Search - Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11)

I love this series about Sookie Stackhouse, but I have to admit I'm beginning to like them less, since TruBlood has taken up my interest. The HBO series is so much more riveting than this latest book in the series. I sure wish she would get rid of Eric. He is so irritating in the book. I will continue to read any more books she adds, but they are losing their charm.

The 11th installment in the Southern Vampire mysteries didn’t exactly live up to it’s predecessors in delivery of storyline or charm the way the previous offerings have. A tad bit disappointing and dull, you don’t know whether to roll your eyes from expected plot twists or just put the book down and hope for the 12th one to come out soon .. and be a whole lot better.

Our heroine, Sookie Stackhouse, is “married” (read as “dating”) to area 5 Sheriff, Eric Northman, and their marriage is far from happy or ideal. The book starts off almost immediately with a Molotov Cocktail crashing through the window of Merlotte’s Bar and Grill where Sookie still works as a waitress. At first it was thought to be a retaliation against Sam, the owner, coming out as a were, or two natured, or a myriad of other nicknames, we later find out it isn’t, in an overly predictable manner yet again.

The story progresses further into a former enemy chasing after Sookie and generally being an annoying pain to her, and to the reader.

There is a lot of just chatty character to character interaction, but it does heat up later on when the new regent, appointed by the King of Nevada to oversee Louisiana, becomes intolerable again, so a plot is formed to, of course, take him out. Inbetween that and the actual execution of that plan, we do see a lot of dealings with Sookie’s fae nature in the form of her cousin and great uncle still living there with her. I’ve read mixed reviews on this, but I don’t mind this part at all. I thought it was interesting so in this part I will let the reader decide on this.

This book also offers us up plenty of boring and frustrating “Oh I still have feelings for Bill, but I LOVE Eric” crap we have been getting too much of in the last 2 or 3 books. Of course, the end leaves us off with Eric supposedly being promised to another vampire by his creator, and of course he is considering it so that leaves Ms. Harris an open doorway to do what she was probably planning to in the beginning; make Eric out to be the jerk and she gets back with Bill anyway.

In my reviews I usually go over the plot almost step by step with no spoilers, but honestly, this book was ok, but not really plot oriented. It was, I think, the most awkward book of the entire series. Either Ms. Harris has become disenchanted with the world she created, or this was forced on her by the publisher. I really do believe in her abilities as a writer, I truly do. In fact, I believe her to be much more talented than most other writers of her genre. This book was just not it for me. Up until now I have staunchly supported the books over the tv series in which I liked better, but, if this series doesn’t pick up a little where the books are concerned, I might have to change my opinion.

Come on Sookie, let’s not turn into a boring and older Bella Swan whom I loathe.

I was hoping for something "more" from this book. The last book was boring and forgettable. So I was looking for a more captivating plot, sadly that wasn't the case. The book is better than the last, but really, how much trouble can one girl live with? Does it ever end? It didn't capture my attention until the second half of the book, and it was easy to put down until the last quarter. It seems Sookie just can't catch a break, in life, in love, or family. Nothing seems to go her way except survival. Even though I love Sookie and Eric, maybe Sookie should try dating a human for a change. Throw a few new characters in, and this book is much the same as the last few and leaves me questioning how much longer this series has life. Harris has lost some of her "spark" with this one, maybe the TV series is taking her attention. I just don't know, but I don't think I will waste the effort pre-ording this series anymore, I'll just wait for it to be swapped from my wish list.


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I don't have it in me to lower the rating, though I know the last few books simply were not as deserving of five stars as the earlier books were, and that especially applies to this installment. There are lots of sudden personality changes in this book, which even when explained don't make complete sense when compared to previous behaviors. But, hey, it is Sookie Stackhouse, and the series overall does need to be read. Though, if I were Charlaine Harris, I'd be starting to think of bringing the series to an end before too much longer. It's been dragging on just a bit too long, and a graceful close in a few books or so might be wise.

I agree with the few reviews that stated they were looking for something more from this latest installment to series. it was alright, kinda "bland", just doesnt have the draw that the earlier ones had. It does leave an opening to pick up on Eric's position with felippe, repercussions over sandra Pelt & were pack, the entanglement with Dermot, possibly Bill back in the picture, among a few other things left open at end of book. Hopefully the next one has more in it....still gave it a 4 star.

I love this series and giggled a few times reading this book. Alot happens,people die and love takes a turn. Enjoyed the fact Sookie got to spend time with her Fae family. A few friends come back to town and Sookie learns more about her gift.Was amazing