Rafael Stone is an extremely self-possessed, wealthy individual who owns multitudes of corporations and is the founder of the prestigious non-profit Lykos Institute. He is also the Alpha werewolf of Chicagoland. McKenzie sneaks into his limo to confront him with her questions about the murder. McKenzie is interested in Rafael due to the nature of the Lykos Institute, run by his brother, which ostensibly promotes humane treatment of canines. In actuality, although the Institute provides a veterinary school, canine training, and educational programming and exhibits, the Lykos Institute symbolizes the Stones’ ownership of Chicago werewolf territory. Rafael points out that canines have unique DNA, just as humans, and can be tracked to the individual culprit, if sufficient evidence is recovered.

McKenzie is very impressed with Rafael Stone’s presence, self-possession, and aura of power. He in turn finds her fascinating, for her deep steel-trap mind as well as alluring figure. Rafe is drawn to her so intensely that he wishes to claim her. Yet he knows he cannot choose a mate who is human, especially a detective. Such a choice would so endanger the pack he leads. When McKenzie discovers the identify of the victim through fingerprints, and learns that he recently engaged in verbal confrontation with one Rafael Stone, she determines to confront Stone on his home ground. Touring the building with Gabriel Stone, Rafael’s brother and Operations officer, she encounters a diorama of a wolf pack cornering a mountain lion. For moments McKenzie’s heart thuds and adrenaline rises, till she wills herself to realize the big cat is only a statue and not alive. Rafael recognizes the lioness in her as she sets out to hunt her prey and identify the murderer. Perhaps there is more to McKenzie than even she realizes, just as there is more to the triplet Stone brothers Rafael, Gabriel, and Lucian.

This is an exciting debut mystery. I loved the fact that the lead character is a female homicide detective, and her character is well-developed so that the reader really can comprehend her motivations. The male characters are deeply drawn as well. The sensuality is hot without being over the top, and the author consistently points to possibilities for forthcoming series installments while still writing a wonderful stand-alone novel. This one is highly recommended.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Annie
October 10, 2006