I really just like Charlaine's stories. Her characters are normal people with weird quirks and everyday hobbies and concerns - but then a little extra. She writes romance in an almost flat, realistic way that completely avoids the stereotypical paranormal "YOU ARE MY SOUL MATE FOR THIS LIFE AND THE NEXT" or even the romance novel "hmmm, I like you... no wait, I love you, babies!". It's refreshing. Then, her mysteries are the sorts of things you are unsurprised to read about in small southern towns. Plus, small southern towns! I guess... maybe, they're just stories . The characters have a bit going on to keep things interesting, but otherwise, when you read a Charlaine Harris novel, you are reading a fun mystery story. Nothing more, nothing less. Safe. Satisfying.