Kitty and the Silver Bullet

Kitty and the Silver Bullet (2007) Carrie Vaughn

The fourth kitty book sees Kitty returning to Denver for a family emergency. Unfortunately, he return places her in the middle of a vampire turf war where she is requested to take sides.

As this was the fourth Kitty book, was I a little leery when I started reading, because in all honesty I was waiting for the story to take that down turn that many series do once their several books in. However, I was delighted that this book was as strong as they previous three. I’m not saying they’re great literature–but I will say that Carrie Vaughan is a very good storyteller, and in this book nails plot, pacing, and characterization.

There was just one thing in this book that bothered me–the speed at with which Kitty learned to shoot. However, as she has heightened physical skills and reflexes since she is a werewolf, her ability to pick up he basics of this physical skill actually makes sense, so that doesn’t even bother me.

This story ties up multiple plot lines: Kitty’s banishment from Denver, her relationship with the old packmaster of Denver, her relationship with Ben, and her friendship with Cormac. I particularly liked that she and Ben went to visit Cormac in prison. He remains responsible for his actions, and those actions were not simply waved away by the author but had consequences that we see.

Considering that this was a book I read in three hours, I appreciate that this series has its hidden depths.

I think what I like best about the Kitty series is that Carrie Vaugn gets right all the details that tend to bug me about most supernatural fantasies. The characters are good looking, but for the most part you’re not bludgeoned with their attractiveness, and we don’t have constant details of all the designer clothes the characters are wearing, although certain outfits are described as the need arises. Kitty does have a great deal of strength, but she also has weaknesses and deals with those weaknesses. Yes, she whines as we all do, but once she makes a decisions she sticks with it and finds a way. And she also realized that because of her weaknesses she must rely upon those around her, which I also appreciate. But mostly, Kitty is a very likable character, because she has flaws, but doesn’t let those flaws keep her from acting when necessary.

I also appreciate her complex relationships with the other characters, including her family who we finally get to meet. The only relationship that I was not completely sure about was her relationship with Detective Hardin. I’m not certain that things weren’t a little too easy for Kitty there, but considering the otehr problems with which Kitty has to contend, I was more than willing to let slide there.

If you enjoy supernatural fantasy, then I highly recommend the Kitty series. It has good characters, good stories, and good writing. And most importantly, it’s a lot of fun to read. I don’t, however, recommend starting with Kitty and the Silver Bullet but suggest instead going back to the first book in the series, Kitty and the Midnight Hour. This book covers a lot of history from the previous three books, and knowing and understanding that history makes this book all the more enjoyable.
Rating: 8/10

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