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The Dresden Files #17.4
The Good People
This Molly-POV story takes place concurrently with "Christmas Eve," so expect Battle Ground spoilers aplenty.
6 pages, ebook
First published December 22, 2020
About the author
Jim Butcher
201 books52.3k 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 2, 2022
A very short story about Christmas and Molly when she decides to "do good" by spreading Christmas cheer in the name of "the wizard of Chicago".
Molly uses all her powers to bring gifts to the people of Chicago who have suffered enough. After all, Christmas is part of Winter and she won't mind having a friendly competition with Kris Kringle.
I love Molly and seeing her do good is always a plus.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Molly uses all her powers to bring gifts to the people of Chicago who have suffered enough. After all, Christmas is part of Winter and she won't mind having a friendly competition with Kris Kringle.
I love Molly and seeing her do good is always a plus.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
July 25, 2022
Good fun.
The Good People is a (very) short story available for free for fans of Harry Dresden / Jim Butcher, from the perspective of Winter Lady Molly Carpenter.
Set “months after Battle Ground and concurrent with “Christmas Eve” – another Butcher / Dresden short, this shows us that being the Winter Lady and hanging out with the likes of Mab and Kringle (and Harry) have not fundamentally changed the good person that Molly is deep down.
Of all the many characters created by Jim Butcher as a part of his Harry Dresden universe, Molly is one of my favorites. She’s a badass with a heart of gold, and as corny and clichéd as that sounds, it works.
Here we find Molly doing some good a few months after Chicago has been severely damaged in the events of Battle Ground, the Battle of Chicago.
And there’s Kringle.
The Good People is a (very) short story available for free for fans of Harry Dresden / Jim Butcher, from the perspective of Winter Lady Molly Carpenter.
Set “months after Battle Ground and concurrent with “Christmas Eve” – another Butcher / Dresden short, this shows us that being the Winter Lady and hanging out with the likes of Mab and Kringle (and Harry) have not fundamentally changed the good person that Molly is deep down.
Of all the many characters created by Jim Butcher as a part of his Harry Dresden universe, Molly is one of my favorites. She’s a badass with a heart of gold, and as corny and clichéd as that sounds, it works.
Here we find Molly doing some good a few months after Chicago has been severely damaged in the events of Battle Ground, the Battle of Chicago.
And there’s Kringle.
July 25, 2022
A nice little follow up to Christmas Eve. This is how Molly the Winter Lady spends her Christmas Eve. It's sweet, touching and fun, all in the spirit of the Winter Court.
It is on Jim Butcher's website for free. https://www.jim-butcher.com/the-good-...
It is on Jim Butcher's website for free. https://www.jim-butcher.com/the-good-...
September 9, 2021
The latest Dresden Files short story was set just after the last short story Christmas Eve, both of which were set in the wake of whole city-wide devastation of Chicago from the Battle of Chicago in the 17th novel Battle Ground. Almost a hundred thousand people had died, and 'a trillion dollars of damage on Chicago architecture'. Unlike Christmas Eve which was from Harry's POV, this story was told from Molly's POV. Its the night before Christmas, and in the darkest of the night Molly is trying to help the helpless and the sufferers of the city using all her powers. And if Kris Kringle aka Santa Claus aka Odin himself doesn't like someone else crossing his territory to be kind to people, well too bad for him.
Read (more like LIVED!) 'Battle Ground' last year, who knows when the next book in my most favorite series will come.... for now, this little drop from TDF-reader's Heaven will do me just fine. Finishing this tiny story reading Molly and Kringle competing each other to see who can deliver the gifts to the city the fastest, brought a mile wide smile to my face. Made me feel like holding a hot mug of coffee in the cold winter night. Warmth, satisfaction, and complete blissfulness. ^_^
Read (more like LIVED!) 'Battle Ground' last year, who knows when the next book in my most favorite series will come.... for now, this little drop from TDF-reader's Heaven will do me just fine. Finishing this tiny story reading Molly and Kringle competing each other to see who can deliver the gifts to the city the fastest, brought a mile wide smile to my face. Made me feel like holding a hot mug of coffee in the cold winter night. Warmth, satisfaction, and complete blissfulness. ^_^
January 27, 2021
Cute! Read it here: https://www.jim-butcher.com/the-good-...
First off, this was a pleasant surprise for 2021! I suppose I could have checked the site around Christmas, but I didn't, so I'm enjoying this gift of a new story now. Fun.
Secondly, it was "okay" until these two lines appeared and transformed the story into "hilarious" territory and made me laugh out loud: "Every gift was wrapped. And on every single gift was a tag that read, 'Merry Christmas, from the Wizard of Chicago.' "
😂🤣 Oh, man. What is Harry going to say to THAT?! I doubt he knew, and Molly certainly didn't include him in the planning, judging by the preceding short story. (I can only imagine him fielding phone messages from a baffled friend or 300 when he checks his answering service on December 26th or 27th, assuming he still has one or has had something set up at his... home base.)
In any case, it gets better with bits of Butters and others in "a modicum of holiday hilarity in several places where the local supernatural crowd crossed paths with [Molly's] yuletide commando raiders."
Thank you, Jim, for the laughs, and Happy New Year.
One question: who is the possibly-dying female "mortal" Mab and Molly were talking about in the beginning, before they moved on to discussing Molly's chosen "mission" on Christmas? I guess we'll find out, won't we? In the meantime, it's going to bug me. I can't wait for the next novel.
First off, this was a pleasant surprise for 2021! I suppose I could have checked the site around Christmas, but I didn't, so I'm enjoying this gift of a new story now. Fun.
Secondly, it was "okay" until these two lines appeared and transformed the story into "hilarious" territory and made me laugh out loud: "Every gift was wrapped. And on every single gift was a tag that read, 'Merry Christmas, from the Wizard of Chicago.' "
😂🤣 Oh, man. What is Harry going to say to THAT?! I doubt he knew, and Molly certainly didn't include him in the planning, judging by the preceding short story. (I can only imagine him fielding phone messages from a baffled friend or 300 when he checks his answering service on December 26th or 27th, assuming he still has one or has had something set up at his... home base.)
In any case, it gets better with bits of Butters and others in "a modicum of holiday hilarity in several places where the local supernatural crowd crossed paths with [Molly's] yuletide commando raiders."
Thank you, Jim, for the laughs, and Happy New Year.
One question: who is the possibly-dying female "mortal" Mab and Molly were talking about in the beginning, before they moved on to discussing Molly's chosen "mission" on Christmas? I guess we'll find out, won't we? In the meantime, it's going to bug me. I can't wait for the next novel.
May 24, 2022
Oh. Oh, my.
I'm so glad I didn't know this one existed until after I'd read Battle Ground. Be still, my heart.
I'm so glad I didn't know this one existed until after I'd read Battle Ground. Be still, my heart.
June 13, 2022
This is wonderful! Molly continues to fight to keep her awesome, essentially decent Mollyness.
"...Where people had been harmed by the battle between supernatural nations, Winter, the defender of the mortal world, went forth to bring comfort and security.
"Except for the kids.
"The kids got the good stuff.
"Tablets. Gaming systems. Collectible cards. And books. Books and books and books and books and books."
“'You aren’t much like the last Lady, are you,' he said."
“'No,' I replied. 'I am not.'”
"...Where people had been harmed by the battle between supernatural nations, Winter, the defender of the mortal world, went forth to bring comfort and security.
"Except for the kids.
"The kids got the good stuff.
"Tablets. Gaming systems. Collectible cards. And books. Books and books and books and books and books."
“'You aren’t much like the last Lady, are you,' he said."
“'No,' I replied. 'I am not.'”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2022
I have trouble assigning more stars to a story shorter than most kids’ picture books. But it was fun. Molly and Kringle have a gift giving competition in Chicago. I’m not sure what was the point of this, really but it was pleasant.
May 23, 2021
Ohhhh sweet!
A wonderful story that illustrates just mow Molly is evolving in her role...& what she stands to lose if she breaks...
A wonderful story that illustrates just mow Molly is evolving in her role...& what she stands to lose if she breaks...
Read
August 17, 2022cute
September 13, 2024
Another awesome microfiction! Loved that it's from Molly's POV
I can't wait for Book 18.......!!! Please release it soon
I can't wait for Book 18.......!!! Please release it soon
January 11, 2026
Now that was a touch of light hearted Christmas fun! Much needed after battle ground and good to see Molly in better spirits!
April 1, 2021
This Molly-POV story takes place concurrently with "Christmas Eve," so expect Battle Ground spoilers aplenty
Heather's Notes
This was really cute and made me smile. I would have loved for it to be longer.
Heather's Notes
This was really cute and made me smile. I would have loved for it to be longer.
April 20, 2023
A free short story, 17.4 in The Dresden Files urban fantasy series, revolving around Harry Dresden, the Wizard of Chicago. The focus here is on Molly Carpenter, the Winter Lady. It takes place the Christmas after Battle Ground and immediately after "Christmas Eve", 17.2.
My Take
It was an interesting position (Butcher is using first person protagonist point-of-view from Molly’s perspective) coming after "Christmas Eve", 17.2.
I appreciated Molly still comprehending compassion — and her snarky comeback at Mab! Still, Molly does understand the power, the strength she must show, to enforce her authority.
There is a lot of action, but tempered by character with the three primary characters showing their real selves — softened. It is telling that Butcher notes that a criminal and the fae “bad guys” do more to help the people of Chicago recover than the feds.
Events do meander a bit, but only because Molly is having too much fun brightening peoples’ lives as she drives her “Good People”.
Butcher does have his fun with “The Night Before Christmas” when Molly confronts Kringle. He also conveys quite a bit of information about Winter, Kringle, and the compassionate nature of Christmas — even for Winter and Odin.
The Story
An eve for giving gifts and visiting family — as long as Molly is gone before Kringle shows up at her parents’ home!
The Characters
Lady Molly Carpenter, Harry’s former apprentice and now the Winter Lady, still has a heart. Mab is the Queen of Air and Darkness, the Winter Queen. The Unicorn, Black Dogs, goblins, ogres, Rawbones, and more spread holiday “cheer” at Molly’s command.
Kris Kringle, a.k.a. Odin, has his own bit of fun.
Harry Dresden is the Wizard of Chicago (I love Molly’s note!) and Mab’s Winter Knight ( Ghost Story , 13). Gentleman John Barcone, the Baron of Chicago, heads up the crime syndicate in Chicago. Waldo Butters, a pathologist, is also a Knight of the Cross whose valor is recognized. Mort Lindquist is a terrified ectomancer. McAnally’s bar is a friendly meeting place for wizards, witches, and other supernaturals — and serves a good ale.The gargoyles and pixies participate.
The Title
The title is ironic, for one doesn’t think of the denizens of the Winter Court as “The Good People”.
My Take
It was an interesting position (Butcher is using first person protagonist point-of-view from Molly’s perspective) coming after "Christmas Eve", 17.2.
I appreciated Molly still comprehending compassion — and her snarky comeback at Mab! Still, Molly does understand the power, the strength she must show, to enforce her authority.
There is a lot of action, but tempered by character with the three primary characters showing their real selves — softened. It is telling that Butcher notes that a criminal and the fae “bad guys” do more to help the people of Chicago recover than the feds.
Events do meander a bit, but only because Molly is having too much fun brightening peoples’ lives as she drives her “Good People”.
Butcher does have his fun with “The Night Before Christmas” when Molly confronts Kringle. He also conveys quite a bit of information about Winter, Kringle, and the compassionate nature of Christmas — even for Winter and Odin.
The Story
An eve for giving gifts and visiting family — as long as Molly is gone before Kringle shows up at her parents’ home!
The Characters
Lady Molly Carpenter, Harry’s former apprentice and now the Winter Lady, still has a heart. Mab is the Queen of Air and Darkness, the Winter Queen. The Unicorn, Black Dogs, goblins, ogres, Rawbones, and more spread holiday “cheer” at Molly’s command.
Kris Kringle, a.k.a. Odin, has his own bit of fun.
Harry Dresden is the Wizard of Chicago (I love Molly’s note!) and Mab’s Winter Knight ( Ghost Story , 13). Gentleman John Barcone, the Baron of Chicago, heads up the crime syndicate in Chicago. Waldo Butters, a pathologist, is also a Knight of the Cross whose valor is recognized. Mort Lindquist is a terrified ectomancer. McAnally’s bar is a friendly meeting place for wizards, witches, and other supernaturals — and serves a good ale.The gargoyles and pixies participate.
The Title
The title is ironic, for one doesn’t think of the denizens of the Winter Court as “The Good People”.
December 29, 2021
This microfiction from Jim Butcher.com is another one of Jim Butcher's Christmas gifts to his fans. It is a Molly point of view story set in the aftermath of the Battle of Chicago in Battle Ground, where she is started by Mab while leaving her parent's home. There is some witty repartee, but then things get serious.
“The person you used to be is what holds you back.”
Thankfully Molly, who has grown throughout the series is able to firmly put Mab in her place!!! She then embarks on a grand scheme to do good in someone else's name, because, after all, it's Christmas and the beleaguered suffering people of Chicago could use some joy in their lives. The descriptions of this and the rest of the events use every single Christmas trope effectively, and by the end of it this reader was a giant, mushy pile of sap, smiling uncontrollably with a little tear of happiness threatening to leak from the corner of one eye.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
“The person you used to be is what holds you back.”
Thankfully Molly, who has grown throughout the series is able to firmly put Mab in her place!!! She then embarks on a grand scheme to do good in someone else's name, because, after all, it's Christmas and the beleaguered suffering people of Chicago could use some joy in their lives. The descriptions of this and the rest of the events use every single Christmas trope effectively, and by the end of it this reader was a giant, mushy pile of sap, smiling uncontrollably with a little tear of happiness threatening to leak from the corner of one eye.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
April 15, 2023
Molly, as the Winter Lady, on Christmas Eve.
I liked seeing this side of the Winter Lady, the side that still has a little of Molly Carpenter living in it. The side that cares for the people of Chicago and just wants to help. And so she does. Practical things, necessary things for the adults. But the kids? The kids got the real deal.
It was funny and sweet. And I loved the interactions between Molly and Mab and Molly and Kringle. A true Christmas gift :D
Because tonight was Christmas Eve. And on this night Christmas and Winter were one and the same.
I liked seeing this side of the Winter Lady, the side that still has a little of Molly Carpenter living in it. The side that cares for the people of Chicago and just wants to help. And so she does. Practical things, necessary things for the adults. But the kids? The kids got the real deal.
Tablets. Gaming systems. Collectible cards. And books. Books and books and books and books and books.
Every gift was wrapped. And on every single gift was a tag that read, “Merry Christmas, from the Wizard of Chicago.”
It was funny and sweet. And I loved the interactions between Molly and Mab and Molly and Kringle. A true Christmas gift :D
July 22, 2022
"...Where people had been harmed by the battle between supernatural nations, Winter, the defender of the mortal world, went forth to bring comfort and security.
"Except for the kids.
"The kids got the good stuff.
"Tablets. Gaming systems. Collectible cards. And books. Books and books and books and books and books."
“'You aren’t much like the last Lady, are you,' he said."
“'No,' I replied. 'I am not.'”
The Good People was one of the more enjoyable short stories contained within the Dresden Files. This story takes place concurrent with Christmas Eve. Molly takes matters in her own hands to help the citizens of Chicago deal with the aftermath of Battle Ground.
"Except for the kids.
"The kids got the good stuff.
"Tablets. Gaming systems. Collectible cards. And books. Books and books and books and books and books."
“'You aren’t much like the last Lady, are you,' he said."
“'No,' I replied. 'I am not.'”
The Good People was one of the more enjoyable short stories contained within the Dresden Files. This story takes place concurrent with Christmas Eve. Molly takes matters in her own hands to help the citizens of Chicago deal with the aftermath of Battle Ground.
July 25, 2023
Best read right after Christmas Eve. A short taste of Molly--and I love seeing how she is growing into her role as Winter Lady. This little snippet shows the maybe not "softer", but "kinder" side of Winter--and anything where Kringle shows up is a treat. I really want to know more about the Unicorn now, I hope he comes back in later stories.
May 11, 2023
This story was a micro fiction available on jimbutcher.com follows Molly immediately after she leaves her parents house on Christmas Eve. Winter is cold by nature, but on Christmas anyone can have a warm side!
January 21, 2026
Moly flexes her power as the Winter Lady to help those hurt from the Battle of Chicago with Christmas Cheer. When Kringle arrives and accuses her of trespassing on his domain, they race to deliver faster. He ultimately gives her reign to help and she accompanies him on his sleigh for the rest of Christmas Eve deliveries.
A great fun story, and wonderful short story to get me back into Dresden.
Recommend.
A great fun story, and wonderful short story to get me back into Dresden.
Recommend.
December 25, 2021
great short tale with Molly proving that her humanity is still there by helping those whom are less of by there being lost loved ones to the battle of Chicago and dropping of packages to them by using her WINTER LADY mantle and causing a little tiff with Kris Kringle on his Christmas Sleigh.
Fun read
Fun read
March 15, 2021
Normally I wouldn't add this to my GoodReads count, but I just finished reading an unpublished manuscript written by a friend and I'm behind my reading schedule for the year.....
This was a nice romp. Delightful maybe.
This was a nice romp. Delightful maybe.
May 9, 2021
Molly enjoys some of the perks that come with being the Winter Lady on Christmas--one of the few times a year she's allowed to openly do good, since Winter for the most part represents cold, darkness and fear. And maybe gets into a race with Santa Claus.
July 31, 2022
Cute and short, a good Christmas story. One that does much for the Christmas spirit. Seeing what the winter lady thinks of Christmas is quite interesting.
Overall, this was highly enjoyable short story that if you’re a fan of the Dresden files, you should read.
Overall, this was highly enjoyable short story that if you’re a fan of the Dresden files, you should read.
January 6, 2024
***
Essentially part 2 of the Christmas Eve short story, told from Molly's POV, and significantly better, with a very Dresden Files-esque take on Santa Claus that was utterly lacking from the first part.
Essentially part 2 of the Christmas Eve short story, told from Molly's POV, and significantly better, with a very Dresden Files-esque take on Santa Claus that was utterly lacking from the first part.
July 15, 2026
Very short story.
It happens beside the Dresden Files, but doesn't give anything to the main story.
It's not bad, just out of the series line.
No mistery, no fight, no thrilling, not even Dresden POV.
It happens beside the Dresden Files, but doesn't give anything to the main story.
It's not bad, just out of the series line.
No mistery, no fight, no thrilling, not even Dresden POV.
December 31, 2020
Another cute little microstory. Liked this one the best of the lot. You can never have too much Faerie lore.
January 1, 2021
A good bookend short to go with the other Christmas themed micro story.
January 25, 2021
Oh this microfiction is very good, and I might have cried a bit. I like the peek behind the curtain at the Winter Lady trying to remain Molly Carpenter.
February 2, 2021
Adorable 6-page story on Christmas Eve from Molly’s POV. Found on author’s website.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews