Review: Definitely Dead

ISBN: 9780575078918
Publisher: Gollancz (2007)

Definitely Dead is the sixth book in Charlaine Harris’ Southern Vampire Mysteries series, recently adapted for television as True Blood.

Sookie Stackhouse is a waitress and telepath in a world where vampires live publically but other supernaturals remains hidden. Her abilities have entangled her with vampires in the past, but the death of her cousin draws her even deeper into their world. She finds herself caught up in the machinations of the vampire queen of New Orleans herself, and along the way, discovers a new love interest.

The major issue with this book is that it follows directly on from events occurring in a short story published separately from the books (One Word Answer, published in Bite). One wonders why the publishers didn’t include the short story in either this or the previous book. If you haven’t read it, it can make for jarring (and confusing) reading. The inclusion of yet another love interest to Sookie’s string of men is also somewhat wearying, smacking of Anita Blake and other characters like her. Though in this book we learn just why so many supernaturals are attracted to Sookie, which adds a new level of interest to the series.

If you’re a fan of the series (and judging by the bestseller lists, many are), likely you’ll enjoy this installment in Sookie’s life. Harris is by no means a master wordsmith, but she is competent enough, and her writing has definitely improved over the course of the books. Definitely Dead is an easy and enjoyable read