Dead Beat by Jim Butcher

Title: Dead Beat
Author: Jim Butcher
Rating: 4.5 Stars


Synopsis: In Dead Beat, Harry faces some darker ethical dilemmas as he struggles to prevent a group of Necromancers from attaining godlike powers.

Review: Despite his questionable attitude toward women and his bad habit of getting his ass kicked far too often, Harry has finally wormed his way into my heart and it looks like he'll be staying there for good.

The plot is well paced with some nerve wracking action scenes and gripping developments in Harry's relationships with both friends and foes.

Although Murphy is absent for most of the book, her presence is keenly felt throughout and it seems that for Harry absence might make the heart grow fonder. Harry and Thomas also grow closer and their sibling banter leads to numerous laugh-out-loud moments. Secrets are revealed concerning Bob the Skull's past and Harry's contentious association with the Wardens in general and Morgan in particular comes to a head.  However, the most endearing character is definitely Butters, the timid little coroner with a huge heart who shows that courage can be found in the most unlikely of packages and at the most unlikely of times.

Finally, this review cannot come to an end without mention of Sue, whose contribution to the story cannot be overstated - you just have to read the book to find out why.