3.75 Stars 
 Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs is the 4th book in the Alpha & Omega series. This series started out as paranormal romance but has since become more focused on the story and less on the romance, edging into Urban Fantasy. I love Anna and Charles. They are one of my favorite fictional couples and I really enjoy their dynamic and interactions together. While I liked this book, it's actually my least favorite of the series. I felt like it deviated a little too far from the romance and I missed that. There are a couple great Anna and Charles moments though and I was happy to see them come to an agreement regarding an important matter. 
 Dead Heat is an interesting and engaging story about the investigation into a dangerous Fae and a missing child. It is also about Charles visiting an old human friend and preparing to say goodbye. Throw in an old love and the echo of emotion there as well and this is the most emotion we've seen from Charles outside of what he feels for Anna. My heart ached for his grief at the impending loss of his longtime friend, Joseph. 
 Anna was wonderful as always, a calm, kind and supportive presence to those around her. Her inner strength always shines through. She's an endearing character, one who has a quiet way of influencing others. Anna and Charles balance each other out. He gives her strength and she gives him softness. It's always a joy following along on their adventures and this one was no exception. 
 I enjoyed Dead Heat. I had some mixed feelings on certain elements of the book but it didn't detract from the overall story. Dead Heat is well written and filled with emotion. The investigation was interesting and added excitement and mystery. There is danger, heartache, action and intrigue. The flow is seamless and the ending satisfying. I look forward to more books in this series. 
 I would recommend Dead Heat to fans of the series. 
 Note: The Alpha & Omega series should be read in order. 
 *ARC (Advanced Review Copy) received from the publisher, PENGUIN GROUP/Ace, via NetGalley.