Ghost Story by Jim Butcher

Aug 3, 2011 Posted by Lisa on Aug 3, 2011 in Authors, Reviews | 0 comments

Blurb

Meet Harry Dresden, Chicago’s first (and only) Wizard PI. Turns out the ‘everyday’ world is full of strange and magical things – and most of them don’t play well with humans. That’s where Harry comes in. But he’s forgotten his own golden rule: magic – it can get a guy killed. Which didn’t help when he clashed with unknown assailants with his murder in mind. And though Harry’s continued existence is now in some doubt, this doesn’t mean he can rest in peace. Trapped in a realm that’s not quite here, yet not quite anywhere else, Harry learns that three of his loved ones are in danger. Only by discovering his assailant’s identity can he save his friends, bring criminal elements to justice, and move on himself. It would just be easier if he knew who was at risk. And had a (working) crystal ball. And access to magic. Instead, he is unable to interact with the physical world – invisible to all but a select magical few. He’s also not the only silent presence roaming Chicago’s alleys. Hell, he put some there himself. Now, they’re looking for payback.

If you haven’t read Changes, then be aware that this review may contain spoilers as it’s a bit hard to review this book without acknowledging what happened in the last one!

Jim Butcher claims that the end of Changes is not a cliffhanger – he killed off Harry, didn’t explain who killed him and left us hanging until now to find out what’s going on.. if that’s not a cliffhanger, then nothing is! Either way, when I finished reading Changes, I howled out loud at the typical way Jim left us wanting more and so have been waiting impatiently for this latest installment. . . and boy, I wasn’t disappointed!

From the first page, it’s like meeting up with an old friend – one where it doesn’t matter how long it’s been since you last spoke, you simply pick up where you left off and carry on. That’s how it is with Harry Dresden. From the opening lines, you’re back in Chicago and - for a few minutes – you forget Harry’s dead… that is until he reminds you . . which he does, loudly and often.

Jim’s writing style is as superb as always, in fact I’d say even more so on this book. The story – which I won’t spoil for those who haven’t read it – is sharp, with the sarky quick-witted comments Dresden fans know and love and the other characters from previous books make an appearance too, as well as some new ones.

I read Ghost Story over a weekend, breaking only to feed the kids and sleep, and found it hard to drag myself away from it even then. The story keeps you guessing and, I don’t know about anyone else who has read it, I wasn’t expecting some of the final results at all. There are some very real laugh out loud moments as well as some where you’re more vocal with “Holy Crap!” I suggest you don’t read this in public unless you don’t care about the odd looks you may become the recipient of!

Overall, a fantastic addition to the Dresden series and, as per usual, it has left me waiting in impatient anticipation for the next one in the series. If you haven’t given the Dresden Files a try yet, do so you won’t be disappointed.

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