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

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.

Great characters, hilarious dialogue!

What did you love best about First Grave on the Right?

The main character is fantastic. Her witty and sarcastic sense of humor makes the book. I love mystery fantasy and this book sure delivers. It's got a great story line, interesting characters and underlying secrets to be solved. I will definitely be listening to the whole series now.

wow!! recommended to 5 people already. I'm a fan

wow!! excellent debut. I will be reading /listening as long as you keep writing. made my driving an adventure. loved it got at least my fave 5 listening as well.

great story

I Love the story. The narrator's voice is captivating. I couldn't stop listening felt immersed.

overall

love the everyday humor with in the story & especially the personality of the rrader.

Amazingly Clever Dialogue Read Really Well

Darynda Jones' book is one of the most cleverly written books I've read. I absolutely love her (Charley?) sense of humor. The twists of phrase are wonderful!!! And Reyes is so flipping hot!

Charley, Darynda and Lorelei a winning combination

Darynda Jones is new to me as is her heroine Charley, but I immediately became a fan especially as there is a strong resemblance to another pair of favourites of mine, Janet Evanovich and Stephanie Plum. To add gold to the mixture the stupendous Lorelei King reads the story with her usual skills at personifying the characters and making them come alive. So good writing and reading make a unbeatable combination. I look forward to more.

I loved this series!

I absolutely love Charlie Davidson and her personality! This book made me laugh out loud, literally!

Intriguing

Finished this audio book within two days, even listened to it on my drive to and from work. It's a great bend on a supernatural thrill and some erotic scenes that'll have you turning your volume down to listen in private at the office.