
Now that that's off my chest, I will tell you that I did enjoy this sixth installment in the Southern Vampire mystery series. My favorite series involve characters that change and grow through the series as a whole, and when the characters are compelling, the mystery itself isn't why I'm reading the book - so if it's fairly simple, as it is in this one, I don't really mind.
There are several mysteries here: one involves someone taking potshots at shifters, and Sookie's brother Jason is suspected of being involved. Another involves the vampire Queen of Louisiana, who has agreed to a marriage with another powerful vampire - but it appears war may result if Sookie can't use her telepathy to help the Queen locate a missing engagement gift. There's a new(ish) love interest here, and some interesting characters are introduced, including a witch who may turn out to be a friend to Sookie. Some things didn't quite gel for me - such as the motivation of the Queen to even consider an alliance with the man she's engaged to - it simply never felt very believable. Even so, this was another enjoyable, gripping installment in Sookie's exciting life, and I am certainly looking forward to more. I continue to enjoy Johanna Parker's skillful narration of these stories, and I intend to listen to the rest of the series because it's just so much more fun that way.
Books in the Southern Vampire/Sookie Stackhouse series:
1. Dead Until Dark
2. Living Dead in Dallas
3. Club Dead
4. Dead to the World
5. Dead as a Doornail
6. Definitely Dead
7. Altogether Dead
8. From Dead to Worse
9. Dead and Gone
10. A Touch of Dead (short stories)
11. Dead in the Family
12. Dead Reckoning (2012)
Source: My local public library
Definitely Dead (#6 in the Southern Vampire/Sookie Stackhouse series) by Charlaine Harris; narrated by Johanna Parker (Recorded Books, 2006)
Also reviewed at:
Ashley's Library: "I also have to say that Sookie Stackhouse with a stun gun is not only hilarious, but also reminds me so much of Stephanie Plum from the Janet Evanovich books that I had to re-read it!"
Fyrefly's Book Blog: "All in all, it was a fast and thoroughly enjoyable light read, which is what I’ve come to expect from the series."
Rhapsody in Books: "This book is a must-read for fans of the series, since the truth comes out about all sorts of aspects of the plot."
I had the same problem when I was reading it! It took me an embarrassing amount of time to realize there was a short story in between. I did what you did and ended up just fumbling my way through the beginning. By the end I was pretty well on track. It did peeve me though because I bought all the books. I figure if I'm willing to support Harris that way, then I shouldn't have to be buying separate short stories unless it's just for my own desire to read more - not for actual plot that defines a whole book!
ReplyDeleteRachel - I totally agree! And you know what kills me? I had that anthology checked out from the library the same time I was reading this. Argh! :p
ReplyDeleteI have tried to get into the books but enjoy the tv series better. the only big thing about the books that I like ove the series is that there is little to no Tara (who I hate!).
ReplyDeleteI really must give this series another try. I read one book and wasn't a huge fan, but shouldn't give up on her entirely!
ReplyDeleteVirginia Gal - It's funny, now that I've been watching the TV series, they seem almost like two entirely separate things. The show has a much darker feeling to it, and the characters are quite a bit different. I enjoy them both, but I don't think of them as really being the same thing any more!
ReplyDeleteKailana - Well, I imagine they aren't for everyone, but maybe you could give the second book a try. I do think they get better as the series goes on, particularly with the addition of new characters and situations. Sometimes all the enthusiasm about a series can lead to disappointment - it happens to me sometimes!
Yeah I really, really hate that but it was actually because of that short story in Bite that I discovered Charlaine Harris in the first place. I'm going to be re-reading the fourth book in this series for the fifth time soon.
ReplyDeleteLadytink - I'm glad you found out about that series through the story! I love how you reread your favorite series all the time. I don't reread quite as much as I'd like - there's a war on between my old favorites and all the new ones I want to try. I need more time!!!
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