Each of the 11 stories is set off by a charming preamble, telling how it came to be written and where it fits sequentially. Some were written for anthologies, a few were internet publications. “Aftermath” was written specifically for this book. So even if you have every other entry in one form or another the price of the book is more than justified by the new story, the introductions, and the convenience of having them all gathered together in one – heh - binding.

The collection starts with “A Restoration of Faith,” in which Harry rescues a runaway girl from a bridge Troll and first meets Officer Murphy.

“Vignette” is the conversation Harry has with Bob the Skull over the wording of his yellow pages advertisement. Bob has lots of suggestions for how Harry could attract more clients by using alliteration, drama, or even and worst of all, the truth!

In “Something Borrowed,” Georgia the werewolf is kidnapped on the day of her wedding by a faerie who intends to marry the groom, Billy. Harry and Murphy have to crash the wedding before the vows are uttered and a kiss binds Billy to the faerie for as long as he lives.

“It’s My Birthday, Too” is one of 3 stories featuring Harry’s stunningly gorgeous apprentice Molly. They try to deliver a birthday present to Harry’s half-brother Thomas, but encounter a bunch of teen vampire LARPers at a mall being menaced by a very real vampire out for blood and vengeance on Valentine’s Day.

Dresden has to follow a twisting trail to rescue an abducted bride in “Heorot,” one that begins at a Night of the Living Brews beer festival and leads to Undertown, where magical nasties dwell and devour visitors. Fortunately, Harry is accompanied by his dog, Mouse, and Gard, a supernatural security consultant. Just how supernatural Gard proves to be makes for fun reading.

Harry’s “Day Off” consists of one fiasco after another as he tries to 1) game with his werewolf buddies and 2) prepare for a date. “Back Up” lets Thomas, the White Court vampire, narrate a rescue mission that involves both brothers, even if Harry doesn’t know how much help he is getting. This story has a sardonic edge to it, in keeping with Thomas’ persona. Then there is another shift in tone with “The Warrior,” which takes a serious look at questions of faith and spiritual alliances as Harry tries to protect Michael Carpenter and his family. This story also has the best Introduction, so be sure to read that.

“Last Call” starts off in McAnally’s Pub, which is supposed to be neutral territory for Chicago’s supernaturals, but someone has caused havoc with the patrons by way of a batch of tainted beer. And that was just a trial round; the real target is the entire Union Center stadium, crammed with baseball fans. Even with help from Molly and Officer Karrin Murphy, it’s a race against time and erupting madness. And what a someone the instigator proves to be!

In “Love Hurts” Harry and Murphy investigate a mysterious series of suicide pacts between lovers. Following the trail of magical residue takes them to a carnival and a confrontation with a Red Court vampire. This story is much darker than the rest; it might haunt you.

Last of all is “Aftermath,” and it’s Murphy’s narrative. Without giving away too much, in case you haven’t read Changes yet, Murphy has to handle some supernatural troubles without Harry, but she gets help from Gard and the werewolves. On one hand, the story has a poignant edge to it; on the other, it has some of the funniest writing of the entire book, as Murphy translates the secret language of testosterone for the reader’s benefit.

Reading Side Jobs set me to thinking, between bouts of laughter, that it’s a lot easier to be virtuous when you can have this much fun legally. Thanks, Jim. ~~ Chris Paige