I read the first of Charlaine Harris' Lily Bard books a few days ago. I have roared through #1 - #3. I can't really say what makes them so compulsive for me. I've enjoyed all of Harris' series, so it's no surprise I'd like this one, too. Lily is smart, contained, careful, and dangerous. She just wants to make a living and not be noticed, but life can get entangling.