Search - Death Masks (Dresden Files, Bk 5)

Fifth in the Harry Dresden paranormal series. Once again Harry races through the book on 20 minutes sleep chasing bad guys, trying to earn enough money to stay out of the poorhouse, and to keep one step ahead of the White Council. In this book, Harry is challenged to a duel to the death by a warlord vampire of the Red Court, is hired by a Vatican official to recover the Shroud of Turin, which has been stolen by an international mob of religious artifacts thieves known as the Churchmice, and must deal with the return of Susan, his girlfriend who has been turned into a sort of 'half a vampire' and who has been away from Chicago for a year. Quick-paced, full of Harry's usual wit and wisdom, and enjoyable as always.

This is Book 5 of the Dresden Files.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book...it was non-stop action from the very beginning. The plot surrounds two main issues: Ortega the Vampire and the missing Shroud of Turin. It might sound simple, but complexity abounds.

Harry is taken to his limits in this book, both physically and emotionally. There is no shortage of nasty demons, ruthless assassins, police conspiracies, double-crossings, moral dilemmas, narrow escapes, and mixed messages from a semi-vampiric superhuman ex-girlfriend.

Harry continues to evolve as a character. Many former characters return and several new ones are introduced. If you have been skeptical about the Dresden Files until now, at least make it through this book. You might find yourself officially hooked.

This series continues to get better and better. Very happy to see Susan return and her "situation" addressed.

Another satisfying Harry Dresden adventure! As usual, it starts of fast-paced and just increases speed from there. Harry is called to a duel by a Red Court vampire, and hired by a priest to find the stolen Shroud of Turin. Demons come after him and his friend and Knight Michael Carpenter and his friends save his life but apparently there are more demons that want him. Susan Rodriguez, his former girlfriend who was half-turned into a vampire, comes back to complicate his life even as she tries to curb her blood-lust around him and break off their relationship. It's all in a day's work for Harry, and good rip-roaring read.

Harry Dresden is back in this novel full of non-stop action. Not only is Harry dealing with the war with the Red Court Vampires, but some bodies have shown up that have been killed by a force stronger than anything he has ever faced. Throw in Susan showing up again and a missing religious artifact and you have a book that barely gives Harry or the reader time to catch their breath. The multiple story lines and non-stop action left me a little dizzy and confused at times. However, I was impressed with how Butcher was able develop more depth to some of the peripheral characters amidst all of the action. That is what keeps me coming back to the series and looking forward to the next book.

Standard Harry Dresden story. A real page turner, lots of fun to read