Sookie Stackhouse is still recovering from the torture she suffered during the Faery War and she's feeling wary and set apart from everyone and everything. She wonders why it was Bill and not Eric who rescued her, why so many of her family had to die in the war and what her half-nature means for her. And even though the door is closed between her world and the world of the Fae, there are a few remaining on this side, and Sookie can't be sure if they're friend or not.

Sookie can't remain in her funk for too long, though, because things are happening in her own backyard, literally and figuratively, that she's going to have to deal with before they get out of hand. Most annoying is the government agent out to dig up dirt on Sookie. Most worrisome is the arrival of Eric's sire, Appius Livius Ocella, bringing along Eric's "brother," Alexei Romanov. Mix in traitors in Alcide's pack and Sookie is soon back doing what she does best.

DEAD IN THE FAMILY is Charlaine Harris' 10th visit to Bon Temps, Louisiana. While not as action-packed like some of her earlier adventures, Sookie's world is always entertaining. Ms. Harris has a gift for creating amazing characters to interact with Sookie. Her blend of history with the paranormal is intriguingly eccentric, as are so many of the residents her world. DEAD IN THE FAMILY is a welcome addition to the Sookie Stackhouse series.