I will start off by saying I love this series. I started it long before the TRUE BLOOD HBO series came out so I have been faithful from the beginning, and have always waited anxiously for the newest book in the series. I also reread the series each time a new book comes out to keep refreshing. Most were great book. A few of her more recent ones left me a little hungry for more as they didn’t really hit the spot but they were OK. I was excited for this book hoping Miss Harris would really expand upon the work she had done in her previous books and tie up some of the loose plot lines. Sadly, I feel this book left me feeling both disspaointed and extremely hungry because it wasn’t even an appetizer.

Without giving spoilers and ruining it for others, like some of the reviewers I felt there was simply too much going on all at once. I love exciting plotlines and twists and lots of action as much as the next reader. However, I felt in this novel it was overkill. There was not one OK BREATHE moment in the book. Miss Harris opened 20 different cans of worms at once; exciting yes, but also exhausting and confusing. My mind was still literally trying to process one "OH CRAP!" moment, when I was tossed into two more "Double Crap" and "Holy Hell!" moments. There wasn't just one climatic moment; there were about 25 so each time made you wonder if this was it-except you still have 100 pages left.

The end I felt was almost anticlimactic and a little disjointed. CRAZY ending, big show down, throw down and then it just sorta stops? Not quite a fade but you finished the book thinking huh? Should it really have ended there? The characters were just put through some horrific and really tragic events (yes you will need tissues) and a lot of moments of enlightenment and none of that was really touched upon.
Several characters appeared and disappeared like Houdini and some of the more permanent “disappearances,” one in particular, really left me with a bad taste in my mouth because it was really horrific and tragic and just was not addressed one way or the other. It was sort of thrown at us and then we were left to process it. Which would have been fine had you actually HAD time to process it. But soon after you are thrown into yet more action. All I will say not to give it away is it is in regards to Jason and the Werepanthers.

I also feel Harris didn't adequately give Sookie time to make emotional sense of everything going on around her. This novel like the others is written in first person narrative and when anything happens in our lives, our minds process things at a 100 miles an hour in our minds. Yet Sookie barely touches upon any of these events with much introspection.

(SPOILER) Sookie is captured by renegade fairies and tortured grotesquely-so much so that her mind and body even with the infusions of vamp blood should be in such a fragile state, we should have really FELT it through her thoughts, her words and we don’t. It’s sorta just blah. She mentions she would never see the world again but its literally one or two sentences and all “tell” no “show” about how she suffered. The book ended shortly after.

There was some expansion to the history of Eric which was interesting, but the blood tie between Sookie and Eric from the last book was never really discussed; can it be broken, is it permanent, etc. I am also a LEETLE BIT concerned with the introduction of the blood bond with Eric that makes Sookie feel always peaceful, almost complacent around him. Miss Harris added a new dynamic to that in this book that I wont ruin for you, and it just made me go..OYE...I am REALLY hoping she doesn't go the route that LKH went with the Anita Blake and the ardeur (compulsions to “make" her do things)... LKH uses it a cope out and a crutch and Harris is simply too good a writer to go that route so I hope she steers back.

(SPOILER) I also felt the new “relationship” between Sookie and Eric was sorta baloney…we didn’t feel the tension that had been there in previous books because now Sookieis unsure whether her feelings are real or a result of the blood bond. So when she sleeps with him again we get the lust factor but not much else. AND…although she was hoping Eric would come and save her when she is tortured, one of her few coherent thoughts is of Sam, wishing he were there so she could be in the presence of someone who loved her; very odd. But there wasn’t much interaction with Sam in the rest of the book as per usual so it seemed disjointed.

I did find Eric’s quote of “you’re killing me! You’re killing me” when he seemed obviously upset about not being able to rescue Sookie himself, interesting. Another layer of mystery but it was abruptly abandoned as well.

I am going to give this 3 stars because it has promise. If Harris can get it together for the next book and write something LENGTHIER than this (this was a short book) and really tie up some loose ends and give us better character development and relationship building and expansion, it will be amazing. I am just HOPING that the next books bring back the storytelling and plot structure we've come to expect from Charlaine Harris.

Harris pulled out all the stops for the 9th book in the series. And I'm glad to say that I enjoyed it. It was a sad book in some ways, but satisfying that it developed (and probably wrapped up) some story-lines in the series.

But I have a feeling that this novel marks a point of no return for Sookie. Her character transforms in this book that makes her almost foreign to the somewhat ditzy barmaid that we saw in "Dead Until Dark." But we see more of Eric (yum! Who doesn't want more of that Viking?) and one or two of Sookie's other men.

Basically, once you get into the novel just a bit, be prepared to finish the book in one sitting. Because it's quite a ride.

I've read all the Sookie books and started reading long before True Blood became a hit. It's one of my favorite series in the paranormal genre but I felt this book was medicore at best. I felt that plots were introduced and finished with out much thought. Even though there was a lot going on in this book, none of the plot points had me on the edge of my seat and quite a few of them were introduced and tied up in 10 pgs or less. There were a lot of WTF moments for me. I was not thrilled and hope this is not a sign of things to come w/ this series. Huge disappointment from my favorite author!

The Sookie Stackhouse series is one of my all time favorites; but Charline Harris' newest addition to the Sookie Series is not my favorite. Usually Harris is good for some laughs even when battles are on the menu. This book is darker than any of her others and that darkness isn't really relieved in the end. Harris is also not nearly as good as Yasmine Galnorn at describing her torture scene... she says the character is not in a happy place but as a reader I felt removed from the situation rather than terrified for the character. It was not nearly as well written as when Bill was tortured several books ago. Also, Sookie appears to be having selective amnesia about things we have learned in previous books in the series. Like the limit of vampire blood one should consume before it endangers the person of contracting vampirism... something stressed back when she was dating Bill. Though I guess this is explained away by Sookie being at her wits end from all the ordeals she has been through in the past year and a half of her life. The part that is really annoying is all this "stuff" really detracts from the romantic interludes in the book. All and all I didn't feel like the book was AS well written as all the others in the series; it lacked the detail necessary to pull me in like she has before. I will be waiting for #10 issues of this one since as another reviewer said "Sookie will never be the same again", which is kinda sad... I hope she pulls out of her funk enough to get us back to some more "fun" stories. Unfortunately it looks like that may be a year or more since the next title and release date has not been posted. :(

This is #9 in the series. I couldn't put it down! I read it in one day (which let me tell you is hard when you have three boys under 8 years old to take care of! I just couldn't put it down!) Lots of action! A LOT of sad moments! Have tissues handy for this one. I've read the other reviews and I'll admit there was a lot of action in this book. I liked it. Yes, not much down time to breath but I'm hoping the next book will help with that. I'm trying not to give away anything but I'm happy with the way Bill was portrayed in this book. I was not happy with what she did with his character. I'm also liking the change in Erik and Sookies relationship. I liked some of the personal interaction between the two. I'm curious to see the change in Sookie after her dealings with the Fae. I can't wait until the next book comes out.

In this the 9th book of the Southern Vampire Series, Charlaine Harris crafts a marvelous story of Sookie's experience with a fairy war. Her association with her great grandfather the fairy prince has put her in danger again. This novel is darker than the others in the series but it was very well written. One complaint is that she no longer refers to Trey Dawson, the Were, as Dawson, but starts referring to him as Trey in the beginning of this novel and I found that confusing and not consistent with her previous mentions of him as a character. Bill takes a stronger role in this novel than in the previous few novels and we see the level of his attachment to Sookie and Sookie's relationship with Eric becomes more complicated than ever. I loved this book and grieve that we have to wait a whole year for the next installment of this guilty pleasure!

Wow, lots going on in this book with very little time for Sookie to catch her breath. The weres come out, the fairies go to war, Bill gets all noble, Erik gets possessive, and not everyone makes it out alive. I love the series, but I think I would have enjoyed this book more if there were a little more down time to reflect and explain. At just over 300 pages, there was some room there. Some bad things happen, and I can't wait for the next one to see where it all leads.

After reading the negative reviews on this book, I could only think of one thing... People, stop over analyzing this
book and series. As readers, we need to be open to the author's vision, not our desire for the story line. Dead and Gone
is a purposeful book that moves the story line along as the author wants to tell the story. The Sookie series is an
entertaining fantasy/mystery that is meant to be enjoyed, not poured over looking for inconsistency and minutiae. Enjoy
this series for what it is and not what you 'want' it to be and you will have a wonderful time!

I have read all the books and just finished in the newest one in one evening. Its entertaining, sassy, dark, a little
scary, sexy and downright enjoyable. Read the book and be taken away for a few hours into another world. This book will
not disappoint and you may even find yourself eagerly awaiting the next installment.

There were several new and unexpected turns in this book. One, the weres coming out created quite a shake up. However, I'm surprised there are any residents left in her town, given the number of murders/deaths that occur in the books. On that note, a lot of the story line was repetative/hashed up bits from other books. I will give the author this bit of praise, it was enough that made you think you know what happened/will happen (if you read the other 8 in the series), but diffent enough to surprise you and maintain interest. AND for all of you Eric fans... there is a nice and steamy scene where he shows his... talents. In any case, it looks like he will be a more developed character as the story continues. I was overall very happy with the novel. Considering I read it in just over a day... I'd definitely say it kept me interested.

I loved it-lots of action and it got to where I stayed up until 2am to TRY and finish it but, with only 2 chapters left I was just too tired....but just finished it a few minutes ago and wow. Bill does take on a stronger role in this book, I would have liked to have seen more of Amelia though-I love her character. Sookie just has so many different things going on that it can be a bit confusing so don't read this around a lot of people!! Like others, I can't believe we have to wait a whole year for the next book! **sobbing**

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A little to much torture for me. I've read them all and I wish the author would get back to romance and ease up on the graphic torture!

The BEST one so far in the series. Eric is back full on. War, love triangles, growing relationships, betrayal, murder, action... You name it; it's all there. It's just one enjoyable book from beginning to end. I was actually very sad when I reached the end, and I kept wondering, where's the rest?, because I wanted MORE! YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK.

This is the ninth book in the Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris. It was also one of the most disappointing books in the series.

This book starts with the shapeshifters going public with their existance. Shortly after Sookie's brother's wife, Crystal, is murdered in front of Sam's bar. Everyone wants Sookie to help find the murderer. When Sookie's fairy grandfather shows up and warns her to "watch herself" because bad stuff is happening in the fairy realm; it only makes Sookie's already difficult life even worse.

I totally agree with previous reviewers that mention all the errors in this book (both story-wise and grammatical). I really expect a decently written novel; especially from such an experienced writer. Many characters in this book also acted completely out of character. Sookie seemed confused and lost the whole book. Erik started spouting out his life history in the middle of the bar (he's usually a tad more secretive about that stuff). And what is with Bill popping back into Sookie's good graces? I have had enough of Bill let's just get over him already.

Some of the scenes with the fairies were interesting. I will agree though that this was a particularly gruesome Sookie book. Multiple pregnant women are murdered and there is quite a bit of torture. Overall I just didn't like this book much. I just can't figure out where the series is going; apparently neither can Harris. The eighth book was mediocre and I was willing to give Harris a book to transition the characters into something big and new; but this book didn't start anything new.

I read the book, didn't really enjoy it all that much. I was happy when I was done with it and confused about what happened to Sookie's personality. I will probably read the next book; but I am not sure what is going on here. A lot of my favorite paranormal series (The Hollows, Anita Blake) are really sucking it up lately.

Will I read the next book? Yes, but I will get it from the library.

Have enjoyed this series from the first book. Sookie keeps getting deeper into the supernatural community. Not suprising considering her heritage.
Also, enjoy other Harris collections, Shakespeare, Aurora Teagarden, and Grave Secrets.

Genie

I admit I was a little rushed while reading this so I should save my review until I get in a re-read but.. I liked this edition of the Sookie Files..
What can I say though.. I wish Eric would have played a bigger part.. It seems like he is getting "more involved" but just not up to where I want him yet!!
I did manage to figure out the who done it part right away though and even figured out why.. I don't see why everyone is so into Jason but hey.. that's just me..
I promise to re-review when I can read the book again but for now Iwill say that I am still involved with the Sookie story.. unlike another paranormal series that is headed down hill fast I will still look forward to the next Dead book!

While not as edge of your seat as most of the Sookie books, I still enjoyed it if only because it had been awhile since the last one.

Wow. This book is hard to sum up in just a paragraph, or two. There is lots of action. The Were species comes out to the World. This brings out strong emotions in everybody. Families are torn apart, and friendships devastated. Someone Sookie knows is murdered in a brutal way, and of course Sookie wants to help find out who did it. Sookie's life is in danger for more than one reason. Someone wants to make an example of her, because she's a paranormal supporter. And someone wants her dead because of what she is. This book is darker than earlier installments. Good book.

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