Book Summary:

Felicia has had a rough few years at her new school. So it was delightful news to hear that she would be reunited with her sister, Lizbeth Rose, if only for a time. Unfortunately, the Wizard's Ball is going to throw a bit of a wrench into their plans.

You'd think traveling to a different country would help Felicia get ahead of her reputation as a budding death wizard...but you'd be wrong. The risk of kidnappings (or worse) will surely continue wherever she travels.

My Review:

Oh no. All the Dead Shall Weep is not a book that lived up to my expectations. I love (loved?) the Gunnie Rose series. But this fifth installment just wasn't it. In truth, I took months (MONTHS!) to write this review because I just didn't want it to be true.

The biggest problem is that All the Dead Shall Weep felt rushed. Multiple conflicts occur between the main characters (Lizbeth/Felicia, Lizbeth/Eli, etc), but none feel thought out. They also didn't seem in keeping with the characters, I hate to say it. There's also a new character that is potentially problematic, but I'll let experts speak more on that one.

That said, I am happy that All the Dead Shall Weep moved the plot along. It may have done so more rapidly (in places) than I would have liked, but it got the job done. Now, I just have to decide whether to continue. (Sometimes, we all need breaks from beloved series, right?).

Highlights:
Urban Fantasy
Alternate History Fantasy
Western Fantasy

A full five stars for being a comfort read. Am I biased? Probably. Is it weird that this western, outlaw, magical series has become a comfort (or easy break) read for me? Maybe. But if you appreciate the way Charlaine Harris develops her characters, and makes the readers love them, then perhaps you get what I mean.

This is book five of the ‘Gunnie Rose’ series. You could start here, but I wouldn’t, especially because the first book is solid and sets the tone for the rest to come.

Just like when I read the Sookie series 20 years ago (gosh am I getting old!!); I’ve become attached to these books and even if the premise is silly, the plot a bit jolting (yes I will concur it was a bit odd the way things just suddenly ‘happened’ in this one), or the story seemingly unplanned, I’ll keep on coming back. Because Harris gives us love, hope, crushing loss, and violent encounters; what more can you ask for? ;)

Besides the next book is going to feature (I hope and assume) a debutante’s ball for grigori (wizards). Thus I have to assume it will be wonderfully pretty and (because you can’t have a Lizbeth or Felicia story without it) a bloody mess. :)

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

I loved this newest installment in the Gunnie Rose series. Especially after seeing Felicia grow in the last book, I loved seeing the two sisters together in a way that felt much more even than when they first met. They play off each other so well and I loved how they both pushed and supported each other when they needed to. I thought the conflict of this story was interesting, and opens this series up for a whole lot more. I loved the additional mentions of the Wizards Ball and that storyline, but I appreciated that that was not the only thing that was advanced in this book. It did a really nice job of combining multiple storylines and moving them along in interesting ways, leaving me wanting the next book immediately. I am really enjoying this series and can't wait to see where it goes next.

When I got to the point of Felicia and Lizbeth taking care of the camp and the soldiers, the title made sense. This book was sad in that Eli left with confusions and broke Lizbeth's heart but also cool in that Felica and Lizbeth could take on all comers be they suitors or attackers. I liked that part, especially seeing all the magic users from different countries. Made me excited to see what the Wizard Ball would be. Sadly we don't get that. This book kind of seemed to me like a midway between big events. So, I hope the next one comes out soon so I can find out what happens next. I really hope Lizbeth is not pushed out of the series by her sister becaus eshe is just as cool with her guns and smarts.

So, final thoughts. I sped through this book as it had nonstop action but the ending was abrupt and left me with questions. Besides being a little jarred out of the story by the real history bit over in Europe. That being said, I do want more Gunnie Rose and her sister.

Another great installment in the Gunnie Rose series. I've enjoyed all 5 of them! If you're in the mood for something different, this would definitely fit the bill! It's an alternate history that takes place out west in the 1930's. I really liked that this book had sisters Lizbeth and Felicia together and gave us their perspective in alternating chapters. There's lots of action that will keep you reading! I also listened to the audio and feel that Eva Kaminsky, the narrator, is perfect for this series.

I can't wait to see what happens next!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 5 September 2023.

All the Gunnie Rose books are great, and this is no exception. I actually liked this a lot more than the previous book (The Serpent in Heaven). I think this one was better constructed, and I enjoyed every minute of reading it. Great plot and I wondered what was going to happen next throughout the entire book. I recommend the whole series, and this book in particular!

Another excellent installment in the series! Can't wait for the next book when they actually attend the Wizards Ball.

Lots of things are happening at home and when Lizbeth and Felicia are left at home while Eli and Peter run off, things get even stranger. Thankfully, the sisters have each other to trust while waiting to see when/if the boys make it home.
Opinion
I honestly think that Charlaine Harris could write instruction manuals and I would be mesmerized. I absolutely love her style of writing and her invention of paranormal abilities. This series, though second in line of favorites from her, is absolutely awesome. This book, in particular, kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going on. There were so many different elements of mystery that once I knew the solution to one, I still had more to worry about. I cannot wait for the next in the series to see what happens with the Ball.
Many thanks to Net Galley and to Gallery Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I never think I am going to finish these but then I end up flying through them. All the dead shall weep has a much more western vibe than the serpent in heaven. I think I liked this one more than the 4th book overall. We get more on Elsbeth then we did in the serpent in heaven. But I am not mad at it. The world building is amazing which I have come to expect from Charlaine Harris. I also liked more of the characters in this one than in the serpent in heaven. I thought I was only able to really root for Felicia in the 4th book but I was rooting for the whole town in this one.
I would recommend this book and the rest of the series to a friend.

There's something that feels rushed about this one, but being back with Lizbeth Rose is always a fun time.
Lizbeth is excited to welcome her half-sister Felicia and Eli's brother Peter to stay with them in Texoma. She's happy to see her sister growing up and doing well, but she's also happy to have some distraction from the unexplained distance that's growing between her and Eli. When danger visits the town and Eli and Peter disappear, it's up to Lizbeth and Felicia to find them and figure out what's going on.
It's a very complex plot for how quickly it flew by, or maybe it feels like it flew by because so much is going on. It feels more like a tome laying the groundwork for a bigger story than an actual full story despite the fact that it does have a beginning, middle, and end. There's also a tragedy that I'm kind of mad at and didn't feel necessary, so here's hoping that the next book is coming soon and gives a solid reason for it.

Happy thanks to NetGalley, Gallery / Saga Press for the exciting read!

I'll admit to not having read this entire series. I began with my review of book #4, The Serpent in Heaven. This series is an alternate history Western where the United States has been broken into pieces after a second civil war and the west coast has come under the control of Russian royalty. I'll admit that the actual history of that time period (WWI) is fuzzy for me.

To be honest, this series didn't grab me and I don't plan to read any more. I admire Charlaine Harris for her body of work, and her writing is technically solid and well-crafted. Her characters are unique and believable. This book in particular is an Old Western mystery novel with some interpersonal relationship drama tucked inside.

It's a good book. Something about it just hasn't taken the extra step of grabbing me enough that I'd want to go back and read the entire story over the rest of the books sitting in my queue. Unfortunately, the older I get, the larger that queue becomes and the higher the standards for a book or series getting pulled to the front of it.

If alternate history, Westerns, or homicidal family members are your bag, though, you wouldn't be wrong to pick this one up.

The latest installment of the Gunnie Rose series puts the relationship between Lizbeth and her sister, Felicia, to the forefront. Let me first establish the fact that I am a fan of the series. It's dystopic western feel is unique and something that I don't see a lot of currently. After the last book, The Russian Cage, I was excited to get back to Lizbeth. While the book does shift focus to her, it is shared with Felicia. The book provided plenty of bonding between the two characters; however, I missed Eli and Lizbeth's relationship dynamic. Harris's plot decisions had me confused at times. Some of the characters act out of character. The resolutions also feel like throwaways. I don't know if she's setting up for some big changes and this was a transition novel of sorts, or if the series is moving into a completely different direction.

Overall, I did enjoy the book. It's a fast read and there is plenty of action. I wouldn't say it's my favorite in the series, and at times it was very frustrating to read. I do recommend that those reading the series pick it up. If this is a transition novel, I feel some of the elements may be important for the next book. For those who haven't read the series, definitely pick up book one.

Charlaine Harris has created a fascinating alternate history for the "United States" in her Gunnie Rose series, one where the formerly united states have collapsed into 5 separate countries. It's set in the 1930s, following the fictional assassination of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. After his death, the U.S. fell into chaos and ultimately was broken into pieces, and other nations took chunks of land for themselves, Canada along the northern border, Mexico along the southern, not to mention Russia on the West Coast and Great Britain on the east. This unique setting is part of what makes the series so interesting. Witches and wizards and their magic don't hurt either.
I've really been enjoying these books, and I was so pleased to get the opportunity to read this fifth book in the series. Where the first three books center on Lizbeth "Gunnie" Rose, #4 focused on Felicia, Lizbeth's recently discovered half sister. In this, Book 5, Lizbeth and Felicia are reunited when Felicia comes to stay with Lizbeth at her home in Texoma.
Gunnie Rose is neither witch nor wizard - although she may have a touch of magical abilities - she's already a talented gunfighter at the age of 19 when the series starts. In this newest book she's a newlywed who's struggling a bit in her marriage to her beloved Eli, whom she fears is bored with their life in Texoma, far from his privileged life in San Diego as a grigori prince. Almost immediately after Felicia arrives, with Eli's brother Peter accompanying her, Eli is called back to San Diego and Lizbeth assumes the worst, that he's happy and anxious to leave Texoma and their life behind and return to his life of privilege. But she doesn't have a lot of time to dwell on her marital concerns, she and Felicia find themselves in the midst of fending off Felicia's hopeful suitors (who hope to take advantage of both her family connections and her abilities as a witch). Mayhem ensues.
If you've never read this series, it's one I highly recommend reading in order - there are definite connections from book to book. I'd somehow missed the release of Book 4 until I saw that Book 5 was being release, and was glad I chose to read Book 4 first. This isn't necessarily the strongest book in the series, much of it felt like a setup for the events to come in book #6. But I still enjoyed it and can't wait for what comes next.
Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

Lizbeth Rose and Eli have left San Diego and are now living in Texoma near her mother and stepfather. Lizabeth has recently lost a baby and is grieving. She is also concerned that Eli may be regretting their marriage. In San Diego, Eli had been a powerful and respected grigori in aid of the Holy Russian Emperor but here in Texoma, he uses his powers for mundane work like digging ditches and moving water. Although he never complains, she can’t help worrying that he feels unsatisfied in this new life. She is also concerned that he doesn’t show any grief for the loss of their baby.

Now her sister, Felicia, and Eli’s brother, Peter, also a grigori, have come for a visit as well as to get out of San Diego where Felicia’s burgeoning death magic had led to kidnapping and assassination attempts. Lizbeth wonders if, after the excitement and extravagance of San Diego, the pair will be able to settle into the hard scrabble life of Texoma.

When a militia kidnaps Eli and Peter, Lizbeth and Felicity must work together to rescue them. After the rescue, Eli and Peter leave for San Diego and Lizbeth wonders if her worst fears about their marriage have come true. However, she has little time to fret. The Wizard’s Ball in San Diego is fast approaching. It is where powerful grigorii families make connections and Felicia's death magic makes her a highly sought after asset. Soon, suitors start arriving at their home in hopes of winning her hand before the ball and when these lead to kidnapping, the sisters are kept very busy.

All the Dead Shall Weep is the fifth book in Charlaine Harris’ Gunnie Rose alternate history series and what a wild ride it is. I have been following this series since the beginning and have loved
every exciting action filled minute of it. The story is told in alternate voices by Lizbeth and Felicia. A lot of questions remain unanswered at the end leaving hints at a future instalment of the series and I am so here for it. I should note that this wouldn’t work well as a stand-alone because there are so many moving parts to the story. But if you are a fan of alternate history combining the old west of the US and the opulence of pre-revolution Russia with magic, mayhem and badass female protagonists, you really need this series in your life.

I received an arc of this book from Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review

All the dead should weep was another excellent book by Charlaine Harris. I love all the books I’ve read by her and this one didn’t disappoint. I’ll be telling my friends about this series. Thank you for giving me the opportunity netgalley

I really don't think Charlaine Harris can write a book that is less than excellent. This is the 5th book in Gunnie Rose series that started with AN EASY DEATH in 2018. I've read them all and I recommend that you do the same. As in the Sookie Stackhouse series, you can read each as a stand alone but you'd miss the drama and not have all of the back story which only makes the books better. Charlaine Harris' writing pulls you into the story, everything outside the book disappears and woe to anyone trying to get my attention. The backstory includes the fact that the United States has survived a civil war by breaking into 5 independent countries.....an alternative history with HUGE twists.

The sisters Karkarova, Lisbeth and Felicia, are reunited in Texoma where Lisbeth and her husband, Eli live and work. Felicia and her maybe boyfriend.....and Eli's brother.....are on summer break from the Rasputin School of Magic. There are many story threads running throughout the book, plus many clues dropped to what could be happening in the next book, Winter Ball, anyone? The characters are well plotted and reveal many layers as the story progresses and the Texoma community is attacked and must agressively defend itself. My only complaint, I now have to wait another year for the next book. 5 easy stars from this Harris fan.

This is another incredible book in the Gunnie Rose series. The action never stops! I loved the sister relationship between Lizbeth and Felicia. The anticipation of the Wizard’s Ball has me looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own

Another terrific installment in the excellent Gunnie Rose series! This one is a bit shorter and feels like a preamble to the next truly big adventure, but meanwhile, we still get to spend time with these terrific characters, which is always a treat.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

This book was a nice continuation of the story of Lizbeth and Felicia. Now that their lives have collided and become intertwined, I'm interested to see them pair up more often. We definitely need a book about what happens at the Wizard's Ball. I'm not sure how I felt about the switching back and forth of narrators. It got a little confusing at times. But overall it was enjoyable.