The eighth book of The Dresden Files moves back to a smaller scale after the apocalyptic trimmings of Dead Beat. The book focuses on the relationships Harry has with Murphy and with the Carpenter family, whilst Harry investigates the odd murders occurring at a horror convention. I mention in my review of Dead Beat that the Dresden books aren’t horrors; this is especially true of this book, despite the setting and the monsters.

One of the interesting features of the books is how although they might begin with a mystery theme, the mystery is often “solved” by about half-way through. The rest of the book then dealing with the consequences of that knowledge. Along the way, the interest of more factions in the Dresden world become evident, providing more complications to what’s going on.

All of which combine to create an excellent book. It’s a relief after Dead Beat to have so much character time; although I really enjoy the big tales, having them all the time would be exhausting. This book happily moves the story along, provides more depth to the characters, and is greatly entertaining as well.