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

Witty, fun and surprising

Loved the sense of humor and the interesting descriptions and comments. Darynda has an interesting flow. Lorelie does a great interpretation that brings the story alive.

another Wow

Again another good book looking forward to others. I'll have lots to read for a week or so

Unique and well written, couldn't put it down

I am totally enamored with Charley - and with every other character in Jones' hysterical take on what it means to be the Grim Reaper - whether you asked for it or not.

There are many women who write well, some humorous, some serious, but Jones puts forth a brilliant first effort in the Charley Davidson series that has me alternately admiring her writing skills, and rolling on the floor laughing at her humour. You really LIKE Charley, Cookie, and the gang, and want to see them succeed in their lives - - because even if you are the Reaper, you don't 'have' to be "Grim." I listened to First Grave on the Right, like I do so many other books, from the Audible.com site. Read by the wonderfully talented Loreli King, whose voice carries every character she ever does with aplomb, I gulped down the first installment in a day, then immediately grabbed Second Grave on the Left, and tonight, in the middle of the book, my battery on my Zune went down - OH, the Humanity!!!! Guess I will just have to sleep tonight instead of sitting up all night listening again. I have a fresh bag of coffee beans and a whole Sunday to enjoy the rest of this new obsession of mine.

While I have made mention of the humour in Jones' series, the pathos of the story of Reyas and his life is a crushing reminder of just how vicious and uncaring fate can actually be. It doesn't matter if you are the six-year-old with leukemia, or a Son of Satan, (who is SO unlike his father) come to Earth to live as a 'real boy' only to have his dream turn into a nightmare. Life can be a series of horrors the likes of which even Poe or Dostoyevsky could not do justice to - Jones does a moving rendition of the pain that humans can cause in another persons life with a depth of caring that is both well considered and well written.

Bravo, Ms. Jones. I see that Third Grave Dead Ahead is scheduled for publication January, 2012. I have already set it on my calendar to grab it as soon as it arrives - I can hardly wait!

Murder in New Mexico

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

It was just an all around fun mystery and has some really unique and witty characters that will keep you highly entertained

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

I loved Charley she really brought her spunk and humor to life

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

Yes it was so good and I didn't want to miss anything

Any additional comments?

This is a continuation of book one and Charley is trying to solve some murders and also find Reyes corporeal body before it does. It's an intense ride filled with mysteries and paranormal aspects that will keep you intrigued and lAughing.

wow

cant get enough of this series, it is exciting and the humor will have you rolling

absolutely great story!

I love super natural stories and this is one of the most fantastic series I've listened to. .

Where have I been?

This is just one of those series that I saw but I just skipped on by it due to other books catching my attention more. Boy I'm glad I finally stopped and took this series out for a try. I just love it and now I'm hooked and I will continue on the Charley Davidson path. I love the humor and the Grim Reaper combination.

So YES use those credits for this series!!!!!

yep it's a keeper

took me awhile to listen to it, but was worth it.... a few slow moments but for the most point i just wanted to keep listening..... lots of fun.... keep it up charley.

Second book really builds upon the first.

This was a great second book. The storyline kept moving along at a quick pace and kept me guessing as to who the bad guy was and why. I thought this book was better than the first because all the setup was already done. I liked the snarky humor and loved the t-shirt and bumper sticker tags at the beginning of the chapters. The narrator was fine but I'm still not convinced she was a perfect match for the character. I did like her voice though.

Wowza!

Loved it! Lorelei's voice just fits Charley's personality so perfect!! Can't wait to move on to the third book!