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Bad Wolf Chronicles #2
Pale Wolf
A cop on a mission. A woman running from her fate. Both on a collision course with evil.
In the pulse-pounding sequel to BAD WOLF, the nightmare that ripped open two lives slips from the darkness to once again stalk the streets of Portland.
Three months after his partner mysteriously vanished, detective John Gallagher is haunted by his encounter with something that should not exist. With no clues as to her disappearance, detective Lara Mendes is presumed dead but Gallagher refuses to give up the search. Like a man possessed, he pushes himself to the brink to find his missing partner.
At a downtown firing range, 17-year old Amy Gallagher is taught how to fire a gun by her father. She goes along for his sake but Amy is increasingly troubled by her father’s instability. His nightmares, paranoia and obsession with locating his missing partner are clear signs of post traumatic stress but her pleas for him to seek help fall on deaf ears. Chafing under his strict rules, Amy struggles to save her dad before he pushes himself over the edge.
Two hundred miles away, a woman with a terrible secret hides in the vastness of the Oregon wilderness, desperate to outrun her fate. Banished into self-imposed exile with a worsening condition, ex-detective Lara Mendes has exhausted any hope for a cure to her cursed existence. With no options left, her last chance for peace may be to take her own life.
Stalking her through the pines is a primordial nightmare plucked straight from a Grimm’s fairytale. It wants Lara Mendes and will stop at nothing to get her.
The only question that remains is who will get to her first, and what will Lara do when they come?
In the pulse-pounding sequel to BAD WOLF, the nightmare that ripped open two lives slips from the darkness to once again stalk the streets of Portland.
Three months after his partner mysteriously vanished, detective John Gallagher is haunted by his encounter with something that should not exist. With no clues as to her disappearance, detective Lara Mendes is presumed dead but Gallagher refuses to give up the search. Like a man possessed, he pushes himself to the brink to find his missing partner.
At a downtown firing range, 17-year old Amy Gallagher is taught how to fire a gun by her father. She goes along for his sake but Amy is increasingly troubled by her father’s instability. His nightmares, paranoia and obsession with locating his missing partner are clear signs of post traumatic stress but her pleas for him to seek help fall on deaf ears. Chafing under his strict rules, Amy struggles to save her dad before he pushes himself over the edge.
Two hundred miles away, a woman with a terrible secret hides in the vastness of the Oregon wilderness, desperate to outrun her fate. Banished into self-imposed exile with a worsening condition, ex-detective Lara Mendes has exhausted any hope for a cure to her cursed existence. With no options left, her last chance for peace may be to take her own life.
Stalking her through the pines is a primordial nightmare plucked straight from a Grimm’s fairytale. It wants Lara Mendes and will stop at nothing to get her.
The only question that remains is who will get to her first, and what will Lara do when they come?
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2012
24 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Tim McGregor
40 books402 followersTim McGregor is an author living in Toronto with his wife and children. And a ghost. A really spiteful ghost.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 21, 2020
Unlike the first book, this book had a few moments of talkingness. I like action. What I also don’t like is putting your seventeen year old child in danger.
May 25, 2025
Well, didn't this come out of nowhere and slap me around!
I've read five or six novels by McGregor now and I've enjoyed the hell out of every single one. The author has this incredible sense of story and is the master of the slow burn, typically leading to an understated, yet devastating conclusion. Which I love.
This book, however, caught me completely by surprise. Where the first was very much a police procedural with a little werewolf action layered over top, this one is a full on action novel. Buildings get wrecked, people get eviscerated, and wolves scrap. There are big budget action sequences in this one that I wasn't expecting, but enjoyed very much.
And yet, there was still that same thing that I get from every McGregor book...the inability to guess where it's headed next, and an ending that's unexpected and unexpectedly impactful.
I find middle books in a trilogy normally kind of just sit there, advancing the plot, but not really having much in the way of stakes. This second book in the Bad Wolf Chronicles completely confounds that stereotype.
I had so much fun with this one.
I've read five or six novels by McGregor now and I've enjoyed the hell out of every single one. The author has this incredible sense of story and is the master of the slow burn, typically leading to an understated, yet devastating conclusion. Which I love.
This book, however, caught me completely by surprise. Where the first was very much a police procedural with a little werewolf action layered over top, this one is a full on action novel. Buildings get wrecked, people get eviscerated, and wolves scrap. There are big budget action sequences in this one that I wasn't expecting, but enjoyed very much.
And yet, there was still that same thing that I get from every McGregor book...the inability to guess where it's headed next, and an ending that's unexpected and unexpectedly impactful.
I find middle books in a trilogy normally kind of just sit there, advancing the plot, but not really having much in the way of stakes. This second book in the Bad Wolf Chronicles completely confounds that stereotype.
I had so much fun with this one.
February 3, 2017
WOW amazing did not see that coming thanksTim McGregor you are am amazing writer
April 11, 2013
This review and many more at : http://readtomyhearts.blogspot.com/20...
My Thoughts:
Well when I got this book it was an ARC so I am still sticking with that, even though it took me so long to read it.
And remember this is book 2 so if you are interested in this story you need to pick up Bad Wolf first. Click here for my review of Bad Wolf.
Alright so I am going to let you know that I am a huge werewolf fan! I love all kinds too:
the sweet loving "Team Jacob" wolves
those wolves that are fierce but can be gentle as well
the wolves that will rip everything in front of them to shreds
The werewolves in Pale Wolf are not for the faint of heart. They are powerful gruesome beasts that bring back the wolves primarily remind you of the old eighties and nineties movies, like The Howling or American Wolf in London.
I am absolutely enthralled in Tim McGregor's writing. He has this unique and amazing ability to create this eerie story that really makes you want to keep the lights on at night. This man has a natural talent to be a storyteller!
And even in the midst of all the terror, all the killings, and the fear McGregor shows us a human side to even the basest monsters. Hope. Love. Sacrifice.
There were parts in the story that I wasn't happy with but I understood why it was written that way. It was the right thing to do but hey, I still didn't like it!
The characters in Pale Wolf are strong, especially Lara and Amy, and complex because we see so much more to them than what we expect them to be.
The plot goes hard ( sorry been listening to a lot of rap music lately) and it will keep you hooked the minute you pick up the book. I started this like Sunday and I finished it just now. I literally had a very hard time putting it down. But I am like that with all of his books.
McGregor doesn't do this lovey dovey happy ending stuff; instead he does the harsh tragic reality and yet he still keeps me coming back every time he comes out with a new book.
I truly love this author who can bring gore, horror, cop drama, mystery, suspense, and one of my favorite supernatural creatures, werewolves, together to create this powerful novel that will keep you wound up to the very end.
Five hearts all the way!
My Thoughts:
Well when I got this book it was an ARC so I am still sticking with that, even though it took me so long to read it.
And remember this is book 2 so if you are interested in this story you need to pick up Bad Wolf first. Click here for my review of Bad Wolf.
Alright so I am going to let you know that I am a huge werewolf fan! I love all kinds too:
the sweet loving "Team Jacob" wolves
those wolves that are fierce but can be gentle as well
the wolves that will rip everything in front of them to shreds
The werewolves in Pale Wolf are not for the faint of heart. They are powerful gruesome beasts that bring back the wolves primarily remind you of the old eighties and nineties movies, like The Howling or American Wolf in London.
I am absolutely enthralled in Tim McGregor's writing. He has this unique and amazing ability to create this eerie story that really makes you want to keep the lights on at night. This man has a natural talent to be a storyteller!
And even in the midst of all the terror, all the killings, and the fear McGregor shows us a human side to even the basest monsters. Hope. Love. Sacrifice.
There were parts in the story that I wasn't happy with but I understood why it was written that way. It was the right thing to do but hey, I still didn't like it!
The characters in Pale Wolf are strong, especially Lara and Amy, and complex because we see so much more to them than what we expect them to be.
The plot goes hard ( sorry been listening to a lot of rap music lately) and it will keep you hooked the minute you pick up the book. I started this like Sunday and I finished it just now. I literally had a very hard time putting it down. But I am like that with all of his books.
McGregor doesn't do this lovey dovey happy ending stuff; instead he does the harsh tragic reality and yet he still keeps me coming back every time he comes out with a new book.
I truly love this author who can bring gore, horror, cop drama, mystery, suspense, and one of my favorite supernatural creatures, werewolves, together to create this powerful novel that will keep you wound up to the very end.
Five hearts all the way!
January 15, 2013
I've always had a little concern before beginning a sequel to a book that I've really liked. So, when I found out that author Tim McGregor had finished his sequel to "Bad Wolf", I was worried that I would be let down with "Pale Wolf". Not to worry! "Pale Wolf" is an outstanding book that continues a great story line (with terrific characters) that McGregor did so well in "Bad Wolf".
Without going into too many spoilers which could affect the secrets within both books, let me just say that this book starts where the first left off and jumps right back into an the same interesting plot dealing with werewolves, the police, and the Great Northwest. Carryover characters, John Gallagher and Lara Mendes, are the main cogs again in this book, but the real stars are Gallagher's daughter, Amy and their Siberian Husky.
And while McGregor's cast of characters is a small one in this book, the novel is big on action and suspense. The dangerous scenarios facing this small band of protagonists are as never ending as the action surrounding them. The pages fly by as readers will find themselves truly engaged in the story and the well-being of the Gallaghers and Mendes.
It should be pointed out that, while one doesn't have to read "Bad Wolf" to enjoy this book, it is highly recommended by this reviewer in order to get all of the back story on the characters.
I'm not sure that McGregor will continue this series, but if he does, he'll have another winner on his hands.
Without going into too many spoilers which could affect the secrets within both books, let me just say that this book starts where the first left off and jumps right back into an the same interesting plot dealing with werewolves, the police, and the Great Northwest. Carryover characters, John Gallagher and Lara Mendes, are the main cogs again in this book, but the real stars are Gallagher's daughter, Amy and their Siberian Husky.
And while McGregor's cast of characters is a small one in this book, the novel is big on action and suspense. The dangerous scenarios facing this small band of protagonists are as never ending as the action surrounding them. The pages fly by as readers will find themselves truly engaged in the story and the well-being of the Gallaghers and Mendes.
It should be pointed out that, while one doesn't have to read "Bad Wolf" to enjoy this book, it is highly recommended by this reviewer in order to get all of the back story on the characters.
I'm not sure that McGregor will continue this series, but if he does, he'll have another winner on his hands.
February 12, 2013
Disclaimer - I received a free copy of the book from the author, mostly because I enjoyed the first so much.
I enjoy McGregor's writing, his characters, and his ability to write a fast-paced story with good dialogue and without crass machismo.
Highly recommend
I enjoy McGregor's writing, his characters, and his ability to write a fast-paced story with good dialogue and without crass machismo.
Highly recommend
August 19, 2013
Did not like the ending.
January 9, 2014
Great sequel
Just finished this book tonight. Awesome. Got to the end & found out book 3 should've came out last month. Anybody know the name of it? I've got finish the series now.
Just finished this book tonight. Awesome. Got to the end & found out book 3 should've came out last month. Anybody know the name of it? I've got finish the series now.
March 13, 2013
Enjoed this book.
July 8, 2018
4+ stars! 2/3's of the way through the 'Bad Wolf Chronicles' and I'm howling for more! (but seriously, I'll be here all week folks!)
Again, what a really great surprise! I usually don't go for 'cop books' but Tim McGregor's stories - continuing here obviously in 'Pale Wolf' - have really been fun! McGregor's writing is concise, well-formed and detailed without being unnecessarily wordy! Just a thrill for not only your brain but also your eyes! I may even be leaning towards starting book 1 of the 489-part 'Spookshow' series, too, because of all this!
Whereas the basis of the story from the first book was a bit more enticing - SPOILER!! -> abused kid is turned into werewolf and becomes serial killer on his way to getting his revenge (vs. 'guys, I think we need us a bitch!') - the action in the second tome was literally breath-taking. Trust me, I'm in a LOT of trouble for shushing my family while reading the last third of the book for sure! But just could NOT put this book down. Sure, there's a lot less 'CSI: Portland' about this book, but I didn't miss that at all! Even getting to know Gallagher's daughter Amy a lot better (she just struck me as a whiney extra in part 1) wound up being a plus as she really came through when things got gory!
And whereas I think we all have an idea where we're headed with book 3, it's sure to be a blast! This series is paws-down great stuff! Enjoy!
Again, what a really great surprise! I usually don't go for 'cop books' but Tim McGregor's stories - continuing here obviously in 'Pale Wolf' - have really been fun! McGregor's writing is concise, well-formed and detailed without being unnecessarily wordy! Just a thrill for not only your brain but also your eyes! I may even be leaning towards starting book 1 of the 489-part 'Spookshow' series, too, because of all this!
Whereas the basis of the story from the first book was a bit more enticing - SPOILER!! -> abused kid is turned into werewolf and becomes serial killer on his way to getting his revenge (vs. 'guys, I think we need us a bitch!') - the action in the second tome was literally breath-taking. Trust me, I'm in a LOT of trouble for shushing my family while reading the last third of the book for sure! But just could NOT put this book down. Sure, there's a lot less 'CSI: Portland' about this book, but I didn't miss that at all! Even getting to know Gallagher's daughter Amy a lot better (she just struck me as a whiney extra in part 1) wound up being a plus as she really came through when things got gory!
And whereas I think we all have an idea where we're headed with book 3, it's sure to be a blast! This series is paws-down great stuff! Enjoy!
December 21, 2023
My Rating: 5/5 ⭐
This is the second book in series and continuation of Bad Wolf. This book starts three months after the first book. Tbh I can't review this book without giving spoilers so here're just some major themes in the book.
Read this if you like:
🐺 Werewolves
🖤 Serial killing
🐺 Survival genre
🖤 Strong yet flawed mcs
🐺 Action-packed scenes
🖤 Gore (mild to a bit more level but totally skippable)
🐺 Fast pace
🖤 Adrenaline rush
🐺 Short length
🖤 And TWs specifically regarding animals (dogs) so beaware!
(Tho I normally can't read animal cruelty but it was somehow plausible here)
💀 A bit of rant:
OMG! I can't believe! This was such a wth yet amazing ride! I'm still struck by it, the sheer unpredictability, the twists, I'm totally in awe! I read this book in a single day and I jumped towards the last book right afterwards!
Lemme tell you this series is directly going in my favourite of this year and even in my forever favourite!
Follow @bookaddicted_soul on Instagram for more reviews and recommendations.
This is the second book in series and continuation of Bad Wolf. This book starts three months after the first book. Tbh I can't review this book without giving spoilers so here're just some major themes in the book.
Read this if you like:
🐺 Werewolves
🖤 Serial killing
🐺 Survival genre
🖤 Strong yet flawed mcs
🐺 Action-packed scenes
🖤 Gore (mild to a bit more level but totally skippable)
🐺 Fast pace
🖤 Adrenaline rush
🐺 Short length
🖤 And TWs specifically regarding animals (dogs) so beaware!
(Tho I normally can't read animal cruelty but it was somehow plausible here)
💀 A bit of rant:
OMG! I can't believe! This was such a wth yet amazing ride! I'm still struck by it, the sheer unpredictability, the twists, I'm totally in awe! I read this book in a single day and I jumped towards the last book right afterwards!
Lemme tell you this series is directly going in my favourite of this year and even in my forever favourite!
Follow @bookaddicted_soul on Instagram for more reviews and recommendations.
January 30, 2022
This is the disappointing second part of book one. There is enough conclusion, and the series is weak enough that I’ll forgo the final book. The text read like it was hastily put together and then not edited. There were numerous times when verbs were missing from sentences. I suppose it could have been the author’s intent to let me take the story in my preferred direction, but that didn’t work. It was merely a poorly written book with little of the tension from the first volume. As I wrote, I won’t read the conclusion to the story.
May 8, 2024
Book one was already going at a lovely quick pace filled with action and horror but boy did book two crank it up a notch.
The two mains remain likeable and by this book, I really gave a shit about them. I could take or leave the Amy but the two mains, far out I love them.
This is such a good werewolf series with some nice original concepts and again, a fantastic mix of action and horror.
4 out of 5 stars again because of editorial mistakes and avoidable repetition that sometimes distracted from the story.
Get onto this series if you're a fan of werewolves!
The two mains remain likeable and by this book, I really gave a shit about them. I could take or leave the Amy but the two mains, far out I love them.
This is such a good werewolf series with some nice original concepts and again, a fantastic mix of action and horror.
4 out of 5 stars again because of editorial mistakes and avoidable repetition that sometimes distracted from the story.
Get onto this series if you're a fan of werewolves!
February 24, 2018
Scary stuff
I loved this better than the first, it was very scary and brilliantly written.
The characters are devine. I loved the plot.
It was just so gripping and it stayed with me, I even had dreams about it! Thanks for the nightmare!
The moment in the fog... Creepy.
Sorry about this review being all over the place but that's how I feel after reading it.
Scary, gripping, horrifying, emotional, funny and tragic.
I loved this better than the first, it was very scary and brilliantly written.
The characters are devine. I loved the plot.
It was just so gripping and it stayed with me, I even had dreams about it! Thanks for the nightmare!
The moment in the fog... Creepy.
Sorry about this review being all over the place but that's how I feel after reading it.
Scary, gripping, horrifying, emotional, funny and tragic.
May 9, 2017
Gone But Not Forgotten.
Well I've just finished book two of this rather remarkable series and its been a great read. I'd love to be able to tell you all about it but that would spoil the story of course, so I'll just say it's a cracker and leave you to decided what you wish to do about reading it. Needless to say I'm about to purchase book three and find out how it all ends.
Well I've just finished book two of this rather remarkable series and its been a great read. I'd love to be able to tell you all about it but that would spoil the story of course, so I'll just say it's a cracker and leave you to decided what you wish to do about reading it. Needless to say I'm about to purchase book three and find out how it all ends.
July 4, 2017
WOW!! So much excitement and action....couldn't put it down. I'm glad to see Lara has a LITTLE more backbone to her. I'm going to be sad when the last book is read but on to the next book!! Happy Reading :)
July 29, 2019
Great read!
I’m not the type to dissect a book with pseudo intellectual babble. This is just an exciting, adventurous, entertaining, read. The kind of book that’s hard to put down and when you have to put it down, you look forward to finding the time to pick it back up.
I’m not the type to dissect a book with pseudo intellectual babble. This is just an exciting, adventurous, entertaining, read. The kind of book that’s hard to put down and when you have to put it down, you look forward to finding the time to pick it back up.
August 26, 2019
Just started the second book. I like this writer, he does a good job. It’s a good story and well written. It’s a different take on the werewolf theme, van’t wait to learn about what happened to Lara !
November 1, 2017
Loved it
I so enjoyed this book much more then the Bad Wolf. I can’t wait to start the Last Wolf to find out what happens to Laura and Amy! That Amy is one smart cookie.
I so enjoyed this book much more then the Bad Wolf. I can’t wait to start the Last Wolf to find out what happens to Laura and Amy! That Amy is one smart cookie.
May 16, 2018
Wolftime
I enjoyed reading the story it kept you spellbound. It was an easy read, and the characters were so real.
I would recommend to my friends to read and enjoy.
I enjoyed reading the story it kept you spellbound. It was an easy read, and the characters were so real.
I would recommend to my friends to read and enjoy.
November 7, 2019
Better than the first!! Great series.
May 4, 2023
2nd book of Werewolfs
Good to reading to Next chapter
Good to reading to Next chapter
April 20, 2025
I love this series of books
Can't wait to start reading #3 . This is a great werewolf story .Dont miss out read it today !
Can't wait to start reading #3 . This is a great werewolf story .Dont miss out read it today !
December 20, 2014
Read Book 1 and enjoyed it. Book 2 continues on as if you never left the story. I almost read it in one long night. Then tried to get Book 3. Some may be disappointed with the way the books end. The author does leave you gasping and wanting to toss the book against the wall. Not in a bad way necessarily, just leaves you wanting more than he has given you. You do have to wait for the next book. I would still read these and recommend them. I like it when a writer can take the formula that everyone is using and get creative with it.
January 20, 2017
I'm still unsure of this series. I've read two books now and I'm still undecided. The author does some really unexpected things, which I like. Yet I feel like he can't pass up a cheap move trying to get more emotion out. There were two manipulative dream sequences that really ticked me off, they were so unnecessary for the story. So, I just don't know.
March 8, 2014
Great series!
Great series!
Excellent character development. Could feel all the emotions. Much better in this book with the werewolf violence. One reason to read werewolf books!
Looking forward to book 3.
Great series!
Excellent character development. Could feel all the emotions. Much better in this book with the werewolf violence. One reason to read werewolf books!
Looking forward to book 3.
October 7, 2014
Pale Wolf was as good as Bad Wolf. Grissom is a terrifying protagonist. Both Lara & Amy are well developed characters. McGregor ' s style is well paced and moves along nicely. So, now I'm ready for Last Wolf, although I'll be sad to see the lobos gi!
August 27, 2015
Complying read
On loved how it left of from part one. One detective on the run and one other one never giving up. A love they shared but wasn't meant to be. Mystery, mayhem, and the supernatural. I loved this series and hated to see it end!
On loved how it left of from part one. One detective on the run and one other one never giving up. A love they shared but wasn't meant to be. Mystery, mayhem, and the supernatural. I loved this series and hated to see it end!
January 25, 2016
Stunning sequel to Bad Wolf that had you holding on to the edge of your seat. Such a fast read - I gulped it down in one big bite. The ending brought a tear to my eye & I'm diving for the next book in the series "Last Wolf".
Only one complaint - there were quite a few typos.
Only one complaint - there were quite a few typos.
July 26, 2016
Excellent read ,connected well with first book. Good characters, very well done. Ican't
wait to read final book in series. I will get some more books by this author he is really good.
wait to read final book in series. I will get some more books by this author he is really good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews