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Charley Davidson #1-3
The Charley Davidson Series
Darynda Jones has garnered a strong following with her series starring Grim Reaper Charley Davidson. Here together for the first time in a stunning eBook bundle are the first three novels in the New York Times bestselling paranormal
First Grave on the Right
Charley 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.
Second Grave on the Left
When Charley and Cookie, her best friend slash receptionist, have to track down a missing woman, the case is not quite as open and shut as they anticipate. Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally.) has left his corporeal 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.
Third Grave Dead Ahead
Every time Charley closes her eyes, she sees Reyes Farrow, the part-human, part-supermodel son of Satan. Yes, she did imprison him for all eternity, but come on. How is she supposed to solve a missing persons case, deal with an ego-driven doctor, calm her curmudgeonly dad, and take on a motorcycle gang hell-bent on murder when the devil's son just won't give up?
First Grave on the Right
Charley 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.
Second Grave on the Left
When Charley and Cookie, her best friend slash receptionist, have to track down a missing woman, the case is not quite as open and shut as they anticipate. Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally.) has left his corporeal 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.
Third Grave Dead Ahead
Every time Charley closes her eyes, she sees Reyes Farrow, the part-human, part-supermodel son of Satan. Yes, she did imprison him for all eternity, but come on. How is she supposed to solve a missing persons case, deal with an ego-driven doctor, calm her curmudgeonly dad, and take on a motorcycle gang hell-bent on murder when the devil's son just won't give up?
787 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2015
75 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Darynda Jones
59 books16.6k followersNYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 17 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, certain they went away the better for it. She penned the international bestselling Charley Davidson series and is currently working on several beloved projects, most notably the Sunshine Vicram Mystery Series with St. Martin's Press and the Betwixt and Between Series of paranormal women's fiction. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.
Click here to read one of the more popular short stories by Darynda called The Monster:
https://theneverneath.com/2018/02/02/...
She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com
Click here to read one of the more popular short stories by Darynda called The Monster:
https://theneverneath.com/2018/02/02/...
She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 26, 2017
This series was an awesome choice for some forced down time thanks to a couple of surgeries. I listened to the books as I have grown to love audiobooks on my usual commute and when reading isn't possible. I used to want to hold a book and turn pages but between health and business I had to turn to audio.
The narrator is the best. I loved every book. If you like funny investigative paranormal stories, choose this series! 💗
The narrator is the best. I loved every book. If you like funny investigative paranormal stories, choose this series! 💗
January 16, 2019
Gods and Demons: Books 9 – 13 of The Charley Davidson Series
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
Today's post is about the last five books (9 - 13) in the popular Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones.
This series is so of-a-piece that when I was offered these five books as a promotion for the released of the final book in the series, Summoned to Thirteenth Grave, I read them all in order, one after the other and I decided to write my post about them all together too. And, although it had been three years since I read the eighth book it was easy to pick up the story. Why had I not continued after the Eighth Grave After Dark?
I don’t recall why I stopped reading the series. Maybe it just felt like it was starting to spin out of control in the world-building and the plot. Too many new characters too many mysteries, too many conditions of the paranormal. I almost stopped reading the series with number nine because there’s a pet who was killed. I just hate to read something like that. I don’t even like it when Charley’s ghost Rottweiler, Artemis is in danger. Dogs and children….. don’t kill them.
But there’s a good suspense plot in each of these, as well as a greater storyline forward to get to a point where the current evil is destroyed. The cost was too high though in innocent lives and one twist did not feel consistent with the rest of the book. On the other hand it was a complete surprise. I kept on despite the poor pet and whirlwind of gods and demons and their poor behavior.
The reasons I kept with it are Charley and the relationships she has with the other characters, especially those closest to her, like Reyes and Cookie. Also, throughout the series Charley is her wacky, snarky, quirky self. You cannot help but love her and, except for her being the Grim Reaper, and a trouble magnet, you want her to be your best friend. Of course, Reyes smouldered, and smouldered, and even after that he smouldered. Honestly I can’t even imagine a man as hot as Jones has made this character. Like Jamie Fraser from Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander Series:” no man could hope to live up to Jamie or Reyes images..
Many of the characters from earlier books, have a cameo in at least one of these last five books. This is definitely a series you want to read in order.
Gods and Demons: Well you expect bad behavior from demons, but they don’t. Frankly, the gods and angels behave like two year-olds, the demons, too. Remember there are at least two demons with Charley who are behaving better than Jehova and his angels.
The series ends on a note that truly flummoxed me. What was resolved? I love Charley and her quirky Lucille-Ball-meets-Buffy personality. I just didn’t feel it and when I turned off my E-Reader it was not with a series-over, satisfied sigh. Obviously, this is not the end, Charley and Reyes have a baby girl being raised elsewhere and whose life is supposed to save humanity from Satan (her grandfather).
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
Today's post is about the last five books (9 - 13) in the popular Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones.
This series is so of-a-piece that when I was offered these five books as a promotion for the released of the final book in the series, Summoned to Thirteenth Grave, I read them all in order, one after the other and I decided to write my post about them all together too. And, although it had been three years since I read the eighth book it was easy to pick up the story. Why had I not continued after the Eighth Grave After Dark?
I don’t recall why I stopped reading the series. Maybe it just felt like it was starting to spin out of control in the world-building and the plot. Too many new characters too many mysteries, too many conditions of the paranormal. I almost stopped reading the series with number nine because there’s a pet who was killed. I just hate to read something like that. I don’t even like it when Charley’s ghost Rottweiler, Artemis is in danger. Dogs and children….. don’t kill them.
But there’s a good suspense plot in each of these, as well as a greater storyline forward to get to a point where the current evil is destroyed. The cost was too high though in innocent lives and one twist did not feel consistent with the rest of the book. On the other hand it was a complete surprise. I kept on despite the poor pet and whirlwind of gods and demons and their poor behavior.
The reasons I kept with it are Charley and the relationships she has with the other characters, especially those closest to her, like Reyes and Cookie. Also, throughout the series Charley is her wacky, snarky, quirky self. You cannot help but love her and, except for her being the Grim Reaper, and a trouble magnet, you want her to be your best friend. Of course, Reyes smouldered, and smouldered, and even after that he smouldered. Honestly I can’t even imagine a man as hot as Jones has made this character. Like Jamie Fraser from Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander Series:” no man could hope to live up to Jamie or Reyes images..
Many of the characters from earlier books, have a cameo in at least one of these last five books. This is definitely a series you want to read in order.
Gods and Demons: Well you expect bad behavior from demons, but they don’t. Frankly, the gods and angels behave like two year-olds, the demons, too. Remember there are at least two demons with Charley who are behaving better than Jehova and his angels.
The series ends on a note that truly flummoxed me. What was resolved? I love Charley and her quirky Lucille-Ball-meets-Buffy personality. I just didn’t feel it and when I turned off my E-Reader it was not with a series-over, satisfied sigh. Obviously, this is not the end, Charley and Reyes have a baby girl being raised elsewhere and whose life is supposed to save humanity from Satan (her grandfather).
January 16, 2019
I fell in love with Darynda's story telling from the moment I started reading her Charley Davidson series. Over the years I followed the progress of this new world she had created and was enamored with her protagonists Charley and Reyes.
Excitment, laughter, agony and blushing moments are some of the emotions that the entire series brought forth.
It's sad when a series finally comes full circle and ends but all good things in life do.
Perhaps we will see more of the powerful duo but as background heroes in a new series.
Fingers crossed!
These books deserve a shelf of their own in your library and to be shared-recommended-gift wrapped to friends and loved ones who love the paranormal with spice to it.
Enjoy, I know I have and will repeat multiple times in the future!!
Excitment, laughter, agony and blushing moments are some of the emotions that the entire series brought forth.
It's sad when a series finally comes full circle and ends but all good things in life do.
Perhaps we will see more of the powerful duo but as background heroes in a new series.
Fingers crossed!
These books deserve a shelf of their own in your library and to be shared-recommended-gift wrapped to friends and loved ones who love the paranormal with spice to it.
Enjoy, I know I have and will repeat multiple times in the future!!
September 17, 2020
Oh my gosh, where to start? Stellar series.
I absolutely loved all 13 books start to finish and read them all like they provided my next breath, Phew! I could not put them down.
Charley is a force to behold. Quirky and funny, She is fair and compassionate, and also fierce in her determination to see justice upheld. I want to be her when I grow up!
Her and Reyes' relationship is like any other strong and destined one; even when colored by angels, demons, and the spirits of dead people. (wink)
There were some scenes in their story that singed my fingers as I turned the pages, which made the series even more addicting! I ask you, who can resist an unbelievably dark and devastatingly sexy man with a tortured soul and a soft heart?! Charley just ate him up! As should any self-respecting woman!
The dirt on the ninth grave... insert dreamy sigh. Annnywaaaay...
Then there are the other beloved characters of the book who make you fall in love with this little band of people who become a family. Uncle Bob & Cookie, Donovan & Artemis, Angel & Amber, Blue & Rocket, even Mr. Chow & Gemma, and then eventually little Beep. So many to mention, good and evil; but I should stop there.
There are tonnes of unexpected happenings and twists to the storyline, it's constantly surprising and intriguing. (Uncle Bob?! I mean, who saw that coming?)
Please do yourself a favor, if you like paranormal stories, heck even if you don't know if you like them; give this series a read. You won't regret it.
I haven't regretted a single of the 3 reads I've already completed! :D In fact I've even had an "I'd rather be in Virginia" t-shirt made for my husband!! LOL
It just doesn't get better than this!!
PS. I just realized this review was supposed to be for 1-3...sorry folks. This review is for all 13 books and I tried to keep any spoilers out of it.
I absolutely loved all 13 books start to finish and read them all like they provided my next breath, Phew! I could not put them down.
Charley is a force to behold. Quirky and funny, She is fair and compassionate, and also fierce in her determination to see justice upheld. I want to be her when I grow up!
Her and Reyes' relationship is like any other strong and destined one; even when colored by angels, demons, and the spirits of dead people. (wink)
There were some scenes in their story that singed my fingers as I turned the pages, which made the series even more addicting! I ask you, who can resist an unbelievably dark and devastatingly sexy man with a tortured soul and a soft heart?! Charley just ate him up! As should any self-respecting woman!
The dirt on the ninth grave... insert dreamy sigh. Annnywaaaay...
Then there are the other beloved characters of the book who make you fall in love with this little band of people who become a family. Uncle Bob & Cookie, Donovan & Artemis, Angel & Amber, Blue & Rocket, even Mr. Chow & Gemma, and then eventually little Beep. So many to mention, good and evil; but I should stop there.
There are tonnes of unexpected happenings and twists to the storyline, it's constantly surprising and intriguing. (Uncle Bob?! I mean, who saw that coming?)
Please do yourself a favor, if you like paranormal stories, heck even if you don't know if you like them; give this series a read. You won't regret it.
I haven't regretted a single of the 3 reads I've already completed! :D In fact I've even had an "I'd rather be in Virginia" t-shirt made for my husband!! LOL
It just doesn't get better than this!!
PS. I just realized this review was supposed to be for 1-3...sorry folks. This review is for all 13 books and I tried to keep any spoilers out of it.
April 15, 2023
The Charley Davidson series is a funny and lighthearted urban fantasy series with a FMC that is sarcastic, witty, and doesn't take herself too seriously -- even though she's seriously powerful. Each book has several murder mysteries she's trying to solve by utilizing her unique perspective as the Grim Reaper who can interact with the dead. There is a larger over-arcing plot that progresses throughout the series as well.
The first three books in the Charley Davidson series are some of my favorites. There's humor and sarcasm, and the initial discovery of who Reyes is during these books is exciting and interesting.
I am now currently on book ten of the series and these first three are still some of my favorites. Although the later books are nice after you get to know all the characters better too.
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First Grave on the Right (4 stars)
(Read 2 Times: 4/14/2011; 4/1/2022)
You can read my review for this story on it's individual book page here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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Second Grave on the Left (4 stars)
(Read 2 Times: 8/31/2011; 10/22/2022)
You can read my review for this story on it's individual book page here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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Third Grave Dead Ahead (4 stars)
(Read 2 Times: 2/8/2012; 10/23/2022)
You can read my review for this story on it's individual book page here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The first three books in the Charley Davidson series are some of my favorites. There's humor and sarcasm, and the initial discovery of who Reyes is during these books is exciting and interesting.
I am now currently on book ten of the series and these first three are still some of my favorites. Although the later books are nice after you get to know all the characters better too.
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First Grave on the Right (4 stars)
(Read 2 Times: 4/14/2011; 4/1/2022)
You can read my review for this story on it's individual book page here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
Second Grave on the Left (4 stars)
(Read 2 Times: 8/31/2011; 10/22/2022)
You can read my review for this story on it's individual book page here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
-----------------------------------
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Third Grave Dead Ahead (4 stars)
(Read 2 Times: 2/8/2012; 10/23/2022)
You can read my review for this story on it's individual book page here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2017
Very good book series. You can read each book as a stand alone but suggest you read from the first book and on. I especially love the little chapter title quotes. The characters are very comical and heroic. Every book is a page turner. You will come to love these characters like i have. I highly recommend this series to all my friends and family.
April 1, 2020
If you haven't read this yet, READ IT NOW!
So well written. I actually laughed and cried and love all of these characters so much. And yay for book bundles because I am moving onto bundle 2 with books 4 to 6. Seriously a must read.
So well written. I actually laughed and cried and love all of these characters so much. And yay for book bundles because I am moving onto bundle 2 with books 4 to 6. Seriously a must read.
February 12, 2022
Love the series.
I'm hooked on this twisting and turning series. I love all I've read by the author. I enjoy the banter and sarcasm as we accompany Charley on her journey learning what she is and can do while solving mysteries along the way.
I'm hooked on this twisting and turning series. I love all I've read by the author. I enjoy the banter and sarcasm as we accompany Charley on her journey learning what she is and can do while solving mysteries along the way.
October 10, 2022
Amazingly entertaining series with a wonderous cast with strong distinctive personalities. These stories had me laughing at the quick, dry humor, crying at the intense emotions and betrayals and overheating through the heightened romantic suggestions.
Well written. Am awaiting more installments!
Well written. Am awaiting more installments!
February 4, 2019
Amazing read
Great book series . Mother in law told me about them and I am hooked. I’m moving on to books 4-6 now!
Great book series . Mother in law told me about them and I am hooked. I’m moving on to books 4-6 now!
April 9, 2020
Just wow!
I am absolutely blown away by this series! It is so amazingly good and I am so grateful to have discovered it. I love all the characters, snarky, witty, complicated.
I am absolutely blown away by this series! It is so amazingly good and I am so grateful to have discovered it. I love all the characters, snarky, witty, complicated.
June 14, 2022
Such an interesting book set, completely enjoyed it.
June 14, 2022
Enjoyable series
August 3, 2023
I'm really enjoying this series, plenty of laughs to be had.
November 24, 2023
funny
Darynda and KF Breene are my favorite authors who can keep me hooked in the drama while making me laugh my ass off.
Darynda and KF Breene are my favorite authors who can keep me hooked in the drama while making me laugh my ass off.
November 23, 2025
Best series ever!!! run and read!!!! you won't be disappointed!!
September 22, 2025
The first three books in the wonderful Charley Davidson series:
1. First Grave on the Right
2. Second Grave on the Left
3. Third Grave Dead Ahead
All three in one Kindle "book" a mere 787 pages long, per Amazon. Since the series is amazingly addictive, it's very helpful to have them, one after another, so no need to hunt or wait for the next one.
Apart from the convenience of this omnibus, the stories are so much fun. Charley Davidson is the grim reaper, but about as far as you can get from what those words convey to most of us. She's human, sort of, and a private investigator with a funny, appealing bunch of friends and family. Charley is the daughter of a retired cop and niece of an active cop who use her other worldly abilities to solve cases and get credit themselves. She's irresistibly drawn to a mysterious man who is a combination of perfection and sin.
Each book focuses around a case or two that Charley is investigating. While she investigates, assisted by her best friend and office assistant Cookie, Charley also acts as a portal for the dead who stayed behind but now may want to pass over. And she's addicted to coffee, lots and lots of coffee.
It's hard to even imagine stopping at the end of just one book. A combination of soap opera, adventure, murder mystery and more, much more, each book leaves you reaching for the next.
There are 13 books in the series and this omnibus supplies the first three. Enjoy.
1. First Grave on the Right
2. Second Grave on the Left
3. Third Grave Dead Ahead
All three in one Kindle "book" a mere 787 pages long, per Amazon. Since the series is amazingly addictive, it's very helpful to have them, one after another, so no need to hunt or wait for the next one.
Apart from the convenience of this omnibus, the stories are so much fun. Charley Davidson is the grim reaper, but about as far as you can get from what those words convey to most of us. She's human, sort of, and a private investigator with a funny, appealing bunch of friends and family. Charley is the daughter of a retired cop and niece of an active cop who use her other worldly abilities to solve cases and get credit themselves. She's irresistibly drawn to a mysterious man who is a combination of perfection and sin.
Each book focuses around a case or two that Charley is investigating. While she investigates, assisted by her best friend and office assistant Cookie, Charley also acts as a portal for the dead who stayed behind but now may want to pass over. And she's addicted to coffee, lots and lots of coffee.
It's hard to even imagine stopping at the end of just one book. A combination of soap opera, adventure, murder mystery and more, much more, each book leaves you reaching for the next.
There are 13 books in the series and this omnibus supplies the first three. Enjoy.
March 2, 2016
Fantastic
I adored the start to this series. I originally tried it on audiobook but it was confusing to follow, for me because of all the characters. I enjoyed it though and decided to get the digital copy. Great decision. Charley is a funny, lovable heroine and makes some questionable decisions but has a reason for it. I love the internal dialogue. So happy there are so many more books for me to devour. Jones is a wonderful storyteller and I'm very excited to see what she writes next.
I adored the start to this series. I originally tried it on audiobook but it was confusing to follow, for me because of all the characters. I enjoyed it though and decided to get the digital copy. Great decision. Charley is a funny, lovable heroine and makes some questionable decisions but has a reason for it. I love the internal dialogue. So happy there are so many more books for me to devour. Jones is a wonderful storyteller and I'm very excited to see what she writes next.
January 28, 2017
Charley and her snark kept me coming back. What would she say, do, or wear today? The trouble she got into. The way she got herself out of it was just fantastic. She keeps me fully entertained. And that smoking hot man/demon/criminal. Whatever he was. He had me also. They complemented each other.
October 8, 2015
My only issue with these first three books is wanting more Reyes.
I'm totally hooked. I just bought the 4-6 set.
I'm totally hooked. I just bought the 4-6 set.
Read
December 7, 2019Books 1-3 are great!
August 10, 2017
Without this series, sarcasm would be scarce, laughter wouldn’t be often, and my steamy fictional boyfriend Reyes, wouldn’t exist. I’m the biggest fan ever.
May 4, 2018
This is such as hilarious set of books with a storyline that continues in each book that it will keep you entertained although each book has the same sort of theme in each book. Sometimes you find a writer with the same humor as you, and this was my cup of tea.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews