1,078 books
—
3,473 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “The Lunatic Cafe (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #4)” as Want to Read:
The Lunatic Cafe
(Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #4)
by
In Laurell K. Hamilton's New York Times bestselling novels, Vampire Hunter and zombie animator Anita Blake is an expert at sniffing out the bad from the good. But she's about to learn that nothing is ever as it seems-especially in matters of the not-so-human heart...
Dating a werewolf with self-esteem issues is stressing Anita out. Especially when something-or someone-sta ...more
Dating a werewolf with self-esteem issues is stressing Anita out. Especially when something-or someone-sta ...more
Hardcover, 352 pages
Published
March 1st 2005
by Berkley Hardcover
(first published January 1st 1996)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30
Mar 21, 2016
HFK
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition
Recommended to HFK by:
Jessica
Shelves:
paidkindle,
fantasies
Buddy read with Jessica. Our Anita Blake marathon continues with the fourth installment in the series, and I do have to agree with everything Jessica is saying in her review.
There is absolutely no character development unless you count relationship drama as such. There is absolutely nothing that would build and explain the world within the series, it just sits there with tiny hints and glimpses, but gives nothing that would satisfy a solid reader. There is absolutely no cuteness and sexiness in ...more
There is absolutely no character development unless you count relationship drama as such. There is absolutely nothing that would build and explain the world within the series, it just sits there with tiny hints and glimpses, but gives nothing that would satisfy a solid reader. There is absolutely no cuteness and sexiness in ...more
A dumb girl in love with both a vampire and a werewolf? This sounds slightly familiar...
But, hey, this book was written first so I have a pretty good idea on who might have had the original idea.... (I'm smart like that.)
I liked this book slightly better than the last one. Anita is still pretty annoying, but I can still appreciate a few things about her.
I crossed my arms on my stomach. A psychologist would have said I was closed off, uncommunicative. Fuck them.
See, I like that!
In this book, we ...more
But, hey, this book was written first so I have a pretty good idea on who might have had the original idea.... (I'm smart like that.)
I liked this book slightly better than the last one. Anita is still pretty annoying, but I can still appreciate a few things about her.
I crossed my arms on my stomach. A psychologist would have said I was closed off, uncommunicative. Fuck them.
See, I like that!
In this book, we ...more
If I had to do this review in two words, it wouldn't be a challenge: Twilight Noir. Okay, it's historically inaccurate, since Stephenie Meyer stole the idea from Laurel K. Hamilton rather than vice versa, but apart from that it's close to the facts. We have the basic Twilight scenario: human woman is simultaneously in love with a vampire and a werewolf, but for bizarre reasons can't actually have sex with either of them. Instead of the infuriatingly wimpy Bella, though, we have tough-as-nails An
...more
A Date-off?!?! Seriously? Oh, what has become of you John Taylor...er, uh, Jean-Claude...
Hamilton tries to introduce a love triangle. Tries. It ends up being a dating competition, and reminds me of a poorly written sitcom. Not what I would expect from a couple of super powerful, super sexy men. Anita was an even bigger disappointment, relationship wise. We learn that she is such a badass who doesn’t date because of a bad relationship. ONE bad relationship. Big deal. Who hasn’t had their heart b ...more
Hamilton tries to introduce a love triangle. Tries. It ends up being a dating competition, and reminds me of a poorly written sitcom. Not what I would expect from a couple of super powerful, super sexy men. Anita was an even bigger disappointment, relationship wise. We learn that she is such a badass who doesn’t date because of a bad relationship. ONE bad relationship. Big deal. Who hasn’t had their heart b ...more
Plot:
1) Client walks into Anita's office and asks her to do something. She refuses.
2) RELATIONSHIP DRAMA!
3) Dolph calls her to the scene of the crime.
4) Someone attacks Anita for no good reason.
5) The most disgusting crime scene EVAH!
6) MORE RELATIONSHIP DRAMA!
7) Oh, crap, there's a plot we're supposed to tie up. Okay, well, X does it.
8) Jean-Claude/Richard tries to get in Anita's pants. Anita makes stupid agreement.
9) BIG SHOWDOWN.
These books are getting formulaic. I guess if the formula were a ...more
1) Client walks into Anita's office and asks her to do something. She refuses.
2) RELATIONSHIP DRAMA!
3) Dolph calls her to the scene of the crime.
4) Someone attacks Anita for no good reason.
5) The most disgusting crime scene EVAH!
6) MORE RELATIONSHIP DRAMA!
7) Oh, crap, there's a plot we're supposed to tie up. Okay, well, X does it.
8) Jean-Claude/Richard tries to get in Anita's pants. Anita makes stupid agreement.
9) BIG SHOWDOWN.
These books are getting formulaic. I guess if the formula were a ...more
This book begins where the previous left off so your best bet is to read these in order so you can figure out how these tangled relationships develop into the mess that becomes Anita’s love life. Anita, Animator of the Dead, is seriously dating Richard the werewolf and is beginning to realize the perils of dating a “monster”. Jean Claude her other would-be beau is sticking his nose in their business because he’s a jealous little vampire-man and hasn’t been able to woo Anita with his vampire char
...more
WARNING: This book is twisted and brilliant! Review contains certain details that are upsetting and some sexual reference is used. Thus .. the review will touch on a few details that are disgusting and unacceptable to sensitive and closed minds. If you are either of the above, please do not continue to read this review
I love this book! The Anita Blake series is AWESOME! Unfortunately, there are a few books in this series that just flat-out stink. The Lunatic Cafe is most definitely NOT one of t ...more
I love this book! The Anita Blake series is AWESOME! Unfortunately, there are a few books in this series that just flat-out stink. The Lunatic Cafe is most definitely NOT one of t ...more
This is turning into a very interesting love triangle between Richard and Jean-Claude.
Finally!!! We get some progression in Anita's personal love life. She finally let her guard down a little and admitted that she loved Richard and Jean-Claude! Oh, and she even allowed a little heavy kissing, Lol. No heavy petting yet, but a girl can dream.
Anita Blake's Theme
Anita's still a complete hard ass and what can I say? I like it! This was action packed and full of murder and gore.
Finally!!! We get some progression in Anita's personal love life. She finally let her guard down a little and admitted that she loved Richard and Jean-Claude! Oh, and she even allowed a little heavy kissing, Lol. No heavy petting yet, but a girl can dream.
Anita Blake's Theme
Anita's still a complete hard ass and what can I say? I like it! This was action packed and full of murder and gore.
One of my first book I read that starting me reading Vampire books. I remember being blown away by the female character in this book, I had never read anything like her before. Also the idea of having a female character that is truly in love with two completely different men, and she is allowed to have both of them! Yeah we need more books like this.
This is really a great series, at least the first 11 books are great. Way better than anything written by Stephanie Meyer. HA!
This is really a great series, at least the first 11 books are great. Way better than anything written by Stephanie Meyer. HA!
With each book in this series, Anita Blake is really growing on me as a character.
I’m finding that I’m enjoying each instalment more and more as I’m progressing through the series.
Set after the events of the previous novel, Anita is asked to investigate a series of shapeshifter disappearances.
The main focus of the novel delves into Anita’s personal life with werewolf boyfriend Richard and the continued advances of vampire Jean-Claude...
A Werewolf/Vampire love triangle instantly draws parallels ...more
I’m finding that I’m enjoying each instalment more and more as I’m progressing through the series.
Set after the events of the previous novel, Anita is asked to investigate a series of shapeshifter disappearances.
The main focus of the novel delves into Anita’s personal life with werewolf boyfriend Richard and the continued advances of vampire Jean-Claude...
A Werewolf/Vampire love triangle instantly draws parallels ...more
She gave that rich, bedroom laugh again. “I am alpha, Ms. Blake. I can do a great many things that most shifters cannot.”
- Raina
Shape shifters are going missing in St. Louis and the monsters won’t talk to the police, but they will talk to Anita Blake. They would have earlier if not for Richard.
Bad Richard.
This is the first book where things start to go south. Richard is too much her opposite. The sort of relationship with drag out fights before the first date.
It just gets uglier.
Still a d ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
WHYYYY are these books so bad? They have potential. A lot of potential. But instead of focusing on what is absolutely necessary in a 25+ book series, namely, character development and world-building, Hamilton focuses on action scenes and a whole bunch of stupid, pointless plot that keeps the story moving but gives us nothing.
I finished this book less than 48 hours ago and I can hardly remember anything that happened. There were a bunch of shapeshifter action scenes, lots of Anita just being a st ...more
I finished this book less than 48 hours ago and I can hardly remember anything that happened. There were a bunch of shapeshifter action scenes, lots of Anita just being a st ...more
What a treat, to find out you have a cousin who shares your reading habits! My public library has this book on order and I’ve been waiting for it for months! While visiting over New Year’s, my cousin & I got discussing this series, and she sent me home with a suitcase full of reading material—a happy New Year indeed.
Although some aspects of the series are silly, I’m enjoying it despite that. I mean Anita accepts a marriage proposal from a man (well, a werewolf) she really barely knows—and th ...more
Although some aspects of the series are silly, I’m enjoying it despite that. I mean Anita accepts a marriage proposal from a man (well, a werewolf) she really barely knows—and th ...more
So we meet Richard, we kind of like Richard. I don't I do not find a fun moment with Richard at all. I much rather be with Jean-Claude. I love the vampire; I love the other shifter. But I do not love Richard.
Also, hello? Edward. Who is awesomesauce. Ed, I am having fun with this series so far. People say that goes down hill. But I reserve the right to love these books through and through. I love LKH's other series and really it is getting better. So keep an open mind when you read this series. ...more
Also, hello? Edward. Who is awesomesauce. Ed, I am having fun with this series so far. People say that goes down hill. But I reserve the right to love these books through and through. I love LKH's other series and really it is getting better. So keep an open mind when you read this series. ...more
Apr 28, 2008
Ranata Clark
rated it
it was ok
Recommends it for:
people who like werewolves and a woman with a trigger finger of death
Shelves:
paranormal
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I keep reading these books and the further I get, the more I just struggle to continue. This series was highly recommended from some friends. I thought, what the heck and started reading. The story lines are OK, the love interest are alright, but the characters drive me batty. They make it really hard for me to connect and engage in the story.
Anita is this tough as nails chick who doesn't like help, ask for help, or respect you if you offer her help. She is hard core all the way. I get what the ...more
Anita is this tough as nails chick who doesn't like help, ask for help, or respect you if you offer her help. She is hard core all the way. I get what the ...more
4.5
For some reason I can't seem to get bored of this series. Even more, I can't wait to start the next book to see what happens :D
For some reason I can't seem to get bored of this series. Even more, I can't wait to start the next book to see what happens :D
Sep 13, 2017
Jennymort ♔ Dark Lordette
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
2017-read,
i-have-no-chill,
love-triangle,
own,
part-of-a-series,
vampires,
were-animals,
werewolves
Again with Richards stupid ass. Like why is he here?
But yes, more ass kicking please. More Jean Claude please. And can the next book go by quick so I can get to the parts of this series that made me end up getting all 25 books? LIKE NOW!? *wails*
This one is full of shapeshifters and Anita is dating one of them. The vampires are still around but they take a bit of a back seat here (aside from trying to kill or date Anita).
The story is good, if a little disturbing at times and it's nice to see Anita coping (or not) with having a man in her life. There's a lot of arguments but her humanity comes out a lot more as well as getting beaten up by various preturnatural creatures along the way.
We get to see some pretty bad humans in this one too ...more
The story is good, if a little disturbing at times and it's nice to see Anita coping (or not) with having a man in her life. There's a lot of arguments but her humanity comes out a lot more as well as getting beaten up by various preturnatural creatures along the way.
We get to see some pretty bad humans in this one too ...more
Anita için bir review yazmak daha yeni aklıma geliyor!Ama şimdi buna nasıl bi review yazılırki!
Her yerde ismini duyuyordum bu kişinin.Ha,bu kim mi?
Genellikle yataktan şu şekilde kalkan,penguen delisi,ilk 5 kitabı okumama rağmen hala çözemediğim insan evladıdır
Anita benim hem çok sevdiğim(tabii şu an için) hem de çok acıdığım bir karakter.
Kıza bir rahat yok.Hep bi koşuşturmaca içerisinde.Hatta kitabı okurken '' yeter be,bi nefes alsın kız '' dediğim yerler bile oldu.
Yine güzel bir kitaptı.Şu Edw ...more
Her yerde ismini duyuyordum bu kişinin.Ha,bu kim mi?
Genellikle yataktan şu şekilde kalkan,penguen delisi,ilk 5 kitabı okumama rağmen hala çözemediğim insan evladıdır
Anita benim hem çok sevdiğim(tabii şu an için) hem de çok acıdığım bir karakter.
Kıza bir rahat yok.Hep bi koşuşturmaca içerisinde.Hatta kitabı okurken '' yeter be,bi nefes alsın kız '' dediğim yerler bile oldu.
Yine güzel bir kitaptı.Şu Edw ...more
Great audio performance, it really added dimension to the book.
at least it’s supposed to get better
I freely admit that I have problems with Hamilton's writing. You see, she has a great gift for tense plotting and engaging writing. But instead of utilizing her talents, she turns her books into ridiculous will-they-won't-they soaps. Basically, this book was all about Anita facing off Jean-Claude on the one hand and mulling over Richard on the other. And the back and forth of that quickly became more than annoying. The plot itself - the search for the killer - took what? 60 pages? Everything els
...more
Jan 27, 2019
Anna 'Bookbuyer' call me bookbuyer. ^-^
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ ANY SPOILERS
Anita Blake has got a hot date, with Richard, the werewolf she's been dating for a few months only. As she describes, they're still not very intimate, since they barely know each other. But as you know, if you've read this book, their relationship just goes really fast, way too fast in my opinion.
Jean-Claude is still trying to interfere with their relationship, for some reason. At this point I think this love-triangle, (turned into love-sq ...more
Anita Blake has got a hot date, with Richard, the werewolf she's been dating for a few months only. As she describes, they're still not very intimate, since they barely know each other. But as you know, if you've read this book, their relationship just goes really fast, way too fast in my opinion.
Jean-Claude is still trying to interfere with their relationship, for some reason. At this point I think this love-triangle, (turned into love-sq ...more
2018 Reread to figure out where this series went so horribly wrong:
And it begins. At the halfway point of this book Anita makes two decisions that sent her course for the future.
#1. She says yes to Richard's proposal, even though they is constant friction because Richard wants a soft gentle woman to protect and make him feel human, and Anita wants someone human who accepts that she is tough and prone to violence. She also is uncomfortable with Richard in her apartment, and irritated that her FIA ...more
And it begins. At the halfway point of this book Anita makes two decisions that sent her course for the future.
#1. She says yes to Richard's proposal, even though they is constant friction because Richard wants a soft gentle woman to protect and make him feel human, and Anita wants someone human who accepts that she is tough and prone to violence. She also is uncomfortable with Richard in her apartment, and irritated that her FIA ...more
I'm always in search of a good vampire story, so I read the first four Anita Blake books. I think Laurell K. Hamilton had a potentially interesting concept creating a world where most supernatural elements are real and integrated into society. I like the concept of were-(insert any animal here). What I don't like about Anita Blake books is Anita Blake! It's hard to read books when the protagonist has an abrasive personality and nothing witty to say. You can look forward to Anita's verbal confron
...more
I think this was my favorite so far. Or maybe they are just getting better because I read them in order. I would like to see Anita give in to Richard a little but she really never does and that is a major part of her character, keeping her focus. Edward makes an appearance in every book so I wonder if anything romantic will happen between the two. Anita is always complaining that the men in her life perusing her are all monsters so what gives.
Jan 14, 2019
Jammin Jenny
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2019-books,
uno-yellow,
audiobooks,
contemporary,
fantasy,
humor,
horror,
paranormal,
romance,
vampires
This was my favorite Anita Blake book so far. I loved the interaction between Jean Philippe and Richard, and how they were both vying for her attention. I also liked seeing the were community a bit more. And loved the premise of the werewolf hunt and the missing werewolves. Great installment in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Million More Pages: 4 - The Lunatic Cafe (ABVH): Apr 12 | 15 | 27 | Apr 20, 2015 01:19PM | |
| Anita Blake Vampi...: The Lunatic Cafe (Book 4) | 14 | 45 | Jun 27, 2014 12:35PM | |
| Madison Mega-Mara...: The Lunatic Cafe | 1 | 3 | May 15, 2012 07:35AM | |
| Goodreads Librari...: Page numbers not listed | 2 | 30 | Sep 16, 2011 04:25PM |
Laurell K. Hamilton is one of the leading writers of paranormal fiction. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Hamilton writes the popular Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novels and the Meredith Gentry series. She is also the creator of a bestselling comic book series based on her Anita Blake novels and published by Marvel Comics. Hamilton is a full-time writer and lives in the suburbs of St. Louis
...more
Other books in the series
Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter
(1 - 10 of 26 books)
28 trivia questions
More quizzes & trivia...
“I loved him, but love isn't enough. All the fairy tales, the romance novels, the soap operas; they're all lies. Love does not conquer all.”
—
139 likes
“He's no more human than I am, ma petite."
At least I'm not dead."
That can be remedied.”
—
41 likes
More quotes…
At least I'm not dead."
That can be remedied.”
