The Devil You Know

I adored this book! I've been slowly reading the Harry Dresden novels, and they're OK, but as I read this, I thought, “This is what Jim Butcher wishes he could do.”

The basic plots are remarkably similar - modern day setting, protagonist who trades in supernatural services in the style of a noir detective, plenty of suspects and double crosses. This book just struck me as more literary, more polished. (Though Butcher's later books may be as well - I'm only on number 3.)

One major difference that I liked was that while the setting is modern, it is not set in our world, precisely. The portrait of a London well known to be haunted by ghosts is eerie and effective.

All in all, it's a fun read, with a plot that pulls you along and provides mystery and surprise, with a side of chills and personal drama.