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Charley Davidson #2
Second Grave on the Left
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Paranormal Fantasy (2011)Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper Extraordinaire, is back in this sexy, suspenseful novel of supernatural shenanigans When Charley is rudely awakened in the middle of the night by her best friend who tells her to get dressed quickly and tosses clothes out of the closet at her, she cant help but wonder what Cookies up to. Leather scrunch boots with a floral miniskirt? Together? Seriously? Cookie explains that a friend of hers named Mimi disappeared five days earlier and that she just got a text from her setting up a meet at a coffee shop downtown. They show up at the coffee shop, but no Mimi. But Charley finds a message on the bathroom wall. Mimi left a clue, a womans name. Mimis husband explains that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old friend of hers from high school had been found murdered a couple weeks prior. The same woman Mimi had named in her message. Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. Hes left his body because hes being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes cant let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, theyll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heavenwell, lets just say it wouldnt be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Will Cookie ever get a true fashion sense? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel them as they do?
307 pages, Hardcover
First published August 16, 2011
1,101 people are currently reading
13.3k people want to read
About the author
Darynda Jones
53 books16.4k followersNYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 17 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, certain they went away the better for it. She penned the international bestselling Charley Davidson series and is currently working on several beloved projects, most notably the Sunshine Vicram Mystery Series with St. Martin's Press and the Betwixt and Between Series of paranormal women's fiction. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.
Click here to read one of the more popular short stories by Darynda called The Monster:
https://theneverneath.com/2018/02/02/...
She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com
Click here to read one of the more popular short stories by Darynda called The Monster:
https://theneverneath.com/2018/02/02/...
She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,880 reviews
November 6, 2018
I needed a pick me up on a gloomy day in New Orleans, so I turned to the entertaining snark of Charley Davidson!
In this installment, which takes place a week after the events of book one, Charley is investigating a missing person. She battles with faux FBI agents, hit men, and of course, some demons from hell all at the same as serving as the grim reaper. Her relationship with Reyes also takes an interesting turn.
The last few pages left me wanting more. I love reading this series--it’s a great mindless escape filled with witty banter, fun characters, and some romance. Such fun!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
In this installment, which takes place a week after the events of book one, Charley is investigating a missing person. She battles with faux FBI agents, hit men, and of course, some demons from hell all at the same as serving as the grim reaper. Her relationship with Reyes also takes an interesting turn.
The last few pages left me wanting more. I love reading this series--it’s a great mindless escape filled with witty banter, fun characters, and some romance. Such fun!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2011
I love Charley.
I love Reyes.
I love the twisty mystery.
I love the incorporeal sexytimes.
I hate waiting for the next book.
That is all.
I love Reyes.
I love the twisty mystery.
I love the incorporeal sexytimes.
I hate waiting for the next book.
That is all.
November 14, 2018
Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones is a 2011 St. Martin’s Press publication.
When a friend of Cookie’s goes missing, Charley is on the case. However, Charley has a lot going on in her personal life right now, as well. Charley has absorbed the fact that Reyes is literally the son of Satan. But, right now, he is haunting her after leaving his corporeal body, with the intention of dying, and won’t tell her where his body is.
The mystery is great! Very solid, twisty, lots of big revelations. The other parts of the story are emotional and very tense. I was absolutely riveted. Of course, Charley’s trademark snark and wit are front and center and had me laughing out loud.
The ending is a bit controversial, which had me feeling conflicted. If that weren’t bad enough, the book ends with a cliffhanger. Thankfully, I have book three already queued up and ready to go. Can’t wait to see what happens next!!
4 stars
When a friend of Cookie’s goes missing, Charley is on the case. However, Charley has a lot going on in her personal life right now, as well. Charley has absorbed the fact that Reyes is literally the son of Satan. But, right now, he is haunting her after leaving his corporeal body, with the intention of dying, and won’t tell her where his body is.
The mystery is great! Very solid, twisty, lots of big revelations. The other parts of the story are emotional and very tense. I was absolutely riveted. Of course, Charley’s trademark snark and wit are front and center and had me laughing out loud.
The ending is a bit controversial, which had me feeling conflicted. If that weren’t bad enough, the book ends with a cliffhanger. Thankfully, I have book three already queued up and ready to go. Can’t wait to see what happens next!!
4 stars
August 22, 2011
”If at first you don’t succeed, failure may be your thing.”
- T-shirt
Don’t worry, Darynda Jones succeeded. Twice.
The second time around our favorite grim reaper gets into all kinds of trouble. She has three cases to solve and a messy love life to deal with. The man ofour her dreams is in danger and Charley will move heaven and earth to help him. Who wouldn’t?
Reyes is even more mysterious now than he was in the first book when we knew nothing about him other than how incredibly handsome he is. I can’t say I was entirely comfortable with some of his choices in this book, but that didn’t stop me from being just as pathetic as those women who were writing him fan mail and paying a fortune for photos of him in the shower. He is Reyes Alexander Farrow after all, and if you’re furrowing your eyebrows in confusion, that only means you haven’t read these books.
Darynda Jones still relies on humor to make her book unputdownable. Maybe some of you will think that’s a bad thing, but her fans, including me, wouldn’t want it any other way. Admittedly, there were times when I felt that she overdid it, especially around chapters 4 and 5, but she soon got right back on track.
”As a matter of fact, my toes were recently christened in an odd game of Spin the Bottle and one-too-many margaritas.”
“Could you introduce me?”
I hefted myself upright and wrestled off my socks, wiggling the bed just enough to elicit soft gasps of agony from Garret.
“You’re such a whiner,” I said, lying back beside him and lifting my feet. “Okay, starting with my left pinky toe, we have Dopey, Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Bashful, Sneezy, Sleepy, Queen Elizabet the Third, Bootylicious the Patron Saint of Hot Asses, and Pinky Floyd.”
After a thoughtful moment, he asked, “Pinky Floyd?”
“You know, like the band, only not”
“Right. Did you name your fingers?”
I turned an incredulous look on him. I was a master of incredulity. “That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”
All in all, this book was exactly what I expected it to be – light, funny, with lovable characters and the ultimate bad boy. It had family drama, secret agents, a silly best friend, nightly adventures in bunny slippers, missing persons, shootouts, and an ending that made me want to read more.
First Grave on the Right was the book I picked up and reread every time I felt sad, tired, or just in the mood for a few good laughs. Second Grave on the Left will serve the same purpose, at least until February 2, 2012. when I’ll trade it for a younger model.
- T-shirt
Don’t worry, Darynda Jones succeeded. Twice.
The second time around our favorite grim reaper gets into all kinds of trouble. She has three cases to solve and a messy love life to deal with. The man of
Reyes is even more mysterious now than he was in the first book when we knew nothing about him other than how incredibly handsome he is. I can’t say I was entirely comfortable with some of his choices in this book, but that didn’t stop me from being just as pathetic as those women who were writing him fan mail and paying a fortune for photos of him in the shower. He is Reyes Alexander Farrow after all, and if you’re furrowing your eyebrows in confusion, that only means you haven’t read these books.
Darynda Jones still relies on humor to make her book unputdownable. Maybe some of you will think that’s a bad thing, but her fans, including me, wouldn’t want it any other way. Admittedly, there were times when I felt that she overdid it, especially around chapters 4 and 5, but she soon got right back on track.
”As a matter of fact, my toes were recently christened in an odd game of Spin the Bottle and one-too-many margaritas.”
“Could you introduce me?”
I hefted myself upright and wrestled off my socks, wiggling the bed just enough to elicit soft gasps of agony from Garret.
“You’re such a whiner,” I said, lying back beside him and lifting my feet. “Okay, starting with my left pinky toe, we have Dopey, Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Bashful, Sneezy, Sleepy, Queen Elizabet the Third, Bootylicious the Patron Saint of Hot Asses, and Pinky Floyd.”
After a thoughtful moment, he asked, “Pinky Floyd?”
“You know, like the band, only not”
“Right. Did you name your fingers?”
I turned an incredulous look on him. I was a master of incredulity. “That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”
All in all, this book was exactly what I expected it to be – light, funny, with lovable characters and the ultimate bad boy. It had family drama, secret agents, a silly best friend, nightly adventures in bunny slippers, missing persons, shootouts, and an ending that made me want to read more.
First Grave on the Right was the book I picked up and reread every time I felt sad, tired, or just in the mood for a few good laughs. Second Grave on the Left will serve the same purpose, at least until February 2, 2012. when I’ll trade it for a younger model.
February 6, 2016
Not as good as the first book, but I love Charley, so that makes it okay. She is always funny, and that may seem unrealistic to some people, but I know people like her. Well, my husband. I don't care what the situation, he will crack jokes. We've maybe actually had a fight in our 26 years together twice at the most. Why? Because we end up joking around when we get mad and then laugh. It just doesn't work to fight with someone who is perpetually funny. Just today, someone was sending us groups texts (kill me), and I notice my husband replies with the most sarcastic hilarious comment ever (and maybe a bit offensive. What a man!). I was cracking up. Charley is like this. She will always find humor in the situation.
When accused of lying:
"you suck at lying."
"I do not! I'm an excellent liar. Ask my dentist. He swears I floss regularly."
When bleeding internally and completely beat-up:
I hated it when I bled internally. If I was going to bleed, I wanted to see the evidence, revel in the heroics of it all.
While sitting in the police station after almost being killed (again):
To her uncle, the cop: "So, who are the Cox cousins again?"
He sighed. It was funny. "The men who kidnapped you? One of them just tried to kill you in a dark alley? Art and William Cox? Any of this ringing a bell?"
"Of course, I just wanted to make you say 'Cox' again."
Haha! She kind of reminds me of Harry Dresden - another favorite character of mine.
The thing I don't get though, is the whole Reyes thing. He loves her so much that he had to come to earth and be with her in person, and yet he is kind of a jerk to her - often. They got in a fight and he calls her "Whore"? What the hell? I don't care who you are, Mister, you call me names and I kick your ass to the curb! And, the thing where he wanted to kill his corporeal body? Just let him! (Especially if he calls you a whore - then you should not only let him, but help him!) He's supposedly older than the earth itself. I'm guessing he knows what he's talking about. But, I'm not going to be getting past the "whore" comment for.... well, forever actually. That's a deal-breaker, dude. Total deal-breaker.
When accused of lying:
"you suck at lying."
"I do not! I'm an excellent liar. Ask my dentist. He swears I floss regularly."
When bleeding internally and completely beat-up:
I hated it when I bled internally. If I was going to bleed, I wanted to see the evidence, revel in the heroics of it all.
While sitting in the police station after almost being killed (again):
To her uncle, the cop: "So, who are the Cox cousins again?"
He sighed. It was funny. "The men who kidnapped you? One of them just tried to kill you in a dark alley? Art and William Cox? Any of this ringing a bell?"
"Of course, I just wanted to make you say 'Cox' again."
Haha! She kind of reminds me of Harry Dresden - another favorite character of mine.
The thing I don't get though, is the whole Reyes thing. He loves her so much that he had to come to earth and be with her in person, and yet he is kind of a jerk to her - often. They got in a fight and he calls her "Whore"? What the hell? I don't care who you are, Mister, you call me names and I kick your ass to the curb! And, the thing where he wanted to kill his corporeal body? Just let him! (Especially if he calls you a whore - then you should not only let him, but help him!) He's supposedly older than the earth itself. I'm guessing he knows what he's talking about. But, I'm not going to be getting past the "whore" comment for.... well, forever actually. That's a deal-breaker, dude. Total deal-breaker.
August 7, 2018
“For the first time in my life, I was in a shoot-out. A real, honest-to-goodness shoot-out with a bad guy. And, apparently, we both sucked.”
While I wasn't as floored by the first installment of the series as much as my other paranormal-loving brethren, this one entertained. While the first was drenched in humor - some of it funny, some of it just silly - this one dials it down a notch to where an actual story and personality can start shining through. I laughed aloud at least once - earning me a "look" at a diner - but the humor makes a worthy companion to the compassionate but unique Charlie while she stumbled through simple, interesting mysteries.
A particular charm was the relationship between Charley and her friend/assistant Cookie. The two girls were hilarious blends of humor, over-enthusiasm, random tripping, and sidekick banter. Garrett is still around and semi-intriguing, but he doesn't have much of a personality or presence in this sequel. Reyes is still not impressing me other than occasional growls and threats, some mild description of his hotness, but other than that I could care less. The author makes sure to keep talking about how important Reyes is to Charley, but as the reader I'm just not feeling it yet.
I will say yikes on that ending....not a cliffhanger per se, but she's going to have to do a lot of kissing-up and downright begging to make some of that right with Reyes again. If she can. I have a feeling she does since the series is long and the other is clearly pushing for these two and their bond.
For a Grim Reaper, Charlie doesn't actually do that much. There's a few ghosts to stare at and communicate with, some easy crossing over, but lots of questions. Is she just one of many grim reapers? Because otherwise that just doesn't make sense, does it? And is the author over-reaching when she reveals what Reyes actually is? I mean, come on now, that's pretty big pants to put on.
Still it was enjoyable, funny, hard to put down; not all the magic hits the right spot, but sometimes a light paranormal is just what the heart needs.
While I wasn't as floored by the first installment of the series as much as my other paranormal-loving brethren, this one entertained. While the first was drenched in humor - some of it funny, some of it just silly - this one dials it down a notch to where an actual story and personality can start shining through. I laughed aloud at least once - earning me a "look" at a diner - but the humor makes a worthy companion to the compassionate but unique Charlie while she stumbled through simple, interesting mysteries.
A particular charm was the relationship between Charley and her friend/assistant Cookie. The two girls were hilarious blends of humor, over-enthusiasm, random tripping, and sidekick banter. Garrett is still around and semi-intriguing, but he doesn't have much of a personality or presence in this sequel. Reyes is still not impressing me other than occasional growls and threats, some mild description of his hotness, but other than that I could care less. The author makes sure to keep talking about how important Reyes is to Charley, but as the reader I'm just not feeling it yet.
I will say yikes on that ending....not a cliffhanger per se, but she's going to have to do a lot of kissing-up and downright begging to make some of that right with Reyes again. If she can. I have a feeling she does since the series is long and the other is clearly pushing for these two and their bond.
For a Grim Reaper, Charlie doesn't actually do that much. There's a few ghosts to stare at and communicate with, some easy crossing over, but lots of questions. Is she just one of many grim reapers? Because otherwise that just doesn't make sense, does it? And is the author over-reaching when she reveals what Reyes actually is? I mean, come on now, that's pretty big pants to put on.
Still it was enjoyable, funny, hard to put down; not all the magic hits the right spot, but sometimes a light paranormal is just what the heart needs.
May 14, 2018
*2.5 stars*
I really, really wish that I liked this series, but I struggled so much with Second Grave on the Left.
Though the audiobook was well narrated, I had to push myself to listen. I hate the "I know what's best for you"-types. Issues with the plot dragging, lack of chemistry between the two "supposed" love interests, and just... blah. I don't really like Charlie, though her humor actually works at times. Just not what I wanted it to be.
September 10, 2019
This is the kind of book I like to pick up when I just want to be entertained and not think too hard. There is a lot of fun to be had with a young, female Grim Reaper who goes around chatting to dead people.
The only difficulty I had was the character of Reyes which was very hard to understand from page to page. If he really is the love of Charley's life then she can certainly pick them! In this book I definitely preferred Garrett.
Sometimes the humour tried a bit too hard but it was still amusing and Charley is certainly a strong main character. Apparently she still has a way to go in discovering all her talents so the series can only get more interesting. I am looking forward to the next book.
The only difficulty I had was the character of Reyes which was very hard to understand from page to page. If he really is the love of Charley's life then she can certainly pick them! In this book I definitely preferred Garrett.
Sometimes the humour tried a bit too hard but it was still amusing and Charley is certainly a strong main character. Apparently she still has a way to go in discovering all her talents so the series can only get more interesting. I am looking forward to the next book.
February 25, 2016
I just can't anymore.
I am a huge fan of PNR and urban fantasy, really I am. But this series is ALL OVER THE PLACE! Charley just always has a snappy comment. I for real do not get the whole Reyes thing. Like there's just this attraction between them? And yet I am supposed to believe it???
And just like book 1 the plot was all over the place. Are we investigating someone missing or focusing on Reyes? Because I don't like the back and forth.
Anyways it's safe to say this series isn't for me despite everyone else loving it. That's why I am the wildcard reader!
I am a huge fan of PNR and urban fantasy, really I am. But this series is ALL OVER THE PLACE! Charley just always has a snappy comment. I for real do not get the whole Reyes thing. Like there's just this attraction between them? And yet I am supposed to believe it???
And just like book 1 the plot was all over the place. Are we investigating someone missing or focusing on Reyes? Because I don't like the back and forth.
Anyways it's safe to say this series isn't for me despite everyone else loving it. That's why I am the wildcard reader!
February 7, 2018
I love Darynda's writing!!! Her characters are so awesome from the coolest grim reaper charley Davidson to best friend/office girl cookie to mr son of Satan reyes!! Hot on another case looking for cookies friend mimi who has disappeared with out a trace. The girls know theirs foul play and their on it.between confrontation 's with bad guys to shootouts theirs a whole lot of action and laugh's along the way!! And some hot romance with are fave bad boy reyes!!!
March 6, 2019
I love Charley and Reyes and of course the rest of the characters (Cookie, Uncle Bob and Dad, etc..) and the crime of the dead too. Charley is a funny and strong character but then she has to be with all the dead people giving her a hard time or hanging around her all the time asking for help. I really good series.
re-read review
What can I say about Charley and Reyes. They're great together. Charley is so funny but always manage to get hurt no matter how much she tries not to but being a grim reaper you have to take the good with the bad but with Reyes the hot hellboy around to try and protect her but also melting her every wet dream and organs its hard not to enjoy reading. I'll take a hot hellboy, please. LOL.
re-read review
What can I say about Charley and Reyes. They're great together. Charley is so funny but always manage to get hurt no matter how much she tries not to but being a grim reaper you have to take the good with the bad but with Reyes the hot hellboy around to try and protect her but also melting her every wet dream and organs its hard not to enjoy reading. I'll take a hot hellboy, please. LOL.
October 29, 2015
4.5 stars. Cute and funny.... Kept me interested and I will be continuing on with the series.
November 15, 2015
4.5 stars
Well, it’s official. Charley Davidson is one of my most favorite book characters of all time. Oh my gosh I love this girl. Yes, I’m having a silly fan-girl moment where I end up saying things like, ‘I’m going to be Charley Davidson for Halloween!” She’s not just funny, she is absolutely hilarious and I cannot get enough. If you've read the first novel (which you definitely should before reading this one or you'll be super duper confused) then you'll remember laughing practically every single page. I'll admit, this one wasn't AS funny, but I still wasn't disappointed... I had to make sure to keep from drinking liquids when my eyes were on the pages for fear it would come out my nose. :)
I started this book the day that it came out and due to my current crazy schedule it was hard for me to find time to read… I still managed to read it in 2 days though. A bit sleep-deprived? Yes. A bit backed up on work from too many breaks? Yes. Was it worth? Oh heck yes!
‘Second Grave on the Left’ picks up right where ‘First Grave on the Right’ left off with a brand new mystery (or three) to boot. Darynda Jones? You’re an amazing writer and I kinda love you. You’ve now written two amazing novels that, well… I can’t get over how much I love these books. I totally dig a good grim reaper novel, I’m always up for a good laugh, throw in a mystery to keep me guessing (please do!), and then there’s the way you describe Reyes. To quote Charley: “Holy mother of banana cream pie.”
”He was like the desert, stark and beautiful, harsh and unforgiving, with the promise of treasure behind every dune, the allure of water hidden just beneath the surface.”
And if you need a visual? Whoever posted that picture on Goodreads of ‘Reyes Farrow’ totally hit the nail on the head. Lol
I’m not going to go into details about the plot or anything because I don’t want to give anything away to the non-readers of book 1 and because all I want to get across with this review is to say that you really need to read this series. If you’re looking for a serious mystery, this probably isn’t the novel for you. It’s one of those books that I’m sure if you spent a lot of time critiquing the story you’d find some holes but it’s such an enjoyable read that I don’t personally see a damn thing wrong with it. Not so much a cliffhanger ending but I most certainly cannot wait for January to roll around. And that cover? Awesome.
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
Well, it’s official. Charley Davidson is one of my most favorite book characters of all time. Oh my gosh I love this girl. Yes, I’m having a silly fan-girl moment where I end up saying things like, ‘I’m going to be Charley Davidson for Halloween!” She’s not just funny, she is absolutely hilarious and I cannot get enough. If you've read the first novel (which you definitely should before reading this one or you'll be super duper confused) then you'll remember laughing practically every single page. I'll admit, this one wasn't AS funny, but I still wasn't disappointed... I had to make sure to keep from drinking liquids when my eyes were on the pages for fear it would come out my nose. :)
I started this book the day that it came out and due to my current crazy schedule it was hard for me to find time to read… I still managed to read it in 2 days though. A bit sleep-deprived? Yes. A bit backed up on work from too many breaks? Yes. Was it worth? Oh heck yes!
‘Second Grave on the Left’ picks up right where ‘First Grave on the Right’ left off with a brand new mystery (or three) to boot. Darynda Jones? You’re an amazing writer and I kinda love you. You’ve now written two amazing novels that, well… I can’t get over how much I love these books. I totally dig a good grim reaper novel, I’m always up for a good laugh, throw in a mystery to keep me guessing (please do!), and then there’s the way you describe Reyes. To quote Charley: “Holy mother of banana cream pie.”
”He was like the desert, stark and beautiful, harsh and unforgiving, with the promise of treasure behind every dune, the allure of water hidden just beneath the surface.”
And if you need a visual? Whoever posted that picture on Goodreads of ‘Reyes Farrow’ totally hit the nail on the head. Lol
I’m not going to go into details about the plot or anything because I don’t want to give anything away to the non-readers of book 1 and because all I want to get across with this review is to say that you really need to read this series. If you’re looking for a serious mystery, this probably isn’t the novel for you. It’s one of those books that I’m sure if you spent a lot of time critiquing the story you’d find some holes but it’s such an enjoyable read that I don’t personally see a damn thing wrong with it. Not so much a cliffhanger ending but I most certainly cannot wait for January to roll around. And that cover? Awesome.
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
February 19, 2020
Spoiler Alert: This review contains spoilers for those who have not yet read the first book in this series.
*** Proceed at your own risk! ***
________________________________
Charley Davidson may be a Grim Reaper, able to help the souls of the the dead leave for the other side, but she's also a gutsy, wise-cracking PI who gets herself into a lot of danger. If she didn't have her boyfriend Reyes (the Son of Satan) to drop in whenever she needed saving she'd be dead several times already.
This is a fun series with an unusual protagonist in Charley who can speak to the ghosts of the dead and help to solve their murders. In this second episode Charley not only has the death of a ghost in her friend Cookie's car boot to solve but a missing person to find. She also needs to find Reyes who has escaped from the prison medical clinic and is now being tortured by demons. I haven't really warmed to Reyes yet and found him difficult to get a grip on as a character in this book. However, Charley and Reyes' relationship is about to undergo a major change so I'll definitely be reading the book three in the series to see what happens next.
*** Proceed at your own risk! ***
________________________________
Charley Davidson may be a Grim Reaper, able to help the souls of the the dead leave for the other side, but she's also a gutsy, wise-cracking PI who gets herself into a lot of danger. If she didn't have her boyfriend Reyes (the Son of Satan) to drop in whenever she needed saving she'd be dead several times already.
This is a fun series with an unusual protagonist in Charley who can speak to the ghosts of the dead and help to solve their murders. In this second episode Charley not only has the death of a ghost in her friend Cookie's car boot to solve but a missing person to find. She also needs to find Reyes who has escaped from the prison medical clinic and is now being tortured by demons. I haven't really warmed to Reyes yet and found him difficult to get a grip on as a character in this book. However, Charley and Reyes' relationship is about to undergo a major change so I'll definitely be reading the book three in the series to see what happens next.
August 25, 2011
Bahahahahaha. I'm still laughing. I think I liked this second book even better than the first. Darynda definitely didn't slack off with book #2. She gave us another great, fabulous, funny as heck novel.
What a ride!!! Charley is back to her old tricks and witty sarcasm. I found the plot in this one much more interesting and equaling a wild roller coaster ride. She is working on a new case, trying to solve the mystery behind Mimi's disappearance; Someone is hiding a big secret from way back in high school. In the meantime, Charley is also trying to find the sexy and stubborn son of Satan. There was much more suspense and action in this book. The humour did not falter, though. There was plenty of it and it was still the best part of it all.
"Two men from the FBI are here,” Cookie said.
Crap. “Men in black are at the office?”
“Well, yes, but they’re actually in more of a navy.” Crapola. I so didn’t have time for men. In any color. “Okay, two questions.
Do they look mad, and are they hot?”
After a long, long pause, Cookie said, “One, not really. Two, no comment at this time. And three, you’re on speakerphone.”
After another long, long pause, I said, “Okie dokie then. Be there in a jiff.”
The mystery behind Charley and her "powers" are becoming very interesting. There is more to this Grim reaper business than she thought. Mistress Marigold is also intriguing - what's up with her? But I'm most curious about Owen and what Charley did to piss him off. Third Grave Dead Ahead is bound to be awesome!
Although the character development is modest, it's there nonetheless. All the characters are really enjoyable. They fit very well into Charley's eccentric life and all have distinct roles to play in the story. I particularly enjoy Garrett (and Cookie of course), he's like the amusing little brother who's fun to pick on.
Not everything is tied up in this one. There is still much mystery left to uncover and I can't wait until February to read more. Darynda has become one of my favourite authors and I will thus be reading anything and everything she is willing to dish out. If you want pure fantastic entertainment, these books are for you!!
“Never be afraid to dart around in public humming the Mission Impossible theme.”
What a ride!!! Charley is back to her old tricks and witty sarcasm. I found the plot in this one much more interesting and equaling a wild roller coaster ride. She is working on a new case, trying to solve the mystery behind Mimi's disappearance; Someone is hiding a big secret from way back in high school. In the meantime, Charley is also trying to find the sexy and stubborn son of Satan. There was much more suspense and action in this book. The humour did not falter, though. There was plenty of it and it was still the best part of it all.
"Two men from the FBI are here,” Cookie said.
Crap. “Men in black are at the office?”
“Well, yes, but they’re actually in more of a navy.” Crapola. I so didn’t have time for men. In any color. “Okay, two questions.
Do they look mad, and are they hot?”
After a long, long pause, Cookie said, “One, not really. Two, no comment at this time. And three, you’re on speakerphone.”
After another long, long pause, I said, “Okie dokie then. Be there in a jiff.”
The mystery behind Charley and her "powers" are becoming very interesting. There is more to this Grim reaper business than she thought. Mistress Marigold is also intriguing - what's up with her? But I'm most curious about Owen and what Charley did to piss him off. Third Grave Dead Ahead is bound to be awesome!
Although the character development is modest, it's there nonetheless. All the characters are really enjoyable. They fit very well into Charley's eccentric life and all have distinct roles to play in the story. I particularly enjoy Garrett (and Cookie of course), he's like the amusing little brother who's fun to pick on.
Not everything is tied up in this one. There is still much mystery left to uncover and I can't wait until February to read more. Darynda has become one of my favourite authors and I will thus be reading anything and everything she is willing to dish out. If you want pure fantastic entertainment, these books are for you!!
“Never be afraid to dart around in public humming the Mission Impossible theme.”
February 1, 2023
Book 2, the cases to solve begins with Cookie's missing friend, the mystery of a dead guy in Cookies trunk and finding Reyes human body being ravaged by demons.
Even though I felt the romance was even less in this book than the first, I am still very much entertained by Charley and the many side characters.
I find that I am a fan of Darynda Jones' humor and story telling. I look forward to what Charley gets herself into in book 3 and hope that we get more of Reyes. He's a fantastic Hero when we do get to see him.
OVERALL SERIES DESCRIPTION: Heroine, Charley Davidson, Private Investigator and Grim Reaper. She's a portal for the dead to pass through to heaven. Hero, Reyes Alexander Farrow, Son of Satan and portal to Hell. Since Charley can see and talk to the dead, she has helped her former cop father and current cop uncle solve cases. The main focus in each book are the cases Charley solves with the help of her best friend Cookie, her uncle and the dead victims. The side focus is the romance between Charley and Reyes and the impending war with the demons that is predicted.
Even though I felt the romance was even less in this book than the first, I am still very much entertained by Charley and the many side characters.
I find that I am a fan of Darynda Jones' humor and story telling. I look forward to what Charley gets herself into in book 3 and hope that we get more of Reyes. He's a fantastic Hero when we do get to see him.
OVERALL SERIES DESCRIPTION: Heroine, Charley Davidson, Private Investigator and Grim Reaper. She's a portal for the dead to pass through to heaven. Hero, Reyes Alexander Farrow, Son of Satan and portal to Hell. Since Charley can see and talk to the dead, she has helped her former cop father and current cop uncle solve cases. The main focus in each book are the cases Charley solves with the help of her best friend Cookie, her uncle and the dead victims. The side focus is the romance between Charley and Reyes and the impending war with the demons that is predicted.
August 10, 2016
Maybe not quite as good as the first one but still really funny, light and enjoyable. I've found myself a new addiction in this series and I can't seem to stop even though I have hundreds of other books to read :D
January 27, 2012
2.5 stars Oh Charley, Charley, Charley. Just when I think I might be starting to like you, you show me what a truly selfish and short-sighted bitch you really are.
Lets start at the beginning. Ms. Jones finally found that correct mixture of saucyness and snark that comes across more endearing than annoying. Charley was still quick witted but she came across more as a real person. I have to admit though, I still don't feel a connection with any of the characters.
I know what Jones is trying to do with Reyes, sexy bad boy who tries to make Charley think he's eviler than he really is to push her away but is really all mushy on the inside. But it just doesn't work. Their interactions felt flat and went nowhere. Each time he visited her went exactly the same and I felt like there were no new developments in their relationship. Meanwhile Griffin saves the day (and her life) but she never even considers him as a love interest. My problem is that she thinks she loves Reyes (when really she is only obsessed with him) and therefore is totally blind to all else. The story would feel a lot more complex if there was actual conflict with her feelings for Reyes and maybe Griffin mucking it up. But no. Reyes is the most beautiful perfect spectacular being to ever have existed. The End.
So on to the "selfish and short-sighted bitch" part of my review. He told you. He fucking told you. But no, you know best... and besides, your personal feelings are more important than the safety of Heaven and Earth. And really? She had no fucking right to do what she did. What a bitch. Phew, OK, I feel a little better after my rant.
Lets start at the beginning. Ms. Jones finally found that correct mixture of saucyness and snark that comes across more endearing than annoying. Charley was still quick witted but she came across more as a real person. I have to admit though, I still don't feel a connection with any of the characters.
I know what Jones is trying to do with Reyes, sexy bad boy who tries to make Charley think he's eviler than he really is to push her away but is really all mushy on the inside. But it just doesn't work. Their interactions felt flat and went nowhere. Each time he visited her went exactly the same and I felt like there were no new developments in their relationship. Meanwhile Griffin saves the day (and her life) but she never even considers him as a love interest. My problem is that she thinks she loves Reyes (when really she is only obsessed with him) and therefore is totally blind to all else. The story would feel a lot more complex if there was actual conflict with her feelings for Reyes and maybe Griffin mucking it up. But no. Reyes is the most beautiful perfect spectacular being to ever have existed. The End.
So on to the "selfish and short-sighted bitch" part of my review. He told you. He fucking told you. But no, you know best... and besides, your personal feelings are more important than the safety of Heaven and Earth. And really? She had no fucking right to do what she did. What a bitch. Phew, OK, I feel a little better after my rant.
July 23, 2015
RATING: 3.5 "Abso-freaking-lutely" Loved Hearts!! :D
"If it has tires or testicles, it's gonna give you trouble. — Bumper Sticker”
“Never Be Afraid To Dart Around In Public, Humming The Mission: Impossible Theme Song. — T-Shirt”
Second Grave on the Left dishes out Darynda Jones’ trademarks – humour, likeable and charming characters, and a hot romance – in all their glory, and once again ensures a sure-fire win for fans of this brilliantly written and unputdownable series.
“I sort of got off on making bad guys sweat. Which was not unlike my love of making good guys sweat, just by very different means.”
In this, we are reunited with our snarky heroine Charley Davidson as she tries to juggle three cases and her perplexing love life all in one go. From hired killers to family drama to missing persons, there is never a dull moment where our Grim Reaper is concerned. The plot in this, despite it being rushed at times, is light and ends with the perfect ending.
We get some insight into Reyes, but for the most part, he’s still as mysterious – if not more – as he was in the first book. I wasn’t too fond of him constantly keeping things from Charley, but the man is hot...I honestly couldn’t stay annoyed for long. I mean, if you met Reyes Alexander Farrow, you’d understand me turning into a lust-sick idiot. I’m definitely looking forward to more Reyes and Charley smexy times!
Overall, another fun addition to this series! Now, on to the next one!
“Chocolate and coffee ? Together ? Whoever came up with that combination should have won a Nobel Peace Prize. Or at least a subscription to Reader's Digest.”
Posted: July 23, 2015
November 13, 2018
Still waiting to love this series and/or the characters, they each seem to take turns being ridiculous or dumb but then redeem themselves later so it's hard to stay mad too long, but I liked the plot of this one more than book one. There was something of a twist to the mystery/Murder of the Week and I loved that bit. It's still a bit OTT on the humour and is almost always not appropriate for the moment but it's also still kinda fun ish?
I have to say, though, I'm getting whiplash on the romance element because there's mystery tied up in there, too, and I don't know why Jones keeps including these total non-winning lines for Reyes to say to Charley because, um, not sexy and wow terrible. I don't know. It's probably misdirection and it's definitely keeping the suspense up but honestly it's also not making me root for them, sooo.
Honestly right now the highlight of this series (so far!) are all the interactions between Charley and her uncle. Those are just the best.
Terrible review is terrible.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
I have to say, though, I'm getting whiplash on the romance element because there's mystery tied up in there, too, and I don't know why Jones keeps including these total non-winning lines for Reyes to say to Charley because, um, not sexy and wow terrible. I don't know. It's probably misdirection and it's definitely keeping the suspense up but honestly it's also not making me root for them, sooo.
Honestly right now the highlight of this series (so far!) are all the interactions between Charley and her uncle. Those are just the best.
Terrible review is terrible.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
November 16, 2018
It seems that both life and death have Charley’s life running on crazy as she not only discovers that her secret lover and protector, Reyes, is truly the Son of Satan with a death wish, but a friend of a friend has gone missing and she must find her. Does the missing woman harbor a secret that could get her killed? Is Charley risking her own life hunting for her?
A delicious blend of humor and suspense kept me turning page after page in Darynda Jones’ SECOND GRAVE ON THE LEFT. Filled with great one-liners, unlikely situations and one colorful heroine, this paranormal fantasy is a fun read from start to finish!
I received a complimentary copy from St Martin's Press!
Series: Charley Davidson - Book 2
Publisher: St. Martin's Press; Reprint edition (August 16, 2011)
Publication Date: August 16, 2011
Genre: Paranormal
Print Length: 321 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
A delicious blend of humor and suspense kept me turning page after page in Darynda Jones’ SECOND GRAVE ON THE LEFT. Filled with great one-liners, unlikely situations and one colorful heroine, this paranormal fantasy is a fun read from start to finish!
I received a complimentary copy from St Martin's Press!
Series: Charley Davidson - Book 2
Publisher: St. Martin's Press; Reprint edition (August 16, 2011)
Publication Date: August 16, 2011
Genre: Paranormal
Print Length: 321 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 15, 2017
Oh my! I'm having so much fun listening to the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. To me, it's a mix of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series and Patricia Brigg’s Mercy Thompson series. This is a fun and refreshing paranormal series that is new to me even though it's been around for a while.
The main character is Charlotte “Charley” Davidson. She's a private investigator that works with her police officer Uncle Bob to help him solve cases. Although Charley is a good PI, her skills that really make her a exceptional at solving crimes is that she's also The Grim Reaper. She can speak to the dead and get valuable information from them that others wouldn't be able to get in order to solve the crimes. She also serves as a portal for the dead to pass through to move on to the afterlife.
Charley’s always been able to see the dead, so she doesn't think much of it when a dark, mysterious, handsome guy named Reyes Farrow starts showing up. Except that she likes it. A LOT!! Slowly Charley is learning more about herself and Reyes and how alike yet totally different they are. When these two are together…whoa momma! They are smokin’ hot!!!
There are also fun side characters such as Uncle Bob, Rocket, Angel, Garrett and Cookie that are interesting characters to get to know. This series also reminds me a bit of a tv show I used to watch several years ago called Dead Like Me. Anyway, I have the next audiobook on reserve at the library and can't wait to listen to it. I need more Reyes now!
The main character is Charlotte “Charley” Davidson. She's a private investigator that works with her police officer Uncle Bob to help him solve cases. Although Charley is a good PI, her skills that really make her a exceptional at solving crimes is that she's also The Grim Reaper. She can speak to the dead and get valuable information from them that others wouldn't be able to get in order to solve the crimes. She also serves as a portal for the dead to pass through to move on to the afterlife.
Charley’s always been able to see the dead, so she doesn't think much of it when a dark, mysterious, handsome guy named Reyes Farrow starts showing up. Except that she likes it. A LOT!! Slowly Charley is learning more about herself and Reyes and how alike yet totally different they are. When these two are together…whoa momma! They are smokin’ hot!!!
There are also fun side characters such as Uncle Bob, Rocket, Angel, Garrett and Cookie that are interesting characters to get to know. This series also reminds me a bit of a tv show I used to watch several years ago called Dead Like Me. Anyway, I have the next audiobook on reserve at the library and can't wait to listen to it. I need more Reyes now!
July 5, 2023
Read: February, 2017
Reread: July, 2023
I'm Charlotte Davidson: private investigator, police consultant, all around badass. Or I could've been a badass had I stuck with those lessons in mixed martial arts. I was only in that class to learn how to kill people with paper."
Why have I discovered this series so late! I love Charley! She's my new book girlfriend. She's my BFF!!
And Reyes ...sigh Hotter than hell! He was a bit of a jerk in this one but I get it. He's trying to protect Charley. She is such a kickass girl. I love her attitude.
Charley has a new case. Cookie's friend is missing. People are dead. And Reyes' is being tortured by Demons. Lot's of action and family drama. Secret Agents, dead bodies, bunny slippers......
And those T-shirts and bumper stickers are hilarious.
"WITH GREAT BREASTS COME GREAT RESPONSIBILITY."
"I stopped fighting my inner demons. We're on the same side now."
"If at first you don't succeed, failure may be your thing."
"IF IT HAS TIRES OR TESTICLES, IT'S GONNA GIVE YOU TROUBLE."
Reread: July, 2023
I'm Charlotte Davidson: private investigator, police consultant, all around badass. Or I could've been a badass had I stuck with those lessons in mixed martial arts. I was only in that class to learn how to kill people with paper."
Why have I discovered this series so late! I love Charley! She's my new book girlfriend. She's my BFF!!
And Reyes ...sigh Hotter than hell! He was a bit of a jerk in this one but I get it. He's trying to protect Charley. She is such a kickass girl. I love her attitude.
Charley has a new case. Cookie's friend is missing. People are dead. And Reyes' is being tortured by Demons. Lot's of action and family drama. Secret Agents, dead bodies, bunny slippers......
And those T-shirts and bumper stickers are hilarious.
"WITH GREAT BREASTS COME GREAT RESPONSIBILITY."
"I stopped fighting my inner demons. We're on the same side now."
"If at first you don't succeed, failure may be your thing."
"IF IT HAS TIRES OR TESTICLES, IT'S GONNA GIVE YOU TROUBLE."
September 29, 2014
I abso-freaking-lutely loved it! (I totally stole that one from Charley.)
Charley is as badass and kickass as ever!
Reyes is as hot and enigmatic as ever!
The story is as twisty and mysterious as ever!
My love for this series is as strong as ever!
That is all.
And now, have a good laugh :)
"As a matter of fact, my toes were recently christened in an odd game of Spin the Bottle and one-too-many margaritas.”
“Could you introduce me?”
I hefted myself upright and wrestled off my socks, wiggling the bed just enough to elicit soft gasps of agony from Garret.
“You’re such a whiner,” I said, lying back beside him and lifting my feet. “Okay, starting with my left pinky toe, we have Dopey, Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Bashful, Sneezy, Sleepy, Queen Elizabet the Third, Bootylicious the Patron Saint of Hot Asses, and Pinky Floyd.”
After a thoughtful moment, he asked, “Pinky Floyd?”
“You know, like the band, only not”
“Right. Did you name your fingers?”
I turned an incredulous look on him. I was a master of incredulity. “That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard."
____________________________________________
My Charley Davidson reviews:
First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson, #1)
Second Grave on the left (Charley Davidson, #2)
Third Grave Dead Ahead (Charley Davidson, #3)
For I have Sinned (Charley Davidson, #3.5)
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet (Charley Davidson, #4)
Charley is as badass and kickass as ever!
Reyes is as hot and enigmatic as ever!
The story is as twisty and mysterious as ever!
My love for this series is as strong as ever!
That is all.
And now, have a good laugh :)
"As a matter of fact, my toes were recently christened in an odd game of Spin the Bottle and one-too-many margaritas.”
“Could you introduce me?”
I hefted myself upright and wrestled off my socks, wiggling the bed just enough to elicit soft gasps of agony from Garret.
“You’re such a whiner,” I said, lying back beside him and lifting my feet. “Okay, starting with my left pinky toe, we have Dopey, Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Bashful, Sneezy, Sleepy, Queen Elizabet the Third, Bootylicious the Patron Saint of Hot Asses, and Pinky Floyd.”
After a thoughtful moment, he asked, “Pinky Floyd?”
“You know, like the band, only not”
“Right. Did you name your fingers?”
I turned an incredulous look on him. I was a master of incredulity. “That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard."
____________________________________________
My Charley Davidson reviews:
First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson, #1)
Second Grave on the left (Charley Davidson, #2)
Third Grave Dead Ahead (Charley Davidson, #3)
For I have Sinned (Charley Davidson, #3.5)
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet (Charley Davidson, #4)
April 27, 2020
Grim Reaper as a snarky PI chick who is in love with the (misunderstood) son of Satan?
Yep. This UF is proof that I've jumped off the deep end. I'm swimming with the tide.
Good thing I'm enjoying it a great deal! It has romance, mystery, and extra, super-duper helpings of New Mexico.
All those bumper stickers referred to in the text? The funny ones like "All you have to fear is fear itself (and spiders)"? I used to browse those ALL the time in our local, grand old bookstores. Specialty bookstores. GAMING bookstores. :) Ah, to have an active imagination. :)
I felt New Mexico pouring out of the page. :) So fun! :)
Yep. This UF is proof that I've jumped off the deep end. I'm swimming with the tide.
Good thing I'm enjoying it a great deal! It has romance, mystery, and extra, super-duper helpings of New Mexico.
All those bumper stickers referred to in the text? The funny ones like "All you have to fear is fear itself (and spiders)"? I used to browse those ALL the time in our local, grand old bookstores. Specialty bookstores. GAMING bookstores. :) Ah, to have an active imagination. :)
I felt New Mexico pouring out of the page. :) So fun! :)
October 29, 2023
I have a sinus infection and can't read. So, I need a good audio book to keep my spirits up and an audio book read by my favorite narrator, Lorelei King, is just what I need right now. Lorelei King is the best. She isn't a narrator, she's a storyteller with a wonderful repertoire of voices and pacing. I have yet to hear anybody better. The plot itself is quirky and had two different mysteries to solve, one of which is the relationship between the Charlie, the Grim Reaper, and Reyes, the son of Satan, which looks to be a series arching one.
Charley Davidson is awakened in the middle of the night by her neighbor/receptionist/bestie, Cookie. Cookie's friend, Mimi, disappeared five days ago and cookie has just received a text from her. Charley is less than thrilled about the interrupted sleep, but when the get to the coffee shop they don't find Mimi, but they do find a cryptic message on the bathroom door. It turns out that several of Mimi's high school classmates have recently died and both Charley and Cookie are desperate to find her.
Reyes Alexander Farrow has left his corporeal body, which is being tortured by demons and appears to Charley but won't tell her where he is so she can help him. He is protecting her as a portal to heaven from being used by the demons. This is so important to him that he is willing to die. Charley is not about to let that happen.
Charley Davidson is awakened in the middle of the night by her neighbor/receptionist/bestie, Cookie. Cookie's friend, Mimi, disappeared five days ago and cookie has just received a text from her. Charley is less than thrilled about the interrupted sleep, but when the get to the coffee shop they don't find Mimi, but they do find a cryptic message on the bathroom door. It turns out that several of Mimi's high school classmates have recently died and both Charley and Cookie are desperate to find her.
Reyes Alexander Farrow has left his corporeal body, which is being tortured by demons and appears to Charley but won't tell her where he is so she can help him. He is protecting her as a portal to heaven from being used by the demons. This is so important to him that he is willing to die. Charley is not about to let that happen.
February 10, 2018
Sale Alert: Kindle monthly deal for Feb 2018 $2.99
3.5 But rounded up for the overall concept and love of the first book.
“IF IT HAS TIRES OR TESTICLES, IT’S GONNA GIVE YOU TROUBLE. —BUMPER STICKER”
Just a quick side note, the quotes before all of the chapters are all hilarious and one of my favorite parts of the book. They are fun to just flip through and read for a chuckle.
Ah, this one is really Charley knows best…..but does she really? I tended to think she did not. I still very much enjoyed this book. It still has much of the same brazen humor and quipy dialog. The mystery PI story arc was well conceived with a good twist so that kill was not who I expected them to be. But as much as I like that story line I’m a sucker for the underlying arc of Charley and Reyes and they spent so much time not on the same page I got a little frustrated. Still they had a few moments of magic between them.
“Time-out,” I said. He twisted his hand around and wound his fingers into mine. “You‘re putting me in time-out?”
“Yes,” I said as a shaky sigh slid through my lips.
“If I don‘t go, do I get a spanking?”
Reyes has escaped from prison and is in hiding. He is trying to protect Charley from being discovered. She just won’t let it go and is bound and determined to find him and save him. It doesn’t matter that he is older than dirt and has far more knowledge than her. She ignores all of that to do what she wants. Along the way she makes some interesting discoveries about Reyes life and how far he will go to help the people he cares for. He is still such a mystery he often paints himself in a bad light and Charley tends to think the worst of him but most of his actions to be protective I’m still not sure if he is bad at being good or good at being bad. Sure he is the Son of Satan but really is that such a bad thing.
“That you honestly believe I am capable of hurting innocent people for no reason.”
“You’re not?” I asked, hope softening my voice.
“Oh, no, I’m more than capable. I just didn’t realize you
knew that.”
Cookie has a dead guy in her trunk and her friend Mimi has gone missing. She asks Charley to help her find out why her friend is in trouble and track down where she is hiding. I really liked this part of the story. It was interesting and I really wanted to find out why Mimi would leave her doting husband and children to hide out.
There isn’t quite as much humor as the first book but it is still really funny. There are a lot of side characters but they all add a little something to the story so I didn’t mind although I had to remind myself a few times who some of them where. I liked how Charley learned more about herself and her abilities as well as who/what Reyes is. I didn’t love the end of this book, but I will trust (crosses fingers) the author has a plan and will win back my affection for the romance aspect of the story and this will make that all the sweeter in the end.
3.5 But rounded up for the overall concept and love of the first book.
“IF IT HAS TIRES OR TESTICLES, IT’S GONNA GIVE YOU TROUBLE. —BUMPER STICKER”
Just a quick side note, the quotes before all of the chapters are all hilarious and one of my favorite parts of the book. They are fun to just flip through and read for a chuckle.
Ah, this one is really Charley knows best…..but does she really? I tended to think she did not. I still very much enjoyed this book. It still has much of the same brazen humor and quipy dialog. The mystery PI story arc was well conceived with a good twist so that kill was not who I expected them to be. But as much as I like that story line I’m a sucker for the underlying arc of Charley and Reyes and they spent so much time not on the same page I got a little frustrated. Still they had a few moments of magic between them.
“Time-out,” I said. He twisted his hand around and wound his fingers into mine. “You‘re putting me in time-out?”
“Yes,” I said as a shaky sigh slid through my lips.
“If I don‘t go, do I get a spanking?”
Reyes has escaped from prison and is in hiding. He is trying to protect Charley from being discovered. She just won’t let it go and is bound and determined to find him and save him. It doesn’t matter that he is older than dirt and has far more knowledge than her. She ignores all of that to do what she wants. Along the way she makes some interesting discoveries about Reyes life and how far he will go to help the people he cares for. He is still such a mystery he often paints himself in a bad light and Charley tends to think the worst of him but most of his actions to be protective I’m still not sure if he is bad at being good or good at being bad. Sure he is the Son of Satan but really is that such a bad thing.
“That you honestly believe I am capable of hurting innocent people for no reason.”
“You’re not?” I asked, hope softening my voice.
“Oh, no, I’m more than capable. I just didn’t realize you
knew that.”
Cookie has a dead guy in her trunk and her friend Mimi has gone missing. She asks Charley to help her find out why her friend is in trouble and track down where she is hiding. I really liked this part of the story. It was interesting and I really wanted to find out why Mimi would leave her doting husband and children to hide out.
There isn’t quite as much humor as the first book but it is still really funny. There are a lot of side characters but they all add a little something to the story so I didn’t mind although I had to remind myself a few times who some of them where. I liked how Charley learned more about herself and her abilities as well as who/what Reyes is. I didn’t love the end of this book, but I will trust (crosses fingers) the author has a plan and will win back my affection for the romance aspect of the story and this will make that all the sweeter in the end.
October 17, 2017
Second Grave on the Left is book two in the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones.
The humor continues in this second installment of Charley Davidson. It’s over-the-top ridiculous, but so much fun. Expect to laugh out loud.
Charley is one unusual character. Her personality, fearlessness, and sauciness just add to the whole thing. Cookie is Charley’s friend, neighbor, and co-worker. She is a great sidekick. She’s got Charley’s back and brings her own humor into the mix. The main plot revolves around one of Cookie’s friends, so she’s taking a more active role in this investigation. I liked seeing more of Cookie and having her around with Charley.
I had fun with the different mysteries, yes, their is more then one thing going on. I also cried in some areas. I’m glad I don’t have to wait for the next book release; because the ending left me wanting more asap.
The Narrator, Lorelei King, brings Charley and all the characters to life. It’s memorable. Her witty tone and colorful reading add to the listeners enjoyment and brings the world and characters to life. I’m so adoring the audiobooks for this series.
I have to say Jones and King are a winning combo. I’m savoring the audiobooks for the Charley Davidson series. I recommend giving this series a listen. You certainly will have a good time!
Rated: 4 Stars
The humor continues in this second installment of Charley Davidson. It’s over-the-top ridiculous, but so much fun. Expect to laugh out loud.
Charley is one unusual character. Her personality, fearlessness, and sauciness just add to the whole thing. Cookie is Charley’s friend, neighbor, and co-worker. She is a great sidekick. She’s got Charley’s back and brings her own humor into the mix. The main plot revolves around one of Cookie’s friends, so she’s taking a more active role in this investigation. I liked seeing more of Cookie and having her around with Charley.
I had fun with the different mysteries, yes, their is more then one thing going on. I also cried in some areas. I’m glad I don’t have to wait for the next book release; because the ending left me wanting more asap.
The Narrator, Lorelei King, brings Charley and all the characters to life. It’s memorable. Her witty tone and colorful reading add to the listeners enjoyment and brings the world and characters to life. I’m so adoring the audiobooks for this series.
I have to say Jones and King are a winning combo. I’m savoring the audiobooks for the Charley Davidson series. I recommend giving this series a listen. You certainly will have a good time!
Rated: 4 Stars
August 23, 2022
Book Blog | Bookstagram
"Yeah, but what happens if life hands me pickles?"
I didn't love it like the first one, but it still delivered what was expected.
Badass lead. Out of body sexytime. A twisty mystery. A light, funny read.
I have to be honest though, I don't really like Reyes. And I don't like Charley with Reyes. It makes her dumb. Maybe I'm just not the right audience for the bad-boy sexy love affair with dangerous overtones, because honestly I'd probably dump his creepy, stalking, brooding ass after the first time he called me a 'whore' when he was angry.
Asshole men are just not my thing.
Charley's obsession with Reyes led her to make some really stupid decisions for her own emotional satisfaction that literally put Heaven and Earth in desperate peril. But she loves him so it's all good?
Splitting the difference between the stupid parts and the perfect parts.
“I sort of got off on making bad guys sweat. Which was not unlike my love of making good guys sweat, just by very different means.”
⭐⭐⭐½ | 3.5 stars rounded up
"Yeah, but what happens if life hands me pickles?"
I didn't love it like the first one, but it still delivered what was expected.
Badass lead. Out of body sexytime. A twisty mystery. A light, funny read.
I have to be honest though, I don't really like Reyes. And I don't like Charley with Reyes. It makes her dumb. Maybe I'm just not the right audience for the bad-boy sexy love affair with dangerous overtones, because honestly I'd probably dump his creepy, stalking, brooding ass after the first time he called me a 'whore' when he was angry.
Asshole men are just not my thing.
Charley's obsession with Reyes led her to make some really stupid decisions for her own emotional satisfaction that literally put Heaven and Earth in desperate peril. But she loves him so it's all good?
Splitting the difference between the stupid parts and the perfect parts.
“I sort of got off on making bad guys sweat. Which was not unlike my love of making good guys sweat, just by very different means.”
⭐⭐⭐½ | 3.5 stars rounded up
May 31, 2020
Audiobook
Didn't realize there was a 1.5 until after I finished this.
I enjoyed this more than book 1 because the author gave us more history and development. Reyes and Charlie are not just funny romantic interests any more. They are people that I am beginning to feel like I know.
There is this hopeless aspect to the story (that I suspect will be in all stories) because the people she helps are usually dead. So, although Charlie is seeking justice for them, they aren't coming back. She has to get them to cross and be lost to the story forever. A little sad :-(
I am learning fantasy/pnr isn't as scary as I thought...at least this one isn't.
Didn't realize there was a 1.5 until after I finished this.
I enjoyed this more than book 1 because the author gave us more history and development. Reyes and Charlie are not just funny romantic interests any more. They are people that I am beginning to feel like I know.
There is this hopeless aspect to the story (that I suspect will be in all stories) because the people she helps are usually dead. So, although Charlie is seeking justice for them, they aren't coming back. She has to get them to cross and be lost to the story forever. A little sad :-(
I am learning fantasy/pnr isn't as scary as I thought...at least this one isn't.
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