If you’re going to pick up Jim Butcher’s latest Dresden File novella, Out Law, you should have read the book Twelve Months. Butcher brings back several characters from the book who help in Harry Dresden’s latest fight.
A morning visitor surprises Harry, Gentleman John Marcone, Baron of Chicago. The kingpin of Chicago’s crime underworld is dangerous, with his own brand of magic. He didn’t come to ask a favor. Dresden already owes him. Instead Marcone wants Harry to help one of his guys go straight.
Harry finds Tripp Gregory contemptible. But, Tripp has an unusual story about why he wants to go straight, and Harry is willing to listen when Tripp insists God will get revenge on him if he doesn’t. Tripp owes money to the IRS, is being sued by an heir, and he won money betting, but it’s someone from a Mexican cartel who won’t pay. When Harry takes Tripp to a lawyer’s house, they’re attacked by an Aztec demon. It takes a dog to help Harry save Tripp from a Lurker, that demon.
Harry gathers the opposition, his bodyguard who is a Valkyrie, and Harry’s apprentice, Fitz. After experiencing the first attack, Tripp doesn’t understand why Dresden is helping him. “I get to be the guy who helps people who need it.”
If you’ve read this far, you undoubtedly know Harry Dresden, the wizard from Chicago. He is the guy who helps others. That’s why readers love Harry. He’s not there to just save himself and his family and shelter them in a castle in Chicago. In one adventure after another, he helps others. And, Jim Butcher knows how to describe Harry as his enemies, and some friends, see him. “I have resting wizard face, which is to say I often look like I have had it up to here with everyone’s nonsense.” But, time after time, even in a novella such as Out Law, Harry Dresden’s fans follow him into trouble and dangerous adventures. Usually, we’ve had it up to here with everyone’s nonsense as well.
Jim Butcher’s website is https://www.jim-butcher.com/
Out Law: A Dresden Files Novella by Jim Butcher. Podium Publishing, 2026. 208p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I read a free Kindle edition.
