Mencken and the Monsters

Please give my Amazon review a helpful vote - https://www.amazon.com/review/R27COXXH2142T0/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Mencken Cassie is a free-lance blogger and independent journalist who spends his day on the streets of Baltimore chasing down stories for his blog or to sell to local editors and radio celebrities. He is tenacious and determined, particularly about rooting out the story of a “cabal” that is using gangs, corrupt politicians, and redevelopers to work its diabolical plot to take away neighborhood parks and gentrify urban Baltimore. At his favorite coffee shop, Mencken stumbles onto a completely different conspiracy: one where monstrous forces are pushing their way into Baltimore and being resisted by a thin line - two or three or so - of monster hunters.

I wanted to like this story since I like urban fantasies and I liked the idea of a story set in a location like Baltimore for a change without the usual element of romance. However, the story didn't make the sale for me for a couple of reasons.

First, it seemed like it took too long to get into the story. The cabal story was teased for all it was worth and we spent a lot of time teasing the monster hunters before getting into the story proper. I was losing interest while waiting for the urban fantasy element to kick in.

Second, I wanted more Baltimore flavor, such as local highlights, buildings, significant spots, etc. Locations in what I assume were in Baltimore were mentioned, but I didn't get any sense of anything that made Baltimore different from any other place. There was nothing in the story that made me want to go to the internet to get more backstory.

Third, the final part of the book seemed over the top as our thin line of heroes took on an army of monsters in what was essentially a fist fight. Do our heroes have something against guns? Were there no more monster hunters to call in? There are two per city, apparently. So, why not call in the pair from D.C. and Richmond?

The story was well-written. Mencken was an interesting character. The book is “OK,” but, for me, the pieces didn't come together.