12 Thrilling Books Like The Dresden files You NEED To Read

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When I think about books like the Dresden Files, urban fantasy, wizard detectives, and dry humour instantly spring to mind.

While there are many urban fantasy books, capturing the same storytelling as The Dresden Files series is difficult. Many fantasy books have massive worlds, multiple POVs and a hefty page count. In comparison, the fast-paced Dresden Files books are quick reads.

I asked book lovers on social media to share their favourite books like The Dresden Files. And I also scoured Facebook groups and Reddit. I’ve aggregated and compiled their responses to list the top books like The Dresden Files.

Read on for the best books like The Dresden Files

The Best Books like The Dresden Files

1. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch

Rivers of London is another series I see recommended a lot. In fact, many readers first discovered The Dresden Files when looking for books like Rivers of London. So, I wasn't surprised when it was voted 1st place on my list.

It follows Peter Grant. He's a constable in the Metropolitan Police Service. One night while pursuing a murder inquiry, he tries to take a witness statement from someone who is dead.

And it brings him to the attention of Inspector Nightingale - the last wizard in England.

He is plunged into a world of vampires, warring gods and vengeful spirits. It falls to Peter to bring order out of chaos. Or die trying.

Rivers of London is an excellent Urban Fantasy. The writing and worldbuilding are fantastic. There is something so magical about the fantastical worldbuilding in London. And the dry, British humour makes this such an entertaining read.

2. The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne

The Iron Druid Chronicles was constantly recommended for fans of The Dresden Files. The main character is a 2100 year old druid who acts like a 20 year old. And he's very similar to Harry.

It follows Atticus O'Sullivan - the last of the Druids. He lives a peaceful life running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting to hunt with his Irish Wolfhound in his spare time.

 
Atticus also wields a magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer. But unfortunately, a Celtic God wants the sword. And Atticus will need all his power to help him.

I am a massive fan of a sarcastic main character, and Atticus is the perfect snarky wise-ass. It makes this really easy and engaging to read.

 
There is also so much fantastical world-building in this book - vampires, Gods, goblins and werewolves. The way Celtic Mythology was woven into the plot is also really clever

3. The Laundry Files by Charles Stross

The Laundry Files is an excellent choice for fans of The Dresden Files. It features  a wizard detective and a unique magic system. And it's incredibly well written. 

It follows Bob Howard, a low level techie at a government agency. Bob is normally under a desk restoring lost data. His world was dull and safe.

Until once day when he got NOTICED. Now, Bob is up to his neck in spycraft, parallel universes, dimension-hopping terrorists, monstrous elder gods and the end of the world

Only one thing is certain: it will take more than a full system reboot to sort this mess out ...

This series has a lot in common with The Dresden Files. It has a really dry sense of humour that revolves around bureacracy.   The protagonist is also prone to getting himself in tricky situations and getting himself in over his head.

A great choice if you're looking for books like The Dresden Files. The only caveat is that it's a  blend of both horror and Fantasy.

 4. Fated: Alex Verus, Book 1 by Benedict Jacka

The Alex Verus series is a great choice if you're a fan of the Dresden Files. A lot of people who enjoy the Dresden Files also love this series - it features Urban worldbuilding, a crime to investigate and a snarky main character. 

In Fated we meet Alex Verus.  He runs Arcana Emporium in the heart of Camden. He won't sell you a wand or mix you a potion, but if you know what you're looking for, he might just be able to help. 

That's if he's not too busy avoiding his would-be apprentice, foiling the Dark, outwitting the Light, and investigating a mysterious relic that has just turned up at the British Museum.

The premise and writing style are very similar to The Dresden Files. So this is definitely worth picking up. If anything, some reviewers think this series is a bit too similar to The Dresden Files. 

5. Magic Bites: Kate Daniels, Book 1 by Ilona Andrews

This series gets so much hype online!  While researching for this post, this series was recommended everywhere. 

Magic Bites is the first book in the Kate Daniels Series. It's an Urban Fantasy where rogue mages cast spells and leave all kinds of paranormal problems in their wake. 

Kate Daniels is a  down on her luck mercenary who makes a living cleaning up magical problems.  But when her guardian is murdered, she embarks on a quest of justice. And it draws her into a power struggle between two factions in Atlanta's magic circles.

Kate Daniels is a really likeable heroine and a great example of a strong female lead. She doesn't take any crap from anyone  and has an excellent sarcastic sense of humour.

You can't beat a fantasy book with a strong female lead! I have a ton of recommendations - you can check out my article on  urban fantasy books with strong female leads here

6. Rosemary and Rue: An October Daye Novel by Seanan McGuire

Seanan Mcguire is one of those fantasy authors who can do no wrong.  This Urban Fantasy series features many tropes that will make it popular with many readers - a mystery, a strong heroine and faerie folk. 

It follows October 'Toby' Daye. October is half human and half fae. And she has been an outsider from birth. Toby has denied the Faerie world and lives a "normal" life. 

But the Faerie world has other ideas.

The murder of Countess Evening Winterrose pulls Toby back into the Fae world. Toby must resume her former position as knight errant and investigate. But more than her own life will be forfeited if she fails.

This book is a great choice if you're looking for Urban Fantasy books with fae. If you're a fan of books with fae then I have a ton of recommendations. You can check out my blog post on books with fae here.

7. Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

There are not enough books about shifters at the moment. So I was really happy to see this book so high up on the list. The main character Mercy Thompson has the power to shift into a coyote at well. 

Mercedes Thompson, aka Mercy, is a mechanic living in Washington. She also happens to be a magical being with the power to shift into a coyote. 

Her next door neighbour is a werewolf and her former boss is a gremlin. Oh and she's fixing a car for a vampire.   

But her connection to these magical beings is about to land her in some serious hot water.

The Mercy Thompson series was a really popular choice.  Let's be honest - the cover isn't the best!  But this book has so much going for it - a mystery, action packed plot and a good writing style.

It's quite heavy on romance. So it won't be for everyone, but it's still 100% worth reading.  You need to check this series out if you're after books like the Dresden Files.

8. Harmony Black by Craig Schaefer

Harmony Black is an urban fantasy book with  a strong female lead, witches and a fast paced plot. 

It follows Harmony Black. She's an FBI Special agent, practicing witch and an operative for Vigilant Lock - an off-the-books program created to battle occult threat. 

But Harmony is conflicted about her job. Her last investigation resulted in deaths and she suspects the wrong people are being punished for it.

Whole on holiday she gets pulled into a team-mission. Their target: the Bogeyman. An elusive figure that destroyed Harmony’s childhood.

If you're a fan of the Dresden files then you'll probably enjoy this. The pacing, concept and structure are very similar.

9. The Devil You May Know: Felix Castor, Book 1 by Mike Carey

Felix Castor is perfect for fans of The Dresden Files or Rivers of London. It's an Urban Fantasy set in London following a freelance exorcist. Think British Ghostbuster vibes. 

It follows Felix Castor. He is in demand as a freelance exorcist at a time when the supernatural world is in upheaval. Consequently, Felix can charge any amount he wishes and enjoy an incredible lifestyle. 

But there is a risk: sooner or later he's going to take on a spirit that's too strong for him. 

After a year spent in 'retirement', Castor is reluctantly drawn back to the life he rejected and accepts a seemingly simple exorcism case. But the more he discovers about the ghost, the more things don't add up.

10. The Tomb, Repairman Jack #1 by F. Paul Wilson

The Repairman Jack series doesn't get talked about as much as it should do. It's an Urban Fantasy series featuring a mercenery, magic and two protagonists vying for power. 

It follows Repairman Jack. He fixes situations for people, often putting himself in deadly danger. His latest  project is recovering a stolen necklace, which carries with it an ancient curse that may unleash a horde of Bengali demons. 

Jack is used to danger. but this time his girlfriend's daughter is threatened. Can Jack overcome the curse of the yellow necklace and bring Vicky safely back home?

If you like the writing style and pacing of the Dresden Files series, then this is a great pick. F. Paul Wilson knows how to pace a story well and the solutions to any problems are always pure elegance.  It's also much more of a thriller and it's less heavy on the romance.

11. Something from the Nightside by Simon Green

I'll be honest, I wasn't sure about including this series in this list. The reviews are mixed, to say the least. However, it's very similar to The Dresden Files. And it was highly recommended for fans of Butcher. 

It follows John Taylor. He's not a private detective per se, but he has a knack for finding lost things. That's why he's been hired to descend into the Nightside, an otherworldly realm in the centre of London where fantasy and reality share renting space and the sun never shines.

The Nightside series is one of those love/hate series. It's corny and formulaic. However, sometimes that's the appeal of a book series.

The worldbuilding is really unique and the antagonists are fantastic. Super powerful and threatening. Plus the main character is very well liked.

Overall this series is very similar to The Dresden Files. It's an urban fantasy thriller with a private detective. If you're looking for books like The Dresden files then it's worth reading.

12. Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire

I'm not at all surprised to see one McGuire's books on this list. Everytime I research urban fantasy books, McGuire is always recommended. Without fail. 

Discount Armageddon is the first book in the Incryptid Series. It Verity Price. Her family has spent generations studying  the monsters of the world and protecting them from humanity. 

But Verity Price is not interested in a career as a cryptozoologist. She'd rather pursue a career in ballroom dance. Sounds simple right?

It would be, if it weren't for the talking mice, the telepathic mathematicians, the asbestos supermodels, and the trained monster-hunter sent by the Price family's old enemies, the Covenant of St. George. 

When a Price girl meets a Covenant boy, high stakes, high heels, and a lot of collateral damage are almost guaranteed.

This post was all about books like The Dresden Files