Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Review: Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

As with many of you, I have had a busy (in a good way) couple of weeks.  We've had a couple of visitors here over the last couple of weeks, so I have found myself only reading at bedtime.  I'm not complaining though, since we've been having lots of summer fun that included a beach day that covered me in a blistering sunburn.  I didn't want to sunburn, but I will admit to a great swim in the ocean, followed by a nice bit of sunshine to dry me off.  That's one of those memories to help carry me through a long winter later, right?

One book I managed to finish up was Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris, which I got through pretty quickly on my Kindle.  I'm in the middle of several books right now, but the electronic format of this book made it easy to hold and forward pages when I was sleepy!

Synopsis:  In this sixth installment, Sookie learns that her cousin Hadley has been murdered and left everything to her.  Hadley was a vampire, and had a "relationship" with the vampire Queen of Louisiana that left her new husband, the vampire King of Mississippi a little jealous.  In the midst of Sookie taking on the responsibility of packing up her cousin's apartment and figuring out who murdered her, she has also begun a new friendship and flirtation with a shifter named Quinn, but has recently found out devastating news about her relationship with Bill that has left Sookie feeling vulnerable and unsure of herself.

Review:  While some reviewers found book six slow, I thought the story in book six introduced new characters and situations that are obviously going to set up books down the line.  Because I'm not always into long, drawn-out mysteries, I actually enjoyed this novel for its straight-forward action and plot development.  Yes, there were still mysterious actions going on in the story, but they are answered rather quickly, and only aid in propelling the story on a bit more. 

On the whole, I liked the new characters and the direction the series has taken.  The story has become even more paranormal than it was before (if possible), and it should be interesting to see where it goes.  I can't say that the writing is sparkling (no vampire pun intended), but the story telling is interesting and holds a twist of comedy and drama that feels strange for this type of novel.  It's hard not to care about Sookie and her life.  Really, I think that while Sookie's strange draw to every man she associates with can be a bit annoying, that you do grow to want to see her safe and happy! 

If you've been reading this series and already read this installment, did you like the new characters and direction of the series, or did you find it jarring?

*FTC Disclosure:  This review was based on a personal electronic copy of the novel.

This book counts as my 5th in the E-Book Reader Challenge.  One more, and I'll have another challenge in the bag!

4 comments:

  1. I'm so glad your getting more into the series. :D I see the Sookie books as more character driven than anything. I also love how it is just more paranormal like you mention instead of just sticking to one or two types of mythos creatures like vamps/weres. I also think Harris is pretty creative on that angle. Do you have any other favorite characters? (I adore Sookie also and her narration. ;)

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  2. This sounds like such a fun series. I'm glad you've been enjoying it so much, Becky!

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  3. This is a series I know at some point I will want to read!

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  4. MillyMarie--I agree about the books being character driven. I'm definitely finding myself more and more attached to the characters I know and love! :)

    Nymeth--Yes, it's a fun get away read for me, which is nice over the summer.

    Amused--They really are pretty interesting, and feel like nothing I've read before. Yes, there are a lot of paranormals out there right now, but this one seems different somehow.

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