Changes

As a result, quibbles are very minor. Seeing as we here at the Bookbag lapsed in not reviewing didn't review book seven, ''Frost Burned'', I'll compare the two to prove my case. That had a brilliant set-up, a mediocre middle that felt eminently disposable, before something much more typically riveting to close. This book has more of the slow-build, although it is still quite early on when we learn of the threat. This time round, however, the execution of the author matches her ambition, there is no lapse or ignoring of relevant characters, and a fluid, much more sustained approach to a conclusion that ties just enough up. Yes, once again, you could justifiably say Mercy doesn't do enough to defeat the big bad, but that seems routine for her stories now she's married. This is the Mercy Thompson series after all, and as is often pointed out here, that's no longer her surname. But that change can be ignored, as can the initial change in publishing format. This is a Patty Briggs book and that does tend to mean sheer quality and well-thought-through fun, and that's once more what she's offered.