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Charley Davidson #13.8
The Grave Robber
Eric Vause is done.
Done with ghosts. Done with hellhounds. And definitely done with asshole demons, mostly because he’d been possessed by one. Even now, five years later, the rage he absorbed from the creature has yet to wane, so he decides a road trip is in order. Surely some cool air, great scenery, and a case of Dos Equis will shake things loose. Unfortunately, supernatural events happen everywhere. When he meets up with a friend whose partner’s daughter needs help with a pest problem—aka, a ghost—Eric takes that as his cue to leave.
Until he sees her.
He can tell Halle’s house isn’t the only thing that is haunted. The hopelessness behind her eyes tugs at something deep inside him. Something all too familiar. The fact that she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen has nothing to do with his change of heart. And he vows to leave her in his rearview the minute he takes care of the poltergeist. Then again, vows were never his strong suit.
Done with ghosts. Done with hellhounds. And definitely done with asshole demons, mostly because he’d been possessed by one. Even now, five years later, the rage he absorbed from the creature has yet to wane, so he decides a road trip is in order. Surely some cool air, great scenery, and a case of Dos Equis will shake things loose. Unfortunately, supernatural events happen everywhere. When he meets up with a friend whose partner’s daughter needs help with a pest problem—aka, a ghost—Eric takes that as his cue to leave.
Until he sees her.
He can tell Halle’s house isn’t the only thing that is haunted. The hopelessness behind her eyes tugs at something deep inside him. Something all too familiar. The fact that she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen has nothing to do with his change of heart. And he vows to leave her in his rearview the minute he takes care of the poltergeist. Then again, vows were never his strong suit.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2023
224 people are currently reading
1656 people want to read
About the author
Darynda Jones
46 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 - 30 of 119 reviews
September 8, 2023
This series is a pure delight. It began with the Charley Davidson books (to make it easy all the books have the word grave in the title) then when that series came to.an end the author continued in 1001 nights with stories about some.of the side characters from the series. This one sees Eric Vosse (a member of the biker gang that Charley befriends) travelling to see an old.friend who's asked for his.help. You see Eric is different/special he can see the dead and since he was possessed once by a demon he is also able to.see.how and when people around him are going.to.die. Halle is a twentynine year old female who has been haunted for the last seventeen years, she is convinced her ghost is a male as she once caught a glimpse of him. Eric is sceptical about the haunting...........what he's not sceptical about is the fact that it he can't do something to.change things in two months time Halle will be dead..................... I love the wit and humor which this author writes with especially all the clever introduction s to chapters..........
July 26, 2023
I like to check Charley’s series every once in a while to see if Darynda Jones ever decides to rewrite the fuckfest that was the last book but she never does. Who the fuck is Eric? At least write a novella about Charley and Reyes in the afterlife or something interesting.
August 30, 2023
It's like lying in a warm bed every time I get to open a Darynda Jones book. Seriously. She is one of my favorite comfort authors. She brings it each and every time. From her lush landscapes of dusty motorways to the drive and pull of her romances, I'll always be a fan. I can't wait till readers get The Grave Robber in their hands. A smart and sexy adventure into the afterlife.
~Tanja
*ARC via 1001DarkNights
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~Tanja
*ARC via 1001DarkNights
Follow me on
✿KTBookReviews✿Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿TikTok
September 29, 2023
I love these short stories, but it’s also hard to rate them given that they’re quick blips that don’t have much build or weight. Still, it was an enjoyable hour or two to read. It’s great to have these forays into the Charley Davidson world, over the years, as we wait for Beep’s series. And to get a little depth to the secondary characters, like Eric, and see where they are now, how they’re struggling or thriving, as they wait for the final battle is like a balm. Keep ‘em coming.
October 3, 2023
Charley Davidson fans may recall Eric Vause. He gained the power to see death after an encountering with demon and hellhounds. If you haven’t read the series, this is a standalone story and a taste of the world.
Eric wants nothing to do with ghosts, hellhounds and demons. He had enough five years ago, but it left him with an ability to see someone’s death. He occasionally intervenes and when a friend request help for his business partner’s daughter, he reluctantly agrees to meet her. Turns out the two had a previous encounter. But what he sees has him stepping in and the tale that unfolds held me captive.
I had such fun listening to this one. It was so cool that Eric got a story from his abilities to romance. This novella really gave off the old school vibe of early books in the series from snark to situations. I felt for Halle and her story was creeptastic.
Jones gave me a full story from beginning to end and while I always welcome a full-length story, she weaved her magic once again.
Whether you are a fan or new to the world, I recommend listening. Lorelei King narrates as she does the series and captures both the characters and vibe of the story. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Eric wants nothing to do with ghosts, hellhounds and demons. He had enough five years ago, but it left him with an ability to see someone’s death. He occasionally intervenes and when a friend request help for his business partner’s daughter, he reluctantly agrees to meet her. Turns out the two had a previous encounter. But what he sees has him stepping in and the tale that unfolds held me captive.
I had such fun listening to this one. It was so cool that Eric got a story from his abilities to romance. This novella really gave off the old school vibe of early books in the series from snark to situations. I felt for Halle and her story was creeptastic.
Jones gave me a full story from beginning to end and while I always welcome a full-length story, she weaved her magic once again.
Whether you are a fan or new to the world, I recommend listening. Lorelei King narrates as she does the series and captures both the characters and vibe of the story. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
September 10, 2024
This is one of my favorite series! If you haven't read Charley's story, you're missing out. This story is set in the same universe but with a side character.
Our hero can look at a person and know when and how they will die. Then he meets an incredibly sad woman and wants to help her.
A remarkable story with an interesting ending.
Our hero can look at a person and know when and how they will die. Then he meets an incredibly sad woman and wants to help her.
A remarkable story with an interesting ending.
May 1, 2025
This was ok. Story about one of the bikers. I miss Charley!! 🥲
Personal note: Authors TW on suicide with the appropriate info where to reach out for help.
Special note: Under the 2025 dictatorship of Trump the American suicide hotline has been abolished. Thank you to our Canadian friends for extending their hotline for our use, toll-free. Thank you.
Personal note: Authors TW on suicide with the appropriate info where to reach out for help.
Special note: Under the 2025 dictatorship of Trump the American suicide hotline has been abolished. Thank you to our Canadian friends for extending their hotline for our use, toll-free. Thank you.
January 19, 2024
Returning to the Charley Davidson world in this series of 1001 Dark Nights novellas for some post-series action to see what’s doing these days with the folks surrounding Charley and Reyes is a real treat. The Grave Robber follows up with Artemus the hellhound’s former owner from the motorcycle club. I’ll admit it took me a bit to place Eric from the series, but I’m always glad to experience Darynda Jones’ writing in this world with the fabulous Lorelei King narrating.
The Grave Robber is a standalone, but series readers/listeners will get more out of the story, particularly with the hint toward Beep’s story and how it all fits.
Poor Eric had a bad supernatural experience with a demon and the such and takes a ‘no thanks, I’m good’ attitude for anything that goes bump in the night. He’s trying to take a vacation when he encounters a really dark situation with someone he has a terrible meet-cute. Oh, and by dark, I mean struggles with suicide.
Halle doesn’t see herself well, but then again neither does Eric so they both feel unworthy, but Eric stands pat when his supernatural gift shows him just what Halle is up against.
Lorelei King has long been the voice of the series for me. I’m pretty sure her voicing of characters is how I’d hear them when reading in print. Such talent with the range of voices, but also the emotional tone and pacing of the scenes. Urban Fantasy fans should definitely add this series to their reading pile.
This was short and gets through the paces quickly. I was glad for Eric and Halle, but like with others of these 1001 Dark Nights novellas, I always want more- more of the wise-cracking fun and more of the intense dark supernatural and hot romance.
I rec’d an audio via Brilliance Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Jan 10th.
The Grave Robber is a standalone, but series readers/listeners will get more out of the story, particularly with the hint toward Beep’s story and how it all fits.
Poor Eric had a bad supernatural experience with a demon and the such and takes a ‘no thanks, I’m good’ attitude for anything that goes bump in the night. He’s trying to take a vacation when he encounters a really dark situation with someone he has a terrible meet-cute. Oh, and by dark, I mean struggles with suicide.
Halle doesn’t see herself well, but then again neither does Eric so they both feel unworthy, but Eric stands pat when his supernatural gift shows him just what Halle is up against.
Lorelei King has long been the voice of the series for me. I’m pretty sure her voicing of characters is how I’d hear them when reading in print. Such talent with the range of voices, but also the emotional tone and pacing of the scenes. Urban Fantasy fans should definitely add this series to their reading pile.
This was short and gets through the paces quickly. I was glad for Eric and Halle, but like with others of these 1001 Dark Nights novellas, I always want more- more of the wise-cracking fun and more of the intense dark supernatural and hot romance.
I rec’d an audio via Brilliance Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Jan 10th.
December 3, 2023
Eric was aiming for a relaxing vacation, but that wasn't in the cards. Instead he has the usual talkative ghost, a life or two he has to save, and a lady who very much needs his help even though she doesn't want to pull him into her issues.
Man, Charley's crew end up in some odd (sometimes even not supernatural) situations.
As for Eric, the guy needs a break. He knows he can't save everyone and even if he manages to warn them of any future danger/shenanigans, it doesn't mean they'll listen. So he's attempting to lie low and enjoy the calm moments as they come. That said, his buddy has an issue that only someone of Eric's particular skill set can handle. Which does NOT thrill Eric since he's, you know, on vacation.
As it turns out, the big guy can't walk away like he thought he could when someone is in danger. Soon he's looking at the evidence being given to him to support a possible haunting and falling for the lady in the middle of it all.
As for Halle, she's a mess. Harried for years by unexplained occurrences, yet nobody believes her, she's at her breaking point. She might believe Eric has the ability to help her, but she doesn't want to drag him into the danger. Which, really, isn't going to stop Eric one way or the other.
A little investigating, a frantic car ride across town, hidden secrets, a man who can't abandon a person who needs him, and a lady who knows who she wants when she sees him. MAN, I like spending time in Charley's world!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Man, Charley's crew end up in some odd (sometimes even not supernatural) situations.
As for Eric, the guy needs a break. He knows he can't save everyone and even if he manages to warn them of any future danger/shenanigans, it doesn't mean they'll listen. So he's attempting to lie low and enjoy the calm moments as they come. That said, his buddy has an issue that only someone of Eric's particular skill set can handle. Which does NOT thrill Eric since he's, you know, on vacation.
As it turns out, the big guy can't walk away like he thought he could when someone is in danger. Soon he's looking at the evidence being given to him to support a possible haunting and falling for the lady in the middle of it all.
As for Halle, she's a mess. Harried for years by unexplained occurrences, yet nobody believes her, she's at her breaking point. She might believe Eric has the ability to help her, but she doesn't want to drag him into the danger. Which, really, isn't going to stop Eric one way or the other.
A little investigating, a frantic car ride across town, hidden secrets, a man who can't abandon a person who needs him, and a lady who knows who she wants when she sees him. MAN, I like spending time in Charley's world!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
September 7, 2023
I don't know what it was about this one, but for me overall it was very meh...and I had a hard time connecting to the characters. I felt bad for Halle, more so when we learn what was really going on. Can't imagine living with that fear for so long. Eric especially was meh for me. I mean I'm glad he was able to save who he was, but I was still a bit bored while reading this one.
September 13, 2023
I was so happy to be back in the Charley Davidson world even if only adjacently! 🖤
Eric Constantine Vause is going on vacation, after a demon possession changed his entire world, Eric needs a break from all the supernatural that has a hold on him. Mainly trying to save people from meeting their untimely deaths. That’s how he meets Halle, a 29 year old that’s being haunted with only 2 months left to live. The tough biker and sweet woman have a less than pleasant first impression but they can’t help their attraction and end up working together to fight sinister danger lurking near by.
The Grave Robber features signature Darynda Jones charm and humor with a few Easter eggs thrown in for all Charley fans!
Surprisingly plot packed in a short novella, I immediately loved Eric and the funny interactions between the characters. Ghosts, hellhounds and tiny little rescue dogs, it’s a 4⭐️ for me.
Eric Constantine Vause is going on vacation, after a demon possession changed his entire world, Eric needs a break from all the supernatural that has a hold on him. Mainly trying to save people from meeting their untimely deaths. That’s how he meets Halle, a 29 year old that’s being haunted with only 2 months left to live. The tough biker and sweet woman have a less than pleasant first impression but they can’t help their attraction and end up working together to fight sinister danger lurking near by.
The Grave Robber features signature Darynda Jones charm and humor with a few Easter eggs thrown in for all Charley fans!
Surprisingly plot packed in a short novella, I immediately loved Eric and the funny interactions between the characters. Ghosts, hellhounds and tiny little rescue dogs, it’s a 4⭐️ for me.
December 20, 2024
4.5 stars
September 8, 2023
Dark, But Delightful
**Thank you to the publisher for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Darynda Jones is an auto-buy author for me and this book proves why I will read any book of hers without even knowing the premise. I had no idea which 1001 Nights novella this would be before I started it, I just knew it was part of the Charley Davidson world and I was sold.
You absolutely do not need to have read the Charley Davidson books in order to read this - it can standalone by itself and still be enjoyable!
I will say this is one her darker stories with mentions/themes of suicide, CSA, and gaslighting, \so if those are triggers I would not recommend this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and my only complaint was that I wish it was a full length novella! The characters were full and complex, despite only having met one of them before in the CD books and this being a novella. It never felt rushed or not fully developed like many novellas do.
There was also a great tease about the Beep series I know all CD fans are desperately awaiting!!
You should read this if:
- Suicide and CSA are not heavy triggers for you
- You've read the CD books
- You want to read the CD books and want a taste of Darynda Jones's writing and the world
- You enjoy books with hot bikers ;)
- You love clever writing, jokes, and puns
This was 4 stars from me - I think if this had been a full length novel it would have been 5!!
My rating scale:
5 stars - utter perfection, will be on my mind for days/weeks and I will actively force this book on my friends, including buying them copies. It will leave a tremendous book hangover. I wish I had a time machine so I could go back and re-read it for the first thing.
4 stars - amazing! Loved the book, will likely be recommending it to anyone who will listen and possibly force this book on my friends
3 stars - a thoroughly enjoyable read! This is NOT a bad rating IMO. It simply didn't stick in my mind obsessively. I will still absolutely recommend this books to friends.
2 stars - I regret picking this book up, it was bad. I likely DNF'd it.
1 star - I wish I had a time machine so I could go back and change the decision to pick this book up. It was definitely a DNF or a hate read.
**Thank you to the publisher for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Darynda Jones is an auto-buy author for me and this book proves why I will read any book of hers without even knowing the premise. I had no idea which 1001 Nights novella this would be before I started it, I just knew it was part of the Charley Davidson world and I was sold.
You absolutely do not need to have read the Charley Davidson books in order to read this - it can standalone by itself and still be enjoyable!
I will say this is one her darker stories with mentions/themes of suicide, CSA, and gaslighting, \so if those are triggers I would not recommend this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and my only complaint was that I wish it was a full length novella! The characters were full and complex, despite only having met one of them before in the CD books and this being a novella. It never felt rushed or not fully developed like many novellas do.
There was also a great tease about the Beep series I know all CD fans are desperately awaiting!!
You should read this if:
- Suicide and CSA are not heavy triggers for you
- You've read the CD books
- You want to read the CD books and want a taste of Darynda Jones's writing and the world
- You enjoy books with hot bikers ;)
- You love clever writing, jokes, and puns
This was 4 stars from me - I think if this had been a full length novel it would have been 5!!
My rating scale:
5 stars - utter perfection, will be on my mind for days/weeks and I will actively force this book on my friends, including buying them copies. It will leave a tremendous book hangover. I wish I had a time machine so I could go back and re-read it for the first thing.
4 stars - amazing! Loved the book, will likely be recommending it to anyone who will listen and possibly force this book on my friends
3 stars - a thoroughly enjoyable read! This is NOT a bad rating IMO. It simply didn't stick in my mind obsessively. I will still absolutely recommend this books to friends.
2 stars - I regret picking this book up, it was bad. I likely DNF'd it.
1 star - I wish I had a time machine so I could go back and change the decision to pick this book up. It was definitely a DNF or a hate read.
September 18, 2023
This one didn't grab me nearly as much as the others, partly because it was the first of the novellas that I read in this series and I kept wondering for a large part of the story who Eric was. Now that I've read the first three novellas (I'm late on this review, so sue me, ha!), I realize he was part of a biker gang in the third book, which I read 3+ years ago, so yeah, I may have to reread this series at some point. He was also Artemis' person before she became a hellhound, and he's part of Beep's bodyguard entourage--he works for Charley and Reyes. Now that I remember all this, I might give this novella another listen, especially because it's short enough to do so easily.
I did like Halle and I liked that they each thought they weren't good enough for anyone, but through their adventure in this story, they each discover their own self-worth, with a little help from each other.
Lorelei King was stellar as usual, so after listening to this, even though I wasn't that sure about it, I ended up buying the other three and binge listening to them. I am not disappointed.
I did like Halle and I liked that they each thought they weren't good enough for anyone, but through their adventure in this story, they each discover their own self-worth, with a little help from each other.
Lorelei King was stellar as usual, so after listening to this, even though I wasn't that sure about it, I ended up buying the other three and binge listening to them. I am not disappointed.
September 13, 2023
The Grave Robber
Charley Davidson, Book 13.8
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Audible
Dates Read: 9/5/23
Stars: 3.5 Stars
Narrator(s): Lorelei King
The Characters:
Eric Vause:
Halle:
The Story:
Eric is a lesser-known character. I barely remember him and his possession, but I enjoyed his story anyway. He and Halle seem like a good match. Halle’s “haunting” made me so angry. I’m very happy they were able to get it resolved.
The Random Thoughts:
Charley Davidson, Book 13.8
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Audible
Dates Read: 9/5/23
Stars: 3.5 Stars
Narrator(s): Lorelei King
The Characters:
Eric Vause:
Halle:
The Story:
Eric is a lesser-known character. I barely remember him and his possession, but I enjoyed his story anyway. He and Halle seem like a good match. Halle’s “haunting” made me so angry. I’m very happy they were able to get it resolved.
The Random Thoughts:
September 14, 2023
Seeing the future!
Eric has had enough, he's fed up of seeing how people die and being haunted by ghosts. When an old friend asks for help for his business partners daughter, Halle, he goes to visit but doesn't want to help. When he sees a young boys predicted death, he knows he can't just let it go and with the help of Halle they manage to save Zachary. Eric likes Halle but the vision he sees of her death, shows something quite sinister and Eric knows he needs to step up!
This was a truly brilliant read with some twists and a lot of humour! It was like going home, being back in Charley's world!
Eric has had enough, he's fed up of seeing how people die and being haunted by ghosts. When an old friend asks for help for his business partners daughter, Halle, he goes to visit but doesn't want to help. When he sees a young boys predicted death, he knows he can't just let it go and with the help of Halle they manage to save Zachary. Eric likes Halle but the vision he sees of her death, shows something quite sinister and Eric knows he needs to step up!
This was a truly brilliant read with some twists and a lot of humour! It was like going home, being back in Charley's world!
September 11, 2023
I think it is time to stop reading the spin-offs of what was one of my favorite series, because they are ruining my memories as well.
Credo sia arrivato il momento di smettere di leggere gli spin-off di quella che era una delle mie serie preferite, perché mi stanno rovinando anche i ricordi.
Credo sia arrivato il momento di smettere di leggere gli spin-off di quella che era una delle mie serie preferite, perché mi stanno rovinando anche i ricordi.
September 30, 2023
Short and exciting
I love these novellas if only so we can stay in the World of Charley Davidson. In this one Eric Vause thinks he’s going to be able to finally get away from the Supernatural and have a bit of peace. Unfortunately, he gets roped into trying to figure out if the beautiful daughter of his oldest friends business partner is being haunted.
I love these novellas if only so we can stay in the World of Charley Davidson. In this one Eric Vause thinks he’s going to be able to finally get away from the Supernatural and have a bit of peace. Unfortunately, he gets roped into trying to figure out if the beautiful daughter of his oldest friends business partner is being haunted.
January 26, 2024
His story was predictable for me. Still well written, but I saw most of that coming.
March 3, 2024
2024 Reads #127/250
November 13, 2024
I love when the hellhounds show up
September 27, 2023
I love revisiting the Charley Davidson world. Eric had been taken over by a demon five years ago. Now he is trying to get away from all demons and hellhounds. While visiting a friend he meets Halle. He finds her beautiful! She has be terrorized by a ghost or poltergeist for many years. Eric can see the departed and also know when someone will die. He tries to help Halle but doesn’t see a departed, but can see Halle’s death. Can he save her? Terrific narration.
September 27, 2023
It’s always fun when the much beloved side characters get their day in the spotlight. It’s a fun read and anything bringing you back in to Charlie’s world is a story I want to read. I finished this one with out stopping. Like all great books that the characters have become like friends because the authors storytelling is fluent and real my only complaint is it’s just never enough.
September 22, 2023
Too good!
Those who love the Charley Davidson world are in for a treat with this novella, putting a personal (and fan) favourite, Eric, at the forefront, as he meets his mate, Halle, and many things we were hinted at in the original series take centre stage, much to my enjoyment.
Those who love the Charley Davidson world are in for a treat with this novella, putting a personal (and fan) favourite, Eric, at the forefront, as he meets his mate, Halle, and many things we were hinted at in the original series take centre stage, much to my enjoyment.
August 30, 2023
Full review to come
March 19, 2024
This was a great novella. It is technically part of a series, but it works well as a standalone. It had me immediately adding the rest of that series to my never-ending tbr because I enjoyed it so much. I loved the paranormal bits, and then the twist of what actually happened. It hooked me and entertained me. And it also had a little spice thrown in for good measure. This was a winner for me!
Eric has “talents” that grew ever since he was possessed by a demon for a hot minute. Now he can see ghosts, look at a person and see their exact moment of death, and somehow because the wrangler of hellhounds. You know, the normal 9-5. A bit of change from his MC days. When his buddy calls him up for a visit, he is expecting a vacation. Instead he needs a favor from him. And it all had to do with the blonde that raged at him at the gas station on his way there. Great.
Thanks to 1001 Dark Nights for the copy to review, all thoughts are my own.
Eric has “talents” that grew ever since he was possessed by a demon for a hot minute. Now he can see ghosts, look at a person and see their exact moment of death, and somehow because the wrangler of hellhounds. You know, the normal 9-5. A bit of change from his MC days. When his buddy calls him up for a visit, he is expecting a vacation. Instead he needs a favor from him. And it all had to do with the blonde that raged at him at the gas station on his way there. Great.
Thanks to 1001 Dark Nights for the copy to review, all thoughts are my own.
September 30, 2024
Recycled review: The Grave Robber is another novella set in the Charley Davidson world and is about Eric, who was once possessed, is dealing with the trauma from said possession, and is in desperate need of a vacation.
Charley Davidson may be over and I might miss it with the fiery passion of a thousand suns (or one Charley), I always liked Eric and was excited to get something from his POV. I'm super excited that we are getting these novellas!
While The Grave Robber was a quick, enjoyable read and I did like it quite a bit, the normal Darynda Jones hotness was missing and I saw the "Big Bad" coming from a mile away. Did the spice need to be there? Nope, but it was missed. I said what I said.
Charley Davidson may be over and I might miss it with the fiery passion of a thousand suns (or one Charley), I always liked Eric and was excited to get something from his POV. I'm super excited that we are getting these novellas!
While The Grave Robber was a quick, enjoyable read and I did like it quite a bit, the normal Darynda Jones hotness was missing and I saw the "Big Bad" coming from a mile away. Did the spice need to be there? Nope, but it was missed. I said what I said.
January 2, 2024
Kinda meh for me
September 5, 2023
A novella, 13.8 in the Charley Davidson urban fantasy series that usually revolves around Charley — the Grim Reaper. In this case, the focus is on Eric and Halle.
My Take
“Grave Robber” is written in first person protagonist point-of-view from Eric’s perspective. And yep, he’s done. He’s so done, lol. And Eric moans and groans about it throughout the story. Jones is also good at teasing us along with all sorts of issues Eric has without a full explanation! One of which was most unexpected.
For the life of me, I can’t remember which book was the one in which Eric was possessed and got this new “power”.
That poor Halle! What she’s had to put up with all these years!?!
It’s primarily a character-driven story . . . with action. And with a pair of characters who don’t think they deserve anything good.
The Story
Eric Vause is done. Done with ghosts. Done with hellhounds. And definitely done with demons, mostly because he’d been possessed by one.
That invite from his old friend is a welcome change. Until he gets there . . .
So much for Canada.
The Characters
Eric Constantine Vause ( Third Grave Dead Ahead , 3) had been one of the Bandits, a biker gang. Later he became part of Team Beep along with the twelve hellhounds and Artemis, his poisoned Rottweiler. Now he can see when people will die. Charley Davidson, the Grim Reaper, is Eric’s “boss”. Aunt Lillian, a.k.a. Aunt Lil, is Charley’s hippieish aunt who’s a ghost. Flower is the puppy Eric rescues.
Halle Nordstrom, the undermedicated gas pump lady, is Donald’s daughter. Donald is Jason’s partner in the the bar. Emma is Halle’s deceased mother. Paul Meacham is Donald’s head of security. Anna had been Halle’s selfish sixteen-year-old cousin.
Jason Vigil is Eric’s high school buddy who now runs a bar, Cruisers, with a unique feature, in Idaho. The waitresses include Betty (in whom Jason is interested). The young Zachary Church is one of Jason’s customers. Zach’s dad, Bobby, works at the Arkwright Building in Spokane. Teresa is Lauren’s sister. Lauren is Zach’s girlfriend.
Nolan had been in high school with Halle and now works at the motel. Peter Scarsdale had gotten to second base. Dominic Toretto is a fictional character from The Fast and the Furious.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a black background with a gradation of snowflakes and trefoils in gold and silver. The publisher’s name is huge at the top in gold. The tiny title is in a pale yellow below that with the series info below that. Almost invisible is an info blurb in pale blue with the author’s name below that at the bottom in the same blue.
The title is Eric’s nickname, “Grave Robber”.
My Take
“Grave Robber” is written in first person protagonist point-of-view from Eric’s perspective. And yep, he’s done. He’s so done, lol. And Eric moans and groans about it throughout the story. Jones is also good at teasing us along with all sorts of issues Eric has without a full explanation! One of which was most unexpected.
For the life of me, I can’t remember which book was the one in which Eric was possessed and got this new “power”.
That poor Halle! What she’s had to put up with all these years!?!
It’s primarily a character-driven story . . . with action. And with a pair of characters who don’t think they deserve anything good.
The Story
Eric Vause is done. Done with ghosts. Done with hellhounds. And definitely done with demons, mostly because he’d been possessed by one.
That invite from his old friend is a welcome change. Until he gets there . . .
So much for Canada.
The Characters
Eric Constantine Vause ( Third Grave Dead Ahead , 3) had been one of the Bandits, a biker gang. Later he became part of Team Beep along with the twelve hellhounds and Artemis, his poisoned Rottweiler. Now he can see when people will die. Charley Davidson, the Grim Reaper, is Eric’s “boss”. Aunt Lillian, a.k.a. Aunt Lil, is Charley’s hippieish aunt who’s a ghost. Flower is the puppy Eric rescues.
Halle Nordstrom, the undermedicated gas pump lady, is Donald’s daughter. Donald is Jason’s partner in the the bar. Emma is Halle’s deceased mother. Paul Meacham is Donald’s head of security. Anna had been Halle’s selfish sixteen-year-old cousin.
Jason Vigil is Eric’s high school buddy who now runs a bar, Cruisers, with a unique feature, in Idaho. The waitresses include Betty (in whom Jason is interested). The young Zachary Church is one of Jason’s customers. Zach’s dad, Bobby, works at the Arkwright Building in Spokane. Teresa is Lauren’s sister. Lauren is Zach’s girlfriend.
Nolan had been in high school with Halle and now works at the motel. Peter Scarsdale had gotten to second base. Dominic Toretto is a fictional character from The Fast and the Furious.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a black background with a gradation of snowflakes and trefoils in gold and silver. The publisher’s name is huge at the top in gold. The tiny title is in a pale yellow below that with the series info below that. Almost invisible is an info blurb in pale blue with the author’s name below that at the bottom in the same blue.
The title is Eric’s nickname, “Grave Robber”.
September 5, 2023
Check out our full post for THE GRAVE ROBBER on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Shelby – ☆☆☆☆☆
I adore the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones; honestly, I love anything written by Darynda Jones! This shorter story is no exception.
No need to catch up on the series if this is your first, but I would highly suggest checking it out.
Eric has an ability, of the paranormal variety, to see a person's cause and time of death. While this power can be useful, it cannot be shut off. Choosing to use this power for good, Eric can save people!
This has everything: mystery, humor, seriously sarcastic humor (worth mentioning again), romance, quirky characters, and hellhounds. I would expect no less from this author!
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I am a huge, huge fan of the Charley Davidson series, and am delighted that these novellas give me another taste of that world. I do think that you would understand it best if you are up to date, or at least read a few, so that you get the premise of the world we are entering – such as Aunt Lillian and her muumuu dresses!
Eric has a talent which I am not sure anyone would really want – he can tell when someone is going to die. Not just an estimate, but an absolute time and method. This story gives him a number of opportunities to use this knowledge to good – and after the past he has had, he will take the wins.
Summoned by an old college buddy, Jason, he makes his way to what I have to say sounds like a super cool bar – with a road running through the middle to give bikers a chance to ride through and show off their rides. Here he sees two people who are not long for this world unless he does something about it. As we get to see him uncover the truth for Halle, we also see how the two of them complement each other – and have to hold on for the ride in the hope that our wishes match their destinies.
Always happy to jump back into all things Charley Davidson, thank you!
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
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