Harry Dresden is the only professional wizard listed in the Chicago phonebook. He is a private detective, struggling to make ends meet while keeping his city safe from monsters most people believe only exist in fairy tales. Much of his trade deals in locating lost items or people, so it is business as usual when he is hired by a woman to find her missing husband. However, things quickly get complicated when a friend at the Chicago Police Department warns Harry that he himself is the chief suspect in a grisly double murder. Thus begins his entanglement in a series of events that will pit him against a dangerous mob boss, a court of vampires, and one powerful warlock.
Storm Front is the first in Butcher’s Dresden Files series. Fifteen books and several short stories have been written so far, so there is plenty to enjoy if you’re looking for a new fun and heroic blend of urban fantasy and noir mystery. Be forewarned, though: they should definitely be read in order. The audiobook versions are narrated by James Marsters (the actor who played Spike in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series), who does an excellent job of bringing Harry and his compatriots to life.