A serial killer is loose in the city, one who preys on the weaker magical classes, making their deaths seem like possible suicides. Harry Dresden knows better. He knows that the weapon that ended these lives is black magic, and as a Warden and as a simply decent person, he cannot let that go unpunished. As he investigates, things get complicated. Firstly, it becomes clear that paranormal politics are involved, namely, the White Court. Secondly, his relationships throw more than one kink into the works. His half-brother is a suspect and he's come face to face with his first love, a woman who is now trying to protect the potential victims. Toss in his unresolved relationship with Murphy, physical therapy, training a new apprentice, and the constant allure of Lash, the demon mirage in his mind, and Harry's got a full plate. That's probably bad for him, but for readers, it's marvelous.

This book pulls you in immediately. Rapidly moving, coherent action and wry, witty humor make it almost impossible to read this book as slowly as I would have liked to, so as to savor it longer. The relationships that build Harry's world are dynamic and complex, and utterly fascinating. All this alone is enough to make this a book that I have full confidence in commending to other readers. Then, near the end, there is a moment that sets it a notch further up the scale, injecting a hint of sorrow, but a good sort of sorrow, that makes this truly special. I will admit you probably will get lost if this is your first Dresden book. Therefore, go on and buy this one, but get the others immediately and read them first. You won't be regret it.