Let's make this birthday one to remember.

73 years old (Born on November 25, 1951)

Happy Birthday, Charlaine! May your special day be filled with more surprises than a vampire at a garlic festival and fewer mysteries than Aurora Teagarden's book club meetings. Your stories have kept us delightfully awake at night—partly from suspense, partly checking under the bed for vampires.

From Bon Temps to Shakespeare, Arkansas, you've given readers unforgettable adventures and characters we adore (and occasionally fear). Here's hoping this year brings you as much joy as Sookie Stackhouse has suitors—and may your celebrations sparkle brighter than fairy blood in Fangtasia. Cheers to another chapter of thrilling plots and endless laughter!