Turn Coat

Lore & Background

The novel introduces the naagloshii, a shape-shifting creature from Native American lore described as a Skinwalker—a spirit of immense power and ability to change form, having survived a millennium and being semi-divine in nature. It eats magical creatures, including wizards, to increase its own power. Dresden also bonds with the spirit of Demonreach, the ancient genius loci of an uncharted island in Lake Michigan, through a Sanctum Invocation. Demonreach appears as a 12-foot-tall cloaked and robed figure with no visible features but glowing green eyes, and has a limp from 'the glacier that carved out Lake Michigan.' The island holds an unknown grudge against the Gatekeeper, resulting in the Gatekeeper's unwillingness to step onto the island. The story also introduces Binder (Ernest Armand Tinwhistle), a Cockney mercenary who specializes in summoning a large number of creatures from the Nevernever, and Vincent Graver, a private detective and former vice officer from Joliet who resigned after being assigned to the SIU as punishment for trying to prosecute a Chicago city council member.

In Their Own Story

Nearly a year and a half after Small Favor, a wounded Warden Morgan shows up at Dresden's apartment, claiming he was drugged and framed for the murder of Senior Council member LaFortier. While obtaining medical supplies, Dresden spots a naagloshii. Over the course of investigating Morgan's apparent crime, he legally entangles his apprentice Molly and Anastasia Luccio after they stumble over Morgan in Dresden's home. Dresden confronts Madeline Raith of the White Court, whom he suspects is behind framing Morgan, and Binder. Dresden invites Luccio to accompany him on a visit to Lara Raith and accuses her of complicity, but is interrupted by the naagloshii who ransoms Thomas Raith for Morgan. Realizing he needs far more strength, Dresden performs a Sanctum Invocation and bonds with the spirit of Demonreach. He calls the Council, House Raith, and the naagloshii, convincing each that Morgan is on the island. Dresden persuades Binder to quit the fight and is saved from the naagloshii by Listens-to-Wind, while Lara kills and devours Madeline to recover from injuries sustained in a grenade explosion. Thomas is rescued but insane with hunger, and is collected by Lara. Morgan surrenders after the true murderer slips away. During Morgan's trial in Edinburgh, Dresden produces evidence that Samuel Peabody, a high-ranking clerk within the White Council, orchestrated LaFortier's murder and has been psychically influencing Council members through magically adulterated ink. Peabody escapes, slaughtering a large portion of the Council, and opens a Way into the Nevernever. Dresden chases Peabody but is overpowered. Morgan kills Peabody and admits to Dresden that it was Luccio who actually killed LaFortier under Peabody's influence, and Morgan acted to protect her. Morgan dies of blood loss from the wound he sustained fleeing from the Wardens, hinting with his last words that he was wrong about Dresden's character. In the aftermath, Gregori Cristos fills LaFortier's Senior Council seat. Luccio confirms that her romantic feelings for Dresden were likely manufactured by Peabody's subtle influences and formally ends the relationship. Dresden learns that Ebenezar is slowly gathering support from those who secretly believe a Black Council exists, and Dresden labels the new group the 'Grey Council.' He stops in to join Will Borden and his friends in a role-playing game session, introducing Waldo Butters to bring the group back up to full size following the death of one member in the naagloshii attack.

Reader's Guide

The central conflict of Turn Coat revolves around Warden Morgan being framed for the murder of Senior Council member LaFortier. Harry Dresden must protect Morgan while uncovering the true conspirators. Key developments include Dresden confronting Madeline Raith and Lara Raith of the White Court, and the introduction of the naagloshii as a nearly unstoppable antagonist. The turning point occurs when Dresden bonds with Demonreach through a Sanctum Invocation, gaining the island's supernatural knowledge when physically present. Dresden orchestrates a confrontation on the island, calling the Council, House Raith, and the naagloshii together. The resolution comes during Morgan's trial in Edinburgh, where Dresden produces evidence that Samuel Peabody, a high-ranking clerk, orchestrated LaFortier's murder using magically adulterated ink to psychically influence Council members. Peabody escapes, slaughtering many Council members, but Morgan kills him and reveals that Luccio actually killed LaFortier under Peabody's influence. Morgan dies from his wounds. The aftermath sees Gregori Cristos filling LaFortier's seat, Luccio ending her relationship with Dresden, and Ebenezar forming what Dresden calls the 'Grey Council' to oppose the Black Council.

Did You Know?

• Turn Coat debuted at number one on the New York Times Best Seller list for hardcover fiction.
• The naagloshii is a Native American spirit that has survived a millennium and is semi-divine in nature, eating magical creatures including wizards to increase its power.
• Demonreach has a limp from 'the glacier that carved out Lake Michigan' and holds an unknown grudge against the Gatekeeper.
• Samuel Peabody was a high-ranking clerk within the White Council who used magically adulterated ink to psychically influence Council members.
• Morgan died of blood loss from the wound he sustained fleeing from the Wardens, hinting with his last words that he was wrong about Dresden's character.