Review: Storm Front- by Jim Butcher

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 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.
(Summary from Jim Butcher's website.)

Storm Front is the first novel in the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden is a wizard. Just look him up in the yellow pages under "Wizard". In this alternative universe, magic is out in the open and the paranormal exist alongside humans. Most just don't exist quite as openly as Harry has chosen to do. Being the only open practicing wizard in the country, Harry sometimes consults for the police.

When a double homicide occurs, Harry is called in to help. He realizes right away that terrible black magic is at work and a strong practitioner is at the route of these murders. Not only that, but there is a mob boss that doesn't want him getting involved in this case. Let's not forget a vampiress who Harry quickly lands on the very bad side of. Still adding more trouble is the White Council, which supervises wizards use of magic. They already don't like Harry from things in his past. His involvement in this case could raise eyebrows and make him be watched even more closely. There is also another case that he takes, which just seems a little strange all around. From the terrified of magic wife, to her "missing" husband, Harry isn't sure what to make of it all except for some more cash.

I'll admit, I had a little bit of trouble getting into this book. Harry and the other characters didn't pull me in at first. Also, there is so much that isn't explained at first that I just kept waiting to be given more information. A little further into the book, I was much happier. I began to enjoy Harry and his paranoia and little quirks. Lieutenant Karrin Murphy is a great secondary character. There's also Susan Rodriguez, a reporter who's always looking for a story, but also has great chemistry with Harry. There's a few hilarious scenes with the two of them as well.

So if murder-mysteries involving wizards, potions, death, faeries, humans, vampires, demons, flirty women, spirits, and other strange creatures sounds like something for you, then definitely check this book out. After finishing it I do intend to continue on with the series and look forward to getting to know Harry better and finding out more about the whole world Butcher has created!

The Dresden Files in the order they should be read:
1. Storm Front
2. Fool Moon
3. Grave Peril
4. Summer Knight
5. Death Masks
6. Blood Rites
7. Dead Beat
8. Proven Guilty
9. White Night
10. Small Favor
11. Turn Coat
12. Changes (released in hardcover on April 6, 2010)

Harry Dresden also appears in several short stories. You can see a list of them here.