“But just because you are paranoid doesn’t mean that there isn’t an invisible demon about to eat your face.”
So begins my foray into the world of Harry Dresden, Wizard and Private Investigator. This first book in the series sets things up nicely, introducing us into Harry’s milieu, set in Chicago (happily one of my favorite cities). There is Karrin Murphy, the director of Special Investigations (read: paranormal) for the downtown Chicago P.D. Harry works as a consultant for her from time to time, partially because a mans gotta pay the bills and partially because he respects her and she has a measure of respect for him and his gifts. Unlike her partner, Detective Carmichael. One day, Murphy calls Harry sounding shaken. She needs his help at a murder scene downtown at the Madison Hotel. What he encounters there leaves him shaken, sickened and very, very worried. And it’s not just the overdose of red velvet and gold rococo that the suite is decorated in. The couple has been killed, in flagrante delicto, hearts literally burst from their chests. This was some heavy black magic.
Harry also has a case on the side, searching for a woman’s husband. He’s been missing for a few days. He was recently fired from his high-paying job and been dabbling in magic. It’s not long before the two cases dovetail. Not only that, as Harry is the most accomplished wizard for miles around, he is immediately suspected in the murders by the White Council and denizens of the Nevernever. Along the way there are some really fun characters and serious adversaries to Harry now, and it would seem, for years to come.
As much set up as Butcher had to do, it all flowed quite smoothly and naturally. Harry’s voice is sardonic and self-deprecating, a new kind of noir voice. Great observational humor about the world he inhabits. And, boy, the man can keep you breathless with the action. Other than a great many Stephen King books, I haven’t delved into horror/fantasy much until the CBR7, when I started in on Richard Kadrey’s Sandman Slim series and now this series. So far it’s a great ride.
I”m thinking of venturing into this series again. I got about four books in and stopped (not for any reason related to the books) but I hear from others that they get better and better. My only complaint is that Chicago doesn’t feel very Chicago-y to me (so I pretend it’s set in the Vancouver version of Chicago, like so many TV series).
(so I pretend it’s set in the Vancouver version of Chicago, like so many TV series). LMAO! I love that!
I have been circling this series…I should probably get this book and just get started already.
It’ll be fun and a good antidote to Ruby :^)
You are like my sister from another mother, or something. I’m re-listening to The Dresden Files while I work. I don’t dislike the first 4 books as much as some people, but the series really does start to hit its stride in book 5. But don’t rush. There are 16 books of a planned 23, and he’s averaging 1 every 2 years.
Lol! And thanks for the perspective on the series. Good to know in case I get bogged down. Cheers!