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.

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.