Death Masks

The Dresden Files, Book 5

By: Jim Butcher

Narrated by: James Marsters

Length: 11 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Harry Dresden, Chicago's only practicing professional wizard, should be happy that business is pretty good for a change. But he also knows that whenever things are going good, the only way left for them to go is bad. Way bad. Recent examples: A duel with the lethal champion of the Red Court, who must kill Harry to end the war between vampires and wizards...Hit men using Harry for target practice...The missing Shroud of Turin - and the possible involvement of Chicago's most feared mob boss...A handless and headless corpse the Chicago police need identified...Not to mention the return of Harry's ex-girlfriend Susan, who's still struggling with her semi-vampiric nature - and who seems to have a new man in her life. Some days, it just doesn't pay to get out of bed. No matter how much you're charging.

©2003 Jim Butcher (P)2009 Penguin Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Think Buffy the Vampire Slayer starring Philip Marlowe.” (Entertainment Weekly)

“Superlative.” (Publishers Weekly [starred review])

“One of the most enjoyable marriages of the fantasy and mystery genres on the shelves.” (Cinescape)

I really enjoyed this book

non stop action as always. It is perfect for making yourself do some house cleaning when you are not pissed off. My husband has been so wonderful lately that I have not gotten any stress cleaning done. This book was just what I needed.

Another excellent entry

The Dresden Files are a fantastic blend of film noir and high fantasy of the best kind - that which easily and seamlessly blends authorial invention with well-worn folklore. It all feels familiar, while being utterly unlike just about everything else.

Marsters is a fantastic performer, with the deep, calm voice perfect for the noir-detective monologue, and surprising range for other characters. I wish the editors equalized his whispers and shouts a little more, but this is a very minor quibble.

Death Masks in particular only gets 4 stars, because I’m left somewhat bamboozled by the last two scenes with the newly introduced Big Bad. Serious fridge logic has me questioning how the bad guys managed to lose this one, though I might be overestimating the speed and strength of the adversary, on the basis of their extreme toughness. That said, 95% of the book is not only well-written and exciting, but also fantastically tightly plotted. I never felt blindsided by the twists and turns - they were all earned with subtle foreshadowing - but even as a genre-savvy listener, I could only see them coming a minute or two away.

All-in-all, Death Masks is a winning contribution to a stellar series.

good sh*t

love the narration and the layout and the intro mysterious music also Marston is a beast. Good sh*t Butcher

So much happened

omg. Tiny plot holes here and there like how the knights would know where to go but at some times, not knowing for inexplicable reasons. But I enjoyed the book and the characters.
One thing I will say, I thought the author made progress on how 99.99% of the women were somehow attractive and sexual. But not really. And how the mc mind was on the s word when he sees those women. I was able to listen passed it. Would recommend if you don't mind any of these.

Pure unadulterated awesomeness!!!

I have been listening to Jim Butcher's audiobooks since I discovered his work around 2005. James Marsters is a great narrator and couldn't imagine anyone else doing it at this point. I am finally going back thru and listening to all of The Dresden Files in order to prepare for the 2 new books coming up for release in near future. I would highly recommend The Dresden Files or Codex Alera series. Codex Alera is finished so you don't have to worry about waiting for the next book to be released. That's all I got ;)

I thought I read this book....I'm glad I didn't...

This book was wonderfullll !..! :) Thank you for the cool P.I. music....soooo classy....I could envision the whole story....I can not wait to go on another adventure.... :) I feel sorry for Harry....this poooor character....and soooo heroic….:)

great book

good book enjoyed it very much has a great story line very action oriented book.

poor Harry

This series is great. a very compelling adventure. but I want happiness for Harry.

love Dresden Files

I really enjoyed reading this book, but even more so enjoyed listening to this recording. excellent story, great flow, great characters all read by a great reader.

Fantastic

I absolutely love the Dresden Files, and this is my favorite book in the series so far!