A fantastic new anthology of tales told in the Sookie Stackhouse universe, to unite all fans of paranormal romance everywhere!
Charlaine Harris' smash-hit Sookie Stackhouse series may have reached its conclusion, but the world of Bon Temps, Louisiana, lives on in this all-new collection of 15 stories. Written by a killer line up of authors, including New York Times bestseller Seanan McGuire New York Times bestseller MaryJanice Davidson An introduction by Charlaine Harris herself!
DEAD BUT NOT FORGOTTEN puts your favourite characters, written by some of your favourite authors, centre stage.
I loved the Sookie Stackhouse series, so when I heard about this anthology I was definitely interested in checking it out...
"Nobody’s Business” by Rachel Caine (featuring Kevin Pryor & Kenya Jones)
Interesting story about Kevin and Kenya--cops who are partners, and have a bit of a thing going. Well, not initially because there are several obstacles in their way. But this gives us a glimpse into their connection, work ethic, and we get to visit a different vampire club.
It's full of action, has a police chase, creepy vampires, an even creepier human, is well written and very entertaining.
Rachel Caine sure knows how to write a story!
“Tyger, Tyger” by Christopher Golden (featuring Quinn)
Quinn the weretiger was one of my favourite characters in this series. I enjoyed reading about his time with Sookie and felt sad when they broke up. But the reason was his family, and this story once again shows how much his mother and sister mean to him. Not to mention his girlfriend and son.
When Quinn gets the runaround from the nursing home his mother is staying in, he decides to drop in. And what he finds leads to his imprisonment and making the hardest decision of his life.
I loved this story! The humans and their despicable ambitions bring the beast out of Quinn. Great story.
“The Real Santa Claus” by Leigh Perry (featuring Diantha)
I loved this story! Not just because I always liked and was curious about Diantha and her uncle, Mr. Cataliades, but also because we catch a glimpse of Sookie & Sam several years after the series is over.
Also, it's a fun Christmas tale that's full of mischief and mystery. Perfect for this time of year.
“Taproot” by Jeffrey J. Mariotte (featuring Andy Bellefleur)
Now this was a story I wasn't sure I would enjoy. Andy Bellefleur isn't the most exciting character in the Sookieverse, and I'd never read anything from this author. But... I loved it!
This actually takes part shortly after Lafayette is murdered and dumped in Andy's car. Some reality TV show people take over Merlotte's, but Sam can't remember signing a contract.
As it turns out, the one girl who broke Andy's heart back on high school is one of the crew, and she might be back to hurt him a little bit more...
“Knit a Sweater Out of Sky” by Seanan McGuire (featuring Amelia)
Well, this turned out to be a fun but dangerous witchy tale!
It all starts in Amelia and Bob's apartment. Amelia is testing her ability by growing a cherry tree, and the results lead to pie. LOL. But when she goes to the river with the intention of summoning a breeze, something much worse happens because Bob and her aren't the only witches testing the weather.
I really enjoyed this story. I always liked Amelia.
“Love Story” by Jeanne C. Stein (featuring Adele Hale Stackhouse)
A quick glimpse into what happened between Adele and Fintan. Was written in diary format and didn't really bring anything new to the table. Well written, though.
“The Million-Dollar Hunt” by Jonathan Maberry (featuring Mustapha Khan)
I struggled with this one. I love the way the story is told, but just couldn't get into it.
“Borderline Dead” by Nicole Peeler (featuring Desiree Dumas)
Well written, sassy and fun. Though I barely remember this character from the series. LOL.
“Extreme Makeover Vamp Edition” by Leigh Evans (featuring Bev & Todd)
I skimmed most of this one. Just wasn't feelin' these characters, or their underwhelming tale.
“Don’t Be Cruel” by Bill Crider (featuring Bubba)
I honestly thought I would like this story because I've always liked Bubba, but I found it hard to get into. In the end, it lagged and went far too long.
Though it was good to see Bubba have a good time, I wish I could say I enjoyed it. :(
“What a Dream I Had” by Nancy Holder (featuring Alcide Herveaux)
Alcide has always been one of my favourite characters, so I was excited about this story.
It focused on his first love, which is when his girl trouble began. It was prom night and he's hoping to have a nice night with his date during an after party for two. But what they find inside the trailer changes their lives forever.
This turned out to be a weird little tale of woe. Poor Alcide. :(
“Another Dead Fairy” by Miranda James (featuring Claude & Claudine Crane)
This was an excellent story! A lovely surprise, since the fairy twins usually annoyed me, LOL.
Claude is performing at Hooligans when his cousin Seamus dies. It doesn't take long for Claude and Claudine to realise that Seamus was murdered on the couch in the male dressing room--and probably while doing the deed. ;)
What follows is an intriguing murder mystery as they try to figure out which female stripper us responsible.
I loved it! Very well written, paced very well, and had a just conclusion. This is how a tight and tidy short story is written.
“The Bat-Signal” by Suzanne McLeod (featuring Luna)
Interesting story featuring Luna the batshifter, Hunter and Remy.
“The Sun, The Moon, and The Stars” by Dana Cameron (featuring Pam Ravenscroft)
This was a good one! Enjoyed the glimpse into Pam's past, and how it blended with her present.
“Widower’s Walk” by MaryJanice Davidson (featuring Eric Northman
This melancholy tale was too slow for me. It featured Eric 201 years after the series is over. So there's no Sookie or Sam, just their descendants. This was just okay for me.
The Dead But Not Forgotten anthology is a nice blend of short stories guaranteed to satisfy any Sookieverse fan. I enjoyed some stories more than others, but overall it's a great book. Every author featured in this anthology did a great job at keeping the atmosphere, mood and characterisation familiar.
It's a great addition to your Sookie Stackhouse collection. :)
Dead But Not Forgotten, November 2014, ISBN 9781473208155, Gollancz
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