Where Small Favor and The Warrior (from Mean Streets) featured a certain amount of discourse about faith that is less the case here. Perhaps more than in earlier novels, Turn Coat takes on a conversational tone as if the reader were sitting at the bar have a brink with Harry as he told the story. The first person narration is top-notch full of dry, sarcastic wit that easily brought a smile to my face on many an occasion. As with the previous Dresden novel, Small Favor, Butcher is spot on with Dresden’s tone. As a result there is less for me to critique. With Butcher as least I have the advantage that with each book he releases he seems to get better. I’d like to think I’m fairly good a avoiding spoilers in my reviews, but with series fiction the problem arises that one must deal with spoilers about previous books as well as the current one as well. I always find series fiction difficult to review. Publisher’s Weekly brilliantly claims “Despite the sprawling plot, both fans and newcomers will get into the fast-paced action.” Which is something I can agree with but with a veritable who’s who of Harry’s past companions showing up I’m not quite sure who would really recommend Turn Coat as a starting point for any newcomer. Familiar faces make appearances: Murphy the tough and feisty cop, Billy and his werewolf pack, Thomas, Toot Toot the fairy, and more all show up to get in on the action to aid, or in some cases, frustrate Harry as he races against the clock. This time Harry’s part-time nemesis, the Warden Morgan, has been accused of murder and treason against the Council and it’s up to Harry to uncover the the true murderer.

Harry Dresden is back for his 11th adventure on the mean streets of Chicago.

Turn Coat by Jim Butcher