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)

Another excellent addition to the series

This is a very good story with an excellent reader. The first few audible books in the Dresden Series were hampered by too much extraneous noise by the reader, such as swallowing and mouth noises. Thankfully, I have not noticed this in the last few books.

Rather than relating just another Dresden story, in Death Masks, the relationships mature and the overall story line and world become more rich and interesting. I already have #6 downloaded and ready to go.

Improvements

Both Butcher and Marsters are getting better now. Butcher hits the genre notes well and doesn't spend as much time checking out every woman character's body. Marsters' voices are finding firm footing, though the crime boss is now "marr-cohn."

Why the changes?

Any additional comments?

I only just started the book but I do love the series. My only question is why did Harry change his pronunciation of things? Marconi went to Marcone, and Amaracus to Amarac-e-us. Not sure why they felt the change was necessary, it was even a bit irritating. I'm sure I'll love this book too but I saw no other reviews point out this change and was surprised.

so great

Jim butcher is a great author.
I love his work. He knows how to get you to connect with the characters and also has a way of making you laugh at the oddest of times. This series is food for the imagination and mind.

This is supernatural thriller done right.

When i wasn't reading it i found myself thinking about it. I had very little time to read it so it became frustratingly addictive.

I am binging on Harry Dresden stories

I enjoy listening to the Harry Dresden series by Jim Butcher. The story is written in the film noir style, but instead of a detective, Harry is a Wizard for hire, although it seems that he ends up fighting evil pro bono. He does not consider himself a good guy. He got the dame, only to lose her. In this story, he fights Nicodemus, an ancient being who is totally evil. In the meantime, he also must duel to the death a warlord Vampire.

Great listen

Jim Butcher always tells a great story, and James Marsters finally learned how to pronounce sigil, so this was great. The audio editing also finally made the adjustments needed to not hear his moist mouth.

Series Review

Harry is one of my favorite fictional characters. The only negative is using up all my credits once I became addicted to the series.

Complex Plot!

Another great installment from Jim Butcher. My favorite one yet. The complex plot had me perplexed and listening a second time. GREAT characters and action!

Same Review

I write the same review for every book. Already know I loved the series, didn't know how talented the reader was till I partook in audible.