I gave this entry in the series 4 stars, just because I was very curious to see how it would turn out, but I actually skipped probably about 100 pages' worth of narration -- philosophy and filler about the nature of the spirit, how ghosts can operate in the physical realm, etc. As well as Dresden's endless reflection on all the things he did wrong, which ultimately put him in this position. It is not a spoiler to note that his position is dead. He is dead. At least, he's in spirit form, roaming the earth (or the city of Chicago anyway), trying to work out how he became dead, how he can continue to participate and influence his world, and what happens if and when his time on earth actually does come to an end. While I appreciate the unfolding of the larger Dresden chronicles, and the expansion of his world, I do sort of yearn for the simplicity of an urban fantasy procedural. Everything is getting so complex, with spirits, fairies, and other (mostly evil) supernatural beings, all of whom have immortal agendas that involve controlling or manipulating Dresden -- it's getting a little repetitive. So, quick summary: Dresden's Ghost gets into about the same kind of trouble as Dresden himself usually gets into, with the involvement of his merry band of sidekicks. I read ahead a little, and I've put the next volume into my "to-read" list, though I won't be in a big hurry to grab it up. ( )

"Okay," Mort echoed, evidently speaking mostly to himself. "I mean, it's not like I'm trying to join the Council or anything. It's one hour. Just one little hour. What could happen in one hour?"

And that's how I knew that Mort was telling the truth when he said he wasn't a hero.

Heroes know better than to hand the universe lines like that.

Ghost Story is the thirteenth book in The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. I think any sort of synopsis would be a big spoiler for this installment, especially for those going through the series the first time, so I'm going to skip it. Let's just say that the title is very accurate.

Harry's unique situation gives this installment a very different framing than we're used to seeing in the series so far. It's a lot more introspective and philosophical and includes many flash backs to Harry's past. It also shows us the impact Harry's had on Chicago's supernatural scene and with his friends which makes his absence combined with the power vacuum left from the Red Court's demise profound. Yet, I can't believe I'm going to say this... I was bored a lot reading this one. How the heck can a Dresden novel be boring?? The story has an intriguing ending which helped though the book felt like a series reboot. Or the biggest transition novel of all time. I just wish it hadn't taken 500 pages to get interesting. ( )

Note to self; don't accidentally miss a book in a series, you'll ruin the massive plot twist for yourself. Doh! Still very much enjoyed the book. ( )

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When I read the dust jacket of this one, I was a little worried. I didn’t know if I wanted to read 400 pages of dear Harry being a ghost and apparently powerless. I should have known Jim Butcher would pull it off with his usual aplomb. He’s at the top of his game here, which is pretty impressive for book 13 of a series. When certain other unnamed series (insert Sookie-cough here) seem to be losing their oomph, The Dresden Files continues to be consistently entertaining and clever.
I’ve read enough authors writing about characters experiencing death, and I was worried I would have to suffer through yet another wispy, floaty, sensory-heavy description of the process of dying. I should have known better. This is Harry Dresden, people-he’s going to stand in front of a train and play chicken with the light at the end of the tunnel.
I loved every minute of reading this book, and it was worth waiting a few extra months to get it.
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