First Grave on the Right

Charley Davidson, Book 1

By: Darynda Jones

Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

First Grave on the Right is the smashing, award-winning debut novel that introduces Charley Davidson: part-time private investigator and full-time Grim Reaper.

Charley sees dead people. That's right, she sees dead people. And it's her job to convince them to "go into the light." But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e., murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she's been having about an Entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely.

This is a thrilling debut novel from Darynda Jones, an exciting newcomer to the world of paranormal romantic suspense.

First Grave on the Right is the winner of the 2012 Rita Award for Best First Book.

Keep chilled: spend some more time with Charley Davidson.

©2011 Darynda Jones (P)2011 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Sexy, sassy . . . Jones's characters, both living and dead, are colorful and endearing. . . . Cheeky charm . . . sarcastic wit.” —The Associated Press

“Jones's wickedly witty debut will delight aficionados of such humorous paranormals as Casey Daniels's Pepper Martin Mysteries and Dakota Cassidy's Accidental Friends series.” —Booklist (starred review)

“Fast-talking Charley's wicked exuberance and lust for life will appeal to fans of MaryJanice Davidson and Janet Evanovich and maybe fill a hole for those mourning the recently canceled Ghost Whisperer.” —Publishers Weekly

Unexpected fun!

I liked the story and was unexpectedly surprised with the risky content. Thumbs way up! I liked it very much.

A heroine you will love to death!

Being the Grim Reaper is tough, especially for snarky, funny, slightly bawdy Charlie Davidson. I loved everything about this book, from the laugh out loud situations to the oddly touching and poignant moments as well. Darynda Jones is a master of the craft, and her writing is fresh, smart, and amazingly funny.

Did not disappoint

I very much enjoyed this book! It moved well and had just the right amount of action and detail.

Can't wait to read this series

Great entertainment

I loved reading it and loved listening to it as well. can't wait for next book. Beth

Not as funny as I thought it would be

Based on other reviews, I thought I would enjoy this book. I am a fan of paranormal romance and urban fantasy, both funny and more serious. Jones' intent with this book seems to be a mostly light-hearted take on the grim reaper. While some reviewers said the book was laugh out loud funny, I found it not to be the case. A good book/reader compels me to keep listening even when I should be doing other things. It took me a while to get through this book and I even put it on hold to listen to the entirety of Patricia Briggs' Fair Game before I finished listening to it.

Charley Davidson was just neither substantive, compelling or funny enough to keep me engaged. The plot was fine though a bit scattered because there were really two separate story lines. The jokes were meh... and Charley's feelings for her romantic interest don't seem very fleshed out. I really enjoy Lorelei King when she reads Patricia Briggs Mercy series, but I was left feeling unsatisfied.

I think one of the issues for me was that on the one hand, the story is attempting to be snarky, funny and non-chalant about Charley's abilities but on the other hand she is somewhat tortured about a mysterious character who overshadows her life. The ending starts to get really into the mysterious connections in her life, but it ends up feeling sort of shallow and like something you'd get from a second rate fortune teller.

I definitely will not be listening to the rest of the series. If you are looking for a good paranormal books that truly will make you laugh out loud even when the character is heartbroken, check out Molly Harper's books - Jane Jameson and the Werewolf books.

Looking in the Comments for a sign?

If your looking in the comments to see if this book or series is worth your time. Worth the read. This is your wake up call. READ IT! The snark. the Sarcasm. The twists and turns. i can't even begin to explain how great this book is.

So Much Fun

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would love for my friends to read this delightful, humorous book.

What did you like best about this story?

It's lol funny and the characters made me want to get to know them.

What about Lorelei King’s performance did you like?

Lorelei King reads with enthusiasm and joy. I felt she was laughing with me.

Everyone needs caffeine

Finally! A series for people who are dark and have a little sparkle in them. For thise who don't walk a straight line and take an unbeaten path in life. This book is fun, light , dark and a little bit if naughty all at the same time.

great character.

I'm not sure how I missed the boat on this series when it first came out, I'm a huge reader of supernatural fiction and I just never read this (scratching my head). Now that I've read the first book I'm totally hooked! I really love the characters in this book (even Mr. Wong)! I'm starting the second book now can't wait to see what happens next!

Enjoyable

This was really an enjoyable book, I believe its greatest strength is the strong sense of humor that runs throughout this novel and the strong female lead. It feels more like a murder mystery than a science fiction story, however that is my personal option. So give it a listen I think you will like this story.