The Laughing Corpse—Shadows of the Voodoo Realm With a Side of Betrayal

This book review is long overdue, mostly because I've been binge-reading this series since I started it and I couldn't be bothered to put my thoughts into words. But now I took a break and I'm trying to catch up with all the reviews I should have been writing. Just so you know upfront, I'm enjoying this series a lot, but with each book, Anita's world gets darker and darker.

Despription from the back cover

Harold Gaynor offers Anita Blake a million dollars to raise a 300-year-old zombie. Knowing it means a human sacrifice will be necessary, Anita turns him down. But when dead bodies start turning up, she realizes that someone else has raised Harold's zombie--and that the zombie is a killer. Anita pits her power against the zombie and the voodoo priestess who controls it.

In The Laughing Corpse Anita will learn that there are some secrets better left buried-and some people better off dead...

My Review

Brace yourself for a book that takes you away from the boring and into a world of voodoo, deceit, and the terrifying threat of being controlled. “The Laughing Corpse” is the second book in the Anita Blake series. It follows Anita Blake, who has two roles: an animator and a paranormal consultant for the police. She helps solve homicides with supernatural elements.

Get ready for a narrative that explores the darkest corners of urban fantasy. It pushes the boundaries of the genre in unexpected ways, even for seasoned readers. This series has a dark noir atmosphere and a unique flair with satirical nuances.

While “Guilty Pleasures,” the first book in the series, saw Anita tangling with vampires, “The Laughing Corpse” thrusts her into the eerie realm of zombies. Hamilton knows how to build an incredible world. While adding her own spin, the author includes all the classic horror stuff, like vampires and zombies, and gives them specific rules. Zombies still crave living flesh, but Hamilton adds depth to them, going beyond the usual mindless image we have of them.

Amidst the dark backdrop of her story, Anita faces an encounter with a formidable voodoo priestess, a character who sends shivers down the spine of those in her presence. Even the feeling of safety, snug in bed, can’t protect one from the horrors lurking in the shadows. Death, it seems, can still creep through the cracks, uninvited.

"The Laughing Corpse" is a wild ride with twists and betrayals. Anita's friendships are tested and completely reshaped. Friends are put in a tough spot, thinking about doing things they never thought they would.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that while “The Laughing Corpse” features a resolute and empowered female protagonist who confronts dangerous situations head-on, the book isn’t for the faint of heart. Its graphic violence, explicit sexual content, and unapologetically dark themes might not resonate with all readers. This isn't a lighthearted urban fantasy, just so you know. If you’re ready for a journey into the shadowy realms of the supernatural, this book might just be your next gripping read.