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

I listen to ALOT of books......

The criteria for me to buy a new authors book is generally from the other reviews. In this case they were generally encouraging so I got the first book to check it out.

If you enjoyed Patricia Briggs, Mercy Thompson and Ilona Andrews, Kate Daniels, you will love Charley Davidson!

Well written, quirky and entertaining. I have gone back for the other 3 books in the series.

I am really enjoying my journey with this new character, she rocks!!

Good work Darynda Jones, can't wait for more.

Very Different

What is so different? The Grimm Reaper as a private investigator helping solve crimes who is in lust/love with Satan???s son who seems to be a good guy. The character is somewhat Stephanie Plumbish in that she bumbles a lot but thank goodness she doesn???t carry mace or hairspray ??? that would have been it for me as it was for SP. She cares about the people that pass through her but with that much pressure I???m sure the irreverence has a place. She believes she is the one and only GR but I don???t see how that is possible; there would be no time for anything else ??? so that could easily be another revelation down the road.

All in all, a good listen; funny, sad, good character development. I???ll listen again.

Nothing But Fun!

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

This series is amazing and so much fun. And Lorelei King, the narrator, is perfect for the role of Charley.

What does Lorelei King bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Lorelei really IS Charley. Her interpretation of all of the characters matched so perfectly with what I had imagined just from reading the books, and yet she added more to each of them. I'm not sure how, but she surpassed each character.

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

I listened to this series as I drive to and from work each day (two hours total) and often found myself laughing out loud. I even replayed portions of it over and over again, and still kept laughing.

5-star guilty pleasure

Imaginative concept, strong and sexually enthusiastic heroine, funny ranging from silly to sly. The narrator was perfect for the story. I have immediately gotten the second book. Does what it intends almost perfectly.

Amazing new author and new series - More please!

I was worried about this book and ultimately trusted the previous reviewers for that final leap of faith to move this book from my wishlist to my cart. So happy I did. I always carefully review every potential purchase and then listen to my favorites over and over again. This one surprised me, made me laugh out loud and sucked me in to identify with the main character. Loved it. Take the leap guys. You won't be sorry you did.

Worth the download

I really enjoyed this book. My co-workers think I've gone nuts because I kept bursting out laughing. It is a worthwhile listen if you are looking for something light to listen to. Lorelei King does a great job narrating it and gives the main character - Charlie Davidson - a saucy, sarcastic voice that fits her character to a tee. I can't wait to listen to the second book and have high hopes for more from this author.

It's not bad

The book was good, but not as good as I thought/hoped it would be. After reading the reviews I had very high hopes. When you read that Charley is a lot like Stephanie Plum, they're not kidding. The fact that Lorelei King narrates doesn't help. King is a great narrator but it just adds to the Janet Evanovich's less talented, younger sister wrote this feeling you get when you listen. Having said that, I enjoy the bumper sticker and t-shirt quotes. And I'm not saying Jones doesn't have any talent, just that she's not quite up to Evanovich's caliber yet. I think I'll give book #2 a shot.

Lorelei King...voice magician

This audiobook is a perfect pairing of author & narrator, producing a superb listening experience. The story line is tidy, intricate, and imaginative. Yes, I truly enjoyed this book! Thanks!

LOVE series. Can't begin to count # of times iv

Can't even begin to count # of times I've listened to them. Brightens my mood!

great character, fun idea

Charlie is feisty, strong, caring, smart and conflicted.... oh and likeable. that is all the things i need in a lead woman. plus the idea of this character is just interesting... makes you consider things not normally considered while enjoying a book.