When Michael Carpenter's daughter, Molly, calls Harry Dresden for help, he naturally responds, not knowing that he's on the brink of the greatest danger he's face in at least a year. Molly's friend, Nelson, is among the first victims of a phobophage, a magician who uses fear much like Harry's brother, Thomas, the incubus/vampire, feeds off of lust.

As Harry investigates the problem, he learns that there are major events shaking up the world of the Fey and affecting his world in the process. In fact, his attempts to resolve matters, in a way only makes things worse, necessitating a trip into the heart of Winter and forcing Harry to participate in another Wizard's Trial, knowing he will probably lose the case.

Harry Dresden is one of the best blends of mystery and magic out there. The first-person, sardonic narration has just the right amount of sardonic humor and dry wit. You never forget that the characters are in life and death or worse than death situations, but you have to laugh despite the seriousness. You also have to care about what happens to them all. Though Harry is an outstanding protagonist, Mr. Butcher has populated his world with a plethora of fascinating secondary characters who are enjoyable to get acquainted with over the course of the series.

Synopsis
Harry, the only wizard in the Chicago phone book, is drafted to look into rumors of black magic in the Windy City. And if that wasn't enough, he must help the daughter of an old friend, whose boyfriend was the only one in a room where an old man was attacked. He insists he didn't do it. And what looks like a supernatural assault straight out of a horror film turns out to be-well, something quite close to that, as Harry discovers that malevolent entities that feed on fear are loose in Chicago.