Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

A Paranormal, 2001 by Ace Books, 292 Pages

What I Didn’t Like:

First instinct: the author seems obsessed with traditional beauty standards. It died down a bit as the book went on, which is a good thing, but it’s definitely there.
I didn’t love Sam. This led to problems later when it became clear we were supposed to like/trust him and he was not a character we were getting rid of anytime soon. I can’t even put my finger on why I don’t like him, but it was a bit of a problem.
The Bubba thing was funny but funny in an OMG I can’t believe they tried to do that sort of way. Felt like a parlor trick.

The audiobook narrator is PERFECT. As always this won’t affect my rating but it’s worth mentioning.
Love the concept this starts with. Mind reader, a society where vampires are accepted, illegal blood draining OF vampires. Yes! I’m invested right away.
The romance line worked. It was interesting and believable.
The mystery was solid. I didn’t have it all figured out and it was satisfying when we learned the truth.

Readers who enjoy a good paranormal story but want something a bit unique. The mind reader in this one twisted up with vampires who are accepted in society gave this one a good angle.