GLORY OF THE PACK

This supernatural novel follows a werewolf agent investigating an increasingly complex case of murder in Iowa.

Joe Butler, part of the Werewolf Organization of Fighters, keeps werewolves’ existence hidden from humanity. He stops rogue werewolves, or Wild Ones, from excessively killing humans. But the latest murder victim in Des Moines is one of his own—not just a werewolf, but a WOOF agent hailing from Seattle. Though the WOOF pack leader there doesn’t want help finding his agent’s killer, Joe looks into the homicide anyway. He zeroes in on several Washington state werewolf packs that are hanging out in Des Moines for unknown or vague reasons. Unfortunately, his probes at such gatherings as Wild Ones’ parties disturb some unsavory types, who try killing him. Meanwhile, other West Coast werebeasts (for example, wererats) pop up in Iowa; Wild Ones’ “human hunts” escalate; and the bodies of WOOF agents pile up. By the time Joe finally starts unraveling this confounding mystery, he uncovers a startling menace that could threaten all the werebeasts in Iowa. Carpenter spins this tale off his six-volume, vampire-centric series. Joe, who appeared in two of those installments, makes a likable, meticulous narrator in this enjoyable novel. He aptly describes the cast and the scenery, occasionally slipping into an abridged narrative when transformed into his single-minded wolf form. While his investigation turns up little beyond evasive characters, the mystery continually surprises with a handful of iffy alliances. Similarly, the constant presence of Wild Ones ignites action that, as in the author’s earlier works, concentrates on frenzied combat. The final act takes a slight detour, though it perfectly suits the plot and spawns a thorough wrap-up. Readers would surely welcome a sequel starring the striking protagonist.

An energetic and engaging mystery with mythical beasts and series potential.