I normally don't go for these types of books but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hooked. ( )

This second volume of the series is rather a mixed bag. Sookie is still in a relationship with vampire Bill, and still involved in the affairs of the wider vampire community, through Eric to whom Bill owes allegiance. This leads to her having to go to Dallas and assist the chief vampire there to investigate the disappearance of one of their members: an activity that puts Sookie into multiple perils given the presence of an anti-vampire cult in the city. She also comes into contact with the shapeshifter community there. That part of the story was interesting, although the presence of a vampire who has been a lifelong serial abuser and killer of children was disturbing. However, the story is topped and tailed by another, disconnected, subplot which gives the book a rather messy ending, and it is unfortunate that one of the more interesting minor characters is killed off as a result.

There are fewer graphic sex scenes thankfully, but one unfortunately is rather a trigger - after an absence, Bill wants rough sex and won't take no for an answer which was rather a turn off than the opposite. The continuing fixation with the minutiae of what Sookie is wearing is also noticeable, and helps to make the character seem rather shallow. Considering that her grandmother was murdered in their house a few months previously in book 1, she is remarkably unchanged by that experience and doesn't seem to have suffered any grief for the woman who raised Sookie and her brother after their parents were killed when they were young children. Her 'love' for Bill seems mainly based upon his prowess between the sheets. I continue to feel sorry for Sam, her employer, who for reasons unexplained kept his attraction to her a secret until she became involved with Bill - although he is a shapeshifter, adding to the continuing need to suspend disbelief in these books, he does seem to be rather a better prospect on a number of counts, including the fact that he is considerate and a decent man (when not in the form of a collie dog).

This story was a bit better than book 1, hence the 3-star rating, but considering that I have quite a few of these books in hand, I'm beginning to wish I hadn't bought so many. Luckily quite a few of them were cheap second-hand purchases! ( )

I thought this was slightly better than the first although I didn't love the ending. Less predictable on the murder mystery part but I didn't care as much either so that was a wash for me. I still don't get how these books are supposed to be funny. They aren't. There is actually a heavy cloud of darkness to them that at times makes me uncomfortable. And because I'm still in a reading slump I'm sure I'll continue to read the next ones until I find something else. Seriously if you have something else let me know! ( )

Man, these things are like potato chips! Quick, tasty, and apparently you can't just have one.

Lots of fun with some new characters and getting to know some old ones better, I'm looking at you Eric!

I've got book three here on the table fresh from the library and I'm sure I'll be delving into it very soon. ( )

Living Dead in Dallas
4 Stars

Sookie Stackhouse is settling into life as the girlfriend of a vampire when she has a streak of bad luck. First, the body of the short order cook at Merlotte's is found in the local detective's car. Then she is attacked by a deadly creature in the woods, and finally, she must travel to Dallas and use her telepathy to hope the locals find their missing nest mate - that is if she can survive the experience.

Note: It is my understanding that 2nd season of True Blood is loosely based on this installment in the Southern Vampire series. However, this review is of the book only as I stopped watching the sex-fest after season 1.

While Living Dead in Dallas is a fun follow up, the book focuses on the thread that takes place in Texas, and the other two storylines are woefully underdeveloped.

The investigation into the disappearance of the Texan vampire is compelling as Sookie becomes acquainted with a different set of "living dead" as well as a host of other supernatural beings. The action is front and center with several "edge of your seat" moments, and the underlying message regarding prejudice and fanaticism is particularly apropos in the current political climate around the world.

Unfortunately, the other two threads involving the question of who killed Lafayette and the threat posed by the poisonous Maenad feel like an afterthought. Sookie more or less stumbles across the culprits by accident, and the final confrontation is decidedly sick and creepy with a confusing resolution - Did Callisto kill the murderous trio or did they kill each other after she drove them insane?

The real highlight of the book is the character development as Sookie comes to terms with Bill's true nature (for me, his questionable behavior precludes him from being a suitable love interest), and learns that there is more to Erik than meets the eye (whoever would have thought that a Viking warrior would look good in Spandex?).

In sum, Harris is very skilled at mixing dark and gritty themes with delightful humor and engaging characters, and her Sookie books are not exception. Looking forward to the next one.
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