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Sookie Stackhouse #5
Dead as a Doornail
When Sookie's brother Jason's eyes start to change, she knows he's about to turn into a were-panther for the first time. But her concern becomes cold fear when a sniper sets his deadly sights on the local changeling population--and Jason's new panther brethren suspect he may be the shooter. Now, Sookie has until the next full moon to find out who's behind the attacks, unless the killer decides to find her first.
295 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2005
1590 people are currently reading
28204 people want to read
About the author
Charlaine Harris
337 books36.8k followersCharlaine Harris has been a published writer for over forty years. Her first two books were standalones, followed by a long sabbatical when she was having children. Then she began the Aurora Teagarden book, mysteries featuring a short librarian (eventually adapted for Hallmark movies). The darker Lily Bard books came next, about a house cleaner with a dark past and considerable fighting skills.
Tired of abiding by the mystery rules, Harris wrote a novel about a telepathic barmaid that took at least two years to sell. When the book was published, it turned into a best seller, and DEAD UNTIL DARK and the subsequent Sookie books were adapted in Alan Ball's "True Blood" series. At the same time, Harris began the Harper Connelly books. Harper can find the bones of the dead and see their last minute.
When those two series wound to a close, the next three books were about a mysterious town in Texas, called Midnight.
A change in publisher and editor led to Harris's novels about a female gunslinger in an alternate America, Lizbeth Rose. The Gunnie Rose books concluded with the sixth novel.
She's thinking about what to write next.
Tired of abiding by the mystery rules, Harris wrote a novel about a telepathic barmaid that took at least two years to sell. When the book was published, it turned into a best seller, and DEAD UNTIL DARK and the subsequent Sookie books were adapted in Alan Ball's "True Blood" series. At the same time, Harris began the Harper Connelly books. Harper can find the bones of the dead and see their last minute.
When those two series wound to a close, the next three books were about a mysterious town in Texas, called Midnight.
A change in publisher and editor led to Harris's novels about a female gunslinger in an alternate America, Lizbeth Rose. The Gunnie Rose books concluded with the sixth novel.
She's thinking about what to write next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,669 reviews
June 16, 2021
(B+) 78% | Good
Notes: A pleasant break from its romance focused precursors, it successfully plants the seeds for a satisfying mystery reveal.
Notes: A pleasant break from its romance focused precursors, it successfully plants the seeds for a satisfying mystery reveal.
March 19, 2009
Sigh. Sookie, Sookie, Sookie, your fashion sense is still stuck in the eighties. I blame this on the author, who no doubt thinks she's writing you up to date. I myself, did a face palm, when I read about your lipstick matching your red earrings and your red socks with your black work pants. Yeah, I did that in junior high, too. Questionable fashion aside, I still really enjoy this character. She had some tough times this book, what with having no sexual escapades (the first time ever, although it seems like every male in the town is interested in her--must be the red socks), getting shot, and having part of her house burn down. Unfortunately, it was just her back porch and kitchen that burned, so her collection of hair scrunchies were saved. I've also decided that I'm pretty well over the werewolves in this book. Alcide, a character I liked in past books, is kind of a jerk here and the whole head of the pack competition grossed me out. That said, I'm happy to read the next in the series.
December 16, 2022
True Blood book 5: Another episode of the charming and pretty innovative Southern vampire fantasy drama cum soap opera: someone or somebodies are shooting Shifters; Jason goes panther(!?), it appears that someone or somebodies are after Sookie (as per); and Tara realised her supernatural boyfriend is also super. As ever the multiple storylines keep me more entertained in that at least 2 or 3 of them are quite interesting.
The multiple plotting is the key device that works well for me in this series., in addition to the large and mostly eclectic cast of human and supernatural characters. A 6 out of 12, Three Star read. Why do I call this the True Blood series? - because one of the few things I dislike about it is the Sookie Stackhouse character, so I can't be asked to call the series by its actually name!
2010 read
The multiple plotting is the key device that works well for me in this series., in addition to the large and mostly eclectic cast of human and supernatural characters. A 6 out of 12, Three Star read. Why do I call this the True Blood series? - because one of the few things I dislike about it is the Sookie Stackhouse character, so I can't be asked to call the series by its actually name!
2010 read
October 29, 2017
A decent read. But Ms Stackhouse's attraction to every available guy (and vice-versa) made me eye roll and I kept saying to myself,"not again and wait what about Bill, Eric, Alcide and Sam and on and on." :/
February 26, 2018
*** 3.55 ***
"...“Fiction just makes it all more interesting. Truth is so boring.”..."
This one was entertaining and much less angsty than the previous couple, which of course is a good thing 😋. Sookie is still single and several different guys have been showing some romantic interest in her, but it seems that all of them come with a ton of complications attached. On top of her money problems, the bar where she works being riddled with incidents of violence, and her brother becoming a panther shifter after being mauled, someone is shooting the shifters in the vicinity and Sookie is pressured into figuring out who it might be.
"...“Should I just bite you, and end it all?", he whispered. "I would never have to think about you again. Thinking about you is an annoying habit and one I want to be rid of.”..."
We do get to see Bill, Eric and all the various shifters who have made themselves a permanent part of Sookie's life, going so far as to be invited to the choosing of a new Alpha for the local Pack. That was very interesting and somewhat disturbing. Somehow, not very clear neither to Sookie nor to the reader, she has become a person of some influence in the paranormal community and that position comes with all the usual strings - perks and dangerous pitfalls. In this book she gets a taste of each 😎😈😇.
"...“Did we have sex?" he asked directly.
For about two minutes, this might actually be fun. "Eric," I said, "we had sex in every position I could imagine, and some I couldn’t. We had sex in every room in my house, and we had sex outdoors. You told me it was the best you’d ever had." (At the time he couldn’t recall all the sex he’d ever had. But he’d paid me a compliment.) "Too bad you can’t remember it," I concluded with a modest smile.
Eric looked like I’d hit him in the forehead with a mallet. For all of thirty seconds his reaction was completely gratifying.”..."
This series is a whole a lot of fluff and absurdity, but it sure is entertaining in a Southern colloquial kind of way. It makes me roll my eyes as well as laugh, so yes, I am definitely going to continue with the series and see where Sookie will end up 😁.
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come!
"...“Fiction just makes it all more interesting. Truth is so boring.”..."
This one was entertaining and much less angsty than the previous couple, which of course is a good thing 😋. Sookie is still single and several different guys have been showing some romantic interest in her, but it seems that all of them come with a ton of complications attached. On top of her money problems, the bar where she works being riddled with incidents of violence, and her brother becoming a panther shifter after being mauled, someone is shooting the shifters in the vicinity and Sookie is pressured into figuring out who it might be.
"...“Should I just bite you, and end it all?", he whispered. "I would never have to think about you again. Thinking about you is an annoying habit and one I want to be rid of.”..."
We do get to see Bill, Eric and all the various shifters who have made themselves a permanent part of Sookie's life, going so far as to be invited to the choosing of a new Alpha for the local Pack. That was very interesting and somewhat disturbing. Somehow, not very clear neither to Sookie nor to the reader, she has become a person of some influence in the paranormal community and that position comes with all the usual strings - perks and dangerous pitfalls. In this book she gets a taste of each 😎😈😇.
"...“Did we have sex?" he asked directly.
For about two minutes, this might actually be fun. "Eric," I said, "we had sex in every position I could imagine, and some I couldn’t. We had sex in every room in my house, and we had sex outdoors. You told me it was the best you’d ever had." (At the time he couldn’t recall all the sex he’d ever had. But he’d paid me a compliment.) "Too bad you can’t remember it," I concluded with a modest smile.
Eric looked like I’d hit him in the forehead with a mallet. For all of thirty seconds his reaction was completely gratifying.”..."
This series is a whole a lot of fluff and absurdity, but it sure is entertaining in a Southern colloquial kind of way. It makes me roll my eyes as well as laugh, so yes, I am definitely going to continue with the series and see where Sookie will end up 😁.
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come!
February 6, 2017
2 Enough-Already Stars
Sookie Stackhouse is a:
(If that’s not clear, it’s a soup magnet….. and, also, a VERY bad pun. You’re welcome!)
ALL (okay, okay, almost ALL) thesoups supes in the area surrounding Sookie’s hometown of Bon Temps want to make an honest woman of her. She gets copious amounts of offers in Dead as a Doornail, it’s pretty exasperating. No matter what magical cookie perfume she’s wearing, I don’t buy it and moreover it seems like a very flimsy excuse to have all the hot guys in these books pant after her like dogs (at least one of them LITERALLY).
In this instalment there’s a Big Bad in the area shooting up the local shifters. The cops can’t see any sort of link between the attacks because they are blissfully unaware of the Shape-Shifters existence. Some crazy werewolf stuff is going down with the Shrevport pack that Sookie gets, unwillingly, dragged into.
The murder-mystery element of this story is pretty transparent (possibly even more so than the previous books, which is saying something) and I called who the killer was the moment s/he was introduced. The ‘romantic’ aspect isn’t as clear here either, what with all the offers coming in from all over the goddamn place.
I have bitched to the moon and back about how judgmental I think Sookie is as a character and that hasn’t changed at all here. I know that she is a telepath and therefore hears any number of thoughts that one would not necessarily want to hear but that does NOT give her licence to judge every fucking person who crosses her path. Seriously?! Cut this shit out, Sook!
We’d all like to kill what we don’t understand, what scares us, and I powerfully scared Andy Bellefleur.
Ex-muthafucking-cuse me??? Speak for yourself! I don’t want to kill things I don’t understand, even if they scare me…. I want to understand them.
In the world I lived in, the world of human people, there were ties and debts and consequences and good deeds. That was what bound people to society; maybe that was what constituted society. And I tried to live in my little niche the best way I could.
Well now, don’t get all maudlin on us now, Sookie. I refuse to believe that all of society swarms around feeling indebted to people, sure that aspect exists but that’s not all that humanity is. Bleh.
Shhhhhhh, Eric, just stand there and look sexy! And I will NEVER, and I do mean NEVER, picture you in the clothes that Harris describes you as wearing. I know these books are dated but a brown suit with a gold belt?! REALLY?! Ew.
Sookie Stackhouse is a:
(If that’s not clear, it’s a soup magnet….. and, also, a VERY bad pun. You’re welcome!)
ALL (okay, okay, almost ALL) the
In this instalment there’s a Big Bad in the area shooting up the local shifters. The cops can’t see any sort of link between the attacks because they are blissfully unaware of the Shape-Shifters existence. Some crazy werewolf stuff is going down with the Shrevport pack that Sookie gets, unwillingly, dragged into.
The murder-mystery element of this story is pretty transparent (possibly even more so than the previous books, which is saying something) and I called who the killer was the moment s/he was introduced. The ‘romantic’ aspect isn’t as clear here either, what with all the offers coming in from all over the goddamn place.
I have bitched to the moon and back about how judgmental I think Sookie is as a character and that hasn’t changed at all here. I know that she is a telepath and therefore hears any number of thoughts that one would not necessarily want to hear but that does NOT give her licence to judge every fucking person who crosses her path. Seriously?! Cut this shit out, Sook!
We’d all like to kill what we don’t understand, what scares us, and I powerfully scared Andy Bellefleur.
Ex-muthafucking-cuse me??? Speak for yourself! I don’t want to kill things I don’t understand, even if they scare me…. I want to understand them.
In the world I lived in, the world of human people, there were ties and debts and consequences and good deeds. That was what bound people to society; maybe that was what constituted society. And I tried to live in my little niche the best way I could.
Well now, don’t get all maudlin on us now, Sookie. I refuse to believe that all of society swarms around feeling indebted to people, sure that aspect exists but that’s not all that humanity is. Bleh.
Shhhhhhh, Eric, just stand there and look sexy! And I will NEVER, and I do mean NEVER, picture you in the clothes that Harris describes you as wearing. I know these books are dated but a brown suit with a gold belt?! REALLY?! Ew.
December 27, 2008
Oh, Sookie Sookie.
Another fun read, but I’m not feeling as passionate about Sookie & Co. after this installment. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it. Thoroughly. And you can bet your buns I’ve already requested #6 from the library and will be checking my account furiously for notification that it’s ready and waiting for me. But some of the magic was missing from this one.
In the beginning of the book, Calvin Norris and Sam Merlotte were non-fatally shot and another female shifter, whose name I’ve already forgotten, was shot and killed in the parking lot of a Sonic. And a news report indicates that many other people in nearby areas have also been shot by a sniper in mysterious circumstances. Although the world at large may not realize the significance of the snipers victims, Sookie and several others in the community realize that all the targets have been shifters.
There were two bad guys in this whodunit. One of them I was able to guess right away, one of them was a surprise to me. After having read the first five in this series in a relatively short succession, this pleases me. Because if I was able to consistently guess them over and over, I might get bored and not want to read these books and that would be a bummer.
And like the previous four books, Sookie’s love life is generally a big factor in the plot. Even though she’s decidedly unattached and doesn't sleep with anybody this time around, she is being actively pursued by several men. This includes Bill and Eric. And Sam, of course. And Calvin Norris and Alcide Herveaux.
Sookie also learns quite a bit more about werewolf politics, learns how to file an insurance claim and what a gunshot wound feels like.
Lastly, I can’t end a Sookie Stackhouse review without pointing out the inconsistency du jour of this book: on an early page, Claudine the fairy is referred to as Claudine several times. But then whammo! In one paragraph she is called “Claudette” once before going back to being Claudine. If something this simple isn’t being caught, this probably gives you an idea about some of the other things that are sliding by the editors.
Another fun read, but I’m not feeling as passionate about Sookie & Co. after this installment. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it. Thoroughly. And you can bet your buns I’ve already requested #6 from the library and will be checking my account furiously for notification that it’s ready and waiting for me. But some of the magic was missing from this one.
In the beginning of the book, Calvin Norris and Sam Merlotte were non-fatally shot and another female shifter, whose name I’ve already forgotten, was shot and killed in the parking lot of a Sonic. And a news report indicates that many other people in nearby areas have also been shot by a sniper in mysterious circumstances. Although the world at large may not realize the significance of the snipers victims, Sookie and several others in the community realize that all the targets have been shifters.
There were two bad guys in this whodunit. One of them I was able to guess right away, one of them was a surprise to me. After having read the first five in this series in a relatively short succession, this pleases me. Because if I was able to consistently guess them over and over, I might get bored and not want to read these books and that would be a bummer.
And like the previous four books, Sookie’s love life is generally a big factor in the plot. Even though she’s decidedly unattached and doesn't sleep with anybody this time around, she is being actively pursued by several men. This includes Bill and Eric. And Sam, of course. And Calvin Norris and Alcide Herveaux.
Sookie also learns quite a bit more about werewolf politics, learns how to file an insurance claim and what a gunshot wound feels like.
Lastly, I can’t end a Sookie Stackhouse review without pointing out the inconsistency du jour of this book: on an early page, Claudine the fairy is referred to as Claudine several times. But then whammo! In one paragraph she is called “Claudette” once before going back to being Claudine. If something this simple isn’t being caught, this probably gives you an idea about some of the other things that are sliding by the editors.
November 1, 2008
Another good installment in the Sookie Stackhouse series.
I enjoyed the story, once again, but I was disappointed by one thing, which has sort of been bothering me since the 1st book in the series. It seems to me that at times Charlaine Harris isn't able to keep her details straight. Granted, she has written A LOT and I can certainly understand confusing the details in that situation, but surely any decent editor would have caught these types of discrepancies...
For example:
- (Book 1) Fang-bangers became fangbangers. (This isn't a huge issue, but the hyphen was used originally, and therefore should be afterwards.)
- (Books 1-5) Kevin Prior turned into Kevin Pryor, and then back to Prior, and then back again to Pryor.
- Jason's boss is Shirley (Catfish) Hennessey in Book 4, but in Book 5, all of a sudden he's Shirley (Catfish) Hunter. What?!?
This is kind of a pet-peeve of mine. It's a petty thing, I know, but it is annoying. In my opinion, Harris has created a world of detail in these books, and it seriously detracts from the enjoyment of the story when those details change from book to book in the series.
I wish that Sookie would stop being so friggin' unreasonable when it comes to disagreements. If she would just hear someone out one day rather than storming off in a huff, she might be better off!
I enjoyed the story, once again, but I was disappointed by one thing, which has sort of been bothering me since the 1st book in the series. It seems to me that at times Charlaine Harris isn't able to keep her details straight. Granted, she has written A LOT and I can certainly understand confusing the details in that situation, but surely any decent editor would have caught these types of discrepancies...
For example:
- (Book 1) Fang-bangers became fangbangers. (This isn't a huge issue, but the hyphen was used originally, and therefore should be afterwards.)
- (Books 1-5) Kevin Prior turned into Kevin Pryor, and then back to Prior, and then back again to Pryor.
- Jason's boss is Shirley (Catfish) Hennessey in Book 4, but in Book 5, all of a sudden he's Shirley (Catfish) Hunter. What?!?
This is kind of a pet-peeve of mine. It's a petty thing, I know, but it is annoying. In my opinion, Harris has created a world of detail in these books, and it seriously detracts from the enjoyment of the story when those details change from book to book in the series.
I wish that Sookie would stop being so friggin' unreasonable when it comes to disagreements. If she would just hear someone out one day rather than storming off in a huff, she might be better off!
September 17, 2019
Really solid pacing throughout the series. I like how the story picks right up at the start of each book, where the last left off, and goes on to the next major catosphy.
Rinse and repeat.
I know exactly what's in store for me each time I pick up a Sookie Stackhouse book, and I am never disappointed.
Funny, sexy, over the top= my favorite guilty pleasure
Rinse and repeat.
I know exactly what's in store for me each time I pick up a Sookie Stackhouse book, and I am never disappointed.
Funny, sexy, over the top= my favorite guilty pleasure
March 1, 2021
3.5 stars. A good, twisty plot, but not as exciting, shocking, or nailbiting as some of the other books.
April 17, 2019
Jar of Death Pick #15
Dead As A Doornail is book 5 in the Southern Vampire series aka True Blood. As always the further into a series I get the more difficult I find it to review. If you've made to book 5 then you probably enjoy this series so I don't know what to add to that.
In Dead As A Doornail Sookie Stackhouse is dealing with a lot of serious shit but somehow she seems to handle it really well. The title of the book is a "dead" giveaway to what Sookie's dealing with. Someone really wants her dead. As per usual in these books every man who Sookie meets wants to sleep with her(Sure) and she continues to juggle 3 men ( what a terrible problem to have).
If you liked book 4 Dead to the World then you will like Dead as a Doornail also. Its a cute little series.
Dead As A Doornail is book 5 in the Southern Vampire series aka True Blood. As always the further into a series I get the more difficult I find it to review. If you've made to book 5 then you probably enjoy this series so I don't know what to add to that.
In Dead As A Doornail Sookie Stackhouse is dealing with a lot of serious shit but somehow she seems to handle it really well. The title of the book is a "dead" giveaway to what Sookie's dealing with. Someone really wants her dead. As per usual in these books every man who Sookie meets wants to sleep with her(Sure) and she continues to juggle 3 men ( what a terrible problem to have).
If you liked book 4 Dead to the World then you will like Dead as a Doornail also. Its a cute little series.
October 4, 2008
I did not like this story as much as book 4, which is by far my favorite so far (I am a sucker for memory-challenged Eric), but it was still an interesting tale. However, after having too many suitors, Sookie is fast running out of potential soul mates. Eric is back to being his old arrogant self, Bill is sulking around with a realtor, Alcide is freaked out Sookie killed his ex and blames her for his father's death and Sam is incapacitated from being shot (although they did share a heated moment in his office that Bill interrupted) While Sookie did meet the alluring Quinn (who I am sure will show up in future books) no major love interests have popped in. Which for me meant the storyline needed to be a bit tighter to fill in the lack of romantic gaps. However, the drama in this book was increidbly less after the previous stories filled with much death and destruction. Sookie having part of her house burned was sad, Tara's story a bit throw-away, but the climax, the packmaster duel at the end, was just disappointing in its fercoity rather than exhilarating in action. And the whole sniper against shifters and hit man after Sookie felt weak. Still better than book two's very weak story, but not as thrilling as the other novels.
It will be interesting to see were things go with this. NOw that Eric knows the secret he and Sookie share will he act on it? And will Bill ever come around and wise up? Or Sam? And Alcide, who needs to stop blaming everyone else for his problems, he needs to grow up. Plus Jason is still an ass, caring more about his butt not being a suspect than his sister getting shot. All in all the men in Sookie's life leave much to be desired. She is still as spunky and great as ever, but needs better guys to work with.
It will be interesting to see were things go with this. NOw that Eric knows the secret he and Sookie share will he act on it? And will Bill ever come around and wise up? Or Sam? And Alcide, who needs to stop blaming everyone else for his problems, he needs to grow up. Plus Jason is still an ass, caring more about his butt not being a suspect than his sister getting shot. All in all the men in Sookie's life leave much to be desired. She is still as spunky and great as ever, but needs better guys to work with.
March 27, 2019
2019 Re-Read
Just as telepath Sookie enjoys resting her mind around Vampire Bill, whose thoughts she can’t hear, I enjoy resting myself in this series that I’ve read and enjoyed before.
I’ve been consuming this series at a furious rate, seeing details that I just didn’t see on my first pass through. I believe that this is the volume where the private investigators show up to question Sookie, and we get an intersection between this series and Harris’ Lily Bard series. When I first read this book, I hadn’t been introduced to Lily yet, so this was a fun little detail. [It may have been the previous volume—I’m sucking back 2 books per evening right now and they are getting a bit blended in my memory].
However, on my first reading I certainly did see the assumptions of the men in Sookie’s life—they assume that she’s going to be open & interested in them, that they can easily manipulate her, and that when they speak she has to listen. And, as women, when we resist these assumptions, we are labelled as bitches. (Now I’m going to recommend a non-fiction book to you, The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence—I think every woman should read it and every man who has a woman in his life who he cares about should too just to know what it’s like to be female in our world.)
*****
Original review
I read this book quickly this morning, while waiting for visits from my condo board & a plumber. It was a good distraction from the water leaking from my bathroom ceiling AGAIN. I swear these Sookie novels are addictive, I immediately wanted to read the next one (I’d go shopping, except I’m still waiting to hear from the plumber).
I’ve never been one to watch soap operas, but that is the only thing that I can think to compare this series to. I read to find out who did what to whom, figure out why they did it, and to see who Sookie ends up with eventually. There’s a lot of men in the running—Eric, Bill, Sam, Alcide, Calvin, maybe even Quinn. That’s a lot of guys to juggle, especially when they all seem to be using some kind of tit-for-tat scoring system that seems to make Sookie beholden to each of them. But you know, all women in our society have to deal with entitled men all the time—the neighbour who wants to carry your groceries so he can see the inside of your house, the guy who “helps” you with your suitcase so you feel obligated to go for coffee with him, the guy who is paid to paint your bathroom (and you suspect that he wants to be alone to go through your underwear drawer), the friend’s husband who thinks it’s okay to make a suggestive comment. Hey, I’m an old, fat lady and I still have to deal with all these guys. This is life as a woman—worse for single women, but a fact of life for all of us. It’s tiresome and omnipresent.
So I feel for Sookie. She attracts the supernatural sorts, I attract the creepy guys. We’re both just a little too friendly, a little too nice. I’m working on my force field and Miss Sookie needs to as well. My parents raised me to be polite and pleasant to other people. I just can’t believe how many of those people seem to think that makes me an easy mark. And how many men think that lifting something for you somehow entitles them to much more of your attention.
I guess there are plenty of people in the world who are dying for attention of any kind, and if you treat them like a human being, they read far too much into that. What a sad comment on the state of our world.
But back to Sookie, I can hardly wait to get my hands on the next volume and see which of this bunch of guys manages to win her attention.
Just as telepath Sookie enjoys resting her mind around Vampire Bill, whose thoughts she can’t hear, I enjoy resting myself in this series that I’ve read and enjoyed before.
I’ve been consuming this series at a furious rate, seeing details that I just didn’t see on my first pass through. I believe that this is the volume where the private investigators show up to question Sookie, and we get an intersection between this series and Harris’ Lily Bard series. When I first read this book, I hadn’t been introduced to Lily yet, so this was a fun little detail. [It may have been the previous volume—I’m sucking back 2 books per evening right now and they are getting a bit blended in my memory].
However, on my first reading I certainly did see the assumptions of the men in Sookie’s life—they assume that she’s going to be open & interested in them, that they can easily manipulate her, and that when they speak she has to listen. And, as women, when we resist these assumptions, we are labelled as bitches. (Now I’m going to recommend a non-fiction book to you, The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence—I think every woman should read it and every man who has a woman in his life who he cares about should too just to know what it’s like to be female in our world.)
They say when one door shuts, another one opens. But they haven’t been living at my house. Most of the doors I open seem to have something scary crouched behind them, anyway.
*****
Original review
I read this book quickly this morning, while waiting for visits from my condo board & a plumber. It was a good distraction from the water leaking from my bathroom ceiling AGAIN. I swear these Sookie novels are addictive, I immediately wanted to read the next one (I’d go shopping, except I’m still waiting to hear from the plumber).
I’ve never been one to watch soap operas, but that is the only thing that I can think to compare this series to. I read to find out who did what to whom, figure out why they did it, and to see who Sookie ends up with eventually. There’s a lot of men in the running—Eric, Bill, Sam, Alcide, Calvin, maybe even Quinn. That’s a lot of guys to juggle, especially when they all seem to be using some kind of tit-for-tat scoring system that seems to make Sookie beholden to each of them. But you know, all women in our society have to deal with entitled men all the time—the neighbour who wants to carry your groceries so he can see the inside of your house, the guy who “helps” you with your suitcase so you feel obligated to go for coffee with him, the guy who is paid to paint your bathroom (and you suspect that he wants to be alone to go through your underwear drawer), the friend’s husband who thinks it’s okay to make a suggestive comment. Hey, I’m an old, fat lady and I still have to deal with all these guys. This is life as a woman—worse for single women, but a fact of life for all of us. It’s tiresome and omnipresent.
So I feel for Sookie. She attracts the supernatural sorts, I attract the creepy guys. We’re both just a little too friendly, a little too nice. I’m working on my force field and Miss Sookie needs to as well. My parents raised me to be polite and pleasant to other people. I just can’t believe how many of those people seem to think that makes me an easy mark. And how many men think that lifting something for you somehow entitles them to much more of your attention.
I guess there are plenty of people in the world who are dying for attention of any kind, and if you treat them like a human being, they read far too much into that. What a sad comment on the state of our world.
But back to Sookie, I can hardly wait to get my hands on the next volume and see which of this bunch of guys manages to win her attention.
January 3, 2019
The madness continues in the 5th installment of the Southern Vampire/Detective series. All the characters we know and love are here, & even more are added to the mix (!).
Though its soapy and corny at times, all the twists and turns are definitely unexpected. You have no clue what will happen, and even when the murderer/villain comes to the forefront, is killed off, etc. there is still much more to the story than just that. The payoff is not the identity of the whodidit or even the motive (we can all agree that that isn't even important), but the strange couplings and even stranger liaisons between vamps, shapeshifters, Weres, fairies, etc. that flabbergast anyone who's followed the intrepid series.
Sookie is indeed unlike any heroine before seen. She is dumb, but has amazing tact (duh- she's telepathic). Her friends AND foes list keeps getting longer and longer. Something must be said about the addictive nature of these tall tales...
Though its soapy and corny at times, all the twists and turns are definitely unexpected. You have no clue what will happen, and even when the murderer/villain comes to the forefront, is killed off, etc. there is still much more to the story than just that. The payoff is not the identity of the whodidit or even the motive (we can all agree that that isn't even important), but the strange couplings and even stranger liaisons between vamps, shapeshifters, Weres, fairies, etc. that flabbergast anyone who's followed the intrepid series.
Sookie is indeed unlike any heroine before seen. She is dumb, but has amazing tact (duh- she's telepathic). Her friends AND foes list keeps getting longer and longer. Something must be said about the addictive nature of these tall tales...
March 21, 2025
This was, thus far, the weakest addition to the series, except for the fact that it introduces Quinn. That was literally the highlight.
The ending was weak, and I felt like it was just written for a shock factor that didn't quite entertain.
The werewolf contest was somewhat interesting, but the way it was stretched out throughout the story kind of took away from the strength it could have held.
The Fairies show up, and I like them, but they appear to act as plot mechanisms instead of having personalities. At least I know this will improve soon.
The realistic part of this one was the pain and abuse that Tara was experiencing.
2.5-3 Stars.
The ending was weak, and I felt like it was just written for a shock factor that didn't quite entertain.
The werewolf contest was somewhat interesting, but the way it was stretched out throughout the story kind of took away from the strength it could have held.
The Fairies show up, and I like them, but they appear to act as plot mechanisms instead of having personalities. At least I know this will improve soon.
The realistic part of this one was the pain and abuse that Tara was experiencing.
2.5-3 Stars.
December 3, 2017
Considering the fact that I’m a 90s baby that is completely OBSESSED with all things 80s I dig Sookies fashion sense 👍
Again as a huge true blood fan I’m going to love this book anyhow, to which I do.
Again as a huge true blood fan I’m going to love this book anyhow, to which I do.
June 3, 2017
❤ 4 Dead as a Doornail Stars ❤
This book is action PACKED!!
We still get a quiet a bit of Erik but just in a different way, sigh this makes me sad because I want Erik all day every day. Ha
Buuuttttt we did get to meet Quinn, and OMG.. I am realllly looking forward to book 6.
Ok so Jason isn’t all together just human anymore and I have to say he takes it pretty well.
Sookie goes through some really tough shit. No way around it, bullets, fire, fights. Yeah she is right smack dab in the middle of it all.
I think my favorite part of the whole book is… Ok wait well 2 things I liked best, One when she meets Quinn and the connection they have. It’s instant and powerful.
And 2 Erik said Alcide tends to use Sookie but never tells her until she is in the thick of it and that is soo very true. Alcide is selfish, and if he were be up front then maybe Sookie would have giving him a serious chance.
Sookie then says ahh but you do the same Erik.
Erik’s come back is, yes but I am always upfront about what I need from you.
And I loved that because it’s very true he always is. And there underlying flirting is awesome. I love how cocky Erik is and now sweet yet sinful Sookie is.
Ok on to book 6!!
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
This book is action PACKED!!
We still get a quiet a bit of Erik but just in a different way, sigh this makes me sad because I want Erik all day every day. Ha
Buuuttttt we did get to meet Quinn, and OMG.. I am realllly looking forward to book 6.
Ok so Jason isn’t all together just human anymore and I have to say he takes it pretty well.
Sookie goes through some really tough shit. No way around it, bullets, fire, fights. Yeah she is right smack dab in the middle of it all.
I think my favorite part of the whole book is… Ok wait well 2 things I liked best, One when she meets Quinn and the connection they have. It’s instant and powerful.
And 2 Erik said Alcide tends to use Sookie but never tells her until she is in the thick of it and that is soo very true. Alcide is selfish, and if he were be up front then maybe Sookie would have giving him a serious chance.
Sookie then says ahh but you do the same Erik.
Erik’s come back is, yes but I am always upfront about what I need from you.
And I loved that because it’s very true he always is. And there underlying flirting is awesome. I love how cocky Erik is and now sweet yet sinful Sookie is.
Ok on to book 6!!
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
December 12, 2022
I really just don't want this series to ever end.
April 15, 2020
This one wasn’t AS exciting as the other books for the majority of it, but the last 80 pages had me hooked.
I have to say I’m enjoying the series the mire we progress, why?
1. I’m going in knowing that this is a book of its time and the majority of things that well and truly irked me in book one have subsided A LOT.
2. I’m not going to lie I absolutely loved Eric, Alcide and Sam. This book is a hot mess for love squares it might as well be an Octagon because it appears that every male loves Sookie but I’m just going to embrace it...
3. There’s SO much less Bill, I think after everything that has happened with his character I’m just not here for him at all. I wouldn’t normally compare this to the TV series but in the TV I think I liked Bill (not my number one like but still) and he didn’t do the shit he does in this.
4. Trigger warning for rape - Alcide calls out what actually happened to Sookie and I think that was a massive thing to do, and the fact that is was actually acknowledged is great.
5. I am intrigued about Quinn, I have no idea who he is but interested.
Some things I’m a bit hmmm about:
1. The JEALOUSY is just so over whelming between Sookie and Bill it’s toxic and they both get a kick out of when the other one is jealous even though they’ve both moved on with other people?
2. The entitlement that is everyone just seems to kiss Sookie on the mouth and I’m just like sorry what ???
3. This one was suuuuuuuuuper obvious and meh
4. I just hate Bill
Overall I’m still continuing with this series. It MAY be a guilty pleasure, but I’m actually enjoying it, but I think it’s mainly because of the characters who I appear to be a sucker for and I haven’t read anything vampire/werewolf related in so long and I missed it!
Reviews
Dead Until Dark - 2 Stars
Living Dead In Dallas - 2 Stars
Club Dead - 3 Stars
Dead To The World - 3 Stars
Dead as a Doornail - 3 Stars
Definitely Dead - 2 Stars
All Together Dead - 3 Stars
I have to say I’m enjoying the series the mire we progress, why?
1. I’m going in knowing that this is a book of its time and the majority of things that well and truly irked me in book one have subsided A LOT.
2. I’m not going to lie I absolutely loved Eric, Alcide and Sam. This book is a hot mess for love squares it might as well be an Octagon because it appears that every male loves Sookie but I’m just going to embrace it...
3. There’s SO much less Bill, I think after everything that has happened with his character I’m just not here for him at all. I wouldn’t normally compare this to the TV series but in the TV I think I liked Bill (not my number one like but still) and he didn’t do the shit he does in this.
4. Trigger warning for rape - Alcide calls out what actually happened to Sookie and I think that was a massive thing to do, and the fact that is was actually acknowledged is great.
5. I am intrigued about Quinn, I have no idea who he is but interested.
Some things I’m a bit hmmm about:
1. The JEALOUSY is just so over whelming between Sookie and Bill it’s toxic and they both get a kick out of when the other one is jealous even though they’ve both moved on with other people?
2. The entitlement that is everyone just seems to kiss Sookie on the mouth and I’m just like sorry what ???
3. This one was suuuuuuuuuper obvious and meh
4. I just hate Bill
Overall I’m still continuing with this series. It MAY be a guilty pleasure, but I’m actually enjoying it, but I think it’s mainly because of the characters who I appear to be a sucker for and I haven’t read anything vampire/werewolf related in so long and I missed it!
Reviews
Dead Until Dark - 2 Stars
Living Dead In Dallas - 2 Stars
Club Dead - 3 Stars
Dead To The World - 3 Stars
Dead as a Doornail - 3 Stars
Definitely Dead - 2 Stars
All Together Dead - 3 Stars
June 29, 2016
Pero que manera de terminar el libro es está, dejándonos con la miel en los labios? Jajaja... Na' habrá que ir a por el sexto...:)
August 16, 2008
I cottoned onto the Southern Vampire Series because I saw the "True Blood" ad campaign by HBO. It markets a synthetic blood beverage, so natch, I was intrigued. Basically, I was led to this series which features a telepathic heroine by the name of Sookie Stackhouse. For whatever reason, I thought this was a young adult series (it is SO not, btw) and on shallow reflection, I think it's because of her name: Sookie. I mean c'mon. It sounds like a sound you make to call pigs to you. However, other than her weird name and some pretty bad editing, this series, thus far, is just good plain, slightly porno, FUN!
In a nutshell you have a 20-something virginal blond telepathic waitressing in rural Louisiana who hooks up with a sexy vampire. Trouble abounds in their relationship, and in the town, and complications arise due to the affections of another, more powerful vampire, a Werewolf, a nasty coven of Witches and two shape shifters. Our heroine goes from being perceived as being a freak of nature by her fellow humans to a truly hot commodity within the supernatural world. I find Sookie's struggle to deal with these attentions endearing.
It would have been so easy for the author, Charlaine Harris, to add a serious subtext to this series with the emergence of Vampires into human society and their struggle to mainstream as a metaphor for racism and the battle for civil rights. However, this story is told from Sookie's perspective and Sookie is a pretty simple, straight forward gal who just doesn't delve into murky socio-political territories. You could argue that Harris is taking the easy way but I'll just call it consistent characterization. Maybe Harris herself doesn't bother herself with such thoughts but why hold it against her? Not every book has to be a deep examination of the human experience.
I'll tell you what this book is though: a lively creation of an alternate reality where creatures humans always assumed were fabricated nightmares, have essentially "come out of the coffin." But Harris doesn't limit herself to vampires and I give her a lot of credit for that. She plays with other mythological beings and crafts these really fun murder mysteries set in the Deep South and throws in some steamy love scenes all the while. (Is it considered necrophilia if you do It with a vampire? Just wondering.) It's been a long time since I've had so much fun reading a story like this.
In a nutshell you have a 20-something virginal blond telepathic waitressing in rural Louisiana who hooks up with a sexy vampire. Trouble abounds in their relationship, and in the town, and complications arise due to the affections of another, more powerful vampire, a Werewolf, a nasty coven of Witches and two shape shifters. Our heroine goes from being perceived as being a freak of nature by her fellow humans to a truly hot commodity within the supernatural world. I find Sookie's struggle to deal with these attentions endearing.
It would have been so easy for the author, Charlaine Harris, to add a serious subtext to this series with the emergence of Vampires into human society and their struggle to mainstream as a metaphor for racism and the battle for civil rights. However, this story is told from Sookie's perspective and Sookie is a pretty simple, straight forward gal who just doesn't delve into murky socio-political territories. You could argue that Harris is taking the easy way but I'll just call it consistent characterization. Maybe Harris herself doesn't bother herself with such thoughts but why hold it against her? Not every book has to be a deep examination of the human experience.
I'll tell you what this book is though: a lively creation of an alternate reality where creatures humans always assumed were fabricated nightmares, have essentially "come out of the coffin." But Harris doesn't limit herself to vampires and I give her a lot of credit for that. She plays with other mythological beings and crafts these really fun murder mysteries set in the Deep South and throws in some steamy love scenes all the while. (Is it considered necrophilia if you do It with a vampire? Just wondering.) It's been a long time since I've had so much fun reading a story like this.
October 17, 2011
Worse and worse. Yet another Stackhouse “mystery” principally made up of Sookie flirting with every man of her acquaintance in turn, doing her hair, painting her nails, choosing her various hideous outfits and unnecessarily judging people she barely knows for the flimsiest and most vacuous of reasons, e.g : “His companion’s face might have been sculpted from marble. Had the woman never heard of a tanning bed?” . Presumably in Sookie’s world the only skin tones acceptable are dead or orange.
The new element in this reheated trash is an English pirate vampire. You can tell he’s a pirate because he wears an eye-patch, has pirate facial hair, wears a pirate shirt and scarf and introduces himself as a pirate. That’s about as subtle as Harris gets. With similar skill she has named him “Sir” Charles Twining, presumably after Prince Charles and Twinings tea, they being the only two English things she could think of. He is, according to Eric “the least temperamental vampire I’ve ever met, though I confess I don’t know him well. He’s been working here only two weeks.” Which seems rather a rash judgement, particularly from someone who has had more than a thousand years in which to learn character assessment and the dangers of hastiness.
Besides the introduction of this dull new vampire, barely differentiated from any of Harris’ previous leaden attempts at characterisation, almost nothing happens. The majority of the book is taken up with repetitious material from previous books and mind-numbing descriptions of the exact damage Sookie’s house suffers in a fire, and the repairs she intends to make. These would no doubt be of interest to me if I worked for Sookie’s insurance company, but since this is not the case I struggled to care.
Meanwhile Sookie continues to lust after any male she meets and equally to hate every female, for such excellent reasons as wearing too much make-up, the aforementioned not having a tan, of for having the temerity to be seen anywhere near Sookie’s ex. Although obviously it is perfectly acceptable for Sookie to be all over anyone else’s ex, and any other male in her vicinity.
Finally the “mystery” of who is behind a spate of shootings is solved via two explanations, one a pathetically basic excuse for character motivation dispensed with in two paragraphs, and the other a convoluted string of barely-related events that even Sookie finds to make little sense. Sookie is once again sexually harassed by a potential new love interest, various characters we don’t really know end up dead, and the next book in this relentlessly poor series is clumsily set-up.
Most Ridiculous New Character Name
Sweetie Des Arts
Jeff LaBeff
Randall Shurtliff – Do they not have the expression “Shirt-Lifter” in the USA?
Twins Dixon and Dixie
Selah Pumphrey
Most Worrying Fact About Merlotte’s
Any woman not dressed up according to local standards (e.g not in a skin-tight cocktail dress or a terra-cotta pant suit, with full make-up) is working. If she isn’t clearly garbed as a prostitute then the only other work she can possibly be doing is dealing drugs. Obviously in Bon Temps it doesn’t do for a woman to flaunt the dress code unless she doesn’t mind some pretty unpleasant assumptions being made about her.
Vainest Self-Description / Worst Synonym for “Breasts”
Most Repetitive Use of Telepathy
Sookie stops a drunk causing trouble by reading his mind and discovering that the most effective weapon to use against him is his fear of upsetting his mother. Ten pages later she does exactly the same thing with another drunk in another bar. Presumably all drunks in her area have unresolved mother issues. In which case, I wonder why she bothers to read their minds at all.
Most Sexist Statement
In reference, incidentally, to dressing for a funeral. Particularly badly phrased if you’re British, where pants often means underwear. Although Sookie probably would go to a funeral with no knickers on if Alcide told her to.
Most Airheaded Statement
Most Affectedly Provincial Statement
Most Annoying Avoidance of Swearing
Just say fuck, Sookie.
If Harris can’t bring herself to make Sookie swear then she should just avoid the issue altogether, as writing the phrase “No effing thanks” is an invitation to ridicule.
Sookie says this at least three times per book. Each time it seems more ridiculous than the last.
Worst Display of Detective Abilities
Sookie once again demonstrates that she is not bright. Speaking of which…
Stupidest Thing Sookie Does
Re-enter the burning house she has just been rescued from in order to get her handbag, keys and slippers. Even when she can’t find the slippers she risks her life to get a pair of socks.
Most Puzzling Statement
I assume I’m missing summat here. How is this unusual?
Admittedly it later transpires that the character apparently never kept his wallet in his jacket pocket, but even leaving aside how unlikely it is that someone would be known for where they keep their wallet, there is no way Sookie could know this. Another example of Harris labouring the “clues” in her “mystery” so heavily that they actually become nonsensical continuity errors.
Most Socially Naïve Statement
Sookie on finding out that some men have used a woman for sex:
After this ridiculous remark, and presumably in a bid to prevent any slur on the name of her beloved country or her beloved men, Sookie is as always quick to lay blame on the woman in question for getting involved in this situation, as always not letting any empathy or fellow-feeling prevent her from judging others. Eric supports this misogyny, and soon Tara is thoroughly chastised for inconveniencing poor little good-girl Sookie by having been used and mistreated by two vampires whose strength and power she has no recourse against. Incidentally, Tara’s crime is to have become sexually involved with two vampires, and to have accepted gifts from both of them. Since Sookie has done exactly the same thing I have difficulty in seeing why the weight of the author’s moral judgement comes down so hard on Tara alone.
Worst Character
“Bubba.” Please just leave it now. It’s not funny, it’s not clever, and it apparently necessitates his whole back-story being reeled off once per book. Plus he contributes nothing, except illustrating the fact that Harris cannot conceive of anyone who is not a fan of Elvis. No matter how many hundreds of years you have been alive, how many sights you have seen and how much music you have heard, you must love “The King.”
This particular appearance from him is particularly bad, as it occasions a truly terrible Columbo-style “and one last thing” moment from Sookie. Although being as mentally deficient as Sookie is this moment doesn’t come until after the secret assassin has revealed themselves and attacked her. Which to be honest is a little late for deduction, although Sookie seems proud of herself.
I can only be thankful that he has yet to appear in the True Blood TV series. Although if he does it will at least indicate exactly when the show has crossed the line into appalling, and therefore when I should stop watching.
The new element in this reheated trash is an English pirate vampire. You can tell he’s a pirate because he wears an eye-patch, has pirate facial hair, wears a pirate shirt and scarf and introduces himself as a pirate. That’s about as subtle as Harris gets. With similar skill she has named him “Sir” Charles Twining, presumably after Prince Charles and Twinings tea, they being the only two English things she could think of. He is, according to Eric “the least temperamental vampire I’ve ever met, though I confess I don’t know him well. He’s been working here only two weeks.” Which seems rather a rash judgement, particularly from someone who has had more than a thousand years in which to learn character assessment and the dangers of hastiness.
Besides the introduction of this dull new vampire, barely differentiated from any of Harris’ previous leaden attempts at characterisation, almost nothing happens. The majority of the book is taken up with repetitious material from previous books and mind-numbing descriptions of the exact damage Sookie’s house suffers in a fire, and the repairs she intends to make. These would no doubt be of interest to me if I worked for Sookie’s insurance company, but since this is not the case I struggled to care.
Meanwhile Sookie continues to lust after any male she meets and equally to hate every female, for such excellent reasons as wearing too much make-up, the aforementioned not having a tan, of for having the temerity to be seen anywhere near Sookie’s ex. Although obviously it is perfectly acceptable for Sookie to be all over anyone else’s ex, and any other male in her vicinity.
Finally the “mystery” of who is behind a spate of shootings is solved via two explanations, one a pathetically basic excuse for character motivation dispensed with in two paragraphs, and the other a convoluted string of barely-related events that even Sookie finds to make little sense. Sookie is once again sexually harassed by a potential new love interest, various characters we don’t really know end up dead, and the next book in this relentlessly poor series is clumsily set-up.
Most Ridiculous New Character Name
Sweetie Des Arts
Jeff LaBeff
Randall Shurtliff – Do they not have the expression “Shirt-Lifter” in the USA?
Twins Dixon and Dixie
Selah Pumphrey
Most Worrying Fact About Merlotte’s
Any woman not dressed up according to local standards (e.g not in a skin-tight cocktail dress or a terra-cotta pant suit, with full make-up) is working. If she isn’t clearly garbed as a prostitute then the only other work she can possibly be doing is dealing drugs. Obviously in Bon Temps it doesn’t do for a woman to flaunt the dress code unless she doesn’t mind some pretty unpleasant assumptions being made about her.
Vainest Self-Description / Worst Synonym for “Breasts”
“I knew he was taking in my jeans, which were on the tight side, and my tummy,which was on the flat side, and my soft fuzzy white sweater, which was filled with natural bounty.”
Most Repetitive Use of Telepathy
Sookie stops a drunk causing trouble by reading his mind and discovering that the most effective weapon to use against him is his fear of upsetting his mother. Ten pages later she does exactly the same thing with another drunk in another bar. Presumably all drunks in her area have unresolved mother issues. In which case, I wonder why she bothers to read their minds at all.
Most Sexist Statement
“Every woman wants to know what’s appropriate to wear,” I said. “Thanks. I won’t wear pants.”
In reference, incidentally, to dressing for a funeral. Particularly badly phrased if you’re British, where pants often means underwear. Although Sookie probably would go to a funeral with no knickers on if Alcide told her to.
Most Airheaded Statement
“Finally, I felt relaxed, and when I crawled into my bed I had achieved peace through pampering.”
Most Affectedly Provincial Statement
“I was a little shocked at the idea of one man owning two cars:”
Most Annoying Avoidance of Swearing
“Effing”/ “Eff off.”
Just say fuck, Sookie.
If Harris can’t bring herself to make Sookie swear then she should just avoid the issue altogether, as writing the phrase “No effing thanks” is an invitation to ridicule.
“Jesus Christ, shepherd of Judea.”
Sookie says this at least three times per book. Each time it seems more ridiculous than the last.
Worst Display of Detective Abilities
“I assumed the shooter was almost certainly a guy. I knew plenty of women who went hunting and plenty more with access to rifles. But weren’t snipers always men?”
Sookie once again demonstrates that she is not bright. Speaking of which…
Stupidest Thing Sookie Does
Re-enter the burning house she has just been rescued from in order to get her handbag, keys and slippers. Even when she can’t find the slippers she risks her life to get a pair of socks.
Most Puzzling Statement
“The man’s wallet proved to be in his jacket, which seemed a little unusual to me”
I assume I’m missing summat here. How is this unusual?
Admittedly it later transpires that the character apparently never kept his wallet in his jacket pocket, but even leaving aside how unlikely it is that someone would be known for where they keep their wallet, there is no way Sookie could know this. Another example of Harris labouring the “clues” in her “mystery” so heavily that they actually become nonsensical continuity errors.
Most Socially Naïve Statement
Sookie on finding out that some men have used a woman for sex:
“But this is America,” I protested. “How can they do that?”
After this ridiculous remark, and presumably in a bid to prevent any slur on the name of her beloved country or her beloved men, Sookie is as always quick to lay blame on the woman in question for getting involved in this situation, as always not letting any empathy or fellow-feeling prevent her from judging others. Eric supports this misogyny, and soon Tara is thoroughly chastised for inconveniencing poor little good-girl Sookie by having been used and mistreated by two vampires whose strength and power she has no recourse against. Incidentally, Tara’s crime is to have become sexually involved with two vampires, and to have accepted gifts from both of them. Since Sookie has done exactly the same thing I have difficulty in seeing why the weight of the author’s moral judgement comes down so hard on Tara alone.
Worst Character
“Bubba.” Please just leave it now. It’s not funny, it’s not clever, and it apparently necessitates his whole back-story being reeled off once per book. Plus he contributes nothing, except illustrating the fact that Harris cannot conceive of anyone who is not a fan of Elvis. No matter how many hundreds of years you have been alive, how many sights you have seen and how much music you have heard, you must love “The King.”
This particular appearance from him is particularly bad, as it occasions a truly terrible Columbo-style “and one last thing” moment from Sookie. Although being as mentally deficient as Sookie is this moment doesn’t come until after the secret assassin has revealed themselves and attacked her. Which to be honest is a little late for deduction, although Sookie seems proud of herself.
I can only be thankful that he has yet to appear in the True Blood TV series. Although if he does it will at least indicate exactly when the show has crossed the line into appalling, and therefore when I should stop watching.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2018
Sookie. You somewhat did a bit better here, but not really.
First off, I enjoyed the book. The plot surrounding the attacks on shape shifters was a great mystery, although it was quite easy to pin point the culprit. I like how the vampires are on the sidelines in the story. Sure Bill, Charles and Eric are present but it's not about them. Charles has the most lines in this book and even there, I don't feel like he's that much present.
With the story revolving around Sookie and who shot the shape shifters, I got to learn a bit more about other supernatural beings like the ritual for werewolf leadership.
And of course, everyone proclaims their love to Sookie. The town reject all of the sudden turned super star. Everyone wants a piece of Sookie.
She is the one ring. Everyone wants her now that she's been discovered!
First off, I enjoyed the book. The plot surrounding the attacks on shape shifters was a great mystery, although it was quite easy to pin point the culprit. I like how the vampires are on the sidelines in the story. Sure Bill, Charles and Eric are present but it's not about them. Charles has the most lines in this book and even there, I don't feel like he's that much present.
With the story revolving around Sookie and who shot the shape shifters, I got to learn a bit more about other supernatural beings like the ritual for werewolf leadership.
And of course, everyone proclaims their love to Sookie. The town reject all of the sudden turned super star. Everyone wants a piece of Sookie.
She is the one ring. Everyone wants her now that she's been discovered!
October 15, 2012
Well in case you can't tell, I'm hooked on this series. It's so much more than the HBO True Blood series. I prefer the original story line versus the hatchet job they did to he books in favor of their own brand of sensationalism. This series keeps taking the Sookie character in new directions but all of them seem to be logical extensions of where she's come from. Yes, it's a wonderfully written series that keeps me looking forward to the next book in the series. I actually finished this book near the beginning of the weekend and am well into the next volume thanks to sitting by the bonfire this past chilly weekend. This is a great series to have outside by a warm fire, your favorite beverage and a cigar. The shadows hold extra meaning as you read the books. Yes, so far Ms. Harris has my devoted attention to her well written series!
June 30, 2015
So, I finally watched some episodes of "True Blood" last night. Wow, did they ever sex it up!! And, although the main storyline is the same as the first book, it was weird to see all of the "creative liberties" that were taken. The Jason storyline? Weird. But, I guess having Jason in the show helped them to put tons more sex in it. I was glad to have the fast forward button, because, ya know, I'm just not interested in looking at this guy's ass so darn much. I haven't even seen my own ass as much as I saw his in just a few episodes. Dude, seriously, pants...
To the book! Okay, so this one was not as good as the last one because Eric. He has his memory back, but with his time spent with Sookie missing. It is driving him crazy to know what happened between them, but Sookie won't tell. When she finally, finally, has to give in and tell him, so that he will help her, the exchange is pretty hilarious.
"Did we have sex?" he asked me directly.
For about two minutes, this might actually be fun. "Eric," I said, "we had sex in every position I could imagine, and some I couldn't. We had sex in every room in my house, and we had sex outdoors. You told me it was the best you'd ever had...too bad you can't remember it."
Eric looked like I'd hit him in the forehead with a mallet...
"Is there anything else I should know?"
"You offered to give up your position as sheriff and come to live with me. And get a job."
huh?
But, as I said, Eric is not hugely present in this book. It's a darn shame!
Instead we get a story that is more about the werewolves and other were-critters. They are being killed by a sniper and Sookie is also being targeted by a murderer. She has her house burned down and gets shot, but she should be used to this sort of thing by now.
Pam (on the phone): "What's up?"
"I got shot."
"Oh, too bad," she said. "Eric, do you know what Sookie is telling me? Someone shot her."
"Don't get so emotional, Pam," I said. Someone might think you care."
She laughed.
I like Pam. I love a cold-hearted, tough female in my books.
Sometimes I wish I could rip out someone's throat when they're whining too! Man up!
So, the focus in the book is on the Were's, as I said, and I came to the realization that I'm not a fan of the Were's. They are kind of jerks. Really emotional jerks. Besides, why would Sookie want a guy who can bring home fleas and might get hair all over her furniture?
oh, no! You are NOT coming in the house like that! Bad boyfriend!
I say that she should stick with the vamps!
To the book! Okay, so this one was not as good as the last one because Eric. He has his memory back, but with his time spent with Sookie missing. It is driving him crazy to know what happened between them, but Sookie won't tell. When she finally, finally, has to give in and tell him, so that he will help her, the exchange is pretty hilarious.
"Did we have sex?" he asked me directly.
For about two minutes, this might actually be fun. "Eric," I said, "we had sex in every position I could imagine, and some I couldn't. We had sex in every room in my house, and we had sex outdoors. You told me it was the best you'd ever had...too bad you can't remember it."
Eric looked like I'd hit him in the forehead with a mallet...
"Is there anything else I should know?"
"You offered to give up your position as sheriff and come to live with me. And get a job."
huh?
But, as I said, Eric is not hugely present in this book. It's a darn shame!
Instead we get a story that is more about the werewolves and other were-critters. They are being killed by a sniper and Sookie is also being targeted by a murderer. She has her house burned down and gets shot, but she should be used to this sort of thing by now.
Pam (on the phone): "What's up?"
"I got shot."
"Oh, too bad," she said. "Eric, do you know what Sookie is telling me? Someone shot her."
"Don't get so emotional, Pam," I said. Someone might think you care."
She laughed.
I like Pam. I love a cold-hearted, tough female in my books.
Sometimes I wish I could rip out someone's throat when they're whining too! Man up!
So, the focus in the book is on the Were's, as I said, and I came to the realization that I'm not a fan of the Were's. They are kind of jerks. Really emotional jerks. Besides, why would Sookie want a guy who can bring home fleas and might get hair all over her furniture?
oh, no! You are NOT coming in the house like that! Bad boyfriend!
I say that she should stick with the vamps!
July 25, 2018
I remembered my New Year's Eve resolution: I wanted not to get beaten up
I mean,is it a Sookie Stackhouse book if Sookie doesn't get hurt?how the fuck is this bitch still alive?
Anyways,i loved it.i know shocking.so much shit happened.once again we didn't have to deal with Bill's boring ass 👌,Jason is living his werepanther life,the werewolf ceremony was fucking weird 10/10 and Tara is still a dumbass.like honey nooo.she is useless.can't even have a sugar daddy.we also have a psycho trying to decrease the shifter population.btw what a great plan.
I mean,is it a Sookie Stackhouse book if Sookie doesn't get hurt?how the fuck is this bitch still alive?
Anyways,i loved it.i know shocking.so much shit happened.once again we didn't have to deal with Bill's boring ass 👌,Jason is living his werepanther life,the werewolf ceremony was fucking weird 10/10 and Tara is still a dumbass.like honey nooo.she is useless.can't even have a sugar daddy.we also have a psycho trying to decrease the shifter population.btw what a great plan.
dnf
May 4, 2016Dnf~29%
This book was on my TR shelf since forever. I loved the first one and kinda liked the other 3 books, but this is too boring. I really don't care what happens to Jason, I never liked him anyway. I'm not interested in his story-line.
Maybe it's the fact that I've watched "True blood", which I liked very much (all those hot guys :D), but I can't make myself continue this series. There are many much more interesting books out there.
June 15, 2018
Dead as a Doornail
4 Stars
In the aftermath of the witch war, Sookie Stackhouse only wants to live a quiet life. Unfortunately, this is not to be as someone is using the local shifter population in Bon Temps for target practice and Sookie's brother, Jason, the newest member of the Were-Panther community is the prime suspect. Added to this is the arrival of a menacing vampire from out of town and a struggle for pack leadership amongst the Werewolves. Poor Sookie has her hands full!
Dead to the World is a hard act to follow, but Harris does an admirable job in Dead as a Doornail.
Let's start with the plot.
Although there are three storylines that develop independently, each demonstrates the more negative aspects of the various supernatural groups, which have, until now, been presented in a generally positive light. The sniper mystery emphasizes the disastrous consequences of shifter behavior while the Alpha contest brings out the worst in the wolves, in general, and in Alcide in particular. Finally, the sinister vampire, Mickey, who has his hooks into Tara reveals the threat posed by rogues who view humans as little more than food.
With regard to Sookie's love life, she is, once again, the object of affection for numerous supernatural males. While she is a smart, witty and resourceful heroine, it is not clear why so many of them have the hots for her.
Bill has been out of the running as Sookie's love interest for several books and this does not appear to be changing any time soon. At this point, he is more of a stalker than anything else.
Eric is as enigmatic as ever and his interactions with Sookie are a highlight as she tries to thwart his determined attempts to discover what really happened between them when he lost his memory.
Alcide's true nature is also revealed via the Alpha contest sub-plot. Whereas the sexy Were truly appeared to care for Sookie in previous books, the darker of his nature is revealed as he attempts to use and manipulate Sookie for his own selfish needs.
Calvin Norris, the were-panther leader, does not fare much better. It is clear that he wants Sookie as little more than a brood-mare and is not above using Jason as leverage.
Sam appears to be the only one who truly cares for Sookie's needs and well-being, but does not appear to be the friends with benefits type.
Finally, we are introduced to a new character in the form of John Quinn, a were-tiger of all things, and one can only assume that he wants into Sookie's pants as well.
All in all, an entertaining addition to the series and I look forward to the next one.
4 Stars
In the aftermath of the witch war, Sookie Stackhouse only wants to live a quiet life. Unfortunately, this is not to be as someone is using the local shifter population in Bon Temps for target practice and Sookie's brother, Jason, the newest member of the Were-Panther community is the prime suspect. Added to this is the arrival of a menacing vampire from out of town and a struggle for pack leadership amongst the Werewolves. Poor Sookie has her hands full!
Dead to the World is a hard act to follow, but Harris does an admirable job in Dead as a Doornail.
Let's start with the plot.
Although there are three storylines that develop independently, each demonstrates the more negative aspects of the various supernatural groups, which have, until now, been presented in a generally positive light. The sniper mystery emphasizes the disastrous consequences of shifter behavior while the Alpha contest brings out the worst in the wolves, in general, and in Alcide in particular. Finally, the sinister vampire, Mickey, who has his hooks into Tara reveals the threat posed by rogues who view humans as little more than food.
With regard to Sookie's love life, she is, once again, the object of affection for numerous supernatural males. While she is a smart, witty and resourceful heroine, it is not clear why so many of them have the hots for her.
Bill has been out of the running as Sookie's love interest for several books and this does not appear to be changing any time soon. At this point, he is more of a stalker than anything else.
Eric is as enigmatic as ever and his interactions with Sookie are a highlight as she tries to thwart his determined attempts to discover what really happened between them when he lost his memory.
Alcide's true nature is also revealed via the Alpha contest sub-plot. Whereas the sexy Were truly appeared to care for Sookie in previous books, the darker of his nature is revealed as he attempts to use and manipulate Sookie for his own selfish needs.
Calvin Norris, the were-panther leader, does not fare much better. It is clear that he wants Sookie as little more than a brood-mare and is not above using Jason as leverage.
Sam appears to be the only one who truly cares for Sookie's needs and well-being, but does not appear to be the friends with benefits type.
Finally, we are introduced to a new character in the form of John Quinn, a were-tiger of all things, and one can only assume that he wants into Sookie's pants as well.
All in all, an entertaining addition to the series and I look forward to the next one.
December 20, 2016
Like Sookie’s fashion sense, this series is stuck in the 80’s. I have come to expect Sookie to mention her hair, nails, and boobs, but this time she threw in lipstick for good measure and the result is comically cringe worthy. Any author who pens a heroine who matches her socks to her lippy and earrings, is bound to also write obscenely ridiculous “man” fantasies, a la the Sookie Stackhouse Series.
I’m circa 1985, so I have never fantasized over a man who wears bikini briefs, or is attractive only because he has good benefits, or drives a truck and works construction, or lives in a trailer behind his small town bar, or is the undead version of Michael Bolton (Sorry Bill). If my tongue is going to wag, it’s going to be for someone spectacularly badass. I thought I had found that someone in Eric, but I can’t help but judge him for his continued interest in Sookie, or grow tired of Sookie for her inept ponderings on both life and love.
I suppose Harris is a good mystery writer, I only guessed one of the bad guys, but her books are becoming extremely over the top, just like an 80’s movie. There is no real rhyme or reason to the series and I have grown weary of Sookie and all of her many admirers. I read urban fantasy to experience something surreal in a modern day setting, but Sookie’s misadventures evoke visions of Steel Magnolias with vamps, weres, fey and shifters. If it weren’t for the TV series, I would have quit this series after book one. For that, I give kudos to Alexander Skarsgard, who makes one fine Eric.
I’m circa 1985, so I have never fantasized over a man who wears bikini briefs, or is attractive only because he has good benefits, or drives a truck and works construction, or lives in a trailer behind his small town bar, or is the undead version of Michael Bolton (Sorry Bill). If my tongue is going to wag, it’s going to be for someone spectacularly badass. I thought I had found that someone in Eric, but I can’t help but judge him for his continued interest in Sookie, or grow tired of Sookie for her inept ponderings on both life and love.
I suppose Harris is a good mystery writer, I only guessed one of the bad guys, but her books are becoming extremely over the top, just like an 80’s movie. There is no real rhyme or reason to the series and I have grown weary of Sookie and all of her many admirers. I read urban fantasy to experience something surreal in a modern day setting, but Sookie’s misadventures evoke visions of Steel Magnolias with vamps, weres, fey and shifters. If it weren’t for the TV series, I would have quit this series after book one. For that, I give kudos to Alexander Skarsgard, who makes one fine Eric.
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