Alexis' Book Blog

Dead Until Dark

Book # 1 of the Southern Vampire Series

Author: Charlaine Harris

Year Published: 2001

Stars: 5/5

Synopsis:

When we enter the novel, vampires are already known to the world. The novel takes place two years after vampires went public in Bon Temps, Louisiana. Sookie Stackhouse, the heroine, is a telepath and works at a bar called Merlotte’s. She meets Bill, a vampire, and finds to her delight that she cannot read his mind. They begin to date off and on. Her boss, Sam, confesses his feelings for her and they date as well. The love story follows along with a series of murders that have been occurring in Bon Temps. With three murders committed, the police grow more suspicious of Jason, Sookie’s brother…and we learn Sookie is the next intended target. We meet Eric, Arlene, Pam, Rene and Hoyt in the first novel as well and these characters provide supporting roles for the main characters. Cliffhanger: Who is the murderer and what will happen in Sookie’s love triangle?????

Why I liked it:

I am a huge fan of character development and you have to love Sookie. While sometimes her actions may seem a little out of the ordinary, we have to remember she is a telepath and not a ‘normal’ person. For example (spoiler alert), when Sookie finds her grandmother dead she has a relatively normal conversation with Bill before calling the police. Not sure that would be my reaction? Bud and Andy, the police detectives, are extremely well-developed and even though they act as antagonists throughout the story, you can’t help but love them. P am and Eric add dry humor to almost every situation which leaves me wanting them in more scenes. Basically, this book is well-written, exciting and has awesome character development.

What I didn’t like:

Not enough of Eric. For anyone who has read more than one Sookie book, you know what I mean .

Little Known Fact:

Charlaine Harris has written three other series featuring  heroines Lily Bard, Aurora Teagarden and Harper Connelly. Are they as good as the Sookie Stackhouse series? I have no idea, but since I love Sookie I’ll give the other girls a shot….after  I finish this series.

Fun Fact:

I read this book on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in October 2009. Listening to the ocean and getting bit my mosquitoes I read a pretty darn good book.

Dead Until Dark - Review, 7.0 out of 10 based on 1 rating Alexis