Yellow Tape and Coffee—A Gripping Urban Fantasy Thriller

I had the privilege of being a panelist for BBNYA 2024 (Book Blogger Novel of the Year Award) and got to read Yellow Tape and Coffee by Pat Luther then. This book stands out from most urban fantasy novels I’ve read, as it leans more toward thriller and horror.

What I Loved

The novel revolves around a single event told from four different perspectives—each bringing a unique voice and agenda to the table. When a werewolf commits a murder, the shocking truth comes out: werewolves are real and living in Portland. Four seemingly unrelated individuals work together to prevent an outbreak of violence between humans and werewolves.

This is an urban fantasy novel featuring intriguing, complex, and well-developed characters alongside solid world-building. Luther weaves police procedural elements with rich supernatural mythology, creating an absorbing, multi-layered tale. Yellow Tape and Coffee has a diverse cast—characters of different races, ethnicities, and ages all contribute to the story. Each character has agency, and their individual motivations drive the plot forward in an organic and compelling way.

Yellow Tape and Coffee is a fantastic hybrid of urban fantasy, horror, and drama that keeps you guessing until the very end. Secret societies, buried history, werewolves, and conspiracies combine to create a suspenseful thrill ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Themes & Tropes

🐺 Secret werewolf society

🕵️ Murder mystery

🚔 Police procedural

🔍 Conspiracy

🔄 Betrayal

🤝 Shifting alliances

Writing Style & Pacing

The writing is smooth, atmospheric, and fast-paced, with natural dialogue that makes for an immersive reading experience. The story is narrated from multiple PoVs, and Luther ensures that transitions between perspectives are seamless. I also appreciated how the author draws parallels to societal issues in the real world, adding depth to the narrative.

The chaotic and tense atmosphere adds to the suspense, making for a gripping read. Some moments are slower, and a few sections could have been tightened, but overall, the pacing works well for the story being told.

Final Thoughts

Yellow Tape and Coffee is an engrossing urban fantasy thriller filled with humor, suspense, and a secret society of werewolves. If you enjoy supernatural thrillers with conspiracies, shifting alliances, and well-developed characters, this book is a welcome addition to your collection. Highly recommended!