Take one proper good wizard, add a somewhat-sceptical policeman, a talking skull and Chicago. Sound good?

Not yet?

Well then, to the above add gruesome crimes, bad wizards, creatures from almost every mythology and old grudges.

Not quite enough for you?

What if we add smart-mouthed wisecracks, a film-noir feel and outstanding character development, not to mention a very self-aware cat, swords, guns, crime bosses, vampires and pizza-loving pixies?

Think that might interest you?

Yes?

Good. It should.

The Dresden Files are much better than the sum of their parts. They're fast paced, funny, sad, exciting and just plain great reads. The characterisation is excellent and each book is better than the preceding one.

Harry Dresden might be my favourite character ever. He's a smartarse, which I love, he's got a heart of gold, he is clever but not annoyingly so, and he likes to get on people's nerves. Best of all, though, he grows in each book. That's one of the things that makes this series so wonderful.

That's not to say there aren't flaws. The first three books are a little repetitive, especially in Harry's interactions with the policeman Murphy. But from Book 4 onwards Butcher really hits his stride and the books are a real delight.

So far there are 11 books in the series, with the next due in April 2010. There are also graphic novels of the series, a novelette and several short stories which make appearances in different collections.

I don't suggest you read the Wikipedia article about the books, especially the bit about the novelette, as there are several spoilers throughout.

There's also a TV series, one season, but I'd give that a miss. The guy who plays Harry is great, but the rest of it not so wonderful.

Anyway, if you're looking for a light-hearted, smartly written series of books set in our world but with a few magical additions then this is definitely for you.