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Sookie Stackhouse #1-9
True Blood Collection
Sookie Stackhouse is a cocktail waitress in a little bar in Bon Temps, a small town deep in Louisiana. She's funny and pretty and well-mannered, but she doesn't have that many close friends - mind you, that's not so surprising when you consider how few people can appreciate her abilities as a mind-reader. It's not a quality that has the guys beating down her door - well, unless they're vampires or werewolves or the like ...but they're not just supernatural freaks, some of them are friends, even family ...The box Dead Until Dark, Living Dead in Dallas, Club Dead, Dead to the World, Dead as a Doornail, Definitely Dead, All Together Dead, From Dead to Worse, Dead and Gone, A Touch of Dead.
800 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2010
135 people are currently reading
5711 people want to read
About the author
Charlaine Harris
207 books37.1k followersCharlaine Harris has been a published writer for over forty years. Her first two books were standalones, followed by a long sabbatical when she was having children. Then she began the Aurora Teagarden book, mysteries featuring a short librarian (eventually adapted for Hallmark movies). The darker Lily Bard books came next, about a house cleaner with a dark past and considerable fighting skills.
Tired of abiding by the mystery rules, Harris wrote a novel about a telepathic barmaid that took at least two years to sell. When the book was published, it turned into a best seller, and DEAD UNTIL DARK and the subsequent Sookie books were adapted in Alan Ball's "True Blood" series. At the same time, Harris began the Harper Connelly books. Harper can find the bones of the dead and see their last minute.
When those two series wound to a close, the next three books were about a mysterious town in Texas, called Midnight.
A change in publisher and editor led to Harris's novels about a female gunslinger in an alternate America, Lizbeth Rose. The Gunnie Rose books concluded with the sixth novel.
She's thinking about what to write next.
Tired of abiding by the mystery rules, Harris wrote a novel about a telepathic barmaid that took at least two years to sell. When the book was published, it turned into a best seller, and DEAD UNTIL DARK and the subsequent Sookie books were adapted in Alan Ball's "True Blood" series. At the same time, Harris began the Harper Connelly books. Harper can find the bones of the dead and see their last minute.
When those two series wound to a close, the next three books were about a mysterious town in Texas, called Midnight.
A change in publisher and editor led to Harris's novels about a female gunslinger in an alternate America, Lizbeth Rose. The Gunnie Rose books concluded with the sixth novel.
She's thinking about what to write next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
January 13, 2012
Just finished all the Sookie Stackhouse mysteries in a little over a week. There are 11 books as of 1/12 and another is coming out on 5/12. These are hopelessly addictive, light reading. If you like supernatural detective novels with a touch of romance novel thrown in, you'll like them immensely. Really fun read, lots of plot twists and intrigue. If you are watching the HBO series True Blood, do not worry... it's based on some of the same characters and has a similar thread running through them, but the stories have totally different focus and the characters end up in different situations. It's like having the characters in a parallel universe, so their shouldn't be any spoilers.
August 28, 2022
Still embarrassed at how much I enjoyed listening to these, a fun guilty pleasure!
April 15, 2012
I have read all of these books they are amazing. I really got caught on this series and deff. prefer the books over the show series tru blood but that is also good. I really recommend that everyone if they love vampires with drama, kick ass attitudes and love read these books!
May 7, 2012
I have been an avid fan of the Sookie Stachouse books from the start of the tv show True Boold on HBO and I was hooked. In the start the books were even better than the show. And from then on come May I knew to expect the next book in the series. All together I love the series and will remain a fan. I have recommend and loaned the books out a few times. That being said these last books have left me unsatisfied. There is a reason that book 4 (Dead to the World) is the most popular of the series. The last few books lack passion in a major way. Sookie's life is all drama now which is fine if some emotion can be mixed into it. This last book Deadlocked just made me mad to see how weak Sookie is becoming. I think she said " but he loves me" every other chapter. As I said I will always be a fan and on each release day I will eagerly buy the book but I will also hope that the series will be revived. If the next book is the last as rumored I hope that CH does Sookie some justice.
September 3, 2011
This series is fantastic everyone should read it! This series has been going on forever! and Charlaine Harris is still Bringing new trueblood books out its amazing they'r getting better and better!!!
January 18, 2011
my fav books....must read all 11 of them:)))
June 16, 2013
I tore through the first 8 books within a week. It was enjoyable at first, especially since I was recovering from the horror that is the later part of the Anita Blake series. However, my newly found conviction in urban fantasy was once again shattered by the time I finished book 8. Harris' writing is not, truth be told, sophisticated , but the riveting plot (and romance!) of the first few novels made up for it. It all goes downhill after that, though. Sookie, the protagonist, became increasingly whiny and unlikable. Disturbingly, there were strong misogynistic, racist and intolerant overtones in the novels. I suppose this was also one of the factors that made me dislike the series.
April 14, 2013
Enjoyed it really,, loved the characters. Lived the dark world through veins. But i didnt like when sookie turned to be descendant to fairies, i didnt like the last twist in last two books but still enjoyed the whole series. Do not watch the tv show though its way faar different and disappointing, the actress who played sookie davastated the image that was built in my mind and destroyed the series for me really. My advice is to not watch it. Read the books instead.
June 23, 2012
When I started reading this series, I was quickly drawn in by the humour and the quirky characters. I absolutely loved the books. Then they started to become tedious, the character of sookie becoming dumber by the novel, eric totally changed and the books were generally going nowhere, I stuck with them though. I was really disappointed with the last book, I feel that charlaine harris just couldn`t be bothered anymore and I wonder if she even wrote the book or had someone else do it for her. It lacked sass, humour and sex, sorry charlaine but I won`t be queueing up for your next novel!
January 4, 2024
SOOKIE STACKHOUSE?? MORE LIKE SUKI WATERHOUSE!!
January 5, 2023
The first few books were fun but after that they start to get a bit tedious. There's a lot of violence, Sookie gets beaten up quite a bit for a person surrounded by vamps and weres. The best written characters are the non human ones. Her close family/friends are pretty blah characters. I read all 12 books then started to watch the HBO show. I *really* like the show as it updates the human characters and makes them more relatable and entertaining to watch. It's not as violent as the books (so far). The soundtrack is good too.
January 17, 2026
This is one of the series I genuinely wish I could read for the first time again. Despite being super overly complicated, messy, and downright controversial sometimes. It’s still the best series I’ve ever read. I’ve heard some people don’t share the same sentiment but despite what people say I adore Sookie. My favorite aspect of her character is how hard she works to have a normal life even when she’s been destined from birth to have a chaotic one.
I also think my favorite part of the book series is her eventually realizing it was always Sam. Sookie knows what she wants her life to look like but she’s insecure about herself and believes that she’ll be lucky to have any guy stay with her. So she constantly complies to dating these guys she knows won’t settle for the life she wants. Sookies always been a family oriented woman and wants a calm life with a husband and kids, something she sees all the other women around her having and is something she knows she can never have. I think her worst fear is being alone forever which is why she goes along with so much bullshit. But even though she tolerated so many men mistreating her she still continues to show her value and speak her mind which is what I love about her.
And because I’m bored I’m going to write a paragraph rating all the love interests yay! (PS if I missed somebody it’s been a while since I read this ok. )
5# Bill Compton
Bill is um. Well Bill is Bill. He’s always come off as sort of extremely selfish and self serving. Not to mention he’s a confederate ew. I’ll never understand vampire books and confederate soldiers? Like hello, the union has soldiers too? Anyways I don’t believe Bill and Sookie would’ve ever truly lasted even if he hadn’t run back to his maker and cheated on her. I don’t believe Bill ever truly loved her or cherished her in the way she thought he did. Still, as a friend Bills pretty decent. I mean he puts his life on the line for her like countless times but also you could just say he wanted to get in her pants which is probably more true than he wanted to make it up to her. Ah well that’s why he’s number 5.
4# Alcide Herveaux
I really loved the chemistry between Sookie and Alcide. I wanted her to move on from Bill the bastard and him to move on from Debbie the Devil really bad. But I think it makes sense they didn’t work out much. Alcide was never going to forgive Sookie for killing Debbie and he was never going to give Sookie that hopelessly in love romance she wanted. But overall I enjoyed his character even if he did turn into a sort of evil villain overtime. And while we’re talking about him I guess we can mention Calvin. Calvin was cute sometimes but I think he’d always choose his pack over Sookie if something happened. I also think he liked the idea of having her as his wife to bring offspring into the pack more than he liked the idea of being with her.
3# John Quinn
John seemed really sweet at the beginning. I didn’t like that he was bald but that’s just my preference. I kept like imagining Pittbull every time he came up. But he seemed pretty decent compared to some of Sookies exes. I feel bad for what he went through but I think he was kinda shitty for expecting Sookie to drop everything to be with him and always accommodate his busy schedule. Plus they just didn’t really have that chemistry I’d come to expect from her partners so far.
2# Eric Northman
Controversial take I don’t really like Eric. Okay maybe not so controversial but it’s true. I liked him better before he started officially dating Sookie. And I LOVED him when he lost all his memories. Like most people I think. Personally that was the best book in the series hands down. Eric’s character had a lot of ups and downs but he was so sweet while being so hot in that specific book I think he really captured a lot of people there. I think he and Sookie might’ve worked out if they’d really had a choice in how their relationship went. They were always together from one problem to another. Married so Eric could protect her and then bonded by blood so he could protect her always felt like them being pushed together by the universe. I do think Eric really loved her but I think he loved his power more. Even though Sookie made a mistake in breaking the bond without telling him, it would’ve never worked out after her chose his status so many times over her. He even wanted her to hide in his home while he married another woman just so he could keep her. A life I don’t think any woman would choose to live. Eric is an interesting character but he and Sookie were always too different from one another.
1# Sam Merlotte
I love Sam. Big Sam fan here! One of the reasons I refuse to watch the show beyond the cast not looking the greatest in the male department is because Sookie doesn’t end up with Sam. To me their whole love story sounds like the song “Would you fall in love with me again.” Or “You belong with me.” I swoon thinking of these two. Though I know they’re way more complicated than romantic music. Sam’s not exactly a Prince Charming but I love him all the same. Sam goes through a lot with hiding in shape shifter side and longing for a community to feel accepted in. He’s always picking terrible women to date so he can feel accepted in his wilder nature. And in turn he’s always longed for Sookie who believes being with him would only be trouble. So as his girlfriends notice his attraction to Sookie they always go after her. His biggest flaw is probably creating all these problems for Sookie. But I think it’s all worth it when he realizes that Sookies always been the one to accept him for who he is all along. Anyways I love them and I need a sequel book!
I also think my favorite part of the book series is her eventually realizing it was always Sam. Sookie knows what she wants her life to look like but she’s insecure about herself and believes that she’ll be lucky to have any guy stay with her. So she constantly complies to dating these guys she knows won’t settle for the life she wants. Sookies always been a family oriented woman and wants a calm life with a husband and kids, something she sees all the other women around her having and is something she knows she can never have. I think her worst fear is being alone forever which is why she goes along with so much bullshit. But even though she tolerated so many men mistreating her she still continues to show her value and speak her mind which is what I love about her.
And because I’m bored I’m going to write a paragraph rating all the love interests yay! (PS if I missed somebody it’s been a while since I read this ok. )
5# Bill Compton
Bill is um. Well Bill is Bill. He’s always come off as sort of extremely selfish and self serving. Not to mention he’s a confederate ew. I’ll never understand vampire books and confederate soldiers? Like hello, the union has soldiers too? Anyways I don’t believe Bill and Sookie would’ve ever truly lasted even if he hadn’t run back to his maker and cheated on her. I don’t believe Bill ever truly loved her or cherished her in the way she thought he did. Still, as a friend Bills pretty decent. I mean he puts his life on the line for her like countless times but also you could just say he wanted to get in her pants which is probably more true than he wanted to make it up to her. Ah well that’s why he’s number 5.
4# Alcide Herveaux
I really loved the chemistry between Sookie and Alcide. I wanted her to move on from Bill the bastard and him to move on from Debbie the Devil really bad. But I think it makes sense they didn’t work out much. Alcide was never going to forgive Sookie for killing Debbie and he was never going to give Sookie that hopelessly in love romance she wanted. But overall I enjoyed his character even if he did turn into a sort of evil villain overtime. And while we’re talking about him I guess we can mention Calvin. Calvin was cute sometimes but I think he’d always choose his pack over Sookie if something happened. I also think he liked the idea of having her as his wife to bring offspring into the pack more than he liked the idea of being with her.
3# John Quinn
John seemed really sweet at the beginning. I didn’t like that he was bald but that’s just my preference. I kept like imagining Pittbull every time he came up. But he seemed pretty decent compared to some of Sookies exes. I feel bad for what he went through but I think he was kinda shitty for expecting Sookie to drop everything to be with him and always accommodate his busy schedule. Plus they just didn’t really have that chemistry I’d come to expect from her partners so far.
2# Eric Northman
Controversial take I don’t really like Eric. Okay maybe not so controversial but it’s true. I liked him better before he started officially dating Sookie. And I LOVED him when he lost all his memories. Like most people I think. Personally that was the best book in the series hands down. Eric’s character had a lot of ups and downs but he was so sweet while being so hot in that specific book I think he really captured a lot of people there. I think he and Sookie might’ve worked out if they’d really had a choice in how their relationship went. They were always together from one problem to another. Married so Eric could protect her and then bonded by blood so he could protect her always felt like them being pushed together by the universe. I do think Eric really loved her but I think he loved his power more. Even though Sookie made a mistake in breaking the bond without telling him, it would’ve never worked out after her chose his status so many times over her. He even wanted her to hide in his home while he married another woman just so he could keep her. A life I don’t think any woman would choose to live. Eric is an interesting character but he and Sookie were always too different from one another.
1# Sam Merlotte
I love Sam. Big Sam fan here! One of the reasons I refuse to watch the show beyond the cast not looking the greatest in the male department is because Sookie doesn’t end up with Sam. To me their whole love story sounds like the song “Would you fall in love with me again.” Or “You belong with me.” I swoon thinking of these two. Though I know they’re way more complicated than romantic music. Sam’s not exactly a Prince Charming but I love him all the same. Sam goes through a lot with hiding in shape shifter side and longing for a community to feel accepted in. He’s always picking terrible women to date so he can feel accepted in his wilder nature. And in turn he’s always longed for Sookie who believes being with him would only be trouble. So as his girlfriends notice his attraction to Sookie they always go after her. His biggest flaw is probably creating all these problems for Sookie. But I think it’s all worth it when he realizes that Sookies always been the one to accept him for who he is all along. Anyways I love them and I need a sequel book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2012
Loved the series, though the latest books are not as fun as the few earlier ones. An honest break from teenage vampire love sagas, Sookie Staxkhouse is an inspiring heroine: funny, independent , enterprising & tough!! Just what a woman should be. The vampires are old experienced , politically ambitious with their own way to show love. Thankfully this is not an erotica in name of vampires. Would strongly recommend for vampire fans who are dead tired of twilight and likes!! Give it a read
July 11, 2012
I've read all the way up through number 12 in this series; waiting for number 13. I sped through these; they were a rather entertaining read. sooky got herself in to quite a few romantic situations, but I'm glad it wasn't an absolute theme of the series. What I thoroughly enjoyed was the delve in to the supernatural world. Not just vampires, but weres, fairies, witches, and each had its own world and culture. Definitely looking forward to book 13; 12 was left on such a cliff-hanger!
July 24, 2012
Fun like bubble gum.
It's Nancy Drew with a rocking bod and mental telepathy. Bottom line is the author keeps the stories interesting, moves lots of characters in and out of the books, and avoids any hint of attempting to have any socially redeeming value.
Buy one and take it to the nearest beach.
It's Nancy Drew with a rocking bod and mental telepathy. Bottom line is the author keeps the stories interesting, moves lots of characters in and out of the books, and avoids any hint of attempting to have any socially redeeming value.
Buy one and take it to the nearest beach.
April 11, 2013
Ate them up! Easy read and entertaining. I started reading them after I saw the first season of True Blood and I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Hooked on the books, the tv show became a disappointment after reading the books. They were truly addicting. Can't wait for Sookie's final chapter which is coming out soon.
September 5, 2012
These are great books and I think they are a lot better then the tv series. The only thing I have a bit of a problem with is that the main Character complain a lot. My favorite book out of these is book 4. Erik is around more and he is my favorite vamp.
January 16, 2013
Being a big fan of the true blood tv show I definitely had to get the books and I was far from disappointed they make for delicious reading with likeable even fanciable characters lots of fun, exciting and gripping story lines just plain yummy!
May 24, 2013
Sookie Stackhouse is an easy character with whom to familiarise. Her strength and constant presence of mind-although demotic- even in the face of vampiric problems remains to be the unflinching pull at the center of these steamy chronicles.
June 15, 2013
I have been a fan of this book series before the HBO interpretation… And mind you, this collection of stories definitely enhances you if you have not read any of the books but makes you want even more of them if you have. :-)
April 8, 2013
Im open minded with everything but even this is too vulgar for me.
February 15, 2025
So bad, buy could not stop reading. Like the serie, but different.
May 12, 2011
I love these books. The humor in them is an added bonus. Great escape reading.
June 28, 2014
Complete trash. The DVD series is fun... The books are like reading the baby sitters club again.
July 2, 2019
Charlaine Harris...
Wow. True Blood was like a breath of fresh from the Elena's and the Bella's of this fiction world. I got so irritated with the helpless Bella who was always in danger and I don't even remember why. It seems so crazy that a person who is immortal and has better things to do in their life can be so petty and create an army of vampires just for one human teenage girl...wtf. I digress. And Elena, the self righteous Elena... I will NEVER...NEVER understand how Elena can fall in love with the Guy who has killed her brother. (he didn't know Jeremy was wearing the ring). Damon was hot but... come on. But Sookie... Sookie had character. She was bored with small town, tired of being different and wanted excitement and danger, then in walked in Mr Bill Compton.But Sookie was no damsel in distress, she was funny and tough, she was a girl who could save herself and waited for no vamp to save her. She had spunk and character. And honestly. I loved how vampires were portayed and there was more to their world that we didn't know about... it felt real. Even how Sookie felt for them.. It felt real. And she moved on once she had had her dance with danger and ultimately she realized that there was nothing really wrong with having a bit of normalcy in one's life.
Wow. True Blood was like a breath of fresh from the Elena's and the Bella's of this fiction world. I got so irritated with the helpless Bella who was always in danger and I don't even remember why. It seems so crazy that a person who is immortal and has better things to do in their life can be so petty and create an army of vampires just for one human teenage girl...wtf. I digress. And Elena, the self righteous Elena... I will NEVER...NEVER understand how Elena can fall in love with the Guy who has killed her brother. (he didn't know Jeremy was wearing the ring). Damon was hot but... come on. But Sookie... Sookie had character. She was bored with small town, tired of being different and wanted excitement and danger, then in walked in Mr Bill Compton.But Sookie was no damsel in distress, she was funny and tough, she was a girl who could save herself and waited for no vamp to save her. She had spunk and character. And honestly. I loved how vampires were portayed and there was more to their world that we didn't know about... it felt real. Even how Sookie felt for them.. It felt real. And she moved on once she had had her dance with danger and ultimately she realized that there was nothing really wrong with having a bit of normalcy in one's life.
June 3, 2025
What sets this series apart isn’t just the vampires, werewolves, and Southern heat — it’s Sookie herself. She’s emotionally grounded in a world that isn’t. Vulnerable but capable. Tired but still trying. Her voice is sharp, honest, and just introspective enough to make even the most chaotic moments feel anchored in something real.
The world is messy — morally, romantically, politically — and that complexity is part of the appeal. The books aren’t trying to be mythic or profound, but they still tap into something very human: the desire to be known, protected, loved. And while there’s plenty of lust and violence, there’s also consequence, heartbreak, and change.
The tone strikes a rare balance: fun without being empty, dark without being joyless. The series doesn’t pretend to be more than it is, but what it is — clever, emotionally textured, deeply entertaining — is exactly what makes it so satisfying.
These books surprised me by how much I felt, cared, and rooted — and for that, they’ve earned their place on my shelf.
The world is messy — morally, romantically, politically — and that complexity is part of the appeal. The books aren’t trying to be mythic or profound, but they still tap into something very human: the desire to be known, protected, loved. And while there’s plenty of lust and violence, there’s also consequence, heartbreak, and change.
The tone strikes a rare balance: fun without being empty, dark without being joyless. The series doesn’t pretend to be more than it is, but what it is — clever, emotionally textured, deeply entertaining — is exactly what makes it so satisfying.
These books surprised me by how much I felt, cared, and rooted — and for that, they’ve earned their place on my shelf.
June 30, 2024
I absolutely loved these book from start to finish. They had me so emotional. Then when they announced they were doing a seriesi was so excite. I was hooked on the series thou I loved the boys way more. They missed so much out thou.
Sookie Stackhouse had me screaming at her and proud of her. Her life became so dramatic, and the ever lasting 'but he loves me' saying almost every chapter. Loved her Gran. There was so much action which I enjoyed. I'm glad they didn't make the show high school and used adults for the characters
I was so exhausted after as I binged read these then slept for 2 days 😂😂😂 loved the quirky characters, the comedy, some times it did lack in the sass compared to other books. Loved the humour the characters have, how some where really naive. But one of the best series I've ever read.
Sookie Stackhouse had me screaming at her and proud of her. Her life became so dramatic, and the ever lasting 'but he loves me' saying almost every chapter. Loved her Gran. There was so much action which I enjoyed. I'm glad they didn't make the show high school and used adults for the characters
I was so exhausted after as I binged read these then slept for 2 days 😂😂😂 loved the quirky characters, the comedy, some times it did lack in the sass compared to other books. Loved the humour the characters have, how some where really naive. But one of the best series I've ever read.
July 20, 2025
No me leí la colección completa, pero los primeros 4 son muy buenos libros si te gusta todo ese rollo de vampiros enamorándose de humanos y todo lo que una unión así conlleva.
He de destacar que la historia tiene un punto original y auténtico a favor: la existencia de los vampiros es conocida por la humanidad. Normalmente estas historias siempre intentan trabajar el misterio de mantener la especie en secreto, pero este no y da una visión diferente a lo que estamos acostumbrados.
Cinco estrellas porque es entretenida, nada denso de leer, con buenas tramas y plotwists, y amo los personajes de Bill y Eric.
He de destacar que la historia tiene un punto original y auténtico a favor: la existencia de los vampiros es conocida por la humanidad. Normalmente estas historias siempre intentan trabajar el misterio de mantener la especie en secreto, pero este no y da una visión diferente a lo que estamos acostumbrados.
Cinco estrellas porque es entretenida, nada denso de leer, con buenas tramas y plotwists, y amo los personajes de Bill y Eric.
November 13, 2018
I love this series, it really has a little bit of everything! It has romance, action, thriller and of course, Vampires!
I read all the books and watched the show but I have to say the books are way better. It has details that aren't in the show and the show doesn't follow Sookie all the way. The books are purely in sookie's point of view and the characters are different than they are on the show.
I read all the books and watched the show but I have to say the books are way better. It has details that aren't in the show and the show doesn't follow Sookie all the way. The books are purely in sookie's point of view and the characters are different than they are on the show.
May 23, 2017
The first few books are amazing. Writing and plot within later books in the series deteriorate rapidly. Harris actually tries to change the events in earlier books by having characters suddenly "remember" things differently in subsequent books. (Eye roll.) Dead as a Doornail remains my favorite novel in the series. Harris has a knack for creating colorful characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews