Storm Front by Jim Butcher

Summary:
HARRY DRESDEN—WIZARD

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 of them 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.

My take: 3 looks
A fast and easy read. Very entertaining first book in a series of what the author states will be 20 installments in The Dresden Files. In this introduction, we meet the wizard, Harry Dresden, a lovably sarcastic and cynical man with one foot in this world and one foot in the "nevernever". Murphy is the police captain who is a bit grating, but I am sure she will flesh out as the books continue. Susan is just plain irritating, but (again), I expect her to grow on me. I liked Bill quite a bit, and the idea that he is very, very old and experienced, plus lives in an old skull, is very intriguing.

The mystery was a good one. Not too complicated, with a wide variety of villains (I hope to see more of the Marcone character), demons and monster-sized arachnida. The ending was satisfying and loose ends were tied. Excellent beach read for the summer.

Recommended.