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If you like romantic suspense, I think there’s a very good chance you’ll find a lot to like about this book. Ditto if you’re a fan of paranormals. If, like me, you’re fond of both genres, then Killing Moon has your name written all over it.
Ross Marshall is a dedicated P.I. who also just happens to be a werewolf. Hot on the scent (sorry, I couldn’t stop myself) of a man he knows to be a serial killer, he’s shot by his suspect one night when attempting to gather evidence. Though Ross manages to change back into his human form and drive away, his assailant thinks he’s wounded a wild dog.
Determined to understand more about his condition, Ross had previously contracted with a local genetics lab to draw blood and conduct an analysis of his blood and DNA. The woman sent to Marhsall’s remote home is one Megan Sheridan, a doctor and talented genetics researcher.
When Megan arrives, she finds Ross wounded and very nearly delirious. Even though he’s managed to remove the bullet, the barely conscious Ross is clearly in need of the medical assistance Megan can provide. But, while Ross isn’t sure of much in his badly debilitated condition, he does know that Megan represents something he can’t afford to accept: she just might be the woman he was born to love.
Despite his protestations, Megan does stay to help Ross recover and soon enough she finds herself caught up in Ross’s quest to capture the serial killer before he can claim another victim. Ross’s ally in this quest (and his possible nemesis, as well) is homicide detective Jack Thornton, a man puzzled by Ross’s connection to a case several years earlier. It seems that Ross provided clues to the identity of that serial killer – a man missing for years who recently turned up dead. Isn’t it more than a bid odd, Jack supposes, that he’s once again providing the same kind of clues to the identity of the same kind of killer?
Clearly, Ross is a “gifted” PI. And, while his werewolf senses have been an undeniable asset in his work, they come with a very high price. In Ms. York’s world, female children born to the wife of a werewolf die at birth and males don’t fare much better since the first transformation at puberty is a perilous one that few survive. Considering the tragedy of his birth, it’s no wonder that Ross is more than adverse to falling in love, especially since, as Ross’s father told him years earlier, when he meets his mate, nothing can stop him from the urge to perpetuate his species. Is it possible that genetics researcher Megan can discover the secret of Ross’s mysterious condition and free him from the tragedy of his curse?
This book works well on a number of levels. Ross is a wonderful hero and the mythology that Ms. York has created is equally intriguing. Descended from a long line of Druid priests, he’s capable of transforming into his wolf form simply by uttering a few Gaelic words. And, since all males are alpha males, some pretty serious father-son issues are the painful result.
Though her character is a bit less well developed than Ross, Megan, also, is an intriguing and interesting heroine with, I might add, one heck of a dysfunctional workplace. I liked her, rooted for her, and really wanted to get her out of that job as fast as possible!
My biggest quibble relates to the book’s pacing. It gets off to one heck of a start, but then slows dramatically while Megan tends to Ross. Luckily it picks right back up again all the way through to the bang-up ending. I’ll also admit to something else I enjoyed: The book takes place in the Washington, D.C. suburbs and “my” mall (you know, the one I’ve spent w-a-a-a-y too many hours prowling) plays a prominent role.
I heartily recommend Killing Moon to just about anyone who enjoys a great suspense story with intriguing paranormal elements. I’ve been a bit cursed (sorry, I couldn’t stop myself) lately in the romantic suspense department, and this one was a very welcome change.
Grade: B+
Book Type: Shapeshifter Romance
Sensuality: Warm
Review Date: 13/05/03
Publication Date: 2003
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.