Jim Butcher delivers again with his second novel in the Dresden Files series, Fool Moon. The Dresden Files are quickly shaping up to be an excellent series, filled with non-stop, ass-kicking action. The series protagonist, Harry Dresden, is a wizard and private investigator of supernatural mysteries who seems to encounter adventure at every turn. In the first novel Harry went up against a demon, mobsters, and a rogue sorcerer. In the second, Harry faces another breed of villain: werewolves.

Probably the coolest aspect of the series is the way Butcher combines the genres of fantasy, horror, and mystery in a way that is very complimentary and entertaining. The novels are set in pretty much present day Chicago and allowing Butcher to employ a “pop culture” writing style. The author often references brand name products, well-known department stores, movies, and other elements of pop culture that gives the reader a unique perspective. I also like how the story is told though the eyes of Harry, a sarcastic and jaded character with a storied past.

Another thing that is great about the second novel is the supporting characters. The first novel really focused on Harry as an individual. The second, however, allowed some of the focus to fall onto some of the secondary characters in the series including the Chicago Police Department’s Special Investigator, Karrin Murphy, and Harry’s girlfriend and reporter, Susan Rodriguez.

Overall, the novel was very good. It was both action-packed and humorous. One thing you won’t find in the novels, though, is unnecessary emotion. The novels are very masculine in nature. That works well for me, but might not for some.