The Last Precinct (novel)

The Last Precinct is a science fiction novel by American author Patricia Anthony, published in 1999. The novel blends elements of police procedural, science fiction, and horror, and is noted for its exploration of complex themes like morality, identity, and the nature of evil.

Set in Dallas, Texas, in the near future, The Last Precinct centers on Detective Stanley Moodrow, a cynical and world-weary police officer working in a special precinct dedicated to handling bizarre and supernatural crimes. The precinct deals with cases involving vampires, werewolves, angels, and other entities that exist alongside humanity, often in uneasy alliances and conflicts.

Moodrow is partnered with Astaroth, a fallen angel who has chosen to work as a police officer after losing his faith. Their partnership is fraught with tension and philosophical disagreements, as they grapple with the implications of their cases and their respective moral codes.

The novel's central plot involves a series of gruesome murders committed by an unknown entity, forcing Moodrow and Astaroth to investigate a conspiracy that reaches into the highest echelons of both human and supernatural society. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover secrets that threaten to shatter the fragile peace between the different factions and expose the dark underbelly of their world.

The Last Precinct is known for its dark and gritty atmosphere, its complex characters, and its thought-provoking exploration of ethical dilemmas in a world where the boundaries between good and evil are blurred. It's a standalone novel and not part of a larger series.