The Dirt on Ninth Grave by Darynda Jones

What happens when the Grim Reaper loses her memory?

If the Reaper is Charlotte “Charley” Davidson, then you find her waiting tables in a little diner in Sleepy Hollow, NY, and going by the name Janey Doerr.

Narrator Lorelei King does a superb job giving distinct voices to the numerous characters. King’s cadence and flare with vocals enhances this tantalizing tale. King’s spot on performance adds depth and dimension to Charley and the gang.

Charley wakes up in the alley behind the diner with no memory. The diner owner gives her a job and she begins trying to figure out who she is and why she can see dead people. Before long she gets to know a new waitress named Cookie and a number of regular customers who all seem to know more about her then she does herself. Charley finds herself especially drawn to the sexy, mysterious customer named Reyes, who is always around and soon becomes a short order cook at the diner.

When the family of a nearby shop owner is held hostage by thieves, Charley/Janey can’t help but get involved. With the help of a teenage ghost, Charley/Janey is determined to free the family even if it means she could get killed. On her quest to help others, Charley learns who she really is.

Author Darynda Jones continues to blend mystery, the paranormal, humor, romance and suspense with a story that will hold you captive. The characters are quirky and likable.

The story flows fast with twists, turns and a few surprises. The paranormal seems every day through the rich descriptions of the author.

THE DIRT ON NINTH GRAVE can be read/listened to on its own. However, for a deeper understanding of the characters and the plot, the series should be read/listened to in order.

With the trio of Jones, King and Davidson you will be laughing out loud one minute and on the edge of your seat in suspense the next.

The Dirt on Ninth Grave by Darynda Jones, Charley Davidson series (Book #9), Narrated by Lorelei King, Macmillan Audio, @2015, ISBN: 978-1427264046, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Run Time: 10 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope I've enticed you to check out the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. It's a fun series.

Eighth Grave After Dark by Darynda Jones

Tales involving the Grim Reaper can be scary, hilarious and unpredictable if New York Times Bestselling Author Darynda Jones is telling them.

Narrator Lorelei King does a masterful job bringing the Grim Reaper (aka Charlie Davidson) to life in EIGHTH GRAVE AFTER DARK, the eighth installment in the Charlie Davidson series by Jones. King gives very distinct voices to the assortment of characters. Her varied inflection and volume matches the tension and high jinx throughout the story. King’s pacing is perfect. She’ll have you believing there’s more than one narrator.

Fleeing from 12 hellhounds, Charlie and her close group of friends and family have relocated to an abandoned convent. There she’s awaiting the birth of her daughter who is prophesized to do battle with Satan (who is also her grandfather on her father’s side).

Charlie is unable to leave the consecrated grounds of the convent. If she does, she’ll endure the wrath of the hellhounds. Her confinement, however, doesn’t stop her from working cases or getting into trouble.

When her daughter is born, Charlie quickly realizes everything (and everyone) is not exactly as it seems. She’s faced with some of the toughest decisions she’s ever had to make. The Grim Reaper may be a mother now, but she’s still got to play hard ball with demons and other worldly creatures.

The author has a mesmerizing way of making Charlie’s paranormal world seem real. She has created characters that are likable and realistic with a few hidden talents.

The story moves at a quick pace and flows smoothly from beginning to end. The action is hard hitting and breathless, even as laughter is mingled throughout.

This is the eighth installment in the series and readers can listen/read it as a standalone. While new readers/listeners won’t be lost not having knowledge of prior installments, it is a much better story if the series is read/listened to in order. Fans of the series will enjoy that this installment ends preparing for Charlie’s next adventure.

Twelve hellhounds and Satan himself is no match for the Grim Reaper when she becomes a mom.

Author Darynda Jones’s website is HERE.

Eighth Grave After Dark by Darynda Jones, Charlie Davidson Series Book #8, Narrated by Lorelei King, Macmillan Audio, @2015, ISBN: 978-1427261069, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Run Time: 9 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you find EIGHTH GRAVE AFTER DARK as enjoyable as I did. This is a fun series I’ve enjoyed from the beginning. Do you have a series you enjoy that you just can’t wait for the next installment? Are you a fan of Charlie Davidson?

*This post contains affiliate links

Darynda Jones’ Seventh Grave and No Body

When some readers see the word paranormal, they automatically reject the book. That’s sad because they could be missing out on a fascinating story.

The Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones has a paranormal flare, but is an enthralling series that deals with much more than just the grim reaper and demonic creatures. It also deals with family issues, friendship, compassion, and loyalty.

Narrator Lorelei King does a superb job giving each of the characters their own unique voice. Her mannerisms add depth to the story as she changes from super silly to serious when needed. Her cadence draws you as she captures the essence of everyone from the sassy Charley to the typical teenager Amber. 

SEVENTH GRAVE AND NO BODY finds Charley, the grim reaper, dealing with a hand full of issues. She’s helping her detective uncle investigate a rash of suicides, her father has disappeared, a dead girl wants her to find her body and 12 hellhounds are out to killer her. She’s having to do all of this without caffeine due to her unexpected pregnancy with her sexy fiancé, Reyes, the son of Satan.

The author blends humor with the paranormal adding elements of realism to create a well-blended story. The characters are quirky and likable. With rich detailed descriptions, the author places the reader/listener in the supernatural world as quickly as she placed them in the New Mexico setting. 

The story is fast-pace and action driven. There are twists and turns that will have you holding your breath, along with the steamy dalliances between Charley and Reyes. There are laugh out loud moments, as well as times that will tug at your heart.

SEVENTH GRAVE AND NO BODY shouldn’t be read/listened to on its own. To completely understand Charley’s actions and all that is going on, the prior installments in the series need to be read/listened to in order.

Between the talented writing of Jones and the mesmerizing vocals of King, the world of Charley Davidson comes to life in such a way as to make you believe all things are possible and that the grim reaper is a sassy P.I. living in New Mexico who just wants to help people. Who knew the grim reaper could be so funny as to name not only her car, but her sofa, her shower, her brain, her head and a whole lot more.

Seventh Grave and No Body by Darynda Jones, Charley Davidson Series Book #7, Narrated by Lorelei King, Macmillan Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1427244376, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Run Time: 10 Hours and 30 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. Have you ever tried a genre you didn’t think you’d like, but found out it was one you really liked after all? Are you a Charley Davidson fan? If so, who is your favorite character in the series?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Sixth Grave on the Edge by Darynda Jones

If you’re looking for a story that will have you feeling a whole gambit of emotions, then SIXTH GRAVE ON THE EDGE by Darynda Jones is that book.

In this fantasy novel featuring the grim reaper and the son of Satan, Jones makes the impossible plausible and so entertaining you’re lost in a world where all she creates is real.

Once again narrator Lorelei King does a tremendous job of giving distinct voices to each of the characters. Her mannerisms adds depth to the characters and enhances the story. King’s interruption of the story brings the characters to life.

Charley Davidson, a private investigator (and the grim reaper), has a lot on her plate. There’s a naked dead man in her car, a man has lost his soul in a card game, a woman is on the run from the mob, and her assistant Cookie needs help with her love life. Oh, and she has to give sexy Reyes Farrow (aka the son of Satan) an answer to his marriage proposal and the Twelve Hounds of Hell may be coming for her.

Author Darynda Jones serves up numerous sub-plots throughout the story and has a surprise twist at the end with a glimpse of what could come next. While the story deals with ghosts, demons and the supernatural, Jones combines it with laugh-out-loud humor and steamy romance. Woven throughout the story is also subtle and poignant dealings with real everyday tragedies such as abusive relationships and child abductions. 

Charley Davidson is a protagonist you can’t help but love. She’s witty, independent to a fault, unsure of herself, kind hearted and fiercely loyal to those she loves. Jones has crafted a cast of zany characters that will entertain you for hours. In addition, each chapter begins with a whacky quote that will leave you smiling.

This is a series that I highly recommend you read/listen to in order. Each story can stand on its own, but some content will be lost without the whole backstory.

SIXTH GRAVE ON THE EDGE will have you on the edge of your seat with its fast-pace, adrenaline-driven action, sizzling romance, and unexpected twists.

Sixth Grave on the Edge by Darynda Jones, A Charley Davidson Novel Book #6, Performed by Lorelei King, Macmillan Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1427239389, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Listening Time: 10 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Hope you’re having a pleasant weekend finding time to relax and read a bit. Is reading paranormal romance with a bit of action out of the genre that you enjoy? Do you venture out of your reading genre comfort zone and try other types of books from time to time?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Skinny Little Tree, Oliver the Clownfish, Fifth Grave

Do my titles confuse you or just make you wonder what I’m up to? Well, today I’m sharing three books that are delightful each in their own way.

First, I’d like to share my thoughts on two charming children’s books. The first is by a ‘new-to-me’ author from Georgia. I couldn’t resist the cover. The second is by an author I adore for children’s books and is the third in her fun series. Then I’ll share my thoughts on the fifth installment in the zany Charley Davidson series that I enjoy immensely.

SKINNY LITTLE TREE by Jayme Martin

Learning that all seasons of life are worth living is the focus of author Jayme Martin’s delightful tale, SKINNY LITTLE TREE.

A youngster finds a skinny little tree smiling and ask why. It says Wiggly Worms are tickling its toes. Then the tree cries because its friend the Blue Bird leaves.

Next the tree becomes worried when its leaves begin to fall. But then the tree dances with glee under the moon. Finally the tree is happy again when all things return.

With each new find, Martin has left a page for readers to draw what the tree is discussing. This enables the reader to participate in the story in their own way. This enchanting story follows the seasons of the tree with great detail and insight. Martin has a delightful way of showing how life changes giving parents and children a fun way to talk about it.

The beautiful illustrations by Clark Andrews Jr. enhance the fun story. The vivid drawings will capture readers attention as they follow the tree’s story.

Youngsters will learn as they enjoy this entertaining story. It’s a fun read for all ages.

Author Jayme Martin can be found here.

Skinny Little Tree by Jayme Martin, Illustrated by Clark Andrews Jr, Outskirts Press, @2013, ISBN: 978-1478708704, Paperback, 27 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 

THE ADVENTURES OF OLVER THE CLOWNFISH: STICKY FINS by Stephanie Guzman

Teaching a child right from wrong can sometimes be a difficult task. Author Stephanie Guzman has found a fun way to teach youngsters the importance of not stealing.

Oliver the Clownfish enjoys attending Fish Tale Elementary with his friends. During class one day, items turn up missing but Ozzie the Octopus finds each one.

At lunch when Oliver returns to the classroom for his lunchbox he finds Ozzie with a shiny stone belonging to Sally the Seahorse. Oliver talks to Ozzie about how bad it is to take something even if it is just to make others laugh. Ozzie challenges Oliver to take something too. But Oliver convinces Ozzie that having sticky fins isn’t right.

Guzman does an excellent job making the learning experience fun for youngsters ages 6 to 8. She includes helpful tips for parents on how to discuss about the perils of stealing with youngsters. In addition, she includes information about octopus.

The book is beautifully illustrated by Amy Balcerak. The vivid drawings will hold youngsters attention as the story unfolds.

This charming book will entertain and educate. It’s a fun read for the entire family.

Author Stephanie Guzman’s website is www.olivertheclownfish.com  

The Adventures of Oliver The Clownfish: Sticky Fins by Stephanie Guzman, Oliver the Clownfish Series, Illustrated by Amy Balcerak, Not So Plain Jane Publishing, @2013, ISBN: 978-1596640085, Hardcover, 28 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 

FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT by Darynda Jones

Visions of fear and terrible consequences come to mind when the grim reaper is mentioned unless it happens to be Charlotte Jean ‘Charley’ Davidson. Then those visions turn to sexy Reyes Farrow, laugh-out-loud antics, and a mystery or two thrown in for good measure.

In the latest installment in the Charley Davidson series, author Darynda Jones gives us a closer look at Charley’s grim reaper powers, as well as Charley the woman.

Narrator Lorelei King once again brings the characters to life with her tantalizing voice. Her cadence draws you in as she expresses the emotions of the characters with her unique mannerisms making each distinct in their own right. Her vocals elevates the author’s bewitching tale for a captivating story.

Charley is busy playing private investigator trying to help her uncle solve an arson case. She fears the arsonist may be her hunky new neighbor, Reyes Farrow, the sultry son of Satan.

Meanwhile, dead women suddenly start appearing in Charley’s apartment. The women all seem to have been tortured and killed by the same madman. Charley has her work cut out for her as she tracks the killer down only to find her sister, Gemma, could be his next target.

As Charley tackles the cases with her usual intrigue and laugh-out-loud behavior, there are twists and turns along the way to keep you in suspense until the last sentence is uttered. Jones puts an interesting spin on the outcome of this tale that will have fans clamoring for more.

Jones has a distinct way of taking a brutal murder investigation and lightening the tension with bits of humor and steamy romance. Her characters continue to evolve with each new installment. Jones blends realistic situations with paranormal events to create a plausible outcome. The more you listen (or read), the more you believe.

FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT can be read or listened to as a stand alone. However, listening or reading the series in order provides a much better understanding of the characters and their actions. Quick comebacks and snappy liners are mixed in with suspense, murder and mystery for a fun new adventure for Charley Davidson, the grim reaper.

Author Darynda Jones’ website is http://www.daryndajones.com/
 
Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones, Charley Davidson Series, Performed by Lorelei King, Macmillan Audio, @2013, ISBN: 978-1427230799, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Listening Time: 9 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
SIDENOTE: There are phrases at the beginning of each chapter of this series and here is one of my favorite sayings from FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT -- Never underestimate the power of a woman on a double espresso with a mocha latte chaser high. —T-shirt

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you found something to your liking. Do you have favorite phrases or one-liners from books you’ve read or listened to? Wishing everyone a happy and pleasant Sunday.

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones

Taking on the case of a woman being stalked, Charlotte Jean ‘Charley’ Davidson has her hands full and that’s saying a lot since she’s the grim reaper.

Narrator Lorelei King gives voice to Charley and the eclectic group of characters in this amusing tale, FOURTH GRAVE BENEATH MY FEET. Her timing and mannerisms add depth to the author’s words. Her interruption of the wit and bantering among the characters holds the listener captivate. She brings the characters to life with a flare.

Two months after being held hostage and tortured, Charley is slowly beginning to set foot outside her apartment. Her first case is a young woman who says someone has been stalking her most of her life. Just about everyone connected to the woman, however, says she’s disturbed and only wants her father’s attention. Charley suspects otherwise and begins to dig deeper.

Meanwhile, Charley realizes she knows the ‘Gentlemen Bandits’ that have been robbing banks. In addition, she’s trying to deal with her attraction to the sexy son of Satan, Reyes Farrow. And, oh yeah, fight off human-possessing demons that want to kill her and take over the world.

Her receptionist/best friend Cookie is busy returning an apartment-full of products Charley bought from home shopping shows during her two months of recovery.

Author Darynda Jones continues this wacky series by giving Charley very real issues to deal with as a result of her being tortured. While Jones skillfully combines paranormal with realistic problems, she adds a good dose of humor to balance the story. In addition, she sprinkles in steamy romance between Charley and Reyes to spice up the story.

FOURTH GRAVE BENEATH MY FEET is action-packed with suspense and mystery. Jones has a knack for twists and turns along the way that will bring surprises at the end. This is the fourth installment in the Charley Davidson series and really should be read or listened to in order for the best reading pleasure.

Stalkers, ghosts, bank robbers, and demons keep Charley busy in this zany tale of how the grim reaper handles everyday life. It’s a laugh-out-loud story mixed with sizzling romance and suspense.

Author Darynda Jones’ website is http://www.daryndajones.com/
 
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones, Charley Davidson Series, Performed by Lorelei King, Macmillan Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1427225948, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Listening Time: 10 Hours 5 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
Thanks for stopping by today. Can you tell I like this series? :) It’s a fun one, give it a try.

Widows and the Grim Reaper, An Odd Combination

Maybe widows and the grim reaper aren’t such an odd combination after all, but in this case they are. I have two tantalizing audios to share with your today. Both are well worth listening to.

THE WIDOWS OF BRAXTON COUNTY by Jess McConkey
 
Author Jess McConkey’s stirring tale of several generations of a Iowa farm family will hold you spellbound.

Narrator Coleen Mario does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. Her vocalization of the various emotions conveyed throughout the story gives depth to the writer’s words.

The story begins in 1890 with a mysterious murder and then moves to present day with the marriage of Kate and Joseph Krause. Kate leaves the city and an overbearing grandmother to live with her husband on the Krause family farm. The farm has been in Joseph’s family for more than 140 years. What Kate finds is Trudy, a domineering mother-in-law who doesn’t hide her distaste for Kate nor her belief the family is cursed.

The story weaves back and forth from the present to the first murder in 1890. As the events unfold, Kate struggles to understand the family’s long-held secrets and make a new beginning for her family. However, tragedy strikes in many forms and Kate is forced to re-evaluate everything she knows. Do the sins of the father fall to the sons?

McConkey does a good job of blending the past and the present into a smooth flowing story. The characters are realistic with a mix of likable and hated personalities. She touches on spousal abuse and the course it sometimes takes. The secondary characters add flavor and intrigue to the mix.

With an eye for detail, McConkey places you in the middle of the farm with its numerous sights, sounds and smells. She incorporates mystery, suspense, romance, family loyalty, friendship and bits of humor for a well-rounded story. She adds a few twists along the way so what you think you know may not be quite as it seems in the end.

THE WIDOWS OF BRAXTON COUNTY is a haunting tale of how far some families will go to preserve their legacy.

Author Jess McConkey is the pseudonym for Shirley Damsgaard and her website is http://shirleydamsgaard.com/

The Widows of Braxton County by Jess McConkey, Performed by Coleen Mario, Harper Audio, @2013, ISBN: 978-0062295743, Unabridged, Digital Download, Listening Time: 9 Hours 5 Minutes (Also available in Paperback and Kindle format) 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 

THIRD GRAVE DEAD AHEAD by Darynda Jones

Laughing at the grim reaper seems a bit odd, but oh so right when that grim reaper is Charlotte Jean ‘Charley’ Davidson, who also pays the bills as a private investigator.

Bringing the character to life with her amusing mannerisms is narrator Lorelei King. Her vocalization gives each character their own indelible image. Her timing and emotions expressed as the various characters enhances the writer’s captivating story.

This time around Charley is operating on 13 days of no sleep - her choice. She’s living on coffee to keep from sleep because when she closes her eyes, he’s there. He is Reyes Farrow, part-human, part-son of Satan with a gorgeous body that Charley has bound for all eternity.

Charley takes on a case of a missing woman, believing the husband who wants to hire her really killed his wife. Meanwhile, somehow Reyes manages to escape from prison and carjacks Charley only to release her later. He wants her to find his adopted father, the man he’s in prison for killing. It seems he’s alive and Reyes was framed for the faked murder.

Charley pays a visit to her friend Rocket who knows who’s dead and who isn’t. He can’t help her with Reyes’ quest as the man has too many aliases, but the woman is alive with only a short time left. With the help of her receptionist and best friend, Cookie, Charley begins her search. Along the way she encounters a biker gang, a nun who knows who she is, finds herself tortured almost to death, and loses a friend.

Author Darynda Jones has a way of taking death and torture, mixing it with humor and mystery for a fascinating tale of suspense and laughter. She weaves in bits of humor in the right places to lighten the dark spaces of the story.

Her cast of characters are intriguing, zany and memorable. She has you believing in the unbelievable and wishing you were Charley’s neighbor. The dialogue is witty holding your attention from the first paragraph to until the end. Each chapter begins with an amusing saying such as “When everything is coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane” and “I chose the road less traveled. Now I’m lost.”

The story flows smoothly and at a steady pace with lots of action and a good amount of steamy romance. The story’s subplot of a missing woman is suspenseful and filled with turns to keep you guessing. The overall plot of Charley and Reyes sizzles with heat, fun and tension.

THIRD GRAVE DEAD AHEAD could be read on its own, but I wouldn’t recommend it. To fully appreciate Charley and her friends, the series should be read in order. The overall story will be better understood and the charming ways Charley has evolved will entertain you.

If you’re looking for a story that will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions, listen to THIRD GRAVE DEAD AHEAD the third installment in the Charley Davidson series. Who knew the grim reaper was a coffee addict with a sense of humor. 

Author Darynda Jones’ website is http://www.daryndajones.com/
 
Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones, Charley Davidson Series, Performed by Lorelei King, Macmillan Audio, @2013, ASIN:B00730GOXBQ, Unabridged, Digital Download, Listening Time: 9 Hours 51 Minutes (Also available in Hardcover, Paperback and Kindle format) 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
Thanks for stopping by today. Hope I’ve introduced you to a story or two that has captured your attention. Have you tried audio books yet?

Sunday Salon: The Charley Davidson Series

Where has the week gone? It’s time for Sunday Salon once again where we sit back, relax, enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, and discuss the wonderful world of books. 

Today’s review is a bit different as I have 2 installments in an intriguing series I just discovered that I want to share with you. First I want to tell you a bit about the protagonist, then tell you about each book followed by my take on the series. You will find the series by author Darynda Jones falls into more than one genre, but above all is entertaining.

FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT

Have you ever considered the grim reaper to be a buxom female with a quick wit and a fast comeback?

Then clearly you’ve never meet Charlotte Jean (Charley) Davidson, part-time private investigator and full-time grim reaper. Charley has been the grim reaper since birth. She’s a portal for lost souls to go through on their way to heaven. She also helps bring the bad guys to justice that have caused some of these deaths.

Only a few people know what Charley really is … her dad (a retired cop), her Uncle Bob (a detective), and her best friend/receptionist Cookie. And they don’t know everything about her.

Charley is a sassy P.I. with a heart of gold. She has a tough exterior from years of growing up different. She’s loyal to her friends and has a soft spot for the dearly departed (or least most of them).

FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT finds Charley helping 3 lawyers find out who shot them and why. Working with her Uncle Bob of the Albuquerque P.D., Charley soon learns the case involves a missing teen, an innocent man in prison for killing another teen, and the horrors of human trafficking.

As she’s putting the pieces together, Charley also has to deal with some personal issues. She’s had a mysterious entity following her all her life. Lately she’s been having intensely hot dreams about that entity. It seems the entity may not be dead, but in fact much more than she ever imaged.

This is a fast-pace, adrenaline-driven story filled with suspense and intrigue. Charley gets into more scraps than an alley cat but bounces back with gusto and determination.

The story is humorous throughout and filled with zany characters you can’t help but like. Charley’s wit and personality will have you forgetting she’s the grim reaper and wishing she lived next door.

 SECOND GRAVE ON THE LEFT

Charley takes on a quest for her best friend/receptionist Cookie in SECOND GRAVE ON THE LEFT. 

Cookie’s friend, Mimi, has been missing for 5 days and now she received a cryptic message from her that leads to a local coffee shop. Once there, they find Mimi has left the name of a woman who died recently. Searching for more clues leads them back to Mimi’s high school days and a mysterious party where a teenage girl disappeared.

In addition, Charley discovered a dearly departed in Cookie’s trunk and they have to find out what happened to him. Even though Cookie can’t see the dead guy, she won’t drive her car.

Meanwhile, Charley is still dealing with the entity that invades her dreams. She’s learned he’s Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan, but isn’t as bad as it sounds). Reyes can leave his corporeal body and has saved Charley’s life on several occasions by doing so. He’s now fighting to keep demons away from Charley because she’s the portal to heaven. And demons having a portal to heaven is a very bad thing.

Charley deals with a multitude of problems in both stories and author Darynda Jones pulls it off with great ease. Readers/listeners are never confused in the hectic, hilarious life of Charley and her clients.

Lorelei King does a superb job narrating this series. She brings the characters to life with her easy flowing voice. Her distinct differentiation of characters will have you believing there’s more than one narrator as she gives each character their own unique voice. Her mannerisms and cadence will hold you spellbound. The combination of King’s voice and Jones’ stories makes for a wonderful listening experience.

Each chapter in both books begins with a witty quote from a tee shirt, bumper sticker or Charley. FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT includes a bonus track from SECOND GRAVE ON THE LEFT. A bonus track from THIRD GRAVE DEAD AHEAD (now available) is included at the end of SECOND GRAVE ON THE LEFT. Also included is Lorelei King interviewing author Darynda Jones, who tells how the Charley Davidson series came about. She also shares her thoughts on the makeup of Charley’s personality.

While your first thought may be that this is a paranormal series, it is so much more. It’s a romance with the hot action between Charley and Reyes. It’s an intriguing mystery with the various cases of murder involved. It’s also humorous and even a bit inspiring. Don’t think about what genre it is, just give it a few chapters and Charley will be a protagonist you’ll come to love.

The Charley Davidson series has a lot going for it. Can’t wait to see what happens to Charley and the gang in THIRD GRAVE DEAD AHEAD.

Author Darynda Jones’ website is www.daryndajones.com and narrator Lorelei King’s website is http://www.loreleiking.com/. To listen to excerpts from all 3 installments, click on a link and scroll down.

First Grave On The Right by Darynda Jones, A Charley Davidson Series, Read by Lorelei King, Macmillan Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1427211309, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Listening Time 9 Hours, 30 Minutes 

Second Grave On The Left by Darynda Jones, A Charley Davidson Series, Read by Lorelei King, Macmillan Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1427212436, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Listening Time 9 Hours, 30 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure - Both of these audio books were sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review them. However, receiving the complimentary copies did not influence my review.

 

Between the usual turmoil of life and a migraine that seems to want to homestead, I’ve missed visiting with everyone lately. Hope everyone is well, has a wonderful Sunday and a productive week. Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to visit with you soon.