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

LOVE!!! LOVE!!! This book and Charlie.

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

The humor and relationships. The walking with Charlie through solving the crimes.

What did you like best about this story?

I love the relationships Charlie has with her best friend Cookie and the others

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

Not yet. But I already bought the Second Grave book. I can’t wait to start it

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

Yes! And then I couldn’t wait to start the next one.

Great Listen!

This book was great with storylines, twists and humor. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. As always Lorelei King nails it with her characters. I was specifically looking for another series she narrated and was pleased to find a book so deserving of her talent. I am immediately downloading the next book. The love stuff was a little cheesy....but hey who doesn't love some cheese?

Steamier than I expected

Added this to my wishlist ages ago and didn't re-read the description before finally purchasing it - so I wasn't expecting it to be quite as steamy as it was.

The narrator is actually pretty decent. Although, for some reason I'm not loving her for the main character's voice, and she mispronounces the most unexpected words, which I find jarring.

The story is pretty interesting, although there seems to be zero acknowledgement of any religion other than Christianity. Perhaps rather than taking the time to at least nod to the other religions and belief systems, the author opted to just completely ignore that they even existed. Otherwise, it's pretty interesting. The characters are great and get better for the most part over the next few books that I've listened to. Love the snark and sense of humor - which is primarily what's kept me coming back for more.

Interesting premise, poor execution

I love Lorelei King from the Stephanie Plum novels, which I also love. This book had promise - as another reviewer noted, it was in part as if Stephanie woke up one day and discovered she had a new occupation as a Grim Reaper and a phantom lover who might or might not be the Prince of Darkness - lots of steamy parts in this novel.

The writing was somewhat disjointed, as if the author had a number of phrases she always wanted to use in a novel and arranged the narrative around use of these phrases. Perhaps this is simply her first-novel awkwardness. I don't think I'd waste a credit on volume 2 in the series, even with Ms King to narrate.

Wow! What a ride....

While the original synopsis of the book caught my attention, I had no idea what I was in for. Darynda has created a fascinating story with sassy, humorous and intriguing characters; and a storyline that keeps you coming back for more. Lorelei is one of the best narrators I’ve heard in a long time! Each one of her characters has a unique voice and personality, which immerses you in the story makes you forget it’s just one person narrating. I own every book in the series thus far and will continue to follow this story and future works of the author and narrator!

Very funny writing

I haven't listened to or read anything that made me smile as much since Stephanie Plum started he career as a bounty hunter. Enjoyed it!

A little shocked...

It had my attention from the beginning. .. shocked toward the end... can't wait to what will happen next. ...

The Grim Reaper is a woman!!

I love hearing about all the t-shirts and bumper stickers. The grim reaper is very funny and she is tough and smart and down to earth. She is a private detective who happens to be the grim reaper and has kooky relationships with her family, friends and the son of Satan.

OK

What did you like best about First Grave on the Right? What did you like least?

I know alot abot content

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

no. She did not do her research totaly

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

no

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

no

Any additional comments?

it was fun to listen to at first.

quirky mystery

Enjoyable overall, although at times slightly annoying. Reminds me of the writing of Evanovitch, with a very fun main character and interestingly unbelievable but funny sub characters.. and of course, there is the possibility of the love triangle..