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Charlaine Harris’ “Dead In The Family” First Chapter Up

dead-in-the-family-coverMany fans have been anxiously been waiting for Charlaine Harris to put up the first chapter of her 10th Sookie Stackhouse novel, “Dead in the Family” on her website for several weeks now.  Well, just in time for the holiday season Ms. Harris is giving all of her fans a little holiday treat by releasing a sneak peek look at the first chapter of Book 10, “Dead in the Family” set to be released in May 2010.  Many fans of Ms. Harris are surely going to savour every word presented in the first chapter as they wait with anticipation for the book’s release.

To read the first chapter of “Dead in the Family” click here.

SOURCE: CharlaineHarris.com

(Photo credit: CharlaineHarris.com)

103 comments
jaxx

Good possibility. You just don’t know what AB is going to do or where he’s going to take us. I wouldn’t doubt this scenario for one minute. Should be a fun season.

maria

I enjoy reading EVERYONE’S point of view on the subject that bonds us on this site.

We are soooo addicted!

    Loleaf

    So True maria… This site allows us to express our views without hostility about our difference of opinions!!! That’s why this is the only site that I come to.. we all get along so well and respect each others views!! Keep up the good work to the administrators, and I’m sure that I can speak for everyone here when I say that you guys are doing an excellent job!!!

      Ollie Chong aka AdoreBill

      Thank you Loleaf! I know how you feel. I have visited other forums in the past and found it heart-breaking to hear the rude comments being made about the actors or to the other posters. It just sucks all the fun out. You want to go somewhere where you can talk about the show without having other sucking the fun out of it for you. That is why I try my best to make sure that everyone feels or at least know that even though we may all have different opinions that it is ok. As long as we can have fun with the different ideas presented and it leads us to having fun and saying “wow I never thought of that or you know that is an interesting point”. Just like what Maria introduced with her speculation. I find it very interesting and intriguing to me and yes it would be a very interesting storyline indeed. I’m glad to hear people having fun. It is the best to endure the long wait. 🙂

        jaxx

        I agree. Ollie you do a fantastic job here. I think, for the most part, we all do get along fairly well. We all have our different opinions and the heated moments that go along with that, but then it blows over and everything and everyone is ok. That’s the passion this show conjures up. The key word is respect of others and their opinions. That’s what makes this site so great.

        So bring on all the theories and let’s see where we go from there. 🙂

    Antonio

    Isnt it great that this show,the website and the passion and devotion the fans show for it can bring us all together like this? Just Awesome!!

Maryann

Personally I love Eric and my sympathies goes to him ,in books and tv show likewise. Eric is one of the biggest selling points of the Tv series (for me ) which I saw before I read the books and I was instantly hooked on both. I see no reason why the two couldn’t coexist ,they compliment each other ,or give and alternated ending to the story that we all enjoy in one form or another. Please don’t make it into HP like crusade. On a completely unrelated subject, I was slightly disappointed when I read the books ,and found out that Godric wasn’t Erics maker but some ancient vampire, paedophile. I wonder if the reason why he killed himself in the show was the same as it was in the book ? It is mighty difficult to think badly of someone that sexy. (and I suppose the same goes with Eric , he is just too sexy for his own good ) oooh and what about Eric and his admittance to have been “experimenting ” with his own maker. God I hope for some steamy gay action. If sookie is supposed to end up with sam isn’t it too much too ask ,for the rest of the sexy vampires to make out a little?

    maria

    Eric and Sookie DO complement each other in many ways…At least in the books that is…Though, I’m hoping to see much more of that on the show. Sookie is a strong character and she needs a strong man…I mean, vamp by her side and Eric is that strong, dominant type.

    As for the man on man scene(s), I think we might see some of that with Bill and Sam, due to the blood bond. Oh yeah, and what about Eric and LaFayette? If that does happen…I will be very suprised, but wait…It is True Blood and so far, it’s getting more steamier than ever.

RM

Okay, here is my question, how many of you have actually read the books? The TV show can do whatever it wants but the show has completely distorted the real story and the characters in the books. Please remember THE BOOKS CAME FIRST!!!!!!!!!!! Talking about Eric tricking her into marriage, when he does it in the book it is for her protection, however Bill is only there to sell Sookie out to the Queen and when Eric finally makes him tell the truth it makes her see what was really going on. Before you decide who is better for her or on the characters of this series, you should read the books.

    Katra

    Yes, fine, the books came first, but YOU have to remember that this is a TRUE BLOOD the TV SHOW site, NOT a book site! Alan has the rights to do WHATEVER he wants with the books, just like any other show or movie that is based on a story. He has NOTHING in his contract that requires him to follow the books to the letter.

    In saying that, I also have to say that I have not and WILL NOT read the books, as I’m enjoying the show FAR too much to get distracted from what has introduced tons of fans to CH’s books…

    Keep the show and the books separate! Discriminating against a character that has NOT betrayed Sookie in the show because of whatever happened in the books causes rivalry and negativity to flare up on the site, which means all the fans lose out on what should be a fun, positive atmosphere to chat. 🙂

      jaxx

      Um, isn’t this particular posting about Chapter 1 of Book 10???? I think we have a right to talk about the books, at least here, since this is what the topic is about ????

        Isis Nocturne

        Yes, but the comment that started the thread Katra replied to is NOT about Ch.1 of the book. I think Katra’s on the right page in this particular circumstance.

          jaxx

          When any part of the books are brought up, all of them should be open game. This is a continuing story with storylines related to all books in this series. If you don’t want the books brought up on the TB show site, then I wouldn’t make them a topic for discussion in the future.

      maria

      Hmmm…Keeping the books and TV series separate…I think that would be difficult to do since the show is based on the novel, though differently portrayed in many ways. I think it’s better to have BOTH insights because it gives the fan(s) a better and deeper perspective of the characters since Bill and Eric are portrayed differently, yet both want Sookie, tasted her/bloodbond, and will do what it takes to have her.

      So, whether you’ve watched the shows or read the books, you’re gonna be drawn to Eric, Bill, or even Sam. I, just happen to find Eric’s character more vibrant than the other two. Anyway, if I were to just watch the shows and not read the books, I would want Sookie to be with Bill because he is the goodie, goodie type and Eric is the big BAD wolf.

      Also, at the end of Season 2, Eric mentioned that Bill tricked Sookie into drinking his blood when they first met, though she did need after being badly beaten up by the Rattrays. Isn’t that a form of betrayal??

        jaxx

        Nicely stated Maria. The show is based on the books and if you’ve read the books, there is a strong loyalty towards them even though we know they are each their own entity. I do struggle with that.

        As far as betrayal goes, I think if you’re a vamp, you do whatever it takes to get what you want. I think both Eric and Bill have shown they will do whatever it takes to get what they want with Sookie. She has a gift that everyone knows about and wants, all the way up to the Queen and probably others we don’t know about yet. Bill did save Sookie’s life, without the blood, she would have died. Eric did also try to protect Sookie by having her take his blood so he can find her if she’s in trouble and protect her one way or the other. If it comes across as selfish and manipulative, so be it, but in the end, it really is for the protection of Sookie and her gift, imo.

        Loleaf

        I agree maria!! One thing that has always bothered be about Bill saving Sookie and feeding her his blood… How do we know that Bill wasn’t late on purpose(sense when are vampires late for anything I might ask), lying in wait letting the Ratrays have there time with her. Then swooping in and saving her at the last minute, knowing she would need his blood to heal. Hence forming the bond with her!! After all he didn’t tell her that his blood would make her have sexual dreams of him!!! He told her all the other consequences of the blood, but strangely leaving out that part. Leaving us to wonder why!!

          Ollie Chong aka AdoreBill

          LOL! They speculating is going to drive you crazy. Just enjoy the story and don’t be bias by the books. Right now no one knows what is going to happen because the writers are still writing the storylines so sit back relax and see what happens. For me Bill and Sookie are solid. 🙂

          Loleaf

          Ollie, I was speculating from the series ( not being partial to the books). AB had Eric say to Bill how convenient it was for him to give Sookie his blood the first time he met her for a reason!! Even if it is Sookie & Bill/ Sookie & Eric, I’m sure we will all continue to be addicted to this great show, with or without the books to be it’s brainchild!!

          Ollie Chong aka AdoreBill

          LOL! So true we will be addicted regardless. However, here is an interesting point HOW did Eric know about Bill giving Sookie blood the SECOND night he met her NOT the first night. 🙂 Hmmm interesting. What is going on with Eric too. 🙂

          Loleaf

          Touche Ollie!!! LOL!! Hmmm that would be an interesting point wouldn’t it.. Looks like they both might have an ulterior motive huh!! What we do know is that Bill does loves her I agree with you there, and that Eric my be on that route. Like the queen told Eric that Sookie is not entirely human and that he’s probably in love with her too. Her lineage might be somewhat of a reason that all these supernatural men flock to her like they do.. just a thought!!

          Ollie Chong aka AdoreBill

          So true Loleaf and before she was 25 she didn’t have any luck with men. So where were all these supernatural men before then? 🙂 She could have been having some fun much sooner . 😉

          Loleaf

          So true Ollie!! IDK maybe since she hadn’t had luck with human men she closed her mind off to dating all together. Also, Gran was there to keep an eye on her!!! I wouldn’t mess with her!! Would you…LOL

          Ollie Chong aka AdoreBill

          LOL! True Gran wouldn’t accept just anyone for Sookie. 🙂

          maria

          Here’s a crazy thought…I think the Queen told Eric that Bill gave Sookie blood and I get a sense that the Queen gave Eric and Bill edicts to WOO Sookie without the other one knowing it. The Queen knows about Sookie’s hidden talent/heritage and wants her for her own purpose, Thanks to Hadley.

          I just love knowing that all the Supes are attracted to Sookie and from what I hear, it drives the vamps CRAZY.

          Ollie Chong aka AdoreBill

          Oh very interesting speculation Maria that is very possible! LOL! Alan is going to be driving us crazy for the next few seasons (crossing fingers) because if any of these scenarios are to play out most likely we won’t see it in season 3. 🙂

          jaxx

          Loleaf, I thought of that too. Bill is never late unless detained or on purpose. For him to be late, there was something up. I’ve wondered that myself many times as I watch that scene. He knew the time, he was late, why??? Was it orchestrated that way or was he detained in another way by something or someone??? It doesn’t add up for me. Still have the theory in the back of my head that the Rattrays were someone working or connected with the Queen, selling blood for her either directly or indirectly. And Bill fits in there somehow, either knowingly or unknowingly. Hope that question in answered, for me anyway, this season.

          Loleaf

          jaxx, I SOO agree!! Alan doesn’t write anything without an ulterior motive involved.. I’m sure all of our questions will be answered soon, but not soon enough!!! BOO HOO!! I think I may have opened a can of worms with my speculation of Bill.. LOL!! But, to be fair Ollie brought to my attention how could Eric have known about Bill giving Sookie his blood to begin with, since it was just the two of them there. See Ollie I’m fair… LOL!!

          jaxx

          Loleaf, boy we are certainly two kindred spirits tonight!!! LOL. After I posted about the Rattrays and Bill, I also thought about Eric saying that to Bill. You and Ollie are both right!! How did Eric know that Bill gave Sookie blood??? Was he there too watching the scene play out??? Flying above?? Hiding somewhere near?? Did the Queen send Eric to check out the situation with the Rattrays and Bill and Sookie??? Did QSA not trust Bill with a specific assignment given to him? (just speculation, don’t bite me. LOL) Was Eric checking up on all of them?? After all, he is sheriff of that area. Hmmm…and the speculation mounts…..

          Loleaf

          jaxx, you know what they say about great minds!…………

          They go crazy together!!!!! LOL!! BRING ON OUR TRUE BLOOD!! ?

        Antonio

        I’d like to chime in here. It’s difficult sometimes to separate almost ANY book from a film or television program interpretation!
        Case in point, In the recent New Moon film, There is a part at the end of the film which did NOT happen in the book! In the film(sorry a spoiler for anyone interested in seeing it) Edward tells Bella that he will “turn” her into what he is on 1 condition..that she marry him! This was NOT in the novel!
        In the New Moon book, at the end,Edward and Jacob Black are fighting over Bella,Jacob even “wolfs-out” to try and get the upper hand! She can only watch in horror as the two fight over her…Then Bella’s dad yells into the woods at her…She is grounded and forbidden to see Edward again! He’s angry!
        She snuck out of the house! It ends with her going back to face her dad’s anger and Edward walks her part of the way.
        Edward did Not propose to her until the middle part of book 3!
        SO you see, It can be quite difficult sometimes to keep a book separate from a film/tv interpretation!
        There may Always be things left out or changed!
        Alan Ball is a creative genius I think He has kept us entertained So far! I have Not read any of the books…I’d like to someday but For now I trust AB and the writers to help me define what the stories mean for me.

        That doesnt mean that i would not want to hear about some of the major goings on in this next book,though LOL 🙂
        TB ALL The Way!!

    maria

    I’ve read the books and watched the TV series numerous times…So far, I prefer the storyline of the books MORE than the series. I just hate it when the show over exaggerates the storyline…Mary Ann for instance, was way overdone with it’s orgies.

    Yet, True Blood is TREAT to the book series since it brings the characters to life…Eric and Sookie! In my opinion, Eric’s character is much more appealing in the books and he makes me laugh…Bill just seems way too SERIOUS and boring.

      Antonio

      I agree with you about the whole Maryann thing..It Was overdone!
      You are entitled to your opinion of course. I do not find Bill to be too serious or boring. I find him to be troubled and lonely and perhaps a bit desperate to hold on to whats left of his humanity a struggle to be sure! I find it to be fascinating! This is just MHO! 🙂

    Ollie Chong aka AdoreBill

    Yes I read ALL the books and my opinions remain the same as I mentioned here earlier. LOL I don’t think too highly of trickery whether in real-life or in fiction. 🙂 To Katra thank you for your insight and you took the words right out of my mouth. 🙂

Carolina

i start reading the books when i saw the series i just fall in love with all of them but with all my heart i wish Eric going to be the one she deserve be happy and i think he is the one even with that ego but she knows hot to handle him

DP

I’ve been waiting for Sookie to admit Eric is The Man. He’s been the one there for her over and over again, helping her financially and protecting her without anything in return. Yet he’s there for her again and again. I liked Bill, but I don’t like what he did to Sookie, and I don’t think she or any woman could ever trust him after he left her and violated her. Regardless of the circumstances, Sookie is too smart and too strong a woman to go back to Bill. Eric is the man everyone wants her to be with!

    Ollie Chong aka AdoreBill

    No not EVERYONE wants Sookie to be with Eric. Many wish her and Bill to remain together forever. I can name many people who feel this way too. Just it present my point of view I feel Eric “violated” Sookie in more ways then one and personally more horribly then what Bill did. Just one example that stands out in my mind is being tricked into a “marriage”. The theme of someone falling in love with someone after they meet them when originally they had alternative motives has been been played out in many pieces of literature and movies for decades that ended favourably for the couple in question. Then again it doesn’t matter to me what Charlaine does in the books as I love True Blood and the books left me and many others disappointed and let down after book 2. 🙂

      Loleaf

      Ollie, I agree that Eric “somewhat” tricked Sookie into “marriage”, BUT I also believe that he done it to protect her from the new vampire regime. They were aware of her gift, so Eric and Pam knew that that was the only way to keep them from taking her back to Vegas with them. He has already told her he wouldn’t force her into anything she didn’t want. So, that was the only way that he could think of to keep her from not being taken away from her home. Neither he nor Bill could’ve stopped them from taking her away if he hadn’t done that. But that is JMO!!

        jaxx

        Yes, Loleaf, I agree. If Eric did not marry her, The King of Nevada would have just taken her for his own use. Eric and Pam knew this and Eric married her on the sly to protect Sookie, otherwise she would have been in great danger. And, Eric loves her on top of it and Sookie admitted in the first chapter of book 10, that she loves him as well. They just need to work all this out between them, which seems will be a long road in CH’s world. The test will be when the blood bond is broken and their true feelings are revealed. Can’t wait. 🙂

          Ollie Chong aka AdoreBill

          LOL! The same logic can be used for why Bill did what he had to do because he loved her and had to protect her (Lorena was his master he could not refuse her and she would have killed Sookie). The Queen had control over him, he loved Sookie and was afraid of losing her if she knew why he was sent there originally. HOWEVER, once there he fell in love with her. A VERY common theme in various movies. Eric tricking Sookie in many ways and controlling her life to me is not love but ownership.

          Though based on what Charlaine Harris mentioned that she planned on killing off Bill but changed her mind and that she knew in the middle of book 2 who Sookie would end up with I have a strong belief it will be Sam. That is why I love True Blood because the thrill in the books died for me with book 3. She destroyed a beautiful story that was developed between these two characters in the first 2 books and tore it apart. So whoever Sookie ends up with in the books doesn’t matter to me. What matters to me is that Alan continues to present a thrilling and heartwarming story in True Blood. 🙂

      jaxx

      Ollie, I have to agree with you that I think CH may have Sookie end up with Sam at the end also. I have a feeling neither vamp is going to win out. And, CH has said herself in a number of interviews, “Who said Sookie will end up with a vampire?”. So I am with you on that one. 🙂

      I guess we’ll just have to see what AB will do at the end of the TB series. Maybe he’ll fool us all too. Can’t wait to find out though.

        Loleaf

        Ollie and Jaxx, my sentiment’s exactly! I agree that I don’t think that Sookie will end of with either vamps.. She will probably want kids and we know in “the True Blood/CH’s” world it’s not feasible, so she will need a warm blooded man for that..LOL..
        I just like the idea that Sookie is living her life a little before she decides on any one man..after all a girls got to have a little fun!!! LOL!!!
        GO TRUE BLOOD..BTW Where’s our countdown girl been!!! We need our countdown until our TB fix…

Lyn

She finally admitted she loves Eric! yay!! 😀

maria

Just read the first chapter of Dead in the Family online and now I’m more excited than ever! FINALLY…Sookie admits to loving Eric!…I’m so happy!!! I just hope it will last throughout the entire upcoming books! I would be very “DISAPPOINTED” if Eric and Sookie do not live happily ever after.

Come on May! Come on Season 3! This anticipation is just killing me! Guess I’m gonna have to re-read the books to keep my addiction going and watch some Eric and Sookie videos on youtube…LOL!

Bazinga!

I hope that Claude blames Sookie that he kills Eric and she goes back to Bill. Then Claude kills Bill, Guinn and everyone else until Sookie stabs him with something iron. Then Sookie is all alone like she needs to be.
Just kidding, don’t have a heart attack! I do hope that Sookie goes back to Bill, as I don’t like the “love connection” with Eric. I did like the connection when Eric was without memories. But that was it.
CH thanks for a great ride. It seems you really bring out the passion in your readers as evidence by all of the discussion boards that I have read. I am glad I am not the one writing the books as you will not make everyone happy and there are so many of us who has seen herself/himself as the Sookie character. Thanks again!

Laura

I can’t wait to read it! I am getting the sense, though, that I am the only one still pulling for Bill. I love Eric, and he is my favoite character in the whole series, but I think Niall was referring to Bill.

Does anyone know if CH has identified how many books will be in this series – which one will be the final one?

    Isis Nocturne

    Laura, so far as I know, there is a contract for Charlaine to do at least 12 books so far. Who knows if it’ll be extended beyond that.

    As for the rooting for Bill, you’re definitely not the only one. I do not condone what he did in the books, but I also don’t condone Sookie’s reaction to it. It’s immature to refuse to listen to an explanation offered. However, there are things in the books where I feel the same way about Eric and Sookie…

    But anyways, I too think Niall was referring to Bill.

      maria

      Nooooooooooo! Niall was referring to Eric!!!!!!! Please let it be Eric!

      Seriously though, I’m hoping it’s Eric!

      jaxx

      I think Miladyrts summed up the reason why it’s Eric that Niall was talking about perfectly. Re-read her January 4th post. I agree with her. Niall has known Eric for a very long time. There is a trust there. It seems like he either just met Bill or hasn’t known him long enough to form that opinion of him.

      It’s Eric.

      Christa

      NIAL WAS TALKING ABOUT ERIC!!!! My proof:
      Firstly, Nial knows Eric and trusted him to bring Sookie to meet him.
      Secondly, Nial left Sookie /w Eric. Nial let Eric take Sookie home at the end of the fary war.
      Also, CH said in an interview that Bill is going to be sick for the all of book 10. I do, however, want to know where Eric was when Sookie was being tortured by thing 1 and thin 2. He said he would explain that to Sookie and I can’t wait to find out where he was. It better be good or I’m switching to team Bill or Quinn. IDK if I condone Sookie getting back w/ Bill after what happened in Club Dead w/ the cheating and in the trunk of the car!

Laura

After all that happened in Dead & Gone, I too expected more from the first chapter of Dead in the Family. But I trust that Charlaine will come through again, as she has so far with the whole series of Sookie Stackhouse books. And, just the title of this new books lends me hope that Sookie and Eric might stay together and become a family.

sweetnurse

Miladyryts and to all you other wanna be critics

It is only the first chapter. Charlaine Harris is an incredible writer and this series has been amazing all the way through. I am sure she remembers how the last book ended and will deliver all that she has promised.

enza

i’m so excited to read the 10th or 11th book. just don’t kill eric. he is my favorite character in the books.

Miladyryts

I am glad that I am not alone in stating that I was very disapointed with the first chapter of Dead In The Family! So many people, myself included, are a bit angry at CH and wondering if this might be some sort of joke on the fans of her books! The last chapter of Book 9, Dead and Gone, Eric tells Sookie that he will explain why he could not get to her in time to rescue her from the bad fae twins. He was very upset about this, but did not have the time to go into it with her. Eric was also upset with Bill for some reason. Sookies great grandfather said that the vampire was a good man and that he loved her. Sookie wondered after he left, which vampire he was talking about!! Come on—-Her great grandfather trusted his great granddaughter with Eric. Went through Eric to set up the initial meeting with Sookie, has known Eric for a long time. And when Sookie said something about ending the bond, got in a major panic when her great grandfather asked if she wanted him to kill Eric! CH had promised that Sookie and Eric would settle into their relationship in Book 10. That made everyone feel good. All Sookie talked about, even though she said out loud that she loved Eric for the first time!! That she wanted to find out how to end the bond. That is not settleing in a relationship———–that is talking about ending it! Claude showing up and asking Sookie how his twin sister died was weird! He was fighting right along side his grandfather and his father Dillion. His grandfather was the one who told Sookie that Claudine had gone to Summerland (died). Didn’t he bother to tell his grandson about his sister? Didn’t his own father, Dillion tell him? No—he had to wait and go to ask Sookie how his sister died! As I said weird! I hope that there is a wonderful relationship waiting for Sookie and Eric, following that first chapter, if not CH ruined the series.

    Jamie

    I totally agree with Miladyryts, I was expecting much more after all that happened in book 9! I hope its worth the wait if not maybe CH should have stopped with book 9 , I hope im wrong!

    maria

    I think Mrs. Charlaine is trying to give us all a very slight heart attack in making us believe that Sookie, again, loves Eric (finally!) yet, is wondering about the whole blood bond thing.

    I hope this first chapter is just a slight teaser which will eventually climax to a beautiful Eric and Sookie relationship that we are all hoping, waiting, and praying for.

jamiielee

yayayayayayayay! i cant wait till may!!!

patty

I am unable to open the file to read the first chapter.
any suggestions. Thanks

TP

It’s nice that Sookie finally admits her feelings for Eric outloud. It’s about time. 🙂

lee

oh wow, i feel like that took me 5 minutes…I can’t wait until the book and season 3 come out. Thankfully before I start back at school in the fall! So happy to see Eric and Sookie make at least to the next book…Reading this chapter is such a tease but one worth reading..just sucks I/we have to wait 5 months until we know more…

Amy

I finished the first chapter and wow. I cant wait till May and then June for S3 of TB! What a treat!! The converation btwn Sookie and Claude brought tears to my eyes. Also being reminded of Claudines death and how much I loved her character ugh. After he left and Sookie broke down in tears my heart sank. I do wonder where he stands. Does he blame Sookie? Or does he love and care for her as his sister did. Also now I have a better understanding of Sookies blood bond with Eric and its effects. I hope they stay together and work things out.

Monica

yeeeeeeeeeees she finally say out loud I Love Him…OMG!!!7 books waiting for that……Sookie is really sad and not sure to want to live after all bad things in book 9 but in the end she finally realize how much she loves life again….
is a mature Sookie, is a womand now…i’m sure even if all the bad things in D&G had screw up her intimate moment with Eric in the end they will find a way together and she will heal also mentally not only physically….
Go on Sookie and Eric….

Amy

Thank you so much Ollie for posting this!!! This just made my morning 🙂

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