THE COMPLETE SOOKIE STACKHOUSE STORIES features previously
published novellas, albeit compiled for the first time in
one book. Before each story, the author says in a few words
what the story is about, and gives indications as to where
it falls in the series and adds other tidbits of interest. A
few stories could stand alone or could introduce new readers
to the world of Sookie Stackhouse, while others are quite
informative even for long-time fans. It had been a while
since I had read anything from this brilliant series, and
while I fondly remembered Ms. Harris's wicked sense of
humor and biting wit, I had almost forgotten what a gifted
writer she is. I will not review every story, but rather
mention which ones appealed to me the most and why.
DRACULA NIGHT
This is my absolute favorite of the lot, and while it is
short, it packs a punch. Sookie has received an invitation
to the annual celebration of Dracula's birthday from
vampire Eric Northman, which will be held at Fangtasia,
Eric's nightclub. This is Eric as you've never seen him
before, as you never even thought you would see him, and it
is hysterical. Absolutely terrific!
ONE WORD ANSWER
This novella features glimpses of one of my favorite minor
characters, Bubba, who never fails to make me laugh. For the
neophyte, when Bubba was made a vampire, something went
wrong; he was the biggest 1950s rock and roll star, in fact,
he was royalty; you know, the singer with the snarl. This is
a riveting story, but the most fascinating bit here is that
it is a self-admitted "oops" moment from Charlaine Harris;
what could be better! And where's Waldo?
LUCKY
Sookie and witch Amelia Broadway investigate some oddities
going on with insurance agents, and it has seriously great
magic stuff.
GIFT WRAP
It's Christmas Eve and Sookie is alone and lonely; this is
a lovely and short Christmas story. And I did say this in
twenty words or less (wink, read it, and you'll laugh as
well!).
TWO BLONDES
This is Ms. Harris' personal favorite. Sookie and Pam,
Eric's second in command, go on a trip to visit casinos and
run a little errand for Eric. A simple little errand, yeah,
right.
SMALL-TOWN WEDDING
Sookie goes to the wedding of her friend Sam's brother,
posing as Sam's girlfriend. Sam Merlotte is Sookie's boss
and a real friend; I have always loved this character. We
get to know much more about Sam and his family, as well as
Sookie's abilities. This novella is by far the longest, and
it is excellent, it really adds to the mythology of the
series. It is a story about tolerance; I have always loved
the fact that Sookie is not a hypocrite, and this is a fine
demonstration of her integrity.
IF I HAD A HAMMER
It's home improvement Sookie-style, as she and Sam fix the
nursery for Tara's twins. I am not generally fond of ghost
stories, but this is a great one, and possibly the best
ghost story I have ever read.
Whether you have read one, none, or some of those stories,
it is a real treat to have them all in one place. It is
uncanny how smooth this compilation feels; the novellas
complement the series, and THE COMPLETE SOOKIE STACKHOUSE
STORIES does not feel like a money-grabbing opportunity, but
a gift to the fans, who will never get enough of Sookie, and
I hope it will tempt new readers as well. I'm delighted
that Charlaine Harris decided to publish this compilation.
For the first time together in one volume, the complete
short story collection starring Sookie Stackhouse—with a new
introduction from the #1 New York Times bestselling
author of the series, Charlaine Harris.
For the first time together in one volume, here is the
complete short story collection starring Louisiana’s
favorite telepathic waitress, Sookie Stackhouse—from #1
New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris.
New fans can fill in the gaps in their Sookie lore while old
friends can revisit some of their favorite moments and
characters. From investigating the murder of a local fairy
to learning that her cousin was a vampire, from remodeling
her best friend’s house to attending a wedding with her
shapeshifting boss, Sam, Sookie navigates the perils and
pitfalls of the paranormal world.
Belly up to the bar at Bon Temps’s favorite watering hole
and hear stories that will make you wish Sookie never left,
including...
“Fairy Dust”
“One Word Answer”
“Dracula Night”
“Lucky”
“Gift Wrap”
“Two Blondes”
“If I Had a Hammer”
“Small-Town Wedding”
“Playing Possum”
“In the Blue Hereafter”
This definitive collection is the perfect binge read for
people who like their stories with bite!