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

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

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.