Dead in the Family
3 Stars

Following on the heels of Dead and Gone was bound to be difficult, and Dead in the Family isn't really able to pull it off. While there is some good character development for Eric (and Bill to a lesser extent), the rest of the plot feels like filler.

This installment begins with Sookie's recovery in the aftermath of her ordeal at the hands of a pair of murderous fae. Not unexpectedly given her personality, Sookie's approach is very matter of fact and she appears to handle it all very well.

The rest of the first half of the book details some mysterious goings on in Sookie's woods that are not particularly well developed. Nevertheless, things eventually liven up in the middle with the appearance of Eric's intriguing "relatives".

It is a testament to Harris's writing skill that she still manages to hold the reader's attention despite the rather lackluster storylines and dubious lines of reasoning with regard to the handful of mysteries.

All in all, not one of the better books in the series. Hopefully Dead Recknoning will return to the tried and true.

( )

Another book that is quite diverse. Sookie gets again in trouble, more Weres, more Vampires, more Fae..... ( )

Dead in the Family is a great book. I used to love this series, adored the characters, but it has one of the worst endings ever! Do not read the last book. Stay away from it. But this one, and the ones before and the two after are fine. But stay away from the last book! ( )

I loved the pacing of this one, especially the beginning, where she took the time to grieve. Just keeps getting better. ( )

Kind of a disappointment. I'm wondering if Charlaine needs to wrap up the series. She must be running out of plot if she has to write a book about not much of anything. I still like the main characters, but the cast is just too big now to pick up the newest book without rereading the others first. Borrowed the book from someone who bought it new... probably won't be buying any more in the series. ( )