Title: Working for Bigfoot
Author: Jim Butcher
First published January 1, 2014
136 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.29
Overview
Chicago’s resident wizard, Harry Dresden, has always been up for a challenge, but nothing could prepare him for his latest client. Meet Strength of a Hurricane in His Fists, a Bigfoot with a problem only Harry can solve.
His son, a scion, possesses an extraordinary magical aura that draws trouble like a magnet. In Working for Bigfoot, readers will follow Harry at different points in his career and in Irwin’s life.
From middle school in “B Is for Bigfoot” where Harry must protect Irwin from mystical bullies, to high school in “I Was a Teenage Bigfoot” where Harry must uncover the truth behind Irwin’s mysterious illness, to college in “Bigfoot on Campus” where typical freshman problems include vampires. Join Harry on his latest adventure as he navigates the supernatural world of Bigfoots and scions.
About the Author
Meet Jim Butcher, the talented author behind the hit book series, the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk sensation, the Cinder Spires. Jim’s skills extend beyond the world of writing, as he’s an accomplished guitarist (although he admits he’s not very good), and has a laundry list of abilities that were useful a few centuries ago.
When he’s not writing, Jim enjoys playing all sorts of games, including tabletop games, video games on both PC and console, and LARPs (Live Action Role-Playing) whenever he can find the time. While he spends most of his time lost in his own thoughts, you can usually find him in his hometown of Independence, Missouri.
You may know Jim by his online handle, Longshot, which he acquired in the early 1990s when he set his sights on becoming a published author. Statistically, only 3 out of every 1000 aspiring writers achieve this goal, and of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a career.
But Jim refused to let the odds discourage him, and eventually, he sold his second book series, paving the way for his successful career as a novelist.
Despite his impressive achievements, Jim remains humble and refuses to change his beloved nickname.
Editoral Review
In “Working for Bigfoot,” the New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher brings back one of his most intriguing characters, Harry Dresden, for a novella-length adventure set in his favorite alternate universe: our world. For those unfamiliar with Butcher’s Dresden Files series, Harry Dresden is a private investigator and professional wizard who operates in modern-day Chicago, where magic and supernatural beings are commonplace.
In “Working for Bigfoot,” Dresden is hired by a mysterious client to investigate a series of strange occurrences in rural Missouri, where a Bigfoot family is being terrorized by an unknown force. Despite its fantastic premise, “Working for Bigfoot” is grounded in Butcher’s signature blend of humor, action, and suspense, as well as his ability to create believable and relatable characters, even in the most extraordinary circumstances.
The novella is broken into three parts, each chronicling a different encounter between Dresden and his client’s family, and each packed with plot twists, magic spells, and witty banter. While “Working for Bigfoot” is not essential reading for fans of the Dresden Files series, it does offer a fun and entertaining diversion that showcases Butcher’s storytelling prowess and his affinity for offbeat creatures.
Moreover, the novella introduces some new elements to the Dresden universe, such as the role of the White Council, the governing body of wizards, in investigating Bigfoot cases, and the notion of ‘rogue’ practitioners who break the Council’s rules. However, the novella’s biggest drawback is its brevity, which leaves little room for character development beyond Dresden’s dry and snarky persona.
The Bigfoot family, although endearing in their simplicity and loyalty, are largely caricatures of their mythical species, which may disappoint readers looking for more nuanced portrayals. Overall, “Working for Bigfoot” is a delightful romp that will satisfy both Dresden Files fans eager for more adventures and newcomers looking for a fun gateway into Butcher’s urban fantasy world.
Its fast-paced plot, witty dialogue, and supernatural shenanigans make it a perfect summer read for those who want to escape reality for a while.
Rating: 4/5 stars
