DEAD IN THE FAMILY by Charlaine Harris

If you think your family relationships are complicated, think again: you haven't seen anything like the ones in Bon Temps, Louisiana. Sookie Stackhouse is dealing with a whole host of family problems, ranging from her own kin (a non-human fairy and a telepathic second cousin) demanding a place in her life, to her lover Eric's vampire sire, an ancient being who arrives with Eric's 'brother' in tow at a most inopportune moment. And Sookie's tracking down a distant relation of her ailing neighbour (and ex), Vampire Bill Compton.

In addition to the multitude of family issues complicating her life, the werewolf pack of Shreveport has asked Sookie for a special favour and since Sookie is an obliging young woman, she agrees. But this favour for the wolves has dire results for Sookie, who is still recovering from the trauma of her abduction during the Fairy War.

This is the latest Sookie Stackhouse book, and it's filled with the usual awesomeness that I've come to expect from this series. :)

The title is absolulety perfect, because Sookie faces a lot of family issues in this book. And surprisingly, Jason doesn't add to her problems. He actually comes across a lot more mature than he usually does. He's in a stable relationship with a respectable woman, and even manages to help Sookie when she needs him the most.

However, dealing with Claude moving in with her (fae cousin) isn't as easy. Not when she's still getting over the wounds that a faerie attack had on her. Spending time with five-year-old Hunter (another cousin--Hadley's son) and trying to help him deal with the same problem she suffered while growing up is a challenge. Being able to read people's minds isn't an easy thing for an adult, and it can be downright impossible for a child. Still, she's determined to keep his ability a secret from everyone and help as much as she can.

Oh, and let's not forget how hard things get when Eric's maker storms into town with his other 'son', ready to wreak havoc in Bon Temps and Sookie's life. Tara's expecting her first child, and receives great news about it from an unlikely source. And the Long Tooth pack is going through some turmoil that requires Sookie's help. She also goes out of her way to find Bill's 'sister' to help him heal from the silver poisoning that's taking too long to heal.

Dead in the Family is an interesting and exciting addition to the Sookie Stackhouse series. It seems like poor Sookie is destined to suffer one ordeal after another, while trying to help as much as she can. But like always, I loved it. I always enjoy spending time inside her head, with her friends, and insane family situations.

I absolutely love the cover, too. Isn't it cool to have the stars of the TV show, True Blood, on the cover of a Sookie Stackhouse novel? Yes, it most definitely is. :)

Dead in the Family: Sookie #10, June 2010, ISBN 978-057-508933-4, Gollancz Paperback