Dead Beat

The Dresden Files, Book 7

By: Jim Butcher

Narrated by: James Marsters

“The wildest, strangest, best Dresden adventure to date...Butcher’s blending of modern fantasy with classic noir sensibilities ensures that there’s never a dull moment.”—SF Site

Paranormal investigations are Harry Dresden’s business and Chicago is his beat, as he tries to bring law and order to a world of wizards and monsters that exists alongside everyday life. And though most inhabitants of the Windy City don’t believe in magic, the Special Investigations Department of the Chicago PD knows better.

Karrin Murphy is the head of S. I. and Harry’s good friend. So when a killer vampire threatens to destroy Murphy’s reputation unless Harry does her bidding, he has no choice. The vampire wants the Word of Kemmler (whatever that is) and all the power that comes with it. Now, Harry is in a race against time—and six merciless necromancers—to find the Word before Chicago experiences a Halloween night to wake the dead...

Critic reviews

Praise for the Dresden Files

“Think Buffy the Vampire Slayer starring Philip Marlowe.”—Entertainment Weekly

“Fans of Laurell K. Hamilton and Tanya Huff will love this series.”—Midwest Book Review

“Superlative.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

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

“Butcher...spins an excellent noirish detective yarn in a well-crafted, supernaturally-charged setting. The supporting cast is again fantastic, and Harry’s wit continues to fly in the face of a peril-fraught plot.”—Booklist (starred review)

“What’s not to like about this series?...It takes the best elements of urban fantasy, mixes it with some good old-fashioned noir mystery, tosses in a dash of romance and a lot of high-octane action, shakes, stirs, and serves.”—SF Site

“A tricky plot complete with against-the-clock pacing, firefights, explosions, and plenty of magic. Longtime series fans as well as newcomers drawn by the SciFi Channel’s TV series based on the novels should find this supernatural mystery a real winner.”—Library Journal

“What would you get if you crossed Spenser with Merlin? Probably you would come up with someone very like Harry Dresden, wizard, tough guy and star of [the Dresden Files].”—The Washington Times

Enjoyable if not a little underwhelming

What made the experience of listening to Dead Beat the most enjoyable?

Easily the answer to that question is James Marsters. His performance in these novels is some of the best narration that I have ever heard.

What did you like best about this story?

The early chapters pace and sense of humor.

Which scene was your favorite?

An altercation in a book store.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes it was. The pace is fast and with James's voice I could have easily done just that.

Any additional comments?

This book does have a rather silly ending. The first half is great the second is okay. I would say this was a middle of the road for Dresden.

James Marsters does it BEST

I love this series, but after reading the first four, I switched to Audible. James Martsters is the BEST narrator I have come across. He does all the voices and is great with accents! Dead Beat is a good story within itself, and adds to the continuing complex relationships Harry has in his life. My favorite parts of the book are when he talks to his Dad and Sue. The author has such fun writing the ending to this book, it is hilarious.

My favorite book in the series so far!

The climax to this book is absolutely bonkers and I loved every second of it.

At this point you're either on the Dresden train or you're not. This one holds up to the others, possibly better. Harry's story is really getting juicy. Can't wait for the next one!

Still enjoying the series.

I guess I'm past the "trying it out phase" of I'm on book 7 or 8 and I've gotten at least one of the Dresden books with my precious credit each month. haven't wanted my money or my time back. not even once. yet.

Great series and amazing narration can’t ask for more

This was my favorite book in the series so far. I have been hooked since I listened to the first one a month ago or so and I am now starting book 9.