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

Great start to a new series!

I love Charley! She's the most unlikely, sarcastic grim reaper imaginable - those who love Stephanie Plum and Betsey the Vampire Queen will have a new, snarky, witty heroine to add to their list!

A bit cliche to start but works up to a good story

The story started off a bit weak - the character was trying to hard with cliche humor (filled with one-liners my Dad would be proud of) but once the author drops some of that 'trying too hard' approach and just tells the story, it gets pretty interesting. I like the main character and the spin on her 'abilities'. And the supporting characters have potential. I'm interested in listening to more of this series.

Very entertaining

Any additional comments?

Wonderful book! Sexy, sassy and extremely humorous! I found myself laughing outloud in the middle of the street numerous times and it was kind of embarassing. Wonderful narration also! Lorelei King is a deep voice that none the less is able to differenciate among the various characters. Highly recommendable! I'm in the middle of

Entertaining

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

I wouldn't listen to it again, but I would get other books by this author. I found her very entertaining. A quirky story but an easy listen.\

What did you like best about this story?

Just a very different mystery concept.

What does Lorelei King bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

The voice that brought the book to life.

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

Made me laugh repeatedly at her synical sense of humor

Phenomenal Fun

Irreverent fun read, great orator. Can't wait to read the next book. Will recommend to friends.

Love Charley!

4.5 stars
I’ve owned First Grave on the Right on audio for what feels like FOREVER, but for some very stupid reason I didn’t read it until it came up as a selection for book club. Well thank goodness that made me read it! There was absolutely nothing about First Grave on the Right that I didn’t love – but I’m giving it 4.5 stars because I wasn’t quite blown away enough to push it to 5.

Charley is nothing like I expected – she’s THE Grim Reaper, that comes with certain dark, badass expectations. Even though that’s not her at all, I adore her. She gets into loads of trouble (she’s not exactly a badass LOL) and has a really sarcastic and somewhat inappropriate sense of humor. As in snark overload. But you love that, right? I know I adore a grim reaper that names her boobs “Danger” and “Will Robinson”!

Charley also has a HUGE heart. Having a heart like hers could be a liability when you have to deal with death so frequently, and it kind of is for Charley – remember all the trouble she gets into? – but I loved that she doesn’t let some pretty horrendous things keep her from caring.

And I just loved her dynamic with her best friend – Cookie. Cookie is Charley’s assistant at her private investigation firm, but she’s also just a GREAT friend. Charley’s life is far from normal and Cookie just excepts it. Sure she freaks out and mothers Charley when Charley almost gets herself killed (notice a theme –> Charley gets into a lot of trouble), but that’s what a good friend does.

And then there’s Reyes. So when I heard his name, I thought, “Ohhhh Reyes!” Needless to say I’ve heard all about Reyes but I didn’t realize he belonged to this series. Yes, I like Reyes. He earned some sighs from me too. But he didn’t illicit the reaction I thought he would, given the hype. That’s okay, because I still really like him and I’m super curious about him – he’s a bit of a twist in the plot all on his own, so I can’t say much without being spoilery.

The way this world works is neat – grim reaping is nothing like I expected. Charley has an awful lot of ghosts around her and I found myself thinking, “aren’t you supposed to reap those souls?” But it doesn’t work that way – Charley is really just that bright light souls pass through. They have to choose to pass through her – so she’s more of a gate than an actual active soul collector.

I really enjoyed First Grave on the Right and look forward to reading more. If you’re one of the few out there that haven’t read it like me – I’d recommend it, especially if you enjoy snark, a bit of paranormal woo-woo, a light (almost cozy) mystery, and some sexy fun! And I’d definitely recommend it on audio – Lorelei King nailed it! I think the personalities, humor, and snark really came to life BECAUSE if her reading. This will be audio only for me, for sure!

so fun and quirky!

This author reminds me a lot of Janet Evanovich (One for the Money) as far as character development and style . I've always liked quirky characters that have something special about them, and Charlotte Davidson is no different. the story is unique and follows a logical sequence while throwing in some surprises and twists .
I am defintely buying the next in the series!

Couldn't Get Into It

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It was a way to pass time. I'm still not in love with it though.

What could Darynda Jones have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Maybe cut out all the stars crashing and Earth shattering stuff regarding the love story between Charley and Reyes. It felt a little too corny.

What three words best describe Lorelei King’s performance?

Dramatic, sarcastic, witty.

Did First Grave on the Right inspire you to do anything?

No.

Any additional comments?

I really thought I'd like this one, but I shall move on to a different series.

Death with a bit of humor!

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

The story line & the characters.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Charley & Reyes, because the chemistry between them is just somehow very comical and yet very intense.

Have you listened to any of Lorelei King’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

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

Yes!

ADDICTED!!! Couldn't stop listening!!!

If you could sum up First Grave on the Right in three words, what would they be?

Sexy, Funny, suspenseful

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

Rayes Farrow. the first time he visited charley.

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

I love Cookie.

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

Yes. There are times I just busted out laughing.

Any additional comments?

I am so glad I found this series it is truly one of my favorites. Thank you
Darynda.