I listen to novels while I work, and enjoyed this series very very much. If you haven't read these books, go get them now.

Jim Butcher, Grave Peril (Roc, 2001)

Grave Peril, the third book in Butcher's Harry Dresden series, is the book where Jim Butcher finally seems to get it all to fall into place. There's always been something not quite right about the books; either the pacing was off in one section, or the characters hadn't quite come into their own, or the description didn't quite ring true, or any of a number of other things. But here, it all works. We're introduced to a foil for Harry (and, from what I've read in some book communities, he's a lasting one), we have a plot that actually seems to work, as well as one that draws together a few threads from the previous books, we have a lot more background on some of the big meanies, we have great setting and excellent characterization, we've got just about everything. And it's probably not coincidence that this is the book that reads most like a Spenser (of Robert B. Parker fame) novel, either.

As we open, Dresden and his friend Michael (is he that Michael? We don't know... yet) are battling a ghost in a nursery. Yes, in a nursery. Which seems like it's going to be a one-shot deal, after which Dresden can go home and get some much-needed sleep and Michael can go back to his sharp-tongued wife. Unfortunately, though, the ghost is symbolic of a larger problem-- the fraying of the barrier between our world and the nevernever. What's a wizard and his big, burly friend to do?

This one flew by much faster than the first two, both compulsively readable and very well put-together, with a greater command of plotting and the first glimmerings of real character depth. If the series continues to improve at this rate, I'll be able to see why it got optioned for TV eventually. ***

This may get spoilerish:

I have so far really enjoyed the series with books 1 and 2. But half way through 3 I felt as if this should have been number 4. Everything that is going on is connected to a story that happens between book 2 and 3. A story that sounds like it should have gotten its own entire book. Another issue is that I am not sure that it is tied to the ending of book 2 where Dresden mentions that the events of 1 and 2 where the work of another force. Am I supposed to think that any of the numerous 'bad guys' ws this force trying to get him? It is not clear.

Some parts of the story jump or felt rushed to get to a plot point which leaves you a little confused until the exposition kicks in.

But do not get me wrong, the story was still good and feels like the kick off to some major events in the following books, but it suffered from pacing problems and information overload. Perhaps if this had been the 4th book and used the 3rd to flush out the events leading to this book and maybe put in the introduction of Dresden's god mother in that theoretical book, this one would have been more satisfying.

I hold out hope that book 4 doesn't have these issues when I begin reading it next week.

If your a fan of the Dresden files you will love this one, if your not you might like to try it. True it is a bit off the wall but it is also loaded with quick wit and humor and enough characterization to make you care about Dresdan and the people he works with and against. I loved it !
Penny

Harry Dresden, Chicago's favorite wizard, battles ghosts and vampires in this third renewal of Jim Butcher's excellent noir fantasy series. Some of the best points of GRAVE PERIL include an action-packed plot that can be read independently from the previous books and a new engaging character in the person of Harry's devout Christian friend, Michael Carpenter.

Michael is Harry's friend and partner in battling an outbreak of ghosts that is terrorizing Chicago. Given what seems to happen to Harry's friends, it's a miracle he has one left. Micheal's a doughty man, strong in his Faith, who wields a sword that contains a nail from the True Cross. He keeps trying to reform Harry in between battles with unearthly agents of evil. He tends to raise ethical questions that Harry doesn't want to answer such as Harry's failure to carry out an old bargain he made with Lea, his faerie godmother.

Michael and the issues he raises aside, the story in this book is similar to FOOL MOON, except we have vampires and sexual shenanigans instead of nice clean werewolves. The parallels are striking: even the season of the year is the same: autumn. Other plot elements repeat in differing degrees: Harry's troubles with the Law and his magical exhaustion. Less visible blood and more ectoplasm, vampire spit and other types of goo, that's the difference here. Also, there are so many bad guys (and gals) out to get Harry it's hard for any tension to build. Personally, I think vampires are getting cliched, but I really liked the ending.

Paradoxically, the strong points of this book are also its weak points. The action-packed plot prevents exploration of Harry's inner soul and there's only so many times Harry can deal with a) a demon possessed ghost, b) another attack by twin vampires or c) another ambush by the evil faerie godmother. Harry isn't the only one to be burned out by too much magic. One wonders what would happen if an ethical issue was allowed to play out naturally. Hum, now I'm curious about the next book...Jim Butcher, you sly devil, you did it again.

Now we have White Court (oh yeah), Bram Stokers Black Court, Red Court, Ghosts, Dragons and a Kight of the Cross. What could go wrong with this book. The plot is so deed. Much more twists and turns than I expected. Perhaps to much? Depends on the reader. Another great novel by Butcher. With every succeding book, Harry's Kowledge and power goes up a notch. This series is turning out to be great

Butcher writes as well as always, and that Harry was involved more with S.I. is awesome. In the first two books, Harry and S.I. work mainly on cases together, but this time cops are victims in the investigation. Its great! I recommend to anyone interested - just read Fool Moon and Storm Front first!

This is the third novel by Jim Butcher and I noticed both good and bad things about it. Grave Peril was the first of the Dresden novels that I really found exciting. I am used to different styles of writing, and this was the first novel that I wasn't annoyed by his writing. Despite the excitement, I was somewhat disappointed by the plot. When I am reading a series, I want each novel in the series to have its own story, yet move the overall plot ahead as well. I finished this book and felt that there was a weak overall plot for the novel even though it moved the series ahead.

In this novel, some months have passed in Harry's life, and we have actually missed the battle that inspires the action. Harry took down a sorceror and Micheal took down a demon in between novels 2 and 3. When powerful spirits are killed, they have power to become ghosts and haunt things relating to their death. The haunting begins as Bianca seeks to exact her revenge on Harry. And what's the worst that could happen? A war between the White Council and Red Court? The series is really starting to heat up.

This book was very enjoyable. There are ghost, wizards, vampires, etc. Each of the "Dresden Files" is more addicting than the last one. Before I finished reading this "Grave Peril", I ordered #4, 5, 6, & 7.

Something has stirred up the ghosts in Chicago, weakened the barrier between the Nevernever and the real world, and it's up to practicing wizard Harry Dresden (he's in the book) to stop it.

He gets help from his pal Lieutenant Murphy of Special Investigations, and Bob the Skull. Grave Peril also marks the introduction of two major characters: Michael Carpenter, a Knight of the Cross, and Thomas Raith, scion of the vampire white court.

And since this is the audiobook, that means it's read by James Marsters, whose voice and acting talents are a perfect match for Jim Butcher's words. Even after the (regrettably short-lived) television series, I'm much more likely to hear Marsters's voice for the characters when I'm reading than I am the actors from the show, particularly for Bob the skull.

At the beginning of the audiobook, there's a short welcome from Jim Butcher, in which he calls Grave Peril a milestone in the series. I'm not exactly sure what he means, but maybe it's the layers. There's not just one straightforward plot in Grave Peril--the Ghostbusters one--there's also a vampire ball, which Harry's obliged to attend as a representative of the White Council of wizards, and which his girlfriend Susan, reporter for the Arcane, is determined to attend, regardless of the dangers. Harry's fairy godmother (literally, as it happens) shows up. Michael's wife Charity gives birth to a baby whose survival chances are slim. And there's a lot of emotional impact between Harry and Susan, and Harry and Michael, and Michael and Charity.

It's a very complete and satisfying story, and illustrates perfectly why I love Jim's work so much--humor that makes me laugh aloud, exciting and clearly-written action (I can't rave about that too much--most action scenes are just confusing blurs to me--it's the lack of a Y chromosome, no doubt), edge-of-my-seat suspense that keeps me turning pages way past my bedtime, an emotional kick that puts tears in my eyes or a lump in my throat, and a wonderful little intellectual buzz that comes from knowing that the clues are all there to figure out what's going on behind the scenes. Oh, and the thoroughly realistic fantasy world.

I heard good things about this series and being fresh out of Stephen King books I dove into these. I loved the first book, fresh concept interesting character everything I needed to get hooked.

The second book made me scratch my head a bit because even tho some of the characters had changed the story remained the same. He always gets the **** beat out of him always fights at half power or with some other detriment and is always blaming himself for things a 10 year old know are out of his control.

I picked this third book up praying I wouldn't have to go looking for a new author and was sadly disappointed, same rehashed formula different bad guys.

These books are great! If you love science fiction you will love these books. The author is funny, witty and holds your interest from cover to cover. I ordered the complete set and read through it in a week! I hope they bring the television series back to SciFi. It is more entertaining a series that SciFi brought back, Dr. Who, or as I call it "the doctor's non habit forming sleep remedy"! I'm going to reread them soon since I enjoyed them so much! I'm sure there were things I missed on the first go around. I'm also looking forward to the next book in the series.

This book in the series is my favorite so far. The action starts at page 1 and doesn't let up until the end. Two complaints. The character Michael is dropped into the storyline with no explanation of how he and Harry met. Great character, but a bit disconcerting, being they obviously have worked together before. Second, the plot was pretty complicated. I like it when I can guess how things might turn out, and I just couldn't. Oh well, it was still a great read.

To address other reviews...

I don't feel Butcher bogs us down in the details. The billowing duster, I just find it funny. To me, there is a part of Harry that wants to be the suave hero (with the billowing duster), yet he just can't quite pull it off. He's scruffy, he's cranky, a lot of people don't like him. Woe is Harry.

I also don't mind that Butcher repeats some details about Harry and other characters that we already know. It has been months since I read the first two books in the series and I liked the reminders. Then again, maybe it would be better to summarize the previous books in a Prologue.

Though it's fine that Harry can't help himself from helping a lady in trouble, the damsel in distress remarks ARE getting a bit old.

I liked the plot in this one better then the second and first. It was something fresh and i love ghost. I love Micheal, the character sounds like a great character and him and Harry make a good conversation couple, i got quite a few laughs out of them to.

I also liked how Harry doesn't get what he wants all the time and it makes these stories more realistic. Though the stories sometimes go over the edge with fantasy the realistic fact of Harry and his limitation and loses brings it back to earth.

But let me get down tot his book. Good plot, though in the middle lost it a bit IMO it covered it's [...] in the end. So pick it up and enjoy it. I'm on to the 4th one now.

About two chapters in to this, the third of the Dresden series, it was obvious to me that Butcher had hit on a formula that worked for him and he was sticking to it.

Harry Dresden, wizard extraordinaire, was once again on the job in Chicago getting his butt soundly kicked by bad guys. This time he has a side kick, but even with that character's sound reasoning Harry manages to flub every attempt to do the right thing, landing him in more and more trouble.

Which twists the plot as much as possible until we reach the ultimate conclusion which includes Harry being pursued by many different other-wordly characters while being brought as close to death as possible without actually dying. Only then does he get blinding inspiration which allows him to pull the rabbit out of his hat and save the day.

It was hard for me to get through this one once the formula became apparent, but I did finish the story. I may skip ahead a few to see if Butcher's writing and plot skills have improved over time but I can't recommend this particular story as anything other than a point along some larger story arc (that's existence hasn't been revealed to this point).

I cannot believe this book got such good ratings. It was poorly written, with such a scatterbrained plot that I could barely follow the story...in fact, I even skimmed over pages that got too windy, just to keep the story flowing. And for the love of God, we are in the third book already, I think we all know that Dresden is a GREAT wizard, more powerful than most...blah, blah, blah...I don't need to keep reading his self-centered rambling every other page on how good of a wizard he is. We get it, he is the poo...move on and stop stalling the story with his mental ego-stroking every chapter. Oh, and teach the man some other catch phrase than "Hells-bells" already. Jesus, he says it like 20 times in the book, sometimes in consecutive sentences! He sounds like a 5 year old that just learned a new "bad" word. And finally, the climax of the novel to the end of the story is less than the last 1/4 of the book. It needed to be a little more developed than just bringing the story to a crashing end in as few pages as possible. Maybe if Harry had not been so caught up in telling us over and over how great he is, there would have been more room for a properly paced progression from the climax. Maybe.

Now before someone comes in and tries to tell me that I am just hating and all...I loved the first book in this series, the second was not bad either...but this, the third one, sucked. I thought I would try ordering #4 and #5 since they had good reviews, but then I saw the reviews for this one and have decided to punt. There is too much other good fiction out there to waste time on a chance like this.

And what really kills me, is I loved the show on Sci-Fi, and they cancelled it. I wanted to love this series, but I am afraid that this series and character needs more refinement. Maybe that is why it is not offered in hardcover or trade paperback.

While I found Storm Front (The Dresden Files, Book 1) and Fool Moon (The Dresden Files, Book 2) perfectly enjoyable, I hadn't yet decided whether the Dresden Files series would be on my "must read" list. I was hooked enough to give Grave Peril a try, and I'm sure glad I did!

Grave Peril puts less emphasis on the whole wizard-for-hire angle. Instead of responding to some random paranormal event, this time our hapless hero is being actively targeted by some big league bad guys. And unlike Fool Moon, which focused on one specific brand of supernatural foe, Grave Peril is absolutely packed with interesting characters, including vampires, a dragon, a Holy Knight, a body-snatching ghost, and Harry's faerie godmother! I haven't seen a cast like this since the Crimson series of graphic novels (which every Dresden fan would do well to check out).

The events in Grave Peril put Harry to the ultimate test, and not everyone walks away from this one unscathed. Harry's confrontations, particularly with the various members of the Vampire Courts as well as with his godmother, are the stuff of legends, and the way they are written is very cinematic. You can see these epic events unfold in your mind.

Butcher took the series to the next level with this book; giving readers a much better look at what makes Harry tick and introducing several supporting characters who are almost as interesting as Harry himself. I only hope this isn't the last we've seen of them.

Grave Peril (2001) is the third urban fantasy in the Dresden Files series, following Fool Moon. In the previous volume, the renegade FBI agents were all killed and the hexanwolf belts were burned by Harry and Murphy. Susan's film of the death of the loup-garou went on the morning news and was shown for two days afterward before it vanished.

Tera was badly injured, but recovered when she converted to human form. The Alphas suffered few injuries and were soon ready for Harry to lead them on another crusade. Nonetheless, the whole situation left Dresden wondering whether some wizard was working in the shadows to cause these problems.

In this novel, Michael Carpenter and Harry have been responding to visitations by some rather powerful ghosts during the past two weeks. Michael is a Knight of the Cross, a Fist of God, carrying the blessed sword Amorachius. Tonight they banish the ghost of Agatha Hagglethorn from the Cook County Hospital nursery and the babies breathe easily again.

After this banishment, the police arrest both Harry and Michael for disturbing the peace and trespress and they impound the Blue Beetle. After an hour or so, Harry and Michael are released on bail. Charity Carpenter is less than pleased with Harry for getting her husband in trouble, but Susan Rodriguez just wants to know about the story.

It has been a long night, but the vampires are waiting when Harry and Susan reach his basement abode. Luckily, Kyle and Kelly Hamilton are delivering an invitation for Harry and guest to attend a reception of the Red Court for Bianca St. John. As the local representative of the White Council, Harry would be find it difficult to follow his own inclinations and skip the vampire affair entirely.

Then Michael shows up just before dawn. The day before, Harry had sent a client calling herself Lydia to Father Forthill at Saint Mary of the Angels to protect her from a life threatening situation. During the night, a very strong spirit had appeared and demanded that the girl come out. When she remained inside, the spirit had torn up the roses outside the door and trashed the vehicles parked in the lot. Sometime during the night, however, Lydia had unlocked the back door and left the church.

Later, Harry finds the girl in a late model van parked in an abandoned storefront. Then Kyle and Kelly show up and Dresden calls fire upon the vampires, accidentally cutting the support beams and setting the building on fire. The vampires get away with the girl and Harry barely gets out before the whole front of the building collapses.

In this story, Harry attends the Red Court reception, taking Michael with him in full knightly regalia. The invitation didn't say that he had to bring a guest of the other sex. One of the vampire attendees admires Michael's costume and touches it; the resulting shock sends him into convulsions. Thereafter, the vampires look, but don't touch.

The other outsider invitees are an odd lot. One is a Black vampire, one is a White vampire, and another is a dragon. Unhappily, Susan is also there, having forged a copy of Harry's invitation. She learns more than she wants to know about Red vampires at the affair.

This story puts Harry in a bind. He has to let the Red Court hurt his friends or start a war between the vampires and the White Council. Of course, Dresden does it the hard way.

Harry finds out who has been agitating the wall between the real world and Nevernever, letting spirits slip over and cause trouble. He helps Murphy by removing a nasty spell from a disabled veteran of Special Investigations. He also meets a spirit who is posing as himself and discovers the true identity of Lydia. Some nights it just doesn't pay to get out of bed.

As usual, Harry loses sleep, barely escapes death and worries about his friends. He chastises himself for not doing more, not being everywhere and other improbabilities. Dresden is really into self-blame.

Highly recommended for Butcher fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of powerful ghosts, vampire parties, and overworked wizards.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Grave Peril (2001) is the third urban fantasy in the Dresden Files series, following Fool Moon. In the previous volume, the renegade FBI agents were all killed and the hexanwolf belts were burned by Harry and Murphy. Susan's film of the death of the loup-garou went on the morning news and was shown for two days afterward before it vanished.

Tera was badly injured, but recovered when she converted to human form. The Alphas suffered few injuries and were soon ready for Harry to lead them on another crusade. Nonetheless, the whole situation left Dresden wondering whether some wizard was working in the shadows to cause these problems.

In this novel, Michael Carpenter and Harry have been responding to visitations by some rather powerful ghosts during the past two weeks. Michael is a Knight of the Cross, a Fist of God, carrying the blessed sword Amorachius. Tonight they banish the ghost of Agatha Hagglethorn from the Cook County Hospital nursery and the babies breathe easily again.

After this banishment, the police arrest both Harry and Michael for disturbing the peace and trespress and they impound the Blue Beetle. After an hour or so, Harry and Michael are released on bail. Charity Carpenter is less than pleased with Harry for getting her husband in trouble, but Susan Rodriguez just wants to know about the story.

It has been a long night, but the vampires are waiting when Harry and Susan reach his basement abode. Luckily, Kyle and Kelly Hamilton are delivering an invitation for Harry and guest to attend a reception of the Red Court for Bianca St. John. As the local representative of the White Council, Harry would be find it difficult to follow his own inclinations and skip the vampire affair entirely.

Then Michael shows up just before dawn. The day before, Harry had sent a client calling herself Lydia to Father Forthill at Saint Mary of the Angels to protect her from a life threatening situation. During the night, a very strong spirit had appeared and demanded that the girl come out. When she remained inside, the spirit had torn up the roses outside the door and trashed the vehicles parked in the lot. Sometime during the night, however, Lydia had unlocked the back door and left the church.

Later, Harry finds the girl in a late model van parked in an abandoned storefront. Then Kyle and Kelly show up and Dresden calls fire upon the vampires, accidentally cutting the support beams and setting the building on fire. The vampires get away with the girl and Harry barely gets out before the whole front of the building collapses.

In this story, Harry attends the Red Court reception, taking Michael with him in full knightly regalia. The invitation didn't say that he had to bring a guest of the other sex. One of the vampire attendees admires Michael's costume and touches it; the resulting shock sends him into convulsions. Thereafter, the vampires look, but don't touch.

The other outsider invitees are an odd lot. One is a Black vampire, one is a White vampire, and another is a dragon. Unhappily, Susan is also there, having forged a copy of Harry's invitation. She learns more than she wants to know about Red vampires at the affair.

This story puts Harry in a bind. He has to let the Red Court hurt his friends or start a war between the vampires and the White Council. Of course, Dresden does it the hard way.

Harry finds out who has been agitating the wall between the real world and Nevernever, letting spirits slip over and cause trouble. He helps Murphy by removing a nasty spell from a disabled veteran of Special Investigations. He also meets a spirit who is posing as himself and discovers the true identity of Lydia. Some nights it just doesn't pay to get out of bed.

As usual, Harry loses sleep, barely escapes death and worries about his friends. He chastises himself for not doing more, not being everywhere and other improbabilities. Dresden is really into self-blame.

Highly recommended for Butcher fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of powerful ghosts, vampire parties, and overworked wizards.

-Arthur W. Jordin

In this, the third novel of the Dresden Files...we see the hero, Harry Dresden, come to life. This novel is a marked improvement over the first two. From the first novel, we see how human and vulnerable Harry is. He is tenacious and powerful but one can tell that in novels 1 and 2, he is still very naive and unskilled when it comes to people. The first two books were very enjoyable but more on a light level. There were intense scenes, but the temperatures of the stories are fairly cool and casual. In this novel however, the heat rises. Things become serious and deadly, pardon the pun. While so far (I've read up to book three thus far), I've enjoyed all of these stories, Grave Peril is the first that becomes a true nail biter. It is the first I've actually lost sleep over because I just...had...to...know...what...happened next. An interesting new character is also introduced in this new novel, adding spice and a new dimension. The wizard, Harry, also grows, both as a person and in his talent. While still a reckless idealist, things conspire to entwine him in love, life and death. I only refrained from giving this novel a five star rating due to the still somewhat annoying naive attitude of Harry, which does tend at times to make you want to pull your hair out and yell at the book. Nevertheless, Harry is a great character that you're sure to love. Jim Butcher, the author, is growing and becoming more comfortable in his skills and it's very easy to see. I'd highly recommend this third book in the series and look forward to reading the ones to come.

In this, the third novel of the Dresden Files...we see the hero, Harry Dresden, come to life. This novel is a marked improvement over the first two. From the first novel, we see how human and vulnerable Harry is. He is tenacious and powerful but one can tell that in novels 1 and 2, he is still very naive and unskilled when it comes to people (whatever their race). The first two books were very enjoyable but more on a light level. There were intense scenes, but the temperatures of the stories are fairly cool and casual. In this novel however, the heat rises. Things become serious and deadly, pardon the pun. While so far (I've read up to book three thus far), I've enjoyed all of these stories, Grave Peril is the first that becomes a true nail biter. It is the first I've actually lost sleep over because I just...had...to...know...what...happened next. An interesting new character is also introduced in this new novel, adding spice and a new dimension. The wizard, Harry, also grows, both as a person and in his talent. While still a reckless idealist, things conspire to entwine him in love, life and death. I only refrained from giving this novel a five star rating due to the still somewhat annoying naive attitude of Harry, which does tend at times to make you want to pull your hair out and yell at the book. Nevertheless, Harry is a great character that you're sure to love. Jim Butcher, the author, is growing and becoming more comfortable in his skills and it's very easy to see. I'd highly recommend this third book in the series and look forward to reading the ones to come.

This is the book that started to improve the Dresden files in a major way the first two installments of the series were fine but suffered from a kind of villain of the week feel, there was no overall plan or agenda to the series.

With the third installment of the series all of that begins to change. Harry gets into serious trouble that are still have ramifications on the current Dresden Files that are published. Also a number of secondary characters are introduced that are not meant at the time to register with the reader. Later on in the series the characters that are introduced in this book will be woven back into the narrative very skillfully.

This series is one that continues to get better. This times around, we learn about ghosts in the world of Harry Dresden, and the culprit has a tie-in with Book 1. The vampires also make an important appearance. We don't see so much of Karrin Murphy, but Harry's girlfriend, Susan, plays an important role. I definitely don't find their relationship believable, which is the one negative about this series. In fact, I don't even find Susan likeable. On the other hand, I greatly enjoyed the character of Micheal and hope he makes more appearances later in the series; I'd like to read an entire book about him actually. He has a lot of depth that could be explored.

I've been more than pleased with the developing world of this series and am eager to begin Book 4. Jim Butcher's imagination is amazing, and Harry is lovable in that bumbling, geek kind of way.

loved it loved it loved it all ready read this one, the first 2 and am now on book 6. I hope jim butcher never gets tired of harry, cause i know i won't

This book was a good follow-on to Book One; better than Book Two, I thought. In general, the series is more 'fantasy' than the detective/magic genre I was expecting. Still, Butcher has a good page-turning style, and tho he gets a little far out, his books are good reads
with vivid images. Possibly, a bit too heavy on the gore,
but they never drag on......

I stumbled across the books while looking for a light read. I loved the series and thought the book might be an interesting read. WowZaa! The books make me appreciate the series but the guy in the books, rocks! It's very rare for me to read a book and laugh out loud at some of the lines - like, "never point a gun at anything unless you're sure you want it dead"

I'm a fan of the tv series and even though Paul Blackthorne is very nice to look at, I adore the Harry in the books so much more.

I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Very good book - I read all the Dresden files with bated breath.
Linda Sheean

If you are a fan of the Dresden Files TV series and are considering checking into the print series, do yourself a favor and start at the beginning. This book is third in the series, preceded by, in order:

Storm Front Storm Front (The Dresden Files, Book 1) and
Fool Moon Fool Moon (The Dresden Files, Book 2)


Also, the reality in the books is a little different than the TV series, and you won't enjoy the books if you get hung up on the TV canon. My advice is kick back and enjoy the ride, because (and I'm up to the ninth book so far) Jim Butcher so far has not failed to disappoint. Unlike many series authors, he has sustained the quality and appeal of the series throughout.

The Dresden Files are noir detective novels in the classic vein, with a loner, wiseass private eye narrator in this case based in Chicago. Harry Dresden has an edgy relationship with the police, and between his PI practice and police consulting, is barely able to make ends meet. The twist is that the detective is also a wizard capable of calling fire and, on a good day, repelling bullets.

The writer's challenge is to provide his detective with challenges that he can't solve with a wave of his wand. These tend to be ever-increasing supernatural foes, people problems, and vexing situations that combine the two.

"Grave Peril" is where author Jim Butcher really breaks away from the pack. Its predecessors were fun books, with witty narration and creative portrayal of magic in the real world. In this book, the stakes are higher for Harry. People he cares about are in trouble, because of his connection to them. Despite serial catastrophes, you don't feel like author Jim Butcher is throwing everything at you he's got. I just felt like Harry Dresden was confronted by a complex and challenging situation that his non-magical friends were underequipped to face.

Like traditional detective fiction, the Dresden Files is moralistic, with good triumphing over evil (of course, not without cost). There is character development, there is humor in many tasty flavors, and sustained enjoyment for the reader.

I recommend the entire series, so jump on at the beginning and just keep going with it.

This is the third installment of the Dresden Files, starring Chicago Wizard Harry Dresden. The book starts out with Harry and his friend Michael, a Fist of God Knight who assists Harry in ridding the world of all the nasty creatures who go around possessing and terrorizing humans.

In this book they are fighting off nasty ghosts who entangle their victims with really painful barbed wire. They feed off the nightmares to create very real fear, and death.
The objective is to locate the Nightmare and find out who is controlling it, and destroy the puppet master as well. .

Their quest takes them to the Red Court of the Vampires and mixes them up with evil fairies, undead black magic practitioners, fallen wizards and enough innocent people to cause alarm. Along the way we meet some characters that will show up in future books.

Michael's wife and infant son get caught up in the melee, and Harry knows Charity doesn't like him for putting Michael and her family at risk so many times. He has to deal with emotions in this book. Love, hate, fear, retribution, loyalty, and he even faces his own tombstone, a gift from the lovely Vampiress Bianca.

There are so many laws of magic and rules of the Vampires and High Council that must be maintained. Will Harry start a war between the High Council and the Red Court? Does he care? Can he save the innocents who are being devoured literally by the vampires?

And Michael has his own problems, He loses his Sword, Amoracchius, which he uses to do God's will and cast aside evil. Michael has his own doubts about his abilities. He, too, must face doubts and rely on his God to see him and Harry through this maze of terror.

In the end they have to meet the evil ones head on and fight to the end, but at what price? Susan, Harry's love interest, is a casualty of sorts. Lea, his fairy godmother, though, this is not your loving Fairy, is still out to conquer Harry and hold him to his promises. This is an evil godmother who torments Harry at every opportunity. She hopes to exact her revenge and has eons of time to do so.

Each time Harry saves Chicago from some evil creature, we wonder what is next in line for our reluctant hero. Harry just wants to do the best he can for all innocents, but fighting evil seems to be a full-time job. Harry only wishes the pay was better so he can manage to pay the rent on time.

Jim has written another well crafted modern fantasy story that follows the only advertising wizard in Chicago. His characters are well fleshed out and filled with all the human frailties that make a character interesting. His plots are wickedly twisted and his imagination is well rounded.

This third novel of the Dresdan Files series is highly recommended.

Mr Butcher's _Harry Dresden_ books are like popcorn. You can't put it down and you can't get enough. See my review for the first one.

Grave Peril, by Jim Butcher, is the 3rd novel in the Dresden Files.

Professional Wizard Harry Dresden is at it again. This time, someone (or something) is after Harry and his friend and knight, Michael, and it begins attacking their friends and family. Harry has his list of usual suspects. But when he's invited to a vampire ball, warning bells go off.

Big reveals and even more suspense accumulates in this installment. As always, Butcher does a wonderful job of including elements of clever humor in even intense situations. Characters grow and evolve, and not even Harry can save everyone.

Amazon first insisted that I'd like the Harry Dresden books because I bought a Laurel Hamilton book. I really didn't like Hamilton's novel (sorry, fans, it just didn't grab me), and perhaps that's why I find Hamilton and Butcher's series less similar than others do. Instead, I think of the Dresden Files as closer to Steven Brust's Vlad Taltos series. (And, obviously, if you like Butcher's series, I think you'll also like Brust's.)

This is the best book in the Dresden Files, so far. I liked #1 and #2, obviously, enough to buy the third one in the series, but I thought the first two were "merely" good. Maybe it was just that I was in the right mood, but in this book the author really brought Harry's character to the forefront; he is dealing with himself as someone who feels compelled to do the right thing no matter what it costs him -- which is usually "everything" -- but is cynical enough to be a smartass about it.

As you've probably already figured out, the basic premise here is that someone is stirring up the ghosts all over Chicago, and Harry (and his friends) have to figure out why before all hell breaks loose (rather literally, come to think of it). There are several rather effective twists and turns in the plot, and one reason I particularly liked this book is that nearly every one of them surprised me.

Great dresden book and pissed off ghosts...
You gotta like Harry.. he is nice, tries to do the best he can and always messes up the thing he is trying to "right."
Bob the skull and his cat round out the entertainment...

Jim Butcher delivers more action, excitement, and mayhem than just about every other author working in this genre. This book introduces a new character, a Knight Templar, and Harry and the Knight must do battle with vampires, ghosts, and faerie alike in this never-plodding always-pulsating effort. The humor and action are top-notch, and you'll find yourself tearing through the pages.

Highly recommended.

I have read the first three books in this series, and Harry keeps getting deeper and deeper in trouble. If you enjoy Laurel Hamiltons books, you'll probably like these...

Last book werewolves, this book, ghosts.

Once again, Harry Dresden, professional wizard, leaps into the fray, not just to solve a crime, but to help the lady in need, or even anyone in need when the supernatural of "never-never" menaces those of us who cannot defend ourselves.

Oh, but wait, there's more. The vampires are making their move as well, and Harry could start a war between wizards and vampires if he is not careful. Which of course, he's not, but he does his best.

I really like the addition of Michael, the sword of God in this book. Here is a man of God, wielding one of the three "God-swords" (or whatever), who is working against the common evil with Dresden, even if he doesn't like Dresden's wizardry. I really like the part where a vampire touches Michael and her hand bursts into flame. "That's what happens." Michael says with a shrug.

Again, the very human seeming characters really bring the story alive. There are so many storylines mixing into this work that it can be hard at times to tell them apart, but the resolution works quite well.

Third book in the series. I loved the first two, feel ambivalent about this one. I wish the book had ben longer, because it seemed as if a lot was missing from the beginning. And the new character Michael was intersting concept-wise, but without a backstory it felt like there was a gaping hole in terms of characterization. Still, it's a good, quick read. And you have to read it because you're gonna move on to the next in the series, just like I did.

I've been devouring this series this week! Yum, yum--good brain candy!

I'll admit--when the premise was first revealed, dealy ghosts, I thought "Okay, now, how is this going to be interesting?" Let me tell ya--it got VERY interesting after the initial slow startup. Kinda sneaked up behind me and GOT me.

I love how Harry and Susan have settled into their relationship--she's incredibly patient with the craziness in scheduling his profession brings about.

I also loved the twists at the ending--didn't see it coming!

Three for three! I get the next one tomorrow!

I assume that hearing the audiobook recorded by James Marsters is a different experience from reading Grave Peril. The audiobook is amazing however.

Mr. Marsters' reading of the Dresden Files has become stronger with each book. He infuses the characters with warmth, passion, anger, ferocity, and most importantly, love and humor. As the story progresses, Mr. Marsters does an excellent job expressing the cadence of the story, the descent into despair of Dresden and his attempt to do right no matter what the cost and the rise into light as he does what is right even though doing so doesn't always come with roses and kisses. His wail at the fundamental unfairness of the world touches the heart. Mr. Marsters is also becoming more comfortable playing with different voices to protray the various characters. I would wish the audiobooks to have a little bit better direction and much better production in terms of consistent sound (volume, pitch, continuity between tracks). It would also behoove Buzzymedia to use a better mp3 format; right now they are just including each track from the CD version as a separate poorly named file rather than having one or two bookmarkable files that are file protected but more readily playable on an iPod or other mp3 player.

Mr. Butcher's Dresden is an old-fashioned type. Harry Dresden is at some level simply a fantasy or a daydream for the nerdish adolescent who yearns to vanquish the monsters, save the day and the girl, get and lose the girl, and survive to fight again. When I can't wait to read the next book in a series it is a confirmation that a writer has touched my heart and engaged my mind. I bought the next three books in the series before hearing the end of this one. Mr. Butcher has intrigued me with the character of Harry Dresden and I am eager to find out how his story progresses; I believe that others will be similarly intrigued.

Additionally, Mr. Butcher has introduced us to other compelling characters. The character of Michael, the whitest of White Knights, a righteous man---whose wife is named Charity but perhaps would have been better named Joan (as in "of Ark")--- fights alongside Dresden; this uneasy partnership is an interesting protrayal of the tension between Christian belief and magical power; it makes me think about those Christians who are dismayed over the popularity of the Harry Potter books. Michael is the best of the newly introduced characters and it is comforting to see Harry Dresden having a partner in the fight. Another character, mentioned briefly in previous novels and drawn more fully in nightmarish detail in this one, is his fairy godmother, a sweet sounding phrase but not a sweet character here. Bianca, the Vampire Queen, comes to exact her "regret" threatened in the first of the series; she is just one more monster who wants to blame Dresden for her own sorry actions. Dresden needs to get over his guilt trip.

Sadly, a favorite character, Murphy, the police detective with the unenviable job of investigating supernatural mischief and mayhem that the modern world resists acknowledging, plays a minor role in this novel. Unfortunately or fortunately---I have mixed emotions---Rodriguez', plucky reporter and gorgeous Latina girlfried (see earlier reference to nerdish adolescent daydream), fate at the end of Grave Peril, opens the way for Murphy's and Dresden's relationship to develop in future novels. The juxtaposition of Murphy's cheerleader blondness and Rodriquez' Latin sensuality is worthy of a few eye-rolls but just underscores Dresden's nerdy old-fashioned need to save every woman in distress he meets; maybe someday he'll get that each is capable of kicking plenty of butt in her own way, and that either would be a worthy partner is the battle against the monsters.

As mentioned earlier, Dresden is an old-fashioned man: he is incapable of expressing his emotions, believes that everything that happens around him is his problem to solve because only he can solve those problems. He is everything stereotypically maddening about men in general, and everything worthwhile about an old-fashioned man as well. If that offends your modern sensibilities you might not like these novels; if you have some affectionate memories of such a man, you may enjoy them.

Well worth a listen for more than a little escapist fun. Unfortunately you can only get the first of the three audiobooks in this series. Hopefully BuzzyMedia will be able to engage James Marsters to record the rest of the series soon.

The first two books in the series were great. This one begins in the middle of events, with a new supporting character, and it takes a few chapters to figure out what's going on. Butcher should have added a few chapters to the beginning to make the book easier to track.

I like the idea of a wizard living in modern-day Chicago. I like the noir-ish detective story, and the relationships between Harry and his various co-stars. I keep reading for those things.

Butcher's writing, however, requires a certain amount of patience from the reader. He comes across to me as a bit fan-boyish, something one of my friends would have written in high school. I agree with other reviewers who have compared his writing to something you'd experience in a role-playing game.

The most jarring part of his writing is the way the first-person narrator constantly bogs us down in details("the pocket of my duster", "my duster billowed behind me" - we get it, you like your coat), and distracts from the action by getting too bogged down in details like "I switched my blasting rod to my right hand and held the bag of ghost dust in my left". By the time he finished with that particular paragraph, the reader was expected to keep track of the staff, rod, bag of dust, duffel bag, AND the duster. I was so busy trying to picture all those things being held in two hands that I kept losing track of the action.

Another flaw is the constant harping on Harry's weakness for damsels in distress ("I'm a sucker for a damsel in distress"). Show us, Mr. Butcher - don't tell us - real people don't talk like that.

The originality of the story makes up for the juvenile writing style - recommended for a day on the beach or in front of the fire.

Fitting successor to FOOL MOON and, certainly to the genre. However, GRAVE PERIL was the most intense of the series so far and I'll admit the narrative was almost so hopeless of resolution at times that I just had to back off for a bit. Way too bleak.
As always, Mr. Butcher's style and characterization are emminently readable and Harry Dresden is quirky enough to keep the reader's interest. Plotting is intricate enough to make us pay attention and Dresden's world unfolds a bit more with every title in a beguiling manner.
I hope you don't tire of writing in the Dresden Files, Mr. Butcher.

The books needs some major edit work. It appears to have been rushed. Misspelled words and interrupted flow of words are common.

Its a bit hard to follow, a lot has happened since the last book, new characters are everywhere. I like it. There was a direct story, a plot, a resolution, and an opening for the next book in the series. This book is not filler until a new idea came to the author, this is a new idea. Nicely done characters, but poorly polished. All the rough work is there, just needs to be cleaned up.

Funny how my tastes have changed. I read a book by Jim Butcher recently called "Grave Peril," and I would have formerly loved it. I did devour it, a quick greedy read, but it left me unsatisfied. The writing was competent, and the action fast-paced, style firmly set in the Tanya Huff/Laurell Hamilton supernatural thriller genre. Hard-boiled wizard detective with a heart of gold must solve disturbances in the spirit world spilling into the real world, when someone has been torturing ghosts into tearing the veil. A vampire court is involved, as is a scheming faery he owes a debt to. Accompanied by a Knight Templar with a holy sword, he has to solve the puzzle before it's too late. I'm not saying it's a bad book, but for under three hundred pages, it's not very well-developed. He brings in characters for the first time who he apparently doesn't develop much if at all in other books.

I'd rate it a good young adult book, with a few well-written disturbing scenes and enjoyable descriptions and action, but the first-person point of view does grate after a while, since the main character is not very believable as a person. Harry is very much a "Mary Sue" kind of character, and I suspect he began as the author's roleplaying player character. Butcher loses points for blatantly ripping off the setting of the White Wolf roleplaying universe, complete with the war between mage council and vampire court, Paradox Flaws, True Faith, and the Umbra in general. Everything just gets renamed but could have otherwise been inserted directly into the WW setting. I'd rate "Grave Peril" much higher if the concepts, though handled well, were not so clearly stolen wholecloth from other people.

As a whole, I've enjoyed all of the Dresden series I've read thus far. This one, however, has been my favorite up to this point in the series.

It's more adult than Harry Potter and it has some "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" pop-cult references and humor thrown in. The stories are told at a break-neck speed as Harry falls into one catastrophe after another. In Grave Peril he's haunted by what Harry calls "the Nightmare." A vampire from book one is highly ticked off with Harry, and if that isn't enough, his evil fairy godmother wants to claim him for her slave.

All in all, Harry is a sympathetic, long-suffering hero. Michael "The Fist of God" is a good foil as Harry's friend/sidekick who is more noble in purpose than Harry himself. I also enjoyed the introduction of the vampire Thomas into the series.

While Harry could have been quicker piecing together the mystery, I'll cut him a break since he's busy exorcizing ghosts, eluding hell beasts, fighting off a horde of vampires, and trying to work up the nerve to tell his girlfriend that he thinks he may love her.

If you enjoyed series like "Buffy" and "Angel" on TV, there's a good chance you can enjoy the adventures of Harry Dresden.

This was the first of the Harry Dresden books that I read. And what can I say. It had me crying with laughter. It just such a good blend of horror and comdy. I was on the train coming home from work when I got to the bit at the vampire masqurade ball and I had to cover my mouth to stop my self from crakking. If you have not read one of these books before I recomend you get hold of one. I was lucky, in england not many people have herd of them but i'm now doing my best to change that

Harry Dresden takes on ghosts, vampires and faeries this time around. Ghosts have emerged from the Nevernever, wreaking havoc among humans. Harry has to find whatever is responsible for stirring the supernatural creatures and threatening the lives of his friends. To make matters worse, he has made a bargain with his Godmother -- a beautiful, yet sadistic faerie who wants him under her command. Also, vampire Bianca has sought out revenge against him for having angered her (in Storm Front) and an evil spirit is possessing souls by way of nightmares. Harry, with the help of Michael, a God-fearing Knight, and Thomas, a sneaky vampire, must put a stop to things while avoiding death. There are various twists throughout the novel.

Grave Peril, the third installment of the Dresden Files, is somewhat different from the first two efforts. First of all, characters like Michael and Lea (faerie) are thrown into the story without so much as an introduction. The abruptness of the aforementioned characters' sudden appearances confused me at first. Also, the novel's execution is somewhat different from the first two offerings. The plot twists are downright over the top and overwhelming at times. Sci-fi/fantasy novels are full of action and twists, but this one has a little too much of those things. But I still enjoyed the novel. There are lots of witty passages and the dialogue is sharp and crisp. The characters are also great. Harry is still self-deprecating and that makes him all the more fun. I also liked Michael and his bantering with Harry. Bob was great, as usual. Lea was not developed enough. I hope I will read more on her in future novels. And I also hope that there will be more Murphy in the next installment. All in all, Grave Peril is another action-packed Harry Dresden novel and I look forward to reading Summer Knight.

I have to say, I am a sucker for books in this genre, so when a friend recommended them, I gave the first 3 books in the series a try. Wow. Great read, from the snarky main character, to the well-rounded cast surrounding Harry Dresden, wizard-for-hire. The third book, Grave Peril, is by far the best of the first three in the series. There is still humor, still that sparkling wit, but there is a growing sense of maturity, not only in the characters, but in Mr. Butcher's writing.

All in all, a very enjoyable series. And I've just come back for the other three books. If you're a fan of Glenn Cook, or Tanya Huff, P. N. Elrod, or to a certain extent, Laurell K Hamilton, you'll enjoy this series immensely.

Yes, I am a fan now. I am completely in love. Jim Butcher is now my favourite writer and Harry Dresden is now my favourite character ever. The story is darker than the previous ones and it was equally well writen. Harry Dresden show more about himself. The way he deals with him own fear is a kind of example to everyone. Perfect, that's all I can say.