This latest addition to the Harry Dresden series finds Harry wearing the gray robes of a Warden to the White Council. You might think this would earn him a little bit of hard-won respect with the members of the Senior Council. Not so much. The Council still isn't sure Harry is a wizard to be trusted and continues to keep a close eye on him. The Merlin himself isn't above making thinly veiled threats about Harry's imminent future or possible imminent future demise should Harry be caught on the wrong side of the Wizard's law. Still, Harry remains a useful tool for the Council.

For a guy with almost no people skills, Harry has friends in high places...as well as friends in low places and in useful places. Although, acquaintances would probably be a better term. But whatever, the old adage "beggars can't be choosers" works to Harry's benefit and certainly applies here. Important to the Council right now are Harry's contacts with the Sidhe. Harry is charged with finding out why the Faerie Courts haven't declared war on the Red Court after attacks launched the previous year.

No sooner does Harry receive his marching orders than he's attacked and rammed in his beloved VW with pulverizing results to both he and the little blue Beetle. What else can happen to this poor guy in less than 24 hours? Plenty, it seems.

Molly Carpenter, the daughter of an old friend, needs Harry's help in proving her boyfriend's innocence on an assault charge. Even though the kid was the only one seen with the victim, he insists he's innocent and Harry believes him. Harry's investigation of the attack takes him to a horror film festival where he discovers supernatural entities are indeed at work. The Windy City is about to be in for a world of hurt as malicious creatures that feed on fear take on Chicago. Harry musters up his troops that, as usual, include Bob the talking skull, the Fallen Angel and Mouse the dog. The gang goes into full battle mode as they defend the unsuspecting mortal population and themselves from the beasties at the door. Why can't the beasties ever understand that with everything else Harry has going on, he just doesn't have time for this? Poor Harry, he better damn well make time.

Each book just keeps getting better and better. Butcher is so funny and so good at dialogue. His characters are well- established and after eight books, he knows his world well. Actually, he knew it well from the very first book in the series. Layers upon layers of character development are consistent from book to book. There are no mistakes in his story arc that I've ever caught. The story is neatly tied up and groundwork is set for future events. A completely satisfying read.