdown

As the battle against Blackwood intensifies, Mercy's allies, including Stefan and the oakman, join forces to bring down the vampire. The oakman sacrifices himself to weaken Blackwood, allowing Mercy to deliver the final blow. With the vampire's death, the supernatural bonds he forged begin to unravel, freeing his captives and restoring balance. Mercy's courage and determination prove pivotal in overcoming the darkness that threatened to consume them all.

A New Beginning and Old Ties

With Blackwood defeated, Mercy returns to her life, forever changed by the ordeal. She reconciles with Stefan, who decides to return to Marsilia's seethe, and strengthens her bond with Adam, her werewolf mate. Mercy reflects on the power of friendship and loyalty, realizing that her connections to the supernatural world are both a burden and a blessing. As she embraces her role as a protector, Mercy looks forward to a future where she can face any challenge with the support of her allies.

Characters

Mercy Thompson

Mercy is a shapeshifter with a strong sense of justice and loyalty. Throughout her ordeal with Blackwood, she demonstrates courage and determination, using her unique abilities to protect those she cares about. Her experiences deepen her understanding of the supernatural world and her place within it, strengthening her resolve to stand against those who threaten her and her loved ones.

Amber Wharton

Amber is Mercy's old college friend who reaches out for help with a ghost haunting her home. She is married to Corban and has a son, Chad. Amber is under stress from the haunting and her husband's skepticism. She is unaware of the vampire threat in her life, which complicates her relationship with Mercy. Amber is trying to maintain a normal life despite the supernatural chaos around her.

Chad Wharton

Chad is Amber's ten-year-old son, who is dealing with the ghost haunting his room. He is intelligent and perceptive, with a strong sense of curiosity. Chad is initially wary of Mercy but grows to trust her as they investigate the ghost together. He is brave in the face of supernatural threats, showing resilience beyond his years.

Corban Wharton

Corban is Amber's husband, a successful lawyer who is skeptical of the ghost haunting their home. He is practical and dismissive of supernatural explanations, which puts him at odds with Amber and Chad. Corban's relationship with his family is strained by his disbelief and the hidden vampire threat. He is unaware of the full extent of the danger they face.

Jim Blackwood

Blackwood is a cunning vampire who seeks to enhance his power by exploiting the abilities of others. His control over ghosts and his ruthless nature make him a formidable adversary. Despite his strength, Blackwood's arrogance and underestimation of Mercy's resilience ultimately lead to his downfall.

Stefan Uccello

Stefan is a vampire who values loyalty and honor. Despite his complicated relationship with Marsilia, he remains a steadfast ally to Mercy. His willingness to risk his own safety to protect Mercy and Chad highlights his deep sense of duty and friendship.

Catherine

Catherine is a former vampire whose spirit remains bound to Blackwood. Her knowledge of Blackwood's methods and her desire for revenge make her a valuable, albeit dangerous, ally to Mercy. Her interactions with Mercy reveal the complexities of loyalty and betrayal in the supernatural world.

Plot Devices

Ghostly Haunting

The ghost haunting Amber's house is a central plot device, driving the narrative and creating tension. It is intelligent and malevolent, targeting Chad and causing chaos in the household. The ghost's presence forces Mercy to confront her lack of knowledge about ghosts and seek a solution to protect Chad and Amber.

Vampire Politics

Vampire politics play a significant role in the story, with Mercy caught in the middle of a power struggle. The presence of Jim Blackwood and the threat from Marsilia add layers of danger and intrigue. Mercy must navigate these politics carefully to protect herself and those she cares about.

Supernatural Bonds

The supernatural bonds between characters, such as Mercy's ties to Stefan and the pack, play a crucial role in the narrative. These connections provide both strength and vulnerability, influencing the characters' actions and decisions. The bonds highlight the themes of loyalty, trust, and the power of relationships in overcoming adversity.

Analysis

"Bone Crossed" by Patricia Briggs explores themes of loyalty, resilience, and the complexities of vampire politics. Mercy Thompson's journey highlights the importance of friendship and trust in overcoming adversity. The novel delves into the intricacies of power dynamics within the supernatural world, emphasizing the need for courage and determination in the face of danger. Mercy's character development reflects the balance between independence and reliance on allies, showcasing the strength found in unity. The story ultimately conveys the message that true power lies in the bonds we forge and the courage to stand against darkness.

Last updated: February 26, 2025