Book 3 was better, I think, than the 2nd. It had more internal consistency. Or maybe I'm just getting into the world a little more. I liked the new characters and seeing Sookie developing, too. 
 Sookie has to rescue Bill when he runs away to be with an old love. While he's pretty much enthralled into his actions, Sookie doesn't take it well. That doesn't mean she's going to let him be tortured to death, however. Eric uses his connections to get Sookie smack dab in the middle of the situation. The story is a little anticlimactic, but a fun read.