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The Dresden Files #18.75
Out Law
Not yet published
Expected 5 May 26The past comes back in a big way for Chicago’s only professional wizard in this action-packed novella from the #1 New York Times–bestselling Dresden Files.
In a city that’s just beginning to recover from the devastation caused by the Battle of Chicago, Harry Dresden is finally pulling himself together as well. He’s ensconced in his own personal castle, healing his various wounds, and training an eager new apprentice. The last thing he wants is any trouble. But, as history has consistently—and quite annoyingly—shown, what Harry wants is rarely what Harry gets.
It starts with a visit from Harry’s most powerful frenemy, Gentleman John Marcone, Baron of Chicago. He needs Harry to assist in the redemption of an underling who’s looking to go straight. And since Harry does kinda sorta owe Marcone for saving his life once (stupid honorable debt!), it’s not a request he can refuse. He’ll just wish he had.
Because this little favor is going to drag Harry into a fight he doesn’t want on behalf of a lowlife he doesn’t trust against an enemy more powerful and pestilent than he ever could’ve an insatiable, demonic foe whom Harry himself may have created when he wiped out the vampires of the Red Court so long ago.
Before, all it wanted was blood. Now it wants the entire world . . .
“A great series—fast-paced, vividly realized and with a hero/narrator who’s excellent company.” —Cinescape
In a city that’s just beginning to recover from the devastation caused by the Battle of Chicago, Harry Dresden is finally pulling himself together as well. He’s ensconced in his own personal castle, healing his various wounds, and training an eager new apprentice. The last thing he wants is any trouble. But, as history has consistently—and quite annoyingly—shown, what Harry wants is rarely what Harry gets.
It starts with a visit from Harry’s most powerful frenemy, Gentleman John Marcone, Baron of Chicago. He needs Harry to assist in the redemption of an underling who’s looking to go straight. And since Harry does kinda sorta owe Marcone for saving his life once (stupid honorable debt!), it’s not a request he can refuse. He’ll just wish he had.
Because this little favor is going to drag Harry into a fight he doesn’t want on behalf of a lowlife he doesn’t trust against an enemy more powerful and pestilent than he ever could’ve an insatiable, demonic foe whom Harry himself may have created when he wiped out the vampires of the Red Court so long ago.
Before, all it wanted was blood. Now it wants the entire world . . .
“A great series—fast-paced, vividly realized and with a hero/narrator who’s excellent company.” —Cinescape
204 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 12, 2026
4 people are currently reading
819 people want to read
About the author
Jim Butcher
202 books51.4k followersJim Butcher is the author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. His resume includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs whenever he can make time for it. Jim currently resides mostly inside his own head, but his head can generally be found in his home town of Independence, Missouri.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jumping back into the Dresden Files with Out Law honestly felt like coming home. This has been my favorite series since I first discovered it in 2009, and it feels like we barely skipped a beat since the Battle of Chicago. Harry is trying to heal, settle into his new castle, and maybe enjoy a little peace, which of course means chaos shows up almost immediately. Between the usual supernatural threats to Chicago and the world, it is somehow still the IRS that manages to feel the most terrifying. Some things never change.
Harry Dresden remains one of my all time favorite characters. He is worn down, stubborn, and still committed to doing the right thing, regardless of the costs to himself. His dynamic with Gentleman John Marcone is still a highlight, and their uneasy frenemy relationship adds a lot of tension and depth here. I also loved the underling redemption angle in this novella as a familiar face makes their return. Watching Harry help someone who is genuinely trying to be better raised some great questions about what redemption actually looks like, especially in a world like this. The addition of a new apprentice was also a fun touch and a reminder of how much Harry has grown over the years.
The pacing works perfectly for this novella. Things move quickly without ever feeling rushed, and there is always something pushing the story forward. The stakes rise steadily, keeping the tension high, while still leaving room for quieter character moments that land just as well. If anything, it just made me want more time with these characters.
The worldbuilding is lighter than in the main novels, but still strong. You can feel the weight of the Battle of Chicago and the shadow of Harry’s past choices. The threat here ties neatly into the wider mythology and reinforces that nothing Harry does ever stays in the past.
Overall, Out Law was a really satisfying return to a world and characters I love. It delivers action, humor, and heart, with a redemption focused story that fits perfectly into the Dresden Files. This novella is a reminder of why this series continues to hold such a special place for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Publishing for the opportunity to get back to my favorite book world.
Harry Dresden remains one of my all time favorite characters. He is worn down, stubborn, and still committed to doing the right thing, regardless of the costs to himself. His dynamic with Gentleman John Marcone is still a highlight, and their uneasy frenemy relationship adds a lot of tension and depth here. I also loved the underling redemption angle in this novella as a familiar face makes their return. Watching Harry help someone who is genuinely trying to be better raised some great questions about what redemption actually looks like, especially in a world like this. The addition of a new apprentice was also a fun touch and a reminder of how much Harry has grown over the years.
The pacing works perfectly for this novella. Things move quickly without ever feeling rushed, and there is always something pushing the story forward. The stakes rise steadily, keeping the tension high, while still leaving room for quieter character moments that land just as well. If anything, it just made me want more time with these characters.
The worldbuilding is lighter than in the main novels, but still strong. You can feel the weight of the Battle of Chicago and the shadow of Harry’s past choices. The threat here ties neatly into the wider mythology and reinforces that nothing Harry does ever stays in the past.
Overall, Out Law was a really satisfying return to a world and characters I love. It delivers action, humor, and heart, with a redemption focused story that fits perfectly into the Dresden Files. This novella is a reminder of why this series continues to hold such a special place for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Publishing for the opportunity to get back to my favorite book world.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is technically a 4.5☆ for me. I love the idea of Dresden being tasked with helping a bad guy go good but some of the events were more silly than I was hoping for. But once again the author's writing style is truly one of my top favorites! 💕
🌟Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!🌟
🌟Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!🌟
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's been a while since Jim Butcher's last book - he's had some personal stuff to deal with, I understand - and honestly, this one refers back to some people and events that I don't remember well or, in some cases, at all, including one of the central characters. This is a lowlife associated with Gentleman Johnnie Marcone, who, thanks to a narrow escape from death, wants to reform, and Marcone, claiming that Dresden owes him a debt for saving his life, brings the guy to Dresden to be taught Decent Human Being 101. Of course, Marcone also has an angle that benefits him.
If anyone is qualified to be Professor of Being a Decent Human Being Under Difficult Circumstances and Making the Hard Choices, it's Harry Dresden, and he does a good job, imparting the wisdom he's picked up throughout his tough life. Sample dialog:
"But what do you get out of it?"
"I get to be me. I get to be the guy who helps people who need it."
(Note: I had a pre-publication version from Netgalley, and there may be changes made before publication. There are a few minor copy editing errors, for example, which I hope will be corrected, but very few.)
It's not just an extended preachment, of course. It's a Harry Dresden story, which means dire supernatural threats, action sequences that mean something, and difficult problems cleverly solved using Dresden's now extensive resources when his default initial approach of "kill it with fire" turns out not to be effective. It's wryly funny, with great banter, the fights feel like Harry and his allies are barely escaping death (and not without injury), and for all Harry's wisecracking he's deadly serious when the situation calls for it. He's even learned when not to run his mouth. And the issues include legal trouble and the IRS, not just the supernatural, so there's a variety of threats to deal with in different ways.
Solidly written, and with that extra layer of reflection on the human condition that raises it into the Gold tier of my Best of the Year list, this is Jim Butcher fully on form and in firm command of his craft.
If anyone is qualified to be Professor of Being a Decent Human Being Under Difficult Circumstances and Making the Hard Choices, it's Harry Dresden, and he does a good job, imparting the wisdom he's picked up throughout his tough life. Sample dialog:
"But what do you get out of it?"
"I get to be me. I get to be the guy who helps people who need it."
(Note: I had a pre-publication version from Netgalley, and there may be changes made before publication. There are a few minor copy editing errors, for example, which I hope will be corrected, but very few.)
It's not just an extended preachment, of course. It's a Harry Dresden story, which means dire supernatural threats, action sequences that mean something, and difficult problems cleverly solved using Dresden's now extensive resources when his default initial approach of "kill it with fire" turns out not to be effective. It's wryly funny, with great banter, the fights feel like Harry and his allies are barely escaping death (and not without injury), and for all Harry's wisecracking he's deadly serious when the situation calls for it. He's even learned when not to run his mouth. And the issues include legal trouble and the IRS, not just the supernatural, so there's a variety of threats to deal with in different ways.
Solidly written, and with that extra layer of reflection on the human condition that raises it into the Gold tier of my Best of the Year list, this is Jim Butcher fully on form and in firm command of his craft.
Read
December 19, 2025Perfectly fun Dresden Files novella about Harry working to help a small-time criminal (and antagonist from a previous short I haven't read, I've inferred) go straight. A decent appetizer before Twelve Months comes out, but not a critical read for Dresden aficionados I suspect.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Out Law is one of those stories that reminds you why the Dresden Files still hit so hard, even after all this time. It is not world-ending stakes or cosmic horror driving the narrative in this one. It is something worse: the IRS. Harry Dresden, a wizard who can burn down monsters without flinching, is suddenly tangled up in tax fraud, legal paperwork, and the world’s sleaziest redemption project. It is hilarious and bizarre in true Butcher fashion.
The plot centers on Tripp Gregory, a former pimp and wannabe gambler who has stolen charity money and now has two things closing in on him. One is the government. The other is a body-stealing Aztec blood demon. Harry hates the guy. He really hates him. And yet he is stuck saving him, physically, morally, and legally. The setup forces Harry into a moral corner, and it's that tension that gives the story its bite. Watching Harry protect someone who represents everything he despises gives the novella a surprising amount of weight.
Butcher also leans into the physical nature of magic more than usual. The infection scene. The tainted meat. The black slime. It is gross, tactile, and fun. The action scenes, from a mountain lion ambush to a chaotic parking garage escape, are vivid and memorable. Because this is a novella, the pacing never slows down. Two hundred pages of non-stop chaos!
My favorite surprise was the legal angle. Max Valerious and the IRS agent, Constance Abernathy, give the story grounded tension that pays off. The characters aren't just dodging a demon. They are also trying to avoid federal prison and a massive stack of paperwork. Which, to some, might be even scarier.
If you are already a fan of the Dresden Files, this is a no-brainer. It works just as well for readers who want urban fantasy with grit, humor, and real consequences. Fans of Sandman Slim will feel right at home. Surprisingly enough, by the end, I caught myself rooting for Tripp. That's something I didn't see coming, that's for sure. That's the charm of this story, though. It is about second chances, and how maddeningly difficult they are.
A solid 4 stars. It is not a universe-shifting entry, but it is fast, intense, and satisfying. It feels like a monster-of-the-week television episode in the best way: fun, tense, and just the type of Dresden tale that makes you reach for the next one.
Thank you to Podium Entertainment and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The plot centers on Tripp Gregory, a former pimp and wannabe gambler who has stolen charity money and now has two things closing in on him. One is the government. The other is a body-stealing Aztec blood demon. Harry hates the guy. He really hates him. And yet he is stuck saving him, physically, morally, and legally. The setup forces Harry into a moral corner, and it's that tension that gives the story its bite. Watching Harry protect someone who represents everything he despises gives the novella a surprising amount of weight.
Butcher also leans into the physical nature of magic more than usual. The infection scene. The tainted meat. The black slime. It is gross, tactile, and fun. The action scenes, from a mountain lion ambush to a chaotic parking garage escape, are vivid and memorable. Because this is a novella, the pacing never slows down. Two hundred pages of non-stop chaos!
My favorite surprise was the legal angle. Max Valerious and the IRS agent, Constance Abernathy, give the story grounded tension that pays off. The characters aren't just dodging a demon. They are also trying to avoid federal prison and a massive stack of paperwork. Which, to some, might be even scarier.
If you are already a fan of the Dresden Files, this is a no-brainer. It works just as well for readers who want urban fantasy with grit, humor, and real consequences. Fans of Sandman Slim will feel right at home. Surprisingly enough, by the end, I caught myself rooting for Tripp. That's something I didn't see coming, that's for sure. That's the charm of this story, though. It is about second chances, and how maddeningly difficult they are.
A solid 4 stars. It is not a universe-shifting entry, but it is fast, intense, and satisfying. It feels like a monster-of-the-week television episode in the best way: fun, tense, and just the type of Dresden tale that makes you reach for the next one.
Thank you to Podium Entertainment and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC of this book, and my review is based on that copy. The published work may differ from what I read.
I love Harry Dresden. He’s such a uniquely flawed, endlessly endearing protagonist. The Dresden Files has been a series that I’ve enjoyed for the last couple of years (barring the last book, which made me so mad that I nearly threw it across the room). The novellas in the series are usually hit or miss for me. This one leans more to the hit side.
Butcher’s writing is consistently engaging. His pacing is smooth, fast, and balanced, and his knack for combining action with deeper emotional moments is impactful. His books make me laugh, tense up, and feel things. While I don’t always love some of the plot choices, I am always guaranteed to care about what I’m reading. I read this in one sitting. The story made me smile: being very familiar with accounting and taxes and the general headache they can cause, I enjoyed seeing something so practical be a hurdle. I also appreciated that Butcher was poking Harry right in his soft spot (which he tends to do a lot of), in making him stand on his principles.
Tripp’s process of growth was funny and heartwrenching at the same time. Harry’s determination to hope for the best, in spite of everything, and his refusal to give up on Tripp made for a few moving scenes. In fact, this novella works as a microcosm of the Dresden Files as a whole. It deals with the ethical quandaries that Harry is presented with, the very high cost that is extracted for his choices, and demonstrates the reason that Harry cannot do anything else.
Overall, a worthy addition to the Dresden Files canon and worth reading.
I love Harry Dresden. He’s such a uniquely flawed, endlessly endearing protagonist. The Dresden Files has been a series that I’ve enjoyed for the last couple of years (barring the last book, which made me so mad that I nearly threw it across the room). The novellas in the series are usually hit or miss for me. This one leans more to the hit side.
Butcher’s writing is consistently engaging. His pacing is smooth, fast, and balanced, and his knack for combining action with deeper emotional moments is impactful. His books make me laugh, tense up, and feel things. While I don’t always love some of the plot choices, I am always guaranteed to care about what I’m reading. I read this in one sitting. The story made me smile: being very familiar with accounting and taxes and the general headache they can cause, I enjoyed seeing something so practical be a hurdle. I also appreciated that Butcher was poking Harry right in his soft spot (which he tends to do a lot of), in making him stand on his principles.
Tripp’s process of growth was funny and heartwrenching at the same time. Harry’s determination to hope for the best, in spite of everything, and his refusal to give up on Tripp made for a few moving scenes. In fact, this novella works as a microcosm of the Dresden Files as a whole. It deals with the ethical quandaries that Harry is presented with, the very high cost that is extracted for his choices, and demonstrates the reason that Harry cannot do anything else.
Overall, a worthy addition to the Dresden Files canon and worth reading.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Advance copy from Podium Entertainment, via NetGalley
4.5 stars
Hooray for bonus Jim Butcher this year! Both have felt like classic Butcher, with loads of action and great one-liners, without the lady ogling that made his older stuff tougher to reread. Based on the level of therapy and work on himself (or others) Harry does, I suspect Butcher has been doing some work on himself as well. Either way, I think he's putting out strong Dresden books, and that both relieves and excites me.
I liked that this novella was a redemption story for a former enemy. I don't see that very often in the books I read, and it was refreshing. I also loved Max and his Bassett Hound Peppermint (Peppermint!). The scenes with him really made me smile. Some of the therapy-ish dialogue with Tripp, the con man wanting to go straight, were a little much, but otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed this.
I'm glad Butcher is putting out good work after the long interval from Battle Ground to now. It sounds like he has a plan for the rest of the series, and there's an end in sight. I feel very optimistic he'll pull it off with style.
4.5 stars
Hooray for bonus Jim Butcher this year! Both have felt like classic Butcher, with loads of action and great one-liners, without the lady ogling that made his older stuff tougher to reread. Based on the level of therapy and work on himself (or others) Harry does, I suspect Butcher has been doing some work on himself as well. Either way, I think he's putting out strong Dresden books, and that both relieves and excites me.
I liked that this novella was a redemption story for a former enemy. I don't see that very often in the books I read, and it was refreshing. I also loved Max and his Bassett Hound Peppermint (Peppermint!). The scenes with him really made me smile. Some of the therapy-ish dialogue with Tripp, the con man wanting to go straight, were a little much, but otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed this.
I'm glad Butcher is putting out good work after the long interval from Battle Ground to now. It sounds like he has a plan for the rest of the series, and there's an end in sight. I feel very optimistic he'll pull it off with style.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've waited to read Twelve Months before reading and reviewing Out Law, and you should as well, since there are some characters - especially one - who are introduced in the Twelve Months. Out Law builds on some new information on the origins of Dresden Files vampires that were presented in the Twelve Months and returns Marcone to the scene, but other than that it feels almost like a filler. I can't shake the feeling that these 200 pages could have been used in a better way.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for more Dresden and I would love to have a side case novella, or a short novel, let's be honest, each year in addition to other books that Jim publishes, but this line of storytelling simply wasn't that interesting to me.
The writing was very professional, in fact much better than the first several full novels in the series - Butcher has come a really long way since those days - the plot was tightly woven, and as I've said, there was some info that will probably become important in some way later on, especially with Lara and Thomas, if my suspicions are correct. But all in all, this was not a terribly exciting read for me. 3*
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for more Dresden and I would love to have a side case novella, or a short novel, let's be honest, each year in addition to other books that Jim publishes, but this line of storytelling simply wasn't that interesting to me.
The writing was very professional, in fact much better than the first several full novels in the series - Butcher has come a really long way since those days - the plot was tightly woven, and as I've said, there was some info that will probably become important in some way later on, especially with Lara and Thomas, if my suspicions are correct. But all in all, this was not a terribly exciting read for me. 3*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5/5
Harry Dresden is back on his feet, back to snark, and back to making bad choices for good reasons. I liked Out Law overall, even if it didn’t completely wow me.
The setup is classic Dresden. Marcone calls in a favor. A small-time criminal wants to go straight. Something old, ugly, and demonic gets involved. The city groans. Harry sighs. Trouble follows.
The pacing isn’t perfect. Some sections move fast, others feel a bit padded for a novella. The characters are fine but not especially memorable, and the intrigue never quite deepens into anything truly gripping. Still, Butcher knows exactly how to keep pages turning. I finished this in three sittings without effort.
Important to fans - Harry sounds like Harry again. He's wry, stubborn, and hopeful. There’s humor, a touch of gross magic, and a nice mix of supernatural mess and very boring human bureaucracy.
This isn’t a big, game-changing entry, but it’s a fun one. By the end, I just wanted the next Dresden book already.
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Harry Dresden is back on his feet, back to snark, and back to making bad choices for good reasons. I liked Out Law overall, even if it didn’t completely wow me.
The setup is classic Dresden. Marcone calls in a favor. A small-time criminal wants to go straight. Something old, ugly, and demonic gets involved. The city groans. Harry sighs. Trouble follows.
The pacing isn’t perfect. Some sections move fast, others feel a bit padded for a novella. The characters are fine but not especially memorable, and the intrigue never quite deepens into anything truly gripping. Still, Butcher knows exactly how to keep pages turning. I finished this in three sittings without effort.
Important to fans - Harry sounds like Harry again. He's wry, stubborn, and hopeful. There’s humor, a touch of gross magic, and a nice mix of supernatural mess and very boring human bureaucracy.
This isn’t a big, game-changing entry, but it’s a fun one. By the end, I just wanted the next Dresden book already.
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Jim Butcher for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This one took us back to our classic Dresden roots. It does take place after Twelve Months, but there are no spoilers if you accidently read it first.
This was a solid Chicago romp filled with action, and as always some very nasty people to deal with. I did enjoy that there has been a lot of personal growth for Harry, and he is starting to take more responsibility and think before doing as many stupid things. There is still plenty of good old fashioned snark, sass, and property destruction as always.
I loved watching Tripp worked towards becoming a good guy, even though he is really bad at it. He is trying so hard, and it's sweet. I also enjoyed getting back together with a few favorite side characters too.
Overall it is a great quick read, and a very fun addition to the series.
This one took us back to our classic Dresden roots. It does take place after Twelve Months, but there are no spoilers if you accidently read it first.
This was a solid Chicago romp filled with action, and as always some very nasty people to deal with. I did enjoy that there has been a lot of personal growth for Harry, and he is starting to take more responsibility and think before doing as many stupid things. There is still plenty of good old fashioned snark, sass, and property destruction as always.
I loved watching Tripp worked towards becoming a good guy, even though he is really bad at it. He is trying so hard, and it's sweet. I also enjoyed getting back together with a few favorite side characters too.
Overall it is a great quick read, and a very fun addition to the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sometimes, it’s not easy being the good guy. Harry Dresden is presented with an opportunity to help someone learn from past mistakes. Obviously, it is not that straightforward.
Jim Butcher’s Out Law is funny, vivid, and action-packed. The story has memorable one-liners (Max, in particular, is hilarious), it successfully plays with the 4th wall, and follows a clear moral path without becoming didactic. The world is textured, the dialogue sharp, the characters memorable, and the style both clever and consistent.
If you like your urban fantasy main characters self-aware, sardonic, and ethical when it gets tough, coupled with the odd gross-out moment, I recommend Out Law.
Thank you to Podium Entertainment/Podium Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC. I received an uncorrected ARC of Out Law through NetGalley; typos and usage errors were not factored into this voluntary review.
Jim Butcher’s Out Law is funny, vivid, and action-packed. The story has memorable one-liners (Max, in particular, is hilarious), it successfully plays with the 4th wall, and follows a clear moral path without becoming didactic. The world is textured, the dialogue sharp, the characters memorable, and the style both clever and consistent.
If you like your urban fantasy main characters self-aware, sardonic, and ethical when it gets tough, coupled with the odd gross-out moment, I recommend Out Law.
Thank you to Podium Entertainment/Podium Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC. I received an uncorrected ARC of Out Law through NetGalley; typos and usage errors were not factored into this voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review
Out Law is a sharp, satisfying return to Harry Dresden’s world, neatly bridging the gap after Twelve Months. Set in a Chicago still recovering from recent chaos, the novella leans into Harry’s exhaustion, stubborn morality, and dry humour — all very recognisably Dresden, but with a slightly more reflective edge.
The plot kicks off with a seemingly simple favour involving Marcone, and predictably spirals into danger. While shorter and more focused than a full novel, it packs in plenty of tension, banter, and emotional weight. It does feel like a connector piece rather than a standalone, but it’s a strong one that deepens character and teases what’s coming next.
A solid four-star read for fans of the series — compact, engaging, and very welcome.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
Out Law is a sharp, satisfying return to Harry Dresden’s world, neatly bridging the gap after Twelve Months. Set in a Chicago still recovering from recent chaos, the novella leans into Harry’s exhaustion, stubborn morality, and dry humour — all very recognisably Dresden, but with a slightly more reflective edge.
The plot kicks off with a seemingly simple favour involving Marcone, and predictably spirals into danger. While shorter and more focused than a full novel, it packs in plenty of tension, banter, and emotional weight. It does feel like a connector piece rather than a standalone, but it’s a strong one that deepens character and teases what’s coming next.
A solid four-star read for fans of the series — compact, engaging, and very welcome.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Can a career criminal truly seek and gain redemption ?
Harry is put on the spot by his frenemy John Marcone , Baron of Chicago
who points out that Harry is still in his debt ......... he wants him to help an
underling to go straight - what are his motives ?.
Nothing is as it seems in this fast paced novella , where the past impacts
on the present , where every twist has a turn , where Harry must use all his gifts
just keep not just himself but also those around him alive .
I wish it had been a longer book with a bit more depth to characters but it
was enjoyable throughout - Harry at his best yet again
Harry is put on the spot by his frenemy John Marcone , Baron of Chicago
who points out that Harry is still in his debt ......... he wants him to help an
underling to go straight - what are his motives ?.
Nothing is as it seems in this fast paced novella , where the past impacts
on the present , where every twist has a turn , where Harry must use all his gifts
just keep not just himself but also those around him alive .
I wish it had been a longer book with a bit more depth to characters but it
was enjoyable throughout - Harry at his best yet again
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First Dresden novella after Book 18, Twelve Months. This time we go back to Tripp, a character from the post-book 17 novella The Law, and have Marcone asking Harry to help him get straight and on the right path. Typical hijinks and magical chaos ensue, but ultimately a good ending, as usual. Nice to see Harry focused and on the right path again.
Both "The Law" and "Out Law" will probably be part of a future short stories/novellas collection. Definitely worth your time.
Recommend.
... now the long wait till Book 19 "Mirror Mirror"..... ugh
Both "The Law" and "Out Law" will probably be part of a future short stories/novellas collection. Definitely worth your time.
Recommend.
... now the long wait till Book 19 "Mirror Mirror"..... ugh
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Really fun and true-to-form Dresden Files novella. It contains spoilers from Battle Ground and the novella The Law, so choose your reading order wisely. Marcone calls in his favor from Dresden, asking him to help a former Marcone employee go straight. This results in the typical complications including an Aztec demon and a run-in with the IRS. A fun and entertaining read that will satisfy Dresden fans.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy in return for my honest feedback.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy in return for my honest feedback.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Out Law
By Jim Butcher
Pub Date: May 12 2026
Tripp Gregory, a pimp, who steals money from a children's charity finds himself in over his head. He calls on Harry Dresden for help. There's something lurking in the shadows.
If you like the Dresden Files then you'll enjoy this little novella.
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
By Jim Butcher
Pub Date: May 12 2026
Tripp Gregory, a pimp, who steals money from a children's charity finds himself in over his head. He calls on Harry Dresden for help. There's something lurking in the shadows.
If you like the Dresden Files then you'll enjoy this little novella.
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
No good deed goes unpunished. In the battle for Chicago, Harry incurred a debt of honor from Gentleman John. In return, Harry has to help someone else out, who may not deserve it.
At 126 pages, this is a length range we rarely saw in the paperback age, but it’s focused and to the point. He draws from Lovecraft and L’Amour in equal measure. “But my plans don’t ever go right.” At least three great magic battles and three verbal to enjoy. A great afternoon of fun.
At 126 pages, this is a length range we rarely saw in the paperback age, but it’s focused and to the point. He draws from Lovecraft and L’Amour in equal measure. “But my plans don’t ever go right.” At least three great magic battles and three verbal to enjoy. A great afternoon of fun.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I want to thank NetGalley for the ARC of this novella. It’s always good to get a new Harry Dresden story and this one didn’t let me down. Harry is more his old self in this one with attitude and comments that make Jim Butcher’s writing style so fun. This is set after Twelve Months, but doesn’t really give anything away. Marcone is his usual self and Harry deals with this by helping an acquaintance do good. Overall, it’s a fun ride between the next two main novels.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My thanks to NetGalley for making an eARC of this book available for my review.
A new Harry Dresden book means life just got a little bit better. Although just a novella, it gives the same satisfaction that the full length books give. Harry gets to take on evil gangsters, evil supernaturals, and the IRS (the scariest of any of them) all while helping a villain from his past make themselves into a better person.
A new Harry Dresden book means life just got a little bit better. Although just a novella, it gives the same satisfaction that the full length books give. Harry gets to take on evil gangsters, evil supernaturals, and the IRS (the scariest of any of them) all while helping a villain from his past make themselves into a better person.
January 24, 2026
Harry Dresden is called by one of his frenemies to help someone go down the straight and narrow but as always with Harry things aren’t as easy as they seem. There is always something crazy weird going on. I’ve been a fan of this series for many years and it’s always a delight to delve into the Dresdenverse. There is never a dull moment.
February 3, 2026
A good short adventure— I love that he writes the wizarding day to day as well as the larger story arc. This one has a lot of good reminders about how hard it is to choose the right thing, to find redemption, to try. It’s a little like a conversation with Dresden the mentor. Enjoyed it.
Advanced Readers Copy provided by edelweiss
Advanced Readers Copy provided by edelweiss
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
One of his best novellas. Wow
If feels like him had really hit his stride again. This is the most tight of shorts but one of the most rewarding because we see Harry in full flight. What we went through in 12 Months was all for this.
Reminds me of why I love the dresdenfiles in the first place. Harry’s back to being an investigator.
If feels like him had really hit his stride again. This is the most tight of shorts but one of the most rewarding because we see Harry in full flight. What we went through in 12 Months was all for this.
Reminds me of why I love the dresdenfiles in the first place. Harry’s back to being an investigator.
January 14, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC
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Excellent novella follow up to Twelve Months. This felt fully developed and read like a full length novel. All the elements we love in a Dresden story are there, plus some interesting storylines to pursue in later books.
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Excellent novella follow up to Twelve Months. This felt fully developed and read like a full length novel. All the elements we love in a Dresden story are there, plus some interesting storylines to pursue in later books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book Source: NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review: Another awesome read. The tension is high and the movement, constant. A short read but well worth the time spent.
4.7/5
4.7/5
Review of advance copy
I found this utterly charming, loving how Tripp's character arc was just as engaging as the magical one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Okay, where to begin? First, another thrilling entry in the Dresden Files short stories. Not only is this post-Twelve Months (and contains many spoilers for anyone who hasn't read it yet), it's Dresden's second encounter of three with Tripp Gregory. (See upcoming: Law Man.)
Following the events of The Law, Tripp Gregory has a scared straight moment and is looking to get out of the life. Baron John Marcone, being the boss that he is, looks to facilitate this and tasks Harry with helping Tripp or die trying. After all, Marcone did save Dresden's life during the battle, and is calling in his marker to balance the scales.
But will Harry succeed in this task? It's not just rival mobsters that stand in the way, using an ancient evil for which Harry himself may be responsible when he ended The Red Court, but a fearsome new enemy Harry has no idea how to deal with: The IRS. Harry is going to need a lawyer. Luckily, he knows just the guy.
Thus begins Harry's latest adventure post-Battle of Chicago and year-long healing, trying to redeem an unredeemable, saving him from rival mobsters with an Aztec demon, the U.S. government, and most importantly, himself.
Following the events of The Law, Tripp Gregory has a scared straight moment and is looking to get out of the life. Baron John Marcone, being the boss that he is, looks to facilitate this and tasks Harry with helping Tripp or die trying. After all, Marcone did save Dresden's life during the battle, and is calling in his marker to balance the scales.
But will Harry succeed in this task? It's not just rival mobsters that stand in the way, using an ancient evil for which Harry himself may be responsible when he ended The Red Court, but a fearsome new enemy Harry has no idea how to deal with: The IRS. Harry is going to need a lawyer. Luckily, he knows just the guy.
Thus begins Harry's latest adventure post-Battle of Chicago and year-long healing, trying to redeem an unredeemable, saving him from rival mobsters with an Aztec demon, the U.S. government, and most importantly, himself.
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