Halfway to the Grave

Night Huntress, Book 1

By: Jeaniene Frost

Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father - the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unlikely partnership.

In exchange for help finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner…are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon, Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side...and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat.

©2007 Jeaniene Frost (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Take one half-human/half-vampire female with serious anger and parental issues, add in a sexy ancient vampire with his own agenda, and you have the makings for a truly combustible series. Sign me up for the sequel!” (Romantic Times)

Surprised by how much I liked it

I was a bit hesitant to the whole half vampire-thing but this book had gotten so many good reviews and ratings that I got curious – as well as I got it on sale.
But the half vampire-part was actually nice handled. I really liked the explanation.

I also liked the story more than I had expected. It's very well written with interesting characters and all kinds of fun interaction between said characters.

Cat is very young (emotionally I mean, she's 22 physically) – quite emotional and dramatic at times but quite quick-witted and steely at others.
Bones is all kinds of fun. Clever and strong with a sense of humour; and quite able to handle Cat.
I was also amused by Timmy the neighbour *chuckle*

Plot and story is interesting and never really gets boring – things happen all the time but in a good and non-rushed pace. It's obviously the first book of several though since some threads for plot are introduced but not properly touched. Main plot is properly wrapped up though so the book doesn't end in a killing cliffhanger *smile*

Narrator was really good. She has a pleasant voice – she's good at giving characters their own voices and reads with great pacing and feeling. It was great listening to her.

Sookie Who? The Red Reaper is my new girl crush!!

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

Sookie Stackhouse pales in comparison to Cat a.k.a. The Red Reaper. This series is awesome. Bad, whiny english accent aside, what an amazing and complete world Frost has created. Bloody hell, I am going to name my first born son Crispin. What a fabulous character she created in him. There is so much passion and depth to these characters while the story remains fluid and humorous even at times. Just enough detail and the right balance of action, drama, and sex. The sex is phenomenal by the way. Makes me thinks I have never had a real big O before compared to the ones Bones gives Cat. A total must listen!!!

The best series ever!!!!!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Halfway to the Grave to be better than the print version?

One should experience the audio version because of the audio reader. Tavia is the best reader I have ever heard.

What did you like best about this story?

The constant action and the romance that develops.

What about Tavia Gilbert’s performance did you like?

Everything. She is so talented. It's unbelievable that she can just turn her voice into any character male and female and you can tell which character they are immediately.

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

There were some moments that I laughed, but this book is mostly serious. Comedy comes into play more later in the series.

Any additional comments?

I could listen to these books a million times and never get tired of them. GiVe them a try!

An enjoyable light read with an age restriction

If you are looking for something to relax with, a basic plot with enough action to make it enjoyable, and which can be picked up easily after your mind has wandered, this book is for you. I enjoyed the book thoroughly... because I didn't expect too much. Think of 'Twilight' gone bad; 'Dracula' with domesticated fangs and vampires that act like zombies. It reminds me of sex, blood and a bit of gore... but candy coated. Tavia Gilbert's narration is clear, though she has a very American accent, even the English characters can escape their American origin. Can you believe it I really enjoyed a book, which was probably written for teenage or adolescent girls.

Warning - this book leads to an addictive series!

What made the experience of listening to Halfway to the Grave the most enjoyable?

The storyline is fun and exciting and the narration is fantastic.

What about Tavia Gilbert’s performance did you like?

I think Ms. Gilbert is spot on with Bones. He's not a James Bond Englishman. He's like Eliza Doolittle before she became a

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

I had MANY laugh-out-loud moments.

Any additional comments?

I have enjoyed the series as well. I have purchased all Night Huntress books and Night Huntress World books that are available to-date and have enjoyed them all.

Perfect audio book

The narrator brought so much to this story and made it very enjoyable. I laughed so many times and was tearful so may times also. I felt like I was hearing a Buffy and Spike story (Buffy the vampire slayer) . I really enjoyed this audio version and can't wait to hear book 2. The author and narrator did a wonderful job.

Don't get the love for this book

Really not my cup of tea. Cat was an idiot. I found myself feeling sorry for Bones a great deal.

Excellent Series

What three words best describe Tavia Gilbert’s performance?

I gave Tavia Gilbert, the narrator, a fairly low rating for this book, but after listening to the whole series, I have to say that she improved dramatically very quickly over the next couple of volumes. Most of my criticism was for the mispronunciation of english (British English) words, and it seems that she's had some coaching.I haven't looked in the print books, but it's also possible that the author mis-spelled them, leading to the errors, in the same way that the early books referred to Bones being imprisoned in 'South Wales' whereas the later books referred to the place correctly as New South Wales. My later reviews of her performance gave her 5 stars.

Any additional comments?

I found the series to be well worth the time to listen, to the extent that I've also purchased and enjoyed the spin-off series, and I eagerly look forward to the next one.

My favorite Vampire Series!

This book is very well written; the storyline is captivating and exciting. The author does a marvelous job of painting vivd images that help bring the story to life. The characters are rich in depth and the chemistry between Cat and Bones is electrifying!

Halfway to the Grave

Where does Halfway to the Grave rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I absolutely loved this book! It is in the top 5 of all audio books I have listened too!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bones was my favorite character. He is sweet and dangerous, everything a girl can ask for in a vampire! I am thrilled that there are more books so I can see what happens next with him and Kat!

What about Tavia Gilbert’s performance did you like?

I really liked her change in Voices for all the characters. I thought she did a great job.

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

It took me a little bit to finish the book but not because I didn't want to! It was a very exciting story with lots of action and great romance. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to start the next book in the series.