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

Fun story

It was a fun story and I would enjoy another like it. Some things different to look forward too.

I loved this beginning book!

I am going two buy book 2 and book 3 after this review! That should let you know how much I like the book :)
I really like the character Charley, although I was not too sure of Reyes "son of Satan". At first I wanted the love interest to be Greyes (?), but "Bad" is growing on me. Can't wait to listen to the next book!

waiting for the next book

wow! It has been awhile since ive been this pleased with a book. I will be anxiously awaiting her next!

Very entertaining !!!!

I got First grave on the right as a sample and immediately I was caught. I could not put the book down. It was a fun book full of snappy comment and sarcastic quips. I would recommend this book for a fun read.

good start, but not sure about those plot holes

I wanted to love Charlie; I am always looking for kick a $$ heroines with strong story lines, and authors I respect recommended her. I love Mercy Thompson and she is foolhardy and tries to save the world, getting her but kicked in the process, as does Faith Hunter's Jane Yellowrock. I just got tired of Charlies' chip on her shoulder, constantly berating people for not believing her and being mean to the people that do, because they will eventually let her down anyway. She's always in the middle of one insane suicidal plan or another, even before she realizes that she's hard to kill, as if she were living out a death wish. And I HATE the bit where Reyes nearly rapes her when she's 16, and as a result she's been hot for him ever since. I don't care if he's the son of the mailman or the son of Satan, nothing makes almost rape sexy. I didn't think the sex added to the book really; I could have done without most of it. It just seemed like plot-sex-plot, without the sex having anything to do with the story. Maybe you need that to be shelved with romance and urban paranormal both...
The good parts: the story went in interesting and believable directions, the father and uncle have some good character development and I like Cookie and Swopes. I will give it one more book to see if like the average adolescent she manages to get the chip off her shoulder long enough to learn something.

Ummm....

While this book is quite charming (in parts) and occasionally "laugh out loud" funny, at the end of the day we just didn't click. The actual plot line is a little weird and sometimes difficult to follow.

I have zero interest in book two or three or any other book that might be related to this one. NO, I did not hate it, and I might even recommend it. This book just wasn't my thang.

Enjoyed Every Minute

I found this book to be cheeky, sexy and a great mystery. The main character has a world view that had me laughing out loud, which was a little embarrassing when I was grocery shopping or waiting in line at the post office. The various voices that the narrator does were fabulous and I listened to the entire series back to back.

Essentially, the main character is a supernatural being that was born in a human body and who has no idea of her own back story. Her process of self discovery, as well as discovery in the form of her PI work were interesting and kept me listening. The best part of the book was the main character's goofy outlook. She never seems to fail to end up in a ridiculous situation, which I could completely relate to. She might be a supernatural being but she has the same problems (or maybe more) the rest of us do.

The book is told from a distinctly female point of view, so I'm not sure they have widespread male appeal, but I truly enjoyed every second of these books and I can't wait for the next installment.

Charley makes Adult Attention Disorder, SeXy...

Would you try another book from Darynda Jones and/or Lorelei King?

Would I try another book from Darynda Jones and /or Lorelei King?I think my answer would be a great big, YES!

Would you be willing to try another book from Darynda Jones? Why or why not?

Ok, I don't know what's going on in the world of Audible.com, but didn't I just answer that question?

Which scene was your favorite?

Well, I really liked the scene where Charley gets hurt. Except, it seems like Charley gets hurt in every scence.
So, what was the question again?
Oh yeah, Charley makes ADD look sexy,
SMILE

Do you think First Grave on the Right needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I don't mean to be rude, but I kinda already answered this question. YES, I would read a follow -up book.

Story was okay

I got this book because so many people have raved about this series so I caved and bought it. I didn't enjoy it. The narration was good, but the storyline just wasn't that interesting to me.
The story was about a women, Charlotte "Charley" Davidson who escorted souls over and she was kind of interesting. I just didn't see what was so funny or entertaining. I didn't see this compelling relationship with Reyes. I don't care enough to listen to it again.

Great Listen!

If you like Janet Evonavich you will love Darynda Jones...they have much the same humor. This book is a great listen, once again Lorelei King does a fantastic job with each character! This book will not disappoint! Can't wait until the next book.