‘When Mercy Died’

Inspiration

(Note from Peter)

The inspiration for the storyline in When Mercy Died arose from a desire to explore the devastating consequences of the most horrific event imaginable. To integrate such a tragedy into the narrative, I chose to examine how the hero of my first book, The Extraterrestrial, would respond upon discovering that the woman he loves, her two children, and her mother had been murdered in retaliation for his destruction of the criminal organization that had held Los Angeles in its grip for over a year.

The first book concludes on a high note, with the hero and his beloved deciding to marry after finding a way to reconcile their differences—she being a famous movie actress and he an extraterrestrial compelled to remain an enigma. In stark contrast, the second book begins with the hero’s discovery of their deaths, plunging the story into sorrow and despair.

I found it challenging to portray the hero’s grief in a way that would resonate with readers, evoking emotions similar to what he endured. To capture this, I had him experience what is known as ‘complicated grief disorder’—a prolonged and intensified state of mourning that prevents healing. This condition is marked by overwhelming sorrow, persistent pain, and an unrelenting focus on the loss of loved ones. Seeking solace, the hero isolates himself from the world.

But I won’t reveal more—readers must uncover for themselves how he finds the strength to return to his designated role and ultimately rediscover love.