Detective Luna Wilder isn’t just a werewolf, she’s an Insoli, one who exists outside the normal pack structure. It grants her the freedom she craves to do her job as one of Nocturne City’s finest, but at the same time, it means she doesn’t have the same rights and protections those in a pack can expect. Of course, that’s not usually a problem for her. A temper threatening to run wild, and a growing lack of control over her ability to prevent the change into her werewolf form -is-, however. It couldn’t come at a worse time, either. She’s battling prejudice and harassment from other members of the Nocturne City Police, and a newly-begun murder investigation has her looking for a serial killer with demonic leanings … and someone in City Hall has just decided they don’t like her on the case at all. Luna’s investigation brings her into contact with Dmitri Sandovsky, a tough, sexy Redback werewolf pack leader, who gives her a run for her money straight off the bat.

Refusing to back down from the case, Luna risks life and job in order to find justice for the poor women who’ve been killed, a quest which seems linked to one of Nocturne Citys darkest, nastiest moments from decades past. Like it or not, she’ll have to work with, and even trust, Dmitri, who’s gone from murder suspect to unlikely ally in search of a little justice of his own. But Luna Wilder doesn’t play nice with packs. In fact, she’s discovering strengths and powers she never thought possible. But will it all be enough to stop a demon-summoning killer, and see this case through to the end?

Night Life is a strong debut from newcomer Caitlin Kittredge. It’s a good story, fast-paced and filled with twists and a suitably intriguing mystery at its heart. The protagonists are memorable and likeable, with some genuine chemistry, which makes for some fun scenes between the two as they jockey for dominance and take one another’s measure. The setting is interesting, and I look forward to seeing more of Nocturne City, its history and secrets and hotspots, in books to come. I really enjoyed reading Night Life. And yet, for all its minor differences and unique points, I can’t help but feel that there’s something vaguely paint-by-numbers about the larger structure. Maybe it’s a sign that I’ve been reading too much urban fantasy/paranormal romance of late, but the werewolf cop who finds emotional sparks flaring between her and her initial suspect, as they team up against all enemies to solve a case that no one wants solved … well, Kittredge hits all the standard beats, right down to Luna risking her job to solve the case against pressure from higher up, the sort of thing that’s a standard in cop stories. She hits these beats well, telling the story in a thoroughly enjoyable manner, but still, but it still feels just the tiniest bit stale, which is a shame, because I strongly suspect Kittredge is going to blow people out of the water once she truly hits her stride. Nocturne City has a -lot- to offer in further exploration. Night Life is a great start, and I look forward to seeing Kittredge reach her potential in future installments. Luna Wilder is a great character, especially when paired up with Dmitri Sandovsky, and I expect the two to go far together. I’ll be back for the next book in the series, and don’t let my minor gripings stop you from picking this one up.