Dead Reckoning

Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mystery #11

By: Charlaine Harris

Narrated by: Johanna Parker

Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. Sookie suspects otherwise, but her attention is divided when she realizes that her lover, Eric Northman, and his "child", Pam, are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, Sookie is drawn into the plot - which is much more complicated than she knows.

Listen to more titles in the Sookie Stackhouse series.

©2011 Charlaine Harris, Inc. (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Tying up more loose ends

This book was clearly written after the HBO series began... and her intense depression after the devastation of hurricane Katrina to her hometown of New Orleans, seems to have lifted. Otherwise, I'm making a huge assumption but you can almost hear how the author having gone to fan gatherings had been pummelled with questions "If Sookie is connected to Eric from the blood exchange how can she know if she really loves him or if it's the blood?" and a host of other questions that the author, having only a few more books in her contractual obligation (and probably itching to write about something else) dutifully and satisfyingly ties up in these last few books in the series.

Probably the biggest SHIFT is that Bubba is finally not only given his real name, that and we get to hear him sing so to speak. Till now I had a really strong feeling that the reason the author referred to him as Bubba, rather than his real name was because of how strictly the family enforces image rights. Without explicit permission on the part of the family, there's no way the author could use his "likeness" in her book. I am guessing that HBO probably obtained those rates for her, or a family member became familiar with the show or her books and gave her permission. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to do it without getting sued.

This one didn't live up to my anticipation!

I have to agree with other readers that this book fell a little "short". I did not like this "woe is me" Sookie. The entire story seemed to be gloomy and drug on a bit. I have always enjoyed the humorous side of Bon Temps and it's characters, but this entire story was so serious and most of my favorite characters were in a depressing mood. I agree that it seems Charlaine is preparing readers for the inevitable split of Eric and Sookie. I am definitely a E/S fan, but even I would agree w/ a split if the final books continue in this mood. The Alcide scene was bizarre and didn't seem to fit in. I was excited to see the return of Amelia, and saddened by their friendship ending. I hate the Bill/Sookie scenes and felt the hidey hole episode was completely unnecessary! I will without doubt read the next books in the series b/c I love Charlaine and Sookie. Johanna Parker made the entire series for me. I listened to her prior to buying any books. She is excellent! I look forward to the future books and hate that we have to wait another year:(

I love Sookie

I love the book not so sure about the ending. I love Eric and Sookie together and I hope this is not going to end it. LOVE THESE BOOKS

Sookie Rules!

To me reading the Sookie Stackhouse Vampire Mysteries is like watching a fine soap opera that has lots of borderline raunchy vampires,were-animals, supernaturals (soups) and a spunky telepathic waitress .All of the books made me want more of them.Just like a soap opera I found myself trying to figure out what was going to happen Sometimes I have not been happy with the plot or a specific event but the entire story has been worth it. If you are looking for fine literature I don't think this is for you. .I noticed some reviewers had problems with a few of the Sookie Stackhouse books. I found all of the books entertaining It may be that I did not have to wait for any of them so far.Since listening to these books I have watched a few episodes of True Blood. I like the books a lot more then True Blood.
I think Johanna Parker has to be one of the best narrators ever.

This may be the best Sookie Stackhouse book yet!

I'm a big Charlaine Harris fan and have enjoyed all her characters....but Sookie is my favorite. This book moves along quickly and is a fun read (listen?). You will enjoy this one....

Good Listen

What does Johanna Parker bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

JP does a good job voicing the different characters in the book.

Any additional comments?

I have read all of the books up to this one and I'm a big fan of the show so I was hesitant to listen. That being said, I really enjoyed this production and thought it was worth listening to.

Love! Love! Love!

I am a HUGE True Blood fan, and the books are phenomenal. Johanna plays a good Sookie and everyone else, as she changes her voice to match the characters. It is a pleasure to listen to this series! I am very ready for the next book!

Loved it just like the rest of the series

Would you listen to Dead Reckoning again? Why?

Yes, I have listened to the others in this series multiple times and I liked this one enough to do the same.

Any additional comments?

If you liked the previous books in this series then you will love this one also. The story takes an interesting turn and the characters are still great. I only have the last book to get but most of the reviews have been bad, I will get it and review it myself but I am not going into the 13th book with great expectations I did with the others.

Lather; Rinse Repeat

What did you love best about Dead Reckoning?

I've loved this whole series since before the tv show came out.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Honestly; I finished this title last week and I'm already having a hard time remember what the ending WAS... clearly i wasnt overly impressed

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

I haven't listened to Johanna parker before but after a few chapters of "wow, that doesnt sound like sookie" i got over it; and did enjoy the rest.

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

There really nothing to moving about cleaning out an attic of a 170 year old house and finding old stuff...

Any additional comments?

Charlene Harris, please give up the ghost. I've commited this long and I'd like to see this series through to completion but if this book was any indication; it's gonna be painful

I liked it more than the other reviewers I've read

I'm a fan of series books, and I thought this one was actually just right for where it is in the 'story arc' of Sookie coming to terms with this life she's leading now. Yes, it's darker, but Johanna Parker made me laugh out loud many times (in fact I went searching for other books she's performed because I had never heard a reader who made a book come alive quite this much.) I do agree that maybe there were more plot threads than necessary - I could see you you could really make two books out of this one with a little more development of the family connections. Still, I think Sookie developed in ways that are consistent with her character and upbringing - the trouble she's having with all the violence surrounding Eric, for example - and the additional backstory was solid and helped flesh out the Bon Temps world. All in all I enjoyed this one and decided to go back and re-read a couple of others for plot points about the vampire politics that I think I missed.