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    Death's Excellent Vacation
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    Death's Excellent Vacation
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    Death's Excellent Vacation
    Audiobook12 hours

    Death's Excellent Vacation

    Written by Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner

    Narrated by Christopher Lane and Amanda Ronconi

    3.5/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    It really can be an endless summer - if you're immortal. Though a vampire would be ill-advised to take a cruise to Bermuda, the possibilities for getting away from it all - and maybe snacking on some unsuspecting tourist - are many…
    Sookie Stackhouse and her vampire friend Pam take a weekend getaway to Mississippi in #1 New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris's "Two Blondes." And when they end up in a shady gentleman's club, to escape in one piece they need to do something that wasn't on their itinerary - something involving a stage, a pole, and very little clothing.
    New York Times bestselling author Katie MacAlister's "The Perils of Effrijim" follows a demon whose vacation in Paris is disrupted when he's banished to another plane, thus kicking off a crazy dimension-hopping road trip across Europe.
    Protecting an heiress from supernatural hit men isn't Cat and Bones's idea of a relaxing vacation in New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost's "One for the Money," but it could get worse. And it does - when Cat's mother shows up.
    Editors Harris and Kelner bring together a stellar collection of tour guides who offer vacations frightening, funny, and touching - for the fanged, the furry, the demonic, and the grotesque.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    Release dateAug 3, 2010
    ISBN9781441862549
    Unavailable
    Death's Excellent Vacation
    Author

    Charlaine Harris

    Charlaine Harris is a New York Times bestselling author who has been writing for over thirty years. She was born and raised in the Mississippi River Delta area. She has written four series, and two stand-alone novels, in addition to numerous short stories, novellas, and graphic novels (cowritten with Christopher Golden). Her Sookie Stackhouse books have appeared in twenty-five different languages and on many bestseller lists. They’re also the basis of the HBO series True Blood. Harris now lives in Texas, and when she is not writing her own books, she reads omnivorously. Her house is full of rescue dogs.

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    Reviews for Death's Excellent Vacation

    3.5/5

    253 ratings29 reviews

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    • 2/5
      This books isn't 1/2 as engaging as the other Paranormal compilations by the same editors/authors. In fact it was rather boring.... I say this because instead of reading it in one day/night, it took me over a week to finish.

      It wasn't as awful as the "Honeymoon" collection, but it sure wasn't as good as "Many Bloody Returns", or "Blood Lite". I'm sad........

      Not even the Aisling Grey or the Sookie Stackhouse measured up.
    • 4/5
      Anthology of paranormal characters taking a "vacation." In the book we have a short story with Sookie Stackhouse and Pam where their running an errand for Eric. There's also another vampire who runs an amusement park. A gargoyle who walks around as a human. A demon who prefers a dog's form to a humans. Werewolves are featured in a couple, featured as both the good and the bad guys. One story briefly touches on the loch ness monster. While another features that are reminiscent of the creature from the black lagoon. Good book overall, although some of the stories just left me flat.
    • 3/5
      I only read the Sookie story...it was OK, but I didn't expect much since the last book wasn't great.
    • 3/5
      I am not a big fan of the whole "vampire" genre, so I got this book just to read a few stories by some authors that I like and respect.

      I read Chris Grabenstein's story and was very happy with it, and it didn't have a vampire in sight! There is a hard-hitting moral to his story and I'll admit I didn't see it coming.

      I read two or three others and although they were okay, I wouldn't go as far as to say I would look for them again. I'm not mentioning names because I don't want to diss an author because I didn't like the subject matter, and I knew I probably wouldn't when I read the book.

      Those who love the supernatural should love this - and I say more power to you!
    • 4/5
      Excellent anthology with some really nice stories, like Charlaine Harris' Two blondes or the funny story The Innsmouth Nook by A. Lee Martinez. Good for a relaxing read during the holidays.
    • 3/5
      Some really good stories in here.
    • 4/5
      Mostly enjoyable collection of paranormal/occult short stories revolving around the theme of going on a trip or being on vacation. Great mix of styles and authors, and run the gamut in explicitness. There were a couple that were too over the top for me personally, although the writing quality in itself was excellent throughout the entirety. A really good choice for folks who are curious about this strain of fantasy/paranormal romance/occult and want to test a variety of authors and sub-genres.
    • 4/5
      I've been meaning to try more urban fantasy and thought this would be a way to get exposed to more authors. As with any anthology, a couple of the stories were just not for me, but I was amazed by how much I enjoyed most of these. Overall, a strong anthology with mostly really good stories and a couple that were excellent.
    • 3/5
      I would have rated this higher, but I only liked one or two of the stories in the compilation other than the Sookie Stackhouse story, which I did enjoy.
    • 2/5
      This is a collection of short stories. I really just wanted to read Charlaine Harris's, but I read a few of the others as well. I was hoping I would like some of the authors enough to want to read other books by them, that wound up not being the case. I was upset that I didn't care for Jeaniene Frost's story, because I had looked forward to reading her Night Huntress series. I hope they're better than that bit I read. *Sigh*
    • 4/5
      I only read a few of the stories. But the ones I did read where good. I wouldn't go out and buy this since I didn't even read half of it, but getting it from the library was a good call!!
    • 4/5
      Even the supernaturally endowed don't have an easy time taking vacations. I particularly enjoyed Katie MacAlister's The Perils of Effrijm. Many of the stories (perhaps all?) are vignettes from the lives of familiar characters - some of which I simply may not have encountered before. And it's not a bad place to meet them if you're new.
    • 3/5
      This is an entertaining anthology full of vampires, werewolves, demons, Newfoundland dogs, leprechauns, pirates, seers, gargoyles, magic, and romance. Too much romance, actually. Can't we have a good paranormal fantasy without creatures getting all mushy about each other? The gargoyle was great, the demon abstinence teacher was a grabber, I never knew Newfoundlands were big in the paranormal world. All and all, a pleasant diversion and a good introduction to some new (to me) authors: Lilith Saintcrow, Katie MacAlister and Sharan Newman in particular.
    • 4/5
      Two Blondes by Charlaine Harris -4/5: Fun story with Sookie and my favorite character Pam. As soon as I knew Pam was going to be in story, knew I would like it. One character that is awesome in both the books and the TV show. "Somehow, I got the feeling you really didn't think enough of humans to want to claim one as a friend." (Sookie)"You're not as intolerable as most," Pam said LightlyThe Boys Go Fishing by Sarah Smith - 3/5: This one didn't do it for me. Found myself confused with what was going on. Good writer, really can set a mood, but the story was so so"Robin grew up, came out, moved to San Fransico, he's in politics now. The Bat retreated into "scientific experiments."One for the Money by Jeaniene Frost -5/5 Frickin awesome as usual. Outstanding, especially for a short story. I adore Cat and Bones. Loved the scenes between Bones and Cat's Mom. "Of course, Bones always looked good enough to eat. Whoever said don't play with your food sure hadn't been a vampire."Meanwhile, Far Across the Caspian Sea... by Daniel Stashower -5/5 I absolutely loved this story and was extremely disappointed when it ended, because I just wanted to know more. Must go find out more about this author. This one grabbed your attention from the first line and never let go. This story alone is worth the price of the book"he radiated a sense of wary befuddlement, as though someone kept hiding his stapler."The Innsmouth Nook by A Lee Martinez - 4/5 Delightful story, reminded me a little of some of Stephen King's short fiction (the good stuff). Awesome beginning and nice light dry humor. Loved the two main mail characters and the dialogue between the two."It was just a tentacle, reaching out from the great unknown, from that horrible place where credit card bills, junk mail and despair were spawned." "They've made some terrific advances in gaydar, dude."Safe and Sound by Jeff Abbott - 3.5/5: Good story, drags a little and some of story doesn't make sense, but still enjoyed it. Great characters and author great at setting mood"Someone went shopping at the unsolicited opinion store"Seeing is Believing by L A Banks - 3/5: Not bad, was sorta of irritated with the manner of speaking of some of the characters and was a little confused at times on who was being discussed. Author has incredible talent with setting a scene and the mood of the setting. Loved the characters though"Boy, I used to change your diapers, so don't sass me." The Perils of Effrijim by Katie MacAlister - 3.5/5: Loved this authors writing and her wit, but found myself lost in the world she was creating. I think I would have given this a higher rating if I had read one of her novels first. Natasha agrees with me on this point. Must say I really enjoyed her dialogue though and will be checking out some of her other works. Loved the part about My Humps -- funny stuff!"It's just not a good idea for me to take on girl form. 'Cause if I did, all I'd do is jump up and down and watch by boobs bounce."Thin Walls by Christopher Golden - 3/5: Old fashioned horror sort of story. Author quite exceptional at setting mood of story quite quickly. Very sexual. "Honey, trust me, I'll make you forget your own name."The Heart is Always Right by Lilith Saintcrow -4/5: Interesting and quite different. Never read a story about gargoyles before. Main character is quite sweet and the story was just really enjoyable. "And the shell shocked look in her swollen red-rimmed eyes was enough to make me feel as if I'd stepped on a fluffy helpless kitten."The Demon in the Dunes by Chris Grabenstein -4/5: Good old fashioned nostalgic "horror" story, really enjoyed it and the ending was unexpected. Again another author who really knows how to set the mood and landscape for his story."The critics always label my impossibly busty Amazon in her tight, revealing costume as "nothing more than an adolescent sexual fantasy."Home from America by Sharan Newman - 2/5: Just couldn't get into this one and really didn't like the ending. Also didn't like the main character, which probably really affected my enjoyment of the story."What the hell..?" he said, reading the titles of the seminars. "How to keep your pot of gold in trying times." "Invisibility, the best defense." "Which end of the rainbow." "To jig or not to jig, fighting the stereotypes."Pirate Dave's Haunted Amusement Park by Toni L P Kelner - 4/5: Delightful and fun. Excellent dialogue. Looking forward to reading some of the authors' other works. "After all the diets I'd endured and the exercise regimens I'd abandoned, it had taken being turned into a werewolf to give me the figure I'd always wanted."4/5 Dewey's - Worth the price, just for the Jeaniene Frost and Daniel Stashower stories! I received this from Penguin in return for an honest review
    • 4/5
      Summer's not over yet! There's still time for vacation...or if you can't get away, you could read about Death's Excellent Vacation. Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner have teamed up to edit this great collection of short stories - all with a twist. They all feature paranormals on vacation or the flip side - paranormals intruding on mortal's vacation time.The first story up was a brand new Sookie tale from Harris. I've become a huge True Blood fan this year and picture the HBO characters as I read. Sookie and Pam from Fangtasia are headed off to Vegas for a little R&R... as far as Sookie knows. Not quite...I have to say that I really enjoyed Kelner's tale - Pirate Dave's Haunted Amusement Park - which closed the book. She is an author that I hadn't read before, but I quite enjoyed her style - funny and definitely quirky. Joyce, a newly turned werewolf decides to take a vacation at her childhood haunt - Pirate Dave's. Her newly acquired skills come in handy...I'm familiar with a lot of names in the book, such as Jeff Abbott - I've really enjoyed his suspense/thriller novels. It was fun to see his take on the paranormal bent. Loved his characterization of a televison reporter out to get her story at any cost.All kinds of paranormals were featured - leprachauns, werewolves, vampires, demons - I found the story about the gargoyle with a heart was a neat twist. This is a genre I'm just starting to explore and this was a great 'sampler' book - a chance to read authors in the same vein (couldn't resist) - Katie MacAlister, Jeaniene Frost, Lilith Saintcrow and others. Each writer has their own take on their 'paranormal'. For example, vamps in one story may have powers that they don't in another writer's world.I love short story collections - there's just enough time on a quick break to read one from start to finish
    • 3/5
      I just don't care for anthologies that much, I need more time with the characters. The stories familiar to me I enjoyed, Charlaine Harris, jeannie Frost, Katie MacAlister.. but the others... not so much.
    • 3/5
      Only read the Charlaine Harris story and the Jeaniene Frost story.
    • 3/5
      Two Blondes - a Sooke Stackhouse story. I felt like I would've enjoyed it more if I had read the Sooke Stackhouse books. But it did not make me want to run out and order Sooke Stackhouse books.The Demon In the Dunes - oh 1975 I remember it well. Smoking lodges at the High School - you don't see that any more
    • 3/5
      As you might guess from the title, this anthology is very, very light vacation reading for fans of the supernatural. Bring it when you're planning on sitting on the beach with a short attention span.
      As it lets you know, right smack on the cover, there's a Sookie Stackhouse story for the True Blood fans. Of the others, I thought that Daniel Stashower's "Meanwhile, Far Across the Caspian Sea..." and A. Lee Martinez' "The Innsmouth Nook" were the real standouts. Both are humorous writing - which I often find falls flat. But these are really funny - the first is set in a publishing house, and as you might guess from the title, the second sends up Lovecraft.
      Nothing else in the book really impressed me enough to make me want to go find more work by the authors.
    • 3/5
      A selection of short stories based around a holiday with a supernatural or paranormal elements.Charlaine Harris has a Sookie Stackhouse story with her and Pam going on a road trip, entertaining.The Boys go Fishing by Sarah Smith, old superhero and a missing boy, it really didn't engage, I found it forgettable.One for the Money by Jeaniene Frost - spoilt teen is being guarded by Bones and Kat.Meanwhile far across the Caspian Sea by Daniel Stashower - somewhat interesting story about an immortal who takes a different holiday.The Innsmouth Nook by A. Lee Martinez is a story of a guesthouse renovated by two men (only one of whom is gay) who find a niche market for their business.Safe and Sound by Jeff Abott - a TV reporter who investigates mysteries finds more than she expected when the missing man is found. She gets her just deserts.Seeing is Believing by L A Banks is a story of magic going awry and dealing with it. I liked it.The Perils of Effrijim by Katie MacAlister features an interesting use of the Humps song. Jim is banished at the beginning of his holidays and instead of resting or enjoying his holidays he has to find a way out of the problem.Thin Walls by Christopher Golden is a story of assumptions and I'm not sure about it.The Heart is always right by Lilith Saintcrow is a story of a Gargoyle finding someone who has a future in his society whether he likes it or not.The Demon in the Dunes by Chris Grabenstein is an interesting story about a reminiscence of the past and the end shatters your assumptions, old-fashioned horror.Home from America by Sharan Newman, Irish American goes to Ireland and discovers that his family's past is more complicated than he thought.Pirate Dave's Haunted Amusement Park features a werewolf on a holiday who discovers that not all is as it appears, that visiting the past may help her make decisions to the future.Not a bad set of stories, just nothing very standout.
    • 5/5
      Jeanine Frost - One for the Money
      5 Stars - because anything with Bones in it gets 5 stars from me:-) This was a short but interesting story with just enough interaction between Cat & Bones to make me love it!

      This is also a major reason I love my Nook. I read this story for free at B&N. You get to read for free for an hour a day. Perfect for those anthologies that only have 1 story you're interested in.
    • 3/5
      Like most short story collections, this was a mix of good and not so good. Still, an enjoyable romp and so fast to read that one doesn't really have time to lose interest.
    • 4/5
      While I'm not a fan of short stories, these are pretty good. Most of these were interesting enough that I will look up some of the authors to read their full length books.
    • 4/5
      A fun anthology that you can whip through. There is a Sookie Stackhouse story, and stories by A. Lee Martinez, Kathie MacAlister, and many others. Some were really cute and clever, really most were worth picking up the book. I will say that The Demon in the Dunes just pissed me off though, stupid morality story. Ugh. The rest were lots of fun!
    • 2/5
      As my husband says, "it was bookended with terrible stories."

      We listed to this collection on audio while doing a couple short road trips. As I noted in my while-reading comments, I had expected something rather different from the collection - stories about Death, rather than just stories about paranormal stuff. But okay - that kind of story could be good too. The problem was, I hated two of the first three stories in the collection, and almost didn't keep going past them. (If the other book we'd picked for the trip hadn't been so boring, we never would have.)

      But then, looking at how other readers have reviewed these stories, I realize the collection is a real litmus test of reader preferences. The stories I hated were the only stories other readers liked. The stories I liked most didn't seem to grab very many other folks.

      Much of my prejudice comes to bear against stories that are obviously shorts written about characters who feature in lengthy series. The authors never actually lost me (as an uninitiated reader), but because I didn't already know and love the characters, I found the stories very shallow and largely pointless. This is true for Harris' "Two Blondes" andmFrost's "One for the Money" (as far as I could tell, nothing but the author's love letter to her own Mary Sue protagonist... complete with utterly gratuitous sex scene).

      The exception was MacAlister's "The Perils of Eferjim" which, though still obviously based on a better-developed world, was entertaining enough to get a pass. (I think the audio narrator actually gets most of the credit for this...)

      "Thin Walls" was a story I didn't enjoy at all, mostly because it felt like nothing more than some dude's wet dream... or like the author thought to himself "I wonder how I could get away telling a story all about sex?" Not even nice sex. Ew. (Dustin says he won't disagree with me, but that he thinks it was well written and a solid story.)

      "Pirate Dave's Haunted Amusement Park" was okay until the criminal's motivation was revealed. At that point I lost any respect the author had gained when she did the were-chihuahua trick. Ah well.

      Stories I really enjoyed:

      Stashower's "Meanwhile, Far Across the Caspian Sea..." was fabulous. Funny and clever and refreshingly original as far as the supernatural element went, this was the story that convinced me to keep going with the collection. In the end, it was my favorite of the whole bunch.

      Saintcrow's "The Heart is Always Right" : another very unique supernatural take with a delightful protagonist, entertaining narrative voice, and very satisfying (if slightly predictable) conclusion. Was a strong contender for favorite.

      Newman's "Home From America" started off with a kind of conveniently self-delusional protagonist, whose self-delusions got to be rather annoying after it became abundantly clear to the reader what was going on, but then boom! The story turned around and provided the most surprising ending I've seen on a short story in awhile.

      Grabenstein's "Demon in the Dunes" had a clever, satisfying conclusion.

      Most of the other stories were decent, but not individually remarkable. Actually, I take that back. Banks' "Seeing is Believing" is remarkable because I have NO recollection of reading it. Dustin says he remembers it and it wasn't "that great." Even after he told me about it, the only part I remembered was the gay brother. Heh.

      Dustin adds that "Safe and Sound" was really entertaining because it was such an obvious attack on the likes of Nancy Grace. :)

      So. As you please - I enjoy short story collections exactly because there always seems to be something better around the corner when you find something you don't like, and what one dislikes another may love. It works out well in the end.
    • 3/5
      Like the “Apple for the Creature” Anthology I did before, I’ll go through and talk about each story individually, then rate the collection as whole at the end.Two Blondes by Charlaine HarrisI’ll admit, I do not like the Sookie Stackhouse novels, but I really liked this short set in the Sookie world. Sookie and Pam head to the state border for some river-boat gambling, but end up in the middle of a vampire plot. In order to get free, Sookie must do something she never thought possible. I don’t want to spoil it, but this story was just fun, fun, fun.The Boys Go Fishing by Sarah SmithI have mixed feelings about this one. While I really liked the idea behind it, and themes of the story, I felt that the Ranma 1/2 (a popular Japanese anime by Rumiko Takahashi) fan-service detracted from the message. In fact, I would venture to guess this story started out as Ranma 1/2 fan-fiction and was repurposed for this collection. I would have enjoyed the story more without the anime references.One for the Money by Jeaniene FrostThis story is from Jeaniene Frost’s ongoing book series, although you don’t have to know the characters to enjoy this story it does help to have a passing familiarity with them. While it drags a bit in the middle, but the ending is fun and satisfying.Meanwhile, Far Across the Caspian Sea by Daniel StashowerHonestly, I didn’t like this story. Not much happened, and the twist ending, when it did finally come, didn’t really grab me much at all.The Innsmouth Nook by A. Lee MartinezEven people who have never heard of HP Lovecraft will enjoy this humorous little tale. I laughed out loud several times during the course of this story, and the twist ending had me doubled over laughing.Safe and Sound by Jeff AbbottA bit long, I had a hard time enjoying the story because of the unlike ability of the main character. However, I did enjoy the twist ending.Seeing is Believing by L.A. BanksA strong female psychic heads off the big city to stop a werewolf menace – whats not to like? The ending felt a bit rushed, but other than that I highly recommend.The Perils of Eferjim by Katie MacAlisterI’ve never read any of the Aisling Grey series, and I didn’t really understand the conversation that happens at the beginning, but luckily the thread of the story is easy to pick up. This story ended up being a bit too silly for me, which is really saying something.Thin Walls by Christopher GoldenI hope you are over 16, because this story is very R-rated. Loved the twist.The Heart is Always Right by Lilith SaintcrowThis is one of the most original stories I’ve read in a while. It is very heart-wrenching, tense, and moving.The Demon in the Dunes by Chris GrabensteinThis one captured the spirit of youth. I have to admit I did not see the twist ending coming.Home from America by Sharan NewmanI was really enjoying this tale about Patrick’s first journey to his ancestral home of Ireland, until I got to the end and realized several of my most pressing questions remained unanswered. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this little treat.Pirate Dave’s Haunted Amusement Park by Toni L.P. KelnerOk, I have to admit this story is the whole reason I bought this collection. I enjoyed Kelner’s sequel story, found in An Apple for the Creature so much that I wanted to read more about these characters. I was not disappointed. I love’d the scene in the workroom with the cage. I loved the whole story. I think these two deserve a whole novel.Overall:Every story in this collection either hit it out of the park or whiffed very badly. There didn’t seem to be any in-between. Looking back at my reviews, the liked vs didn’t like is about half and half, so overall I give this collection three stars.
    • 3/5
      Hit and miss, and short story collections often are.

      The Sookie Stackhouse "Two Blondes" was actually pretty entertaining. I was a bit taken aback by Sookie's willingness to pole dance, but her character has been getting more...relaxed lately so I guess it sort of worked.

      The Boys Go Fishing--not really my thing. Too "woe is me" after a while. The premise was good (ancient superhero who is the only one of his friends left), but it fell flat at the end.

      One for the Money by Frost had an annoying teenager. Difficult to get past the teen, but underlying character interaction was good. It could be worth picking up a full length novel in the series.

      Far Across the Caspian Sea by Stashower had a nice little twist. I'd like to know where these people disappear to when they leave!

      The Innsmouth Nook by Martinez was absolutely just fun. Not much meat in it--a true short story, stands on its own, and I can't think of any longer followup that could be done in a full novel. Very nicely done.

      Safe and Sound by Abbott...meh. Could see the end coming from a mile away, and the reporter was just too stereotypical.

      Seeing is Believing by Banks wasn't bad. I can't see pursuing further books with the characters, but ok.

      The Perils of Eferjim by Katie MacAlister--a bit too campy for me. Now, I like camp, so maybe I just wasn't in the mood. Or maybe I needed to have a background with the characters to really enjoy it.

      Thin Walls by Christopher Golden--super creepy and kinda icky.

      The Heart is Always Right by Saintcrow--again, this one was a bit too transparent. It almost worked as a prequel, though. Sort of like we were supposed to know a story that happened after this, and the author is going back to introduce how these people met.

      The Demon in the Dunes by Chris Grabenstein--not my thing.

      Home from America by Newman--again, not my thing. One of those frustrating stories that if one of the other characters had just taken the time to EXPLAIN to the main character what was happening...Bah! Also, there were a lot of unnecessary bits--the woman he keeps running into (why twice if she's not going to play a bigger part?), the space taken up in the back seat of the car (never explained), etc.

      Pirate Dave’s Haunted Amusement Park was totally fun. Just fun.



    • 1/5
      I love short stories, especially when it is a collection of short stories from my favorite genre, Urban Fantasy. However, with the exception of the Jeaniene Frost story, this was the sorriest collection of short stories I have ever encountered. The stories were either extremely boring, or in the case of the Sookie Stackhouse story, exceptionally dumb. I don’t mean to sound harsh, but I was very disappointed with this collection.Do not buy this book. If you really want to read it, get a copy from the library. You’ll thank me later.
    • 4/5
      I only read the two stories I bought this book for; Jeaniene Frost's "One for the Money" and Charlaine Harris'"Two Blondes". As with everything Jeaniene writes, the Cat and Bones story was fan-frakkin-tastic. So good to get a little taste of them. Hopefully it'll hold me over until Night Huntress book 5 comes out next year. The Sookie story was pretty good. I love Pam so it would nice to see her get the spotlight for a change. Even though it was a short, I liked it better than I liked the last full length novel "Dead in the Family".