Club Dead is the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series that hasn't been portrayed on the TV show True Blood, so it was the first book in the series that I was able to read without any preconceived notions of what it should be. This book is the embodiment of everything I hoped this series would be. More Eric, less Bill, interesting scenes with Bubba and the introduction of Alcide (who I hope to see more of) made Club Dead a fully satisfying read. I could not put this book down and loved every single moment. I cannot imagine how Charlaine Harris could top this book and can barely contain my excitement looking forward to the next in the series. ( )

Sookie and Bill's relationship is getting a little rocky when he leaves on a business trip to Seattle. When he doesn't return it is up to Sookie to find him. She discovers that he was captured by the vampires of Mississippi and heads to Jackson to save him. Alcide, a werewolf, is indebted to the vampires and must help Sookie with her search.
It's a great vampire book and a great mystery. Sookie really makes the book, I love her. The story is suspenseful, a definite page-turner. The new setting of Jackson brings a new element to Sookie and Bill's story. ( )

As I read this book, it made me think a lot of the Stephanie Plum series. But before I tell you why, let me tell you what happens in this book.

Trouble is once again brewing for Miss Sookie. And this time her mind reading duties have to save her beloved vamp Bill. Who would’ve thought that she, a crazy mortal, would be able to save the undead? For this, she heads to Mississippi and plays pretend girlfriend to another unhuman. There’s death, there’s destruction, there’s blood and of course, there’s some heat (in more than one way).

When I said this book reminded me a lot of the Stephanie Plum novels, it is for a couple of reasons.
1. Once again Sookie is in trouble. It’s dangerous, but she does what she has to do. No matter the scenario, Stephanie also always finds herself in trouble, and always gets through it.
2. There are so many scrumptious men that Sookie has to choose from. In this series, Bill reminds me of Morelli. Eric reminds me of Ranger and Alcide reminds me Diesel.

And while we’re on the Stephanie Plum page, I have realized how much I really like how authors who write a series keep us informed without repeating too much. I like how in this series, as well as the Plum series, if you miss a book (how dare you) or haven’t read one in a while, you won’t miss out. Everything will be explained as if it was the first in the series, but it’s never repetitive. I really, really like that!

One thing about this book that I really liked was we FINALLY found out who Bubba is. I’m not going to spill it for you if you haven’t read it yet, but I think you’ll be pleasant surprised. I sure was. I know that is a silly reason for me to like a book, but it’s the little things!

I also liked that with the start of each book, we get another “creature” if you must. First we were introduced to the vampires. In the second book,we were introduced to the maenad and in this one, we meet werewolves and even a goblin. The only thing about all the different players is a few times I had to re-read parts to remember who was what.

And when it came to the weres, there was a time or two where it said “were” as in werewolf and I read it as were (We were going). I was sooo confused about the grammar until I realized I was the wrong party

I actually got through this book quicker than the other ones in this series. I liked Sookie from the get-go, but I’m really liking her now. She’s kicking butt and taking names. I was not a big fan of Bill in this book. He did some things that would’ve made me not want to save him. Sookie may be more of a woman than I am. But I like the variety of other characters we get to meet. They make not take a swim in every book, but I like that we get a little splash from them and others I expect to see again later, or at least I hope so.

This has been my favorite Sookie book so far. I give it 4 bookmarks. ( )

This series improves with each book. Although it gives the initial impression that it's about the Sookie/Bill relationship, in fact the series is about Sookie and the supernatural world. In this book she must deal with an unfaithul, albeit kidnapped, Bill and learn more about the werewolf part of the supernatural world. ( )

This book makes it clear that this series is about Sookie's gradual entrance into the supernatural world, and not about her romance with Bill Compton. I thoroughly enjoy this fact. I think it keeps the series fresh and entertaining. I particularly enjoyed getting to learn more about the werewolves in this book. Sometimes Harris gets caught in the trap of retelling the reader the rules of this world she has created a few too many times, but you can skim over those parts.

For my extended review, please see my blog post at: http://wp.me/pp7vL-4v ( )