In the first novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files series, Harry Dresden’s investigation of a grisly double murder pulls him into the darkest depths of magical Chicago… And those that do enjoy playing with humans far too much. He also knows he’s the best at what he does. Technically, he’s the only at what he does. But even though Harry is the only game in town, business—to put it mildly—stinks.
So when the Chicago P.D. bring him in to consult on a double homicide committed with black magic, Harry’s seeing dollar signs. But where there’s black magic, there’s a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry’s name…
“A great series—fast-paced, vividly realized and with a hero/narrator who’s excellent company.”—Cinescape
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I’ve been reading Butcher’s works for years. No matter what fantasy genre he chooses to write, Jim Butcher never disappoints.
This series, even after nearly two decades, is the standard by which I judge most other series as one of only 3 authors I re-read. Once you start it you will understand. This book will hook you from the start. The characters are richly developed and witty. The book is packed full of action. I can’t recommend more highly. It is simply a Must read.
This was a really enjoyable read. While I was skeptical at first when I saw it was in first person(as 1st person tends to be more miss than hit for me), the author establishes the character’s voice quick and hooks you in the process. Dresden is great, he’s got an interesting story and he’s got flaws. His humor made me laugh and/or crack a smile more than once. His relationship with others in the setting only add to his character, and it’s true — he does not know women. Somehow, this is just a little bit endearing. The fact that he can be a little slow on the uptake and doesn’t do well at times under the pressure only make him more fun to follow along with as the story progresses. Overall, it hits the notes of a crime/mystery book while also tossing in some fantasy fun; not overwhelming you with the latter somehow which is even more impressive.
I’ll probably do a more thorough review later, but for now this will do. I’m glad I finally got around to reading this book and look forward to picking up the next one.
Harry Dresden is funny, clever, and powerful. He has just the right balance of confidence and self-deprecation. The world he lives in is fantastical and realistic at the same time, the magical elements woven in to contemporary Chicago so well it’s as if they belong there in real life. This intro grabs you by the solar plexus with a horrific murder, and the twists and turns that lead you to the terrifying conclusion are gripping.
I’ve heard of this series before, but never actually tried it, and it’s one of those times I wished I’d discovered an author and series a long time ago. Jim Butcher consistently delivers.
Butcher never fails to entertain – and at a pace that makes one stay up long past one’s bedtime in order to read just ONE MORE chapter.
Jim butcher has gifted storie telling skills with talented combinations from the world of fantasy and reality
Love Harry Dresden! He’s so entertaining, love all the stories of him.
Awesome read
If you need a little help with the magickal world and you prefer that your help come in the form of a sarcastic, moody wizard, then Harry Dresden is the person you’re looking for. This book introduces Dresden in a straightforward, witty way and catches your attention right away in order to draw you into an unseen side of modern-day Chicago. It’s a must-read!
Excellent characters in these books. Read in order as relationships change and develop. Dresden books are well worth reading.
This is the first book in what I am learning is a very long series of books. To date, there are 15 books in the main series and then there are side books too. From my understanding, the number of books total may be more than 20 in the end. So why in my right mind would I start this series with my TBR in the state it is? Well, it looked really good.
Long story short I really liked it. I loved the writing and how smooth the story seemed. I liked how you saw the main character really struggle and everything was not okay just because he could use magic. I mean even though he is a wizard he had real-life struggles. Oh then there is Bob and I can’t wait to see if we ever get some form of a back story there. One of my favorite moments in the book has to be with Toot Toot and his love of pizza.
Well, I can say it looks like I’m going to be in this one for the long haul because I really enjoyed this book.
I love how this series takes normal, real world problems and twists it with the mysterious yet fantastical world of Magic.
One of my three favorite authors!
Harry Dresden is listed in the phone book under Wizard, that says it all.
This is the 1st in the Harry Dresden Wizard/PI books. I’ve read most of the series but this remains my favorite. It’s a straightforward and entertaining PI novel.
Audiobook review: I had a really hard time staying attuned to this story. The support characters and even Harry seem one dimensional. The storyline was interesting but predictable. The narrator did a descent job, but maybe a bit too much on the downtrodden undertones.
I liked the tv series better, which wasn’t as dark as the book is. I liked the humor in the TV series which seems to be lacking in the book. But others obviously do like the series, so don’t take my word for it!
Need to start with book 1
The beginning of the Harry Dresden story. The wizard-extraordinaire, before he was extraordinaire. You’ll like the writing, you’ll like the characters, you’ll like the plot.
A no-brainer pick in urban fantasy.
I have been on a Harry Dresden roll thanks to Simply Audio sending me the entire series one after another on BOCD. I read this ten years ago and likely before that. Loved the television series, short-lived as it was.
Listening to this as a re-read, I noticed something. It felt like Jim Butcher wrote this almost like he hoped he’d get to write a series but this could be a stand-alone if no one picked it up.
I remember how I felt when I first read this. I fell hard for Harry Dresden, wizard and private investigator for hire. He always has a lot on his plate and just keeps going. He actually got a bit of rest in this one, but got beaten up a lot more. There was a nice mixture of magical and non-magical crime and punishment going on throughout. I think this is why my dad likes the series as he’s not one for paranormal as a rule, but he tolerates it because he really likes Harry Dresden.
Plenty of introductions of the characters and it makes you hope for more. And since there is…YAY!
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.