Second Grave on the Left

Charley Davidson, Book 2

By: Darynda Jones

Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper Extraordinaire, is back in this sexy, suspenseful novel of supernatural shenanigans.

When Charley is rudely awakened in the middle of the night by her best friend who tells her to get dressed quickly and tosses clothes out of the closet at her, she can’t help but wonder what Cookie’s up to. Leather scrunch boots with a floral miniskirt? Together? Seriously?

Cookie explains that a friend of hers named Mimi disappeared five days earlier and that she just got a text from her setting up a meet at a coffee shop downtown. They show up at the coffee shop, but no Mimi. But Charley finds a message on the bathroom wall. Mimi left a clue, a woman’s name. Mimi’s husband explains that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old friend of hers from high school had been found murdered a couple weeks prior. The same woman Mimi had named in her message.

Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He’s left his body because he’s being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can’t let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they’ll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven… well, let’s just say it wouldn’t be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Will Cookie ever get a true fashion sense? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel them as they do?

Here is your signpost for the most hilarious listen of the summer: Second Grave on the Left.

Also listen to the first book, First Grave on the Right

©2011 Darynda Jones (P)2011 Macmillan Audio

Love It!

I can't wait to hear the next book! Charley is a great character! I love the quotes at the beginning of a new chapter.

Sanity is back-ordered.

Where am I going? And why am I in a handbasket? -bumper sticker

Charley is attracting more than lusty looks and spectral strays these days. Oblivious to the warning signs from her aptly named trusty sidekick, Danger. NOT Will Robinson (the hypocrite). Charley Davidson just can't seem to steer clear of Harms Way, one block south from cruising down Suicide Street, in Darynda Jones' Second Grave on the Left.

Death is NOT a Morning Person -teeshirt

You know your day is going to suck when your wake up call comes a mere two hours after it's predecessor in the form of the neighboring Cookie monster and her shank-shape nails attached to ninja fingers poking and probing while being pelted with random articles of clothing, and being held down with binding bedsheets, the torturous nightmare just won't end. Death is desperately fighting not to go into the bright light. That the Cookie monster evilly switched on. Days like this must make being the living embodiment of the punchline to a "Why did the chicken cross the road" joke suck.

Carpe Caffe -teeshirt

Turns out Cookie's friend Mimi is missing. Dressed to the nines in hobo gear, Char and Cook set out to a local coffee shop to meet Ms. MIA. Surprisingly missing Mimi is no where to be found. But have no fear Grim Reaper extraordinaire and super sleuthing PI Charley is on the case. Unfortunately, the deeper they delve into the Mimi's life the more death they uncover, and it's looking like Mim's on someone's hit list. Charley is dead by association.

If you drink, don't park. Accidents cause people. -bumper sticker

Mysteries are mounting, and multiplying like rabbits. Like, Who is that dead guy in the trunk?, Why is Charley's dad acting so strange?, and Where in the world is Reyes Farrow's body? Yes, things aren't so heavenly for Hellboy and Grim girl. It's your classic emo love story, boy wants to kill his corporeal body, girl is holding out on boy until he changes his mind. Farrow has hidden his body which is under siege by demons and is slowly slipping away, but it's a trap he won't let Charley spring otherwise Satan's minions could capture their one way ticket to heaven. How far will he go to insure Charley doesn't fall into the wrong hands? To what lengths will Charley go to save Reyes' body? Can their tentative relationship survive the consequences?

Careful or you'll end up in my Novel -teeshirt

Darynda Jones' followup to First Grave on the Right is just as fun, witty, and hard to put down. Charley is a wonderful heroine. I just want to live in her head. Jones' finds a way to make Charley's outrageous thought process sound clever and funny while coming across real and charming. The threads were pulled in so many different directions but the story didn't feel bogged down by too much information, or too many things going on. There were some unexpected twists but everything came together in the end with a nice lead in to the next book.

Team Awesome. -teeshirt

There is a magic that is created when you pair up the right words with an amazingly talented narrator. Lorelei King is hands down one of the best vocalist in the audiobook industry. I purposely pined for and solely bought the sound version because the imaginary voice in my head can't match King's performance. She could win an oscar for her portrayal of Charley. I highly recommend the audiobook, it even had extra features you don't normally get in this format. After the book ended there was an interview with Jones conducted by King and the first chapter of Third Grave Dead Ahead.

Chicken Pot Pie My THREE Favorite Things. -teeshirt

Second Grave on the Left is a solid four on my favorite things list. I have fallen hard for the adventures of the spunky Port-A-Portal. This is a great book with lots of fun and laughs, that you have to read just to meet Danger and Will Robinson's newly named friends. If you liked the First Grave on the Right check out the one on the left!

Gimme More!!

Darynda Jones knows how to please!! Her characters are fantastic and the narrator sublime as per usual with Ms. King!! I am dying for the next installment!!

Love It

I love this series. It's funny! The author has a similar writing style to Janet Evanovich although she has a supernatural spin on her story. I love stories with random funny bits added in it; makes it a little more entertaining. I would recommend it.

One of my favorites!!

Any additional comments?

Darynda Jones' Charley Davidson series is fresh, interesting, and moves at a good pace that keeps my interest without feeling rushed. The characters are great, a little quirky, and unpredictable and the some of the dialogue is so hysterical that my occasional snorts and giggles get funny looks and the cocked eyebrow from husband sitting on the other end of the couch trying to read the news.

Even though there's humorous moments, I don't mean to give the impression the book is predominately a comedy, it is most definitely a paranormal fiction/mystery with plenty of story including some rather chilling moments.

There is sex, but not so much that you get the feeling the story is only a serving tray for its delivery. But it's well done enough that I get that warm, fuzzy feeling that I've come to love from my fiction/paranormal/mystery/romances.

Lorelei King does a stupendous job narrating. Her voice and inflections seem to be a perfect match to for text...great author/narrator team!

Yea for me that I've found this series, just my kind of read/listen. I just happen to like my scary with a good plop of funny topped with a nice rich foam of steamy sex (of the non-vulgar variety.) LOVING this series!

A Great Listen!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love Charlie! She is the kinda girl you'd love to spend time with...except for that whole dead reaper thing! She is sassy and sarcastic! She kept me laughing the whole time!

What about Lorelei King’s performance did you like?

I have enjoyed everything I have heard read by Lorelei King! She is a great narrator! She embodies Charlie's spunk and charm!

New Fan

Would you listen to Second Grave on the Left again? Why?

Love me some Charlie Davidson. Yes, she is sooo much like Stephanie Plum...but so what. Mrs Jones admits to that, so I see no problem with it, not enough Stephanie's in the world. Lorelei King does amazing as always. Keeps me interested, minor twists so I don't KNOW what's going to happen next. Gimme more!

What about Lorelei King’s performance did you like?

Her AMAZING voices! Perfect inflection and cadence.

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

Charlie Davidson ALWAYS make me LOL...gotta watch that when at WalMart alone :D

another fun and exciting book

What made the experience of listening to Second Grave on the Left the most enjoyable?

I was excited to hear that it was just as good as the first book. the humor or story line did not slow down at all.

What did you like best about this story?

the continuing romance of Charlie and her mystery man.

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

I have only listened to the first book. this one is just as good. just fabulous.

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

absolutely. I listen to these books on my long drives home twice a week. I find myself wanting to listen more.

What a life Charley has!!!

As in the first book. Charley has a lot going on. From her own issues to family to helping the departed. Never bored!

I was left with questions in the last book as most are when you start a series. I was very happy to read that some of those where answered in book 2. Shocking...!! most make the reader wait till much later. One question I had was What's with Charley's family? They are so crabby to her. I was very curious about her sister. They seemed to get along in high school then nothing. Well there is an event that both helps this but also causes some heartache. It will be well worth it I think. Also more of what Charley can do will be seen.... Can't wait to read more.

I love how Miss Jones is able to keep track of all the happenings in Charley's life and she has a way of keeping the reader on track. I never feel lost or have to reread to keep up. This is a big plus as I have a tendency to get mixed up. Perhaps this is in part because of Miss king. The two work so well together!'

The ending is not what "I" wanted but that will give me one more reason to click book 3 to my cart.

Reyes bind or unbind?

What did you love best about Second Grave on the Left?

How Charley knows but doesn't know what she is and what she can do.

What did you like best about this story?

That the case and her personal life keep growing in a weave that keeps you wanting more.

Which scene was your favorite?

Midget in mail shoot

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

Laugh a little...

Any additional comments?

A series worth your credits