Patricia Briggs continues her Mercy Thompson books with Bone Crossed. Mercy is part Native American, and also happens to be able to change shape at will. No, she's not a werewolf. She's a walker--not controlled by the moon, but magic. Oh, and she sees dead people.

The novel takes off right after the close of Iron Kissed (the third Mercy Thompson novel). Mercy is vulnerable, tentatively accepting her relationship with local pack-leader Adam Hauptman. But recovering from traumatic events is not as easy as she wishes.

But her actions with the local vampire seethe have come back to, um, bite her (Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson, Book 2)) and for the peace of mind of both Adam and her housemate (and former boyfriend) Samuel, she leaves the city to investigate a haunting of an old collage friend.

As tough and sassy as Mercy often is, after the last book, she is understandably more vulnerable in this novel. We are introduced to inter-vamp politicking as well as learning a bit more about Mercy's powers as a walker. As her father died before she was born, Mercy does not know much about her powers, herself.

I love how Patricia Briggs writes these characters and this world. Her urban fantasy continues to be inspired and not over the top or gratuitous. The romance is not about two supernatural creatures getting it on, but two humans with foibles and flaws who happen to be able to change shape.

Yes, this is her first hardcover. Yes, it's expensive during these economic times, but honestly, I think her talent deserves it. Especially after all these years she's written under-appreciated fantasy novels. (Which I HIGHLY recommend, by the way).

Since the novel is part of a series, I also recommend you start from the first Mercy Thompson -- Moon Called. The series is really wonderful, as is the world that Ms. Briggs has created. .