Charlaine Harris

So after watching one episode of "True Blood" and being absolutely gob-freaking-smacked by how terrible it was, I decided to pick up some of the books on which it was based. (What, that's not your thought process?)

Well, I'll give the book that it's better than the show, primarily because in a book there's no bad acting and you can imagine that everyone has a consistent accent. However, the writing is unimpressive, and if you're not really into slut-shaming I'd give this one a pass. Every show more woman except Sookie is described as a total skank, and as such deserves to be murdered and/or generally treated badly. Sookie narrates, and half of that narration is deeming other women "trash" because they are sexually emancipated or dressed scantily (although Sookie also talks endlessly about how hot she herself is, and how she wears clothes intended to flaunt her fabulous body). At one point Sookie haughtily informs someone that she deserves to be treated with respect because she is "not a slut". Unlike the dead woman present at the scene, who was, and can therefore be written off as someone asking for it.

Also, every time the vampire touches Sookie there's some infantilizing metaphor - "he rubbed my back as if I were a kitten"; "he patted my back as if I were a puppy who had whimpered". When he's not fondling her back, he's picking her up and moving her around as if she were a doll, and she loves this. I might as well be reading Twilight.

Paranormal fiction seems to be the last literary refuge of incredibly dated gender roles. Even most halfway decent romance novels these days avoid the "spirited kitten" description of the heroine. If your hero's a vampire / werewolf / etc, however, it's green-light-go with the overpowering and controlling and "I know what's best for you, so don't worry your sweet little helpless head" and "every other woman I've met in 200 years has been unashamed of having sexual desires, which is SO GROSS, so your judgmental priggishness has thawed my frozen heart". Where's Faith when you need her? show less

This is one of my all time favorite book series. I have reread the entire series more than a few times.....something I rarely do, with all of the new books I have waiting to be explored, I usually can't summons the motivation to read an already known story. This series is the exception, I long to immerse myself back into the world Sookie Stackhouse.

I have lived my entire life in the South and Louisiana is a place near and dear to my heart. We own a business that covers 5 Southern States and show more are in Louisiana at least a few times a year. Writers often fail to capture the true essence and feel of the South. It's often bad stereotypes and way overdone southern slang. Louisiana is a special place that is even more difficult to bring to life in written word. Harris, being a Mississippi native herself, manages to capture, not only the true Southern vibe, but the essence of Louisiana. Bon Temps feels like a genuine bayou town.

I was super excited when the show came out.....only to be sorely disappointed. The show doesn't hold a candle to the books. The entire feel and vibe of this series is lost on the show... I'm not a fan to say the least.

Charlian Harris is very hit or miss for me, while I adore this series and the Midnight Crossroads books, I'm not a fan of her other series. If you like supernatural fantasy series, ie; Kim Harrisons THE HOLLOWS.....another fave....I would highly recommend checking this out. show less

*Book source ~ Library

Calexa Rose Dunhill isn’t her name, but since she can’t remember who she is she names herself from the surroundings in which she woke; Calexa from the crypt nearby, Rose from a gravestone and Dunhill from the cemetery. Until she can figure out who killed her, why she woke up in a cemetery, why she can see spirits and who she is she decides it’s safer to make her home in a crypt. With the unobtrusive help of the old caretaker, Mr. Kelner and an old lady, Lucinda show more Cameron, who lives across the street from the cemetery, Calexa survives for months, but is no closer to discovering anything about her past. Then one night she witnesses a murder and she has to make a decision. Let the murderers get away with it or call attention to the cemetery and hope she’s not discovered?

I love this story and the artwork. Who is this girl? Why did someone try to kill her? Why was there no mention of her disappearance in the papers? What the hell is going on? Gah! I need to know! The teens who commit the murder in the cemetery are fucked up. I mean, seriously, what the fuck?! That is just so FUBAR. Calexa’s solution to reporting the murder is brilliant. Anyway, I’m glad Calexa has Mr. Kelner and Lucinda. Now, if they can just figure out the mystery that is her then I’ll be happy. show less

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 show more 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. show less