I'm the first to say that I just loved Sookie in the early novels. I thought she was full of spunk, cute as a button, and had a good dose of toughness. Plus I appreciated Charlaine Harris's sense of humor.
Unfortumately, the books have not held up to the early promise. I plan to finish up the series, mostly because I think there are only two books left, but I'm not as enamored of Sookie as I used to be. In addition, I miss the old womanizing Jason, the jealous Bill, the sexy Eric, the sarcastic Pam, and the hot Alcide.
In Dead in the Family, the tenth in the series, Sookie is recovering from her injuries sustained in the Fae war. At the same time, she is caught up in her relationships with the vampires, weres, and faeries. Although I didn't figure out who the bag guys were, I didn't think this installment added much to Sookie's story or the overall development of the characters, except maybe Eric.
If you're a big Sookie fan or, like me, you just have a need to finish the series, then you'll find Dead in the Family entertaining and a pleasant diversion. However, this installment is not Harris at her best.
I listened to the unabridged audio edition (Recorded Books, 9 hr, 32 min) read by Johanna Parker. Parker is a joy to listen to, and her portrayal of Sookie is perfection. Her accent and timing fit Sookie like a glove.
Buy Dead in the Family at a bookstore near you.
Published by Penguin USA / Ace Books, 2011
Rating: C
ISBN-13: 9780441020157
Source: Bought (see review policy)
Copyright © cbl for Beth Fish Reads, all rights reserved (see review policy).
I've never read any of the books but I did watch one season of True Blood. I think I shy away from series which feature the same characters for more than three books. I just can't be interested for that long. I need some closure earlier.
ReplyDeleteI love love love this series but haven't cut up with you yet. I hope my love for Sookie continues!
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of Sookie, but I must agree with you that this was one of my least favorite. There are 12 books right now, with the 13th and FINAL book coming out this Spring. I tried to watch the HBO series TrueBlood but it was so different from the books, I just didn't care for it. Most people I've talked to either like the books OR like the show, but few enjoy them both. There seems to be a definite difference between the two. I also listened to the audio version and you are absolutely right about JoAnna Parker. She is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed the early Sookie, and I think this one was one of my least favorites. I will finish the series bc I've read them all to this point, but it's definitely time for this story to end. I also watch True Blood. It is different than the books, but I like it.
ReplyDeleteI never did get past the first book. I need to give this series another try.
ReplyDeleteI read the eleventh in the series earlier this year and felt exactly the same - the characters are barely developed and are still nowhere near as good as they were in the early novels. I'll finish the series because I've come so far but I am disappointed with the past few instalments.
ReplyDeletei loved the first two books.. after that it was all downhill for me ..
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. I do intend to read the series to the end, but the earliest books in the series were the most hilarious.
ReplyDeleteI'll finish the series with the last novel coming 2013, but I miss the original Sookie and gang. The 2012 installment was better than the past year, but still lacking.
ReplyDeleteI agree that you have to finish them so maybe audio is the way to go.
ReplyDeleteI've heard over and over again that this series just went downhill. What a shame.
ReplyDelete