REVIEW: Dead as a Doornail

 Dead As a Doornail
Author: Charlaine Harris

Dead as a Doornail is the 5th book in the Southern Vampire/Sookie Stackhouse series. 

Sookie finds herself pulled further into were/shifter concerns when someone starts shooting shifters. As the attacks multiply, Sookie works to uncover the identity of the sniper. 

This is another book in the series that really isn't my favorite. I'm glad the story lines expanded into more than just vampire culture/politics/events, but the shifter stories just aren't my favorites. I think that's mainly because I don't like how the weres/shifters treat Sookie. They continually seek out her help, and then treat her poorly when the outcome isn't exactly what they wanted. But I guess that makes sense....pack mentality and all that. 

I read my paperback copy of this book while listening to the audio book [Recorded Books, 2005, 9 hours 34 minutes, narrated by Johanna Parker] 

I first read this series as each book came out starting back in the early 2000s. I've had the full series on my bookshelf for years and have re-visited Bon Temps and Sookie multiple times over the years. I like the characters, the setting and story. The subplots keep things from getting stale. 

This time, I'm reading all the books again and the short stories too. First time I've read the short stories. Most of them were printed in fantasy/urban fantasy story anthologies along with tales by other authors. I found a reading order list online, and I'm stopping to read stories as they pop up in the order. So far, I've read Fairy Dust and Dracula Night. Both were enjoyable! 

I enjoyed re-reading this book, despite not really liking the more shifter-centric story lines. I'm glad I decided to re-read this series. It's like visiting old friends. :) 

I'm re-reading my physical copies of the series one last time and will donate the books when I'm finished. Shelf space is at a premium and I need to downsize over the next year before I move into a smaller apartment.  Next time I want to revisit these books, I will just get them from the library. :) 

Moving on to the next book!