Weird, I hadn't ever been able to pick up on people skree'ing while crying on a forum, but I guess there's a first time for everything.  I've been driven to the message board and away from my lurking because of the Mab=Murphy posts and, of course, Duck's posts. 

If you're going to leave, at least do us the service of not having to announce it like that dude from Half Baked.  Actually, scratch that.  If you're going to leave & have to announce it... at least do it like the dude from Half Baked.

God forbid you have to choose not to read something.

1. We have been told that Nicodemus has a very specific target in mind, ostensibly kept in the Labyrinth of Daedalus.  What is Nic trying to get his hands on and why?

Jumping off of what a few other people have discussed, I believe they're after Thorned Namshiel's infected coin.  I also think Mab traded the coin to Hades in return for Hades not casting a claim on Harry for "dying".  I know we've debated whether or not Harry actually did die, but I believe whatever actually happened to him would have allowed Hades to also claim Harry's soul.

2. Nicodemus apparently called in a marker from Mab to get Harry on the team.  Does he have a specific plan for using Harry or did Mab twist his request?  Which of Harry's capabilities will he admit to needing, and (given that this is Nicodemus after all), which abilities is he scheming for Harry to use?

I think Nic needs Harry's protection or strength against Outsider mind-whammies so that once freed, the coin doesn't destroy them.  Have we seen the Fallen operate in the NeverNever?  I think perhaps the coins might find outside intervention easier there.  Or perhaps whatever is guarding the coin has been infected as well, hence the need for Harry.

3. Jim has mentioned that the book will be "Ocean's Eleven".  Who else did Nicodemus recruit?  How will they interact with Harry?

ChurchMouse
Shagnasty
Insert Denarians Here
Binder
 
4. Harry's general method of operation is to call on his friends for help.  In this book, Harry is (initially) allowed one extra backup member on the crew.  Who will it be?  Which of Harry's other allies will "interfere" before the plot is over?

Thomas will be recruited by Harry.  Sanya, Fix, Molly, Murphy, Sarissa, and the Alphas will be involved in some way, shape, or form.   

5. This is a Denarian book, so (unlike the last "end of the world" showdown), the Swords will almost certainly be present.  In fact, there have been various hints...  Which Sword wielders will appear in the next book and how will their interference/help affect the plot?

Sanya and Harry are going to duke it out.  Sanya is going to be killed, but not by Harry and not during their fight.  Sanya will die protecting Harry or another innocent from Nic.  Harry goes 'you-just-stole-my-daughter' level crazy and destroys the Labyrinth in the process of attempting to destroy and/or trap Nic n Company.
   
6. Mab is apparently against Nicodemus succeeding in this heist.  In the Cold Days, we found that Mab had complex reasons for wanting Harry to kill Maeve.  What are Mab's reasons in this book?  Is it simple thwarting or is there something deeper?

She wants the coin back from Hades, but she also wants Harry to find something else of great importance in the Lab that we won't know is important until another book or 2. 

7. At the end of Cold Days, Harry needs to stay on the island to keep his growing headaches at bay.  The start of Skin Games implies that those headaches will need to be resolved by the end of the book.  Who or what is causing those headaches, and how will the whole thing get resolved by the end of the book?

It's Lash and Mab is playing word games with what it will do to his family/friends.  Having Harry die AGAIN would destroy them, especially after he is just back being alive (in their mind).

8.  One of the key components of the "Ocean's Eleven" movie is that there is a final twist/reveal.  Given that we've got Nicodemus, Harry, Mab, and potentially Hades (and who knows who else) all trying to get the better of each other, if there's one thing you can count on it's some sort of last minute quintuple-cross.  What will be the nature of the twist and how will it all fall out?

Nic has a deal with Hades that if he can deliver Harry Dresden to him, he will give him the coin.  Nic will try to steal the coin first, with his deal with Hades serving as his backup plan.  Harry in turn makes a wager with Hades of some kind and is able to win, granting his freedom.  Harry will straight up kill one of the Fallen and destroy a coin in some way. 

9.  (Extra Credit) There are many WAG ("Wild A$$ Guess") theories on the boards, some crazier than others.  Write up to three WAG theories (or make up your own) you believe are correct that will be confirmed (or at least have evidence in favor of) in Skin Games.

1. Harry will fight the Minotaur, who will be nearly immune to magic.  He will end up having to run away, but will use the Minotaur to destroy another enemy later on, then destroying the minotaur after it's served his purpose. 

2. Michael WILL NOT take the news of Molly well, will punch Harry (Harry will pull a Spiderman and mention he could have avoided the punch, but takes it anyway).  Charity will be the voice of reason and forgive Harry.

3. Harry will still not meet Maggie yet.

10. (Extra Credit) This is that "free form" question where you can come up with anything else you think will be in this book.  Specific quotes Harry might say (will he actually quote Ocean's Eleven?  The movie will have come out already in Harry's timeline)? Tidbits about the White Council? The fate of Molly? Write down anything you want.  Note that whatever you write must be specifically mentioned or hinted at in Skin Games in order to be worth credit.

1. Someone in the book will be eating in every scene they are in, much like Brad Pitt's character.

2. Molly will have already changed beyond all recognition physically, mentally, and magically.

3. Ramirez is angry with Harry for not keeping him in the loop.

4. The White Council will finally believe Harry has gone warlock and will attempt to kick him off the council.  Eb, the Gatekeeper, and others will push it to a full vote of the council.  The merlin will list everything Harry has done that is terrible.  Someone will stand for Harry and defend him, listing all of the times he has prevented catastrophe.  Surprisingly, the council will vote to keep Harry on the white council.  He will be stripped of his title as Warden, but will still be THE Warden of DemonReach.