Dead Ever After

A Sookie Stackhouse Novel, Book 13

By: Charlaine Harris

Narrated by: Johanna Parker

Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Number-one New York Times best-selling author Charlaine Harris has won numerous awards for her Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire series, which has been adapted into the hit HBO show True Blood. In this 13th and final book, a murder rocks the town of Bon Temps and Sookie is arrested for the crime. After making bail, she sets out to clear her name - but her investigation only leads to more deaths.

©2013 Charlaine Harris, Inc. (P)2013 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"The Sookie Stackhouse series seamlessly mixes sensuality, violence, and humor." ( Boulder Weekly)

"Harris’s creation offers a magical and mysterious twist on traditional vampire stories." ( Houston Chronicle)

"What sucked me in? Definitely the books’ oddly charming, often funny mix of the mundane and the absurd. And the chills and thrills in boudoirs and various locales around the South aren’t too bad either." ( The Seattle Times)

Dead end

After investing a lot of time into the series I believe the reader deserved more. Was the writer just burned out between the TV series and the books. We, the reader, deserved more.

What's not to love?

Much better than I expected after reading those early reviews. Of course I cried over Eric, but I think CH did right by all the characters. I loved this book.

Perfect ending to a great series!!!

Any additional comments?

I loved how Charlaine Harris decided to end her Sookie Stackhouse series! Ive been reading this series for many, many years so I'd decided to read several reviews before purchasing the book (I'm leery of authors who completely destroy a series at the end in order to accommodate what people think should be their HEA). Those reviewers that I read were upset about who Sookie ended up with and not happy at all with the end of the series. I have to say that I disagree completely. Ms. Harris managed to find a very satisfying end while staying true to who Sookie was as a person. I would have loved to hear a little bit at the end about how Sookie's life turned out from that point (stemming from my desire to not let go of this series I think :-), I'll miss it!) but I can use my imagination :-). Overall, great book! A fantastic end to the series!

Great end of the story

If you likes any of the previous books you still love this one! I loved the ending and how all lose end were tied up!

Satisfying, if you're rooting for Sookie...

What did you like best about this story?

This entire series has been about Sookie's growth as a character. In the first book we met a social outcast, a recluse, crippled by her telepathy and terrified of herself. She was the perfect victim, because she had no self-confidence, and was semingly unable to take control of the events effecting her life. In the past few books, and especially in this one, we see a stronger, smarter, more resiliant Sookie, who has learned to value herself and her abilities and who has decided to take control of her own future--as much as anybody can.

While I, like most other readers, enjoyed the ins and outs of Sookie'sromantic life throughout this series, the underlying story was of her coming into her own.

"I also knew, that if he turned away from me at this moment, I would survive that, and I would find a way to flourish...I'm Sookie Stackhouse, and I belong here."

If you're a shipper with a particular adgenda, beware, you may be disappointed. If you've been reading between the lines, you can pretty much guess how this story ends. The curtain comes down on Bon Temps with only the faintest shaddow of vampires in the wings. And while Sookie's future is uncertain, it's not without the hope of love on the horizon.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely. I came very close to calling out from work so I could spend some quality couch time with this novel. I resisted the impulse, but I definitely spent my entire commute and my lunch break with Johanna Parker's excellent narration keeping me company.

Any additional comments?

If you've put time and emotional energy into reading this series for the past few years, read this one. Yes, there is a distinct air of "tying up loose ends" at various points throughout the book, but you'll be left with a sense of satisfaction for having seen Sookie through to the end of her journey.

Sookie we will miss you!!

Where does Dead Ever After rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

NOT THE BEST IN SERIES!! But it w.as well worth reading.

What did you like best about this story?

That Sookie has came into her self

Have you listened to any of Johanna Parker’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes she is great

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The divorce at least Eric took care of her by giving her protection if the series was still going I would have believed that it wasn't over between them OH WELL .......

Any additional comments?

I love the Sookie books. I will miss this series. I can't say I didn't expect Sam to get his turn with Sookie, it has been going that way. I just really liked her and Eric, together they brought out the best in each other. The book touched on some character's that I would have loved to hear more from and others I could have done with out. At least there is going to be a book coming out in the fall that going to tell what HAPPENS! !

Well, what did you expect? It is over.

All the faithful readers knew this was the last book for Sookie. Hard to say what we all expected. As one reviewer said, it seemed like a lot of cameos, but as I listened, I though, "Awww, her friends are there when she needed them." And honestly, I loved 'seeing' them again and hearing a little about their happily-ever-afters.

As far as the story, a little predictable with the characters and less of a mystery novel as the first books in the series were. Many loose ends are tied up. Once you have committed to 12 books, I doubt many readers will skip the last be based on reviews. If anything, read it to be done with the series.

It was good, yes there are inconsistencies - as always- but is the ending ever as good as the beginning or middle? I don't mind the happily ever after type of ending. Sookie deserves that much.

A disappointing end to the series

Would you try another book from Charlaine Harris and/or Johanna Parker?

Johanna Parker did a fantastic job with the series. The books are very different from the TV show on HBO. The books are better than the series.

Would you be willing to try another book from Charlaine Harris? Why or why not?

Charlaine Harris is a wonderful writer, with a fantastic imagination. She created a series that has really taken off and will continue to be entertaining even after this final book.

Did Dead Ever After inspire you to do anything?

Dead Ever After makes you wonder what happened next in the world of Sookie Stackhouse. Happy to hear that Charlaine Harris thought about that and is giving us book that will tell us what happens.

Boo.

I really disliked the last book in this series but felt the need to finish it out after committing so much of my time to it. The narrator did a great job but I just did not like this book. This whole series has gone down hill and I expected a huge blow-out of a final book. I am left greatly disappointed and unsatisfied.

5 stars all the way!

What did you love best about Dead Ever After?

The same thing I love about every other book in the series. Charlaine Harris has created a vampire/ supernatural/ mystery series that is intriguing, hilarious and very entertaining. Not to mention unlike anything else.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dead Ever After?

For me the end. I have read each and every book in this series, holding off on the final book only because I knew this is it. So the end will stay with me, although I can't give away any spoilers to those who are still holding out.

Which scene was your favorite?

All of them. I loved the story and each scene flowed to the next.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes!

Any additional comments?

The first 12 books in the series I read so listening the this book was a different experience. Johanna Parker nailed the voice and added another dimension to the story. I don't generally read or listen to books twice but I may have to make an exception and listen to them all in audio.