When a prototype of a magical device is stolen from the Nokolai Clanhome, a traitor is revealed within their midst. It is up to FBI agent Lily Yu and her lupi fiancé, Rule Turner to retrieve the prototype before its malfunction can be used against them. However, as Lily sniffs out the perpetrator, it seems as if the thief's identity may be more baffling than they anticipated as they discover a new player in this deadly game.

Eileen Wilks is a fantastic writer who has been able to build upon this intriguing world she has created. With each book, she is able to further add on and delve deeper into the lupi world, fleshing out characters until readers feel as if they know them inside and out.

Despite the slow start, I was able to appreciate the action and intense focus on the world building. However, there is less time spent on Rule and Lily in this installment. A sense of urgency pulls the plot forward so that you don't necessarily find the romance lacking, but I still would have liked to see more time spent on building a connection between Rule and Lily. After all, they will be getting married soon.

Though not always perfect in its pacing, Wilks creates an intriguing ride with MORTAL TIES. Action, top --notch procedural accuracy and some shocking twists -- Readers can expect nothing less from an author like Eileen Wilks.