Fifth Grave Past the Light

Charley Davidson, Book 5

By: Darynda Jones

Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Never underestimate the power of a woman
on a double espresso with a mocha latte chaser high.

—T-shirt

Charley Davidson isn't your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper. She's more of a paranormal private eye/grim reaper extraordinaire. However, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. To further complicate matters, Reyes is her main suspect in an arson case. Charley has vowed to stay away from him until she can find out the truth…but then dead women start appearing in her apartment, one after another, each lost, confused, and terrified beyond reason. When it becomes apparent that her own sister, Gemma, is the serial killer's next target Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes' help. Arsonist or not, he's the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return. Charley. All of her, body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she is willing to pay.

Charley Davidson is at it again in Fifth Grave Past the Light, the sexy, suspenseful, and laugh-out-loud funny fifth installment of the New York Times bestselling series by Darynda Jones.

©2013 Darynda Jones (P)2013 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Lorelei King continues to provide superb narration, adding great depth to the characters.” —Library Journal

“Narrator Lorelei King's inspired interpretation of Jones's characters allows listeners to truly lose themselves in this otherworldly tale. King's delivery is well paced and simple, and her characterizations lend the book an air of believability and immediacy…inspired, realistic, and entertaining, King's performance ability is the perfect medium for Jones's witty and cunning prose.” —Publishers Weekly

Always so good

This book is just as good if not better than the others before it. I definitely recommend.

Each book in series gets better

Where does Fifth Grave Past the Light rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Darynda Jones reminds me of Charlaine Harris maybe Jeaniene Frost as well always able to write an absorbing story with great character base. Even though there is some really bad stuff happening there is alway a laugh out loud moment. (several actually) I finished this in one day it was that good.

What did you like best about this story?

There has been growth in Charlie and Reyes. Even though they are still coming to terms with who they are. These stories should be read in order from the first book in the series because information from previous books are important to the next one

Have you listened to any of Lorelei King’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to Lorelei King narrate Patricia Briggs "Mercy Thompson" series. (which she does just as fantastic as this one. Great with emotions, voices and humor.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait for the next book in this series. Daerynda Jones really knows how to make mystery/paranormal/dark humor work.

Darynda, this was wonderful. I loved it.

The series just keeps getting better. I love each book more and moore. Nope on to number 6.

Awesome

The romance between Charlie and Reyes heats up even more in this latest installment in the Charlie Davidson series. This time, Charlie wakes to find not just one dead woman in her apartment, but a plethora of incorporeal beings, none of who are ready to cross quite yet. Reyes is living down the hall, leading to more fun, naked time. Garrett Swopes, the PI who has literally been to hell and back, returns with some new information on Satan and Reyes' real mission on Earth.

While Charlie and UB search for the serial killer responsible for all of the dead women in Charlie's apartment, Charlie continues her arson investigation from the last book on the side. Reyes has started a new job, which drastically increases the female patronage of Calamities. And Gemma gets a love interest.

Once again, Lorelei King does a fantastic job with the narration. Definitely my favorite book in the series thus far!

OMG THIS BOOK GETS BETTER AND BETTER

I CANT GET ENOUGH. This book gets better as you go . Darynda you're amazing!!!!
Charlotte and Reyes just keep on surprising me, in a good way. I love it

This series just keeps getting better

OMG!! Darynda Jones and Lorelei King do it again. I will say this is my favorite series on audio. The way the snark is written so well with such a great storyline really makes this series wonderful. Lorelei King then acts it out with such great voices and is able to show the sarcasm to a tee.

This series has made me laugh out loud on many occasions (people at work are still trying to figure it out). This is the first time this series has made my eyes water. I wasn't expecting it. I've had in other series when some of my favorite characters died (The Hollows by Kim Harrison), but never expected it in this series. (Don't worry, that doesn't happen in this book). Charley is really put in the toughest spot she's ever been in. I was concerned at one point that she would break, but I should've know better. Charley might not be out kicking ass the way we see a lot of UF heroines, but she is a pretty tough chick and deserves to be right up them with them.

My favorite line in the entire book. Charley has gone over to Swopes' house. He goes to the kitchen to fix a drink. Charley then thinks in her head, "For some reason, every time I came over he felt the need to drink. It was weird." Comments like this in Charley's head is part of what makes this series wonderful. She is a tough chick, but keeps her spirits up with snark. How can you not love that? :)

Also, a little teaser. In the last chapter, there is a major bomb dropped at the very end of the story (like last sentence).

Awesome!

Fabulous read! I can’t wait to read the next book! Great character development and easy read.

Come hell or high water!!!

WHY hasn't this book series been made into a Hollywood Movie yet!??? OMG!

❤️I adore this author and narrator - ahhh what a Dynamic Duo!!!
Hats off to DJ and Lor - You are both Sensational!
Out of ALL the Audiobooks I've ever listened to ....yours is my FAVE!

The Charley series has IT ALL BABY!!....Thrilling moments, adventure, mystery, Sci-fi /Paranormal, and comedy up the ying yang! AHHH! GLORIOUS!!!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE - Keep em coming DJ! ❤️

The dialogue

I just can’t get over the character building and dialogue
It’s awesome
So is the Narration

And she does it again, folks

"These are fists of fury. They will get close. You'll feel the air as they swoosh by you. You'll stand in awe of their speed and accuracy, but if you move, you lose. You still up for this? Speak now or forever hold your peace."

-Charlie Davidson, Fifth Grave Past the Light

The fifth installment in this sensational series, Darynda works her magic to create the caffeine-filled and ADD-riddled life of Charlie Davidson. The series takes place where the fourth book leaves off and readers can expect the signature Charlie Davidson's world-wind of what-the-heck-have-you-gotten-yourself-into situations, humorous dialogues, and- be still my heart- Reyes Alexander Farrow.

Fans of this series will absolutely adore this book with Charlie being Charlie, the drool-worthy Reyes being even more alluring and irresistible (is that even possible?), and the rock solid supporting cast all gather to make this book a huge hit. Not to mention the fact that we get more insight as to Charlie and Reyes' role in the grand scheme of things and a sweet (and freaking HOT) progression in their relationship. My only regret in reading this book is that I devoured it too quickly. Like Paula Dean with a pound of butter, I was over zealous and lacked self-control. I think I see a run of the entire series back-to-back in the near future.


Note: the beginning quote was taken from a scene that had me laughing so hard I cried and nearly pissed my pants. Don't you just love stories that have that kind of power?

Narration
Narrator: Lorelei King
Performance: 5/5
As always, King nails it! Depicting Charlie's voice spot on, delivering her witty humor with perfect inflection and timing. King also does a fantastic job with the other characters, changing her voice enough to add distinction to the various characters while keeping it consistent for the recurring cast members throughout the series. I love that King has narrated all of the series thus far. Please don't ever change it!