Living Dead In Dallas by Charlaine Harris

There was a year gap between my reading of Dead Until Dark and Living Dead in Dallas. That said, I had forgotten some details that occurred in the first book, but Harris makes sure to re-cap in the beginning, which is good.

Living Dead in Dallas gives vampire Eric a chance in the spotlight, taking certain "adventures" with protagonist Sookie Stackhouse. If you're new to the series and plan to read the books, stop reading this review now. I won't spoil anything from Living Dead in Dallas, but will spoil events that happened in Dead Until Dark.

So the book begins with the death of the very flamboyant and African-American Lafayette Reynolds. One might think this to be a jab at a race and a culture, but the way Harris handles everyone's reactions nullifies that notion. Sookie is genuinely depressed, since he was one of the few friends she had. Bill Compton, Sookie's undead boyfriend, informs Sookie that they have been summoned by Eric Northman, the most powerful vampire in Area Five. Remembering the arrogant vamp from the previous book, Sookie is a little hesitant to go help someone find their missing brother. Sookie and Hugo go to a The Fellowship of the Sun meeting, and are held captive by Steve and Sarah Newlin.

Sookie and Bill go through relationship rough patches, and Sookie eventually goes to an orgy with Eric (wha?) I guess you'll have to read to find out what that's all about.

Rating: Three and a Half stars

Length: 291 pages (paperback)
Source: PaperbackSwap
Other books I've read by this author: Dead Until Dark