From The Back Of The Book:
Lost items found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions. Endless Purses; or Other Entertainment.
Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he's the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the "everyday" world is actually full of strange and magical things---and most of them don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a --well, whatever.
There's just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult, on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's also a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name. And that's when things start to get....interesting.
Magic...It can get a guy killed.
REVIEW:
Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden is a wizard. He just happens to be the only one listed in the yellow pages under "Wizard" (imagine that), often solving crimes with a supernatural twist. So when the Chicago PD ask Harry to consult on a double murder committed with magic, Harry sees a way to pay his past due rent.
Unfortunately, not only does he have to find the black mage responsible, but the magic he needs to call upon might bring the unwanted attention of the White Council. They've already placed the Doom of Damocles upon him, and dabbling in black magic will definitely mean a death sentence. And then there's the brothel owning vampiress who'd like to see him dead. And a mob boss who'd like him to mind his own business... or he'll see him dead. Not to mention the police detective who has a warrant for his arrest and you start to get the feeling that Harry's not exactly the most popular guy in town.
There's a great cast of supporting characters, from Toot the fairy to Bob the spirit, who lives in a skull in Harry's workshop.
This story combines the elements of a detective novel with an element of fantasy, and a dose of dark humor thrown in, which makes for an intriguing debut novel for Mr. Butcher. The next installment of the Harry Dresden
saga will be availible Jan. 2001. The title of this new story is FOOL MOON. I'll certainly be on the look-out for it.
Reviewed by Jo
A Little Romance
EXCELLENT