Side Jobs

Stories from the Dresden Files

By: Jim Butcher

Narrated by: James Marsters

Length: 13 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

The first short-story collection in the number-one New York Times- best-selling series - including brand-new Harry Dresden short stories!

Here, together for the first time, are the shorter works of best-selling author Jim Butcher - a compendium of cases that Harry and his cadre of allies managed to close in record time. The tales range from the deadly serious to the absurdly hilarious. Also included is a new, never-before-published novella that takes place after the cliff-hanger ending of Changes. This is a must-have collection for every devoted Harry Dresden fan, as well as a perfect introduction for readers ready to meet Chicago's only professional wizard.

Check out more Dresden Files.

©2010 Jim Butcher (P)2010 Penguin Audio

Expands the Universe nicely

The Thomas story and Murphy story are really entertaining! I'd love to see Jim Butcher expand on the ideas in those stories...

Great collection of stories!

I enjoyed this collection of short stories. This was a really solid collection and I liked every story in the book. I did like some stories more than others as I expect with this kind of collection. I really enjoyed how the collection was set up with a quick introduction to each story and some background information about how each story came to be. I am glad that I decided to pick this book up.

The stories in this collection fall anywhere from before the first book to after the twelfth book in the series. I don’t think that you absolutely have to read any of the stories to enjoy the other books in the series but I liked being able to see some of my favorite characters in these short works. Most of the stories are told from Harry Dresden’s point of view just like the main books in the series. There were also stories from Thomas’s and Karrin’s points of view which were the highlight of the book for me.

James Marsters continues to do a phenomenal job with this series. He does such a great job in bringing Harry to life and I love the voices that he uses for the supporting characters. He did a fantastic job in making Thomas sound very different from Harry in the story from that point of view and I even think that he did a good job with Karrin’s voice. I think that this narrator really takes this book to the next level.

I would recommend this book to fans of the series. I had a great time with the story and loved getting to see more of my favorite characters. I had read some of these stories before in other collections but this was the first time I read this book as a whole and I definitely found it to be worthwhile. I cannot wait to continue with this series!

Critiqued by the author

If I had read the critiques instead of listening to them I might have sailed through "Side Jobs" quickly, but that wasn't the case. As each critique began I felt JB set up the reader on what to expect. Each story had a hook that was credible and then some. Soon I realized I was concentrating on every word, I didn't want to miss a beat. A couple of the shorts were far-fetched but entertaining. The rest were speeding right along. Thomas was highlighted and so was Murphy. I love Dresden so I loved most of it.

awesome.

this us a background on many of the dresden files characters. I highly recommend it.

Damn I miss Harry!!!

Any additional comments?

I held off on this book for a few months after I finished Cold Days to make the wait to the next instalment not as painful. I have to admit that this book gives you such a good insight into some of the other characters in the book, especially the last story. Builds the appreciation for Harry!! Now the wait until the next instalment... Hurry up Jim!!!!

A MUST after Changes!

A great collection of stories and the last brings it all full-circle. James Marsters' performance is genius, masterful and consistent when roles or perspective changes.
The monster of the week concept is what I loved about comic books and inspires me to write. As the love for these type of stories continue to grow in popularity, were they ever to revisit making The Dresden Files as a series on TV, these are the stories that make great one-hour or two-part episodes.

James Marsters outdid himself

At four stars this is the lowest I have rated a Dresden novel. I wish I could give James Marsters six stars because of his varied performance during this book

Best friends make the best recommendations

A good friend has been trying to get me to read the Dresden Files for years. Several months ago I listened to my first Jim Butcher/Harry Dresden novel and I've been hooked ever since. Thank you Laurie!

Excellent addition

What did you love best about Side Jobs?

Side jobs closes some gaps in the series. I can see why some of the stories were left out from a continuity standpoint but I am very glad to have heard them

What about James Marsters’s performance did you like?

James Marsters is the best narrator out there. Book 13 is read by someone else and I enjoyed it but it's not the same. I have listened to them all and there is a comfort level or even intimacy that you have with a narrator. You are letting this person whisper in your ear for 15 hours or so. In the case ofJames Marsters I find an honesty or sincerity that matches what I would expect from Harry. He adds to the suspension of disbelief required in a series like this.

James Marsters is a gifted and talented man.

Who was the most memorable character of Side Jobs and why?

Murphy.

Any additional comments?

I was sad when I finished listening to this as I thought it was the end of the line for the Dresden files and I was excited to see that "Cold Days" was released but it' s not available on Audible yet. Thanks Mr. Butcher for all the hours of entertainment.

Too good.

A great side exploration of the dresden universe.
Loved every minute of it.
I need to write seven more words.