BookPath
Ghost Story
Jim Butcher

Ghost Story

Quick Answer

Read "Ghost Story" as the 13th book in the The Dresden Files sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Changes" (Book 12)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 13th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2011608 ppWikidataSource
Chicago wizard Harry Dresden gets a taste of the dead life in this novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series. In his life, Harry’s been shot, stabbed, sliced, beaten, burned, crushed, and tortured. And after someone puts a bullet through his chest and leaves him to die in the waters of Lake Michigan, things really start going downhill. Trapped between life and death, he learns that his friends are in serious trouble. Only by finding his murderer can he save his friends and move on—a feat which would be a lot easier if he had a body and access to his powers. Worse still are the malevolent shadows that roam Chicago, controlled by a dark entity that wants Harry to suffer even in death. Now, the late Harry Dresden will have to pull off the ultimate trick without using any magic—or face an eternity as just another lost soul...
Next Recommended Book

Cold Days

Book #14 of 17 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

The original audiobook version was narrated by John Glover due to scheduling conflicts with the primary series narrator, James Marsters. A rerecorded version narrated by Marsters was released in 2015.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for The Dresden Files conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Ghost Story?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Ghost Story before Changes?

No. We recommend reading Changes first. Ghost Story is the 13th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Ghost Story required reading for the The Dresden Files?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Ghost Story in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Ghost Story is Cold Days (Book #14).