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

This is taking up for the Plum Series

Where does First Grave on the Right rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was a little bit of everything and watching the TV show Grimm give a different meaning with this series. I love the dynamic with of the characters and her secret she has a hard time letting anyone in. Its hard to explain, buy the book and you will totally see what I am talking about.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Charley - She is such a smart butt and DUH the sarcasm

What about Lorelei King’s performance did you like?

Every book she performs in is terrific, she can make a horrible book sound good. She gives life to every charterer in the book. I can envision in my mind what is going on when she speaks.

Bottom line LOVE her.

Spellbinding!!!

I so loved this story. I couldn't stop listening. The narration was a super plus.

Can't get enough! Love this series!

This is a great, keep you guessing, action filled, romantic comedy. This series is by Darynda Jones read by Loreli King is probably my favorite of any series. Can't wait for more!

good well done ......

good
loved it bwill definitely get the rest of the series. . A great job of the narrative very well done.

Sexy Ghost Story

It is what it is fun, sexy, silly and just a tad serious. I think I like this series. Very entertaining.

Supernatural, Sarcastic, & Funny!

What made the experience of listening to First Grave on the Right the most enjoyable?

This book had a great balance of action, interesting characters, plot, humor, & surprise. One of my favorite things about this book are the t-shirt descriptions, they are always hilarious & often sarcastic. For example: “You know you have ADD when Look A chicken - T-shirt” ― Darynda Jones, First Grave on the Right

Who was your favorite character and why?

Charley is my hero & I want to be just like her when I grow up! She is a relatable, sarcastic, & often humorous private investigator, & she can see dead people!

What about Lorelei King’s performance did you like?

I wish she could read all of my audiobooks. I love the tone & expression in her voice, best narrator & my favorite so far!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reactions to this book, but it often made me laugh. It was a very enjoyable book & a great start to the series.

Any additional comments?

If you're looking for a new action packed & funny supernatural series, this is it! You will love it!

Great New Series & Author!

I was looking on Audible to see other books Lorelei King narrated and found this. Charley reminds me of Stephanie Plum. I didn't need time to get into the book as soon as i started listening I was hooked! If you like Janet Evanovich, Charlaine Harris, you'll like Darynda Jones new series!

absolutely 💕 love

second time with this series, first time I read the books, but there is something special about listening to it.

I’m a Fan

I love this series! My first read/listen of this author. The narrator was fantastic and part of the reason I’m getting book 2. I love the sarcasm and funny comebacks. Charlie Davidson is a great character and her scenes with Reyes are steamy. I’m hooked for sure and ready for the next one.

C+ to B-

Other reviewers have the genre right, but this book is not comparable in quality to Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum or, as another example, the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. It's not awful, but Jones doesn't quite manage the banter, the sass, or the line between "oh, hmmm..." and "ick, tmi!" in Charley's sexual encounters. The secondary characters aren't quirky or particularly entertaining, and Charley's backstory is melodramatic. This book must be background to later ones, which seem to be slightly higher rated. But there's entirely too much telling and not enough showing. I was disappointed and stopped reading halfway through.