An all-new Dresden Files story headlines this urban fantasy short story collection starring the Windy City’s favorite wizard.The world of Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard, is rife with intrigue—and creatures of all supernatural stripes. And you’ll make their intimate acquaintance as Harry delves into the dark side of truth, justice, and the American way in this must-have short … must-have short story collection.
From the Wild West to the bleachers at Wrigley Field, humans, zombies, incubi, and even fey royalty appear, ready to blur the line between friend and foe. In the never-before-published “Zoo Day,” Harry treads new ground as a dad, while fan-favorite characters Molly Carpenter, his onetime apprentice, White Council Warden Anastasia Luccio, and even Bigfoot stalk through the pages of more classic tales.
With twelve stories in all, Brief Cases offers both longtime fans and first-time readers tantalizing glimpses into Harry’s funny, gritty, and unforgettable realm, whetting their appetites for more to come from the wizard with a heart of gold.
The collection includes:
• “Curses,” from Naked City, edited by Ellen Datlow
• “AAAA Wizardry,” from the Dresden Files RPG
• “Even Hand,” from Dark and Stormy Knights, edited by P. N. Elrod
• “B is for Bigfoot,” from Under My Hat: Tales from the Cauldron, edited by Jonathan Strahan. Republished in Working for Bigfoot.
• “I was a Teenage Bigfoot,” from Blood Lite III: Aftertaste, edited by Kevin J. Anderson. Republished in Working for Bigfoot.
• “Bigfoot on Campus,” from Hex Appeal, edited by P. N. Elrod. Republished in Working for Bigfoot.
• “Bombshells,” from Dangerous Women, edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois
• “Jury Duty,” from Unbound, edited by Shawn Speakman
• “Cold Case,” from Shadowed Souls, edited by Jim Butcher and Kerrie Hughes
• “Day One,” from Unfettered II, edited by Shawn Speakman
• “A Fistful of Warlocks,” from Straight Outta Tombstone, edited by David Boop
• “Zoo Day,” a brand-new novella, original to this collection
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Butcher always comes through. His books are just so much fun. His characters are all original. He has a way of twisting the plot to a direction you would never expect. He is at the top of the list for Urban Fantasy or whatever catagory you want to put him in. He is, as always entertaining.
A wonderful collection of short Dresden stories, just enough to tide fans until the next book (Peace Talks) comes out. I’ve recently binge read the whole series (full review on my blog), so was eager to grab a copy of this novel as soon as it was out.
*** What to expect
Twelve short stories, mostly published originally elsewhere, with one I believe written specifically for this anthology. They represent smaller cases that Dresden took between the main novels in the series. The earliest is set between books 2 & 3, and the latest just after the last published book (mostly between books of the later novels in the series). Most feature Harry in his usual flippant glory, but five stories are written from the perspective of other characters: Anastasia Luccio, Marcone, Molly (two stories), and Butters.
*** What I liked
The stories are mostly on the lighter side (‘Bombshells’ has the punniest title), providing quick and entertaining reads. Harry spouts his usual wise-cracks, and the other character’s points of view are refreshing. All the stories are excellent, but “Zoo Day” is probably my favourite, not the least of which due to it’s unique viewpoints.
*** What to be aware of
While a short story collection is often a good way to introduce yourself to an author’s style, because this collection happens between volumes of a long running series it is probably not a great place to start. There are a few references that will not make sense, and spoilers when you do read the series.
*** Summary
If you’re a Dresden fan, you need this book! Even if you came across some of the stories in other places, it’s hard to chase up each anthology. Having them all in one place (plus anything not published elsewhere) makes for a great read. Highly recommended.
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Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic – for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
A collection of 12 stories from the Dresden universe. What is great about these novellas is that they don’t all feature Harry. The reader gets to learn more about other characters and find out what is going on in their lives. We get to see that Harry is actually a pretty good teacher in “AAAA Wizardry”. “Gentleman” John Marcone gets his own adventure in “Even Hand” and Molly has her first quest as Winter Lady in “Cold Case”. I really loved seeing Waldo Butters again in “Day One”. Seeing him finally wield the sword as a Knight and face his fears was heartwarming. He’s probably one of my favorite characters. “Jury Duty” has Harry summoned to..well..jury duty. He is so upset about it and it’s a great everyday thing for him to do. But, nothing is ever normal for Harry. He is always trying to right the wrongs, even when it involves mortals. My favorite story in the novella is “Zoo Day”. Harry takes is daughter, Maggie, and Mouse to the zoo. The story is told in 3 parts, 1 from each characters perspective. They all have their own demons to fight and Maggie takes it on head first even though she’s scared. She is definitely Harry’s daughter. Mouse tells his story and I feel like he has spent way too much time with Harry. His sarcasm is hilarious.
Book source ~ Library
What’s not to love about some short stories in the Dresden Universe? Most are told from Harry’s POV, but there are a few told from other favorite characters’. All are excellent additions to the Dresden Universe.
* A Fistful of Warlocks ~ from STRAIGHT OUTTA TOMBSTONE, edited by David Boop
A story told from the POV of Warden Anastasia Luccio in the Wild West
* B is for Bigfoot ~ from UNDER MY HAT: TALES FROM THE CAULDRON, edited by Jonathan Strahan. Republished in WORKING FOR BIGFOOT
Harry is hired by a Bigfoot.
* AAAA Wizardry ~ from the Dresden Files RPG
Harry is teaching the new wardens and telling them a story of a job.
* I was a Teenage Bigfoot ~ from BLOOD LITE 3: AFTERTASTE, edited by Kevin J. Anderson. Republished in WORKING FOR BIGFOOT.
Harry’s second job for Bigfoot.
* Curses ~ from THE NAKED CITY, edited by Ellen Datlow
Harry is hired to lift the Chicago Cubs curse.
* Even Hand ~ from DARK AND STORMY KNIGHTS, edited by P. N. Elrod
A story told from John Marcone’s POV.
* Bigfoot on Campus ~ from HEX APPEAL, edited by P. N. Elrod. Republished in WORKING FOR BIGFOOT.
Harry’s third job for Bigfoot.
* Bombshells ~ from DANGEROUS WOMEN, edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois
A story told from Molly’s POV right after Changes.
* Cold Case ~ from SHADOWED SOULS, edited by Jim Butcher and Kerrie Hughes
Another from Molly’s POV, right after Cold Days.
* Jury Duty ~ from UNBOUND, edited by Shawn Speakman
Harry actually gets a jury duty summons.
* Day One ~ from UNFETTERED II, edited by Shawn Speakman
A story told from the POV of Waldo Butters after Skin Game.
* Zoo Day ~ a brand-new novella, original to this collection
Harry, Mouse, and Maggie spend a day at the zoo. Story is told from all 3 of their POVs.
The Dresden Files is one of my favorite series, and it’s been A WHILE since the last book (published in 2014!!). This is the second book of shorts that has come out since then – the earlier one (the Bigfoot Trilogy) is entirely encompassed in this collection, which I thought a little odd, but anthologies like this are intended to bring multiple-sourced shorts into one place, so it was alright. It’s a credit to Butcher and the strength of this series (and the depth of the character and interconnected-plot-lines development) that I never mind rereading them though. There’s always something new I find, and even the stuff that I remember never fails to entertain read after read… I also love that Butcher plays around with perspective in his shorts – many of them are set in alternate voices that really help bring supporting characters to life and give a sense of richness to the entire series. This is a great tide-over, but I’m SO ready for the next full book!!
A nice collection of stories, most revolving around the side characters in the world of Harry Dresden.
I loved both of the Maggie stories, though I had read one of them before in an another antholgy. I still love getting into her head tho, and seeing her character grow and change.
I was so pleased to have a Waldo Butters story, Day One, and it was interesting to see how the swords adapt to the Knight Templar who carries them, as well as how God communicated with them in a way that fits them.
I was hoping that Elder Gruff would make an appearance in Curses. Fun idea and story behind the Red Sock’s Billy Goat Curse.
Only mildly disappointed that there wasn’t a Thomas Wraith or Murphy story. Or a Bob story for sure! Surprised by the three stories in one, but enjoyed Mouse’s story in Zoo Day.
Definitely a great little book for the Harry Dresden Fan Club until the next novel comes out.
This has some really good short stories. Like the three Big Foot stories. And Molly on her first assignment as the Winter Lady for Mab. And my favorite being Harry, Maggie and Mouse going to the Zoo. This was done from all threes POV. I hope more stories are done either Harry as Dad, With Maggie!
This is a great anthology of Dresden stories. Just know that the last couple of stories contain spoilers if you have read Cold Days.
Awesome read
This series is a blast and extremely unique.
This thoroughly enjoyable collection of stories about Chicago’s favorite (only) wizard for hire fleshes out some of my favorite secondary characters, fills in some blanks, and, of course, puts Harry Dresden into some very dicey predicaments. I listened to this one as an audiobook. I highly recommend James Marster’s performances of the Harry Dresden books. He takes Jim Butcher’s clever, fast-paced writing and makes it so much fun to listen to, especially on road trips.
I’ve enjoyed all of the Harry Dresden books. This book is a collection of short stories that both fills in some details about Harry and also lets other familiar characters take the lead in a story. The last story is told three times from three very different viewpoints (one of which is the viewpoint of Harry’s temple dog, Mouse).
While it seems odd to tick the box for ‘Realistic’ when discussing a collection of tales of urban fantasy, Jim Butcher has a knack for telling his stories in a very gritty and believable way.
A Fistful of Warlocks
Wild West meets magic in this tastefully done short story! Wyatt Earp teams up with Warden Anastasia against a group of necromatic warlocks. There’s plenty of action to be found, along with things that go bump in the night.
B is for Bigfoot
This was the weirdest story of Bigfoot I’ve read, but I got a kick out of the little twists! A polite, educated Bigfoot crunching Pringle’s and discussing protection for his kid was something else. Harry as a babysitter/bodyguard/unintended mentor made this short story vastly entertaining!
AAA Wizardry
As a teacher, Harry had more patience and common sense then I was expecting!
I Was A Teenage Bigfoot
I’ve been enjoying these Bigfoot shorts! They’re packed with quirks and twists. Harry has really bonded with Bigfoot’s son, Irwin, so there’s hope for his loner self to actually make friends.
Curses
Well that wasn’t at all what I was expecting! However, the logic did have interesting merit…
Even Hand
Marcone is such a likable villain. Even when I don’t want to like him, he does something so humane, I can’t help but applaud.
Bigfoot on Campus
Bigfoot’s son, Irwin is attending school in Oklahoma, at OU no less, and doesn’t know his girlfriend is..special. Granted, she doesn’t either, but her daddy is determined she learn the family legacy-the hard way. Leave it to Harry to bumble a family reunion.
Bombshells
Molly Carpenter has more to her then I thought. Tough, resourceful, and a smart mouth…it’s obvious her teacher rubbed off on her..just a little bit.
Cold Case
Molly is learning her powers as Queen of Winter and discovers it’s not easy with painful realization. I truly wasn’t expecting this ending!
Jury Duty
Harry is called up for jury duty and discovers more then meets the eye. It’s a short read, but packed with a bit of mystery and snark.
Day One
Waldo Butters, medical examiner of the strange, really comes into his own with his first official gig as Knight. Hospitals aren’t my favorite setting and this one was definitely on the creepy side!
Zoo Day
This was my favorite of the bunch. I loved Mouse an Maggie together. Huge dog and a small girl-can’t think of a cuter picture! Of course, toss in some icky creatures and demons…it’s just another day in Dresden’s world.
The continued exploits of Harry Dresden are always entertaining and leave me wanting for more.
More Dresden! The only downside is that this is not a full book. The short stories in here are very good, covering a lot of side characters in the books, and fleshing out some of the things going on behind the scenes, building up to the next book.
For anyone who enjoys the Dresden Files, this book is a must! I usually do not enjoy short stories, but each story in this book is so well-written and all contain my favorite characters from the Dresden universe! I didn’t want it to end!!
I love this author and very much enjoyed these short stories about the world of Harry Dresden. He writes well and builds Harry’s world with depth and character. Would recommend all of the Dresden files.
short stories with characters from
the Dresden Files
I’m not a fan of short stories, in fact I normally avoid them like the plague…but when it comes to the Dresden Files, all that goes out the window. As always Butcher’s tales sucked me in and I stayed up way too late reading (Curses, Even Hand & the Big Foot trio of stories, were favs). Each of the stories presented is well done & I really hope at some point Jim Butcher expands a couple or incorporates themes and characters into a full-length novel. If you haven’t started the Dresden series this is a great intro, if you’re already a fan, this will give you a Dresden fix (hopefully). As I said I don’t do short stories but there are exceptions to every rule & these are a treat, can’t wait for next novel (Peace Talks).
This was a nice collection of stories from the Dresden universe. I liked that some of them focus on other characters, like Molly and Butters. I also liked the prefaces to each story.
I had read a couple of them previously in other anthologies, including the 2nd Bigfoot story, so I was glad of the chance to read the others. I hope we eventually learn what happens with Irwin and Connie.
While this can be read as a standalone, it is probably not the best intro to the series, especially due to certain spoilers in some of the stories.
I enjoyed the last one, the new one, as it gave the different perspectives of the three main characters, and what may be hints to future book events. I always knew there was more to Mouse.
Cold Case was quite dark and disturbing. I liked Jury Duty. I really liked the Bigfoot trio.