Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Brief Cases by Jim Butcher Series: The Dresden Files #15.1
Published by Ace on June 5, 2018
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 448
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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The world of Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard, is rife with intrigue--and creatures of all supernatural stripes. And you'll make their intimate acquaintance as Harry delves into the dark side of truth, justice, and the American way in this must-have short story collection.
From the Wild West to the bleachers at Wrigley Field, humans, zombies, incubi, and even fey royalty appear, ready to blur the line between friend and foe. In the never-before-published "Zoo Day," Harry treads new ground as a dad, while fan-favorite characters Molly Carpenter, his onetime apprentice, White Council Warden Anastasia Luccio, and even Bigfoot stalk through the pages of more classic tales.
With twelve stories in all, Brief Cases offers both longtime fans and first-time readers tantalizing glimpses into Harry's funny, gritty, and unforgettable realm, whetting their appetites for more to come from the wizard with a heart of gold.
The collection includes:
• "Curses", from THE NAKED CITY, edited by Ellen Datlow
• "AAAA Wizardry", from the Dresden Files RPG
• "Even Hand", from DARK AND STORMY KNIGHTS, edited by P. N. Elrod
• "B is for Bigfoot", from UNDER MY HAT: TALES FROM THE CAULDRON, edited by Jonathan Strahan. Republished in WORKING FOR BIGFOOT
• "I was a Teenage Bigfoot", from BLOOD LITE 3: AFTERTASTE, edited by Kevin J. Anderson. Republished in WORKING FOR BIGFOOT.
• "Bigfoot on Campus", from HEX APPEAL, edited by P. N. Elrod. Republished in WORKING FOR BIGFOOT.
• "Bombshells", from DANGEROUS WOMEN, edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois
• "Jury Duty", from UNBOUND, edited by Shawn Speakman
• "Cold Case", from SHADOWED SOULS, edited by Jim Butcher and Kerrie Hughes
• "Day One", from UNFETTERED II, edited by Shawn Speakman
• "A Fistful of Warlocks", from STRAIGHT OUTTA TOMBSTONE, edited by David Boop
• "Zoo Day" - brand-new novella, original to this collection
I am up-to-date in my Dresden Files series reading, so for the first time I could request and review one when released. I totally love this series and all its wonderful characters. I started to read this with excitement a few weeks ago and couldn’t seem to get going on the first story.
So I began again with trepidation, rather than glee. It still took a moment but then I settled into the story. The first one is about Warden Luccio and I am sure if I had been ensconced in the voice of James Marsters, the two week pause would never have occurred. Also, if the first story had been one about a character more familiar, and this one placed a bit later in the order, I would have been off and running with no end in sight. Once I did get going I read until 4 in the morning and could barely put it down to sleep, finishing the next day.
I loved all these stories SO much. It was amazing to hear the backstory in the little forewords to each one. I particularly enjoyed getting so many others point of views, such as Molly, Butters, Maggie and Mouse. I cherished every word, laughing all the way.
I own the rest of the series on audio. I love James Marsters’ narration. When preparing the review format last month, I added the links to purchase. I went ahead and pre-ordered the audio version for myself. I’ll love it many times for many years. I want more of this series and this author, and will treasure each book.
” When people come to the only professional wizard in the Chicago phone book for help, they’re one of two things: desperate or very smart. Very rarely are thy both. The smart ones come to me because they know I can help; the desperate ones come because they don’t know anyone else who can……
My newest client wanted something different, though. He wanted me to meet him in the woods. This did not make me feel optimistic that he would be one of the smart ones.”
About Jim Butcher
Jim Butcher is the author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. His resume includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs whenever he can make time for it. Jim currently resides mostly inside his own head, but his head can generally be found in his home town of Independence, Missouri.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2018 New Release Challenge
So glad the little bump in the beginning did not mean trouble for the rest of the book experience. I can’t wait to get to this series once I’ve caught up and cleared out a few others. Neat that even the side characters are a lot of fun.
I’m not familiar with Marston’s work so another narrator to look forward to. 🙂
James Marsters played Spike on Buffy. As far as I know, this is the only narration he does. But it’s amazing.
I am still working my way through this one. I am so happy to hear that you liked it as much as you did. I loved the Bigfoot stories and thought that they were a whole lot of fun. I do have to agree that I would have liked the first story a bit more if it was placed later in the collection. I kept trying to remember who the character was and really wanted to see Harry. Great review!
I hope in the end you love it. It’s the characters and their integrity and compassion as well as the humor. I just love it all. Now the audio has hit my account. I’m sure I will listen again before Peace Talks.
I got the next book I am up to on audio, I didn’t realize who narrates it so kind of excited. I am not up to date on these D: but looking forward to getting to my next book
I love the series. I was lucky to be able to get them on audio from the library but then I had to own them. Enjoy!
I confess that I only tried book 1 in this series
I love them but I knew from the start I would listen to the audio. James Marsters! You could try them. I found them highly addictive and fun. Other people say they get really good about the 4th book but I loved them all.
Anne I am on book four listening to these so I did not read your review. Please don’t be offended as I haven’t even read any of the synopsis. I am excited to see you rating and know this is still going strong!
No worries Kimberly. You’re in for a great time, especially on audio. I wouldn’t be offended even if you told me it was a stupid review or you hated the books. You have a right to your opinion and I have a right to mine. Live and let live. But everybody should read!
The audio is a must, even with some of the stories narrated by other than James Marsters (GASP). I really liked this one overall, but I am DYING for Peace Talks. *sigh*
yes, it shocked me some weren’t James Marsters but I guess it makes sense. Who isn’t dying for Peace Talks? I wasn’t until I caught up but now I am caught up,so yeah.