Review: Death Masks

Death Masks by Jim Butcher

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If Goodreads had half-stars, I’d definitely give this one 4.5 stars. Butcher has taken everything I like about the Dresden files and eliminated a lot of what was annoying. Dresden has FINALLY earned the trust of Murphy on the SI unit at the Chicago PD. It was getting tiresome having them fight over dumb stuff. By the same token, Dresden is finally not trying to be such a hero that he holds back info from Murphy in a way that both endangers them and causes her not to trust him. Over the last couple books, Dresden and Marcone have reached a level of respect for each other. Sure, Dresden still would prefer to keep Marcone uninvolved, but at least he’s realized he shouldn’t be so childish.

Outside the main plot of this book, Butcher continues to advance the world-building. This time there were a few more drips because I think he’s given us enough for us to see that he has a larger plan in mind. So, unlike the bomb that dropped in the last book, this one just has a few mentions of his past and heritage. The battles Harry finds himself roped into have much more complex endings and resolutions than before. Also, The Archive is awesome and I hope we get more of her and her bodyguard.

I think the only dig against the book is that the mystery itself seemed a bit less tight than the previous mysteries he solved.

If you’re enjoying Dresden, this is more of that with less of the annoying parts.

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