Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse #11) by Charlaine Harris - Book Review

Title: Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse #11)

Author: Charlaine Harris

Publisher: Gollancz

Publication Date: May 2011

Format: Hardback

Pages: 325

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Source: Bought




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. But Sookie suspects otherwise and she and Sam work together to uncover the culprit - and the twisted motive for the attack. But her attention is divided. Though she can't 'read' vampires, Sookie knows her lover Eric Northman and his 'child' Pam well - and she realises that they are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, she is drawn into the plot -which is much more complicated than she knows. Caught up in the politics of the vampire world, Sookie will learn that she is as much of a pawn as any ordinary human - and that there is a new Queen on the board . . . (Goodreads Synopsis)


I found book 10 in the series a little disappointing, so I was keen to see what would happen in book 11. Luckily, Harris seems to be back on form as this installment was a great improvement on the last.

I felt much more involved with the story again in this book and felt there was more action and more character and plot development. Some new twists in the plot to do with Sookie's fairy connection are interesting and I look forward to seeing how they will play out in future releases. I wonder if Harris is starting to set up for an end to the series. Meanwhile, there are new problems in the relationship between Eric and Sookie which is a relief as it had felt a little stagnant in the last book.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read and really picked things up after the recent lull. I still love the world and the characters Harris has created and I eagerly away the next installment.