I keep waffling on this rating. It's not a three star but not exactly a four star.

I thought it would be cozier, which is my problem jumping into the middle of the series. The first 3/4 of the book was interesting and I liked the natural interaction of the characters. It wasn't a fast read for me but it was well written. (It's also not my "usual" genre so, again, a me problem).

Then we got to the love interest that's no interest at all. He's a bit hovery and she's a bit dense about how she interacts with MURDERY PEOPLE ON THE LOOSE. But, I get it, I didn't hate it but it was getting to be a lot towards the end.

The thing that made me a bit manic about the rating is all of the new information that seems to pick up at the end. I just don't think there were enough bread crumbs leading up to it? I'm trying not to be spoilery but it just felt left fieldish.

I did love the cryptid information, that really enticed me to pick this up in the first place. I really do want to try another book because I like the idea of them.

I received this title as an ARC and am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly.