Daemon’s Mark by Caitlin Kittredge (A Nocturne City Novel #5)
Urban Fantasy
May 25, 2010
Paperback, 352 Pages
St. Martin’s

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: "My mommy didn’t love me enough. My daddy loved me too much. I never got to be homecoming queen. Take your pick."

When Luna Wilder is called to investigate a homicide at the docks she never expects to see a murdered 15 year old. Especially not a murdered teenage were with her heart missing. As Luna and
the "freak Squad" dig deeper they find the Russian mob, human trafficking, and fight clubs. But if Luna thinks that bad…then she’s in for a big surprise.

In Catlin Kittredge’s edgy PNR series-Nocturne City-Luna Wilder is back with
plenty of thrills and chills in Daemon’s Mark. After the war in Witch Craft, Luna has been slowly rebuilding her home and her life. A life that now includes the hot and sexy ATF agent- Will Fagin.  When Luna and her unit discover a murdered teenage were, Luna not only has to solve the crime, but also has to deal with the murdered were’s parents. Who just happen to be Alphas in the Were community and are not happy an Insoli is in charge. As Luna digs deeper she discovers that this murder is just the tip of the iceberg. The case crosses international lines and Luna gets a visit from an old "friend" in need of her help. So in true Luna fashion, she jumps in an worries about the consequences later.

Kittredge’s Nocturne City series is a dark suspense investigative PNR that keeps you on your toes following Luna and the "freak squad" through their supernatural investigations. Currently, there are only five books planned for this series, although according to her website that could change. The world building is fascinating; continuing to intrigue with the merging of the were and human community. Luna is an interesting protagonist. She is rude, obnoxious, and hell bent on her own destruction. But at her center is a heart of gold and everything she does is for the victim. I like Will with Luna because he is her grounding rod and she needs that. He doesn’t take her crap.

The dialog is solid and flows like water. No abrupt starts and ending. Scenes play out well and with lots of action and suspense. All our favorite characters are back; each having their moment in the sun. Kittredge lobs a few surprises at us that answer questions but leave you reeling a little. The end wraps us nicely though I do hope this is not the end.

The only problem I have is Luna’s attitude.What makes her an interesting character wears on you after a while. She welds her attitude like a sharp knife, drawing blood with each sentence. I would have liked to see a little more maturity. I would have also liked to have seen a little more Were. With each book she acts more and more human and we rarely see her shift anymore.  Other then that the book is still the exciting Nocturne City we have grown to love.

Rating: 3.5/5

Recent Reviews:
Goodreads

This series includes:
Night Life
Pure Blood
Second Skin
Witch Craft
Daemon’s Mark