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Book Reviews of Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11)

Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11)
Dead Reckoning - Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11
Author: Charlaine Harris
ISBN-13: 9780441020317
ISBN-10: 0441020313
Publication Date: 5/3/2011
Pages: 325
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 393

4 stars, based on 393 ratings
Publisher: Ace Hardcover
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

30 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

griz1girl avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 78 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
This book was better than her last 2 dismal failures, but it still fell short. Very, very short.

Why do I keep reading these, I ask myself? This book, like the last 2 was sad, depressing & without any kind of ending--let alone a happy one!

Sookie leads a sad life. Perhaps I am remembering the first few books with nostalgia instead of accuracy--but wasn't Sookie fun & kooky & lovable in the beginning? Didn't she have some great love scenes & hot males to play with?

What happened to all that? This book had NO ROMANCE. NO LOVE. None whatsoever. Her paranormal characters are totally flat & emotionless. JR Ward's vampires are hot, steamy, passionate, emotion-filled. Harris's vampires are cold, calculating & angry. And that's AFTER Eric tells Sookie he loves her. Like I believed him!

I keep thinking Sookie will be given the love & life & happy ending she deserves. But instead I'm given flat, boring books, with dangling endings--leading me to foolishly buy the next book. She just doesn't embody most females that I know--most give everything to the loves of their lives & enjoy the ride. I know I did!

But Sookie goes for days without seeing her supposed 'Husband'--and even longer without the love, passion, sex that goes hand in hand with a normal healthy relationship.

I felt so sad & depressed by the end it was ridiculous. Can I recommend this book--nope. Once again, it fell so short of "good" I am sorry I wasted my time reading it.
astucity avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 18 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
The 11th installment in the Southern Vampire mysteries didnt exactly live up to its predecessors in delivery of storyline or charm the way the previous offerings have. A tad bit disappointing and dull, you dont know whether to roll your eyes from expected plot twists or just put the book down and hope for the 12th one to come out soon .. and be a whole lot better.

Our heroine, Sookie Stackhouse, is married (read as dating) to area 5 Sheriff, Eric Northman, and their marriage is far from happy or ideal. The book starts off almost immediately with a Molotov Cocktail crashing through the window of Merlottes Bar and Grill where Sookie still works as a waitress. At first it was thought to be a retaliation against Sam, the owner, coming out as a were, or two natured, or a myriad of other nicknames, we later find out it isnt, in an overly predictable manner yet again.

The story progresses further into a former enemy chasing after Sookie and generally being an annoying pain to her, and to the reader.

There is a lot of just chatty character to character interaction, but it does heat up later on when the new regent, appointed by the King of Nevada to oversee Louisiana, becomes intolerable again, so a plot is formed to, of course, take him out. Inbetween that and the actual execution of that plan, we do see a lot of dealings with Sookies fae nature in the form of her cousin and great uncle still living there with her. Ive read mixed reviews on this, but I dont mind this part at all. I thought it was interesting so in this part I will let the reader decide on this.

This book also offers us up plenty of boring and frustrating Oh I still have feelings for Bill, but I LOVE Eric crap we have been getting too much of in the last 2 or 3 books. Of course, the end leaves us off with Eric supposedly being promised to another vampire by his creator, and of course he is considering it so that leaves Ms. Harris an open doorway to do what she was probably planning to in the beginning; make Eric out to be the jerk and she gets back with Bill anyway.

In my reviews I usually go over the plot almost step by step with no spoilers, but honestly, this book was ok, but not really plot oriented. It was, I think, the most awkward book of the entire series. Either Ms. Harris has become disenchanted with the world she created, or this was forced on her by the publisher. I really do believe in her abilities as a writer, I truly do. In fact, I believe her to be much more talented than most other writers of her genre. This book was just not it for me. Up until now I have staunchly supported the books over the tv series in which I liked better, but, if this series doesnt pick up a little where the books are concerned, I might have to change my opinion.

Come on Sookie, lets not turn into a boring and older Bella Swan whom I loathe.
ATraveler avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 193 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
To date this is my favorite Sookie Stackhouse book. This one starts with Sam's bar getting bombed and the continuing problem with Victor. Pam gets more of a personal/back story and Sookie finally starts standing up for herself instead of just lamenting that bad things happen around and to her and the men in her life are 'odd'--and she makes more good decisions in this book.
paisleywings avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 232 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I love this series about Sookie Stackhouse, but I have to admit I'm beginning to like them less, since TruBlood has taken up my interest. The HBO series is so much more riveting than this latest book in the series. I sure wish she would get rid of Eric. He is so irritating in the book. I will continue to read any more books she adds, but they are losing their charm.
whatstacy avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 235 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I was hoping for something "more" from this book. The last book was boring and forgettable. So I was looking for a more captivating plot, sadly that wasn't the case. The book is better than the last, but really, how much trouble can one girl live with? Does it ever end? It didn't capture my attention until the second half of the book, and it was easy to put down until the last quarter. It seems Sookie just can't catch a break, in life, in love, or family. Nothing seems to go her way except survival. Even though I love Sookie and Eric, maybe Sookie should try dating a human for a change. Throw a few new characters in, and this book is much the same as the last few and leaves me questioning how much longer this series has life. Harris has lost some of her "spark" with this one, maybe the TV series is taking her attention. I just don't know, but I don't think I will waste the effort pre-ording this series anymore, I'll just wait for it to be swapped from my wish list.


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reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 47 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This series started out so good that I just couldn't wait for the next book. Sadly, that has not continued. The newest book just seems so sad. Sookie goes from one bad day to another. It seems that there is no happiness in her life now. I hope when the next book comes out that the author lets her find happiness. Even her lover, Eric just seems to bring her more bad news.
Bizzy1 avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 59 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I'm still not sure exactly how I feel about this book I was waiting a while to do my review but I just don't think I want to now. I will say I was very disappointed with the characters in this installment. I felt like Sookies character took 10 giant steps backwards as a person. Seriously how many times do you need to kick someone out before they finally dont come back? I dont blame Eric if he chooses not to stay with Sookie in the next book after her behavior in this book. Her behavior was reminiscent of at 13 year old child it was familiar from her first few book but I thought we had left behind the times of Resending invitations just because you were mad at your vampire lover. But now not only is she doing it to her vampires she is doing it to her friends and family. After having her act to grown up in the past few books this book was just steps and steps backwards. Also is it just me or was Hoyt Fortenberry gay in the first few books. I could be wrong I may need to go back and reread this. Didnt Jason have a friend who was in love with him that either just disappeared or it was Hoyt who is now with Holly?
keepsbooks avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
*No Spoilers*

While some other readers of this series appear to have tired of Sookie and her world, I'm just as entertained by Charlaine Harris's story-telling as I ever was. I find her writing style comforting to read and sitting down with her latest book was like meeting up with a dear old friend who I hadn't seen in a while.

Others have summarized the plot, so I'll just talk about what stood out for me with this addition to the series.

Sookie seems to be re-defining her relationships with her friends and family, mostly in ways that I agree with...

* No appearances by her annoying brother Jason.
* She drew some much-needed boundaries with her new Fae relatives.
* Bill seems to be back in her good graces (& I was reminded about why I liked him in the beginning).
* Amelia helped Sookie with *a problem* but then overstepped the bounds of friendship in an amazing (& out-of-character way) that led Sookie to give her an earful & send her & her boy/cat toy home.
* Sookie established herself as a presence in her telepathic cousin's life in a moving scene.
* There were some nice reminiscences & insights about her Gran.
* She helped Sam in an unexpected way which equalized their relationship in my eyes.
* A sweet conversation with Andy Bellfleur about his wife, sister & late grandmother stuck out for its cordiality, as well as for what was revealed.
* Finally, her relationship with Eric changed in a big way. Huge. Shocking even, lol! 'nuf said about that.

Some of the humor was back that has been missing from the last several, darker books, including a Laugh Out Loud scene between Eric & Pam in Sookie's kitchen. Harris's dry humor has always been a big draw for me -- she uses it sparingly, but meaningfully.

One big negative: Eric was not himself. At all. I felt like there was an Eric impersonator in the book & I severely *missed* him. He did have other *things* on his mind (gigantic, elephant-in-the-room things, we find out later), but I still felt his actions seemed...off. Until the end, when all was revealed & it seemed a little more explainable, in light of what the big secret was. [avoid spoilers! Must stay vague!] Also, I wasn't Feelin' the Love between Sook & Eric.

Several long-time threads were resolved in this book, mostly in satisfying ways, but I hope this doesn't indicate that Harris is done with the series 'cause I'll keep buying them (they're Keepers for me), even with the flaws.
reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 48 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Sookies back!! This book was much lighter than the last two installments certainly but, there was still action and as the title suggests plenty of reckonings.

There were several instances in the book that I was unsure of their relevance. I am still unsure if they are part of a greater plot point that is going to be further persued or what. One in particular has me a little annoyed because I like the character was glad to have him back and then was very disappointed in his actions.

Bill is also back and clear about his love for Sookie which I was glad to see although It seems unlikely they will reunite. Eric is also more Eric-like, over the reappearance and final death of his maker and onto the plan to rid himself and his area if the nusince of Victor. We got a hint at the softer side of Pam but she was still her same fierce self.

Sookie got a lot of information in this installment and had a lot of long standing questions answered. Including many she never even thought to ask. I love Charlaine Harris' voice for Sookie and all her characters, they are like talking to friends. So for that, I will always fully enjoy every adventure into Sookie's World that I can get. This book was a bit predictable but, hilarous and more back to the roots of the series. I don't think it will be a disappointment to anyone.
sarahinme avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 58 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The Sookie Stackhouse books are perfect mindless reading. It is the only series I continually keep up with, and I look forward to my injection of vampire drama every May.

Although not as action packed as it has been in the past, I still thoroughly enjoy the books every time. I believe the tenth and eleventh books are leading up to something big, hopefully like the fourth or seventh books (my favorite of the series). And of course, I am always rooting for Sookie and Eric and adore the progression of their relationship.
ophelia99 avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 2527 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the eleventh book in the Sookie Stackhouse series. I put off reading this book because I didnt enjoy the last couple books before this. But with the end of the series (book 13 is supposed to be the last one) looming around the corner, I decided I should just go ahead and read it. I was seriously underwhelmed, but I do want to know what happens.

Sookie is trying to learn to deal with her bond to Eric but then gets caught up in other events when Merlottes is firebombed. Initially Sookie and Sam think it is because Sam is two-natured, but then Eric and Pam reveal that they are in a silent war with Victor. As Erics wife (in vampire law) she ends up drawn into the whole mess and has to help figure out a way to get rid of Victor forever.

There are a ton of little things going on in this book which makes it very unfocused. Sookie also has Claude and co stopping by quite often, so those faeries are definitely up to something. A bit more is revealed about the fairies and how it further ties into Sookies past.

There isnt a ton of talk about repercussions from the two-natured (shapeshifters) coming out. It is mentioned in the beginning and then kind of goes away. Although there is a lot of worry about the lack of business at Merlottes because of Victors two new competing bars.

There are a ton of other small things woven into the story as well. Baby showers, attic refinishing, Bill and his current SO, and Pams drama with her current SO. Just a lot of little stuff going on that I am not sure really has a purpose.

The majority of the story focuses on Victor and what Pam and Eric have to do to deal with him. Of course Sookie is sucked into all of this because of her closeness to Eric. Still the story felt scattered like a lot of little things are being thrown together.

The heat between Sookie and Eric is lacking; they are at odds for vast portions of the book. Much to my disappointment Bill is creeping back into the picture; I wish we could just settle on one guy and let Sookie have some peace. I mean seriously. Many of the characters just feel tired and feel like they are going through the motions.

The quality of writing is similar to the last couple books, but seriously worse than the beginning of the series. There are a number of places where there is awkward sounding dialogue. I had to go back and re-read a few places in the book to figure out what was even being said...again this points towards poor editing/writing for this book.

This story never grabbed me, I finished it but the whole time just kind of felt blah about it all. This book didnt have the energy, the mystery, or the creativeness of earlier books in the series. Basically reading this book reminded me why I stopped reading this series. It has gone seriously down hill in the last few books. Really if you liked this book you need to go back and reread the earlier ones and compare...because these last couple books havent been near the quality of the earlier ones in this series.

Overall definitely not the best book in the series. Pretty much on par with the last couple books; the plot is scattered, the characters are tired, and the quality of writing is poor. I do enjoy these characters, but I wish that Harris would just end it and stop dragging the characters through these poorly put together stories.
2manyb00ks avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 203 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Unimpressed! This book felt like a filler. It was pretty low-key to the point of boring up until about 200+ pages. I hope the last 2 are more adventurous.
ilovebooksanddogs avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 356 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Here we go again, I'm just plain hooked on the Sookie/True Blood books. Call me silly, whatever, I enjoy each and every book in this series and eagerly wait for more. I know! I know! :)
longhornfan avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Sookie, Sookie, wherefore art thou Sookie?

I waited how long for this? The majority of this book seemed like set up for the next book---what will Sookie do with her fairy wish? What is the plan behind the fairies gathering at Clarance's bar? Will Eric marry for power or remain loyal to Sookie? Will Sam ever get another decent waitress? Dead Reckoning had very little of the offbeat humor and insights that I have come to expect from Ms. Harris.

I felt the book was way too long and could have used some serious editing. Ms. Harris may have a felt obliged to stretch out the action as she may still be under contract to write more Sookie books, but I feel like this book could have been cut in half easily.

Not my favorite of the series.
froot avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 178 more book reviews
Sookie always finds herself in a hell of a lot of bloodly situtaions and this book is no different. With a final resolution of the Vamipire Victor and his pathetic regeme, we are led into a whole other-worldly set of issues. Ths book seems to try and tie up the Sookie fae connection. It's failing miserable with her relationship with Eric, but I think it's supposed to. Though I really beleive that she loves Eric, Sook really seems to be coming to terms with being fed up with dead bodies falling at her feet.

I wish this book had taken a different direction with my beloved characters. There is no way to tell what will happen, and no wishful thinking into the next book. She left Eric floundering after his confessed eternal love for her. I think I'm pissed that this was a weakness written in by Harris to carry us to the next book. It's unlike Sookie not to speak her mind. And this one flubbed.
robinmy avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 2047 more book reviews
Surprise, Surprise! Someone is trying to kill Sookie Stackhouse. Sookie witnesses a firebombing at Merlottes that many people believe was a hate crime against Sam. A few days later, a group of thugs come into the bar wanting to "grab the blonde" and kill anyone who tries to stop them. No one knows who is behind the crimes, but everyone has theories. Sookie's lover, Eric, is at odds with Pam, but neither of them are talking. Their regent, Victor, is still causing trouble, and it looks like he will have to be dealt with. Throw in a few more of the re-occurring characters in the series and you have a murky plot that doesn't seem to be going anywhere.

This is the 11th book in the series and I'm questioning where the author is going with this series. Where the first books in the series had a clear mystery story and some interesting revelations, this one just left me actually wondering what I learned. Yes, we find out who is trying to kill Sookie (this time) and that story comes to a conclusion. We also get the gangs plan to get rid of Victor. The story isn't bad and I was happy to see Bubba back into the mix. Some of the characters are my problem. On of my favorite characters in this series has always been Eric. He is a big bad vamp who always had a soft spot for Sookie and handled her gently. In this book he isn't the same Eric. It's almost like Harris wants to break up Sookie and Eric by turning him into a jerk. As usual, Sookie is upset and depressed about her life. I just want to see her happy. I know there are only two more books in this series and I'm hoping for a happy ending to finish the series. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
momof2furkids avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 57 more book reviews
I love this series so much but I just wish someone in the various story lines could find some happiness that continued for maybe a book or two. The different threads that run thru the Sookie series are just too depressing.

Will Sookie ever have any sort of happy ending? Things are so miserable in her life most of the time it's a wonder she doesn't "end it all". Love, love the series but I hope Charlaine Harris would lighten it up just a bit....
abaisse avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 21 more book reviews
If you've enjoyed the other books in the series, you'll enjoy this one. It's the right mix of violence, excitement, and humor.
chickpicks avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 17 more book reviews
I was left at the end saying, "Ummmm...Hmmmm...oooKAY". This book for me had a lot of "strange" moments that seemed very random...even for Sookie.

I couldn't wait to read this book, and did so in 1 night. I still love all the characters that are always so well depicted by Harris, but there were very "out of character" moments as well.

I won't give any spoilers, not really...it is still a great book but not a favorite (though it is a keeper as part of the series) and I DESPERATELY HOPE it is not the last book as I need CLOSURE, and this left me none. I felt that Harris wanted the reader to end it the way THEY wanted it to, whoevers side they were on (Team Eric/Team Bill).

It is still a must read for Sookie fans!
reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 8 more book reviews
This book was very entertaining. I sat on the beach in Maui and read it in a few days. It was nice reading what Sookie has been up to lately. I throughly enjoyed the story line and anxiously await the next book.
tiffanyak avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 215 more book reviews
I don't have it in me to lower the rating, though I know the last few books simply were not as deserving of five stars as the earlier books were, and that especially applies to this installment. There are lots of sudden personality changes in this book, which even when explained don't make complete sense when compared to previous behaviors. But, hey, it is Sookie Stackhouse, and the series overall does need to be read. Though, if I were Charlaine Harris, I'd be starting to think of bringing the series to an end before too much longer. It's been dragging on just a bit too long, and a graceful close in a few books or so might be wise.
ra7 avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 1009 more book reviews
I was satisfied with this one. A bit frustrated that the Sandra Pelt storyline came back when I hoped it was over and done with. It is now. I liked Bill more and Eric less. Sookie learns more about her fae background. Looking forward to the next!
geckflac avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 53 more book reviews
I agree with the few reviews that stated they were looking for something more from this latest installment to series. it was alright, kinda "bland", just doesnt have the draw that the earlier ones had. It does leave an opening to pick up on Eric's position with felippe, repercussions over sandra Pelt & were pack, the entanglement with Dermot, possibly Bill back in the picture, among a few other things left open at end of book. Hopefully the next one has more in it....still gave it a 4 star.
Scooby2 avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 96 more book reviews
I found this book to be a good, quick read and it followed right along with the others in the series. I enjoyed finding out more about the faeries and enjoyed Bubba's return. I am curious to see how Sookie's decisions will affect her future in the next installment.
solarawynn avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 724 more book reviews
I love this series and giggled a few times reading this book. Alot happens,people die and love takes a turn. Enjoyed the fact Sookie got to spend time with her Fae family. A few friends come back to town and Sookie learns more about her gift.Was amazing
carriec226 avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 30 more book reviews
Not as good as the others in the series but still enjoyable if you read all the others.
daylily77 avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 236 more book reviews
Fangtastic book! Love it!
bratz54 avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 1024 more book reviews
I love the series and the shows, but this book had me asking a lot of questions and no answers were come from the book. Eric has been put in a situation where he is torn between loving Sookie or ending their relationship so he can marry the Queen of Oklahoma, an agreement made by his 'father' before he died. Bill has ended his brief relationship with his 'sister'from his insane maker. Sookie has been helped by Amelia to break the blood bond from Eric and and betrayed by Amelia in the same day. Sandra Pelt has returned to blow up Sam's bar, hired goons to kidnapped Sookie, but no matter who she brings in to do the job it always backfired. In the end Sam, his girlfriend and Sookie kill Sandra and feeds her through a portal.
zmama avatar reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 36 more book reviews
totally a filler. the last two books have been average and predictable.
reviewed Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk 11) on + 129 more book reviews
Love all the characters in the "Sookie" books.