Toot's Book Reviews: Review : Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris (UF/PNR)

http://www.charlaineharris.com/

Review : Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris (UF/PNR)

Book Blurb

THE FINAL SOOKIE STACKHOUSE NOVEL

There are secrets in the town of Bon Temps, ones that threaten those closest to Sookie—and could destroy her heart....

Sookie Stackhouse finds it easy to turn down the request of former barmaid Arlene when she wants her job back at Merlotte’s. After all, Arlene tried to have Sookie killed. But her relationship with Eric Northman is not so clearcut. He and his vampires are keeping their distance…and a cold silence. And when Sookie learns the reason why, she is devastated.

Then a shocking murder rocks Bon Temps, and Sookie is arrested for the crime.

But the evidence against Sookie is weak, and she makes bail. Investigating the killing, she’ll learn that what passes for truth in Bon Temps is only a convenient lie. What passes for justice is more spilled blood. And what passes for love is never enough…

Toot's Review

So I'm not sure how to write this review. Like most fans of Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries/True Blood books, I was sad to find out that the most recent book, Dead Ever After, would be the last in the series but also like most fans of the books, I was pretty sure it was also time to wrap up the series because the last few books have really been disappointing and unfortunately, this one follows suit as well. The first 3/4 of the book was totally boring. It basically was chalk full of the daily goings on of Miss Stackhouse. The only bright spots were the numerous cameo appearances from all of your favorite characters from all the previous books. I honestly don't think anyone was left out. It almost felt as though Charlaine went down the character list and wrote every single one in to say goodbye. This day in and day out stuff continues until Sookie is unjustly arrested for a murder. Then you see all the core characters come together to show their support for Sookie. In the meantime, Eric is brushed away and his story is wrapped up as well, all to make room for Sam to court Sookie. Just so we're clear, I've always been on Team Bill and always will be but with my personal opinions aside, I am not sure how I feel about the Sam/Sookie pairing. All through the books, except for the first one, Sam has always been her rock but always a friend and (for me) there has never been any sort of heat or passion between them. I know in the first couple books, Sam made some noise about wanting her and then he kissed her but Sookie always made it clear that there was nothing besides friendship between them. I kinda feel like Charlaine knew that she needed to give Sookie a HEA with one of the many men that have come into her life and Sam seemed to be the safest choice without pissing off too many fans. I guess, the series just lost its sparkle after about the 5th book and this was just the book to finish off the dying horse. There is a little surprise action at the end but honestly, for being the last in the series, I expected a lot more but I guess after this book, I'm glad it's over.