Favorite Line: "Tell her to give it to me tonight, in front of Victor."

Things have calmed down for Miss Sookie Stackhouse (telepath, friend to the supernatural and part fae-blooded waitress) since Louisiana was taken over by a new vampire group. The vamp she is blood bound to, Eric, has managed to maintain his position as sheriff of Shrevepoint, but their new relationship has yet to be evaluated.

It's mid-January and the shifters have decided to reveal their existence to the human world. Things seem calm, but the revelation is soon followed by the crucifixion of Sookie's sister-in-law (a werepanther) behind Merlotte's bar.

Determined to solve the mystery of Crystal's death, Sookie delves into the minds of those in Bon Temps in search of a murderer. As usual there is more going on than meets the eye. The fae are about to go to war and one side has plans for Sookie.

Charlaine Harris is good at hooking her readers and reeling them in. She baits us with little temptations, pieces of the truth, and tiny peeks at possible futures. Then she snags us and pulls us in for the year long wait for the next installment of the Southern Vampire series.

She does this again in Dead and Gone when she discuses past and present relationships, while opening and closing doors of many plot. Ms. Harris also gives Sookie a major hurdle that threatens to change her on the most basic of levels.

As the townspeople appear in Dead and Gone, it's easy to imagine being a part of the small town of Bon Temps, La. We've met the townspeople over the course of eight books so when they're all brought together it seems natural. (Not so natural, was the revelation of a person who played a role in Crystal's murder. And that person's reasons for doing so.)

The writing is easy, fast paced and enjoyable. The story was engrossing. Fans of Eric will love the story and Bill lovers will be pleased with his showing and what it might possibly mean for the future of the series.

What I really think: I loved this book and am pissed that I'll have to wait a year for the next one.

Scooper