Mr. Mercedes had the compelling forward motion brought on by a likeably flawed investigator (much like Cormoran Strike in The Cuckoo's Calling with episodes of Criminal Minds-esque "wurd feelins" when entering the mind of a creepy bad guy. Not earth-shattering in plot or style, but entertaining in a slightly guilt-inducing way. I didn't realize it was a trilogy but would be happy to hang out the Det-Ret again. Not a book I could read over dinner.