Fool Moon by Jim Butcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In Fool Moon, Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden, Chicago’s only practicing wizard/private detective is back. Unfortunately for Harry, his last dealings with Karin Murphy, head of Chicago PD’s Special Investigations Unit, left her not trusting him very much, and that has resulted in Harry’s main source of income- consultation gigs with SIU- pretty much dried up. Until the werewolves show up. At least, that’s what it looks like- people are dying in a messy, bloody manner. There are dog-like prints around the bodies, and the murders happen right around the full moon. So, Murphy has little choice but to call in Harry once again. But, as with all things magical and otherworldly, little here turns out to be what it seems, and Harry is once again off and running in a desperate attempt to find the real killers, save the innocent, and not get himself killed in the bargain. Add in a rather special FBI team, and Harry has his hands more than full with this one.
I listened to the audiobook for this one, and enjoyed it. This is the second book in the Dresden Files series, and it builds nicely on the first. We see a bit more of Harry’s world, both magical and mundane. And delve deeper into the character himself, who is not only tasked with almost single-handedly keeping the otherworld in Chicago at bay, but is haunted by a few demons of his own making, as well. The plot revolves around werewolves, and there are bits of the lore here that give a fresh approach to the werewolf mythos, while staying true to what werewolves are. There are some interesting twists that keep the reader (or listener) guessing. Harry’s wit is intact, and the touches of humor lighten the sometimes grim atmosphere. James Marsters does an admirable job as narrator, and gives Harry a believable voice. This is a good book for anyone who enjoys a good detective story with believable fantasy elements, as well as touches of humor that make the characters that much more real.
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