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

The whole package!!

This pretty much had the whole package for me. It's a paranormal romcom with witty banter from our heroine, Charley and the many side characters you get introduced to.

Charley is a PI who just happens to be a beacon for dead people. She's helped her former cop dad and current cop uncle solve crimes since she is able to see and talk to the dead a/k/a the victims.

In book one, Charley investigates into why three lawyers from the same firm are murdered. She finds a man wrongly convicted of a murder who ultimately ties into Benny Price, a strip club owner and a man who has been accused of human trafficking.

While there is romance, it is not the main focus. In fact, it didn't even feel like a secondary focus since there was very little romance in the book. However, when the romance was there, it was pretty hot!

Normally a lack of romance would lower my enjoyment of a book but Charley is extremely entertaining along with the multitude of side characters alive or dead. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in book 2.

entertaining and enjoyable

Any additional comments?

This seemed a little like the author was trying a different take on the Janet Evanovich series. Using the same general formula down to the humor and just putting a different spin on it. The use of Lorelei King as the narrator probably contributed to this opinion, though I wouldn't change that. Ms.King does a great job as always. That said, the books are enjoyable and entertaining. I've listened to all of the books in the series thus far.

Holding your breath

Will definitely read more in this series as I want to see how the story

Funny, fun

an enjoyable story Grim Reaper Detective enjoyable great storyline leaves you wondering.
It reminds me of a TV show it's enjoyable it's even believable it's a must-read from front cover from front cover to back cover. but it has this serious moments it's enjoyable to hear about what happens when you pass to the next life.

I Love This Series

Would you consider the audio edition of First Grave on the Right to be better than the print version?

I have this series in audio & hardback. I love them both, but my husband likes to listen to them and I am not as great a narrator as Lorelei.

What was one of the most memorable moments of First Grave on the Right?

I can't choose just one memorable moment ... Chapter 20 is all I'm saying, because it contains so many answers to so much of the book.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene at the health-care facility, where she kissed him and fainted, is only one of my favorite scenes.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Sarcasm, Humor, and ADD.

Any additional comments?

How I describe this book to my friends...
Supernatural based.
Comical.
Multidementional storyline.
Drama.
Romantic content.
A different kind of mystery and supernatural romance.
I love this series, it is one of my favorite!!!

Really fun, laugh out loud read

What did you like best about this story?

I read a lot in the paranormal genre with favorites such as Jeaniene Frost & Kim Harrison; this series ranks near the top! Really fun, highly recommended!!

Take a ride with Charley Davidson

Would you listen to First Grave on the Right again? Why?

It had a total new concept for a Heroine. She is the grim reaper. She can speak to ghost. Which is most helpful when her uncle Bob needs help solving a murder involving 4 lawyers. This is the first of the series and the beginning does a great job of giving you back ground info about our main character and her ghostly lover. Which will come full circle by the end of this book. Hang on and get ready for a ride thats funny,sexy, and edgy.

What was one of the most memorable moments of First Grave on the Right?

It has just put the icing on the cake that paranormal romance can be fun or serious, sensual sexy or geeky, mysterious and scary and it can compete with all other types of fiction! When Frese moves into her apartment and the time they spend together in her room :)

What about Lorelei King’s performance did you like?

Yes, she does. She gives us snippets of info that is just enough to keep us on the edge waiting to find out more. For instance we know "mr Bad" can't be exactly how she imagines him there has to be more.....and there is.....but, I won't give spoiler away.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

The narrator Lorelei King does a great job of giving each character their own essence. I would read anything she narrates and safely assume she would do a great job.

Any additional comments?

I think this is the beginning of a great new series. I can't wait to see where the relationship will go between Charlie and Frese. I would put this on my list of new authors to try. And finding an author that you love is better than ice cream!!

Mystery, urban fantasy, comedy.

There are a LOT of books about women who happen to stumble on mysteries with a fair few of them having a paranormal twist - This one stands out, because the main character is really, really funny and likeable - she's very Stephanie Plum without being a clear knockoff. I also think that the narrator (who also voices Stephanie) is much better suited to this character. Totally worth the credit.

Snorting coffee out your nose

Charley is my new favorite female lead! This sassy Grim Reaper is on a mission to help the departed tie up loose ends and make their crossing. In the process she dishes out one liners and zingers that will keep you laughing out loud, rolling your eyes, and possibly even snorting coffee out your nose! Our heroine is instantly likable and her whit is unmatched in the genre (in my humble opinion). Throw in a mysterious entity, toe curling other-worldly seduction, and a mind-altering orgasm and you have it all. Looking forward to book two.

can't stop listening

Would you listen to First Grave on the Right again? Why?

Yes, love the story, love the way all the characters come together. And I especially love Charley's quick wit

Which character – as performed by Lorelei King – was your favorite?

Cookie. I know this is going to sound crazy, but she kind of reminds me of a drag queen

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

It made me laugh a lot. Which is kind of hard when your listening to it at work when your not suppose to