This novel was a very fluid and adept treatment of teen depression -- with a twist of the supernatural for good measure. The protagonist is confused and conflicted about the death of her best friend. When she finally decides to search for answers, her questions become a catalyst. She had assumed she was in the shadow of her brighter, more beautiful friend, but finds herself at the center of a love triangle she had not anticipated, and all of her beliefs about herself and her world are turned upside down by the turths she uncovers.

Considering it was the author's first novel, I thought it was quite good. The mystery was both intriguing and well written though the climax was slightly anti-climactic. My main issue was with the main characters Mac and Kyle. Mac's (Mackenzie's) personality seemed to fluctuate slightly throughout the book and she said and did one or two dumb things that had me shaking my head (like the time she goes for a walk. At night. Alone. After a string of werewolf attacks...you get my point). Kyle's character seemed very one dimensional to me and little overly, unrealistically sweet. I actually preferred her other friend and possible love interest Jason, who was realistically flawed while Kyle just seemed sickeningly perfect (in my opinion at least). If there is a sequel, the first novel intrigued me enough that I'll probably check it out.

This is a well-built mystery, with everything from politics to illicit love affairs to betrayal, along with a love triangle that is dealt with straight-on. However, Mac won't necessarily be considered endearing by all readers, and the origins for the werewolf syndrome are unclear, though as the first in a trilogy one hopes the following books answer at least some questions.

This book has an interesting story but the "mystery" is a bit predictable. The writing is typical for a young adult book (a bit too flowery and dramatic) and I found many similarities to the tv show Veronica Mars (the main character has strange/helpful dreams about her dead best friend, a smart-mouthed teen trying to solve mysteries, two guys to juggle--one her best friend's ex). Oh, but there's werewolves. :)