In Storm Front by Jim Butcher, Detective Karrin Murphy of Chicago PD’s Special Investigation Division is faced with a perplexing double murder case that defies any conventional explanation. Desperate for answers, she turns to Harry Dresden, a private investigator and expert on all things supernatural. Though she may have her doubts about his abilities, she knows that if someone is using magic to commit murder, Harry is her best chance at solving the case. Harry Dresden’s supernatural private investigation business is struggling financially, so when a woman contacts him to find her occult-obsessed husband, who she claims has gone missing and offers to pay upfront, Harry sees it as an opportunity he cannot afford to turn down, despite being busy with a case for the Chicago PD.
The two investigations take Harry down an unexpected and thrilling trail. He is introduced to local crime lord Johnny Marcone, who has his own reasons for wanting to keep the police and Harry from investigating the murders. Harry also confronts Bianca, who runs a high-end brothel that serves as a front for the local coven of Red Court Vampires. Meanwhile, a new drug, ThreeEye, is wreaking havoc on the streets, it is a terribly addictive hallucinogenic that may have supernatural properties.
Harry might be the only wizard listed in the phone book, but he is far from the only wizard in the world. Practitioners of magic must obey the seven laws of magic, which are enforced by the secretive and powerful group of wizards known as the White Council. Many members of the White council have a negative opinion of Harry due to his troubled past, and a local enforcer, Donald Morgan, is keeping a close eye on him, looking for an opportunity to execute him. The gruesome murders carried out by black magic might just be the excuse Morgan needs to carry out his plans.
Dresden must use all of his skills as a wizard and private investigator to uncover the truth behind the murders and the source of the dangerous new drug. The stakes are high, and Harry’s life is in danger as he battles against powerful enemies and races against time to solve the cases.
The author himself acknowledges that many readers believe the series does not fully gain momentum until the third book. After having completed my third read of Storm Front by Jim Butcher, I must say that I strongly disagree with the notion. It’s an excellent beginning to a wonderful story.
The series’ length may be intimidating, but I assure you that the effort is well worth it. The intricate world-building, the well-crafted characters, and the masterful storytelling make it a must-read for fans of the genre. The Dresden Files is an extraordinary series that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment. I highly recommend the Dresden Files audiobooks, which are expertly narrated by James Marsters. His performance brings the characters and story to life in a way that truly enhances the experience. He gives a phenomenal and captivating performance in every book, making it an excellent way to enjoy the series.
Comments