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The Dresden Files #15.6
Brief Cases
An all-new Dresden Files story headlines this urban fantasy short story collection starring the Windy City’s favorite wizard.
The world of Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard, is rife with intrigue—and creatures of all supernatural stripes. And you’ll make their intimate acquaintance as Harry delves into the dark side of truth, justice, and the American way in this must-have short story collection.
From the Wild West to the bleachers at Wrigley Field, humans, zombies, incubi, and even fey royalty appear, ready to blur the line between friend and foe. In the never-before-published “Zoo Day,” Harry treads new ground as a dad, while fan-favorite characters Molly Carpenter, his onetime apprentice, White Council Warden Anastasia Luccio, and even Bigfoot stalk through the pages of more classic tales.
With twelve stories in all, Brief Cases offers both longtime fans and first-time readers tantalizing glimpses into Harry’s funny, gritty, and unforgettable realm, whetting their appetites for more to come from the wizard with a heart of gold.
The collection includes:
• “Curses,” from Naked City, edited by Ellen Datlow
• “AAAA Wizardry,” from the Dresden Files RPG
• “Even Hand,” from Dark and Stormy Knights, edited by P. N. Elrod
• “B is for Bigfoot,” from Under My Hat: Tales from the Cauldron, edited by Jonathan Strahan. Republished in Working for Bigfoot.
• “I was a Teenage Bigfoot,” from Blood Lite III: Aftertaste, edited by Kevin J. Anderson. Republished in Working for Bigfoot.
• “Bigfoot on Campus,” from Hex Appeal, edited by P. N. Elrod. Republished in Working for Bigfoot.
• “Bombshells,” from Dangerous Women, edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois
• “Jury Duty,” from Unbound, edited by Shawn Speakman
• “Cold Case,” from Shadowed Souls, edited by Jim Butcher and Kerrie Hughes
• “Day One,” from Unfettered II, edited by Shawn Speakman
• “A Fistful of Warlocks,” from Straight Outta Tombstone, edited by David Boop
• “Zoo Day,” a brand-new novella, original to this collection
The world of Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard, is rife with intrigue—and creatures of all supernatural stripes. And you’ll make their intimate acquaintance as Harry delves into the dark side of truth, justice, and the American way in this must-have short story collection.
From the Wild West to the bleachers at Wrigley Field, humans, zombies, incubi, and even fey royalty appear, ready to blur the line between friend and foe. In the never-before-published “Zoo Day,” Harry treads new ground as a dad, while fan-favorite characters Molly Carpenter, his onetime apprentice, White Council Warden Anastasia Luccio, and even Bigfoot stalk through the pages of more classic tales.
With twelve stories in all, Brief Cases offers both longtime fans and first-time readers tantalizing glimpses into Harry’s funny, gritty, and unforgettable realm, whetting their appetites for more to come from the wizard with a heart of gold.
The collection includes:
• “Curses,” from Naked City, edited by Ellen Datlow
• “AAAA Wizardry,” from the Dresden Files RPG
• “Even Hand,” from Dark and Stormy Knights, edited by P. N. Elrod
• “B is for Bigfoot,” from Under My Hat: Tales from the Cauldron, edited by Jonathan Strahan. Republished in Working for Bigfoot.
• “I was a Teenage Bigfoot,” from Blood Lite III: Aftertaste, edited by Kevin J. Anderson. Republished in Working for Bigfoot.
• “Bigfoot on Campus,” from Hex Appeal, edited by P. N. Elrod. Republished in Working for Bigfoot.
• “Bombshells,” from Dangerous Women, edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois
• “Jury Duty,” from Unbound, edited by Shawn Speakman
• “Cold Case,” from Shadowed Souls, edited by Jim Butcher and Kerrie Hughes
• “Day One,” from Unfettered II, edited by Shawn Speakman
• “A Fistful of Warlocks,” from Straight Outta Tombstone, edited by David Boop
• “Zoo Day,” a brand-new novella, original to this collection
448 pages, Hardcover
First published June 5, 2018
1922 people are currently reading
14031 people want to read
About the author
Jim Butcher
202 books51.4k followersJim Butcher is the author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. His resume includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs whenever he can make time for it. Jim currently resides mostly inside his own head, but his head can generally be found in his home town of Independence, Missouri.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
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October 30, 2020
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This collection, especially Zoo Day, is mostly worth it just for the non-Harry’s POV stories.
I’ve mentioned that I didn’t enjoy reading Side Jobs, the first collection of short stories and novellas in the world of The Dresden Files series. Brief Cases is the second collection of short stories in The Dresden Files, and it was overall a slightly better reading experience. But I’m still surprised by the immensely high average ratings given to this book. I guess it’s worth remembering that Brief Cases was first published during the long years of wait for Peace Talks to come out, and if I were put in the situation where I get to read this collection of short stories after I’ve waited for a long time for the new book to come out, I probably would’ve counted a new Dresden Files content as Christmas gifts.
As I said, I think this collection is worth the read just to get inside the mind of the other characters in the main series. I’m not a fan of Harry Dresden’s short stories; I found them way too short to have a lasting impact on me. Harry’s story seems to follow the same exact formula; Harry has a mini-quest to do, he got into a short conflict, and Harry won the day. I get that there’s a formulaic nature in the main series as well, but the content there reflected importance in the overarching stories, world-building, and character development. And that’s what I feel were fundamentally missing from the short stories here.
Similar to every collection of short stories, there were some stories that I liked and some that I didn’t. I enjoyed reading Day One, and I felt a bit so-so towards Molly’s set of stories—a shame because I thought I would love reading her stories. I would, however, say that the last title in this collection, Zoo Day, was wholesome to the max. I loved reading Zoo Day a lot; it means a lot to Harry, Maggie, and Mouse to have this day going for them, especially after all the destruction and sadness that keeps on happening in their lives. Plus, Mouse has a POV on this story. I was smiling throughout this story, and it put me in a good mood.
I loved The Dresden Files, but even then, I still have to say that only the super die-hard fans of the series would enjoy both Side Jobs and Brief Cases thoroughly. I look forward to reading Peace Talks and Battle Ground next week.
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping) | Bookshop (Support Local Bookstores!)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Edward, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Michelle, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Zoe.
This collection, especially Zoo Day, is mostly worth it just for the non-Harry’s POV stories.
I’ve mentioned that I didn’t enjoy reading Side Jobs, the first collection of short stories and novellas in the world of The Dresden Files series. Brief Cases is the second collection of short stories in The Dresden Files, and it was overall a slightly better reading experience. But I’m still surprised by the immensely high average ratings given to this book. I guess it’s worth remembering that Brief Cases was first published during the long years of wait for Peace Talks to come out, and if I were put in the situation where I get to read this collection of short stories after I’ve waited for a long time for the new book to come out, I probably would’ve counted a new Dresden Files content as Christmas gifts.
“At the end of the day, the greatest power Harry has is in lifting up the people around him.”
As I said, I think this collection is worth the read just to get inside the mind of the other characters in the main series. I’m not a fan of Harry Dresden’s short stories; I found them way too short to have a lasting impact on me. Harry’s story seems to follow the same exact formula; Harry has a mini-quest to do, he got into a short conflict, and Harry won the day. I get that there’s a formulaic nature in the main series as well, but the content there reflected importance in the overarching stories, world-building, and character development. And that’s what I feel were fundamentally missing from the short stories here.
Similar to every collection of short stories, there were some stories that I liked and some that I didn’t. I enjoyed reading Day One, and I felt a bit so-so towards Molly’s set of stories—a shame because I thought I would love reading her stories. I would, however, say that the last title in this collection, Zoo Day, was wholesome to the max. I loved reading Zoo Day a lot; it means a lot to Harry, Maggie, and Mouse to have this day going for them, especially after all the destruction and sadness that keeps on happening in their lives. Plus, Mouse has a POV on this story. I was smiling throughout this story, and it put me in a good mood.
“You humans have the potential to be the most wonderful beings there are—if you can get past all these enormous stupid spots you seem to have in your hearts. It’s not your fault. You just don’t know how to work your hearts right yet. That’s why there are dogs. I think it’s nice to know your purpose.”
I loved The Dresden Files, but even then, I still have to say that only the super die-hard fans of the series would enjoy both Side Jobs and Brief Cases thoroughly. I look forward to reading Peace Talks and Battle Ground next week.
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping) | Bookshop (Support Local Bookstores!)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Edward, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Michelle, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Zoe.
June 28, 2018
Final review, first posted on Fantasy Literature:
This is the case with one of my favorite stories, the first one, “A Fistful of Warlocks,” set in the American Old West in the late 1800s, long before Harry Dresden’s time. Anastasia Luccio is a wizard and a Warden of the White Council of Wizardry, sent by the Council to Dodge City to take a murderous warlock into custody. Anastasia is a woman with attitude:
Another particular standout is the last novelette, Zoo Day, where the same period of time and overlapping events are related by Harry Dresden and two other characters, a young girl named Maggie (who will be familiar to readers of the series) and an enormous and magical dog ironically named Mouse. Harry, Maggie, and Mouse take a trip to the zoo one day, where several different magical threats turn up to disrupt what was supposed to be a pleasant outing. Each of these three characters offers his or her own perspective on the events of that day, building on each other’s stories. It was insightful and even touching.
“B is for Bigfoot,” “I Was a Teenage Bigfoot” and “Bigfoot on Campus” are an enjoyable trio of stories about the son of Bigfoot by a human woman, a six foot-four inch archaeologist. Irwin, their son, is an intelligent and (understandably) physically strong young man, but has typical growing-up troubles with bullies, school teachers, and first love. Of course, there’s a magical twist to all of these problems. These stories explore some of the problems and concerns of parenting, with a Sasquatch spin.
Another particularly memorable story was “Curses,” a tale with a distinctly Chicago flavor, which relates the “true” story of the Chicago Cubs and the infamous Billy Goat Curse of 1945. Bob the Skull makes an appearance here to good effect, helping Harry analyze the long-running curse. In addition, there are a couple of stories featuring Harry’s friend Molly (one of which, “Cold Case,” is a bleak and distinctly Lovecraftian tale set in Alaska); “Day One,” a story about Waldo Butters and his first outing as a Knight; and “Even Hand,” from the point of view of Gentleman Johnnie Marcone, a crime lord with ties to the magical underworld.
These twelve stories in Brief Cases are set at various points in the DRESDEN FILES series and, fair warning, there are some significant spoilers relating to things that happen to some key characters in some of the later books of the series. It’s also helpful to be at least somewhat familiar with the series before launching into reading these stories. I’m somewhat a newbie to Harry Dresden: so far I’ve read only the first and fourth books in the series, but that was enough to anchor me for these stories.
Though these stories are fairly light action and mystery fantasy tales, there are deeper themes running through them. Butcher touches on some of these themes in his introductions to each story.
I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Thanks!!
Magic is well and good, but bullets are often swifter.Brief Cases (just published in June 2018) is a collection of a dozen short stories set in the world of Harry Dresden, a private investigator and talented wizard living in Chicago. Harry is the main character in most of the stories, but not all; a few other characters in Jim Butcher’s DRESDEN FILES universe get their chance to relate their adventures in their own voices.
This is the case with one of my favorite stories, the first one, “A Fistful of Warlocks,” set in the American Old West in the late 1800s, long before Harry Dresden’s time. Anastasia Luccio is a wizard and a Warden of the White Council of Wizardry, sent by the Council to Dodge City to take a murderous warlock into custody. Anastasia is a woman with attitude:
“Charmed, Anastasia,” said the deputy. He squinted at my sidearm and said, “Webley. Lot of gun.”The warlock she’s been sent to apprehend turns out to be a lot more trouble, and have more friends helping him, than Anastasia anticipated. For her part, she gets some assistance from a näcken, a treacherous shapeshifting water spirit (usually in the shape of a horse) who lost a bet to her, and a particular deputy who will be familiar to anyone who knows anything about the Old West. I was tickled pink to meet him in this tale!
He was not so very much taller than me. I arched an eyebrow at him and smiled. “I am a lot of woman.”
Another particular standout is the last novelette, Zoo Day, where the same period of time and overlapping events are related by Harry Dresden and two other characters, a young girl named Maggie (who will be familiar to readers of the series) and an enormous and magical dog ironically named Mouse. Harry, Maggie, and Mouse take a trip to the zoo one day, where several different magical threats turn up to disrupt what was supposed to be a pleasant outing. Each of these three characters offers his or her own perspective on the events of that day, building on each other’s stories. It was insightful and even touching.
“B is for Bigfoot,” “I Was a Teenage Bigfoot” and “Bigfoot on Campus” are an enjoyable trio of stories about the son of Bigfoot by a human woman, a six foot-four inch archaeologist. Irwin, their son, is an intelligent and (understandably) physically strong young man, but has typical growing-up troubles with bullies, school teachers, and first love. Of course, there’s a magical twist to all of these problems. These stories explore some of the problems and concerns of parenting, with a Sasquatch spin.
Another particularly memorable story was “Curses,” a tale with a distinctly Chicago flavor, which relates the “true” story of the Chicago Cubs and the infamous Billy Goat Curse of 1945. Bob the Skull makes an appearance here to good effect, helping Harry analyze the long-running curse. In addition, there are a couple of stories featuring Harry’s friend Molly (one of which, “Cold Case,” is a bleak and distinctly Lovecraftian tale set in Alaska); “Day One,” a story about Waldo Butters and his first outing as a Knight; and “Even Hand,” from the point of view of Gentleman Johnnie Marcone, a crime lord with ties to the magical underworld.
These twelve stories in Brief Cases are set at various points in the DRESDEN FILES series and, fair warning, there are some significant spoilers relating to things that happen to some key characters in some of the later books of the series. It’s also helpful to be at least somewhat familiar with the series before launching into reading these stories. I’m somewhat a newbie to Harry Dresden: so far I’ve read only the first and fourth books in the series, but that was enough to anchor me for these stories.
Though these stories are fairly light action and mystery fantasy tales, there are deeper themes running through them. Butcher touches on some of these themes in his introductions to each story.
The idea of the consequences of your actions coming back to you in the future is ingrained in the fabric of the Dresden Files ― and both your terrible choices and your more inspired ones engender consequences that will eventually come home to roost.Other than Zoo Day, which is new, all of these stories have appeared in various previously published anthologies. Brief Cases is well worth reading for fans of the DRESDEN FILES series, but might be slightly confusing for readers who aren’t at least a little familiar with the Dresden universe and characters.
I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Thanks!!
July 6, 2018
I remember a time when these nice short stories use to be fun little reads between the yearly main line books... instead of the only thing published for years.
Update: Read the book
The New Story
"Zoo Day" - This story is told three times from different points of view so I'll be rating them separately.
Dresden - A touching short story about Dresden having to learn to be a father while also being him. Over all good if rather low threat.
4/5 stars
Maggie - The same story but this time from Maggie's point of view. This gimmick is a little tiring but the way Maggie sees the world is interesting enough to keep this story engaging. Butcher doesn't do a very good job of making kids talk and act like kids but it did make me want more stories from her point of view.
4/5 stars
Mouse -Again? :/ The same story for a third time but from mouses pov. At this point the premise has worn thin and Mouse as a character and the differences in his part of the story just weren't enough to carry it.
2/5 stars
Total: 3.5/5 stars
Republishes I haven't read before:
“A Fistful of Warlocks” - The Luccio takes on necromancers in the Wild West story. Honestly the worst of the short stories. This one being first was a really bad idea and gives a terrible first impression.
1/5 stars
“Jury Duty” — A Dresden Short story, and this one was really good. The mundane setup is fun and the supernatural payoff is really good.
5/5 stars
“AAAA Wizardry” — Teacher Dresden as a framing device is pretty good and the story had a decent punch to it.
4/5 stars
“Day One” — A neat little short story about Butters and his new (Jedi) Knight status. This one is really good but very short. -1 star due to length.
4/5 stars
Republishes I have read before:
“Curses” — The Dresden, Wrigley Field curse story. I'm just not interested in Chicago Cubs and the story doesn't do anything to make me care.
2/5 stars
“Even Hand” — A Marcone story, it's pretty good, but Marcone is one of those characters who's inner workings are better left a mystery. I kind of wish I hadn't read this story as I prefer not entirely understanding his motivations.
3.5/5 stars
“B is for Bigfoot” — First of the Bigfoot trilogy. It's got some neat ideas in it but not a lot happens.
3/5 stars
“I Was A Teenage Bigfoot” — Second of the Bigfoot trilogy, it's easiestly the weakest of the three as there's barely any conflict in the story.
2/5 stars
“Bigfoot on Campus” — Last of the Bigfoot trilogy and the best of them. You can tell Butcher as an author and The Dresden Files as a world had really matured by this point.
4/5 stars
“Bombshells” — A Molly short story where she's trying to fill the shoes of Dresden while he was 'dead'. It's pretty good.
4/5 stars
“Cold Case” — A Molly short story where she has to learn how to be the Winter Lady and deal with some C'thulhu monsters. This one was fine, but nothing special
3/5 stars
Final Thoughts:
I think the idea behind this book is rather cynical. While collecting short stories published in other places together is a good idea (I'm not going to buy his rpg book to read one short story), More than half of the stories here were already collected in his short story collection books. 7 out of the 12 stories (MORE THAN HALF) are ones I'd read before. If I had bought the book instead of renting it I would have been very annoyed.
Just be aware of what you're getting here. If you're a big fan and go out of your way to read his short stories, you're going to get almost nothing out of this book. If you've only read the main series stories, this is a good one to pick up.
Final Score:
3.5/5 stars rounded down due to all the repeat stores.
Update: Read the book
The New Story
"Zoo Day" - This story is told three times from different points of view so I'll be rating them separately.
Dresden - A touching short story about Dresden having to learn to be a father while also being him. Over all good if rather low threat.
4/5 stars
Maggie - The same story but this time from Maggie's point of view. This gimmick is a little tiring but the way Maggie sees the world is interesting enough to keep this story engaging. Butcher doesn't do a very good job of making kids talk and act like kids but it did make me want more stories from her point of view.
4/5 stars
Mouse -Again? :/ The same story for a third time but from mouses pov. At this point the premise has worn thin and Mouse as a character and the differences in his part of the story just weren't enough to carry it.
2/5 stars
Total: 3.5/5 stars
Republishes I haven't read before:
“A Fistful of Warlocks” - The Luccio takes on necromancers in the Wild West story. Honestly the worst of the short stories. This one being first was a really bad idea and gives a terrible first impression.
1/5 stars
“Jury Duty” — A Dresden Short story, and this one was really good. The mundane setup is fun and the supernatural payoff is really good.
5/5 stars
“AAAA Wizardry” — Teacher Dresden as a framing device is pretty good and the story had a decent punch to it.
4/5 stars
“Day One” — A neat little short story about Butters and his new (Jedi) Knight status. This one is really good but very short. -1 star due to length.
4/5 stars
Republishes I have read before:
“Curses” — The Dresden, Wrigley Field curse story. I'm just not interested in Chicago Cubs and the story doesn't do anything to make me care.
2/5 stars
“Even Hand” — A Marcone story, it's pretty good, but Marcone is one of those characters who's inner workings are better left a mystery. I kind of wish I hadn't read this story as I prefer not entirely understanding his motivations.
3.5/5 stars
“B is for Bigfoot” — First of the Bigfoot trilogy. It's got some neat ideas in it but not a lot happens.
3/5 stars
“I Was A Teenage Bigfoot” — Second of the Bigfoot trilogy, it's easiestly the weakest of the three as there's barely any conflict in the story.
2/5 stars
“Bigfoot on Campus” — Last of the Bigfoot trilogy and the best of them. You can tell Butcher as an author and The Dresden Files as a world had really matured by this point.
4/5 stars
“Bombshells” — A Molly short story where she's trying to fill the shoes of Dresden while he was 'dead'. It's pretty good.
4/5 stars
“Cold Case” — A Molly short story where she has to learn how to be the Winter Lady and deal with some C'thulhu monsters. This one was fine, but nothing special
3/5 stars
Final Thoughts:
I think the idea behind this book is rather cynical. While collecting short stories published in other places together is a good idea (I'm not going to buy his rpg book to read one short story), More than half of the stories here were already collected in his short story collection books. 7 out of the 12 stories (MORE THAN HALF) are ones I'd read before. If I had bought the book instead of renting it I would have been very annoyed.
Just be aware of what you're getting here. If you're a big fan and go out of your way to read his short stories, you're going to get almost nothing out of this book. If you've only read the main series stories, this is a good one to pick up.
Final Score:
3.5/5 stars rounded down due to all the repeat stores.
June 7, 2018
Brief Cases (The Dresden Files #15.1) by Jim Butcher is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. I have loved his books even before he had the TV show. I love the imagination, creativity, and the humor. This book is another one of those books! Several short stories creative characters and plots that kept me interested from beginning to the end. They also have just enough snark and wit! There were several stories about Bigfoot and a really great one about Dodge City and Mr. Earp. But in that last story there were wizards and strange creatures to ride on that did not sound like horses! That was my favorite. A fun read.
June 25, 2018
Okay, a review... ah, screw it.
I gave this compilation 5-stars even though I've heard a number of them before and some were better than others. Do you know why? Because I DID NOT want this audiobook to end. I LOOOOOOOVE the narrator of this series, the super, super talented James Marsters, and it almost made me cry when Brief Cases was over. I MISSED this series. Write faster, Jim Butcher. WRITE FASTER.
"A Fistful of Warlocks" (from Straight Outta Tombstone, edited by David Boon), read by Cassandra Campbell: 3.5 stars
I loved listening to Cassandra Campbell narrate this short story. My chief complaint? I WANTED MORE! Too short, but extremely promising. I'd listen to an entire series of her Wild West adventures.
"B Is for Bigfoot" (from Under My Hat: Tales from the Cauldron, edited by Jonathan Strahan), read by James Marsters
"AAAA Wizardry" (from the Dresden Files RPG), read by James Marsters
"I Was a Teenage Bigfoot" (from Blood Lite 3: Aftertaste, edited by Kevin J. Anderson), read by James Marsters: 4.5 stars
I already listened to these stories in Working for Bigfoot and I loved them then. Same rating. Still loved these short stories.
"AAAA Wizardry" (from the Dresden Files RPG), read by James Marsters: 3-stars
Good, but not particularly memorable. Again, I just wanted more!
"Curses" (from The Naked City, edited by Ellen Datlow), read by James Marsters: 4.5 stars
Fun, fun, fun! Baseball fun. This was a great short.
"Even Hand" (from Dark and Stormy Knights, edited by P. N. Elrodread), read by Jim Butcher: 4 stars
Jim Butcher did a great job narrating this! Loved hearing a story from Gentleman Johnnie Marcone's POV. I could use a whole book of this stuff. Very well done.
"Bombshells" (from Dangerous Women, edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois), read by Julia Whelan: 4.5 stars
LOVED Julia Whelan's narration and adored this new-to-me story from the POV of Molly. Exciting, fun, and dangerous enough to keep me on my toes. I want more, more, more stories from Molly's POV.
"Cold Case" (from Shadowed Souls, edited by Jim Butcher and Kerrie Hughes), read by Julia Whelan: 4.5 stars
Yes, yes, yes! Love you, Lady Molly.
"Jury Duty" (from Unbound, edited by Shawn Speakman), read by James Marsters: 4 stars
Very solid, awesome narration as always.
"Day One" (from Unfettered II, edited by Shawn Speakman), read by Oliver Wyman: 3.5 stars
Polka will never die!
"Zoo Day" (original), read by James Marsters: 5 stars
Loved this complex story, excellent reading. What a way to end!
July 7, 2018
I already read most of these in other collections.
March 27, 2020
Just when I thought I would never see another Harry Dresden book, I get an ARC for number 16! So what does that mean?
I've GOTTA PREPARE MYSELF! Wooooooo!
A short story collection featuring Harry and a few of the other personalities? The one I didn't read when it came out a few years ago? Yep. That sounds like just the ticket. :)
And after reading it, it made me realize that I really did miss Harry. A lot.
And now I'm STOKED.
I've GOTTA PREPARE MYSELF! Wooooooo!
A short story collection featuring Harry and a few of the other personalities? The one I didn't read when it came out a few years ago? Yep. That sounds like just the ticket. :)
And after reading it, it made me realize that I really did miss Harry. A lot.
And now I'm STOKED.
June 5, 2018
3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/06/05/...
Hard to believe it has been four years since the release of the last Dresden Files book, and sure, fans might have a little longer to wait until Peace Talks, but for now, an anthology would tide me over quite nicely. Peace Talks is a collection of new and old (but mostly old) short fiction that takes place in the world of Harry Dresden, collected in one convenient volume. Together with the previous anthology Side Jobs, these books give you a chance to catch up with all the stories if you haven’t had a chance to do so yet.
A more detailed review of the contents:
A FISTFUL OF WARLOCKS
The opening story is a Western, as evidenced by its title, following Anastasia Luccio long before she has achieved the post of commander of White Council wardens. Riding in pursuit of a rogue warlock named Alexander Page, Luccio heads into Dodge City where she meets Wyatt Earp and teams up with him to take on a couple of necromancers.
In his foreword for this story, Jim Butcher writes: “Some stories happen because a writer gets inspired by some wild idea that needs expression. Some stories are carefully put together as part of a greater whole. And some stories you write because a professional friend asks you if you want to contribute to an anthology, and it sounds like a really fun idea.” This third reason given is why I typically don’t tend to read “side stories” that are tacked onto a main series, preferring the “inspired” and “carefully put together” ones instead. Plus, with any series, I always seem to end up forming attachments to only a small number of characters, and as such, I find I have very little interest in novellas or shorts that feature the perspectives of other minor characters or people in the series universe.
I’m guessing this is why I didn’t like this story as much as I’d hoped. To be honest, I barely remember Anastasia Luccio from the main series, and while meeting Wyatt Earp was kinda cool and on the whole this was a fun little story, A Fistful of Warlocks still had that “throwaway” vibe to it that makes me doubt it will stick in my mind for very long.
B IS FOR BIGFOOT
I had much better luck with B is for Bigfoot, which is also the first story of what is now known as Butcher’s “Bigfoot trilogy”, a trio of short stories featuring Harry Dresden and his interactions with the Sasquatch known as River Shoulders. In this one, Harry is hired to help Irwin Pounder, River Shoulders’ son who lives with his human mother. It seems lately that Irwin has been having some trouble at school, and Harry takes it upon himself to give the boy a talk about bullies. For such a short tale, this one had a lot of heart, and both River Shoulders and Irwin are great additions to the Dresden universe.
AAAA WIZARDRY
Originally included in the manual Dresden Files RPG: Core Rulebook Volume 2 – Our World, this short story shows Harry in a role of teacher to a group of young wardens. I liked how it featured another side of the character, though plot-wise it was a bit undeveloped. Since the tale was first published in an RPG rulebook about the many different factions, people, and creatures of the Dresdenverse, I didn’t really expect a lot from it, but I had hoped that it would be a bit more memorable.
I WAS A TEENAGE BIGFOOT
We’re back to River Shoulders and Irwin Pounder in this story, and I couldn’t be happier. This time, Irwin is a little older, attending the prestigious Saint Mark’s Academy for the Gifted and Talented. But his supernatural origins might have attracted some unwanted attention, so his mother Dr. Helena Pounder hires Harry to keep an eye on her son. Sure enough, when Irwin gets sick, Harry is not convinced that it’s just a simple case of mono. These Bigfoot stories are becoming the highlight of this anthology, and this one had a funny twist at the end too that had me laughing. I had a great time with this one.
CURSES
Set between Small Favor and Turn Coat, this story begins when a man walks into Harry’s office attempting to hire him to remove the curse that was supposed placed on the Chicago Cubs during the 1945 World Series. It was an interesting premise, but I just didn’t find myself too invested in the story, though I’m sure it would be immensely more fun for baseball fans or Chicago natives. At the very least, I got to learn some new things surrounding what is known as the Billy Goat Curse.
EVEN HAND
Set between Turn Coat and Changes, this story is told from the perspective of one of the series’ most notorious characters, the mob boss known as “Gentleman” John Marcone. Things begin in his office with a visit from Justine, who arrives with a child in tow, claiming that she is being pursued by the Fomor, a race of water-dwelling creatures. Justine wants protection from Marcone, who is about to turn her away until the leader of the Fomor himself crashes his headquarters, changing the situation. I’ll be honest; I was a never a big fan of John Marcone, even though he’s one of the most prominent characters of the Dresden Files series, having been around since the beginning. That said, I’ve always liked the complexity behind his personality and motivations, and this one did a nice job showing him operating in his own world.
BIGFOOT ON CAMPUS
And so ends the Bigfoot trilogy with this final River Shoulders story about Harry helping Irwin Pounder for the third time. Irwin is now all grown up and in college, playing on the football team, dating a pretty girl, and generally busy doing college student things. However, when it is discovered that Irwin’s girlfriend Connie Barrowill is a vampire of the White Court, Harry goes to let River Shoulders know that his son may be in danger. But as always, things are never as they seem, especially when it turns out Connie is also unaware of her true nature. Things turn a little dark in this Bigfoot story, but I loved the deeper themes in the end about fatherhood and trusting in your children to make their own way.
BOMBSHELLS
A story about Molly Carpenter, Bombshells follows Harry’s apprentice showing how she’s been dealing with life since the death of her mentor. This one also begins with the sudden appearance of Justine, who shows up on Molly’s doorstep asking for help looking for her lover Thomas, who is also Harry’s half-brother. For a series I love so much, sometimes it surprises me how few of the key characters actually resonate with me. Molly is another member of the main cast whom I’ve never really felt much for, which might explain why I felt so apathetic about this story. It has only been a few days since I finished reading it, but I’ve forgotten many details from it already.
COLD CASE
Another Molly story, but I fared a lot better with this one. Cold Case begins with Mab, the Queen of Air and Darkness, charging Molly to collect an overdue tribute owed to the Winter Court. While on her mission, Molly meets up with Carlos Ramirez, a young warden of the Wizard Council, and they strike up a fast friendship and become intimate with each other. Unbeknownst to Molly, however, when she agreed to take on the Winter’s Lady mantle, certain unpleasant “rules” came attached. Admittedly, this story didn’t really wow me until near the end, when the revelations of the mantle’s influence finally hit me like a punch in the gut. I really felt bad for Molly then, and Butcher did such a great job writing her anger, frustration, and loneliness.
JURY DUTY
In this story, Harry is summoned for the direst and most unpleasant of tasks—jury duty. A man named Hamilton Luther is under trial for the murder, and it appears to be a straightforward case until information surfaces about the possible presence of little girl at the crime scene, who would be a key witness—if she could be found. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, Harry follows the girl’s trail and discovers that she has been abducted by a vampire of the White Court. Featuring a mix of action and humor, this was one of the more entertaining and interesting stories of the collection.
DAY ONE
Yay, a Butters story! I was excited about this one, because here’s a side character from the series that I actually am quite fond of. Day One follows Butters as he embarks on a mission to track down a supernatural predator who has been targeting children, feeding on their nightmares and turning the kids into paranoid and sleepless husks. I have a soft spot for geeks and nerd characters, which is probably why I like Butters so much. Characters like him don’t get much of a chance to shine, so when they get to be the stars of their own stories, however short they are, I take notice. Plus, this one had a hilarious World of Warcraft reference, and because I just happen to be an avid pet collector in that game, huge points for that bit about the murloc egg.
ZOO DAY
Told in three parts, Zoo Day is the only story completely original to this anthology and hasn’t appeared before anywhere else. In it, Harry takes Maggie and Mouse to the zoo, and father are daughter get some quality time to get to know each other. That is, until a fledgling warlock interrupts their plans. These series of events are depicted three times, first from the perspective of Harry, then Maggie, and finally Mouse. This is a story that does many things, but I mainly liked it for showing Harry trying to be a good parent, and Maggie learning what kind of man her dad is. Their nervousness around each other really pulled on my heartstrings, especially with both of scared that they would be a disappointment to the other, when there is in fact no need for worry on that front. It’s immediately clear that the two of them are cut from the same cloth, in that they both have big hearts and want to help others. This was a sweet and touching tale to end the anthology, showing that despite all the troubles in Harry’s busy life, he still strives to make time for his daughter, recalling the loneliness he felt growing up without his parents. Mouse’s POV also succeeded in adding a little levity, because who doesn’t love getting a story from a dog’s perspective?
All in all, Brief Cases was a good read. I’m not usually one to pick up short fiction, but I absolutely would not hesitate to make an exception for an anthology like this one, mainly because the stories are in the world of a series I love. While it’s true that most of these fell into the “okay” to “good” category, there were some that were truly excellent, like the Bigfoot trilogy, that made it all worth it. Needless to say, if you’re a fan of the Dresden Files or Jim Butcher, this anthology is not to be missed.
Hard to believe it has been four years since the release of the last Dresden Files book, and sure, fans might have a little longer to wait until Peace Talks, but for now, an anthology would tide me over quite nicely. Peace Talks is a collection of new and old (but mostly old) short fiction that takes place in the world of Harry Dresden, collected in one convenient volume. Together with the previous anthology Side Jobs, these books give you a chance to catch up with all the stories if you haven’t had a chance to do so yet.
A more detailed review of the contents:
A FISTFUL OF WARLOCKS
The opening story is a Western, as evidenced by its title, following Anastasia Luccio long before she has achieved the post of commander of White Council wardens. Riding in pursuit of a rogue warlock named Alexander Page, Luccio heads into Dodge City where she meets Wyatt Earp and teams up with him to take on a couple of necromancers.
In his foreword for this story, Jim Butcher writes: “Some stories happen because a writer gets inspired by some wild idea that needs expression. Some stories are carefully put together as part of a greater whole. And some stories you write because a professional friend asks you if you want to contribute to an anthology, and it sounds like a really fun idea.” This third reason given is why I typically don’t tend to read “side stories” that are tacked onto a main series, preferring the “inspired” and “carefully put together” ones instead. Plus, with any series, I always seem to end up forming attachments to only a small number of characters, and as such, I find I have very little interest in novellas or shorts that feature the perspectives of other minor characters or people in the series universe.
I’m guessing this is why I didn’t like this story as much as I’d hoped. To be honest, I barely remember Anastasia Luccio from the main series, and while meeting Wyatt Earp was kinda cool and on the whole this was a fun little story, A Fistful of Warlocks still had that “throwaway” vibe to it that makes me doubt it will stick in my mind for very long.
B IS FOR BIGFOOT
I had much better luck with B is for Bigfoot, which is also the first story of what is now known as Butcher’s “Bigfoot trilogy”, a trio of short stories featuring Harry Dresden and his interactions with the Sasquatch known as River Shoulders. In this one, Harry is hired to help Irwin Pounder, River Shoulders’ son who lives with his human mother. It seems lately that Irwin has been having some trouble at school, and Harry takes it upon himself to give the boy a talk about bullies. For such a short tale, this one had a lot of heart, and both River Shoulders and Irwin are great additions to the Dresden universe.
AAAA WIZARDRY
Originally included in the manual Dresden Files RPG: Core Rulebook Volume 2 – Our World, this short story shows Harry in a role of teacher to a group of young wardens. I liked how it featured another side of the character, though plot-wise it was a bit undeveloped. Since the tale was first published in an RPG rulebook about the many different factions, people, and creatures of the Dresdenverse, I didn’t really expect a lot from it, but I had hoped that it would be a bit more memorable.
I WAS A TEENAGE BIGFOOT
We’re back to River Shoulders and Irwin Pounder in this story, and I couldn’t be happier. This time, Irwin is a little older, attending the prestigious Saint Mark’s Academy for the Gifted and Talented. But his supernatural origins might have attracted some unwanted attention, so his mother Dr. Helena Pounder hires Harry to keep an eye on her son. Sure enough, when Irwin gets sick, Harry is not convinced that it’s just a simple case of mono. These Bigfoot stories are becoming the highlight of this anthology, and this one had a funny twist at the end too that had me laughing. I had a great time with this one.
CURSES
Set between Small Favor and Turn Coat, this story begins when a man walks into Harry’s office attempting to hire him to remove the curse that was supposed placed on the Chicago Cubs during the 1945 World Series. It was an interesting premise, but I just didn’t find myself too invested in the story, though I’m sure it would be immensely more fun for baseball fans or Chicago natives. At the very least, I got to learn some new things surrounding what is known as the Billy Goat Curse.
EVEN HAND
Set between Turn Coat and Changes, this story is told from the perspective of one of the series’ most notorious characters, the mob boss known as “Gentleman” John Marcone. Things begin in his office with a visit from Justine, who arrives with a child in tow, claiming that she is being pursued by the Fomor, a race of water-dwelling creatures. Justine wants protection from Marcone, who is about to turn her away until the leader of the Fomor himself crashes his headquarters, changing the situation. I’ll be honest; I was a never a big fan of John Marcone, even though he’s one of the most prominent characters of the Dresden Files series, having been around since the beginning. That said, I’ve always liked the complexity behind his personality and motivations, and this one did a nice job showing him operating in his own world.
BIGFOOT ON CAMPUS
And so ends the Bigfoot trilogy with this final River Shoulders story about Harry helping Irwin Pounder for the third time. Irwin is now all grown up and in college, playing on the football team, dating a pretty girl, and generally busy doing college student things. However, when it is discovered that Irwin’s girlfriend Connie Barrowill is a vampire of the White Court, Harry goes to let River Shoulders know that his son may be in danger. But as always, things are never as they seem, especially when it turns out Connie is also unaware of her true nature. Things turn a little dark in this Bigfoot story, but I loved the deeper themes in the end about fatherhood and trusting in your children to make their own way.
BOMBSHELLS
A story about Molly Carpenter, Bombshells follows Harry’s apprentice showing how she’s been dealing with life since the death of her mentor. This one also begins with the sudden appearance of Justine, who shows up on Molly’s doorstep asking for help looking for her lover Thomas, who is also Harry’s half-brother. For a series I love so much, sometimes it surprises me how few of the key characters actually resonate with me. Molly is another member of the main cast whom I’ve never really felt much for, which might explain why I felt so apathetic about this story. It has only been a few days since I finished reading it, but I’ve forgotten many details from it already.
COLD CASE
Another Molly story, but I fared a lot better with this one. Cold Case begins with Mab, the Queen of Air and Darkness, charging Molly to collect an overdue tribute owed to the Winter Court. While on her mission, Molly meets up with Carlos Ramirez, a young warden of the Wizard Council, and they strike up a fast friendship and become intimate with each other. Unbeknownst to Molly, however, when she agreed to take on the Winter’s Lady mantle, certain unpleasant “rules” came attached. Admittedly, this story didn’t really wow me until near the end, when the revelations of the mantle’s influence finally hit me like a punch in the gut. I really felt bad for Molly then, and Butcher did such a great job writing her anger, frustration, and loneliness.
JURY DUTY
In this story, Harry is summoned for the direst and most unpleasant of tasks—jury duty. A man named Hamilton Luther is under trial for the murder, and it appears to be a straightforward case until information surfaces about the possible presence of little girl at the crime scene, who would be a key witness—if she could be found. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, Harry follows the girl’s trail and discovers that she has been abducted by a vampire of the White Court. Featuring a mix of action and humor, this was one of the more entertaining and interesting stories of the collection.
DAY ONE
Yay, a Butters story! I was excited about this one, because here’s a side character from the series that I actually am quite fond of. Day One follows Butters as he embarks on a mission to track down a supernatural predator who has been targeting children, feeding on their nightmares and turning the kids into paranoid and sleepless husks. I have a soft spot for geeks and nerd characters, which is probably why I like Butters so much. Characters like him don’t get much of a chance to shine, so when they get to be the stars of their own stories, however short they are, I take notice. Plus, this one had a hilarious World of Warcraft reference, and because I just happen to be an avid pet collector in that game, huge points for that bit about the murloc egg.
ZOO DAY
Told in three parts, Zoo Day is the only story completely original to this anthology and hasn’t appeared before anywhere else. In it, Harry takes Maggie and Mouse to the zoo, and father are daughter get some quality time to get to know each other. That is, until a fledgling warlock interrupts their plans. These series of events are depicted three times, first from the perspective of Harry, then Maggie, and finally Mouse. This is a story that does many things, but I mainly liked it for showing Harry trying to be a good parent, and Maggie learning what kind of man her dad is. Their nervousness around each other really pulled on my heartstrings, especially with both of scared that they would be a disappointment to the other, when there is in fact no need for worry on that front. It’s immediately clear that the two of them are cut from the same cloth, in that they both have big hearts and want to help others. This was a sweet and touching tale to end the anthology, showing that despite all the troubles in Harry’s busy life, he still strives to make time for his daughter, recalling the loneliness he felt growing up without his parents. Mouse’s POV also succeeded in adding a little levity, because who doesn’t love getting a story from a dog’s perspective?
All in all, Brief Cases was a good read. I’m not usually one to pick up short fiction, but I absolutely would not hesitate to make an exception for an anthology like this one, mainly because the stories are in the world of a series I love. While it’s true that most of these fell into the “okay” to “good” category, there were some that were truly excellent, like the Bigfoot trilogy, that made it all worth it. Needless to say, if you’re a fan of the Dresden Files or Jim Butcher, this anthology is not to be missed.
March 29, 2022
5 Stars for Brief Cases: The Dresden Files #15.1 (audiobook) by Jim Butcher read by James Masters, Cassandra Campbell, Julia Whelan, Oliver Wyman and the author.
This was a wonderful group of short stories. There were some new ones and some old favorites. I just love this world with all of it’s great characters. I especially liked the Bigfoot stories and the last story that was told from three different perspectives.
This was a wonderful group of short stories. There were some new ones and some old favorites. I just love this world with all of it’s great characters. I especially liked the Bigfoot stories and the last story that was told from three different perspectives.
December 23, 2021
4 Stars
It was so awesome to be back in this world (yes, even if this wasn't Peace Talks) and I really enjoyed these short stories.
What I liked most is that Harry isn't the only pov character in these. Molly, Maggi and Macrone (and even Mouse!) have their own stories or at least pov scenes and tell stories, that aren't necessarily connected to Harry.
Of course some stories were more enjoyable than others, with Cold Case (Molly's first real assignment after what happened in Cold Days) and Day One (which shows how Butters manages his "new job") on top. No short story felt unnecessary or boring, so altogether a great collection.
Individual Ratings:
A Fistful of Warlocks - 3 Stars
B is for Bigfoot - 3.5 Stars
AAAA Wizardy - 4 Stars
I Was A Teenage Bigfoot - 3.5 Stars
Curses - 3 Stars
Even Hand - 4 Stars
Bigfoot on Campus - 3.5 Stars
Bombshells - 4 Stars
Cold Case - 4.75 Stars
Jury Duty - 4.25 Stars
Day One - 4.25 Stars
Zoo Day - 4.25 Stars
It was so awesome to be back in this world (yes, even if this wasn't Peace Talks) and I really enjoyed these short stories.
What I liked most is that Harry isn't the only pov character in these. Molly, Maggi and Macrone (and even Mouse!) have their own stories or at least pov scenes and tell stories, that aren't necessarily connected to Harry.
Of course some stories were more enjoyable than others, with Cold Case (Molly's first real assignment after what happened in Cold Days) and Day One (which shows how Butters manages his "new job") on top. No short story felt unnecessary or boring, so altogether a great collection.
Individual Ratings:
A Fistful of Warlocks - 3 Stars
B is for Bigfoot - 3.5 Stars
AAAA Wizardy - 4 Stars
I Was A Teenage Bigfoot - 3.5 Stars
Curses - 3 Stars
Even Hand - 4 Stars
Bigfoot on Campus - 3.5 Stars
Bombshells - 4 Stars
Cold Case - 4.75 Stars
Jury Duty - 4.25 Stars
Day One - 4.25 Stars
Zoo Day - 4.25 Stars
Want to read
May 24, 2018Contents:
001 - “A Fistful of Warlocks”
029 - “B Is for Bigfoot”
061 - “AAAA Wizardry”
085 - “I was a Teenage Bigfoot
113 - “Curses”
141 - “Even Hand”
169 - “Bigfoot on Campus”
221 - “Bombshells”
277 - “Cold Case”
325 - “Jury Duty”
353 - “Day One”
381 - “Zoo Day”
001 - “A Fistful of Warlocks”
029 - “B Is for Bigfoot”
061 - “AAAA Wizardry”
085 - “I was a Teenage Bigfoot
113 - “Curses”
141 - “Even Hand”
169 - “Bigfoot on Campus”
221 - “Bombshells”
277 - “Cold Case”
325 - “Jury Duty”
353 - “Day One”
381 - “Zoo Day”
June 5, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
MORE DRESDEN! FINALLY! Okay, so, I'm not going to get into how much Butcher is driving me nuts over here with his newly found George R.R. Martinism. But I will say YAY, because finally more Dresden.
Let's be honest here, though... most of these shorties were already released in other anthologies. Only one is new and original to this anthology. But, as someone who doesn't usually purchase many anthologies unless they are author-specific (like this one, or Faith Hunter's Jane Yellowrock anthology, or Patty Briggs' Mercyverse anthology) or they have at least two or three shorties by authors I already know and love... this anthology was a gem. I got all of these other shorties without the expense of buying many more anthologies with things I probably wouldn't love in them. :) And we got a brand new standalone story called Zoo Day.
My favorite stories in this collection were the Molly stories, if I'm being honest. She's become a very interesting and easy to relate to character, and it was cool (pun intended!) to see things from her point of view. She's got a lot of challenges ahead of her now, and I think she's going to remain one of my favorite characters in the growing cast.
I also really loved the Butters shorty. Seriously, I love Waldo "POLKA WILL NEVER DIE" Butters. I love all the nerdy references in his stories.
Zoo Day was great... and we got to see some of the story from a VERY cool perspective... MOUSE! I loved it... and loved the quote from a dog's viewpoint: "That might be the hardest part of human heart-stupidity: how much happiness you simply leave aside so that you have enough time to worry." Ain't that the truth? The foo dog speaks truth!
I liked being able to read all of the Bigfoot stories as well, and rereading Marcone's shorty Even Hand was fun too.
Overall, highly recommended to help tide you over if you are jonesing for a Dresden fix, especially if you are like me haven't read most of these shorties.
---
Review to come on release date, but initial thoughts:
I enjoyed the Bigfoot stories and the random other ones, but the best stories, in my opinion, were the Molly stories, the Butters story, and Zoo Day. :)
MORE DRESDEN! FINALLY! Okay, so, I'm not going to get into how much Butcher is driving me nuts over here with his newly found George R.R. Martinism. But I will say YAY, because finally more Dresden.
Let's be honest here, though... most of these shorties were already released in other anthologies. Only one is new and original to this anthology. But, as someone who doesn't usually purchase many anthologies unless they are author-specific (like this one, or Faith Hunter's Jane Yellowrock anthology, or Patty Briggs' Mercyverse anthology) or they have at least two or three shorties by authors I already know and love... this anthology was a gem. I got all of these other shorties without the expense of buying many more anthologies with things I probably wouldn't love in them. :) And we got a brand new standalone story called Zoo Day.
My favorite stories in this collection were the Molly stories, if I'm being honest. She's become a very interesting and easy to relate to character, and it was cool (pun intended!) to see things from her point of view. She's got a lot of challenges ahead of her now, and I think she's going to remain one of my favorite characters in the growing cast.
I also really loved the Butters shorty. Seriously, I love Waldo "POLKA WILL NEVER DIE" Butters. I love all the nerdy references in his stories.
Zoo Day was great... and we got to see some of the story from a VERY cool perspective... MOUSE! I loved it... and loved the quote from a dog's viewpoint: "That might be the hardest part of human heart-stupidity: how much happiness you simply leave aside so that you have enough time to worry." Ain't that the truth? The foo dog speaks truth!
I liked being able to read all of the Bigfoot stories as well, and rereading Marcone's shorty Even Hand was fun too.
Overall, highly recommended to help tide you over if you are jonesing for a Dresden fix, especially if you are like me haven't read most of these shorties.
---
Review to come on release date, but initial thoughts:
I enjoyed the Bigfoot stories and the random other ones, but the best stories, in my opinion, were the Molly stories, the Butters story, and Zoo Day. :)
October 13, 2020
"“May I present Harry Dresden, magus, a commander of the Order of the Grey Cloak, sometime mortal Champion of Queen Mab and Esquire of the Court of Queen Titania."
I have read many of the “Dresden Files.” Some were better than others. I like this collection of short stories for two reasons:
-----First, it fills in some of the gaps and gives context to what happened in those novels.
-----Second, the introductory pieces provide some insight into what Butcher is trying to accomplish. For example:
"When you set out to write a wizard, there are a lot of issues you have to face: How does the magic work? Where did he get his power? What is the nature of magic in relation to the universe? How do people regard magic in that story world? And on and on and on. Those are pretty obvious questions. They make for some really fun and occasionally thought-provoking tales. But as story devices, wizards also have some inherent problems with their popular perception: They are generally loner figures, living in some tower and only occasionally interacting with the world—which works great when the wizard is a supporting figure, and is complete garbage when it comes to having a wizard as a central character. Wizards have tremendous power—which is great when it’s coming from a supporting character who has limitations that mean he can only occasionally do something. But, again, when casting a wizard as the central character, from a storytelling standpoint all of that power is a liability, not an asset. Protagonists have to be challenged, struggle, and grow, not just mow down everything that gets in their way"
"The idea of the consequences of your actions coming back to you in the future is ingrained into the fabric of the Dresden Files—and both your terrible choices and your more inspired ones engender consequences that will eventually come home to roost."
This is author Butcher talking about how he has envisioned the whole Dresden Files series, and I believe it is accurate.
No real surprises, but for me just what I wanted:
---an exploration of moral issues
---stories told from perspectives other than Dresden’s
---greater understanding of some of key characters in this saga
I have read many of the “Dresden Files.” Some were better than others. I like this collection of short stories for two reasons:
-----First, it fills in some of the gaps and gives context to what happened in those novels.
-----Second, the introductory pieces provide some insight into what Butcher is trying to accomplish. For example:
"When you set out to write a wizard, there are a lot of issues you have to face: How does the magic work? Where did he get his power? What is the nature of magic in relation to the universe? How do people regard magic in that story world? And on and on and on. Those are pretty obvious questions. They make for some really fun and occasionally thought-provoking tales. But as story devices, wizards also have some inherent problems with their popular perception: They are generally loner figures, living in some tower and only occasionally interacting with the world—which works great when the wizard is a supporting figure, and is complete garbage when it comes to having a wizard as a central character. Wizards have tremendous power—which is great when it’s coming from a supporting character who has limitations that mean he can only occasionally do something. But, again, when casting a wizard as the central character, from a storytelling standpoint all of that power is a liability, not an asset. Protagonists have to be challenged, struggle, and grow, not just mow down everything that gets in their way"
"The idea of the consequences of your actions coming back to you in the future is ingrained into the fabric of the Dresden Files—and both your terrible choices and your more inspired ones engender consequences that will eventually come home to roost."
This is author Butcher talking about how he has envisioned the whole Dresden Files series, and I believe it is accurate.
No real surprises, but for me just what I wanted:
---an exploration of moral issues
---stories told from perspectives other than Dresden’s
---greater understanding of some of key characters in this saga
June 9, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I had a great time with this book. I knew that this was going to be a book that I would need to read as soon as I saw it. I have been a fan of The Dresden Files for quite some time so spending a bit of time with Harry Dresden and company was something that I was quite eager to do. I went into this book with pretty high expectations simply because I have come to expect great things from this series. I am happy to say that this book met every one of those expectations.
Of the 12 stories included in this collection, 11 have been previously published. I was lucky enough to have missed all but one of the stories so almost everything was new to me. The one story that I had read previously was one that I really enjoyed the first time so I decided to go ahead and read it again and ended up enjoying it just as much the second time around.
I loved how varied and original each of the stories were while giving me the taste of much loved series that I was looking for. Some of the stories feature Harry as the lead character but we do get the chance to see other characters take that role including Molly, Butters, Maggie and Mouse, and Warden Luccio. I loved getting the chance to see these other characters take the lead and enjoyed spending a moment hearing some of their thoughts.
When I pick up a collection of stories, I have discovered that I will probably like some of the stories more than others. I usually come across a few that I don't really care for as well but that didn't happen with this book. I really liked all of the stories pretty equally and can honestly say that every story in the group is solid and if rated individually, I would give them all either 4 or 5 stars.
I would highly recommend this book to others. These stories take place at various spots within the series but I think readers new to the series would appreciate this book. Fans that are up to date with the series will enjoy seeing favorite characters as we remember them. I can't wait to read more from this amazing series!
I received a digital review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I enjoyed this book of stories. Even though most of the stories in this collection have been previously published, I had only read one of them prior to picking up this book. I liked that there was a short introduction from the author before each story to set everything up. It was great to spend some time with Harry, Molly, Butters, Maggie, and the rest of the gang.
I had a great time with this book. I knew that this was going to be a book that I would need to read as soon as I saw it. I have been a fan of The Dresden Files for quite some time so spending a bit of time with Harry Dresden and company was something that I was quite eager to do. I went into this book with pretty high expectations simply because I have come to expect great things from this series. I am happy to say that this book met every one of those expectations.
Of the 12 stories included in this collection, 11 have been previously published. I was lucky enough to have missed all but one of the stories so almost everything was new to me. The one story that I had read previously was one that I really enjoyed the first time so I decided to go ahead and read it again and ended up enjoying it just as much the second time around.
I loved how varied and original each of the stories were while giving me the taste of much loved series that I was looking for. Some of the stories feature Harry as the lead character but we do get the chance to see other characters take that role including Molly, Butters, Maggie and Mouse, and Warden Luccio. I loved getting the chance to see these other characters take the lead and enjoyed spending a moment hearing some of their thoughts.
When I pick up a collection of stories, I have discovered that I will probably like some of the stories more than others. I usually come across a few that I don't really care for as well but that didn't happen with this book. I really liked all of the stories pretty equally and can honestly say that every story in the group is solid and if rated individually, I would give them all either 4 or 5 stars.
I would highly recommend this book to others. These stories take place at various spots within the series but I think readers new to the series would appreciate this book. Fans that are up to date with the series will enjoy seeing favorite characters as we remember them. I can't wait to read more from this amazing series!
I received a digital review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I enjoyed this book of stories. Even though most of the stories in this collection have been previously published, I had only read one of them prior to picking up this book. I liked that there was a short introduction from the author before each story to set everything up. It was great to spend some time with Harry, Molly, Butters, Maggie, and the rest of the gang.
June 26, 2018
Me when I found out that a new short stories book was coming out during the downtime before Peace Talks:
I'll admit, when I started reading this book I was a bit... miffed. Apprehensive. It's been a long time since I'd been in the Dresdenverse, and I'd been spending a lot of time in other universes. I was impatient for a new book.
[Now don't get me wrong -- I understand authors are human beings with lives and other responsibilities and they don't exist solely to entertain me. I have sort of a cognitive dissonance going on where I am 110% patient when it comes to supporting Mr. Butcher as an author who writes on his own time, while I am also mad at Harry for being away for so long.]
But the Bigfoot stories got to me and pulled me out of my "I miss Harry" funk. The Bigfoot trilogy rose to the top of the collection and showed us the more parental side of Harry. We see this new Harry again in the final story, where a zoo trip with Mouse and Maggie forces all three to face their demons (and some real demons, too.)
Side characters are given their time to shine in this anthology. Even Gentleman Marcone gets an opportunity to be a bit heroic. We see Molly twice, one in a heartrending story of loss, and again when she earns that favor from the dark elves and we see how an illusion mage like herself handles combat magic. (Creatively.)
Waldo Butters steals the show as the new Knight of the Cross. Considering that he wields a sword that looks more like a lightsaber than a holy relic, it should come as no surprise that his first "Call" from the Almighty is quite a bit different from the still, quiet voice that pious Michael had heard.
And who could deny the appeal of Anastasia Luccio subduing some bad guys out in the Old West with Wyatt Earp?
I suppose you could skip this collection and still read Peace Talks, book 16, when it comes out. But why would you want to? This book is just fun and gives more insight to characters that Mr. Butcher has already fleshed out wonderfully.
received via Netgalley
I'll admit, when I started reading this book I was a bit... miffed. Apprehensive. It's been a long time since I'd been in the Dresdenverse, and I'd been spending a lot of time in other universes. I was impatient for a new book.
[Now don't get me wrong -- I understand authors are human beings with lives and other responsibilities and they don't exist solely to entertain me. I have sort of a cognitive dissonance going on where I am 110% patient when it comes to supporting Mr. Butcher as an author who writes on his own time, while I am also mad at Harry for being away for so long.]
But the Bigfoot stories got to me and pulled me out of my "I miss Harry" funk. The Bigfoot trilogy rose to the top of the collection and showed us the more parental side of Harry. We see this new Harry again in the final story, where a zoo trip with Mouse and Maggie forces all three to face their demons (and some real demons, too.)
Side characters are given their time to shine in this anthology. Even Gentleman Marcone gets an opportunity to be a bit heroic. We see Molly twice, one in a heartrending story of loss, and again when she earns that favor from the dark elves and we see how an illusion mage like herself handles combat magic. (Creatively.)
Waldo Butters steals the show as the new Knight of the Cross. Considering that he wields a sword that looks more like a lightsaber than a holy relic, it should come as no surprise that his first "Call" from the Almighty is quite a bit different from the still, quiet voice that pious Michael had heard.
And who could deny the appeal of Anastasia Luccio subduing some bad guys out in the Old West with Wyatt Earp?
I suppose you could skip this collection and still read Peace Talks, book 16, when it comes out. But why would you want to? This book is just fun and gives more insight to characters that Mr. Butcher has already fleshed out wonderfully.
received via Netgalley
February 26, 2021
This anthology of short stories has become one of my favorite Harry Dresden books.
Fans of the best-selling urban fantasy series have come to expect a lot from writer Jim Butcher, and he’s delivered again and again. And while wizard Harry Dresden is a great protagonist, Butcher’s greater achievement is the exceptional world building that he’s created. Over the course of over a dozen novels and scores of short stories, we’ve all come to know the Dresden universe – of vampire courts, and Fae, and ghouls, magical beasts, and … well, magic.
Here, Butcher provides us with even more magic, a closer look at some of the supporting cast in this great series. Harry’s friends are a big part of why this series is so captivating and we get to know some of these players in greater detail.
My favorites were “Curses” because – baseball, the Bigfoot stories and the best of the book, and one of his best stories overall is “Zoo Day” where we see from the perspective of Maggy and Mouse. YES! Mouse! And I want a full book from that shaggy guy.
A must read for Dresden aficionados and also a good introduction to his work for new readers.
Fans of the best-selling urban fantasy series have come to expect a lot from writer Jim Butcher, and he’s delivered again and again. And while wizard Harry Dresden is a great protagonist, Butcher’s greater achievement is the exceptional world building that he’s created. Over the course of over a dozen novels and scores of short stories, we’ve all come to know the Dresden universe – of vampire courts, and Fae, and ghouls, magical beasts, and … well, magic.
Here, Butcher provides us with even more magic, a closer look at some of the supporting cast in this great series. Harry’s friends are a big part of why this series is so captivating and we get to know some of these players in greater detail.
My favorites were “Curses” because – baseball, the Bigfoot stories and the best of the book, and one of his best stories overall is “Zoo Day” where we see from the perspective of Maggy and Mouse. YES! Mouse! And I want a full book from that shaggy guy.
A must read for Dresden aficionados and also a good introduction to his work for new readers.
July 27, 2018
A lot of these stories I'd read before in other anthologies, but Jim Butcher's a good enough writer I didn't mind reading them again. The other 4 or 5 were brand new to me. Only about half of them feature Harry while the others star his supporting cast. Standouts include the one where Jim Butcher took on explaining the Billy Goat Curse on the Cubs. As a lifelong Cubs fan, I really enjoyed this. He needs to write a followup now that the Cubs broke the curse. I also really like the Molly and the Butters stories. I love seeing both of those characters grow into their full potential. The last story about Harry, Maggie, and Mouse going to the zoo was magical. I really enjoyed how the story was told from the 3 different points of view. I'm very curious how elements of this story will play into the future.
September 20, 2021
Still reading Zoo Day but I just love everything about The Dresden Files and most of these short stories were so fun to read. We get some great ones from other characters and it really helps shape the world and their personal stories within the greater arc of the main series.
March 13, 2025
I’m rereading this collection, having first read it back in 2019, and I had forgotten just how much fun it is. I mean, I enjoy the Dresden Files enough that I’ve read all the novels, but I’m not exactly a super fan. More often than not I give the books a three stars I liked it rating. But almost all of the stories in this collection were solid four stars or close to it.
That set me to pondering. Why did all of these stories, written over an expanse of time, work so well for me? I think it has to do with the vagueries of formulaic writing. If you are familiar with the Dresden Files, you know the formula — it’s there every time. If you keep reading these books, you’re okay with that. It’s what makes them literary comfort food. But sometimes, the formula can get tedious. We all know that the first time (or two) that Harry bursts in somewhere to solve the case, he will have miscalculated, or something unexpected has happened, and he will get his butt handed to him. Of course, he then licks his wounds, regroups, and comes at it with a different approach, or something else changes, and Harry prevails in the end. Without the first couple of miscalculations and failures, the books don’t work because there won’t be enough material. And sometimes, those necessary first couple of failures feels like just what they are — filler.
But the short stories are different. Oh, they still follow the formula, but because of their length, they don’t need the filler sections — they can get right to the fun action climax of the tale without the intervening false starts. Of course, they still benefit from using all the familiar characters and history developed over the course of the entire series. So a Dresden Files short story is everything I like about the series distilled down into a quick shot of pure adrenaline fun. No wonder I like these tales so much.
A Fistful of Warlocks
What do you get when Warden Anastasia rides a dark fae disguised as a horse into Dodge City in search of a murderous warlock, then teams up with Wyatt Earp to defeat a powerful necromancer who is emptying Boot Hill to send the dead against them? A bloody brilliant Western/fantasy backstory on a significant member of the White Council.
4 ⭐️
B is for Bigfoot
When Harry gets a strange request to meet a perspective client in the woods, he’s amazed to find that he’ll be working for Bigfoot. Thus begins the romp of a tale that includes the half human son of Bigfoot, private Chicago prep schools, predatory bullies, and a dangerously supernatural asshole gym teacher. Bigfoot, big fun!
4 ⭐️
AAAA Wizardry
Harry is teaching a class of young warden wizards the cautious and careful practices necessary to become old warden wizards. He illustrates his lesson with a cautionary tale from his own experience, where mistakes were made, and he underestimated the boogeyman.
4 ⭐️
I was a Teenage Bigfoot
Harry is hired, once again, by the massive Bigfoot, River Shoulders, again to deal with issues his half human son has in a peculiarly supernaturally susceptible Chicago prep school. Harry susses out the problem, and righteously schools the culprit. Fun.
4 ⭐️
Curses
Dresden, Fae Folk, and Baseball, oh my!
Baseball fans know that the game is magic, but sometimes it literally crosses over with the supernatural and inexplicable, as in the case of the Cubs’ Goat Curse. And that is exactly an investigative wizards sweet spot! As a baseball fan, this one really hits it out of the park!
5 ⭐️
Even Hand
A story narrated by “Gentleman” John Marcone, mob boss, Freeholding Lord of Chicago, and, in his own words, professional monster. He has certain rules that he does not abide breaking (his way of explaining a protectiveness of children) and when a Fomor Lord crosses those rules, Marcone will go to war for his code.
4 ⭐️
Bigfoot on Campus
The final in the trilogy of Bigfoot/Son of Bigfoot stories. Now, Irvin (Son of Bigfoot) is the big man on campus (literally), but his shadowy father, River Shoulders, has dreamed that he’s once again in danger, and, as before, hires Harry to sort it out. But this time it may be more than Harry can handle, what with the vampires, and the ghouls, and a massive, dormitory-wide orgy going on. A fast furious, and fun story.
4 ⭐️
Bombshells
Set after the events of Changes when Harry was presumed to be dead, this story is narrated by Molly, Harry’s apprentice, during the difficult time when she was known as “the Ragged Lady.” A tense caper story involving a missing Thomas, the Fomor, the Svartalves, and White Court vampires — this short story reads like the crazed, frenetic climax to one of the novels.
3 1/2 ⭐️
Cold Case
Another Molly story — her first assignment as the new Winter Lady. She hooks up with a handsome young warden of the White Council to defeat some Cthulhian horrors in a small Alaskan village. Sexual tension, violence, and action infuse the story, and the ending will make you hate the Winter Court.
3 1/2 ⭐️
Jury Duty
Always have to keep it real with Harry — he may be a super powerful White Council wizard, but he’s also forced to deal with mundane irritations like jury duty. Of course, Harry being Harry, when he suspects that the defendant was messed with by supernatural forces and is getting a bum deal, he has to meddle, and there is our adventure. Interestingly, in a story that involves wizards, werewolves, and vampires, the least believable plot point is an average ex con mug representing himself at his own trial.
3 1/2 ⭐️
Day One
Waldo Butters, Jedi Knight. ‘Nuff said.
4 ⭐️
Zoo Day
A triple story, told from perspectives of Harry, his daughter, Maggie, and the huge temple dog, Mouse. A simple visit to the zoo, intended as a father/daughter bonding activity, finds all three facing their own, separate battles.
3 ⭐️
That set me to pondering. Why did all of these stories, written over an expanse of time, work so well for me? I think it has to do with the vagueries of formulaic writing. If you are familiar with the Dresden Files, you know the formula — it’s there every time. If you keep reading these books, you’re okay with that. It’s what makes them literary comfort food. But sometimes, the formula can get tedious. We all know that the first time (or two) that Harry bursts in somewhere to solve the case, he will have miscalculated, or something unexpected has happened, and he will get his butt handed to him. Of course, he then licks his wounds, regroups, and comes at it with a different approach, or something else changes, and Harry prevails in the end. Without the first couple of miscalculations and failures, the books don’t work because there won’t be enough material. And sometimes, those necessary first couple of failures feels like just what they are — filler.
But the short stories are different. Oh, they still follow the formula, but because of their length, they don’t need the filler sections — they can get right to the fun action climax of the tale without the intervening false starts. Of course, they still benefit from using all the familiar characters and history developed over the course of the entire series. So a Dresden Files short story is everything I like about the series distilled down into a quick shot of pure adrenaline fun. No wonder I like these tales so much.
A Fistful of Warlocks
What do you get when Warden Anastasia rides a dark fae disguised as a horse into Dodge City in search of a murderous warlock, then teams up with Wyatt Earp to defeat a powerful necromancer who is emptying Boot Hill to send the dead against them? A bloody brilliant Western/fantasy backstory on a significant member of the White Council.
4 ⭐️
B is for Bigfoot
When Harry gets a strange request to meet a perspective client in the woods, he’s amazed to find that he’ll be working for Bigfoot. Thus begins the romp of a tale that includes the half human son of Bigfoot, private Chicago prep schools, predatory bullies, and a dangerously supernatural asshole gym teacher. Bigfoot, big fun!
4 ⭐️
AAAA Wizardry
Harry is teaching a class of young warden wizards the cautious and careful practices necessary to become old warden wizards. He illustrates his lesson with a cautionary tale from his own experience, where mistakes were made, and he underestimated the boogeyman.
4 ⭐️
I was a Teenage Bigfoot
Harry is hired, once again, by the massive Bigfoot, River Shoulders, again to deal with issues his half human son has in a peculiarly supernaturally susceptible Chicago prep school. Harry susses out the problem, and righteously schools the culprit. Fun.
4 ⭐️
Curses
Dresden, Fae Folk, and Baseball, oh my!
Baseball fans know that the game is magic, but sometimes it literally crosses over with the supernatural and inexplicable, as in the case of the Cubs’ Goat Curse. And that is exactly an investigative wizards sweet spot! As a baseball fan, this one really hits it out of the park!
5 ⭐️
Even Hand
A story narrated by “Gentleman” John Marcone, mob boss, Freeholding Lord of Chicago, and, in his own words, professional monster. He has certain rules that he does not abide breaking (his way of explaining a protectiveness of children) and when a Fomor Lord crosses those rules, Marcone will go to war for his code.
4 ⭐️
Bigfoot on Campus
The final in the trilogy of Bigfoot/Son of Bigfoot stories. Now, Irvin (Son of Bigfoot) is the big man on campus (literally), but his shadowy father, River Shoulders, has dreamed that he’s once again in danger, and, as before, hires Harry to sort it out. But this time it may be more than Harry can handle, what with the vampires, and the ghouls, and a massive, dormitory-wide orgy going on. A fast furious, and fun story.
4 ⭐️
Bombshells
Set after the events of Changes when Harry was presumed to be dead, this story is narrated by Molly, Harry’s apprentice, during the difficult time when she was known as “the Ragged Lady.” A tense caper story involving a missing Thomas, the Fomor, the Svartalves, and White Court vampires — this short story reads like the crazed, frenetic climax to one of the novels.
3 1/2 ⭐️
Cold Case
Another Molly story — her first assignment as the new Winter Lady. She hooks up with a handsome young warden of the White Council to defeat some Cthulhian horrors in a small Alaskan village. Sexual tension, violence, and action infuse the story, and the ending will make you hate the Winter Court.
3 1/2 ⭐️
Jury Duty
Always have to keep it real with Harry — he may be a super powerful White Council wizard, but he’s also forced to deal with mundane irritations like jury duty. Of course, Harry being Harry, when he suspects that the defendant was messed with by supernatural forces and is getting a bum deal, he has to meddle, and there is our adventure. Interestingly, in a story that involves wizards, werewolves, and vampires, the least believable plot point is an average ex con mug representing himself at his own trial.
3 1/2 ⭐️
Day One
Waldo Butters, Jedi Knight. ‘Nuff said.
4 ⭐️
Zoo Day
A triple story, told from perspectives of Harry, his daughter, Maggie, and the huge temple dog, Mouse. A simple visit to the zoo, intended as a father/daughter bonding activity, finds all three facing their own, separate battles.
3 ⭐️
November 16, 2025
Brief Cases is a collection of what they call "shorts stories", but I call them a fantastic way to experience this amazing world in novelette length tellings. Every single story had me engaged and invested in the outcome... And, that is hard to do with "short stories".
I received this ARC copy of Brief Cases from Berkley Publishing Group - Ace. This is my honest and voluntary review. Brief Cases is set for publication June 05, 2018.
I received this ARC copy of Brief Cases from Berkley Publishing Group - Ace. This is my honest and voluntary review. Brief Cases is set for publication June 05, 2018.
June 7, 2018
BRIEF CASES is the second collection of short stories by Jim Butcher. The first one, SIDE JOBS was one I tremendously enjoyed because it was a nice mixture of Harry Dresden stories as well as his supporting cast. I also enjoyed seeing more of the Formor, who are my favorite of Jim Butcher's creations even if they mostly serve as cannon fodder and mooks following the destruction of the Red Court.
Brief Cases is a very entertaining collection of short stories which include three stories introducing "Big Foot" into the world of the Dresden Files, Anastasia Luccio in the Old West, Molly Carpenter versus the Formor, Gentleman Johnny Marcone versus a Formor wizard, Butters' first outing as a Knight of the Cross, and a story where Harry Dresden takes his daughter to the zoo.
So, what did I think of Brief Cases? It's good. I actually was a beta-reader for some of the Big Foot stories back when I was still a super-fan of Jim Butcher's work versus writing my own urban fantasy. The Big Foot stories are easily the best in the collection and I kind of think it was a mistake to make three short stories about the premise versus one big novel called BIG SHOES TO FILL. There's certainly enough material to do a book and the characters are interesting enough to keep me interested.
As for Harry Dresden becoming a dad like Kratos and other aging characters in genre fiction, I'm glad to see he's making an effort to get to know his daughter. Sadly, Maggie doesn't really make that much of an impression in her initial appearance. She's a brave and adorable little tyke but doesn't have much in the way of personality versus, say, Ivy the Archive. Maybe that will change once she ages up.
Molly Carpenter is the character who gets the most development after Harry himself. We get to see her doing her best to fight the Formor threat in Chicago as well as forge alliances for the Paranet. I never much cared for Bat-Molly in GHOST STORY but prefer her being mostly the same Goth Girl she was before, just older and more mature. This book runs her through the ringer, though, especially when we discover what being the Winter Lady entails.
Most of the stories follow the formula of, "X character meets Y monster, they fight" so I can't say it's quite as interesting as Side Jobs. I don't think we get as much insight into new characters as we did in that collection. I think Marcone's story remains the most interesting as we really get to see how prepared and dangerous he is for dealing with a supernatural threat like Harry Dresden.
In any case, I think the best part of this book is it nicely puts me in the mood for a return of the Dresden Files after the long absence following Harry's adventures in SKIN GAME.
8.5/10
Brief Cases is a very entertaining collection of short stories which include three stories introducing "Big Foot" into the world of the Dresden Files, Anastasia Luccio in the Old West, Molly Carpenter versus the Formor, Gentleman Johnny Marcone versus a Formor wizard, Butters' first outing as a Knight of the Cross, and a story where Harry Dresden takes his daughter to the zoo.
So, what did I think of Brief Cases? It's good. I actually was a beta-reader for some of the Big Foot stories back when I was still a super-fan of Jim Butcher's work versus writing my own urban fantasy. The Big Foot stories are easily the best in the collection and I kind of think it was a mistake to make three short stories about the premise versus one big novel called BIG SHOES TO FILL. There's certainly enough material to do a book and the characters are interesting enough to keep me interested.
As for Harry Dresden becoming a dad like Kratos and other aging characters in genre fiction, I'm glad to see he's making an effort to get to know his daughter. Sadly, Maggie doesn't really make that much of an impression in her initial appearance. She's a brave and adorable little tyke but doesn't have much in the way of personality versus, say, Ivy the Archive. Maybe that will change once she ages up.
Molly Carpenter is the character who gets the most development after Harry himself. We get to see her doing her best to fight the Formor threat in Chicago as well as forge alliances for the Paranet. I never much cared for Bat-Molly in GHOST STORY but prefer her being mostly the same Goth Girl she was before, just older and more mature. This book runs her through the ringer, though, especially when we discover what being the Winter Lady entails.
Most of the stories follow the formula of, "X character meets Y monster, they fight" so I can't say it's quite as interesting as Side Jobs. I don't think we get as much insight into new characters as we did in that collection. I think Marcone's story remains the most interesting as we really get to see how prepared and dangerous he is for dealing with a supernatural threat like Harry Dresden.
In any case, I think the best part of this book is it nicely puts me in the mood for a return of the Dresden Files after the long absence following Harry's adventures in SKIN GAME.
8.5/10
July 30, 2018
That might have worked to help hold me over for the next Dresden book. RTC
September 27, 2018
Short tastes of Harry Dresden's world. I can't wait for the next novel in this brilliant series!
February 18, 2019
Actual rating: 3.50
July 3, 2018
A wonderful collection of short Dresden stories, just enough to tide fans until the next book (Peace Talks) comes out. I've recently binge read the whole series (full review on my blog), so was eager to grab a copy of this novel as soon as it was out.
What to Expect
Twelve short stories, mostly published originally elsewhere, with one I believe written specifically for this anthology. They represent smaller cases that Dresden took between the main novels in the series. The earliest is set between books 2 & 3, and the latest just after the last published book (mostly between books of the later novels in the series). Most feature Harry in his usual flippant glory, but five stories are written from the perspective of other characters: Anastasia Luccio, Marcone, Molly (two stories), and Butters.
What I liked
The stories are mostly on the lighter side ('Bombshells' has the punniest title), providing quick and entertaining reads. Harry spouts his usual wise-cracks, and the other character's points of view are refreshing. All the stories are excellent, but "Zoo Day" is probably my favourite, not the least of which due to it's unique viewpoints.
What to be aware of
While a short story collection is often a good way to introduce yourself to an author's style, because this collection happens between volumes of a long running series it is probably not a great place to start. There are a few references that will not make sense, and spoilers when you do read the series.
Summary
If you're a Dresden fan, you need this book! Even if you came across some of the stories in other places, it's hard to chase up each anthology. Having them all in one place (plus anything not published elsewhere) makes for a great read. Highly recommended.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
Twelve short stories, mostly published originally elsewhere, with one I believe written specifically for this anthology. They represent smaller cases that Dresden took between the main novels in the series. The earliest is set between books 2 & 3, and the latest just after the last published book (mostly between books of the later novels in the series). Most feature Harry in his usual flippant glory, but five stories are written from the perspective of other characters: Anastasia Luccio, Marcone, Molly (two stories), and Butters.
What I liked
The stories are mostly on the lighter side ('Bombshells' has the punniest title), providing quick and entertaining reads. Harry spouts his usual wise-cracks, and the other character's points of view are refreshing. All the stories are excellent, but "Zoo Day" is probably my favourite, not the least of which due to it's unique viewpoints.
What to be aware of
While a short story collection is often a good way to introduce yourself to an author's style, because this collection happens between volumes of a long running series it is probably not a great place to start. There are a few references that will not make sense, and spoilers when you do read the series.
Summary
If you're a Dresden fan, you need this book! Even if you came across some of the stories in other places, it's hard to chase up each anthology. Having them all in one place (plus anything not published elsewhere) makes for a great read. Highly recommended.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
March 8, 2025
Very good short stories set in the Dresden Files universe. Now I just think about the power of The Rack. The last story, Zoo Day, has a wonderful multiple-POV format. 4.75/5.
July 26, 2018
Read this review and more at Book Geeks Uncompromised!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
So apparently anthologies and short story collections are just not my thing. Not through any fault of their own but because after reading one story, I kept treating it like an entire book and moving on to something else. So in case anyone has wondered why this has sat on my "currently reading" shelf on Goodreads for so long, that's why.
At first, it kind of bothered me that this collection is mostly stories that had previously been published elsewhere rather than all new stories. On further thought though, that would just prolong the completion of Peace Talks so I can deal with it. :)
As for Brief Cases itself, much like the main series, some stories I really enjoyed, others I found okay.
There are several stories (3 I think) that deal with Bigfoot that I am kind of sad never made it into the main storyline. The story itself was on that was okay for me but I liked seeing Harry helping a supernatural creature in the way he is typically helping just humans, especially in the earlier books.
But the stories from Marcone and Molly! I was really unsure how I would feel about a Dresden Files story from another POV but I actually really liked these stories.
Molly is a character that I have liked since her introduction but never really connected with her. Never disliked her but was never overly excited to see her either. Because of this I was not too excited about reading her stories but again, I was pleasantly surprised by them.
However, Marcone's story was the true gem for me. He is such a shadowy figure in the Dresden Files universe and his character is very...fluid. Very unpredictable to me. I absolutely loved reading from inside his mind. I would probably read a standalone novel entirely from his perspective.
So although these short story collections are not usually my thing and it did take me a while to get through it due to my own bad habits, this was a great way to hold over this fan of the Dresden Files until Peace Talks is released.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
So apparently anthologies and short story collections are just not my thing. Not through any fault of their own but because after reading one story, I kept treating it like an entire book and moving on to something else. So in case anyone has wondered why this has sat on my "currently reading" shelf on Goodreads for so long, that's why.
At first, it kind of bothered me that this collection is mostly stories that had previously been published elsewhere rather than all new stories. On further thought though, that would just prolong the completion of Peace Talks so I can deal with it. :)
As for Brief Cases itself, much like the main series, some stories I really enjoyed, others I found okay.
There are several stories (3 I think) that deal with Bigfoot that I am kind of sad never made it into the main storyline. The story itself was on that was okay for me but I liked seeing Harry helping a supernatural creature in the way he is typically helping just humans, especially in the earlier books.
But the stories from Marcone and Molly! I was really unsure how I would feel about a Dresden Files story from another POV but I actually really liked these stories.
Molly is a character that I have liked since her introduction but never really connected with her. Never disliked her but was never overly excited to see her either. Because of this I was not too excited about reading her stories but again, I was pleasantly surprised by them.
However, Marcone's story was the true gem for me. He is such a shadowy figure in the Dresden Files universe and his character is very...fluid. Very unpredictable to me. I absolutely loved reading from inside his mind. I would probably read a standalone novel entirely from his perspective.
So although these short story collections are not usually my thing and it did take me a while to get through it due to my own bad habits, this was a great way to hold over this fan of the Dresden Files until Peace Talks is released.
January 20, 2026
3rd UPDATE: I still liked this one. I liked the different POVs of some of the regulars. Still 4 stars.
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Re-read Update: This time around, I think Butters' short story was my favorite. I liked how the author stated that when he created that character, he wasn't created for a long term presence. Then somehow, he grew into a permanent position. Still 4 stars.
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This was another collection of short stories from Jim Butcher. I liked this one, but I think I liked "Side Jobs" better. I love Harry and the world he lives in. The author has managed to keep things in motion all throughout this series. Some of the additional characters come and go, and some have remained permanent fixtures.
There were two stories that weren't my favorites here. It was Molly's POV and Mouse's, but other than that, I enjoyed this one. I especially loved the Big Foot stories. So 4 stars.
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Re-read Update: This time around, I think Butters' short story was my favorite. I liked how the author stated that when he created that character, he wasn't created for a long term presence. Then somehow, he grew into a permanent position. Still 4 stars.
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This was another collection of short stories from Jim Butcher. I liked this one, but I think I liked "Side Jobs" better. I love Harry and the world he lives in. The author has managed to keep things in motion all throughout this series. Some of the additional characters come and go, and some have remained permanent fixtures.
There were two stories that weren't my favorites here. It was Molly's POV and Mouse's, but other than that, I enjoyed this one. I especially loved the Big Foot stories. So 4 stars.
August 30, 2020
Brief Cases is a compilation of twelve short stories in the Dresden Files universe. At the beginning of each story, the author adds a note about why he decided to write the story and where it fits on the timeline. About half of these stories are told from Harry's point-of-view. The others feature Molly, Carlos Ramirez, Waldo Butters, Justine, Anastasia Luccio, John Marcone, Harry's daughter Maggie, and his dog Mouse.
I think all of the stories were above average. A highlight for me was three short stories where Harry's client is Bigfoot, asking Harry for help with his son, Irwin. I also enjoyed Anastasia Luccio as a warden in her younger days, teaming up with Wyatt Earp to take out some warlocks. My rating: 4.5 Stars
I think all of the stories were above average. A highlight for me was three short stories where Harry's client is Bigfoot, asking Harry for help with his son, Irwin. I also enjoyed Anastasia Luccio as a warden in her younger days, teaming up with Wyatt Earp to take out some warlocks. My rating: 4.5 Stars
December 25, 2025
This will be one of my last reviews of 2025, and as I'm writing this on Christmas Eve, I wanted to wish all of you who celebrate it a Merry Christmas before I get into the review.
Brief Cases is a set of short stories set in the Dresden Files universe created by author Jim Butcher. There are some great stories in here, and for those of you who are interested in Bigfoot/Sasquatch, there are three interconnected stories in here featuring those creatures. The stories in this collection are superbly written for the most part, and for someone who wasn't even fifty when this collection came out, I was impressed by how many sage nuggets of wisdom Butcher scattered within.
Unfortunately, starting at the story Bombshells, which was pretty bad, the book starts to go downhill, and from that point on there are no further stories worth more than a 3.5-star rating, with many below even that. Prior to that point, I'd given numerous stories in this collection four stars, so this book is definitely front-loaded in terms of the good stuff almost all being in the first half or so.
Some stories in the second half follow a slutty apprentice wizard named Molly Carpenter, who seemingly wants to sleep with every guy who has a heartbeat. This dragged those stories into the realm of cringey fantasy romance, making them feel more like Twilight, which I'm not even remotely interested in reading.
Other stories, like Zoo Day, just seemed overwritten, pointless, and overly sentimental. These were tedious to get through, and further degraded my overall impression of the collection. Also just as a note to anyone thinking of reading this, you do have to be familiar with the Dresden Files universe and lore to understand the stories completely; it probably shouldn't be read standalone. I for one have only read one other book in this series, the very first, so for me references to things like the White Council and the Red Court and a significant war that took place in the past between the two went completely over my head.
Overall, cringey fantasy romance and overwritten stories aside, there are some real gems in this collection, which sports three stories worthy of a four-star rating from me, which is uncommon in an anthology, which I find mostly contain crap these days (like the one I'm reading now, Hark! The Herald Angels Scream, be sure to check out that review when I end up writing it, which should be soon!). Up to a certain point, before things started to fall apart, I was ready to say this was one of the best short story collections I've read in years, and for that reason alone I think it's worth checking out, especially for diehard fans of the series.
My ratings for each story and for the collection as a whole are below:
A Fistful of Warlocks: 3/5
B is for Bigfoot: 4/5
AAAA Wizardry: 3.5/5
I Was a Teenage Bigfoot: 3/5
Curses: 4/5
Even Hand: 4/5
Bigfoot on Campus: 3.5/5
Bombshells: 2.5/5
Cold Case: 2/5
Jury Duty: 3.5/5
Day One: 3/5
Zoo Day: 2/5
= 38 / 60 = 63.33% = 3.17 stars (3.166 rounded up)
Brief Cases is a set of short stories set in the Dresden Files universe created by author Jim Butcher. There are some great stories in here, and for those of you who are interested in Bigfoot/Sasquatch, there are three interconnected stories in here featuring those creatures. The stories in this collection are superbly written for the most part, and for someone who wasn't even fifty when this collection came out, I was impressed by how many sage nuggets of wisdom Butcher scattered within.
Unfortunately, starting at the story Bombshells, which was pretty bad, the book starts to go downhill, and from that point on there are no further stories worth more than a 3.5-star rating, with many below even that. Prior to that point, I'd given numerous stories in this collection four stars, so this book is definitely front-loaded in terms of the good stuff almost all being in the first half or so.
Some stories in the second half follow a slutty apprentice wizard named Molly Carpenter, who seemingly wants to sleep with every guy who has a heartbeat. This dragged those stories into the realm of cringey fantasy romance, making them feel more like Twilight, which I'm not even remotely interested in reading.
Other stories, like Zoo Day, just seemed overwritten, pointless, and overly sentimental. These were tedious to get through, and further degraded my overall impression of the collection. Also just as a note to anyone thinking of reading this, you do have to be familiar with the Dresden Files universe and lore to understand the stories completely; it probably shouldn't be read standalone. I for one have only read one other book in this series, the very first, so for me references to things like the White Council and the Red Court and a significant war that took place in the past between the two went completely over my head.
Overall, cringey fantasy romance and overwritten stories aside, there are some real gems in this collection, which sports three stories worthy of a four-star rating from me, which is uncommon in an anthology, which I find mostly contain crap these days (like the one I'm reading now, Hark! The Herald Angels Scream, be sure to check out that review when I end up writing it, which should be soon!). Up to a certain point, before things started to fall apart, I was ready to say this was one of the best short story collections I've read in years, and for that reason alone I think it's worth checking out, especially for diehard fans of the series.
My ratings for each story and for the collection as a whole are below:
A Fistful of Warlocks: 3/5
B is for Bigfoot: 4/5
AAAA Wizardry: 3.5/5
I Was a Teenage Bigfoot: 3/5
Curses: 4/5
Even Hand: 4/5
Bigfoot on Campus: 3.5/5
Bombshells: 2.5/5
Cold Case: 2/5
Jury Duty: 3.5/5
Day One: 3/5
Zoo Day: 2/5
= 38 / 60 = 63.33% = 3.17 stars (3.166 rounded up)
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