Until now. The weres and shifters have finally decided to reveal their existence to the ordinary world. At first all goes well. Then the mutilated body of a were-panther is found near the bar where Sookie works??a??and she feels compelled to discover who, human or otherwise, did it.

But there??'s a far greater danger threatening Bon Temps. A race of unhuman beings??a??older, more powerful, and more secretive than vampires or werewolves??a??is preparing for war. And Sookie finds herself an all-too human pawn in their battle.