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Cat McKenzie #4
Bad Wolf
A rookie cop. A team of supernatural detectives. A shifter with some impulse control issues.
My name is Cat McKenzie, and I thought wood sprites weren’t a thing.
Apparently, they are. Fun fact: they enjoy eating carrion which was how I discovered the body of a hunter in the woods. The local werewolf pack confirms it’s a bad wolf doing the biting.
Add two more to the body count and we have a furry serial killer on our hands.
Life can’t be as easy as that though. From new recruits at PIG to questions about mine and my sexy-as-sin partner’s connection, I’m left trying with more questions than answers.
Murderous will-o’-the-wisps, dryads and a thieving harpy… could life get any crazier?
My name is Cat McKenzie, and I thought wood sprites weren’t a thing.
Apparently, they are. Fun fact: they enjoy eating carrion which was how I discovered the body of a hunter in the woods. The local werewolf pack confirms it’s a bad wolf doing the biting.
Add two more to the body count and we have a furry serial killer on our hands.
Life can’t be as easy as that though. From new recruits at PIG to questions about mine and my sexy-as-sin partner’s connection, I’m left trying with more questions than answers.
Murderous will-o’-the-wisps, dryads and a thieving harpy… could life get any crazier?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2021
202 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Dawes
40 books228 followersLauren Dawes is a USA Today Bestselling Author. She's an urban fantasy/paranormal romance writer and the author of the Half Blood Series and the Dark Trilogy. You won’t find any friendly vampires in between the pages of her books; just blood, teeth and violence.
When she’s not writing, she’s reading or designing book covers. She currently lives in Canberra, Australia with her husband, daughter and cat.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorlaurend...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/officialldawes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlaure...
Website: http://www.authorlaurendawes.com
When she’s not writing, she’s reading or designing book covers. She currently lives in Canberra, Australia with her husband, daughter and cat.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorlaurend...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/officialldawes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlaure...
Website: http://www.authorlaurendawes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 19, 2021
So cool! This is a fun and fabulous urban fantasy, packed full of neat characters and crazy situations for Cat to deal with!
July 31, 2022
Ok, I'm enjoying binging these because they (1) are a super quick read, (2) have some quirky humor, (3) have interesting mix of supes/side characters, and a (4) steamy we wanna, but shouldn't, but must relationship between H/h.
But, pet peeves remain ... why even say she has a dislike for supernaturals when it's apparent it's minuscule to non-existent? She's curious, in a friendly way, whenever she meets new supes. She continually rushes head first into supe-fueled battles and catastrophes showing "normal" fear only. Second and now biggest annoyance, it was established in the first book that Reaver not only remained hidden from humans, but when she was touching it she was hidden as well.
But, pet peeves remain ... why even say she has a dislike for supernaturals when it's apparent it's minuscule to non-existent? She's curious, in a friendly way, whenever she meets new supes. She continually rushes head first into supe-fueled battles and catastrophes showing "normal" fear only. Second and now biggest annoyance, it was established in the first book that Reaver not only remained hidden from humans, but when she was touching it she was hidden as well.
“It’s the sword you’re carrying. It’s magic, and humans have no magic in them. Therefore, they can’t see you or the sword, since you’re touching it.”When did that change? [Answer: book 2!] Humans continue to see her and the sword when she's wearing or holding it, most repeatedly, her former human "co-workers". 🙄
~ Bad Vampire 19%/pg 48
October 30, 2021
Overall: 3/5
Plot and themes: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing style: 3/5
Attention-grabbing: 4/5
Bad Wolf is the fourth installment in the Cat McKenzie series, following the lone human in the Paranormal Investigations unit. She used to hate the supernaturals, she's come to her senses and is now dating one. Life would be perfect if it weren't for all the random monsters and people who are constantly setting their sights on murdering her.
I like how quirky the characters are. I have a bit of an issue with the pacing of the romance. I love to see how naturally they work together to like host parties or be like a functioning couple aside from supernatural chaos but I also think we've gotten to that point way too fast. The characters have only known each other for like a month and we have this level of intimacy? Hard to follow. Also, I really need them to both get more background on one another cause we really know nothing and it's frustrating.
The plot line on this one is also a bit sketchy. I don't like delving into Native stories and then manipulating them to the extent which we see here. I don't think it was intended to be rude but I think it could have been phrased a bit better. It didn't destroy the narrative, but it definitely left me feeling a little like we had missed the mark here.
Still enjoying the series and looking forward to when the next one comes out though. Cat and Sawyer are really just the perfect amount of cool and weird and I need to see some real explanations behind it all.
This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot.com
May 2, 2024
Just gets better, more steam, more smut, more laughs, more gore and more sups and legends.
Finial book to go, that Jacob guy...something nudges about that guy.
4.4 stars
Finial book to go, that Jacob guy...something nudges about that guy.
4.4 stars
August 3, 2023
Cat and Sawyer are investigating mauled bodies found in the forest with the usual snark and some increased sexual intimacy. But you know, not in the forest or while examine bodies. Because boundaries. But they really have a deepened bond and understanding of each other in this book, and Sawyer is really stepping into a protector role without being smothering. More like Cat knows he’ll catch her if she falls (or rescue her if she’s kidnapped) and that she can depend on him.
Reaver doesn’t really play much of a part and seems contrary to how I remember it in the earlier books. But Cat is directly responsible for way less deaths in this book, which almost feels like she’s maturing, but it could just be the nature of the monsters.
I’m not a fan of the new characters added in at the end at this point because they don’t make any sense and seem like bit parts, and that’s Cat’s job.
I was also expecting some sort of consequence to the actions Cat had taken at the end of the last book, but this seems like an entirely separate adventure; more monster of the week than overarching storyline. Normally there are threads that pull through, but not in this book (beyond the romance aspect), which makes it feel a little isolated from the rest of the world. Still fun though. Cat’s rambling can brighten any life threatening situation.
Reaver doesn’t really play much of a part and seems contrary to how I remember it in the earlier books. But Cat is directly responsible for way less deaths in this book, which almost feels like she’s maturing, but it could just be the nature of the monsters.
I’m not a fan of the new characters added in at the end at this point because they don’t make any sense and seem like bit parts, and that’s Cat’s job.
I was also expecting some sort of consequence to the actions Cat had taken at the end of the last book, but this seems like an entirely separate adventure; more monster of the week than overarching storyline. Normally there are threads that pull through, but not in this book (beyond the romance aspect), which makes it feel a little isolated from the rest of the world. Still fun though. Cat’s rambling can brighten any life threatening situation.
October 17, 2021
Interesting legends behaving badly
In this fourth book in the series Cat and Sawyer try to track down a serial killer wolf while navigating the boundaries of their new relationship. The snark is on full force here and the steam factor has increased dramatically, not always to the benefit of the story.
I’m not sure why but the author keeps referring to one character by two different names. It gets very confusing. There are several points where I think a good editor would have been helpful. There have also been some continuity issues that, again, a good editor would help with. Additionally, there a a radical departure from existing shifter mythology that just doesn’t work for me.
But overall I enjoyed the story and I really like Cat. There are interesting references to different cultural legends which I felt compelled to look up after reading the book. There are fun pop culture references. We get a bit more of Sawyer’s background but I’d really like to know more of his backstory.
We are introduced to three new team members at the end of the book and it is not an auspicious start. I’m wondering what impact they will have on the stories because it seems like it’s going to add a lot of distracting annoyance.
In this fourth book in the series Cat and Sawyer try to track down a serial killer wolf while navigating the boundaries of their new relationship. The snark is on full force here and the steam factor has increased dramatically, not always to the benefit of the story.
I’m not sure why but the author keeps referring to one character by two different names. It gets very confusing. There are several points where I think a good editor would have been helpful. There have also been some continuity issues that, again, a good editor would help with. Additionally, there a a radical departure from existing shifter mythology that just doesn’t work for me.
But overall I enjoyed the story and I really like Cat. There are interesting references to different cultural legends which I felt compelled to look up after reading the book. There are fun pop culture references. We get a bit more of Sawyer’s background but I’d really like to know more of his backstory.
We are introduced to three new team members at the end of the book and it is not an auspicious start. I’m wondering what impact they will have on the stories because it seems like it’s going to add a lot of distracting annoyance.
October 30, 2025
Does the author have to keep reiterating that Sawyer smells like whiskey and chocolate? It seems every time he approaches Cat after they’ve being separated that she comments on his scent. Enough already.
Bodies keep turning up in the forest next to a swanky lodge. Several of the victims had been guests. One in particular, a young man, was so intensely grieved by his mother that she refused to leave until the murderer had been found. Her daughter had also stayed. She later became somewhat vital to the plot.
Cat encounters a whole spectrum of different supes in this book. She and Sawyer deepen their relationship without forethought. Three new recruits are added to their unit, none of whom seem particularly eager to be there.
Smith keeps popping up. What a dick.
Cat and Sawyer eventually discover the culprit and his motive for the murders. They are assisted by another supe who had good reason to hate him. I can’t say that I was enamored by his ultimate fate. There really needed to be a more suitable place for him. Was it even legal?
Bodies keep turning up in the forest next to a swanky lodge. Several of the victims had been guests. One in particular, a young man, was so intensely grieved by his mother that she refused to leave until the murderer had been found. Her daughter had also stayed. She later became somewhat vital to the plot.
Cat encounters a whole spectrum of different supes in this book. She and Sawyer deepen their relationship without forethought. Three new recruits are added to their unit, none of whom seem particularly eager to be there.
Smith keeps popping up. What a dick.
Cat and Sawyer eventually discover the culprit and his motive for the murders. They are assisted by another supe who had good reason to hate him. I can’t say that I was enamored by his ultimate fate. There really needed to be a more suitable place for him. Was it even legal?
September 12, 2021
2.5 Stars
One of the things I really like about this series is Kat's stubbornness and the fact that she always has to get herself out of sticky situations.
This series is really entertaining to read even though there have been parts in past books that have made me think yikes maybe don't. And I had a lot more of these moments in Bad Wolf than I have had in past books. I think the author might benefit from having a sensitivity reader because there's a whole subplot with an enslaved African women/god forced to work for the main villain. The main villain who also happens to be part of an indigenous legend and later becomes a petrified trophy for Kat and Sawyer's apartment.
Ultimately I did enjoy this installment, maybe not as much as other ones but I settled on 2.5 stars for the amount of typos I encountered in the final published version.
One of the things I really like about this series is Kat's stubbornness and the fact that she always has to get herself out of sticky situations.
This series is really entertaining to read even though there have been parts in past books that have made me think yikes maybe don't. And I had a lot more of these moments in Bad Wolf than I have had in past books. I think the author might benefit from having a sensitivity reader because there's a whole subplot with an enslaved African women/god forced to work for the main villain. The main villain who also happens to be part of an indigenous legend and later becomes a petrified trophy for Kat and Sawyer's apartment.
Ultimately I did enjoy this installment, maybe not as much as other ones but I settled on 2.5 stars for the amount of typos I encountered in the final published version.
June 24, 2025
Cat and Sawyer are enjoying their more intimate relationship while still working well together as partners.
The newest case is missing persons who have been discovered dead by werewolf. The local pack has no idea what is happening. When they come across a fresh death, the body is being attacked by wood sprites, not the cute little ones you would expect but bloodthirsty, meat eaters. Thank to Cat’s necklace she can understand them and finds the name of the culprit. There is also a giant spider which manages to destroy another truck.
This book has some action, surprises, suspense, humour, and a hot romance.
Cat is sarcastic and snarky; Sawyer is the perfect straight man although his one liners can completely take over the scene. There are several different supernaturals, and they are all great characters.
This is a fun, easy, enjoyable read.
The newest case is missing persons who have been discovered dead by werewolf. The local pack has no idea what is happening. When they come across a fresh death, the body is being attacked by wood sprites, not the cute little ones you would expect but bloodthirsty, meat eaters. Thank to Cat’s necklace she can understand them and finds the name of the culprit. There is also a giant spider which manages to destroy another truck.
This book has some action, surprises, suspense, humour, and a hot romance.
Cat is sarcastic and snarky; Sawyer is the perfect straight man although his one liners can completely take over the scene. There are several different supernaturals, and they are all great characters.
This is a fun, easy, enjoyable read.
May 1, 2022
It seems simple enough to investigate a missing person case but when they’re picked on one at a time and it’s happened often enough to be legend, one would think the police would dig a little deeper. Is it the legend, feral werewolves or spider-like creatures the culprit? That has to be answered when a young girl is missing overnight in the forest.
That’s a drop in the bucket as PIGs re-enforced and the newcomers show interest in Sawyer and Cat. But the pair are busy on missing person’s case when they can tear themselves away from each other as their rapidly advancing relationship takes a giant step. Finally! An answer to the age-old questions what to do with noisy neighbors, especially when they wake you!
Rating: 3.5stars
That’s a drop in the bucket as PIGs re-enforced and the newcomers show interest in Sawyer and Cat. But the pair are busy on missing person’s case when they can tear themselves away from each other as their rapidly advancing relationship takes a giant step. Finally! An answer to the age-old questions what to do with noisy neighbors, especially when they wake you!
Rating: 3.5stars
June 22, 2024
Better in some parts, same in others
So I’ve realized Cat’s emotional immaturity is truly grating. But I won’t let Sawyer off that easily because he also doesn’t really have conversations with Cat. Or, we aren’t shown any, anyway. Maybe I’m expecting too much from this genre/author…but I think a little more depth would go far in making this series so much better.
In the meantime, I’ll move on to Book 5 and honestly? I really hope it’s the last book and we finally get some answers and a satisfactory conclusion. Because I’m getting a little frustrated with things.
That said: I enjoyed the spicy scenes. I wish there was more emotion in them because there’s totally room for that. But hopefully we are moving in that direction.
So I’ve realized Cat’s emotional immaturity is truly grating. But I won’t let Sawyer off that easily because he also doesn’t really have conversations with Cat. Or, we aren’t shown any, anyway. Maybe I’m expecting too much from this genre/author…but I think a little more depth would go far in making this series so much better.
In the meantime, I’ll move on to Book 5 and honestly? I really hope it’s the last book and we finally get some answers and a satisfactory conclusion. Because I’m getting a little frustrated with things.
That said: I enjoyed the spicy scenes. I wish there was more emotion in them because there’s totally room for that. But hopefully we are moving in that direction.
January 12, 2025
This was a great instalment and kept me engaged in the story but i'm starting to get tired of the i hate supernaturals line. like you work with them, your dating one and you felt the loss after the last book and still Cat keeps bring this up. also id like more on her opal and sentient sword. Bad Fae seemed like it was gonna focus more that again and we did get and opal reveal but nothing more on the sword.
Also there was a scene that really took me out of the book where one of the main character's Sawyer, an incubus gets sexually assaulted at work by a new recruit who grabbed him by the crotch and calls him a "defective incubus" right after their introduction. it was really jarring reading it and it gets glossed over in text, which made me knock off a star.
Also there was a scene that really took me out of the book where one of the main character's Sawyer, an incubus gets sexually assaulted at work by a new recruit who grabbed him by the crotch and calls him a "defective incubus" right after their introduction. it was really jarring reading it and it gets glossed over in text, which made me knock off a star.
September 11, 2021
good
Cat and Sawyer find themselves looking for a rogue werewolf… but it’s not the only supernatural creature they are dealing with!
Continuing the ongoing story of human Cat and her incubus partner Sawyer, this enjoyably snarky series is set in a paranormal world where all manner of magical creatures exist.
It’s an amusingly over the top series, with laugh out loud moments and extreme scenes of magical mayhem.
Cat’s unicorn and coffee obsessions provide plenty of light-hearted instances, while the interactions between her and Sawyer provide romance and intrigue.
It’s a quick read from an entertaining urban fantasy series that will be enjoyed by fans of the genre.
Cat and Sawyer find themselves looking for a rogue werewolf… but it’s not the only supernatural creature they are dealing with!
Continuing the ongoing story of human Cat and her incubus partner Sawyer, this enjoyably snarky series is set in a paranormal world where all manner of magical creatures exist.
It’s an amusingly over the top series, with laugh out loud moments and extreme scenes of magical mayhem.
Cat’s unicorn and coffee obsessions provide plenty of light-hearted instances, while the interactions between her and Sawyer provide romance and intrigue.
It’s a quick read from an entertaining urban fantasy series that will be enjoyed by fans of the genre.
March 22, 2024
Book ok, but spelling errors were ridiculous
The book was okay, certainly not phenomenal. But the missing words in sentences were over the top. Or using male pronouns instead of the feminine version is irritating. Should you be writing if you can't tell the difference? With the amount charged for these books, there is no excuse. Writers no longer have proof readers, because it's more money in their own pockets. I will not purchase more in this series. I read to relax, not try to interpret what the writer meant to say in their sentences. I don't remember the other books being so bad.
The book was okay, certainly not phenomenal. But the missing words in sentences were over the top. Or using male pronouns instead of the feminine version is irritating. Should you be writing if you can't tell the difference? With the amount charged for these books, there is no excuse. Writers no longer have proof readers, because it's more money in their own pockets. I will not purchase more in this series. I read to relax, not try to interpret what the writer meant to say in their sentences. I don't remember the other books being so bad.
October 7, 2021
Enjoying this series
Sexy and sweet, sassy and fast paced. I like the heroine in this more and more. At first I wasn't sure. I love Sawyer. I wish she was softer with him. He still seems more genuine. I don't care for the new recruits. Seem like a bunch of bandits, not cops. The last thing Cat needs is more issues. In this book we get a couple of players that were thought to only be folklore. A lot happens on this book, stays entertaining, but seems a little disjointed at times. Still really enjoyed, just couldn't manage a five star for me. Looking forward to next book.
Sexy and sweet, sassy and fast paced. I like the heroine in this more and more. At first I wasn't sure. I love Sawyer. I wish she was softer with him. He still seems more genuine. I don't care for the new recruits. Seem like a bunch of bandits, not cops. The last thing Cat needs is more issues. In this book we get a couple of players that were thought to only be folklore. A lot happens on this book, stays entertaining, but seems a little disjointed at times. Still really enjoyed, just couldn't manage a five star for me. Looking forward to next book.
August 17, 2024
Sawyer and Cat are investigating a string of murders that appear to have been done by a wolf shifter. They are also trying to navigate this whole consprt dynamic between them, with varying degrees of success.
This one has some interesting "bad guys" that I didn't see coming but still has the Sawyer/Cat dynamic that I have come to love. But again, same complaint, I just feel like world building, characters, history, sometimes there's just not enough.
This one has some interesting "bad guys" that I didn't see coming but still has the Sawyer/Cat dynamic that I have come to love. But again, same complaint, I just feel like world building, characters, history, sometimes there's just not enough.
November 7, 2021
Excellent
I waited til I read all the way up to this one and I have to say Lauren Dawes is an excellent writer, Cat is a great character with my type of attitude. The writing style not so much as the characters attitude reminds me of LKH or Seanan McGuire's October Daye series.
Definitely recommend this series 1000%!
I waited til I read all the way up to this one and I have to say Lauren Dawes is an excellent writer, Cat is a great character with my type of attitude. The writing style not so much as the characters attitude reminds me of LKH or Seanan McGuire's October Daye series.
Definitely recommend this series 1000%!
September 7, 2021
“Honestly, the more I found out about supes, the more I wanted to know less.”
Bad Wolf is another awesome Cat McKenzie novel! Just like the previous books in this series, book 4 is wildly entertaining, suspenseful, funny, and the connection between Cat and Sawyer sizzles.
I love being introduced to new magical creatures and abilities each book and seeing how our duo handles what gets thrown at them.
I want answers for Cat and Sawyer more than ever, and I am impatient to get book 5!
P.S. I want Sawyer. He's a total dream.
Bad Wolf is another awesome Cat McKenzie novel! Just like the previous books in this series, book 4 is wildly entertaining, suspenseful, funny, and the connection between Cat and Sawyer sizzles.
I love being introduced to new magical creatures and abilities each book and seeing how our duo handles what gets thrown at them.
I want answers for Cat and Sawyer more than ever, and I am impatient to get book 5!
P.S. I want Sawyer. He's a total dream.
October 28, 2021
This is the fourth book in Cat and Sawyer's story and it is awesome! Each new book gets even better than the last, which I love them all so far. I adore these characters especially Cat. I can not wait for the next book because I just need more of these characters!
November 10, 2021
every book I read in this series makes me fall a little more in love with Cat and Sawyer.The humour,the sexual tension as well as the bedroom scenes and the overall fell of the characters as we watch them grow and come together makes this a MUST read series for me
March 30, 2022
So I liked this one the best so far. There is more substance to the storyline, the characters are flowing better, and I like how the romance is growing. And now we have new characters that should add some spice to the sauce. Let's see how Cat handles the next one!
August 12, 2022
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Easy read and I love the humour in these books. Cat’s repartee makes the book. The plot was very fast paced. Just a very enjoyable and easy book to read.
✨”Danger is my middle name.” He snorted. “No, it’s not. It’s Ellen.”✨
Easy read and I love the humour in these books. Cat’s repartee makes the book. The plot was very fast paced. Just a very enjoyable and easy book to read.
✨”Danger is my middle name.” He snorted. “No, it’s not. It’s Ellen.”✨
Read
January 8, 2024I love this series for the adventure, smut, and goofy humor, enough to keep reading when the occasional red flag popped up…but this book took the raging heteronormativity too far when the MC implied someone was gay as a way to insult them. In a book written in the year of our lord 2021!
September 10, 2021
Exciting
Lots of action in this story as Cat and Sawyer have to solve a series of murders by a possible werewolf! The attitudes keep you laughing all the way! Good read!
Lots of action in this story as Cat and Sawyer have to solve a series of murders by a possible werewolf! The attitudes keep you laughing all the way! Good read!
September 14, 2021
Wow!
I highly recommend this intensely kick@$$ book, and the fascinating series in which it is, to readers who love reading fast paced Urban Fantasy. Enjoy!
I highly recommend this intensely kick@$$ book, and the fascinating series in which it is, to readers who love reading fast paced Urban Fantasy. Enjoy!
September 29, 2021
Really enjoy this series
Great series! The characters are great I love Cat's snarkiness and kick ass personality I can't wait to read the next book
Great series! The characters are great I love Cat's snarkiness and kick ass personality I can't wait to read the next book
October 29, 2021
Love this series
November 6, 2021
I couldn't put this one down, had me on my seat the whole time .. I think i have found my new fav series
February 4, 2022
love it!
Cat cracks me up! Sawyer and Cat together is the best! I feel like Cat is a supe and she hasn’t figured it out yet. Well on to the next one!
Cat cracks me up! Sawyer and Cat together is the best! I feel like Cat is a supe and she hasn’t figured it out yet. Well on to the next one!
April 13, 2022
Love it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews