Okay, this is kind of a question about her Shakespeare series, which I wouldn't really classify as paranormal  more mystery, but I think everyone kind of bunches her into Paranorm.

That being said, what can you tell me of this series?  I LOVE LOVE LOVE Sookie Stackhouse, but I wasn't crazy about her Grave series and I certaintly didn't like Sweet & Deadly, it bored me to tears.  I never started Shakespeare for these reasons.  Any comments or suggestions?

I have them but haven't read them.

I read the first one and enjoyed it very much.  It could be categorized as a cozy, but the protagonist has a dark past and that to me gave the book more depth.

They are good.  Much darker.  The main character survived a vicious attack.  So there are issues regarding post trauma, self image, and reentering society.   More along the line of Carrie Vaughn's Kitty books than the Sookie series.  More serious issues are raised.

The character from Shakespeare shows up in one of the Sookie stories.  Working as a PI, she shows up at the diner.

Now, this is coming from someone who likes Sookie and the Grave series but did not like Aurora's series.  And I am usually not a mystery reader.  Read these, Dexter, and some light paranormal mysteries.  Basically need my violence with a touch of unreality or humor so I can sleep.  (Total mystery wimp.  Will not touch Minette Walters even under torture; she totally removes the option of ever sleeping again.) 

LOL.  I Love Dexter, I even named my dog after him.  The one in my pic.  Loved the books and the series. 

I have the Dexter books but haven't read them yet.

I'm glad you asked this question Kim because I loved the Sookie books but wasn't sure by the descriptions if I'd really be into any of her other series.

I read the Harper Connelly series (Grave series), they were all right, nothing to rave about, book 3 was definitely the best out of them.  But that Sweet and Deadly, I literally was upset that I spent any time I could have been reading something else...LOL   So now I'm afraid to try either of her other 2 series.  And I'm praying that Sookie ends with the kind of bang I'm hoping for. 

I really like the Grave books, probably as much as I like Sookie

Has she already said how many more Sookie books there will be?

Remember that Sweet was written way back in 1981.  The Aurora series started in 1992.  Lily/Shakespeare in 1996.  Sookie in 2001.  I try and think of it as a example of a first novel.  Makes me much more forgiving.  Not that I'd recommend it.  But it is good for showing the progress and development in a writer's work.  And I'd much prefer a writer that gets better over a writer that recycles.

And she says she is working on Sookie #10.  But does not say if or when Sookie will end.  (And #9 is coming out this spring.)

I read something along the lines that she's contracted for two more, meaning 9 and 10, but I don't see how they wouldn't extend that contract, unless she didn't want to because she was already "finished" so to speak.

I'm maybe not the right person to ask because I really have enjoyed all of her books (although I haven't read the very first one and now I really don't plan to) - but I really like the Lily Bard series.  IMO, the first book is more to set up the characters and I enjoyed it, but I like the series much more after she has met Jack (in book 2).

Sometimes it's good to use your first book to set up the characters for a series.  I'll admit, it doesn't have to be as excruciating as Kim Harrison's Dead Witch Walking, but I like learning everything about a character.  I still haven't been able to bring myself to read the second book of the Hollows.

Oh no! I have book 1 of The Hollows coming to me! ha!  So, there's just too much character set up and detail?

I have to say, if a writer is tired of a character, the books suffer.  Rather have Charlaine find a character she is excited about than have the Sookie books get dull.  I can't imagine her publisher not wanting more.  Just hope that the anthologies and the Grave series works as a way to keep her interested in writing Sookie.

I agree.  But from what I've seen of her writing, and of course I haven't read two of her big series yet, but she seems to have the most creative flare for Sookie.  I think maybe the excitement of the series all all the hype and media will even sharpen her focus and interest.  Hopefully great things to come.  LOL

I love Kim Harrison's books, I had no problem with the first whatsoever...I eat them all up

Good to know. I'll definitely try them out then.

Maybe I'm just not a magic themed person, I don't know.  I started Magic Bites but couldn't really get into it either.  Although I didn't give it much of a chance.  I will again at some point.  Harrison I am definitely going to read the next 2, I have a feeling I'm going to like them better. 

Does anyone know which book in the Sookie series is the conversation between Sookie and Pam about Eric turning Pam into a vampire?Maybe which pages?  Thanks.

All together dead.  It starts on about page 89.

Thank You, TeamEric! 

Does anyone know whether she plans to write additional books in the Grave series?

There is another one coming in early fall.  But she has changed her website, no longer listing it's release date.  Not a good sign.  Her blog is great; she reviews books. 

Last time I read her site, she hadn't been on there in a while, I guess with all the goings on with True Blood, but I remember she said something about not having enough time for the other series or something to that effect.   Don't quote me.