Definitely Dead (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Book 6)

In another delightful Sookie whodunit, Sookie is given the sad news that cousin Hadley, also a member of the undead, has actually died again (permanently) in New Orleans. Being the only heir, Sookie realizes that she has to go to New Orleans and clean out her cousin's apartment. Sookie soon finds out that Hadley was actually the consort of the Queen of New Orleans--who is soon set to marry.
It doesn't take Sookie long to discover that her cousin had a lot of secrets--hiding, literally, in closets and other places. But there is someone lurking who would rather that Hadley's secrets stay just that--secret. In addition to the mysteries concerning her cousin, there are revelations regarding Sookie's own personal life. And could there be a new romantic interest?
In another installment sure to keep readers turning the pages, this is another delightful paranormal whodunit from the author of this wonderful genre mix.


DYB

Sookie Stackhouse, barmaid and telepath, is back in this sixth installment of the Southern Vampire Mysteries, and things are, as usual, tense in Sookie's corner of the world. Contacted by Louisiana's vampire queen, Sookie discovers that her estranged cousin, Hadley, has been murdered and Sookie needs to come to New Orleans to deal with her estate. Of course, this is Sookie Stackhouse we're discussing, so things are not as simple as they seem. Add in some demons, the vampire king of Arkansas (why does that make me laugh?), weres of every shape and size, witches, fairies, Sookie' regular stable of friends and acquaintances, and the three hot guys currently vying for her affections, and we've got a standard, fun-filled addition to the series.

Definitely Dead is definitely delightful; Sookie discovers some things about herself and her family tree, and she assists in locating a missing child, thus putting her skills as a telepath to use in an arena besides the magical world. Upon reflection, however, I'm still not sure why that episode was added, though it was interesting. Otherwise, the action is almost non-stop, and Sookie once again is in mortal danger more than once. She's begun a new relationship with Quinn, the sexy weretiger, but she finds out devastating information about Bill, her former vampire lover. What's a telepath to do?

This is a worthy installment in this laugh out loud, engaging series, if a few minor questions still need answering. Sookie is managing herself well, and the set-up is there for the next book when Sookie will be accompanying the queen to a conference. Personally, I miss Sookie's sexy relationship with Eric, and hope to see more of him in book 7. Light reading but fun, this one's just left me wanting more.

If you like vampires and other things that go bump in the night with a little laughter on the side, you will love Charlaine Harris. I have all her books and would recommend them to anyone who likes reading about the supernatural in "real time."
DWJ

The main character Sookie Stackhouse goes to New Orleans to claim her late cousin Hadley's estate. While Sookie packs up her cousin's belongings she uncovers a plot against the Queen of Lousiana and made a new friend while she was there. It's a very interesting book to read. The author Charlaine Harris writes plot devices into the story line that unfolds later in the story. One of the main reasons why I like the main character is her telepathic ability and how she reasons within her head.
If you like telepathic barmaids then this is the book for you.

I can buy that Sookie is incredibly attractive to the average undead. And I can buy that she just seems to encounter dead bodies every time she turns around. But I still have trouble understanding how SO MUCH seems to happen to her. I'm not looking for realism (or I wouldn't be reading a book about vampires), but I would like a little more pacing and plotting so I can recover from one near-brush with death before another comes tearing around the corner.

All the usual suspects make their appearance in this book, but the focus is on her relationship with were-tiger Quinn (why oh why have all the hot bad boys suddenly taken to calling their ladies "babe," a la Ranger in Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series??). Her brother makes a brief appearance, and she also gets the opportunity to solve an apparent kidnapping using her telepathic powers. But I must say, if Sookie keeps up with the attitude, she isn't going to have many friends left. Call me crazy, but if I did have telepathic abilities, I think I'd be eager to assist the police in whatever way I could.

ANYWAY, another head-snapping book full of peril and drama. A little too rich for my blood, but maybe that'll keep the vamps away.