While browsing at your local bookstore (yes, there are still bookstores!), you may come across a novel with the unique title “Werewolf Cop.” You instantly may be reminded of those old wire-spinning book carrels that carried pulp fiction paperbacks with cheesy titles. More modern fans of this genre might think they are seeing the novelization of a new Saturday night horror film on the Syfy channel.

This may be the best argument for “don't judge a book by its cover” that I've seen in recent memory. The highly ironic and simple title does not do any justice to the story that is contained within the covers. However, fans will breathe a sigh of relief when they see the name of the author listed above the title: Andrew Klavan.

"WEREWOLF COP is a fun and gripping read that is much more classic police procedural than campy horror. The end result is the most unique novel Andrew Klavan has penned to date."

Yes, this is the same Andrew Klavan who has had a decades-long career of spinning out terrific and highly literate thrillers. He also has seen three of his works turned into above-average films: DON'T SAY A WORD, TRUE CRIME and A SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM. He is the very same author who Stephen King referred to as “the most original American novelist of crime and suspense since Cornell Woolrich.” High praise indeed.

I am proud to say that WEREWOLF COP does not disappoint. Two of the best detectives in the country have been paired as part of a special task force referred to as the Extraordinary Crimes division of the Federal Department of Homeland Security. The partners are Zach "Cowboy" Adams, who hails from Houston, Texas, and Martin Goulart from the mean streets of New York City. Their latest mission is to catch and stop a European gangster of German descent by the name of Dominic Abend. Large, well-muscled and completely shaved from head to toe, Abend cuts a striking and intimidating pose on all who confront him. He is now attempting to take over the American underworld, and the powers supporting him may not necessarily be of this world.

It seems that Abend dabbles in the supernatural, and the horrific bloodbath of bodies he leaves in his wake --- including a “house of horrors” crime scene not for the weak of stomach --- lives up to this assertion. To catch him, Zach follows a lead to the Black Forest of Germany to meet a mysterious woman named Professor Dankl, who gives him far more than he could have bargained for. Dankl turns into a huge werewolf in front of Zach and brutally attacks him. He brings her down but not before the lycanthrope passes on her cruel gift.

Returning to the States, Zach is having trouble dealing with the attack in Germany that left him hospitalized and unconscious for several days. He also is suffering from horrific and very vivid nightmares. When he accepts his new “guise,” he realizes that it may be the only way for him to hunt down and kill Abend. However, the cost to Zach, his family, his partner and everyone around him will be high, as even in New York City it is hard to hide the fact that you are a werewolf.

WEREWOLF COP is a fun and gripping read that is much more classic police procedural than campy horror. The end result is the most unique novel Andrew Klavan has penned to date.