Harry Dresden, Chicago's only practicing professional wizard, should be happy that business is pretty good for a change. But now he's getting more than he bargained for.
A duel with the Red Court of Vampires' champion, who must kill Harry to end the war between vampires and wizards...
Professional hit men using Harry for target practice...
The missing Shroud of Turin...
A handless and headless corpse the Chicago police need identified...
Not to mention the return of Harry's ex-girlfriend Susan, who's still struggling with her semivampiric nature. And who seems to have a new man in her life.
Some days, it just doesn't pay to get out of bed. No matter how much you're charging.
Plot points
The Denarians and Fallen, and Nicodemus Archleone are introduced.
Johnny Marcone houses a comatose mysterious girl; this is the source of his determination which Harry glimpsed during their soulgaze in Storm Front.
The Archive is introduced, and Harry gives her a name: Ivy.
Kincaid is introduced.
Sanya and Shiro Yoshimo, the other two Knights of the Cross, are introduced.
Shiro dies, and his sword, Fidellachius, is entrusted to Harry so that he may pass it on to the next Knight.
