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Dead Beat by Jim Butcher Series: The Dresden Files #7
Published by Ace on May 2, 2006
Genres: Mystery, Science Fiction Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 517
Format: Paperback
Source: Library
Purchase Links: Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Chirp, Audiobooks.com
Goodreads
Paranormal investigations are Harry Dresden’s business and Chicago is his beat, as he tries to bring law and order to a world of wizards and monsters that exists alongside everyday life. And though most inhabitants of the Windy City don’t believe in magic, the Special Investigations Department of the Chicago PD knows better.
Karrin Murphy is the head of S. I. and Harry’s good friend. So when a killer vampire threatens to destroy Murphy’s reputation unless Harry does her bidding, he has no choice. The vampire wants the Word of Kemmler (whatever that is) and all the power that comes with it. Now, Harry is in a race against time—and six merciless necromancers—to find the Word before Chicago experiences a Halloween night to wake the dead...
Well I always feel like I’m missing something when I start these books. It could be because I’m taking my time before picking up the next book or it could be the time frame within the books themselves.
**Possible Spoilers Below**
I tried to be vague on those areas that might be spolierish.
Dead Beat takes place about a year after Blood Rites. Harry has his half-brother Thomas living with him still. Thomas is having trouble adjusting to normal life or what is consider normal. What is a Vampire to do? Harry also has a new pet, Mouse, which he picked up in Blood Rites. I do like the addition of a dog.
When we get started Murphy is going on vacation with Kincaid. Harry’s not happy about this, but he doesn’t stop her and so no Murphy for our story. I was sad to not have Murphy around, but it added a new feel to the story.
We see that Harry has been distancing himself from everyone. He’s not sharing and he needs to talk to someone. Everything he’s dealing with is bottled up inside. One issue he has is the Demon mark he received a few books back. It’s starting to affect him. Besides all the other previous issues he has.
Now enter in the bad wizards, necromancy, oh my and the possibilities of one become a god. Ya, Harry’s got his work cut out for himself in stoping this. He also leans some disturbing news about the war with the Red Court and the deaths of hundreds of wizards. The wizards are losing and it doesn’t look good for anyone. Last, we get to see Harry offered a Warden position. He is doing the job of a Warden, but without the pay and benefits it has. Does he take the offer?
The novel is a little slow going until the last 25% or so when we get the big battle scene and the climax of the story. For most of this book Harry is running around looking for the Word, a book. He meets up with some others, the bad guys, who are also looking and away they go to see who will get the Word first and either become a god or stop the show.
Dead Beat was a delightful and entertaining read. It was a bit slow, but still had all the Harry fun that I have come to like and enjoy from the series. If you are an Urban Fantasy fan then I recommend picking up The Dresden Files series.
Rated: 4 Stars
Was this review helpful? If so, please consider liking it on Goodreads (Angela)!
Challenge (2018): Library Love
I’ve still got a ways to go in this series. I’ve listened to won and really loved it and will be listening to more. At this time I’m just not in an audio mood, so I’m reading. I go through mood fazes with my reading whether it’s eCopies, physical, audio or different genres. I change it up. Thank’s for visiting.
I have loved them all but only listen on audio. James Marsters is awesome. I think it adds much to the humor and flow of the story. Try to get them on audio if you can. They have them all at my library but then I bought every single one on audio. I’m up to date now, just waiting for Peace Talks like the rest of the crowd. Anne – Books of My Heart
I’m more curious about this series now. This far into it and you are still enjoying the books. That’s a good sign!
Ya, I’m still enjoying this series. I keep telling my hubby that he needs to read this series. That it’s something he’d like. ^_^ Thank’s for visiting Laura.
Awesome review angela!! Shared on all my socials!!??
Glad you enjoyed my review. Thank you for visiting and sharing!
I love this series – it is AMAZING in audiobook format (I’ve listened to the all). I pretty much binge-listened to them. Anyhow, it’s been a while since I listened to this one. If I recall, I felt it was one of the less spectacular books, but everything REALLY PICKS UP after this one. I hope you continue to enjoy!
Thank’s Jen for stopping in. I’m really enjoying this series and I have listen to one of them and really liked the audio, but since I started out reading the books, I stuck with that formate. ^_^
I’ve been wanting to check out this series, I just keep forgetting about it. I’ve now added it to my ‘must read’ list. Great review!
Thank you for visiting and I’m glad you enjoyed my review. I was like you and have had this series on my TBR for some time. Many other bloggers who enjoy Urban Fantasy highly recommend it and I finally deiced that this was the year to get started. I’m really enjoy the books and I’ve listen to one Audiobook which was wonderful too. ^_^ I hope you enjoy whenever you get started.