Well written but a little lacking in storyline - Rated 
I am enjoying these Sookie Stackhouse mysteries but found this particular story, despite being well-written, to be a little lacking in storyline. Having said that,the characters are developing well (especially Sookie and Eric) and there are fresh characters being introduced all the time, which is nice. I'm looking forward to reading the next instalment.
Coming to life - Rated 
This third book in the series is quite an improvement on the second. I started this one, hoping that the idea of Sookie and her vampire, Bill, would be able to develop their individual characters. They can and they do.
No-one can accuse Sookie of being a dumb blond and in this story her resolve is tested to the full. Built into the storyline is the usual mysterious murder (actually, quite a few murders) and, thanks to the ability of vampires to heal themselves (usually but not always) Sookie's injuries sustained in the line of duty are also treated in the same way. Having suspended belief in the whole concept of these novels, the reader should allow the author her freedom to build on the almost 'superhero' status of the girl.
I think it works. The book reads well and is easy to go through. Entertainment value is high so what more do you need?
laugh out loud - Rated 
things are hotting up for lovely heroine sookie!!! bill has disappeared in mississippi and is hot on his trail to rescue him, which brings a new man into her life. now she has three men to choose from, who will it been in the end???? lots of funny episodes like a dead wereperson in a closet and sookie getting staked in a club!!!
Another exciting adventure with Ms Stackhouse and friends... - Rated
This is the third book in the Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mystery series. When reading the previous book 'Living Dead In Dallas' I wondered if Charlaine Harris would be able to find realistic ways of writing Sookie's boyfriend Vampire Bill out of the action. This is necessary because his powers would otherwise leave Sookie redundant. I didn't imagine Charlaine would have his disappearance as the central mystery. By concentrating on Sookie's perspective this book is a quick read, which is something to be pleased about, but sometimes I felt as if some of the most exciting stuff happens offstage. I like Sookie as a central character, but I can't quite see why she is quite so attractive to everyone, I'll be generous suggest it is a side effect of the vampire blood she has ingested. The closing stages of this book are the most exciting in the series so far, also the most horrifying as we glimpse at the darkness where a vampires' soul should be. There are some moments of great humour, particularly when Sookie takes a wonderfully mundane approach to solving a particular problem. It will be interesting to see if Sookie's morality clashes further with that of the vampires as she is dragged further into their world.
A Simply Delightful Preternatural Tale - Rated
Sookie Stackhouse, the attractive, telepathic barmaid from Bon Temps, LA, makes her third delightful appearance in "Club Dead." This novel marks a turning point in the relationship between Sookie and her heretofore adoring boyfriend Bill, Civil War veteran and vampire. He's got a cheatin' heart, along with other unfaithful body parts. This is unfortunate because Sookie thought she had found the man of her dreams, at long last. Not only is/was Bill intelligent, kind, considerate, tall, dark and handsome, (if somewhat pallid), but most importantly, Sookie is not able to read his mind. Folks in her backwater northern Louisiana town always treated her as if she had a disability. They made her feel ashamed of her "gift." The major disadvantages to her telepathy had always been her inability to keep the voices at bay, even though she has learned to shield herself somewhat. She had been unable to have a relationship until Bill came into her life. How can you fall in love when you know everything your boyfriend is thinking?
Bill has been ignoring Sookie for some time, seemingly unable to focus on anything but a computer project he is totally immersed in. He tells her he is working on a secret assignment for the Queen, (vampire), of Louisiana and will be traveling to Seattle at her request. Sookie knows he is lying to her about something, if not many things. Shortly after Bill leaves, Eric, owner of Club Fangtasia and vampire boss of Area 5, which encompasses Shreveport and Bon Temps, sends Bubba, (the late, great King of Rock and Roll, thought to be dead for decades by fans worldwide, but really a vampire), to guard her. Since being turned into the undead, Bubba's voice is still golden, but his mind is dim. On Bubba's watch, Sookie is attacked by a biker werewolf at the bar where she works. Then Eric pays her a personal visit to inform her Bill has met with foul play - he has gone missing. Since the secret project concerns the Louisiana vampire community, it is imperative to find him before he can be tortured into giving away information. The charismatic Eric, who has always had the hots for Sookie, happily tells her that Bill has plans to leave and move-in with a former girlfriend, the vicious vampire Lorena - if he is still alive. He also gives her another assignment, which she is obligated to accept.
Alcide Herveaux, a really nice guy who happens to turn into a wolf when the moon is full, will accompany her to Jackson, where she is to investigate Bill's disappearance. The only clue she has is that Mississippi Vampire King Russell Edgington's Club Dead might be a good place to begin her sleuthing.
"Club Dead" has a fast paced plot, filled with humor, suspense, vampire lore and politics, new characters and excitement - not to mention Sookie's depression at being betrayed by Bill. I must say, that for a dumpee, she certainly gets plenty of male attention, although the men aren't human. Author Charlaine Harris also gives more depth to Sookie, Bill and Eric. I really like Alcide as a character and hope to see more of him in future novels. I also enjoy Sookie's downhome attitude. She is proud but not pretentious, feminine but no shrinking violet. She has got great instincts and her sense of humor is downright wicked! This is light, escapist reading at its best.
JANA
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