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Charley Davidson #12
The Trouble with Twelfth Grave
Grim Reaper Charley Davidson is back in the twelfth installment of Darynda Jones’ New York Times bestselling paranormal series.
Ever since Reyes escaped from a hell dimension in which Charley accidently trapped him, the son of Satan has been brimstone-bent on destroying the world his heavenly Brother created. His volatile tendencies have put Charley in a bit of a pickle. But that’s not the only briny vegetable on her plate. While trying to domesticate the feral being that used to be her husband, she also has to deal with her everyday life of annoying all manner of beings—some corporeal, some not so much—as she struggles to right the wrongs of society. Only this time she’s not uncovering a murder. This time she’s covering one up.
Add to that her new occupation of keeping a startup PI venture—the indomitable mystery-solving team of Amber Kowalski and Quentin Rutherford—out of trouble and dealing with the Vatican’s inquiries into her beloved daughter, and Charley is on the brink of throwing in the towel and becoming a professional shopper. Or possibly a live mannequin. But when someone starts attacking humans who are sensitive to the supernatural world, Charley knows it’s time to let loose her razor sharp claws. Then again, her number one suspect is the dark entity she’s loved for centuries. So the question becomes, can she tame the unruly beast before it destroys everything she’s worked so hard to protect?
Ever since Reyes escaped from a hell dimension in which Charley accidently trapped him, the son of Satan has been brimstone-bent on destroying the world his heavenly Brother created. His volatile tendencies have put Charley in a bit of a pickle. But that’s not the only briny vegetable on her plate. While trying to domesticate the feral being that used to be her husband, she also has to deal with her everyday life of annoying all manner of beings—some corporeal, some not so much—as she struggles to right the wrongs of society. Only this time she’s not uncovering a murder. This time she’s covering one up.
Add to that her new occupation of keeping a startup PI venture—the indomitable mystery-solving team of Amber Kowalski and Quentin Rutherford—out of trouble and dealing with the Vatican’s inquiries into her beloved daughter, and Charley is on the brink of throwing in the towel and becoming a professional shopper. Or possibly a live mannequin. But when someone starts attacking humans who are sensitive to the supernatural world, Charley knows it’s time to let loose her razor sharp claws. Then again, her number one suspect is the dark entity she’s loved for centuries. So the question becomes, can she tame the unruly beast before it destroys everything she’s worked so hard to protect?
289 pages, Hardcover
First published October 31, 2017
871 people are currently reading
8461 people want to read
About the author
Darynda Jones
57 books16.5k 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 1,581 reviews
November 15, 2017
5 "The Dark" Star(s)
HOLY CRAP! Let's give a round of applause to the one and only Mrs. Jones for creating another beautiful book! And for bringing my Charley and Reyes back after these 9 months!
As usual, and I mean in every single book that written by Mrs. Jones about Charley, this one is amazing. Funny. Beautiful. Powerful. NOT ENOUGH! I NEED MORE! I swear, this is the best paranormal series that I've ever read and the only one that I've followed since book one. Truth be told, I don't really like to read series that have so much books, 5 is the limit for me. But then, Charley Davidson series happened. And here I am... DYING WAITING FOR THE NEXT BOOK!
MY FAVORITE PARAGRAPH FROM THE BOOK (Actually I have a lot, I mean, have you read it? The children's books? Girl, the writing is magnificent. Period.):
“The victory that had been so far from his grasp was suddenly his. But for some reason, he didn’t celebrate. He grew even more disenchanted with the world and even more tortured than he had been. Darker than he had been. For he realized too late that his love had not been a pretense.”
What can I say? I'm a sucker for this kind of stuff. The hero regretting his action and doing everything he can do to get his woman back. Heck yeah.
This book is beautifully written, and I cried so much just because some really beautiful sentences/paragraphs. And about their relationship following the end of the 11th book? Amazing. Hot. Just like Reyes, this book got some fire.
AND DON'T FORGET ABOUT ALL THE JOKES, WITS, SARCASMS, AND BASICALLY EVERY FUNNY AND NON SENSE DIALOGUE IN THIS BOOK! THEY GOT ME EVERYTIME!
Read this book. You'll not regret it. Maybe you will, but it'll happen when you're on the last page and you realize that you have to wait for a whole year to get your hands on the next book.
(Please excuse my poor grammars, english isn't my native language and I'm bad at grammars)
---- update ----
WAIT WHAT?! I JUST GOT MY HANDS ON 11TH GRAVE BOOK AND FINISHED IT! AND NOW THERE'S 12TH BOOK? AND I HAVE TO WAIT 9 MONTHS AFTER READING THE ENDING ON 11TH BOOK? THIS IS TORTURE.
HOLY CRAP! Let's give a round of applause to the one and only Mrs. Jones for creating another beautiful book! And for bringing my Charley and Reyes back after these 9 months!
As usual, and I mean in every single book that written by Mrs. Jones about Charley, this one is amazing. Funny. Beautiful. Powerful. NOT ENOUGH! I NEED MORE! I swear, this is the best paranormal series that I've ever read and the only one that I've followed since book one. Truth be told, I don't really like to read series that have so much books, 5 is the limit for me. But then, Charley Davidson series happened. And here I am... DYING WAITING FOR THE NEXT BOOK!
MY FAVORITE PARAGRAPH FROM THE BOOK (Actually I have a lot, I mean, have you read it? The children's books? Girl, the writing is magnificent. Period.):
“The victory that had been so far from his grasp was suddenly his. But for some reason, he didn’t celebrate. He grew even more disenchanted with the world and even more tortured than he had been. Darker than he had been. For he realized too late that his love had not been a pretense.”
What can I say? I'm a sucker for this kind of stuff. The hero regretting his action and doing everything he can do to get his woman back. Heck yeah.
This book is beautifully written, and I cried so much just because some really beautiful sentences/paragraphs. And about their relationship following the end of the 11th book? Amazing. Hot. Just like Reyes, this book got some fire.
AND DON'T FORGET ABOUT ALL THE JOKES, WITS, SARCASMS, AND BASICALLY EVERY FUNNY AND NON SENSE DIALOGUE IN THIS BOOK! THEY GOT ME EVERYTIME!
Read this book. You'll not regret it. Maybe you will, but it'll happen when you're on the last page and you realize that you have to wait for a whole year to get your hands on the next book.
(Please excuse my poor grammars, english isn't my native language and I'm bad at grammars)
---- update ----
WAIT WHAT?! I JUST GOT MY HANDS ON 11TH GRAVE BOOK AND FINISHED IT! AND NOW THERE'S 12TH BOOK? AND I HAVE TO WAIT 9 MONTHS AFTER READING THE ENDING ON 11TH BOOK? THIS IS TORTURE.
November 4, 2017
4.5 Stars
Can I just say this is the best paranormal series out there? I mean that just my opinion. It sexy, funny, and action-packed. The sarcasm speaks to my soul. I mean why are you reading my review, when you could be reading this goodness.
Stop reading this review, and go pick of the first book, or if you're invested, read this one. I'm kidding. Kinda of. Anyway, I was stoked when I got this ARC I wasn't expecting it. I may have peed a little when I found it on NetGalley, because Daryana Jones. 
If you remember from the last book Reyes goes dark, or feral. So he's back to the mysterious asshole that we fell in love with before. Charley is still scattered brain and solving cases. I was worried that we wouldn't get much Reyes in this book due to the ending of the last book, but my fears were unfounded. He was very much a part of this book, and let me say he was sexier than ever.
I don't know what it is about anti-heroes, but they do it for me. We have a lot of mystery, sexy times, and even some sad moments. Some books in this series I love and some I just like, but this one I really liked. I felt a little blindsided by the ending, and I can say that I wasn't prepared to get the feels. Of course, this ends on a cliffhanger that has me begging for more, let just hope I don't have to beg for long.
December 11, 2018
I'm just not sure. I have no idea. What just happened? W-T-F?
One day since I've finished the book and I still really honestly don't know how I feel about it.
I'm at a loss if I liked it or hated it or somewhere between. I...just. No words. I want to write this review and explain all the things that I'm having trouble with, but I have to check to see if I can fully review it just yet since it has a full month to go before it comes out.
*goes to look up email from Netgalley*
Phew ok, looks like I can review the book fully. Ok. Let's dig in shall we?
Yes I'll be using spoiler tags, just fair warning. And this will probably not be coherent.
Alright so from the last book Eleventh Grave in Moonlight we know that Reyes is...not himself. While reading the first chapter we, and by we I mean the audience, are trying to figure out what happened after Reyes flew out of the god glass. Charley is meandering around the point. And all I want is to shake her and yell at her. GET ON WITH IT WOMAN!!!!
So. Reyes and a bunch of innocents rush out of the god glass but not the other two evil gods nor did Charley see the evil priest. Uh Oh. Rather than worrying about that though, Charley goes about her biz. You know, I'd have thought we'd have had just slight more character growth, and have Charley idk take some things seriously, and now it's just becoming annoying that she's purposefully avoiding the important things cause *oh look something shiny* happens. It's getting old.
Meanwhile Ubie has a case of some people who have burns and scratches on them and their circumstances of dying are weird. It must be supernatural.
Oh still wondering what's gone on with Reyes and wondering if Reyes is well Reyes? Yea. Me too.
I guess he just cornered her did a little threatening and then left. *shrugs* No big deal right?
So Charley does her investigating trying to figure out if Reyes is still Reyes or not. She goes to Rocket's place and guess what? The place is leveled. Apparently not-Reyes is looking for something and got mad when Rocket wouldn't tell him. You know since it's against the rules. I'm surprised by this turn of events because Reyes, real Reyes knows how this would hurt Charley.
More bodies show up with weird circumstances of death. The weird claw like marks, and the weird burns on the bottom of their feet. Still don't know. Lets drive around randomly.
I mean there are some funny parts in this book don't get me wrong. Like Swoopes having a girl in bed, and Charley giving him a middle of the night wake up call and said girl NOT having an issue with Charley's late night random appearance. Ok.
So much happens but then all of a sudden after we figure out who/what is murdering people we find out about not-Reyes.
Not-Reyes is actually
And here's the mega mega mega spoiler. SOME-FUCKING-HOW THIS HAPPENED
Yea great ending to the book. I'm kinda over these cliff hangers. I mean we are in book 12 can we just stop? I sincerely hope that if Jones does do the spin off I think she might, that she will refrain from cliff hangerville. NO MORE CLIFF HANGERS. Tie up the story in the book or make the books longer.
I'm still not sure what to rate this as I'm still confused. So I'm going to go with middle of the road and do a 3 since I can't seem to decide.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book for free in exchange for my open and honest opinion. All opinions in this review are mine.
One day since I've finished the book and I still really honestly don't know how I feel about it.
I'm at a loss if I liked it or hated it or somewhere between. I...just. No words. I want to write this review and explain all the things that I'm having trouble with, but I have to check to see if I can fully review it just yet since it has a full month to go before it comes out.
*goes to look up email from Netgalley*
Phew ok, looks like I can review the book fully. Ok. Let's dig in shall we?
Yes I'll be using spoiler tags, just fair warning. And this will probably not be coherent.
Alright so from the last book Eleventh Grave in Moonlight we know that Reyes is...not himself. While reading the first chapter we, and by we I mean the audience, are trying to figure out what happened after Reyes flew out of the god glass. Charley is meandering around the point. And all I want is to shake her and yell at her. GET ON WITH IT WOMAN!!!!
So. Reyes and a bunch of innocents rush out of the god glass but not the other two evil gods nor did Charley see the evil priest. Uh Oh. Rather than worrying about that though, Charley goes about her biz. You know, I'd have thought we'd have had just slight more character growth, and have Charley idk take some things seriously, and now it's just becoming annoying that she's purposefully avoiding the important things cause *oh look something shiny* happens. It's getting old.
Meanwhile Ubie has a case of some people who have burns and scratches on them and their circumstances of dying are weird. It must be supernatural.
Oh still wondering what's gone on with Reyes and wondering if Reyes is well Reyes? Yea. Me too.
I guess he just cornered her did a little threatening and then left. *shrugs* No big deal right?
So Charley does her investigating trying to figure out if Reyes is still Reyes or not. She goes to Rocket's place and guess what? The place is leveled. Apparently not-Reyes is looking for something and got mad when Rocket wouldn't tell him. You know since it's against the rules. I'm surprised by this turn of events because Reyes, real Reyes knows how this would hurt Charley.
More bodies show up with weird circumstances of death. The weird claw like marks, and the weird burns on the bottom of their feet. Still don't know. Lets drive around randomly.
I mean there are some funny parts in this book don't get me wrong. Like Swoopes having a girl in bed, and Charley giving him a middle of the night wake up call and said girl NOT having an issue with Charley's late night random appearance. Ok.
So much happens but then all of a sudden after we figure out who/what is murdering people we find out about not-Reyes.
Not-Reyes is actually
And here's the mega mega mega spoiler. SOME-FUCKING-HOW THIS HAPPENED
Yea great ending to the book. I'm kinda over these cliff hangers. I mean we are in book 12 can we just stop? I sincerely hope that if Jones does do the spin off I think she might, that she will refrain from cliff hangerville. NO MORE CLIFF HANGERS. Tie up the story in the book or make the books longer.
I'm still not sure what to rate this as I'm still confused. So I'm going to go with middle of the road and do a 3 since I can't seem to decide.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book for free in exchange for my open and honest opinion. All opinions in this review are mine.
September 17, 2017
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Time to tell the truth, when I saw the release date for this book I was practicaly stalking Netgalley and when I finally saw the chance to request an ARC for it, I was over the moon. I'm so grateful to Marissa for giving me the chance to read it, that I could jump from joy.
Darynda did such a good job with this story, it's amazing. This series is one of my favs for years already and it's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Charley and Reyes. This time I feel in love with them even more. Also with Osh and Charleys family. At the end of the book I was so shocked to find out what horrible tragedy had almost befallen them but don't worry, Charley saves the day yet again. The plot from the previous book continues and there were so many twists and secrets. But not all is as it seems and I was kinda grumpy with Reyes for a minute but he's Reyes, so... I love him. I only wished we'd get to see more of him. There were five or so scenes with him, so that was really disappointing. I really do hope we'll get to see more of him in the next, last book. As far as the plot goes, we get murder, accused murder, lots of threats and get that, we eve get to meet God. To say I loved it would be an understatement. Of course the story end on a cliffhanger and I have the feeling the last book will be quite the action packed story that we are used from Darynda Jones. I am already counting down the days to it's release.
Time to tell the truth, when I saw the release date for this book I was practicaly stalking Netgalley and when I finally saw the chance to request an ARC for it, I was over the moon. I'm so grateful to Marissa for giving me the chance to read it, that I could jump from joy.
Darynda did such a good job with this story, it's amazing. This series is one of my favs for years already and it's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Charley and Reyes. This time I feel in love with them even more. Also with Osh and Charleys family. At the end of the book I was so shocked to find out what horrible tragedy had almost befallen them but don't worry, Charley saves the day yet again. The plot from the previous book continues and there were so many twists and secrets. But not all is as it seems and I was kinda grumpy with Reyes for a minute but he's Reyes, so... I love him. I only wished we'd get to see more of him. There were five or so scenes with him, so that was really disappointing. I really do hope we'll get to see more of him in the next, last book. As far as the plot goes, we get murder, accused murder, lots of threats and get that, we eve get to meet God. To say I loved it would be an understatement. Of course the story end on a cliffhanger and I have the feeling the last book will be quite the action packed story that we are used from Darynda Jones. I am already counting down the days to it's release.
November 9, 2017
The whole time reading I was smiling like a total loon. That's just what Charley's personality does. Well, that or wanting to kill her. Personally I think that having Charley as a god is the best thing this world could hope for but it's not like anybody's listening to me.
So the story goes like this: Charley sends Reyes for a retreaving mission in hell. Reyes comes back not exactly himself. God (The God) finds out his lil' bro is up to his old devices and decides to kill him. Or at least try. Charley is not sold on the idea, obviously, she wants to continue having smoking hot sex with her hubby for like forever. Understandably so, he's Reyes. But I digress.
Meanwhile something starts killing people, something supernatural. Also Pari gets in trouble and asks for Charley's help. And of course it all leads to crazy plans, hot sex and lots and lots of coffee. I mean come on, how are you not sold on this already?
Over and out
So the story goes like this: Charley sends Reyes for a retreaving mission in hell. Reyes comes back not exactly himself. God (The God) finds out his lil' bro is up to his old devices and decides to kill him. Or at least try. Charley is not sold on the idea, obviously, she wants to continue having smoking hot sex with her hubby for like forever. Understandably so, he's Reyes. But I digress.
Meanwhile something starts killing people, something supernatural. Also Pari gets in trouble and asks for Charley's help. And of course it all leads to crazy plans, hot sex and lots and lots of coffee. I mean come on, how are you not sold on this already?
Over and out
November 8, 2017
4 ★'s
“God is love, but Satan does that thing you like with his tongue.”
-BUMPER STICKER
Okay, I have to admit that I am a little disappointed with this book. I was hoping that Darynda Jones would pull something out of her hat with Reyes that she did with Charley in The Dirt on Ninth Grave. It's obviously not the exact same plot but something similar. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.
Instead, we get this crazy Reyes...or not Reyes.. To be honest, that's all a little fuzzy even at the end when it all came together. BUT...he's still hot and as smoldery as ever and that's never a bad thing!
If you're a fan of this series, you've gotten used to the million and one things that go on in these stories. I just felt like this one was overboard. Every time I thought we were getting answers, there's just more evasion. I was hoping with Charley being more in the know about herself and being able to do more things that she wouldn't be so scattered.
And I will be eating my words when the next book is done because that is the last one...lucky #13! It will be a sad day that's for sure.
As much as I've complained about this story, there's some pretty funny and amazing parts. Certain people hanging out at Chucky Cheese? Cookie dressed as a homeless lady and what she does? and while what happened to Garrett wasn't funny, it sure got my attention as did the spell Reyes used.
However, that ending made me cry! I'm sooo happy that Charley did what she did even though there were consequences. I hate waiting another year to find out what happens and to have my heart broken with the series being over. ~sigh~
“God is love, but Satan does that thing you like with his tongue.”
-BUMPER STICKER
Okay, I have to admit that I am a little disappointed with this book. I was hoping that Darynda Jones would pull something out of her hat with Reyes that she did with Charley in The Dirt on Ninth Grave. It's obviously not the exact same plot but something similar. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.
Instead, we get this crazy Reyes...or not Reyes.. To be honest, that's all a little fuzzy even at the end when it all came together. BUT...he's still hot and as smoldery as ever and that's never a bad thing!
If you're a fan of this series, you've gotten used to the million and one things that go on in these stories. I just felt like this one was overboard. Every time I thought we were getting answers, there's just more evasion. I was hoping with Charley being more in the know about herself and being able to do more things that she wouldn't be so scattered.
And I will be eating my words when the next book is done because that is the last one...lucky #13! It will be a sad day that's for sure.
As much as I've complained about this story, there's some pretty funny and amazing parts. Certain people hanging out at Chucky Cheese? Cookie dressed as a homeless lady and what she does? and while what happened to Garrett wasn't funny, it sure got my attention as did the spell Reyes used.
However, that ending made me cry! I'm sooo happy that Charley did what she did even though there were consequences. I hate waiting another year to find out what happens and to have my heart broken with the series being over. ~sigh~
July 3, 2019
Frankly, I'm a little worried with how this book ended.
Darynda you got 1 book left in the series...
Darynda you got 1 book left in the series...
November 10, 2017
If you love Charley, you will love this one. She is doing her thing: running on coffee and humor, trying to solve a supernatural mystery or two. The thing is, any review of this book will give spoilers for the last one, and you can't pick this up without having read the previous books, sooooooo....
Basically, if you are late to the party, you need to catch up. This series is hilariously fun and cool. Plus, you want to be a cool kid, right?
No pressure or anything..
Here are some quotes:
Looking for ideas to fix their supernatural conundrum:
"Drugs," Garret said.
Osh nodded. "That might work. We can all do drugs. Then we won't care when the world is either destroyed by a volatile god or overtaken by a demon-infested hell dimension." He grinned at Garrett. "Great thinking."
When they decided to tie up Osh in order to give him news he wouldn't like:
Osh sat down and Garrett began the bondage process. Was it wrong that I had a hankering for gay porn at that moment?
(the answer to that question is "no. no, you're not.")
One of the great parts of this book was when they were all together (minus one) and working as a dysfunctional team. The dynamics between them all is great.
One of the horribly torturous parts of this book is the fact that it ended on a cliffy. Again. I think we need to get an angry mob thing going over to Darynda's house to make her stop doing this to us.
Note to self: find a more passionate sign-maker.
Overall, you need this, but if you want to wait until the next book is also available, that's okay. I think the next one is the last one, yes?
September 22, 2017
Reyes is not in good place, and he's not as was. Let's just say that he might be making Daddy proud. Charlie has this whole new title resting on her scared shoulders. Someone or something is killing gifted people and Charlie needs to find answers while protecting her friends and dealing with this not right Reyes. Life is messed up, but Charlie never stops looking for answers, and a distracting laugh. The ending, oh my, I cried. To do such a noble thing to be struck with such a cost, sorrow fell hard. My poor favorite characters, bruised but never beaten, I hope.
Ms. Jones, you are wickedly good at this. You took my heart through the shadows, through the rubble, into the struggle for good/evil, life/death, love/faith, and then threw me into a dark ravine with no bottom in sight. I loved it, couldn't get enough, and want more pain and laughs.
if you love snark, romance, action, love and coffee read this series.
Ms. Jones, you are wickedly good at this. You took my heart through the shadows, through the rubble, into the struggle for good/evil, life/death, love/faith, and then threw me into a dark ravine with no bottom in sight. I loved it, couldn't get enough, and want more pain and laughs.
if you love snark, romance, action, love and coffee read this series.
November 1, 2017
Hmmm. OK then.
I love the Charley Davidson series, admire the author's talent. And her main secondary/supporting characters are brilliant. Particularly Uncle Bob 'Ubie', Cookie, Angel. And of course, Reyes is smoking hot.
But.
The mythology in this series, which took a sudden left turn 3-4 books back, expanding MASSIVELY is fascinating, but keeps being added to in such a way that its inconsistent, making plot holes, and befuddling.
Reyes is the son of Satan- no actually, he's God's little brother, but wait! He's the demon god Reyz'akeen... He's evil. Wait!No, he isnt. Arrgh! Hell-hounds want to kill Charley. Wait!No they dont! Oooh, Charley's a god(dess) with amnesia! Now the non-god part of her, the human part has actual amnesia!
You see the problem?
This series has become two, different fantasy books within one series. One a comic detective series, with a screwball, ADD ridden protagonist. Wacky adventures, etc etc.
The other is dark, with elements of high fantasy, tragic- Reyes full back story in his own pov in the side novella was brutal, angst ridden- full of physical, psychological, sexual abuse and death. It was heartbreaking, and suddenly the series was very grown up.
The end of the world or some kind of apocalypse is always on the horizon. And because Charley and Reyes are some kind of celestial Romeo and Juliet, theres constant trust issues, and 'is Reyes evil?' ponderings, shattered psyches, emerging/hidden identities, and communication cock ups. They have started to weigh the story down.
Dont get me wrong, this series is still head and shoulders above most urban fantasy/paranormal romances out there. And actually having God turn up in a story is pretty ballsy. But it falls short of the stellar Ilona Andrews, Nalini Singh, Anne Bishop, Patricia Briggs first tier, the top level of UB/PNR because of these faults.
And ending on an OMG!!! cliffhanger, as the last two books have done, gets old.
Bottom line: Twelfth Grave is worth reading. Its very good. But... could have been great.
Jones is not suffering from series fatigue, by any means. She hasnt made it impossibly cluttered with lot and characters- like the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Nor tedious with endless repetition of phrases, descriptions and badly written schoolgirl level porn (yes laurel k hamilton, I'm looking at you!)
But she needs sharper editors.
I'm looking forward to twists, turns, surprises and interesting mythology in the final book.
And no more goddamn cliffhangers.
I love the Charley Davidson series, admire the author's talent. And her main secondary/supporting characters are brilliant. Particularly Uncle Bob 'Ubie', Cookie, Angel. And of course, Reyes is smoking hot.
But.
The mythology in this series, which took a sudden left turn 3-4 books back, expanding MASSIVELY is fascinating, but keeps being added to in such a way that its inconsistent, making plot holes, and befuddling.
Reyes is the son of Satan- no actually, he's God's little brother, but wait! He's the demon god Reyz'akeen... He's evil. Wait!No, he isnt. Arrgh! Hell-hounds want to kill Charley. Wait!No they dont! Oooh, Charley's a god(dess) with amnesia! Now the non-god part of her, the human part has actual amnesia!
You see the problem?
This series has become two, different fantasy books within one series. One a comic detective series, with a screwball, ADD ridden protagonist. Wacky adventures, etc etc.
The other is dark, with elements of high fantasy, tragic- Reyes full back story in his own pov in the side novella was brutal, angst ridden- full of physical, psychological, sexual abuse and death. It was heartbreaking, and suddenly the series was very grown up.
The end of the world or some kind of apocalypse is always on the horizon. And because Charley and Reyes are some kind of celestial Romeo and Juliet, theres constant trust issues, and 'is Reyes evil?' ponderings, shattered psyches, emerging/hidden identities, and communication cock ups. They have started to weigh the story down.
Dont get me wrong, this series is still head and shoulders above most urban fantasy/paranormal romances out there. And actually having God turn up in a story is pretty ballsy. But it falls short of the stellar Ilona Andrews, Nalini Singh, Anne Bishop, Patricia Briggs first tier, the top level of UB/PNR because of these faults.
And ending on an OMG!!! cliffhanger, as the last two books have done, gets old.
Bottom line: Twelfth Grave is worth reading. Its very good. But... could have been great.
Jones is not suffering from series fatigue, by any means. She hasnt made it impossibly cluttered with lot and characters- like the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Nor tedious with endless repetition of phrases, descriptions and badly written schoolgirl level porn (yes laurel k hamilton, I'm looking at you!)
But she needs sharper editors.
I'm looking forward to twists, turns, surprises and interesting mythology in the final book.
And no more goddamn cliffhangers.
September 11, 2017
OMG!!! What are you trying to do to us Darynda Jones!?!?!!?!?
*ARC READ
Well folks, she’s done it again. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Darynda Jones pulls not only the rug out from under you, but the entire house as well.
Picking up where we last left off, our Charley is her funny, snarky, well-intentioned self. She’s working a case while trying to figure out the drama that is now her life. Her husband (and the son of Satan) isn’t himself these days. And in the Davidson style, she is doing her best to root out the man she loves while trying to keep all her pots boiling. It’s a funny, scary, sexy ride for sure.
Alas, no spoilers here, but I will give you some highlights of what’s to come.
A blast from the past.
Someone thought lost is found.
The man himself.
Coffee, coffee, coffee.
Shopping carts and stripper poles.
The gang’s all here.
One of the best books in the series.
That’s it. The wait is almost over and I can’t wait for everyone to dig in.
The Trouble with Twelfth Grave hits the shelves October 31st and candy won’t be the only thing you’ll be devouring by the end of the night!
12 Star Stars!!
~Tanja
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*ARC READ
Well folks, she’s done it again. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Darynda Jones pulls not only the rug out from under you, but the entire house as well.
Picking up where we last left off, our Charley is her funny, snarky, well-intentioned self. She’s working a case while trying to figure out the drama that is now her life. Her husband (and the son of Satan) isn’t himself these days. And in the Davidson style, she is doing her best to root out the man she loves while trying to keep all her pots boiling. It’s a funny, scary, sexy ride for sure.
Alas, no spoilers here, but I will give you some highlights of what’s to come.
A blast from the past.
Someone thought lost is found.
The man himself.
Coffee, coffee, coffee.
Shopping carts and stripper poles.
The gang’s all here.
One of the best books in the series.
That’s it. The wait is almost over and I can’t wait for everyone to dig in.
The Trouble with Twelfth Grave hits the shelves October 31st and candy won’t be the only thing you’ll be devouring by the end of the night!
12 Star Stars!!
~Tanja
Follow us on
KT Book Reviews
tumblr
YouTube
Book Babblers
November 6, 2017
¡Vaya final!!!
Reseña para cuando resucite...
Reseña para cuando resucite...
December 2, 2017
DARYNDA JONES IS EEEEEEEVIL. ❤
MOTHERFUCKING CLIFFHANGERS -.-'
MOTHERFUCKING CLIFFHANGERS -.-'
April 5, 2019
FUCK that ending!!!!
No.. Nope ..Nuh-uh..
Seriously, fuck that!
And I'm supposed to wait until 2019 now to know what gonna happen next?!
That's what I get for binge reading the full series in a week.
Yep, that'll teach me.
No.. Nope ..Nuh-uh..
Seriously, fuck that!
And I'm supposed to wait until 2019 now to know what gonna happen next?!
That's what I get for binge reading the full series in a week.
Yep, that'll teach me.
November 7, 2017
Damn it!! I'm so anxiously waiting the last week until 11th Grave... and now I can't wait to read the 12th... >_<
I guess I am not the only one.
I guess I am not the only one.
November 18, 2017
BANG straight onto my favourite shelf!!!
I cannot believe that Darynda Jones has gone and done it again, produced a book in a long running series that has outdone the one before... How on earth does she do that?
Simple! Her writing style is unique, her characters are long standing, well loved, easy to believe and one or two are very, very hot! Charley, Reyes, Cookie and the rest, but let's not forget Rocket... I love this guy/ghost and his involvement with Charley may be short in the books but boy are they meaningful and sometimes fun. No spoilers but what a surprise in that department! I adore the characters, they are all amazing.
With this installment, I had the laughter and fun, the continuation of a story that progresses in so many different ways and also the 'gasps. and the OMG moments which worked very well alongside the intense and jaw dropping FUCK moments!!!! But come on, that ending - That God Dammed Blasted Ending!!!! What a mother of all cliffhangers!!!
Highly recommended, well worth every single written word!
I cannot believe that Darynda Jones has gone and done it again, produced a book in a long running series that has outdone the one before... How on earth does she do that?
Simple! Her writing style is unique, her characters are long standing, well loved, easy to believe and one or two are very, very hot! Charley, Reyes, Cookie and the rest, but let's not forget Rocket... I love this guy/ghost and his involvement with Charley may be short in the books but boy are they meaningful and sometimes fun. No spoilers but what a surprise in that department! I adore the characters, they are all amazing.
With this installment, I had the laughter and fun, the continuation of a story that progresses in so many different ways and also the 'gasps. and the OMG moments which worked very well alongside the intense and jaw dropping FUCK moments!!!! But come on, that ending - That God Dammed Blasted Ending!!!! What a mother of all cliffhangers!!!
Highly recommended, well worth every single written word!
November 1, 2017
Out now! Fangirls - and boys; rejoice! You're in for a treat. (Aren't we always when it comes to Reyes, though?)
Darynda is fond of proverbs, so I thought I'd start my review with this one:
Do they indeed? Charley is not so sure. Okay, there's no denying her scorching attraction to her childhood shadow, Reyes Alexander Farrow. Falling for his alter ego, the son of Satan, a.k.a the hot as hell Rey'aziel; piece of cake! Rey'azikeen, a.k.a the Razer, a.k.a the most volatile of all gods, a.k.a the youngest brother of God almighty, a.k.a runaway husband, however... weeeeell, that remains to be seen. Here's a spoiler: Things aren't looking good:-( Whoops, forgot the spoiler tag. My bad!
Trying to piece together your marriage can be hard enough. When the man who said "I do" is just a suppressed aspect of the world-razing god currently in charge of said husband's body. the last thing you want is an exposee. Too bad then, that brother-in-law is a blabbermouth;-) And: will our two displaced deities finally end the dirty, deity-offing business they both started eons ago?
Final thoughts: Oh man, I felt so bad for Charley throughout this book. Celestial blue balls suck. There's still lust aplenty, yes, but sadly, God's rebel brother isn't the cuddly type. (Incidentally that's why I deducted a star. I know I'm shallow, please Big Bro, don't smite me!)
Charley's posse is as loveable, crazy, supportive and hilarious as always, her detective skills arent half bad for a goddess, but with this this series slowly drawing towards a conclusion I find myself reaching for another proverb. "All things must come to and end."
NO, who am I kidding! I find myself desperately wishing for spin-offs. Dear Darynda, you ARE giving us the story of Bip and everyone's favorite daeva, right!?
~I was given an eArc in exchange for an honest review~
Darynda is fond of proverbs, so I thought I'd start my review with this one:
Do they indeed? Charley is not so sure. Okay, there's no denying her scorching attraction to her childhood shadow, Reyes Alexander Farrow. Falling for his alter ego, the son of Satan, a.k.a the hot as hell Rey'aziel; piece of cake! Rey'azikeen, a.k.a the Razer, a.k.a the most volatile of all gods, a.k.a the youngest brother of God almighty, a.k.a runaway husband, however... weeeeell, that remains to be seen. Here's a spoiler: Things aren't looking good:-( Whoops, forgot the spoiler tag. My bad!
Trying to piece together your marriage can be hard enough. When the man who said "I do" is just a suppressed aspect of the world-razing god currently in charge of said husband's body. the last thing you want is an exposee. Too bad then, that brother-in-law is a blabbermouth;-) And: will our two displaced deities finally end the dirty, deity-offing business they both started eons ago?
Final thoughts: Oh man, I felt so bad for Charley throughout this book. Celestial blue balls suck. There's still lust aplenty, yes, but sadly, God's rebel brother isn't the cuddly type. (Incidentally that's why I deducted a star. I know I'm shallow, please Big Bro, don't smite me!)
Charley's posse is as loveable, crazy, supportive and hilarious as always, her detective skills arent half bad for a goddess, but with this this series slowly drawing towards a conclusion I find myself reaching for another proverb. "All things must come to and end."
NO, who am I kidding! I find myself desperately wishing for spin-offs. Dear Darynda, you ARE giving us the story of Bip and everyone's favorite daeva, right!?
~I was given an eArc in exchange for an honest review~
October 2, 2017
I wish this was about a million pages longer than it was but of course, I still loved it and devoured it either way. Full review to come soon!
EDITED TO ADD REVIEW:
4.5 Stars!
If I said that I wasn't both eager and tepid to open this latest installment in the Charley Davidson series, I would both be a coward and a liar. I wanted so bad to get my hands on this story with the way that book eleven ended, it was heart wrenching but at the same time, I was so very nervous to do so. In fact once I got my ARC, I sat on it for a few days because I just couldn't bring myself to open it yet.
I didn't want things to change. I can't stand change and there was a big one at the end of the last book. A heart breaking oh my freaking heck change that I didn't see coming even though I probably should have.
Sometimes denial is so great isn't it?
So I had to put my big girl panties on and finally break down and crack it open. Armed with a bag of chocolate, a water bottle and a whole heck of a lot of Kleenexes, just in case.
This book. This series. This freaking author.
She knows how to both make me laugh, make me angry, and tug at my heart strings and she did all of them, sometimes all within the same chapter.
This group of friends, this family, once again proved how incredible they are. How I want them, every single one of them, in my life, if you know, they weren't all fictional and potentially hazardous to my health.
I loved every single minute and once again Jones pulled no punches. She tore things open, exposed them, bruised them and they tried to knit them all back together again only to repeat the process. She is cruel, and mean, ad I love her for it.
The ending, was once again, brutal and once again, left me longing for me.
*ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
EDITED TO ADD REVIEW:
4.5 Stars!
If I said that I wasn't both eager and tepid to open this latest installment in the Charley Davidson series, I would both be a coward and a liar. I wanted so bad to get my hands on this story with the way that book eleven ended, it was heart wrenching but at the same time, I was so very nervous to do so. In fact once I got my ARC, I sat on it for a few days because I just couldn't bring myself to open it yet.
I didn't want things to change. I can't stand change and there was a big one at the end of the last book. A heart breaking oh my freaking heck change that I didn't see coming even though I probably should have.
Sometimes denial is so great isn't it?
So I had to put my big girl panties on and finally break down and crack it open. Armed with a bag of chocolate, a water bottle and a whole heck of a lot of Kleenexes, just in case.
This book. This series. This freaking author.
She knows how to both make me laugh, make me angry, and tug at my heart strings and she did all of them, sometimes all within the same chapter.
This group of friends, this family, once again proved how incredible they are. How I want them, every single one of them, in my life, if you know, they weren't all fictional and potentially hazardous to my health.
I loved every single minute and once again Jones pulled no punches. She tore things open, exposed them, bruised them and they tried to knit them all back together again only to repeat the process. She is cruel, and mean, ad I love her for it.
The ending, was once again, brutal and once again, left me longing for me.
*ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
June 10, 2020
So. After the last book's bombshell, this one is pretty much crack cocaine for readers of this UF.
I went down the same rabbit hole as all these other folks. I got hooked, tried to get off, then started demanding some free time to get back to the drug. I even punched an imaginary detractor in the imaginary face and screamed, "HEY! GIVE ME MY CHARLEY! What the hell happened to Reyes?!?"
Alas, no such real obstacle was in my face. BUT IT FELT LIKE IT.
That being said, this was a wonderful story and I can't believe that Charley was still so CALM about the whole Reyes issue. I would have like dropped EVERYTHING to figure it out... but then there wouldn't have been any subplots. Alas.
Still. Fun stuff. Delicious ride. One of the best in the series because I was set up and taken DOWN. :)
I went down the same rabbit hole as all these other folks. I got hooked, tried to get off, then started demanding some free time to get back to the drug. I even punched an imaginary detractor in the imaginary face and screamed, "HEY! GIVE ME MY CHARLEY! What the hell happened to Reyes?!?"
Alas, no such real obstacle was in my face. BUT IT FELT LIKE IT.
That being said, this was a wonderful story and I can't believe that Charley was still so CALM about the whole Reyes issue. I would have like dropped EVERYTHING to figure it out... but then there wouldn't have been any subplots. Alas.
Still. Fun stuff. Delicious ride. One of the best in the series because I was set up and taken DOWN. :)
October 6, 2017
4.5 stars! Every time that I read the latest Charley Davidson book, I am transported deep into her wacky world. I love all of the characters so much – it is truly like catching up with best friends. I found myself either laughing at their antics, gasping at the unexpected twists or swooning over delectable Reyes. Ms Jones always keeps me on my toes – I never know what Charley is going to do next. And the side stories are just as entertaining – such as how Cookie distracts the police so that Charley can sneak past them – I had tears of laughter! And how Charley helps her friend outmanoeuvred the forensics team or how she wakes poor Garrett Swopes up. And I was totally blown away by the ending! There is nothing predictable or boring about this series – they are full of mischief, mayhem and delicious, hot guys. They are my sweet tantalising treat and an absolute delight to read. The only negative is that I have to wait another year for my next fix!
October 23, 2017
4.5 stars
My favourite Grim Reaper is finally back. On the surface, Charley Davidson may look like your average boot-wearing, taco-scarfing, coffee-swilling PI. But that’s her day job. To souls of the dead, she’s a bright light who provides safe passage to the other side. Oh, and turns out she’s a God. You know, like one of those really ancient, powerful beings but with better hair.
There’s never any shortage of weird & wacky cases for her & partner Cookie to solve. But right now Charlie has a more pressing problem. At the end of the last book, she sort of sent her husband to Hell. Literally. Reyes is also a God & it was supposed to be a quick business trip. Just pop down there, clear up a few things & get home in time for dinner. The good news is he’s back. The bad news? While the entity that returned may look like Reyes, lets just say he’s in a really bad mood & Charley’s pretty sure it’s not down to jet lag.
Meanwhile her Uncle Bob has a few weird cases of his own. He’s a detective with the Albuquerque P.D. & the discovery of some oddly burned bodies has him scratching his head. No human could be responsible for the injuries & it’s not long before all eyes turn to Reyes 2.0.
Charley is heartbroken but to tell the truth, she barely recognizes the man she’s loved for eons. He’s always been the dark side to her light but now she has to wonder if there’s anything left of the old Reyes. If not, he’ll have to be taken out & the only one powerful enough to do it is Charley.
That’s the story line in a tiny nutshell. As with the other books, there are multiple subplots & part of the fun is trying to figure out which are related. The regular gang is back & resigned to the fact that sooner or later Charley will drag them into battle against some scary critter intent on wreaking havoc. Dialogue is sharp & frequently hilarious to distract you from the possibility we humans are about to become snack food. Each chapter opens with a “Charleyism”, random snippets of words to live by that always make me smile (I want a throw pillow stitched with: “I never said I’d die without coffee. I said others would.”)
I don’t read a lot of paranormal/urban fantasy but this is one of 3 series that are exceptions to the rule. First, because I’m a fan of writing that is smart. Second, because this author has created an incredible world. The back stories of the characters & how it all works is so intricate & well thought out. That’s why I wouldn’t recommend this as a stand alone.
It’s a mad dash of a story full of colourful characters, action & reveals that further the overall arc of the series. But that ending…..seriously?! Guarantees I’ll be in line for #13.
My favourite Grim Reaper is finally back. On the surface, Charley Davidson may look like your average boot-wearing, taco-scarfing, coffee-swilling PI. But that’s her day job. To souls of the dead, she’s a bright light who provides safe passage to the other side. Oh, and turns out she’s a God. You know, like one of those really ancient, powerful beings but with better hair.
There’s never any shortage of weird & wacky cases for her & partner Cookie to solve. But right now Charlie has a more pressing problem. At the end of the last book, she sort of sent her husband to Hell. Literally. Reyes is also a God & it was supposed to be a quick business trip. Just pop down there, clear up a few things & get home in time for dinner. The good news is he’s back. The bad news? While the entity that returned may look like Reyes, lets just say he’s in a really bad mood & Charley’s pretty sure it’s not down to jet lag.
Meanwhile her Uncle Bob has a few weird cases of his own. He’s a detective with the Albuquerque P.D. & the discovery of some oddly burned bodies has him scratching his head. No human could be responsible for the injuries & it’s not long before all eyes turn to Reyes 2.0.
Charley is heartbroken but to tell the truth, she barely recognizes the man she’s loved for eons. He’s always been the dark side to her light but now she has to wonder if there’s anything left of the old Reyes. If not, he’ll have to be taken out & the only one powerful enough to do it is Charley.
That’s the story line in a tiny nutshell. As with the other books, there are multiple subplots & part of the fun is trying to figure out which are related. The regular gang is back & resigned to the fact that sooner or later Charley will drag them into battle against some scary critter intent on wreaking havoc. Dialogue is sharp & frequently hilarious to distract you from the possibility we humans are about to become snack food. Each chapter opens with a “Charleyism”, random snippets of words to live by that always make me smile (I want a throw pillow stitched with: “I never said I’d die without coffee. I said others would.”)
I don’t read a lot of paranormal/urban fantasy but this is one of 3 series that are exceptions to the rule. First, because I’m a fan of writing that is smart. Second, because this author has created an incredible world. The back stories of the characters & how it all works is so intricate & well thought out. That’s why I wouldn’t recommend this as a stand alone.
It’s a mad dash of a story full of colourful characters, action & reveals that further the overall arc of the series. But that ending…..seriously?! Guarantees I’ll be in line for #13.
October 22, 2017
12 books in and I’m still completely in love with this series and these characters, and I’m still
blown away that even with this being such a long-running series that’s sadly approaching its end, there’s still so much story left to tell.
The Trouble with Twelfth Grave picks up immediately where the last book ended - with Charley and Reyes releasing the innocent souls, and several hell-bound ones as well, from the god glass. What comes through in place of Reyes is the stuff of nightmares, as somehow, someway, the Reyes that we know and love transformed into his godform and left in his place on the human plane is a beast of apocalyptic proportions - The Razer, aka Rey’azikeen, the most malevolent of all hell-beasts combined. It won’t take much of anything other than a mere thought for Rey’azikeen to unleash hell on earth, literally, or just destroy the planet based on a whim. It’s going to take Charley and the whole gang to try and figure out if Rey’azikeen can somehow be tamed, and even more importantly, if Reyes is still in there or if he’s lost to them forever. On top of all of that, Charley still has her usual amount of detective work that needs detecting, plus some odd jobs on the side, and things are getting mighty hectic in Albuquerque.
I’ve said it before with each installment of this series, but it bears repeating because it’s such a critical and important element to this series - Jones has such an incredible ability to create such powerful and dynamic characters. Sure, initially they may seem just like average humans, but there’s such a complexity within each and every one, particulary Charley and Reyes. They aren’t just one character, they’re each three distinct and related people with their human, god, and celestial personas all wrapped into one. Slowly but surely, each persona has been connecting to the others, and it’s such an interesting journey seeing their separate and formerly unknowing pieces finally start coming together.
I thought for sure at this point in time, Darynda wouldn’t be able to surprise readers any more than she already has, and I was completely wrong. It’s definitely a testament to her incredibly skill at being able to deftly weave a mystery, which carries over into her characters and their motivations and actions, and that certainly played a major role in this installment.
Bottom line - this series is one of my favorites, and at 12 books in, it’s probably fairly obvious that I’m a wee bit biased. Ok, a lot biased. But it’s a series that’s definitely worth the bias because it’s a fantastic and fun and delicious series that everyone should read. If you haven’t started this series, do yourself a giant favor and rectify that immediately.
*eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
blown away that even with this being such a long-running series that’s sadly approaching its end, there’s still so much story left to tell.
The Trouble with Twelfth Grave picks up immediately where the last book ended - with Charley and Reyes releasing the innocent souls, and several hell-bound ones as well, from the god glass. What comes through in place of Reyes is the stuff of nightmares, as somehow, someway, the Reyes that we know and love transformed into his godform and left in his place on the human plane is a beast of apocalyptic proportions - The Razer, aka Rey’azikeen, the most malevolent of all hell-beasts combined. It won’t take much of anything other than a mere thought for Rey’azikeen to unleash hell on earth, literally, or just destroy the planet based on a whim. It’s going to take Charley and the whole gang to try and figure out if Rey’azikeen can somehow be tamed, and even more importantly, if Reyes is still in there or if he’s lost to them forever. On top of all of that, Charley still has her usual amount of detective work that needs detecting, plus some odd jobs on the side, and things are getting mighty hectic in Albuquerque.
I’ve said it before with each installment of this series, but it bears repeating because it’s such a critical and important element to this series - Jones has such an incredible ability to create such powerful and dynamic characters. Sure, initially they may seem just like average humans, but there’s such a complexity within each and every one, particulary Charley and Reyes. They aren’t just one character, they’re each three distinct and related people with their human, god, and celestial personas all wrapped into one. Slowly but surely, each persona has been connecting to the others, and it’s such an interesting journey seeing their separate and formerly unknowing pieces finally start coming together.
I thought for sure at this point in time, Darynda wouldn’t be able to surprise readers any more than she already has, and I was completely wrong. It’s definitely a testament to her incredibly skill at being able to deftly weave a mystery, which carries over into her characters and their motivations and actions, and that certainly played a major role in this installment.
Bottom line - this series is one of my favorites, and at 12 books in, it’s probably fairly obvious that I’m a wee bit biased. Ok, a lot biased. But it’s a series that’s definitely worth the bias because it’s a fantastic and fun and delicious series that everyone should read. If you haven’t started this series, do yourself a giant favor and rectify that immediately.
*eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 22, 2017
I didn't think Charley could be any more of an idiot but after finding out her back story with Reyes she took her idiocy to a whole new level. I mean, Reyes literally trapped Charley in hell for centuries and broke her mind yet she still loved and forgave him instantly, despite him not even being remorseful or trying to make up for it. And why did Charley even fall for Reyes all those millenia ago? There's literally no reason given other than she saw him and loved him even though he was evil and tried to destroy her.
The most baffling thing out of all the nonsense was Reyes being mad at Charley when he was the one who betrayed and tortured her whilst she did everything in her power to save him. I mean, WTF?! What right did he have to act like the wronged party when he was the one who fucked up. It made no sense. And Charley didn't even call him out on any of it. He should have been on his knees begging for forgiveness but instead it was Charley running around after Reyes having to prove herself to him. And then at the end Reyes betrayed her again by saying he'd been testing her the whole time whilst he was playing evil-Reyes.. Again, as if she was the one who had to prove herself to him. And was Charley mad about that? No, the idiotic doormat was totally cool with it. Ugh, what a stupid, stupid relationship.
The most baffling thing out of all the nonsense was Reyes being mad at Charley when he was the one who betrayed and tortured her whilst she did everything in her power to save him. I mean, WTF?! What right did he have to act like the wronged party when he was the one who fucked up. It made no sense. And Charley didn't even call him out on any of it. He should have been on his knees begging for forgiveness but instead it was Charley running around after Reyes having to prove herself to him. And then at the end Reyes betrayed her again by saying he'd been testing her the whole time whilst he was playing evil-Reyes.. Again, as if she was the one who had to prove herself to him. And was Charley mad about that? No, the idiotic doormat was totally cool with it. Ugh, what a stupid, stupid relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2023
2nd Read done by audiobook: It's amazing how much more everything made sense the second time around. This time I made sure to read all the books in order. I loved it the first time and I loved it the 2nd time.
Cases to solve in book 12:
-While on a 24 hour deadline, Charley had to find her missing husband, who may or may not be about to destroy the world
-investigate a murder to keep her friend from being arrested
-investigate a serial killer that can only be by a supernatural
-guiding her niece as she starts her own investigating firm, teenage style.
All the cases are solved but this ends on a HUGE cliffhanger. On to book 13...
Cases to solve in book 12:
-While on a 24 hour deadline, Charley had to find her missing husband, who may or may not be about to destroy the world
-investigate a murder to keep her friend from being arrested
-investigate a serial killer that can only be by a supernatural
-guiding her niece as she starts her own investigating firm, teenage style.
All the cases are solved but this ends on a HUGE cliffhanger. On to book 13...
April 2, 2018
I am still positively reeling from the end of this book. Holy cow, folks, I tore through this book like the pages were on fire. Though I always generally enjoy this series, a few of the installments have been less thrilling for me than others (we won’t talk about that amnesia book.) But I think this is one of my absolute favorites in the series so far. Why? Because it was unpredictable. Because it moved the series arc. And because it was All About Reyes.
If you’re not up to date on the series, read no further, because spoilers from previous books are ahead.
We pick up on the heels of Reyes volunteering to go into the god glass and coming back… different. I won’t begin to try to spell all the versions of his name, so for simplicity, I will refer to him as regular Reyes, Son-Of-Satan Reyes, and God-Reyes. So he went into the glass as regular Reyes and came out as God-Reyes. Now, we’ve heard a lot about Son-Of-Satan Reyes and how/why he was sent to earth, but God-Reyes, well, all we knew is that he was God (the main one’s) brother and his energy/life-force was used to create Son-Of-Satan Reyes. When he emerges from the hell dimension, he no longer has the memories of regular-Reyes and only about half of his godly ones. He knows Charley as her celestial self, but thinks her the enemy.
Sort of. There is a connection between them and no matter what version of himself he is, neither he nor Charley can ignore it. He has the power to destroy the world, but Charley can’t give up on her husband. Because he’s gotta be in there somewhere, right?
The angels and God want him taken down before he can do any real damage, so Charley is working against the clock to rein him in. Oh, and he’s searching for something but he doesn’t know what and he thinks Charley is hiding it from him. It all sounds confusing, I’m sure, but it actually isn’t. Not if you’ve read all the books.
In the meantime, Charley is solving cases and grim reapering. As always, it’s funny, and smart, and full of sass. A great ride.
I won’t give any more away, but I will say, I love Reyes and Charley more than ever. And while Darynda Jones has made it her thing to end these books with a shocker, I’ve got to tell you, she did a doozy this time. It made total sense, but I never saw it coming. And I am seriously blown away. I want more. I need the next book now. NOW.
Rating: A
*ARC provided by publisher
If you’re not up to date on the series, read no further, because spoilers from previous books are ahead.
We pick up on the heels of Reyes volunteering to go into the god glass and coming back… different. I won’t begin to try to spell all the versions of his name, so for simplicity, I will refer to him as regular Reyes, Son-Of-Satan Reyes, and God-Reyes. So he went into the glass as regular Reyes and came out as God-Reyes. Now, we’ve heard a lot about Son-Of-Satan Reyes and how/why he was sent to earth, but God-Reyes, well, all we knew is that he was God (the main one’s) brother and his energy/life-force was used to create Son-Of-Satan Reyes. When he emerges from the hell dimension, he no longer has the memories of regular-Reyes and only about half of his godly ones. He knows Charley as her celestial self, but thinks her the enemy.
Sort of. There is a connection between them and no matter what version of himself he is, neither he nor Charley can ignore it. He has the power to destroy the world, but Charley can’t give up on her husband. Because he’s gotta be in there somewhere, right?
The angels and God want him taken down before he can do any real damage, so Charley is working against the clock to rein him in. Oh, and he’s searching for something but he doesn’t know what and he thinks Charley is hiding it from him. It all sounds confusing, I’m sure, but it actually isn’t. Not if you’ve read all the books.
In the meantime, Charley is solving cases and grim reapering. As always, it’s funny, and smart, and full of sass. A great ride.
I won’t give any more away, but I will say, I love Reyes and Charley more than ever. And while Darynda Jones has made it her thing to end these books with a shocker, I’ve got to tell you, she did a doozy this time. It made total sense, but I never saw it coming. And I am seriously blown away. I want more. I need the next book now. NOW.
Rating: A
*ARC provided by publisher
October 9, 2017
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
4.5 stars.
The Charley Davidson series is the only Urban Fantasy/Paranormal series that has kept me hooked for so long. I could reread this series every year and not get tired or bored. After the cliffhanger in book #11, I couldn't wait to get my hands on The Trouble with Twelfth Grave. Like in every book there is humor, romance, quirkiness, sadness, suspense, heartbreak and so much more. Every character plays such an essential role in making this one of the best series ever. In this book we learn new things and get more of our questions answered. The next book will be the last one, so everything is being build-up to the grand finale.
At the end of the previous book, Reyes is not quite himself, and in this book Charley and the gang need to find a way to get through to him. However that isn't as easy as it sounds. Furthermore, Charley also has other cases she's working on, and has friends that need her help as well. Charley has so much on her plate, but she would give her life for the people she cares about. She is one of the most incredible, honest, self-sacrificing person ever. I can't really say too much without spoiling the book, and also the blurb tells more than enough about what to expect. I don't think the fans of this series will be disappointed with this installment. However, I don't know why but this book was over before I knew it. It felt very short to me and it left me wanting more of everything. I am just addicted to Charley Davidson series, and will impatiently wait on the last book. Which I'll probably read with tears in my eyes.
4.5 stars.
The Charley Davidson series is the only Urban Fantasy/Paranormal series that has kept me hooked for so long. I could reread this series every year and not get tired or bored. After the cliffhanger in book #11, I couldn't wait to get my hands on The Trouble with Twelfth Grave. Like in every book there is humor, romance, quirkiness, sadness, suspense, heartbreak and so much more. Every character plays such an essential role in making this one of the best series ever. In this book we learn new things and get more of our questions answered. The next book will be the last one, so everything is being build-up to the grand finale.
At the end of the previous book, Reyes is not quite himself, and in this book Charley and the gang need to find a way to get through to him. However that isn't as easy as it sounds. Furthermore, Charley also has other cases she's working on, and has friends that need her help as well. Charley has so much on her plate, but she would give her life for the people she cares about. She is one of the most incredible, honest, self-sacrificing person ever. I can't really say too much without spoiling the book, and also the blurb tells more than enough about what to expect. I don't think the fans of this series will be disappointed with this installment. However, I don't know why but this book was over before I knew it. It felt very short to me and it left me wanting more of everything. I am just addicted to Charley Davidson series, and will impatiently wait on the last book. Which I'll probably read with tears in my eyes.
March 3, 2019
After reading:
Me after finishing this book:
THAT ENDING! OMG, THAT ENDING! I did not see that coming, though I should have seen it!!! At first I was like, "No, this can't be happening" and then "Oh she's going to do it" and then she did!!! So very glad I waited until the last book was released before reading this book.
I waited to read this book because I couldn't deal with Reyes Alexander Farrow as a feral being. Imagine my surprise when I got to the end of the book. It made me want to cry, the way he protected his daughter, the way he asked his wife to trust him. The way he had to show that he could be trusted in all his incarnations.
As always this book kept me entertained from the first page. I love this series and sad it is ending but I can't wait to read all about Beep's!!!
My Rambling Things I Thought:
❂ Well, Taft was certainly a surprise. Are we going to see more of Taft? Is this gonna be a spin off, because I'll take it.
❂ Charley's heartbreak about her husband broke my heart, too.
❂ I always love the twists to the one you think isn't the ghost, is the ghost. Always entertaining.
❂ The kids' books with the story of Charley and Reyes, the birth of Beep? My heart! I loved it.
His efforts were for naught, however, for the First Star had loved him always. Had longed for him always. Which was why he was still alive.
❂ These two have loved each other for millennia. Bet your faves could never.
I stepped closer and called his bluff. “I have loved you since the first time I saw you.”
❂ Can we just let them be happy for a little bit with their daughter? Can we please have that for just a little bit? They've been through so much.
❂ Reyes is sexy as hell as any incarnation. Incinerating their clothes? Nice. ;)
“Does it involve hunting down a god who abducts you out from under our noses, takes you to another plane, and incinerates your clothes in a bizarre mating ritual that only another god must understand?” LMAO
Quotes & Faves:
♥ Yep. We were screwed. But none of this was Angel’s fault. If anyone was at fault, it was my boneheaded husband. Cause I damned sure wasn’t taking the blame.
♥ I closed my lids to stop the wetness from forming behind them. They stung, but my chest stung more. Despite everything we’d done, to give us this kind of ultimatum seemed wholly unfair.
♥ With teeth locked, I concentrated on the beautiful man I’d married, the father of my child, the keeper of my heart, and said his name again.
♥ Despite the anger in his voice, despite the brutality I knew him capable of, part of me relished the embrace. I couldn’t help it. I had loved this man for so very long, centuries if not eons. I leaned into him.
♥ I’d craved him so badly, I sank against him, fitting my body into his as though we were puzzle pieces. As though we were lock and key.
Before reading:
"While trying to domesticate the feral being that used to be her husband"
*sobs*
Me after finishing this book:
THAT ENDING! OMG, THAT ENDING! I did not see that coming, though I should have seen it!!! At first I was like, "No, this can't be happening" and then "Oh she's going to do it" and then she did!!! So very glad I waited until the last book was released before reading this book.
I waited to read this book because I couldn't deal with Reyes Alexander Farrow as a feral being. Imagine my surprise when I got to the end of the book. It made me want to cry, the way he protected his daughter, the way he asked his wife to trust him. The way he had to show that he could be trusted in all his incarnations.
As always this book kept me entertained from the first page. I love this series and sad it is ending but I can't wait to read all about Beep's!!!
My Rambling Things I Thought:
❂ Well, Taft was certainly a surprise. Are we going to see more of Taft? Is this gonna be a spin off, because I'll take it.
❂ Charley's heartbreak about her husband broke my heart, too.
❂ I always love the twists to the one you think isn't the ghost, is the ghost. Always entertaining.
❂ The kids' books with the story of Charley and Reyes, the birth of Beep? My heart! I loved it.
His efforts were for naught, however, for the First Star had loved him always. Had longed for him always. Which was why he was still alive.
❂ These two have loved each other for millennia. Bet your faves could never.
I stepped closer and called his bluff. “I have loved you since the first time I saw you.”
❂ Can we just let them be happy for a little bit with their daughter? Can we please have that for just a little bit? They've been through so much.
❂ Reyes is sexy as hell as any incarnation. Incinerating their clothes? Nice. ;)
“Does it involve hunting down a god who abducts you out from under our noses, takes you to another plane, and incinerates your clothes in a bizarre mating ritual that only another god must understand?” LMAO
Quotes & Faves:
♥ Yep. We were screwed. But none of this was Angel’s fault. If anyone was at fault, it was my boneheaded husband. Cause I damned sure wasn’t taking the blame.
♥ I closed my lids to stop the wetness from forming behind them. They stung, but my chest stung more. Despite everything we’d done, to give us this kind of ultimatum seemed wholly unfair.
♥ With teeth locked, I concentrated on the beautiful man I’d married, the father of my child, the keeper of my heart, and said his name again.
♥ Despite the anger in his voice, despite the brutality I knew him capable of, part of me relished the embrace. I couldn’t help it. I had loved this man for so very long, centuries if not eons. I leaned into him.
♥ I’d craved him so badly, I sank against him, fitting my body into his as though we were puzzle pieces. As though we were lock and key.
Before reading:
"While trying to domesticate the feral being that used to be her husband"
*sobs*
February 24, 2018
What an ending!!!
I keep reading these books only for the feeling they leave in the end. I feel so happy when I finish one of Charlie Davidson's books. This one was a bit slow, but towards the last 30% everything became soo good. I don't want to spoil anything, but the ending was just great!
Can't wait to read the other one
I keep reading these books only for the feeling they leave in the end. I feel so happy when I finish one of Charlie Davidson's books. This one was a bit slow, but towards the last 30% everything became soo good. I don't want to spoil anything, but the ending was just great!
Can't wait to read the other one
January 9, 2018
The Trouble With Twelfth Grave es el duodecimo libro de la saga Charley Davidson y continua narrando la historia de Reyes y Charley.
Es cierto que despues de doce libros ya no siento tantas ansias por leer estas novelas, no porque hayan dejado de gustarme sino porque me he acostumbrado a leer una historia por año ( ya que en general ese es el tiempo que suele tardar la autora en escribir y publicar la continuacion ) pero ahora que se ve que el final esta cerca ( el siguiente libro cerrara la saga ) me moria de ganas de comenzar esta lectura.
Por un lado estoy un poco triste de que estas novelas se terminen pero tambien pienso que es la mejor decision, no solo porque no me gusta cuando las autoras alargan innecesariamente la historia sino tambien debido a que despues de tantas partes ya quiero ( y necesito ) saber como finalizara todo ( espero que con un final feliz ).
Como es habitual en estas novelas, el primer tercio es un poco lento y sin demasiada importancia pero a partir del decimo capitulo la trama se vuelve mucho mas interesante y agil, para en las ultimas paginas concluir de forma asombrosa y dejarnos con la miel en los labios hasta la siguiente parte, ya que si hay algo que caracterice estos libros son sus finales de infarto.
Este volumen no tiene tanta accion como algunas de las novelas anteriores ni tampoco hay demasiado avance en la trama pero creo que es debido a que el ultimo libro sera impresionante, The Trouble With Twelfth Grave es la calma antes de la tormenta.
En resumen, una novela agil y corta de leer y aunque esperaba mas, espero que Darynda nos de un cierre perfecto en el proximo libro.
4 Estrellas!!
September 10, 2017
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest review.
This book was everything I was hoping and dreading it would be. Dealing with the issues of Reyes was heart troubling to say the least. On top of that, there are a few murders to deal with. Charley throughout the book has her hands full.Finding out the end of one of those murder investigations was mind boggling. It was fitting but still, unexpected. It's rare when I'm surprised like that, so for that alone, I was happy.
Now for the feels. I did feel a little more disconnected from some of the actual PI work, because there was a bigger issue at hand. However, the core issue with Reyes, that I was invested in. My heart ached for Charley. There were other issues too, that I felt a little worried with, though the book didn't really emphasize how worrisome it was.
As usual, some truths were revealed. However, since this was the second to last book, the reveals were huge and important. I loved each and every one. Some were romantic, some were shocking, and one just made my jaw drop.
In the end, I truly didn't want to set it down. 4.5 stars
This book was everything I was hoping and dreading it would be. Dealing with the issues of Reyes was heart troubling to say the least. On top of that, there are a few murders to deal with. Charley throughout the book has her hands full.Finding out the end of one of those murder investigations was mind boggling. It was fitting but still, unexpected. It's rare when I'm surprised like that, so for that alone, I was happy.
Now for the feels. I did feel a little more disconnected from some of the actual PI work, because there was a bigger issue at hand. However, the core issue with Reyes, that I was invested in. My heart ached for Charley. There were other issues too, that I felt a little worried with, though the book didn't really emphasize how worrisome it was.
As usual, some truths were revealed. However, since this was the second to last book, the reveals were huge and important. I loved each and every one. Some were romantic, some were shocking, and one just made my jaw drop.
In the end, I truly didn't want to set it down. 4.5 stars
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