Better than the last, with a more full cast of characters. Tomas being the impetus makes some sense, as there’s been some B plot stuff that makes him look suspicious enough going for maybe two full books? But her sure doesn’t mind taking his time with these things, that’s for sure. It took basically two books to get some details on what was up with that coin, too.

I also like that this feels like the first time Dresden has changed somewhat as a character, stemming from Molly, who still isn’t a very believable character, but at least has more agency than when Everything was her fault and she was even less believable and heavily sexualized, while underage. Little Chicago is a neat idea, the plot hook is slightly better, there’s better pacing, and the fight feels placed a bit better. Even if Butcher just loves his exposition at the end of the book, this winds down better. Lara also has a cameo; highlighting all the women being a bit better.

I think this does well to humanize Dresden more too, showing exactly how obstinate he is at making the morally good choice, as he sees it, while having his dogmatic rhetoric expand because of his being placed in the role of teacher with Molly. I’m glad he’s less obnoxious, and his blunders feel more real than in the past, when they’ve clearly not really been his fault and he’s just literally been white knighting. Basically, it’s less juvenile, and I hope that continues. Bob went from fun to the gross leering uncle when Molly came around too, hopefully that also is something that is moved past. We get it, Dresden is hard up and Bob is horny - it’s not funny, move on Butcher, it’s been literal years now.