Dead Beat (Jim Butcher)

Title: Dead Beat

Series: The Dresden Files

Author: Jim Butcher

Released: 2005

Rating: 5/5

Basic Plot: Karrin Murphy is the head of SI and Harry's good friend. So when a killer vampire threatens to destroy Murphy's reputation unless Harry does her bidding, he has no choice. The vampire wants the Word of Kemmler (whatever that is) and all the power that comes with it. Now Harry is in a race against time -- and six merciless necromancers -- to find the Word before Chicago experiences a Halloween night to wake the dead.

Necromancy
Necromancy is the main focus of this entry in the series. The Word of Kemmler is a book by Kemmler who was the famous necromancer that was the cause behind both World Wars. Necromancy is shown to be evil, even when used with good intentions. Harry does admit that it can be used for good, but is still uneasy about the subject. I like that this novel shows different sides to necromancy and lets you form your own opinions.

Hints of Romance
I am a big shipper of Harry Dresden and Karrin Murphy. Now don't tell me that I ship anyone together, because there is evidence in this book for the pairing. Harry reacts like he's harboring a deep dark secret when people ask him about Murphy. As for Murphy...I think she likes him. Though both have been too shy to do anything yet.

Sue
The best part of this book HAS to be Sue being brought to life. Who is Sue? Why a Tyrannosaurus Rex! And Harry Dresden rides her and also uses her to fight zombies and the like! I was jumping up in glee at this part. A Zombie Dinosaur! Sue did 'die' by the end of the novel, but she was great while she was undead.

Final Thoughts
This is a good entry in The Dresden Files series. It has a mystery that overlaps the whole novel. And little things (like Polka) are important by the end. The only thing I think could've been left out was Butters thinking Harry was gay. I'm not against gays, but this was a reference to Harry not being with a woman in awhile. I admit it gave me a chuckle, but it was out of left field.