Jim Butcher, Backup (Subterranean Press, 2008)
If a full-length novel can be considered a tasty meal, then at 70 pages, Backup is an tantalizing hors d'oeuvre. The novelette is a part of the Dresden Files series, taking place in the same fictional Chicago, but focusing on Harry Dresden's older half brother, vampire Thomas Raith. Harry is around, working a case, but only in the distance until the very last pages.
Backup is told from Thomas' point of view as, across the span of a single day, he tails Harry and helps him out from the shadows, all without his baby brother realizing. The story takes place after those of the latest Dresden novel, Small Favor, referencing events that occurred there. Not to give away any details, but Backup reveals some very, very intriguing things about Thomas and the Raith family. Harry may be up to his chin in otherworldly doings, but there are grand scale situations that even he is clueless about -- but not Thomas.
Readers are also treated to Thomas plying his charms at his salon, his first interaction with Bob the Skull and a touching reunion with his lady love, Justine. And we get to see what happens if Thomas fully yields to the monster within him (not wise to cross a very hungry and pissed off vampire of the White Court -- pleasurable as it might seem to be).
Hellboy artist Mike Mignola provides five black and white images, including one of Thomas and a ghoul that's used both as the cover and inside. Mignola seems an odd choice at first blush, given his stark, black and white style, given how beautiful Thomas is said to be. But the art works well, simple and direct and, in all, a good complement to the story, especially Mignola's rendition of Bob.
Over all too quickly, Backup is a delightful addition to the world of Harry Dresden, available only from the good folks at Subterranean Press this fall. (Any chance at a Karrin Murphy novelette?!?)
Jim Butcher's Web site is thisaway, while Subterranean Press can be found here.
