By: Corey Lack
Fool Moon is the second book in Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series and it is definitely one of the best ones in the whole series. Harry is, once more, called in to help the police to investigate a vicious murder that turns out to be much more complicated than it appears at first glance.
The story introduces a type of supernatural being that is familiar to most people: werewolves. The story, however, manages to make the commonplace monster different by introducing different types with each having their own characteristics. Also, the different species of werewolves also act differently and form their own types of “packs” while still trying to blend into modern society.
The story constantly keeps the reader on their toes by introducing new threats to Harry, making it seem like he’s found the culprit when he is being thrown off the right trail through a properly placed red herring. At the same time, the deflections the true culprit place in his path never makes the story drag on. Instead, each of these red herrings adds more to the story, giving more of the true puzzle whether the characters mean to or not.
That said, this is not just a standalone story as there are clear connections to the previous story. For instance, the friction between Murphy and Harry that was introduced near the end of the first book is even more prevalent in this story and comes to a head in a situation that both characters will be affected by throughout the series. Also, Harry and Susan’s relationship is given more depth, while Susan, as a character, is shown more, specifically her willingness to do almost anything for Harry or a story.
Finally, the story manages to keep a lot of the wit and humor that was prevalent in the first book. Harry especially is always entertaining whether he’s narrating the story or mocking a monster trying to eat him. In fact, he could give Spider-man a run for his money in a quipping contest.
Fool Moon shows that the first book of the Dresden Files was not a one-off and, in fact, a taste of the fascinating world building before the readers. It is the sort of novel that makes lesser authors howl in despair.
