The Sookie Stackhouse Collection

By: Charlaine Harris
http://www.charlaineharris.com/    http://www.hbo.com/true-blood/index.html

Books 1 – 7

Dead Until Dark        Living Dead In Dallas        Club Dead         Dead to the World        Dead as a Doornail    Definitely Dead        All Together Dead

4 beers

Yes, these are the books on which the HBO series "True Blood" is based. I'm reviewing the first seven books all together for a very specific reason; I read all seven within a week and a half. Could not put them down. And because I read them all together, non-stop, the story-line gets a little jumbled in my already jumbled brain. While you can purchase the paperbacks individually, they do come in a handy box-set that is well worth the money.
Most of us know the basic story. Sookie is a 20-something telepath who finds solace in a vampire, Bill. She's spent her entire life hearing every thought ever thought of every person in her small town. When Sookie meets Bill, she discovers she can't read the minds of vampires. Her telepathy, and super hotness, is highly coveted in the crazy politics of the vampire world. Even though vampires have recently "come out of the coffin", Sookie discovers that the supernatural world contains every fairytale monster and they all want her for her talent.
In every book, we're introduced to a new mystery or two, new types of supernatural beings: every kind of were-animal you could imagine, fairies, witches, demons. At least one person, or being, is trying to kill Sookie in every book but the plot gets pretty twisted and exciting. There's great smut and romance in most all the books. (Side note, for all you Eric fans, go ahead and skip to book 4, Dead to the World, for a fantastic, sexy shower scene. Meow!!)
What makes this story great really is Sookie. She's smart, sexy, and a fierce friend. She always stands up for what's right and those she loves. One of the things I really enjoyed was looking in on Sookie's thought process while she worked out what's the right thing to do, how to help her friends, and if she can do anything to change the wrongs she sees. She's not a vampire hunter, she's not a detective; she's a waitress who is confident in herself and her beliefs. Charlaine Harris gives Sookie a lot of heart and soul.
There are some pretty big inconsistencies through out the books that the author readily acknowledges. But they are a fun, exciting, and easy to read. Don't expect to think too deeply when reading these books. Just sit back, grab a long island iced tea, and enjoy the ride.