Melody
ISBN-13: 9780441009237
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Published: April 2002
291 pgs
Source: Personal Library




Living Dead in Dallas is the second book of the Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris and I was delighted to do a buddy-read with Alice.

I was eager to read more about cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse after reading the first instalment, after all she has telepathy ability and on top of that she's got moxie; she is never intimidated by her own strength and I enjoy seeing the sparks continue to fly between her and her vampire lover, Bill, who I think oozes charisma enough to charm any woman on earth.

This story began when one of Sookie's coworkers is murdered. As if that is not enough to cause a ripple in her life, Eric, the head of the local Louisiana vampire nest, needs Sookie's telepathy to help locate a missing vampire from Dallas, who happened to be the "brother" of the local vampire leader, Stan. Sookie agrees since she owes him a favour, and on a condition that Bill is to follow her along and that any human involved will be entrust to the human law enforcement instead of the vampires'. But things do not turn smoothly for her, as she is first attacked by a maenad and her wounds nearly took her life.

Sookie soon learn of a cult named "The Fellowship of the Sun" which she think might be linked with the disappearance and this is where the story becomes interesting and exciting. I will not go into details but let's just say it is fun to see Sookie is back into action as she meets more vampires, werewolves and other shapeshifters in this book. Charlaine Harris has once again crafted a fun and entertaining read in this second instalment, and I enjoyed reading the adventures Sookie encountered, as well as her relationship with her vampire lover, Bill. The fact that she could not read into his mind makes the relationship sounds more intense and interesting. However, though I enjoyed reading this book, I can't say I loved it. I think it has mainly got to do with the plot; I had anticipated to read more about the murder case but instead it went into another direction - the vampire's disappearance and the cult. That said, there is nothing wrong with those but is more to do with my personal expectations.

Have you read this? What do you think of it?

(Click here to find out what other readers have said about this book.)

Related post: Dead Until Dark (Southern Vampire series #1)

14 Responses
  1. Sandy Nawrot Says:

    I keep saying that someday I'm going to do a Sookie marathon. I know they are quick reads. I just haven't gotten there yet in my mind. People that read them certainly seem to be hooked!


  2. nomadreader Says:

    I really liked Living Dead in Dallas, and I liked it more than the first one. The third book is the one that really fell off the wagon for me. I didn't like it, and I didn't like the fourth one, so I gave up the series then. I hope you enjoy them!


  3. Ana S. Says:

    I'm one of the five remaining people who still haven't read this series :P One day, one day!


  4. Darlyn Says:

    i have book #3-#7 but not #1 and #2. so how can i read withOUT the first 2 books? good excuses, huh? *LOL*

    thanks for visiting my blog. how can i miss to visit you for so long. but hope you have a lovely week melody!


  5. bermudaonion Says:

    I've only read the first book in the series and felt about like you did on this one - I enjoyed it, but didn't love it.


  6. Iliana Says:

    Hi Melody - Just catching up on your posts and wanted to say hi :)

    You know, I think I gave up on the Harris books after this one. I liked the first one a lot but wasn't wowed by the next one or two. I can't seem to remember where I left off in that series. Are you going to keep reading them?


  7. Veens Says:

    I might be one of the few remaining who have not read this series!
    I need to ... someday I hope to!
    Are you going to continue?


  8. Melody Says:

    Sandy - I've this series in my pile for a while, and it seems to take me forever to read them. I hope you'll read this series soon, Sandy!

    Nomadreader - I'm sorry to hear you're giving up on this series. Sometimes we have to do that when we find ourselves not enjoying the series anymore.

    Nymeth - LOL.

    Darlyn - Yes, you've to read those books in order! :P Hope you have a great weekend ahead!

    Kathy - I'm glad I'm not the only one who felt that way, hehe.

    Iliana - I'm glad you're doing well, Iliana! I've missed you! :)

    I think I will read the third instalment and then see where it will take me. That said, I've no idea when I'd read it though... I'm such a moody reader! :P

    Veens - I hope you'll read this series soon! As I mentioned to Iliana, I'll read the next book but not sure when. ;)


  9. Alice Says:

    I enjoyed reading it with you, Melody! I'm fine with the plot and found it quite interesting, actually.

    I'm thinking of starting the next book straight away, but not sure if you want to do another buddy read. Please let me know. Thanks!


  10. S. Krishna Says:

    I read the first one in the series last year but have put off reading this one for some reason! I'll have to pick it up, but I'll make sure to temper my expectations on what it's about. Thanks for the review!


  11. Beth F Says:

    Some of the entries are better than others and some of the story lines do get a bit old, but I still love Sookie and plan to finish up the series (and my own challenge!)


  12. The Bookworm Says:

    I read the first Sookie book, but didnt finish the series. I just didnt enjoy Bill, he bored me.
    http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/


  13. I really enjoy this series, but there definitely were books that I liked more than others.


  14. Melody Says:

    Alice - I enjoyed reading this book with you too, Alice! Re. the buddy read, I've already emailed my reply to you. :)

    Swapna - I'm always slow when reading a series, perhaps that explains why I prefer to read a standalone more than series books. ;)

    Beth - I'll definitely read the next instalment, it's just a matter of time! :P

    Naida - What about the shows? Did you watch them?

    Wendy - I think there's absolutely some good and not so good ones in every series. ;) But I like Sookie so I'll definitely read the next instalment.


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