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Dead Beat

by Jim Butcher

A Chicago case with supernatural stakes

Critically Recognized
Regular price $14.41 USD
Regular price $24.02 USD Sale price $14.41 USD
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Awards & Recognition

  • Critical praise

    Praised by SF Site

    SF Site praises it as “the wildest, strangest, best Dresden adventure to date” and highlights Butcher’s blend of...

AlbakiReads Editorial

A Chicago case with supernatural stakes

Harry Dresden’s work as a paranormal investigator places him between Chicago’s ordinary routines and a hidden world of magic and monsters. When a vampire uses a threat against his friend Karrin Murphy to compel his help, the case centers on the mysterious Word of Kemmler and a contest with six necromancers. The city’s Halloween setting gives the investigation a clear deadline, while the threat reaches beyond Dresden’s immediate circle to the wider community. The setup combines urban fantasy, police investigation, and supernatural conflict, with Dresden caught between protecting a friend and confronting forces that could endanger Chicago.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Fans of contemporary fantasy set in a recognizable city
  • Readers interested in paranormal investigations and police connections
  • Those drawn to stories involving vampires, necromancers, and magical threats

Themes

Magic alongside everyday urban lifeFriendship and coercionInvestigation under pressureSupernatural danger to a community

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

"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...
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Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
AlbakiReads
Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

O
AlbakiReads
Olivia

Smooth.