Learned more about Chicago - travelling the el (elevated railway). Thomas protects female practitioners on a boat. Lots of fighting. Lasciel's coin surrendered voluntarily to Father Forthill. The story continues... ( )

Another fantastic romp with Harry. At least he's starting to get some resilience now, and not totally getting beat to hell every five minutes. The background story is really starting to develop, and it's quite interesting. ( )

Started slow as the protagonist investigates magic-related murders, but builds up tension until a terrific final confrontation that neatly explains everything while still being very dramatic.

As in previous books in this series, I still think the protagonist is an unlikeable jerk, but I really liked how his relationships with other characters were developed. Particularly liked the wizard apprentice, the redeemed vampire brother, the demonic imaginary friend, and the mob boss. ( )

As usual, this entry into the Dresden Files hits the ground running, with Harry trying to figure out what his vampire brother Thomas is hiding from him, while also working to figure out who is killing female magic practitioners, and why. But the action quickly ramps up as he is engaged in several supernatural skirmishes, before the whole thing escalates into full-blown paranormal mayhem. As the usual magical combat is anticipated, we also learn more about the complicated political backstory, with vampires seeking to destroy the White Council of wizards, wreaking havoc on training camps and practitioners alike, but also, apparently, warring amongst themselves, struggling to gain power and dominance over their own kind. This may prove to be their undoing, as Harry charges in -- though Harry himself must make some pretty whopping compromises to ensure the safety of those he cares for. The eternal conundrum of the powerful wizard who walks among us. ( )

452 ( )

White Night is the ninth book in The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. In this week's episode... There's a supernatural serial killer loose in Chicago that is targeting weaker members of the city, ones who don't have enough power to become full-fledged wizards. Harry's investigation turns up evidence pointing to the one suspect he cannot believe is guilty: his half-brother Thomas. Harry teams up with his old flame Elaine to solve the crimes and clear his brother's name.

I'm going to sum this up with a quote:

"Get your head in the game Harry...Defeat the whole damn White Court now. Worry about taking on Hell later."

White Night is another solid entry into the series. I really should not take so long between reading books. I forgot how these books hit that one spot and then it's off to the races. Around chapter 10 the pace on this one picks up and doesn't let go. It's obvious that Thomas is being set up but it's quite a mystery for Harry and team to solve that takes some interesting turns. The plot on this moves several story threads that have been building throughout the series along nicely.

I'm highly impressed with how complex and nuanced the characters are becoming. Dear lord Molly needs to grow up. I definitely agree with Harry in needing to scare her straight before she gets them both killed. Murphy noticing Harry's "unexplained" anger issues that are the result of the gordian knot that is Lasciel is quite insightful.

And that ending! I am very curious to see how what Lash did plays out. I'm not entirely sure she's gone and it's great Harry is no longer tied to Lasciel. I'm also hoping that these events have bought Lara and the White Court's alliance for a little while and gives the White Council some breathing room in the war. The solution for Thomas's unique problem is absolutely perfect! ( )

I've read this many times and pick up new things with each read. I enjoy the quick wit and fast pace. White Knight is one of my favorites. Jim Butcher builds a fight scene like a Mozart composes an opera. There is an opening theme, teases, flirts, complete chaos, and a resounding resolution. He keeps me coming back for more. ( )

The world keeps getting more and more dangerous. What started as a sort of silly urban fantasy detective noir books has steadily been getting more deep. I like it. ( )

The Dresden Files are my go to book when I want something with a little supernatural, a little mystery, a little sass, and a lot of fun. In this installment he must team up with Elaine - a woman who he has a very heavy past with. She's in town to help a group of witches as they try to figure out who is slowing kill members of their order and making it look like suicides. In the midst of this he must also train his apprentice, contend with Bob - the talking skull -, ask for help from vampires and try to decide if his brother is involved in the killings. I'm getting close to being caught up - hoping to be there by the time Peace Talks comes out! A romp of a read! ( )

White Night is the ninth book in the Dresden Files and I really enjoyed reading this one. Harry must again use his wits and powers, as well as team up with some friends and enemies, to take down bigger and badder enemies. The overall plot to the series moved along nicely, his mentor relationship was also given space, as well as Thomas' secrets from the previous book was revealed. This was a very enjoyable book and I'm looking forward to the next one. ( )

Last chapter and author's notes at the end bumped up this book rating to 3.5 -- I liked it!
Butcher is a good writer. However, I find myself annoyed by phrasing such as "fairly pretty girls." ( )

A return to form. Filled with intrigue and a decent “mystery”. Still some problematic stuff in here, but a fun story. Audiobook performance by James Marsters is very good. ( )

This one seemed a little darker, a bit more serious than the last couple. Still very entertaining, but it's obvious that the stakes are getting bigger. ( )

This was another great installment in the series! I first read this book back in 2012 and I really enjoyed experiencing the audio with this re-read. Even having read this book before, there were a few times during this re-read that I had a hard time keeping up because there is just a lot going on. I think that I liked this book even more than I did the first time I read it. It was just immensely entertaining!

This is the ninth book in The Dresden Files series which is a series that really needs to be in order. Harry finds himself in the middle of another investigation in this installment. There is a killer targeting people with some magical ability and the murders often look like suicides to most investigators. As the investigation progresses, Harry finds clues leading to someone he knows cannot be responsible, his brother Thomas.

I thought that this book was really well done. I think that most readers that have it this far into the series have a bit of a soft spot for Harry. It was really great to see all of the characters that I have come to love in the series. I really liked the fact that Molly’s skills are starting to become more of a factor. Mouse was rather impressive and proved that he is definitely handy to have around. There was plenty of excitement to keep the story moving at a rather brisk pace.

James Marsters did a phenomenal job with the narration. I love the way that he is able to bring this series to life. The different voices that he uses for the various characters are very well done and consistent throughout the series. I know that his narration has added to my enjoyment of this story.

I would not hesitate to recommend this series to others. This book was jam-packed with a great mystery and wonderful characters. I cannot wait to continue with my re-read of this fabulous series! ( )

Finally, we find out about Thomas’ big secret he’s been keeping from Harry. It’s a good one; and, no. No spoilers.

But before Harry learns what’s up Thomas’ sleeve, he’s faced with a psychic serial killer who is stalking magic users with minor talent. The killer is also making it look like it’s all being done by a Warden from the White Council - a Warden whose shadowy form resembles one Harry Dresden, Wizard.

Helping out on Team Dresden are Murphy and Mouse, of course. Harry’s apprentice from the last book is on hand to play a supporting role. Warden Ramirez also steps in to lend a hand.

One character who steps back in after a lengthy absence is Jonny Marcone, crimelord and gangster boss. His reappearance seems to indicate Harry will have one more resource, or obstacle, in his world for future difficulties. Marcone’s reentry also adds another aspect to the already rich political detail in Harry’s life.

The confrontation and ensuing battle take a significant portion of the final quarter of the book, but are well-written enough to stay exciting. Before it’s all over, another “baddy” shows up - one we thought was dead and gone from a couple of books ago. He, too, may add special interest to future stories as we can’t be sure he’s really, really gone this time.

My hat’s off to Butcher for keeping this series going when so many others fizzle after three or four. Here’s to continuing entertainment from the Dresden Files. ( )

I think this is one of the first of the Dresden Files books that really feels like a more traditional mystery. (Or at least my idea thereof; I don't read much traditional mystery). Mysterious shadowy figures and murders abound and throughout it's unclear exactly who/what is responsible. There are a few clues for the reader that Dresden otherwise misses, but for the most part, we learn about happenings as they happen.

One really cool scene: Dresden takes advantage of the fact that you can draw energy from the surrounding environment in order to power a spell. He proceed to shoot off a pillar of fire 2-3 feet wide and 20 stories high into the night sky. Can you imagine being a mortal living in Chicago and seeing that? The best part: He didn't even need the fire. He just needed to freeze a chunk of Lake Michigan. Love it.

Another great part about this book in the continued characterization. We learn more about Mouse's magical nature (A real temple dog!). We get another cool scene of Marcone saving the day (he's really starting to make a habit about that). And we get a much better look at House Raith in general and Thomas in specific. For the most 'human' of the vampires, they're still kind of terrifying when they want to be.

So far as larger world building, the stage doesn't change overly much. There are more details about what exactly happened in Dresden's past with He Who Walks Behind.

Oh and that scene at the end with Lash. I really liked her. I liked seeing how Dresden dealt with the power he had and the power he could stand to gain. It was neat to see how just as she changed him, he changed her in turn. It will be interesting to see what fall out there will be from that (if any) in future books. ( )

Chicago has been hit with a rash of suicides. Women, who are entry-level practitioners of magic. Demoted Chicago PD Sergeant Karrin Murphy asks wizard Harry Dresden to inspect the most recent death scene. Using his unique powers, Dresden becomes convinced the victim did not kill herself, but had her emotions twisted to do so. He thinks the White Court (vampires) are responsible, and suspicion falls on his half-brother, Thomas. Many of his posse are involved, including Mister, Mouse, his apprentice, Molly Carpenter, Bob the Skull, Carlos Ramirez (a fellow Warden), deadly Lara Raith (Thomas's sister and de facto head of the White Court, and mob kingpin, Gentleman Johnny Marcone, who is a major presence in this installment of the Dresden files. A lot of slicing and dicing of evil-doers in this one, and a return to the caves at stately Raith Manor. ( )

Movie quotes that actually fit in. Kinda nice. ( )

My husband has been bugging me to hurry and catch up with the Dresden Series. Our reading styles are different. I take an established urban fantasy series and enjoy it slowly, reading one book at a time and not hurrying through to the end. I read one Dresden novel and then take a break for awhile, moving on to Kevin Hearne, Simon Green & other fantasy writers before meandering back for another dose of Dresden.

This drives my husband insane. He is vikingesque in his reading.....he finds a series he loves and battles through to conquer it like a warrior to the very final word, then waits with bated breath for a new book. Sometimes this bites him in the butt. George R. R. Martin and the long winter between Game of Thrones novels is an example of butt-biting incidents for my husband. Whereas, until there is an established publication date for the next GRRM book, I'm going to happily remain a book behind in the GOT series. When I can pre-order the new book, I will read A Dance With Dragons. The Song of Ice and Fire is paused for me. I refuse to be left hanging.

So...I digress. Back to Dresden.

I just finished Book 9 of the 15 Dresden books. White Night was an enjoyable read. Dresden was his usual wizardly self. Bob is still a perv. Cop sidekick Murphy continues to kick ass. Mouse is beyond awesome in his huge doggie way. And Thomas is still a mysterious character that seems untrustworthy and loveable at the same time. White Night was a lovely, humor filled, enjoyable romp through Dresden's world.

I wasn't quite sure what to write in my review, until I read a few reviews left by other readers. Many voiced complaints that Dresden plots are similar and the character doesn't change much, etc.

If I read the books one after another with no break, I might feel the same way. The characters are pretty set in their particular idioms, but as I take a pretty lengthy break between each book (Again, I refuse to be left hanging, and there is no pub date for Book 16 Peace Talks....and Butcher took a break to write book one of a new steampunk series a couple years ago. I'm not catching up to the end anytime soon only to be left waiting for months and months for the next book. I'm impatient. So spreading it out to last until I see a pre-order button for Peace Talks.) I don't notice as much that the plots don't vary a lot. I read one book....then move on to other series for awhile before I return to the Chicago Wizard-For-Hire. There are changes ahead for Dresden - I know this because my husband sometimes slips with spoilers. So, I'm not too worried about the characters being in a rut or the repetitive plots with wizard council disagreements, vampires, ghouls and the like. My best advice for those who find the series getting stale.....either read to the end and enjoy the break before the next book. Or, do what I do and read slowly.....then the plots seem fresher and less recycled.

White Night opens with Harry and Murphy investigating the deaths of several practitioners of magic. All are lesser magic users. Some have disappeared and others appear to have committed suicide. But Harry notices messages left for him at some of the death scenes and knows these were not suicides. The evidence points to Harry's half brother, Thomas, being a murderer. Harry wants to clear his brother's name and jumps headlong into an investigation that will reveal corruption, danger and a power struggle within the White Council.

For new readers, it is pretty important to read the series in order. Go back to the beginning and start with Storm Front. For established Dresden fans, White Night is another visit to the shitty wizards in the Council and their penchant for wickedly plotting all sorts of nasty things. But even with that being a recurring theme, this installment in the series was filled with action and magic, even if isn't anything really new.

I highly recommend the Dresden series for anyone who likes urban fantasy or steampunk. The mix of humor, magic and the supernatural makes for an enjoyable read!

I'm moving on to book 10, Small Favor, to placate my husband. He's happy the closer I get to catching up with this series so he can talk about it with me. :) I will be more apt to inch closer to book 15 when I see that Peace Talks has a set publication date. I'm not going to complain about the wait -- Jim had a bit of an upheaval in his personal life that put his writing on hold for a bit. Divorce, meeting someone new, getting remarried......it's understandable that Peace Talks went on hold for awhile to give him time to regroup and enjoy his new marriage.

As an aside, Jim's new steampunk series, The Cinder Spires, is outstanding. Book one, The Aeronaut's Windlass, came out in 2015 and is well worth a read for those waiting for the next Dresden book.

To learn more about Jim Butcher and his books, check out his website here. ( )

reread ( )

Harry has to stop someone/something from killing minor female magic practitioners.

Entertaining read. I like "Mouse". :)

First Read: June 2014
Second Read: July 2016 ( )

As always Harry Dresden started solving a crime involving some supernatural occurences but the story got a lot more complex on the way. In this book we have a peak of Harry's motives and we learn some things about his past and his destiny. New enemies emerge while old ones return to settle scores

I really like the character because while he is a smartass, he is also very observant, clever and wise. He's not afraid to make bad choices to do some good things. He can be a champion for the weak but a ruthless nightmare for the unjust.
I loved how his personality evolved though the choices he had to make and the mentorship of his apprentice.

( )

Someone is murdering Witches in Chicago and only one person can stop it... Harry Dresden. However, all signs point to the murderer being someone close to the famous wizard.

The only part of this book that was confusing was the constant references to something that happened in New Mexico. It felt like I was being pitched a book in the series that I missed, but there is no short story or anything in between this book and the previous in the series. It is later explained, but it was kind of annoying/confusing for a good third of the book.

There are a lot of recurring characters in the book and their relationships to Harry are no longer explained, so this is not a good starting off point. I would recommend going back at least 3 or 4 books. ( )

Another entry in the "Dresden Files" series which I would classify as "not bad, but not stunning, either". I'm enjoying the series, but I also had no problem putting the audiobook down for a couple of days in the middle of the final confrontation. ( )