I've picked up many books this year that haven't worked. So, just finding an enjoyable, average read feels like an accomplishment. 

This first Mercy Thompson book held my interest enough to make me want to try a few more.  With time, it might become better at developing a coherent plot. 

I've always heard this series referred to as the female Dresden Files. On reflection, it's a fair assessment. They are similar in two major ways: they are both typical urban fantasy stories, using known fictional creatures like werewolves and vampires; and they both feature a protagonist with an internal monologue that can't help but address the attractiveness of the opposite sex in every scene. 

Alternatively, Moon Called gives the distinct vibe of a romance, where I'd never thought of the Dresden Files that way, even though you could argue that Mercy's relationship isn't the central plot of this book. So, is it actually a romance? The layers of misogyny run deep here.