Review of CLUB DEAD by Charlaine Harris (see her website)

A SOUTHERN VAMPIRE NOVEL

Ace Books, May 2003

Loving a vampire isn't easy, but for mind-reader Sookie Stackhouse, it has its consolations. Until, that is, her vampire boyfriend Bill takes up with an old sweetheart and is kidnapped by the King of Mississippi. Bill's boss, Eric, asks Sookie to user her mind-reading talents to see if she can locate Bill before his captors kill him and Sookie agrees. She's smarting from Bill's betrayal, but she still cares for him enough that she doesn't want him to suffer.

Along with a werewolf who owes Eric a favor, Sookie leaves Louisianna and heads for Mississippi and Club Dead--a bar where only the supernatural hang out. She can't read a vampire's mind, one of Bill's attractions for her, but she can read their dates. And she soon learns that Bill is still alive, but not for long. She has to rescue him, but first, she has to stay alive long enough to do the job. And with Sookie Stackhouse, staying alive is a constant challenge.

Author Charlaine Harris (see more BooksforABuck.com reviews of novels by Harris) ups the emotional stakes in CLUB DEAD. Sookie faces betrayal from her boyfriend, the dangerous affections of a werewolf and Eric, heavy-handed 'help' from Bubba (formerly Elvis), and an entire kingdom of vampires who want something from Bill and are willing to risk war to get it. And then there's the crazy guy with a stake and the motorcycle-riding werewolf gangs. With all the adventure, it's still the emotional impact that makes Club Dead work. Sookie is torn between her love for Bill and what her life with the vampires has become. Bill's betrayal only adds to her sense of loss.

CLUB DEAD is a superior novel in a fine series.

Four Stars

Reviewed 8/27/03

Want to buy it? Click the button:

• See more BooksForABuck.com reviews of 'return of magic' SF/Fantasy
• Tell a friend about this review.
• SF Review Central
• See our latest SF and Fantasy Reviews
• Return to Home
• Check out the BooksForABuck.com line of affordable electronic fiction. Novel-length eFantasy and eScience Fiction at unbeatable prices.

  Too generous? Too stingy. Or did I miss the whole point? Send your comments to publisher@booksforabuck.com. I'll publish the best letters I get so let me know if I can use your name.

  
  MyStarship.com Banner Exchange