Everything about this was of interest to me. I think the problem I had with it was the quality of the manuscript I read. It was pre-edited, and the formatting was absent, i.e. no paragraph separation and no clear chapters. I’ve read lots of books of that nature, but the problem with this one was the mass array of characters, POVs and minimal world-building.

The majority of the book also spent more time going through the motions of the investigation. I’d compare it to a TV police procedural. Maybe a bit like Law & Order as a direct comparison with a bit more of the personal side for Kiernan, but the rest was just bits and pieces here and there. It really just centred more on what happened at the precinct.

Now, I did like the premise of “paranormal,” and I also liked the investigation they were following, but it almost played a secondary role. Maybe a bit more “high stakes.” I didn’t even feel that the situation with Bobby seemed dire. It just felt more like “this is what is happening, so what will our SCU do?” It was touch detached, I guess is what I’m trying to say.

I think I’d like to read a finished copy of the book, though. The version I had gave me a good example of it. I’d just like to see it shine. And can I just say that NY was the perfect setting for this because it’s not hard to believe that there are a bunch of paranormals running around that city LOL. Okay, just joking … maybe!

Urban Fantasy is one of my favorite genres so I had high hopes for this novel, but I was completely disappointed and DNF. An interesting concept and I believe there might be a good story in there somewhere but in dire need of editing. Way too much description of literally everything in every single scene! Large cast of characters but I was never sure who was who and even who was supposed to be the main character. Finished roughly a third of the book with what felt like virtually no story advancement or plot development.

The name of this book, I must admit, was the reason I requested it. I love supernatural mysteries/urban fantasy/whatever you want to call it, and this seemed it would be that perfect fit. After reading, I can say that it really is, up to a point. We are introduced to a few police officers who work for the SCU, or as some call it, the Monster Squad. We watch as they solve a couple of crimes, with the main one being a Gandalf, magic user, who wants to bring chaos to the town. While this did have a mystery to it, it’s more about observing, understanding, and learning about the members of this unit and how they operate in that unit. There is a lot of detail about the characters and less about the hunt, which isn’t my favorite aspects, but I did enjoy this book even if it didn’t exactly hit the sweet spot for me. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

Supernatural Crimes Unit: NYPD by Keith R. A. DeCandido, a good fun read. I enjoyed this book, it had well developed characters, a nice storyline, a good arc and believable villians.