Title: Definitely Dead
Southern Vampire Mysteries
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Ace Books
Published: May 2006
ISBN #: 978-0441014002
My Rating: ★★★
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As a person with so few living relatives, Lousianna cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse really hated to loose one. But she never guessed it would be her cousin Hadley-a consort of the vampire queen of New Orleans. After all, technically speaking, Hadley was already dead. And now, as unexpected heir to Hadley's estate, Sookie discovers the inheritance definately comes with a risk.

Someone doesn't want Sookie looking too deeply into Hadley's past- or for that matter, Hadley's possessions. And they're prepared to do anything in thier power to stop her. But who? The range os suspects runs from the rogue weres who reject Sookie as a friend of the pack to the vampire queen herself., who could be working through a particularly valnerable subject- Sookie's first lover Bill.

Whoever it is, they're definately dangerous- and Sookie's life is definately on the line...
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My Review:
I am not sure what the deal with this book was. It was like, the author had an after thought for the series or she had an epiphany, on something and tried to alter the books directon. Usually Charlaine Harris books have more the one story going on and she usually merges them together quite nicely. But this book is a mess. Most of the subplots (if you want to even call them that) felt more like fillers for empty space. They had no relevance to anything in this book. Everything felt rushed, cluttered and confusing.

The fact that Eric was avoiding her, was completely out of character. He has always tried to keep tabs on her and made excuses to be around her. Although, towards the end of the book, he does resort back to his ole charming self. I do wish Bill would go stake himself and put everyone out of thier misery. He is getting to the point he is a bit annoying. "Oh Sookie I love you. I might have lied to you, seduced you under orders, had an affair with my maker while I was banging you, and although I have manipulated you, raped you out of blood lust, flaunted my girlfriends in front of your face, and abandoned you everytime you needed me, I still love you honey. Please take me back." Someone PLEASE give me the stake, I'll fricken do it.

Have you ever noticed when Sookie needs help, it is always Eric to the rescue. That is saying something. I did like Quinn. But a fantastic dry hump - a boyfriend he does not make. He seems fun, easy going, but he has no depth and I don't feel a very strong chemistry between them. All I can think of is a wise guy bouncer when I read him. You know what I mean, Babe?

There are some returning characters, such as the Pelts in this book. This storyline, actually made sense to me. But instead, it felt like the author was saying, "I'll dabble in a new person here and sprinkle an irrelevant plot there and now I can try to work in this new idea I have. So much more could have been done with the Pelts, considering that the sister was a evil vengeful bitch and the mother dabbled in the black arts...*sighs* Yes, so much more could have been done, if the author had concentrated on this particular storyline. I was glad at he introduction  of the queen. But again, it didn't need to be front and center, it could have been a side plot and accomplished the same amount of conflict. Everything just felt forced.

Don't get me wrong, I love this series. But I got to tell you, this book felt seperate to the others, like it was a transitional book. New friends for Sookie are now in place and her entrance into the world of vampire politics has been set up. So on one hand, I can appreciate the fact, that the story will have the opportunity to branch out, but I feel it could have been written better and developed slower. I don't mind more pages in a book. I rather read more and understand what the hell is going on, than read less and be confused as hell. Regardless of my bitching, it was still a good read, but Definately Dead was definately not the best.

Cover Art:
I like the tiger, which I naturally assume is Quinn. Love the artistic images and the vibrant colors. Glad the tiger is taking Sookie away from Bill, although, it might have been cool to have Bill hanging out of the tigers mouth. Teehee, I really don't like Bill.