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Peculiar Mysteries #5

Who Let The Wolves Out?

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When a pack of werewolves move into her hometown of Peculiar, Missouri, good girl Dakota Thompson finds bad-boy werewolf Cal Rivers irresistible. The problem? She's a deer shifter. Who ever heard of a prey animal falling for a predator? Good girls avoid bad boys. Right?

Cal Rivers wants to make a real go in the Ozarks shifter community, but most folks are deeply suspicious of the werewolves—with one exception. The beautiful doe shifter Dakota Thompson. Cal finds himself drawn to the gorgeous and smart Dakota. In a mate kind of a way. But then he gets into it with Dakota’s overprotective ex-boyfriend, which doesn’t make him any new friends.

After a full moon, when everyone in town shifts and spends the night in their animal forms, Dakota wakes up next to the dead, mutilated body of her ex. The tense situation between the werewolves and the town’s shifters go from precarious to catastrophic as Cal becomes one of the prime suspects in the murder. Together, Dakota and Cal work to find the real murderer to prevent an all-out war between predators and prey. Unfortunately, the killer isn’t done yet…


Peculiar Mysteries series from USA Today bestselling author Renee George are laugh-out-loud, grip the edge of your seat, and swoon as you fall in love tales of mystery, humor, and romance that take place in the small (fictional, not the actual) Ozark shifter town of Peculiar, Missouri.

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2019

103 people are currently reading
84 people want to read

About the author

Renee George

148 books578 followers
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About Renee:
USA Today Bestselling author Renee George writes paranormal mysteries and romances because she loves all things whodunit, Otherworldly, and weird. Also, she wishes her pittie, the adorable Kona Princess Warrior, and her beagle, Josie the Incontinent Princess, could talk. Or at least be more like Scooby-Doo and help her unmask villains at the haunted house up the street.

When she’s not writing about mystery-solving werecougars or the adventures of a hapless psychic living among shapeshifters, she is preyed upon by stray kittens who end up living in her house because she can't say no to those sweet, furry faces. (Someone stop telling them where she lives!)

She resides in Mid-Missouri with her family and spends her non-writing time doing really cool stuff...like watching TV and cleaning up dog poop.


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Author Note: For readers who have enjoyed reading my books and taken the time to share their love in reviews, thank you so much! I can't tell you how much it means to me to know my work is valued.

Hugs,
Renee George

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5 stars
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51 (27%)
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17 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews367 followers
March 16, 2019
As they pulled up to the Smith property to get things ready for the next day’s wedding, Jo Jo Corman asked Dakota Thompson, a deer shifter, if she knew anything about the bunch of werewolves in the front yard. Luke Dwyer, also a deer shifter, commented that people in town were already nervous about them, since most people were suspicious of werewolves in general. Luke started talking about them taking everyone’s jobs and using up the town’s resources, so Dakota was glad when her mom tapped on the van window. She was going to have to break up with Luke soon. She wasn’t comfortable with his ideas and intimate talk, even if it did make her mom happy.

When a low voice asked if he could help, Dakota looked up at the tall, blond, handsome man who introduced himself as Cal Rivers. Ruth Thompson asked him to take the heavy pan of eggs while her daughter went weak in the knees looking up at Cal. They all carried the food to the tables and Dakota tripped. With blinding speed, Cal grabbed the pancake pan with one arm, and Dakota with the other. Luke ran over and jerked her backward into his own chin, cutting her head and almost making her fall again. Luke yelled at him for touching her, and Dakota’s mom told him to go home. She then whispered to Dakota that men in love acted that way and to remember that when she forgave him. Hmmm, that wouldn’t happen. She just didn’t love him back.

Dakota woke up on the ground in her usual spot, asking herself what she had been up to the night before. Most shifters under these forced transformation nights didn’t wake with memories of their moonlit activities on the first full moon of the month. She heard a rustling of leaves and Cal Rivers, gloriously naked, stepped out in front of her. The town’s doctor and his wife, Chavvah, were werewolves and Chavvah was the new pack’s leader. She promised on the first full moon cycle that the wolves would stay on her property. The town had given them a hard time but agreed with this provision. This was the third full moon with no incident – so why was Cal Rivers here? He said he was lost, had made a wrong turn into the non-predator area. And suddenly Luke was there – even though Dakota had broken up with him in December – ready to cause trouble. She asked both to leave, and again told Luke she was not going to date him. As she dressed, she had a strong scent of the wolf shifter and realized his scent was all over her!

Dakota had to stop at the store for flour for her mom’s pies. She went early to avoid Luke whose family owned the store. An employee told her they were out of flour, but Luke walked in and said it had arrived. Jack was going to go get it, but Luke told him to go to the deli and Jack again said he would get the flour. Luke angrily demanded he go to the deli and Jack was definitely mad at being treated that way. Luke asked her again to come back to him; he had invested lots of time in her and if she went out tonight, he wouldn’t report the wolf for being in the non-predator area. But she couldn’t do it. Luke grabbed her arms, but Cal came in to protect her if needed. But her father arrived and sent her home.

When Luke got a crowd from a party to come after Cal, the police were called. Dakota went too to see if she could help deflate the fight. She and Cal left and ran in the woods in their animal forms. When they stopped for a drink of water, someone fired a dart that knocked her out. She had heard a man’s voice as she lost consciousness. She woke on another property a distance away, with Luke’s dead body beside her and Cal’s scent on him! What happened??? Who did this???

She called out for Cal and he joined her from a short distances away, reminding her, when she brought it up, that his scent was on Luke from their fight before they left for their run. Someone was setting him up. They needed to find out who tranquilized them both and killed Luke or all of the wolves would be forced away from Peculiar.

This book is so exciting! Just having a predator and prey animal falling for each other was exciting enough. But the murder throws a whole new dangerous spin on events! Can they find who did this and why? Or will Cal be locked up for murder? Grab your copy and see how events unravel in this awesome mystery!
3,431 reviews20 followers
March 15, 2019
Dakota, deer shifter, has been the back-up parent to her siblings. She's had little time for relationships and the ones she had haven't done it for her. So why is she feeling this way about Cal a wolf shifter? A predator? Not usual or a good idea. Still, she feels things around him she's never felt before.

Cal is in a precarious position. The town of Peculiar is a shifter town. Still, they aren't crazy about the pack of wolves who showed up for their Doctor's (the only wolf in town) wedding. There is a real pull toward sweet Dakota, yet, will being with him put her in danger? Will the town's actions or maybe even some of the residents put her in danger?

The mystery is filled with probable and "no way" suspects. Will they find the real killer before anyone else dies? Will Dakota and her family find themselves in the crosshairs of the killer?

When murder and more threaten the town Cal determines to protect them along with her. Will she find a way out of her family obligations to live her own life--or even live with the danger around.

Another wonderful read by the author and fun and fear in Peculiar.
Profile Image for Theresa Derwin.
1,165 reviews44 followers
August 3, 2019
Peculiar, Prejudice and Pack

Who let The Wolves Out?
Peculiar Mysteries #9
Author: Renee George

“The last thing we need in Peculiar is a bunch of werewolves taking our jobs and using up our resources. We're a small town.”

This is spoken by Luke, one of the Peculiar residents, after the arrival of thirty six lycanthrope in the previous book.
It’s a timely, relevant sentiment, more akin to fans of a certain president than anything else.
Replace ‘werewolves’ with anything other than white, and you’ll get what I mean.
For Dakota, deer shifter and daughter of Ruth, it’s not a sentiment she agrees with, especially as she is drawn toward lycanthrope Cal Rivers.
Amidst the main story arc of the new residents and the Cal/Dakota Romance, Renee explores a couple of very dark Themes and narrative threads, one of which is about prejudice borne of fear, the other, I won’t spoiler.
There’s also issues surrounding familial responsibilities and loyalty, as well as the usual elements of an integral mystery, humour and a continuing overall story arc, enabling Peculiar to expand.
Great stuff.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,660 reviews25 followers
March 15, 2019
Renee George has done it again. Peculiar Missouri has some new residents, wolfshifters and it is not a good thing when a wolf shapeshifter has very strong feeling for a deer shifter which normally is prey. Dakota who is a beautiful deer shifter meets Cal, a wolfshifter there was an instant attraction. When Dakota's ex boyfriend who was still overprotective is found dead, Cal, the wolfshifter becomes a suspect in the gruesome death and Dakota and Cal must find who the murderer is before he gets arrested and charged with murder. Filled with lots of twists and turns and missteps and sprinkled with some humor and you have a winning book in the Peculiar mystery series. I can't wait to see what will happen next. I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Christine Karmelreads2665 W..
1,824 reviews6 followers
March 16, 2019
Another Great Peculiar Book
Love this town. The characters are so great to read about really helps keep these stories going.

This book is about one of the adult children from the deer family Thompson. Dakota is the eldest in the family of nine and she helps out at home and the family car repair business.

Readers of this collection know that murder is always on the horizon in this town but never know why it happens so often.

Call is one of Chavvah's wolves and is currently living outside of town on probation. His character is swoon worthy by most standards. He is a protector, fighter, and lover.

This book made me laugh, smile and get angry at the antics of some of these character which is a good sign of great writing.

Each book can be read individually but I recommend reading the series in order to get a better understanding of all characters and the town.
156 reviews
March 21, 2019
I love this authors style of writing and Dakota and Cal’s story is another check mark in my book. Once again the town of Peculiar has a murderer on the loose and Dakota is smack dab in the middle of everything. Her interest in Cal, a newly arrived wolf shifter is raising eyebrows and tempers. Framed for the murder of a former boyfriend they both seek answers as to why but are met with more sinister occurrences that are about to rock the town and it’s community. This shifter town is not for the faint hearted and has the dirty secrets that many are willing to kill and die for. Can Dakota find the real killer before her life and that of her family members are taken? I loved it and the way the culprits are exposed always surprises me as you think you’ve gotten all the answers but then you’re thrown for a loop when the truth comes out.
Profile Image for Pam Louis.
1,722 reviews7 followers
March 21, 2019
Peculiar, Missouri
Dakota Thompson is a dear shifter. The oldest of 9 kids and a good girl but once she meets bad boy Cal Rivers she is finding his irresistible and that just can't work because he is a werewolf. Prey animals don't fall for predator!!?? Do they?
Nothing is ever easy in Peculiar. Towns people don't trust Cal's people. There is a murder to all with lots of twist and turns.
Great characters, small town drama, mystery, betrayal, and so much more it made this story impossible to put down! Once you start reading the characters will pull you into the story just like me and I didn't want to leave lol don't miss this super fun and not mystery
Voluntarily reviewed a copy and I honestly loved it.
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,604 reviews48 followers
March 10, 2019
ARC Kindle Copy for Review

Good girls falling for bad boys are nothing new. But for deer shifter Dakota Thompson falling for werewolf Cal Rivers might not go too well since he is a predator to her prey.

Things heat up between them despite her ex overly protective boy friend interference. He is found mutilated next to a sleeping Dakota the next morning after a night of shape shifting. Things look bad for the both of them as they try to clear themselves and especially Cal which the community already distrusts since he is new in town.

Welcome to Peculiar where everyone has more things hidden than just their shape shifting. Another fun read in the series.
Profile Image for Hsu Lee.
1,743 reviews9 followers
March 11, 2019
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
It was a great book!
Dakota was the good girl.
Always ready to give a helping hand.
Carl was a temptation in tight jeans.
Dakota is a deer shifter, and she doesn't know what to do with her attraction to the wolf shifter.
Isn't deer a wolf's prey ?
This was a very interesting pairing.
When danger comes, Carl will protect Dakota, but Dakota will also protect Carl.
Girl with hooves rock too.
Loved the characters + the storytelling!
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
1,916 reviews13 followers
March 12, 2019
Dakota, a nice deer shifter, had her eye on Cal, a lycanthrope, and she was struggling with her feelings and doubts that were hurting her heart. When a suspicious and possible dangerous situation was upon them, Dakota and Cal had no other choice but to join forces to find the true culprit. Things got complicated, more therians were involved and there was a twist that I have not expected, at all. Liked Dakota and Cal's characters, their strong attraction, their romance, the mystery around the murder and the plot development with the clues for the possible motives. This book kept me interested and entertained following the situations of the peculiar characters.
Profile Image for Melody.
111 reviews
November 3, 2020
Dancing Chicken .... ooh La La!

Man O Man this a book that gives the reader a smorgasbord. Coyotes, wolves, and deers oh my. Strange things start happening around town and to Kotas feelings. What’s a girl to do? She fallows here heart which leads her to Cal. Now that sounds pretty easy until you throw in the fact that she’s a deer shifter and he’s a wolf shifter. But it all leads to a dancing chicken and a bun in the oven. Yep, you have read it to figure that one out. Fun, Family, Murder, mystery, friendship, with a dash of love. Enjoy
Profile Image for Lory.
3,284 reviews33 followers
March 13, 2019
Another enjoyable and entertaining read and a great continuation to the series. When the predator fall for his prey is surely a unique concept add the mystery, suspense, and of course steamy romance. It will definitely have you entranced from beginning to end. Overall a good read looking forward to seeing what else is in store for this series. I voluntarily read and review this ARC no monetary compensation was received the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,134 reviews9 followers
March 19, 2019
I think this is my favorite Peculiar story yet! I loved how it continued the story of integrating the wolves into the town. And then wowser, it had a huge mystery turn and that had a twist. The end wasn’t even close to what I expected. Even Dakota’s family had twists. I really enjoyed Who let the Wolves Out!
Profile Image for Sue Parker.
1,258 reviews14 followers
March 20, 2019
This was my favorite book of the series. Dakota is falling for Cal who is a wolf shifter and new to town. Her ex doesn’t like Cal at all. But when Luke turns up dead they have to figure out who killed him and who is trying to pin the murder on Dakota and Cal. And while this is happening these two fall for each other.
156 reviews
August 8, 2019
Love this book!

I loved that the story is about another resident of Peculiar while still having appearances from the regulars like Sunny and Chavvah. In this book we get to see more of Ruth’s family. Great storyline as always and lots of suspense as to who was the killer that was framing Dakota and Cal.
Profile Image for Debi Bailey.
387 reviews
September 20, 2020
Such a great series

This is such a great series! Each book just adds more layers to this town that I want to move to! The folks in Peculiar, Missouri are all so awesome. Adding the wolves to town just makes it even better. Love it and can't wait to start the next book, just don't want it to end!!!!!😁😁😁
Profile Image for Donna.
4,154 reviews57 followers
April 1, 2019
I loved this story. I almost didn’t read it because the prologue put my hackles up but I’ve read and enjoyed this author before so I figured I would give her a chance to explain. This story deals with prejudice, love and murder and so much more told with wit and humor and left me with a full heart.
836 reviews
May 5, 2020
Wonderful read!

Absolutely wonderful characters that interact with each other beautiful! Fabulous plot twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this series and author.
Profile Image for Adrienne Whitson.
56 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2019
Great read

I love this series by Renee George . Amazing continuation of her paranormal world in peculiar. Hot alpha and strong females
Profile Image for Lois Alston.
1,864 reviews3 followers
March 20, 2019
Good story

Love knows no boundaries and can happen at any time to anyone. Learning more about your family than you really wanted to know.
Profile Image for Anne-Kathrine.
1,207 reviews8 followers
March 20, 2019
Another great book in this series. Love how we learn more about all the different characters in this series. Who wouldn't want to root for Dakota and Cal!! Now just waiting for the next book :)
12.8k reviews191 followers
April 11, 2019
Another amazing book in this ongoing series. Always intriguing and delightful.
Profile Image for Starla.
957 reviews
June 24, 2019
My favorite book in the series so far. Loved the characters, romance and suspense.
542 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2019
Brilliant

And now literally devouring her books just can’t get enough reading them all back to back brilliant characters and story lines don’t know what I’m gonna do when done
75 reviews
April 26, 2025
Again a good book to read. I like the twist and turns and surprises. Enjoyed reading.
Profile Image for Ann.
1,747 reviews8 followers
June 23, 2019
Deer-shifter Dakota has always been the dutiful daughter...even dating the guy she thought her parents wanted her to. But lately, she finds herself wanting to take a walk on the predator, er wild, side.

Cal Rivers and his fellow wolf shifters are trying to settle into Peculiar without too much fuss...but some town members aren't very happy to have them there. He does his best to stay under the radar....until he meets Dakota. They don't really have anything in common but they want to be together.

Things get really complicated when Dakota's now ex-boyfriend turns up dead with Dakota waking up next to him. And they both smell like wolves. Now it's a race for Cal and Dakota to clear their names and to find the real killer. Hopefully before either one ends up hurt or worse, dead.

Great new book in the Peculiar Mysteries series. I love Dakota and Cal and all the fun inhabitants of this quirky town.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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