This was an interesting take on supernatural crimes and the police that cover them. I enjoyed the book and would like to see a sequel. DeCandido has done a great job storytelling!

A police procedural unlike any other featuring one of a kind suspects and even more unique detectives.

This was a fun story that had elements of The Dresden Files, Monster Hunter International, and Supernatural the TV Show in it. I was a big fan. I look forward to more in this series.

Book Review: Supernatural Crimes Unit: NYPD – The Thin Blue Ley-Line
Author: Keith R. A. DeCandido
Genre: Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Procedural
Rating: ★★★★☆

Review:

Keith R. A. DeCandido’s Supernatural Crimes Unit: NYPD is a fast-paced, genre-savvy fusion of supernatural horror and police procedural, anchored by sharp worldbuilding and a gritty sense of place. It reads like The Wire colliding with The Dresden Files—a clever mashup that’s both familiar and fresh.

Detective Domenica “Mick” Kiernan, newly assigned to the NYPD’s fledgling Supernatural Crimes Unit, is thrown headfirst into a world of ley lines, spellcraft, and monsters that crawl just beneath New York City’s surface. The department’s new mandate is simple: investigate supernatural threats before they go public. The casework includes everything from shape-shifting domovoi murders in Chelsea to kappa attacks on City Island. But things get personal when Kiernan’s 10-year-old son is kidnapped in what quickly escalates into a magical terror plot.

DeCandido’s strength lies in structure and scope. The pacing is brisk, the action consistent, and the stakes escalate naturally. While the supernatural elements are front and center, the core of the novel is grounded in emotional realism—particularly Kiernan’s desperate drive to save her son, which adds urgency and depth.

The writing is functional rather than flashy, with straightforward prose that prioritizes plot over poetic flourish. That works in this case—the procedural backbone calls for clarity. Supporting characters are well-drawn, though occasionally the cast gets a little crowded, and the dialogue can veer toward exposition. Still, the interplay between street-level grit and magical chaos is effective and well balanced.

Fans of DeCandido’s earlier Precinct books will feel right at home, but newcomers won’t feel lost. There’s enough lore to satisfy urban fantasy readers without overwhelming with info dumps.

Pros:

Smart blend of procedural and supernatural tropes

A strong female lead with believable emotional stakes

Diverse creature mythology integrated into the urban setting

Real New York grit with a magical twist

Cons:

Slightly overstuffed cast and setup

Descriptive density slows pacing in a few places

Dialogue can be utilitarian at times

Bottom Line:
Supernatural Crimes Unit: NYPD is the start of what could be a standout series—gritty, imaginative, and emotionally grounded. It doesn't try to reinvent the genre, but it executes the formula with confidence and heart. If you like crime dramas with a heavy dose of the occult, this one's worth your time.

The story line was an interesting concept for a cross over crime and supernatural novel. The Supernatural Crimes Unit: NYPD is a bit of a different take on the niche genre.

This book description had everything and I was very excited to start reading. It quickly became more of a chore than enjoyment. The premise is excellent but the execution could have been much better. The scene descriptions for example just went on forever and I lost interest.

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.