You know that feeling you get as you meander down the aisles of the bookstore looking for something good to read? You wander through the store hoping you’ll find a new book “gem” that makes you happy as you read it because it meets all your needs for excitement, romance, and action. Well, Dancing with Werewolves did it for me. It caught my eye on the shelf and I went for it. I was not disappointed. A as a matter of fact I loved it!

This is Carole Nelson Douglas’ first paranormal investigator novel and she has found a total fan in me.
The book starts out with paranormal investigator Delilah Street, a woman working in Kansas as a “weird phenomenon” TV reporter who’s unhappy with her job. The book takes place just after the millennium, which brought into reality all the myths and legends that have had previously only been described in books and movies, i.e., vampires, werewolves, crop circles, aliens, etc. If you could imagine it it’s probably real. And unfortunately for Delilah, her distinctive combination of white skin, brilliant blue eyes and black hair is an unintentional draw for those pesky vampires.

When Delilah sees a CSI-like TV program that shows a carbon copy of her body lying on the floor as a nude murder victim, she decides it’s time to leave her crappy job in Kansas, pack up, and find the producer of that crime show. Since Delilah is an orphan, the lure of the possibility that she might have some real family is irresistible. This is how she ends up in Las Vegas which happens to be a major gathering spot for all kinds of new millenium creatures. In her efforts to find her doppelganger, Delilah meets an entertaining cast of characters including the sleazy, filthy-rich producer of the true crime show, Hector Nightwine and Howard Hughes. Yes, Howard Hughes – did we ever see a body in 1976?

Two other central characters in the book are Ric Montoya, a handsome human hunk who has the ability to raise zombies, and Snow, an albino rock star, casino owner, potential vampire, potential demon, and totally unknown quantity. The mystery in the story starts when Ric and Delilah discover the bones of a pair of murdered lovers in the park. Delilah makes a personal vow to investigate their story and give them a proper burial while also looking for her mysterious “twin.”

If you like a fast-paced story that has a strong woman owning her ability to manage herself and the men in her life, read this book. Carole Nelson Douglas does a fantastic job balancing action, mystery, and romance. She’s written a book with believable characters that you’re sure to like. Dancing With Werewolves has earned its rightful place in the urban fantasy genre. I’m sure it will become one of your “must have” fantasy books.

Check out Dancing with Werewolves at Amazon.com!