Tag Archives: Crime

B is for Bigfoot by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
Under My Hat

Title: B is for Bigfoot
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #2.5, Bigfoot Trilogy #1
In: Under My Hat (Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: I’m not a moron, usually.

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Synopsis

B is for Bigfoot is a short story in The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. It is set between Fool Moon and Grave Peril. It can be found in Under My Hat: Tales From the Cauldron, and was later included in Working for Bigfoot.

Thoughts

Everyone has had some kind of interaction with a bully. Whether it is being one, witnessing one or being the target, everyone has had some experience. I think it’s this universal fact with the dash of paranormal fantasy that made this short Dresden Files story so fun.

Starting with a very weird first introduction, Harry is put on the trail of protecting Bigfoot’s son. Yup, you heard that right, bigfoot has a great appearance in this story! And I’m a little in love with him to be honest… but, it is his son who really steals the spotlight (and isn’t that how it should be?)

Although Harry takes part in Irwin’s (Bigfoot Junior) escape from his bullies, nothing is ever simple and he comes up against a few more paranormal bumps in the road. And, ultimately, it is the reminder that sometimes we should fight for what is right that really wins out the day. Or at least, it does for me. I can’t wait for the next time we meet Bigfoot and Bigfoot Junior!

<- Fool Moon ReviewGrave Peril Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge

Fool Moon by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Fool MoonTitle: Fool Moon
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2001
5th sentence, 74th page: Both of us looking for the killer?

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Synopsis

Harry Dresden–Wizard
Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.

Business has been slow. Okay, business has been dead. And not even of the undead variety. You would think Chicago would have a little more action for the only professional wizard in the phone book. But lately, Harry Dresden hasn’t been able to dredge up any kind of work–magical or mundane.

But just when it looks like he can’t afford his next meal, a murder comes along that requires his particular brand of supernatural expertise.

A brutally mutilated corpse. Strange-looking paw prints. A full moon. Take three guesses–and the first two don’t count…

Thoughts

You know it’s a good book when you stay up until 2am just to finish it. Alright, I might do that a little more than is healthy. But, basically, I was so desperate to see where Harry was going to find himself this time that I just couldn’t put it down. And believe me, I tried.

Following the events of Storm Front, Dresden and Murphy aren’t quite friends, Harry has no money and he is still contemplating the true depths of the darkness of his soul. And honestly, for a while, it doesn’t get any better from there. Chasing werewolves, trying to protect Murphy and dealing with a major conspiracy theory leaves poor Harry running around injured, exhausted and, to add insult to injury, making deals with demons. Although, his deal with the demon does kind of hint at some very interesting future storylines about his ancestry… certainly something that I can’t wait to delve further into.

Really, I should have clicked from the title that this novel would be about werewolves. But I didn’t, and it was a fun little surprise in the opening scenes. So was Butcher’s take on how they operate. It wasn’t the straightforward, repetitive werewolf that you see in most stories, but as with the practice of potion making and just magic in general. I love that the Dresden Files world is so well thought out with laws and natures that govern magic, as with everything else. And the unique way in which Butcher does this… yummo.

Fool Moon took me from enjoying the Dresden Files to feeling insanely compelled to keep reading the and kind of desperate to find more time and money to immerse myself in the rest of the stories.

<- Storm Front Review B is for Bigfoot Review ->
Image source: Mobile Read

Welcome to the Jungle by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Welcome to the JungleTitle: Welcome to the Jungle
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Graphic novel, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Ballantine books
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: Like the man said… “Smile, you son of a bitch.”

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Synopsis

When the supernatural world spins out of control, when the police can’t handle what goes bump in the night, when monsters come screaming out of nightmares and into the mean streets, there’s just one man to call: Harry Dresden, the only professional wizard in the Chicago phone book. A police consultant and private investigator, Dresden has to walk the dangerous line between the world of night and the light of day.

Now Harry Dresden is investigating a brutal mauling at the Lincoln Park Zoo that has left a security guard dead and many questions unanswered. As an investigator of the supernatural, he senses that there’s more to this case than a simple animal attack, and as Dresden searches for clues to figure out who is really behind the crime, he finds himself next on the victim list, and being hunted by creatures that won’t leave much more than a stain if they catch him.

Written exclusively for comics by Jim Butcher, The Dresden Files: Welcome to the Jungle is a brand-new story that’s sure to enchant readers with a blend of gripping mystery and fantastic adventure.

Thoughts

I love a good graphic novel. Especially when it’s one that features a much loved character from a series that I’ve quickly become obsessed with.

Graphic novels as an addition to a series of novels can be kind of risky – they are very different ways of telling a story, and sometimes it just doesn’t translate well across the two mediums. And, quite frankly, that’s what I was half expecting from Welcome to the Jungle. After all, the thing that I love most about The Dresden Files is Harry’s wit and sass. And, of course, the immensely awkward positions he gets into. And most of these are told through his voice. So, I was a little curious (not to mention tentative) about how this really distinctive voice and character would be translated into images. Pictures might tell a thousand words, but that doesn’t mean that they’re going to be a good thousand words… but I worried for no reason. This medium worked amazingly.

“Welcome to the jungle, bitch.” – possibly one of the best and sassiest lines that Dresden has delivered in our short acquaintance.

<- A Restoration of Faith Review Storm Front Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Storm Front by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Storm FrontTitle: Storm Front
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2000
5th sentence, 74th page: I planted my feet and faced him, without meeting his eyes.

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Synopsis

Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.

Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he’s the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things—and most don’t play well with humans. That’s where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a—well, whatever. There’s just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks.

So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry’s seeing dollar signs. But where there’s black magic, there’s a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry’s name. And that’s when things start to get interesting.

Magic – it can get a guy killed.

Thoughts

There’s nothing like a sassy, slightly left of centre main character. And when the story is told from their point of view? It’s fantastic! It’s little wonder that I loved this novel so much.

I’m a fan of both crime and paranormal fantasy books. After all, I love the wonders of the paranormal world. But I also love trying to figure who-done-it in the crime novels. Butcher hits on the combination of these two genres perfectly. Dresden runs around the streets of Chicago trying to find a missing man, solve a murder, and dodge killer demons. Honestly, what more could you want in a story?

Harry Dresden is a gangly, slightly awkward, attitudinal lead. Which, as with all good books, gets him in more trouble than anything else. Add to this a council member who wants him dead, and a talking head (literally) that is more than a little twisted, and it is ensured that Harry is going to have a dreadful time trying to solve his two crimes. Yet, everything is relevant – there isn’t a moment in this fantastically crafted novel that doesn’t serve a purpose, and I kind of love this fact. It doesn’t make it any easier to piece together who the baddies are. And it doesn’t lead to a predictable end to the story. But it does mean that I’m not let wondering why some random act happened, with no real answer.

The only problem that I have with this novel is the fact that now I have to wait until Fool Moon arrives in my bookshelves… it was just too good and the wait is a little too long!

<- Welcome to the Jungle Review Fool Moon Review ->
Image source: Muneer Huda

A Restoration of Faith by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

A Restoration of FaithTitle: A Restoration of Faith
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #0.2
In: Side Jobs (Jim Butcher)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: The troll will let you cross the bridge if I’m not with you.

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Synopsis

Restoration of Faith. Restoration of Faith is a short story in The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. It is set before Storm Front. The story was originally published on Jim–Butcher.com, and later included in the book Side Jobs.

Thoughts

Butcher starts off this short story by pointing out that this was one of the first short stories he’d ever written, and as such, it wasn’t his best work. But here, I must disagree. Or at least, not quite agree. I loved this fantastic short story, and I thoroughly enjoyed the introduction to Harry Dresden’s apprenticeship days.

There are so many unwanted children in the world. And they’re not all homeless or from lower socio-economic homes. Some, like Faith are from families who are immensely well off. They’re just not quite wanted. Which brings up an interesting ethical question, what should be done for them? That is what Dresden is forced to face (alongside a bridge troll) in A Restoration of Faith. And honestly, it works perfectly.

The other thing that I love about A Restoration of Faith is it shows us Dresden’s first meeting with Murphy. It is a single, simple moment in time that has a great impact on their lives and I love how seamlessly it works into the rest of the series.

<- Side Jobs Review Welcome to the Jungle Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Curious Case of the Moondawn Daffodils Murder by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: The Curious Case of the Moondawn Daffodils Murder: As Experienced by Sir Magnus Holmes and Almost-Doctor Susan Shrike
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Crime, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘There is a… belief… among certain quarters, that flowers from a royal park, if cut with a silver knife at a particular time, will enormously enhance their natural poison.

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Synopsis

Magnus Holmes, Sherlock’s second cousin helps Scotland Yard to solve a mysterious murder that involves daffodils.

Thoughts

I love Sherlock Holmes. Alright, I haven’t (yet) read the originals, or the closest I can get my hands on to. But, there is something about the “elementary, my dear Watson” that is particularly appealing and, although The Curious Case of the Moondawn Daffodils doesn’t quite follow Sherlock on his adventures, it comes pretty close.

The use of Magnus Holmes, Sherlock’s second cousin was kind of enjoyably brilliant. The addition of supernatural aspects and the Not-Quite Doctor Susan Shrike left a huge smile on my face as I turned the last page. I’m actually incredibly disappointed that this story ended, I would have loved to find out more about Magnus, Susan and the little blue pill… actually, what I really want to know is what does the little yellow pill do?!?!?!?!

<- Holly and Iron Review An Unwelcome Guest Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Bare Bones by Kathy Reichs

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Bare Bones

Title: Bare Bones
Author: Kathy Reichs
Series: Temperance Brennan #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves:Anthropology, Science, Crime, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Arrow Books
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: “Hello?”

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Synopsis

During one of the hottest summers on record, Dr Temperance Brennan is haunted by a string of horrifying events.

First, the bones of a newborn baby are discovered in a wood stove. The mother is nowhere to be found.

Next, a plane flies into a rock face. The dead pilot and passenger are burned beyond recognition, and covered in an unknown substance.

And then a store of bones is found in a remote corner of the county. What has happened, and who will be the next victim? The answers lie hidden deep within the bones – but Tempe must find them in time to avoid further disaster.

Thoughts

This was one of the more complex stories so far in the Temperance Brennan series – a freak discovery of bones in a bag, a plane crash and a baby in an incinerator all combined into one complex tale of mayhem and woe. The complexities of the storyline made it a little difficult to follow the cast at some points. For each of the crimes, there was a different set of players – each crime had its own set of suspects and professionals involved. Their own victims with their own lives. Even new investigators at each point of this story. It builds to create a multifaceted array of characters that can be a little difficult to follow at some points, but also show a very realistic approach to the life of a forensic anthropologist.

At the conclusion of Grave Secrets, Tempe choses one of the men to go on holidays with and it is in Bare Bones that her choice is finally revealed. The burgeoning relationship is sweet and tentative, although it shows how much Brennan relies upon the friendship to get through her days of death. Again, Reichs shows how dealing with death on such a frequent basis can impact someone’s psyche. The necessity of having understanding relationships in handling such a dreary daily reality, and indeed, our daily lives is integral to surviving in a successful manner.

<- Grave SecretsMonday Mourning ->

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Vanish by Tess Gerritsen

Book Review, , ,

Overview

VanishTitle: Vanish
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Series: Rizzoli & Isles #5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Transworld Publishers
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘I’m here to visit a patient,’ said Maura.

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Synopsis

Stare death in the face

Forensice Pathologist Maura Isles unzips a body bag and gets the fright of her life. The corpse opens its eyes. The woman is rushed to hospital, where she murders a guard and seizes hostages, including a heavily pregnant Detective Jane Rizzoli.

No one knows who this woman is, or what she wants. Only Jane, trapped with the madwoman, can solve the mystery.

If she survives the night…

Thoughts

Even after reading the blurb, this story was NOTHING like what I expected. Which was wonderful. Rizzoli’s soon-to-be-born child and the way in which she copes with this is a heart rending storyline that travels along beautifully with the overarching tale of conspiracy, mystery and hostage taking. Again, Gerritsen’s use of altering points of views brings this story to life in a way that makes it completely impossible to put down.

The conspiracies, murder and hostage situation that is the main story had me chewing on my fingernails as I turned each page. Literally! The fact that Jane is forced to go through this whilst still pregnant, and Gabriel and Moira’s struggle to accept what is happening just makes the story all the more distressing. It is much easier to see their love for Rizzoli as they continuously lose their minds at her entrapment. Likewise, it is wonderful to see how much Gabriel truly loves his wife – their marriage is not just about her pregnancy, but also built upon their love and care for one another.

As someone who is often asked when I’m going to have children (and is also interested in pursuing her own career), the idea of having a baby is quite honestly terrifying. Rizzoli’s echo of this and her insecurity are a great reminder that there are many people who feel this way. Her confusion at motherhood and the fact that she is convinced that she is doing something wrong is one of the most reassuring things I have read in a story in a long time. It is a reminder that not all women are naturally maternal, and although Jane finally finds her own speed with motherhood, it does take a while for her to feel comfortable in this position.

<- Body Double Review The Mephisto Club Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Bigfoot on Campus by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

hex-appealTitle: Bigfoot on Campus
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #11.9, Bigfoot Trilogy #3
In: Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: We walked in silence for several moments, until Connie finally said, “He’s not an angry person.

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Synopsis

Bigfoot on Campus is a short story in The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. It is set between Turn Coat and Changes. It was originally published in Hex Appeal, and later included in Working for Bigfoot.

Thoughts

I don’t know if it’s because I’m in University, or if there is something about the potential that it represents, but any story set here tends to grab my attention. This, combined with the young love between Connie and Irwin is such a nice reminder of the potential of these young years of discovery. This was also my first introduction into the Dresden Files and the writings of Jim Butcher, and a very welcome one at that.

The flicking between two time periods in a story can sometimes be a little clunky and hard to follow in short stories. However, Butcher did this brilliantly – the tone and positioning of Dresden was different enough that the transition was beautifully obvious. The cops’ blatant disbelief in all of the things that go bump in the night helped to further this contrast. The tale is told in a completely believable and relatable way, with a slightly dubious man querying everything that he was told.

The explanation of Bigfoot and the reasons why people never see such a creature that is strongly believed in today made this story seem all the more realistic. It’s always nice when the fantastical nature of mythologies can be married with our modern life to create an almost believable literary reality.

<- Retribution Clause Review Holly’s Balm Review ->
Image source: Succubus

Last Call by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

strange-brewTitle: Last Call
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #10.6
In: Side Jobs (Jim Butcher) & Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: “You look like hell.”

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Synopsis

Last Call is a short story in The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. It is set between Small Favor and Turn Coat. It was originally published in Strange Brew, and later included in the anthology Side Jobs.

Thoughts

I loved the humour and wit in this short story – the shenanigans and difficulties of Dresden’s journey all result from his desire for a drink. Something which he constantly laments as he pursues the cause of violence. The dry humour in the narrator’s (Dresden’s) voice made this short story flash by as he runs after felons in pursuit of justice, and a nice, cold drink. It is this sass and obvious enjoyment throughout the tale that makes it impossible to put down and ignore.

Butcher combines fantasy, humour and crime into his stories which create a textured and intimate reality. The layering upon our everyday concerns – we all have a favourite place to eat and drink, a partner that is constantly challenging and perplexing us – which helps to progress the story in such a vivid and engaging way. The very humanity that is placed within an inhumane society and fantasy world is what helps to bring this tale to the forefront.

<- Seeing Eye Review Vegas Odds Review ->
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