Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
Chapter 11
Written by Krystal

The next day at work, Sookie got some sympathy for the death of her cat and eventually called Sheriff Bud Dearborn. Bud’s first inclination was to assume Bill did it of course, but she explained that Bill was home when someone threw it on the porch. When Sookie explains that her cat was strangled and they buried her, Bud says they may come and dig it up to check if the case matches that of Dawn and Maudette. Annoyed, Sookie hung up the phone harder than really needed. Sam, who had been in the room doing paperwork, looked up and inquired. Sam explained that the town wasn’t used to murders and Bud was only doing what he thought was right. Sookie realizes that he’s right and apologizes and then makes her way back to work.

Back inside the bar, Arlene approached Sookie and asked her to watch the kids again. Sookie remembered the last time Arlene had asked, but agreed anyways, waiting for Arlene to ask about Bill, which she didn’t.

Memorable Quotes:

Bill: “Hmmm,” he said thoughtfully. “I’ll have to med my ways, Lisa. Thank you for pointing that out to me. When is Aunt Sookie’s birthday, do you know?” (Page 235)

Bubba: “Well, I’m sorry about that. I like cats,” the tall vampire said, and I clearly got the idea he didn’t mean he liked to stroke their fur. (Page 237)

Sookie: “You watched me undress last night, you… you… damn dog!” (Page 250)

Sam: “Yeah,” Sam said from the doorway, his voice sad. “I’m sorry, Sookie. But Bill doesn’t just have a virus, He’s really, really dead.” (Page 252)

Sam: “I didn’t see what was in front of me until I thought it might be taken away,” he said, his voice quiet. (Page 259)

Questions for discussion:

What do you think Bill is planning to do in New Orleans?

Were you surprised to learn what Sam was? Do you think his being a shapshifter has something to do with her inability to read his mind sometimes?

What do you think happened to Jason?

What is your favorite quote from this chapter?

Read and discuss more here.