I actually tried reading the Sookie Stackhouse novels a good 3-4 years ago on a friend's recommendation, and I remember liking them enough, but didn't get any further than the second book, I don't think. The premise was pretty neat, but the characters didn't really grab me enough to want to continue. Sookie was okay, but I didn't ZOMG LOVE HER, and, well, yeah, as she's the main character and the narrator...

There was a short story by Charlaine Harris that took place in the same universe that I'd like to read again. About a ballroom dancer and her vampire partner. The villain was a bit too stereotypically evil/crazy for my tastes, but other than that, it was a quick, fun read.