The Sookie Stackhouse Novels: Dead as a Doornail - BookReview

Article author: Alwyn Ash


There is much happening at Bon Temps lately, and telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse is right up to her neck in vampires, Weres, assassins and leadership struggles when she isn't serving food and drink at Merlotte's Bar & Grill.

Her brother Jason has joined the Were society as full moon approaches. It is an anxious time for Sookie. But the anxiety isn't helped when a gunman starts targeting the Were population, even shooting Sam, Sookie's boss, in the process. There is much unrest as a police investigation is launched to locate the killer of other Weres, though their true identity as supernatural creatures is not widely known to those outside of the "community". With Sam out of action, a new face is given the task of working at Merlotte's: a vampire by the name of Charles Twining, Eric's new bartender at the Fangtasia club. The story also focuses on the death of Colonel Flood, leader of the Long Tooth were pack of Shreveport, and the need for a new packmaster.

Following the previous book, Dead To The World, vampire sheriff Eric Northman (Louisiana has several vampire districts, Eric being the sheriff of Area Five) is determined to learn of his time spent during the memory loss inflicted by the witch Marnie "Hallow" Stonebrook; he is especially interested in understanding the manner of his "relationship" with Sookie. Of course, the Viking vampire finds good enough reason to persuade Sookie to come clean after she turns to him for help regarding friend Tara Thorton...

This, the fifth in the "The Southern Vampire Mysteries" book series, is a little slower than Book Four and manages to stretch the shooting mystery a little too thinly, with far less in between to make the plot work as well as in previous stories.

That said, there is a charm about "Dead As A Doornail", and a real community spirit as author Charlaine Harris weaves her magic over the characters, bringing them together as they face the reality that a killer is on the loose. This apprehension is well realised when Sookie's own life is put in danger after a fire engulfs her home. This, as it happens, appears to be the work of a Fellowship of the Sun member, as possible revenge for Sookie's involvement with vampires in Dallas (Living Dead in Dallas).

Not wishing to forget past events, Harris neatly returns to the killing of Alcide Herveaux's jealous shapeshifter ex-girlfriend Debbie Pelt. There is also a nice connection to the debut book in the series, Dead Until Dark. "Dead As A Doornail" also introduces a new character, the were tiger known as Quinn, who acts as referee during the Long Tooth packmaster trials. The book even gives us a thankfully brief encounter with the vampire Bubba, known in life as "the King of Rock and Roll", as he delivers some important news to Sookie.

Looking back at the competition for wolfpack leader, it is interesting that Sookie's interference - even at the request of Alcide and his brethren - does lead to tragic consequences, not ending the way it should. Proof that the waitress' abilities can be a curse after all. Is it even possible that such an act could leave long-term damage to Sookie's friendship with the were, Alcide? Her involvement in political matters concerning the supernatural elements of Bon Temps does hold the possibility of broken friendships and shattered alliances if she isn't too careful with the choices she makes. Her dealings with vampires has already brought her far too close for comfort to personal tragedy...

Charlaine Harris' journey through the first five books has been an interesting one, not just introducing us to vampires but opening up myth and legend, revealing all manner of the supernatural. We have watched Sookie Stackhouse develop from a naive girl into a woman of the world, far more relaxed in her own flesh and quite capable of facing danger with determined steel resolve. She has lost her virginity, been close to death, and even killed - twice so far, a Were (Debbie Pelt - "Dead To The World") and a vampire (Lorena Ball, Bill Compton's maker and former lover - Club Dead).

"Dead As A Doornail" might not be the strongest book in the series, but as part of an ongoing chapter, it works well.


Review summary

Slower than the previous installment, but still a good read.


REVIEW RATING: ☆☆☆☆☆
Dead as a Doornail publication date: 2005

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The Sookie Stackhouse Novels: Dead to the World - BookReview

Article author: Alwyn Ash


"My gran had always told me that a woman - any woman worth her salt - could do whatever she had to." ~ Sookie

Four books in, and the best has arrived! There has always been a steady pace to The Southern Vampire Mysteries that has kept it even and entertaining, a world of vampires as telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse faces the usual perils and excitement of events that materalise in the fictional Louisiana town of Bon Temps. Eric Northman, Vampire Sheriff of Area Five, has always been the smart, ruthless and enigmatic Viking (yes, he really is that old!) who had spent every book in the series so far desiring to bed Sookie. However, after a spell cast by a witch called Marnie "Hallow" Stonebrook reduces him to a confused and vulnerable state, much changes between the Merlottes' waitress and charismatic Sheriff.

His life in danger, the vampires ask Sookie to be Eric's guardian. There is also concern when Jason, Sookie's brother, disappears, leading to an investigation and fear that the witch coven responsible for Eric's reduced condition might have either taken or killed Jason. As with previous installments, there will be deaths, though no spoilers here...

Familiar faces such as werewolf Alcide Herveaux, Pam Ravenscroft, Bubba (Elvis Presley in vampire form), and the vindictive Debbie Pelt (Alcide's interest) also return; sadly, Bubba is still not growing on me in the same way that he does for other readers (you know who you are) - there could have been so much potential in resurrecting the "King of Rock and Roll" as a vampire, instead we are left with a "Lennie Small" (see Of Mice and men) with no real contribution to any plot other than gathering information and killing...

"Oh, God, puppy dog eyes.
From a six-foot-five ancient Viking vampire."
― Sookie Stackhouse

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Though little is explored with Hallow (perhaps Pam's means of persuading the witch to reverse the spell on Eric should have been witnessed by Sookie?) there is no doubt that author Charlaine Harris has enriched her tales with witches, Weres and other beasts - this is no ordinary book series, there remains hidden depths that are gradually unearthed, piercing the imagination as surely as a stake through the heart. What I like about the use of witches is the revelation that some of them are also werewolves (twice the danger!) and this idea is fully explored during the final part of the novel when Sookie and her friends (vampires and Weres) engage in a bloody battle against the witch coven.

As always, Bill Compton's involvement is little more than a brief appearance; as Sookie's "first", I sometimes wonder why he has been sidelined in this way - perhaps that is the greatest Southern Vampire mystery of them all...

The love story between Sookie and Eric is the true reason for Dead To The World, a "will they or won't they" scenario that steps on the platonic doormat for a brief second before engaging fully in the actions of a couple mutually attracted to one another, both mentally and physically; Eric's changed personality is clearly the catalyst for what follows - the waitress' attraction to the vampire has always been present, so she was already half way there. But the true surprise is just how thoughtful and gentle this new Eric can be while around Sookie, a complete contrast to the manipulative and cold-hearted vampire who owns Fangtasia.

That said, it is inevitable that the vampire's true nature be restored or the balance of the tale be forever changed. But exploring a side of Eric never seen before is intriguing and delightful, as it is for Sookie.

The presence of the ever delightful Debbie Pelt ("delightful" as in bitch) leads to a shock ending, and one that will surely have ramifications in future books. The event also further develops Sookie's character, as did previous installment Club Dead; how far will author Harris take this, I wonder...? This is where The Southern Vampire Mysteries works well, taking every possible scenario and turning it upside down.

Jason's predicament is another example of just what might change as, at full moon, he is destined to be transformed into a werepanther. This is to be the plot for next novel, Dead As A Doornail.


Review summary

The best in the series to date.


REVIEW RATING: ☆☆☆☆☆
Dead to the World publication date: 2004

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The Sookie Stackhouse Novels: Club Dead - BookReview

Article author: Alwyn Ash


"You might have been paid back enough to suit you" I said, "but I don't know if you've been paid back enough to suit me." ~ Sookie

Vampire Bill Compton goes missing and a werewolf attacks Sookie Stackhouse in her workplace, Merlotte's. Just another routine day for the waitress in Bon Temps who, before dating a vampire, had never had anything remotely interesting happen to her. However, the disappearance of her undead boyfriend leads Sookie to Jackson, Mississippi, aided in her mission by another werewolf, Alcide Herveaux (who has been sent by Vampire Sheriff Eric Northman). Using her abilities, the telepath engages in reading the minds of Humans at a local vampire bar, Josephine's (also referred to as Club Dead, hence the title of the novel). Typically there is chaos as she rejects the unwanted attentions of a Were. There is a ruckus during which she is injured, though not severely. On a plus, the altercation does allow for her to come to the attention of Mississippi vampire king Russell Edgington - who, it is later revealed, orchestrated Bill's kidnapping.

One mystery designed to keep fans guessing until the final moments of the book is the murder of werewolf Jerry Falcon - the guy who marked Sookie at Josephine's, and who had caused the commotion. However, for this reader that little question was firmly answered in Chapter 10, with the reappearance of Bubba (a character I have now decided closely resembles Lennie Small from John Steinbeck's 1937 masterpiece "Of Mice and Men"). The signs were all there: the broken neck (Bubba is very heavy handed, he committed a similar killing in Chapter 2 when he crushed another werewolf's throat to protect Sookie) and the lack of motive for stuffing the body in Alcide's closet. It was a predictable hanger-on that was finally laid to rest by Chapter 14, though it could, and should, have been much sooner.

"In American usage, bubba is a relationship nickname formed from brother and given to boys, especially eldest male siblings, to indicate their role in a family. For some boys and men, bubba is used so pervasively that it replaces the given name. The nickname may also be used outside the family by friends as a term of endearment."

"Life had sure been simpler when I hadn't dated."
― Sookie Stackhouse

Invited to spend a second night at Josephine's, Sookie and Alcide mingle with the regulars, soaking up the atmosphere and keeping to their story of being a "couple". This time the waitress's telepathic abilities serve their purpose when she senses that one of the crowd is preparing for "Martyrdom" ("When I die, my name will be famous") and will stake a vampire. Intervening, Sookie is injured, this time a life threatening stab wound (staked by a Human fanatic). Ouch.

Ever heard the saying "Every cloud has a silver lining"? Well in this case, being severely wounded and close to death couldn't have placed Sookie in a better situation. She is taken to Russell's home - a mansion - where another vampire heals her. It is here where Bill, her lover, has been held and tortured. A rescue mission is quickly put together, with help from Eric (present in Mississippi under false pretences).

This is where we see a much stronger side to Sookie, pure survival instinct during a clash with female vampire and Bill's former lover Lorena; it is a defining moment in the book series, a shift that can only reach out further to explore the telepath's unexplored aspects and possibilities. Drama unfolds in quick succession: Sookie at the mercy of Bill (he has been tortured, sleep and blood-deprived for far too long), a gas station raid and a further werewolf attack.

Like I said, just another routine day for the waitress in Bon Temps.

With the fourth book "Dead to the World" set three weeks after events in "Club Dead", there is still plenty to explore in the world of Sookie Stackhouse.


Review summary

A little slower in pace than Book 2. The return of Bubba, for me, once more proves he is either an underused character or, possibly, a waste of page space altogether. The easily resolved dispute between Russell and Eric concerning Bill's kidnap and extreme torture (and Bubba's capture) quite simply makes the whole conclusion feel light in consequence - or meaning - to the plot. That said, "Club Dead" is a page turner, and draws you in quite firmly.


REVIEW RATING: ☆☆☆☆☆
Club Dead publication date: 2003

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The Sookie Stackhouse Novels: Living Dead In Dallas - BookReview

"So you want me to go to a human orgy, where I will not be welcome, and you want us to leave before I get to enjoy myself?" ~ Eric Northman

Charlaine Harris is a New York Times bestselling author

There is a murder in Bon Temps (no surprise there, however, when you consider that vampires also populate the town), this time in the car park of Merlotte's Bar and Grill, where telepath Sookie Stackhouse works.

Using her "disability", the waitress is determined to find out the truth, uncover the culprit(s) of the crime. However, before she can do that, there is another matter in urgent need of her attention. With lover and vampire Bill Compton at her side, Sookie travels to Dallas on a mission to locate a missing vampire. This is quite clearly far from a simple case of straying and before long she engages in a top secret operation to infiltrate the anti-vampire organisation Fellowship of the Sun.

Told in first person by Sookie (as are all the books in the series), there is far more to Living Dead In Dallas than the previous instalment - and it is a much faster read too, author Charlaine Harris sinking her teeth into kidnapping, murder, attempted rape... Yes, this is undeniably an adults-only read (young fans of Stephenie Meyer should stay away), but a well-crafted one at that. Unlike many vampire tales Harris isn't afraid to widen plot development to incorporate other manner of creatures, certainly adding depth to the Sookie Stackhouse Universe and placing the vampires in a world where they are not the only non-Human species. Honestly, this introduction is a major plus.

As plot develops and Sookie's adventures take her further into the dark streets of Dallas, we are acquainted with other characters including Barry the Bellboy, a young telepath who is still to learn of his abilities. Like Sookie before him, he is sure to learn the hard way. There are also other newly-introduced vampires, including Stan Davis.

"Life had sure been simpler when I hadn't dated."
― Sookie Stackhouse

Harris embraces a new theme in this book: vampires who wish to meet the Sun, like Godfrey, a traitor to his own kind. And yet, even then, there are depths in this author's storytelling that allow you pause for thought, a feeling of understanding and, dare I say it, brief sadness, for a pathetic creature, evil in life and death, who wishes nothing more than to end the suffering and welcome eternal sleep.

When you also consider just how menacing some Humans can be, like Steve Newlin and Gabe (Fellowship of the Sun), the question does arise: just who is the true enemy in a society populated by vampires? The answer is not as black and white as you may think.

As the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Farrell - the kidnapped vampire - is brought to its conclusion, although not without further death and violence, there is the matter of how the story first began: Sookie returns to Bon Temps for a second mission, this time without Bill but aided by vampire sheriff Eric Northman. This time, the suspects are people she knows quite well - but perhaps, didn't know well enough.

Attending an orgy, but not wishing to participate, the telepath uses her abilities positively, uncovering the truth surrounding the murder of co-worker Lafayette Reynolds, but not wishing to leave it there, Harris throws at us yet another piece of dark magic and we are fearful for Sookie's safety once more...

Much earlier on in the book we encounter the Maenad, a female creature of such power and darkness that even vampires are wary. She is a supernatural being from Greek mythology wanting tribute. But even her appearance in the novel isn't as straight forward as you might believe.


Review summary

A major step up from Book 1 and no Bubba in sight. Harris has certainly taken the strong points of Dead Until Dark and firmly injected them into this adventure, sparing us any chance of pause for breath and instead throwing us deep into the dark with nothing but Sookie for company. And what a companion she makes!


REVIEW RATING: ☆☆☆☆☆
Living Dead In Dallas publication date: 2002

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The Sookie Stackhouse Novels: Dead Until Dark - BookReview

"Of course I am grateful, and I'm sure you are, as you put it, a special vintage," Bill said politely, "But I have my own wine cellar."

Charlaine Harris is a New York Times bestselling author

How do you live with the knowledge that you are different, able to hear the thoughts of those around you, sense their feelings and understand their pain and worries? Sookie Stackhouse works as a waitress at Merlotte's Bar and Grill in Bon Temps, a small town in northern Louisiana. And she is a telepath.

Told in first person by Sookie, we, the readers, are engaged in a murder mystery; there is also the story of self-discovery and the yearning for something more, adventure for our heroine. And in walks Bill Compton, a Civil War veteran and vampire who she immediately likes - with the added attraction that his mind is closed to her, allowing her to bask in his mental silence, he is the perfect companion. But danger lies ahead...

There is a series of murders, local girls who are known to Vampires and, of course, Bill is a suspect. However, there is another suspect, Sookie's brother Jason. As the story develops we learn that life in Bon Temps is no longer straight-forward. Not everyone is who they appear to be.

Though vampires have "come out of the coffin" to be accepted by society, there is still suspicion and dislike for those afflicted with the "virus", the explanation given for their symptoms and physical difference. There is also the introduction of synthetic blood, True Blood (developed by the Japanese), making it unnecessary for vampires to feed on humans for sustenance and allowing them to live in peaceful coexistence. But there are those humans, Fangbangers (vampire groupies), who offer their blood willingly, even during sex with vampires. Each of the girls murdered are such fanatics, if you can call them that.

"Life had sure been simpler when I hadn't dated."
― Sookie Stackhouse

From the start, and this is where Sookie really emerges as a true heroine, we are introduced to "drainers", people who take vampire blood by force, binding vampires with silver chains and draining the blood into vials to sell as a drug on the underground market - such blood is highly addictive and has various properties, including healing.

In an attempt to unmask the serial killer in Bon Temps, Sookie persuades Bill to escort her to a bar, Fangtasia, where she meets Eric Northman, owner and a powerful vampire. After discovering her "gift", a deal is made between Eric and Bill, and the young waitress is invited to discover the identity of a thief who has been stealing from the business.

Meanwhile, there is another murder, one which turns Sookie's world upside down.

This gruesome discovery leads to the introduction of Bubba, a dim-witted vampire who, in life, had been quite famous indeed. This, for me, is the only disappointment in a story packed with mystery, romance and danger. Maybe this character will grow on me. Who knows...

Certainly one of the highlights in this novel, and a theme that will follow in further books, is the "Vampires are not the only beings..." surprise, with the inclusion of other fantastic creatures within the The Sookie Stackhouse Universe. This allows for author Charlaine Harris to really explore without restriction, using ingredients from mythology and folklore to create the perfect recipe for a book series that, by May 2012, would be twelve titles strong with the release of Deadlocked. The thirteenth, and final, novel in the series, Dead Ever After, will hit book stores in 2013 - a bonus, considering the author was originally only ever contracted to write ten Sookie Stackhouse novels.


Review summary

Purchased upon recommendation, I am so glad that Sookie has come into my life. This series is definitely up there with Rachel Caine's The Morganville Vampires. A joy to read, already looking forward to Book 2: Living Dead in Dallas.


REVIEW RATING: ☆☆☆☆☆
Dead Until Dark publication date: 2001

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On the bookshelf... #1: Dead Until Dark

What am I reading at the moment?

“His eyes were still like caves with ghosts dwelling in their depths.”

I was introduced to the world of Sookie Stackhouse and Charlaine Harris by someone very special to me, and so I did what any normal irrational person would do - purchased a whole box set of all first ten books (RRP £50). Not just the first paperback and see how I get on. No, it had to be all ten!

Luckily, I did manage to locate them in The Works, at the discount price of £19.99.

And so I begin with Dead Until Dark. Sookie can read other people's minds, wants a vampire of her very own, and faces a life and death struggle...

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Sookie Stackhouse is a small-time cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana. She's quiet, keeps to herself, and doesn't get out much - not because she's not pretty - she's a very cute bubbly blonde - or not interested in a social life. She really is... but Sookie's got a bit of a disability. She can read minds. And that doesn't make her too dateable.

And then along comes Bill: he's tall, he's dark and he's handsome - and Sookie can't 'hear' a word he's thinking. He's exactly the type of guy she's been waiting all her life for. But Bill has a disability of his own: he's fussy about his food, he doesn't like suntans and he's never around during the day...

Yep, Bill's a vampire. Worse than that, he hangs with a seriously creepy crowd, with a reputation for trouble - of the murderous kind. And then one of Sookie's colleagues at the bar is killed, and it's beginning to look like Sookie might be the next victim

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