by Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #2
Narrator: James Marsters
Length: 10 hours and 6 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4.5 cups
Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden is Chicago's only openly practicing wizard. He is also dead broke. His vast knowledge and magical skills are unfortunately matched by his talent for making powerful enemies and alienating friends. With little more than his integrity left, he accepts an offer of work from Lt. Karin Murphy of Chicago's Special Investigations Unit. He wants to redeem himself in Murphy's eyes and make enough money to quiet his rumbling stomach.
Soon he finds himself pinned between trigger-happy FBI agents, shape-shifiting motorcycle gang members, a threatened mobster boss, and an heir to an ancient curse along with his primal fiance. Throw in environmental activists and a pair of young werewolves in love and you have something of Fool Moon.
Fool Moon by Jim Butcher is the second novel in the Dresden Files and once again I chose to listen to the narrations of James Marsters. Butcher combines magic, supernatural elements, and a murder mystery as our Wizard tries to save lives and stay out of jail.
Wizard, Harry Dresden, is a private eye whose biggest, money paying client is the Chicago police department’s Special Investigations officer, Karin Murphy. Murphy calls Dresden in when cases look weird. After the events of book one, their relationship is a little strained and Murphy hasn’t called in quite a while. Dresden is broke and eating toaster crumbs.
When a series of gruesome murders occur, Dresden is called in and he immediately realizes there is a supernatural element to these killings, but before you know it the FBI is taking the case and pushing Murphy and Dresden out the door. Will this deter them? Of course not.
The case was an intense one with an interesting werewolf lore. Now that the world is basically established (though the author continues to develop it) the story felt smoother. Harry is still adorkable and awkward. His interactions with Murphy made me laugh even if her inability to trust Harry frustrated me. She is smart and then she isn’t. Dark humor, action, twists, and suspense kept me fully engaged.
What I find interesting about Harry is that unlike some of my favorite female protagonists, yeah I am talking to you Kate Daniels, Mercy Thompson and Rachel Morgan, Harry is reactive rather than proactive. He literally waits for the shit to hit the fan and then decides how to clean it up. Even though he is a wizard he is vulnerable. His magic isn’t always reliable, and it does get depleted.
Side stories, romantic threads and unique secondary characters enhanced the story. We were given some interesting tidbits about a woman from Harry’s past.
James Marsters continues to narrate and already I am seeing improvement in the quality. No squeaky chair noises and less swallowing. LOL Marsters has become Harry for me, and he does it well. Hi transition between female and male voices is effective with a wide range of tones. His voices add to the action-packed moments and emotions of the characters.
Fool Moon offered a suspenseful case with plenty of twists and series arc developments that kept me engaged I am looking forward to picking up the next one.
Fool Moon by Jim Butcher delivers magic, supernatural elements, and a murder mystery as our Wizard tries to save lives and stay out of jail. #JIAM #loveaudiobooks Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
La La in the Library
My son is reading this series. He was borrowing them from a friend, but he decided he wanted his own paperbacks, so after the third one he started buying his own. He’ll be reading #7 after he finishes Clash of Kings. Buying the first three Dresden paperbacks to fill in his series will be an easy Christmas gift! Ha ha. ?
Kimberly
That is awesome!
Debbie Haupt - The Reading Frenzy
Look at you digging in the stacks. Great review Kim, this is a series that has been on my wish list
MarthaE
I have to make sure this is in my Audible Wish list so I can pick it up someday.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Nicci @ Sunny Buzzy Books
I read book one of the Dresden Files years ago and remember enjoying it but not loving it. I’m curious enough to go back but I think I prefer the proactive approach of Rachel and Kate… God, I miss the Hollows. I’m gonna really miss Kate Daniel’s Atlanta too. But I’m getting off topic! ?
lisa thomson
This one sounds very different from your typical mystery. You have me intrigued, Kim. Thanks for the review. Also, this author’s bio is pretty fun!
Crystal @ Lost in Storyland
I’ve heard great things about this series. I love urban fantasies with mystery/crime elements. Harry’s character also sounds interesting – for his reactive personality and vulnerability.
I’ll def have to check this out!
Angie Elle
I have read one book from Jim Butcher, but it ended up being a DNF for me. Nothing to do with his writing, I think the story just wasn’t for me. But this one sounds like something I’d like!
Great review.
Melissa (Books and Things)
I will get to the first one i have some day. Seems like it is something I would enjoy. I really might try it on audio.
Tyler H. Jolley
What a motley crew of characters! Happy reading, Kimba!
Lily B
I just ordered a UK copy of the next book in the series that I am up to because I completely forgot I wanted to listen to this oops D: so glad to see you enjoying it. I actually liked this one better than book 1, but they get even better
Anne
I love this series, love this narrator. This is early in the series but it just keeps getting better. Anne – Books of My Heart
Pamela
I actually have this book in my queue. I can’t wait to get started! I agree that Marsters does a good job narrating. He sounds exactly how I would think Dresden would sound.
Jenea's Book Obsession
Love the sounds of the supernatural aspects and the mystery!!!
Nadene
A character who is rasctive. Interesting. The world sounds incredible.
Ailyn Koay
when Harry Meets Atticus should be a great author battle XD
imagine that, one is proactive while the other just helps clean up mess
Naomi Hop
Haha! I like that Harry likes to wait and clean up the mess! Great description btw!
Harry sounds like my kind of character… he has flaws that make things interesting! Awesome review!