Spirited Away by 13th Dresden Files Novel, Ghost Story

Ghost Story, by Jim Butcher, is the thirteenth novel in the series The Dresden Files. It is a continuation of the story of Harry Dresden, professional wizard and private investigator from Chicago. Harry has to solve a murder in this installment, but there are two challenges. [Spoilers Ahead] First, the murder to be solved is his own; and second, he’s a ghost and cannot directly interact with the living world.

The book brings back many of the series’ best characters. Time has passed since his death, and life has changed many of Harry’s closest friends and allies. In an epiphany reminiscent of It’s a Wonderful Life, it becomes apparent to Harry that he made much more of a difference in the world than was clear to him while he was alive.

Butcher maintains his entertaining writing style. Harry remains a believable character, loaded to the gills with equal parts wisdom and sarcasm. His lack of good fortune continues to plague him, and he deals with it with humor and bad jokes.

As the story unfolds we learn more about the various supporting characters’ relationships with Harry and how his absence has affected them. There is a greater sense of real emotional cause-and-effect here than in prior novels in the series. Several old wounds are opened in the hearts of his nearest and dearest, shedding new light on the depth of their personalities and character. Harry learns a great deal about his friends and associates through several ways Butcher provides him to communicate with the living.

As the plot unfolds, we discover the nature of Harry’s death. Some may have guessed it while reading the prior book, but if it took you by surprise it’s an interesting twist. It all plays out very much with the characters true to their natures and the plot flowing well and in a fashion consistent with the rest of the series.

As often happens to him, we discover that Harry’s situation has been manipulated by outside forces, all of which have their own agendas. Intrigue abounds. The book leaves the reader eager to find out in the next book how Harry will cope with the situation in which he’s embroiled.

This is my favorite book of 2011 because I am a fan of the series. One must wonder how long a tale can be told before the author loses focus or continuity. Ghost Story keeps the story alive, so to speak, in fine style. It explores the characters in new detail and gives all of them chances to grow and evolve. It’s a wonderful addition to the series.

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