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Charley Davidson #13
Summoned to Thirteenth Grave
Grim Reaper Charley Davidson is back in the final installment of Darynda Jones’ New York Times bestselling paranormal series!
Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper extraordinaire, is pissed. She’s been kicked off the earthly plain for eternity – which is the appropriate amount of time to make a person starkraving mad. But someone’s looking out for her, and she’s allowed to return after a mere hundred years in exile. Is it too much to hope for that not much has changed? Apparently it is. Bummer.
She’s missed Reyes and her daughter, Beep, but now that she’s back on earth, it’s time to put to rest burning questions that need answers. What happened to her mother? How did she really die? Who killed her? And are cupcakes or coffee the best medicine? It all comes to a head in an epic showdown between good and evil in this final smart and hilarious novel.
Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper extraordinaire, is pissed. She’s been kicked off the earthly plain for eternity – which is the appropriate amount of time to make a person starkraving mad. But someone’s looking out for her, and she’s allowed to return after a mere hundred years in exile. Is it too much to hope for that not much has changed? Apparently it is. Bummer.
She’s missed Reyes and her daughter, Beep, but now that she’s back on earth, it’s time to put to rest burning questions that need answers. What happened to her mother? How did she really die? Who killed her? And are cupcakes or coffee the best medicine? It all comes to a head in an epic showdown between good and evil in this final smart and hilarious novel.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2019
About the author
Darynda Jones
53 books15.6k 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 1,808 reviews
January 16, 2019
Disappointed.
Let me start with the positive. I love this series and it's characters and will recommend every time. And had this been another installment in the series, I would be leaving a very different review with words like okay and good (if you exclude the final chapter).
However, to my shock, I learned that this was the last book. How did I not know this? I'm a loyal fan of the series from years ago and have faithfully one clicked each annual release week.
So what went wrong?
This book was not the epic conclusion I expected after hearing the author's note in the audiobook at the start.
SPOILERS AHEAD
What we got was a hodgepodge of events that created a book, but not a story. Not much of what happens adds to what should be a story arc or even a series arc.
For example, if the author knew that Uncle Bob was an angel, why weren't there little hints along the way of the last 12 books. Nope. None. Charley should not have been completely surprised. How did her dad not know that was his brother or did he? Not explained. There was never a mention that the brothers didn't look alike. No explanation about when he was inserted into her father's life to protect her birth? All of which suggest that this was contrived for this book to give closure to this character.
Then the Uncle Bob I loved lost all his shine. He made a deal to protect Charley with no care about his wife or step daughter who pleaded with him to stay and be her father. They were just extras to him. Add what really did his presence add to the final battle?? Nothing. Why did Rhes act like his presence was at his request when Uncle Bob made the deal with Micheal. Nothing is explained. And all of it wasn't necessary and took a good character and made him bad in my eyes.
And other characters that couldn't have closure were killed off. Why did Jemma need to die? (sorry, I listened to entire series. I have no idea how names are spelled.) How did that add to this story or series arc. Not that I cared about her character. It just seemed random. Like why didn't we know she died until Charley asked her to cross? It felt like it was there for shock value. Didn't other people see her??? Maybe I missed something.
And why kill off the poor cop who couldn't catch a break? What was the point? Again, she needed to give him closure and had none, so he was dead. This isn't GOT.
The only character I gave too shakes about whether he lived or passed on was Rocket. And what's this about him fathering a child? Wouldn't he have rambled the name of his love at some point or several over the course of the series? Again, it felt contrived to give him a send off.
Here's a big one. Rhes created this dimension/realm to house Charley that was set loose. Wouldn't he have dominion over it like Jehovah has over "earth". Wouldn't the shades he created have to abide by his rules??? Again another contrived plot thread so that we have this battle. Rhes had a hard time killing one at the hospital with witnesses, but he can pull out a scythe during the final battle and easily cut it in half??? The world building was just a hot mess in this story.
What was the point of Ghost Boys story? Again, it was a sad story that really added nothing for Charley to learn for the ending battle. A random story that would have been better served earlier in the series when we were learning Rhes's back story. But here, it was pointless and only again felt contrived. Like Rhes knew his step father had a son and didn't tell Charley? Didn't watch over the guy like he had Kim and could have stopped him? It doesn't fit with Rhes's character that he would keep this a secret. Which meant it was devised for this story alone, yet it wasn't needed at all.
Overall, it didn't really tie into what Charley's mission was from book one. The baby wasn't there. What was her purpose? What was she to accomplish? And if I give you the baby then why... see below.
And the final thing that totally pissed me off was the ending. They found a way to create a safe place for their daughter to grow up. So why would they not parent her??? The reasoning before was she would be discovered and wouldn't be safe with them. But now, there's a place where no bad things can get to her. Why wouldn't they parent her? She's still a baby and wouldn't remember the Lore's. Who could still be a part of her life. It felt like they couldn't be bothered to be parents, when they both had such unhappy child lives, they could make it better with their own. This bothered me lots.
Overall, I was just deeply disappointed that this was the ending we got. Again, if this was another installment, I would have rated and reviewed it differently.
I also would like to say that this is my opinion and not a real reflection of the author's talent because I still adore this series. But this series ending didn't work for me.
Let me start with the positive. I love this series and it's characters and will recommend every time. And had this been another installment in the series, I would be leaving a very different review with words like okay and good (if you exclude the final chapter).
However, to my shock, I learned that this was the last book. How did I not know this? I'm a loyal fan of the series from years ago and have faithfully one clicked each annual release week.
So what went wrong?
This book was not the epic conclusion I expected after hearing the author's note in the audiobook at the start.
SPOILERS AHEAD
What we got was a hodgepodge of events that created a book, but not a story. Not much of what happens adds to what should be a story arc or even a series arc.
For example, if the author knew that Uncle Bob was an angel, why weren't there little hints along the way of the last 12 books. Nope. None. Charley should not have been completely surprised. How did her dad not know that was his brother or did he? Not explained. There was never a mention that the brothers didn't look alike. No explanation about when he was inserted into her father's life to protect her birth? All of which suggest that this was contrived for this book to give closure to this character.
Then the Uncle Bob I loved lost all his shine. He made a deal to protect Charley with no care about his wife or step daughter who pleaded with him to stay and be her father. They were just extras to him. Add what really did his presence add to the final battle?? Nothing. Why did Rhes act like his presence was at his request when Uncle Bob made the deal with Micheal. Nothing is explained. And all of it wasn't necessary and took a good character and made him bad in my eyes.
And other characters that couldn't have closure were killed off. Why did Jemma need to die? (sorry, I listened to entire series. I have no idea how names are spelled.) How did that add to this story or series arc. Not that I cared about her character. It just seemed random. Like why didn't we know she died until Charley asked her to cross? It felt like it was there for shock value. Didn't other people see her??? Maybe I missed something.
And why kill off the poor cop who couldn't catch a break? What was the point? Again, she needed to give him closure and had none, so he was dead. This isn't GOT.
The only character I gave too shakes about whether he lived or passed on was Rocket. And what's this about him fathering a child? Wouldn't he have rambled the name of his love at some point or several over the course of the series? Again, it felt contrived to give him a send off.
Here's a big one. Rhes created this dimension/realm to house Charley that was set loose. Wouldn't he have dominion over it like Jehovah has over "earth". Wouldn't the shades he created have to abide by his rules??? Again another contrived plot thread so that we have this battle. Rhes had a hard time killing one at the hospital with witnesses, but he can pull out a scythe during the final battle and easily cut it in half??? The world building was just a hot mess in this story.
What was the point of Ghost Boys story? Again, it was a sad story that really added nothing for Charley to learn for the ending battle. A random story that would have been better served earlier in the series when we were learning Rhes's back story. But here, it was pointless and only again felt contrived. Like Rhes knew his step father had a son and didn't tell Charley? Didn't watch over the guy like he had Kim and could have stopped him? It doesn't fit with Rhes's character that he would keep this a secret. Which meant it was devised for this story alone, yet it wasn't needed at all.
Overall, it didn't really tie into what Charley's mission was from book one. The baby wasn't there. What was her purpose? What was she to accomplish? And if I give you the baby then why... see below.
And the final thing that totally pissed me off was the ending. They found a way to create a safe place for their daughter to grow up. So why would they not parent her??? The reasoning before was she would be discovered and wouldn't be safe with them. But now, there's a place where no bad things can get to her. Why wouldn't they parent her? She's still a baby and wouldn't remember the Lore's. Who could still be a part of her life. It felt like they couldn't be bothered to be parents, when they both had such unhappy child lives, they could make it better with their own. This bothered me lots.
Overall, I was just deeply disappointed that this was the ending we got. Again, if this was another installment, I would have rated and reviewed it differently.
I also would like to say that this is my opinion and not a real reflection of the author's talent because I still adore this series. But this series ending didn't work for me.
December 25, 2018
Book #13…..when you’re writing a series about the Grim Reaper, somehow that seems an appropriate number to end on. Yep, you heard me. From now on you’ll have to find another reason to visit Albuquerque because Charley Davidson & Co. are signing off. But first…a few loose ends.
As the book opens, Charley pops up back on Earth after being banished to darkness for over 100 years. Or as she describes it “exiled in hell with no light, no hair products & no coffee”. Reyes finds her in no time & after an…er…”warm” welcome, brings her up to speed.
It’s kind of a good news/bad news situation. The good: he’s fine, Beep’s fine, all the gang are fine. The bad: it seems he accidentally opened up a hell dimension & demons are pouring through. LOTS of demons. While they’re busy slurping up human souls, a shade has descended on the city & it’s spreading. There’s no time to waste & Charley & Reyes are soon hunkered down with their crew as they brainstorm ways to banish the nasty creatures snacking on the good citizens of Albuquerque.
As usual there are numerous story lines & Charley must keep herself highly caffeinated if she’s going to multi-task her way through the whole mess. Everything is aligned for a final showdown between the forces of good & evil. And while it’s maybe not as epic as I was hoping, it does provide answers to long running questions. Trust me, there are some jaw droppers here ( looking at YOU, Uncle Bob )
Story lines & character arcs are tidied up as you’d expect in a final instalment. My only quibble would be this is more saccharine than we’re accustomed to given Charley’s tendency to shoot from the lip. But when you’re wrapping up a series, it has to be a challenge to say good-bye without getting a little misty. The author could have kept it going (I imagine her publishers wished she had). But I applaud her for ending things while the story lines were still strong & original. Of course I’ll miss the characters but for me, one of the things I always looked forward to were the headers of each chapter. So on that note, I will leave you with this…..
Trust me. You can dance.
— Vodka 🍸
Ciao, Charley. Thanks for the laughs.
As the book opens, Charley pops up back on Earth after being banished to darkness for over 100 years. Or as she describes it “exiled in hell with no light, no hair products & no coffee”. Reyes finds her in no time & after an…er…”warm” welcome, brings her up to speed.
It’s kind of a good news/bad news situation. The good: he’s fine, Beep’s fine, all the gang are fine. The bad: it seems he accidentally opened up a hell dimension & demons are pouring through. LOTS of demons. While they’re busy slurping up human souls, a shade has descended on the city & it’s spreading. There’s no time to waste & Charley & Reyes are soon hunkered down with their crew as they brainstorm ways to banish the nasty creatures snacking on the good citizens of Albuquerque.
As usual there are numerous story lines & Charley must keep herself highly caffeinated if she’s going to multi-task her way through the whole mess. Everything is aligned for a final showdown between the forces of good & evil. And while it’s maybe not as epic as I was hoping, it does provide answers to long running questions. Trust me, there are some jaw droppers here ( looking at YOU, Uncle Bob )
Story lines & character arcs are tidied up as you’d expect in a final instalment. My only quibble would be this is more saccharine than we’re accustomed to given Charley’s tendency to shoot from the lip. But when you’re wrapping up a series, it has to be a challenge to say good-bye without getting a little misty. The author could have kept it going (I imagine her publishers wished she had). But I applaud her for ending things while the story lines were still strong & original. Of course I’ll miss the characters but for me, one of the things I always looked forward to were the headers of each chapter. So on that note, I will leave you with this…..
Trust me. You can dance.
— Vodka 🍸
Ciao, Charley. Thanks for the laughs.
Want to read
October 27, 2017I'm patient. I really am. I will wait for this patiently...
Ooooohkay, I'm not. Not really. I'm a mess.
I have no idea what I'm going to do once this series end... I'll need to find a hell of a good rebound-series... or two. Just to get over this one.
I know the next thing Darynda Jones will give us will be just as compelling as all her work so far. But this is going to be hard. I already re-read the hell out of Charley series - it had yet to get old for me.
Ooooohkay, I'm not. Not really. I'm a mess.
I have no idea what I'm going to do once this series end... I'll need to find a hell of a good rebound-series... or two. Just to get over this one.
I know the next thing Darynda Jones will give us will be just as compelling as all her work so far. But this is going to be hard. I already re-read the hell out of Charley series - it had yet to get old for me.
January 26, 2019
The PERFECT ending to a fantastic series!
Charley Davidson series done but never forgotten!
-T-shirt
WOW talk about going out with a bang! This really was the perfect cherry on top of this wonderful Charley Davidson sundae.... or probably more appropriate the whip on top of The coffee drink... this really was an exceptional series and I have enjoyed every single minute I have spent with these wonderful characters! I will miss them dearly and be looking forward to Beep’s spin off....
Charley has return to earth after being banished for 100 years... 100 years without hair product and caffeine does not a happy Charley make.... she also comes home to a hell dimension having been opened and demons snacking on the citizens of Albuquerque..... throw in a serial killer and a kidnapper and you’ve got a busy Charley.... what’s so wonderful about the series is even though there’s always a lot going on the main focus is on the characters and their relationships.... Charley’s romantic relationship with the smoldering Reyes... her brilliant friendship with Cookie, I don’t know about the rest of you but I’d love to go to lunch with these girls!And i absolutely cannot forget uncle Bob, Amber, Garrett, Artimus, angel, and so many more.... all the essential players are in this book and a lot of lingering questions are answered... and there are some definite surprises, very welcome surprises! If you are a fan of the series this is an absolute must! If you aren’t, do yourself a favor and pick up book one, I promise you will not be able to put it down until you get to book 13!
Goodbyes are never easy, but farewell Charley and gang, thanks for the memories you will be missed!
🎧🎧🎧 this entire series is narrated by Lorelei King and she does an amazing job of bringing Charley to life... I really could not imagine a better narrator for the series.. I really feel as though Lorelei and Darynda we’re on the same page when it came to the characters in this series. An absolute must listen!
🎵🎵🎵 Music running through my mind! There were a couple of songs that really went through my head during this one, but this is the one that stuck with me the most!
That's great, it starts with an earthquake
Birds and snakes, and aeroplanes
And Lenny Bruce is not afraid
Eye of a hurricane, listen to yourself churn
World serves its own needs,
Don't mis-serve your own needs
Speed it up a notch, speed, grunt, no, strength
The ladder starts to clatter
With a fear of height, down, height
Wire in a fire, represent the seven games
And a government for hire and a combat site
Left her, wasn't coming in a hurry
With the Furies breathing down your neck
Team by team, reporters baffled, trumped, tethered, cropped
Look at that low plane, fine, then
Uh oh, overflow, population, common group
But it'll do, save yourself, serve yourself
World serves its own needs, listen to your heart bleed
Tell me…
-It’s the End of the World As We Know It, and I Feel fine: REM 1987
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0GFRcF...
*** A huge thank you to Macmillan Audio for my copy of this book ***
Charley Davidson series done but never forgotten!
-T-shirt
WOW talk about going out with a bang! This really was the perfect cherry on top of this wonderful Charley Davidson sundae.... or probably more appropriate the whip on top of The coffee drink... this really was an exceptional series and I have enjoyed every single minute I have spent with these wonderful characters! I will miss them dearly and be looking forward to Beep’s spin off....
Charley has return to earth after being banished for 100 years... 100 years without hair product and caffeine does not a happy Charley make.... she also comes home to a hell dimension having been opened and demons snacking on the citizens of Albuquerque..... throw in a serial killer and a kidnapper and you’ve got a busy Charley.... what’s so wonderful about the series is even though there’s always a lot going on the main focus is on the characters and their relationships.... Charley’s romantic relationship with the smoldering Reyes... her brilliant friendship with Cookie, I don’t know about the rest of you but I’d love to go to lunch with these girls!And i absolutely cannot forget uncle Bob, Amber, Garrett, Artimus, angel, and so many more.... all the essential players are in this book and a lot of lingering questions are answered... and there are some definite surprises, very welcome surprises! If you are a fan of the series this is an absolute must! If you aren’t, do yourself a favor and pick up book one, I promise you will not be able to put it down until you get to book 13!
Goodbyes are never easy, but farewell Charley and gang, thanks for the memories you will be missed!
🎧🎧🎧 this entire series is narrated by Lorelei King and she does an amazing job of bringing Charley to life... I really could not imagine a better narrator for the series.. I really feel as though Lorelei and Darynda we’re on the same page when it came to the characters in this series. An absolute must listen!
🎵🎵🎵 Music running through my mind! There were a couple of songs that really went through my head during this one, but this is the one that stuck with me the most!
That's great, it starts with an earthquake
Birds and snakes, and aeroplanes
And Lenny Bruce is not afraid
Eye of a hurricane, listen to yourself churn
World serves its own needs,
Don't mis-serve your own needs
Speed it up a notch, speed, grunt, no, strength
The ladder starts to clatter
With a fear of height, down, height
Wire in a fire, represent the seven games
And a government for hire and a combat site
Left her, wasn't coming in a hurry
With the Furies breathing down your neck
Team by team, reporters baffled, trumped, tethered, cropped
Look at that low plane, fine, then
Uh oh, overflow, population, common group
But it'll do, save yourself, serve yourself
World serves its own needs, listen to your heart bleed
Tell me…
-It’s the End of the World As We Know It, and I Feel fine: REM 1987
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0GFRcF...
*** A huge thank you to Macmillan Audio for my copy of this book ***
January 15, 2019
5 star review for the end of an era. Darynda has taken us on an epic ride of love, laughter, coffee out the nose belly laughs. I hate to see it end, but the best things always do that. This series has been one epic ride that everyone should take. I have followed Darynda since book one was released. I’ve waited on the edge of my seat for every one of these beautiful, breathtakingly masterful rides to come to light. It’s an end of one of the greatest series of all time. This story is perfect, and while I refuse to let Reyes go, I know that this was the perfect way to accomplish it. Through this journey, I’ve cheered, (cried a little) Not admitting that out loud, loved, and cherished being allowed into the world Darynda has created. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next. Thank you for the beautiful journey, Darynda. If you have not read this series, do it! You won’t be disappointed.
January 21, 2019
Thank you so much St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for giving me an ARC.
Yeah....I need a minute to gather my thoughts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I used to love this series, it started as a hot, lighthearted, funny UF full of intricate mysteries....and I’m sad that I had to witness its decline.
The plot is very thin filled with cheap plot devices and eye rolling worthy twists, the writing is jarring and not immersive, the romance went from sexy to cheap and trashy.
Charley is officially a wacker-doodle immature brat, her sassy one liners are no longer funny and make her look like a air brained harlot. Everything is no longer even interesting.
And all this God crap it's too much, I feel like the author designed the series plot and suddenly decided to dump it on the daughter (hello spin off!) and had to scramble for another plot line for the main series. And all that resulted in this disaster.
I miss the PI cases, the small world and the great support cast.
Now everyone is God like, psychic or some other thing. It's just wrong...as it is wrong how dumb the ending was (a cliffhanger? Seriously.) and how stupid the majority of deaths were.
No. Just no.
Yeah....I need a minute to gather my thoughts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I used to love this series, it started as a hot, lighthearted, funny UF full of intricate mysteries....and I’m sad that I had to witness its decline.
The plot is very thin filled with cheap plot devices and eye rolling worthy twists, the writing is jarring and not immersive, the romance went from sexy to cheap and trashy.
Charley is officially a wacker-doodle immature brat, her sassy one liners are no longer funny and make her look like a air brained harlot. Everything is no longer even interesting.
And all this God crap it's too much, I feel like the author designed the series plot and suddenly decided to dump it on the daughter (hello spin off!) and had to scramble for another plot line for the main series. And all that resulted in this disaster.
I miss the PI cases, the small world and the great support cast.
Now everyone is God like, psychic or some other thing. It's just wrong...as it is wrong how dumb the ending was (a cliffhanger? Seriously.) and how stupid the majority of deaths were.
No. Just no.
July 6, 2019
If you look at this as just another Charley installment... it's acceptable.
If you remember that this is the very last Charley book that will ever be written?
March 2, 2023
What an incredible Finale. This is seriously one of the best series I have read to date. If I had to describe it in a few words... It was Epic!! Brilliant!! Fun and Entertaining!!
It has everything I love from the humor, the fun side characters, the suspense, and most of all, the ultimate love story between Charley and Reyes. The first few books was slow to bring us that love story but once it did, it was truly beautiful. These two are one of my favorite couples.
There were some very, sad moments but I am happy with how this concluded. I do feel there may be more to come. Maybe in a spin-off of the series? I really hope that is what the author has planned. She has a devoted reader in me after this series and that means I will always ask for more.
I can honestly say that I could read about these characters forever. I've enjoyed each and every book and will be re-reading this series again and again.
It has everything I love from the humor, the fun side characters, the suspense, and most of all, the ultimate love story between Charley and Reyes. The first few books was slow to bring us that love story but once it did, it was truly beautiful. These two are one of my favorite couples.
There were some very, sad moments but I am happy with how this concluded. I do feel there may be more to come. Maybe in a spin-off of the series? I really hope that is what the author has planned. She has a devoted reader in me after this series and that means I will always ask for more.
I can honestly say that I could read about these characters forever. I've enjoyed each and every book and will be re-reading this series again and again.
November 5, 2018
Can't believe it is over...or is it?
Full review to come!
*EDITED TO ADD REVIEW*
It is so very hard to review perfection isn't it?
I mean where do you even begin, and let's face it, this series has been pretty much that, from the very beginning. And while this has been such a bittersweet experience, it has also been one I won't soon forget.
I adore these characters and while they aren't my babies like they are Ms. Jones, they are still, well, family to me. I love them, I care for them, and I will miss them like crazy.
Reading this book has not only pushed me past my emotional limits but has tested them as well. So many feels.
It started with simply both wanting to devour and savor the experience of it. Heartbreak at knowing this was it for Charley and Reyes and all these amazing characters and yet, also knowing that I had to get through it, because I couldn't wait to see what happened. Couldn't wait to be immersed back into their world.
So with a heart both beating fast to know what would happen and slowly breaking at realizing this was it, I soldiered on and dove straight in, head (and heart) first.
And oh what an experience! I relished it, I devoured it. I soaked it up and in and...it was amazing. Everything I was use to, everything I never thought it could be and everything I knew it could.
The classic Charley humor, the love, the cases, the discoveries, the revelations. The loses, the bemoaning. Just so very much.
I loved it and the ending, while perfect, also left me wanting more. That spin-off series, oh man, it better get here soon.
All in all, that word again, perfection.
Well done Ms. Jones, well done.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Full review to come!
*EDITED TO ADD REVIEW*
It is so very hard to review perfection isn't it?
I mean where do you even begin, and let's face it, this series has been pretty much that, from the very beginning. And while this has been such a bittersweet experience, it has also been one I won't soon forget.
I adore these characters and while they aren't my babies like they are Ms. Jones, they are still, well, family to me. I love them, I care for them, and I will miss them like crazy.
Reading this book has not only pushed me past my emotional limits but has tested them as well. So many feels.
It started with simply both wanting to devour and savor the experience of it. Heartbreak at knowing this was it for Charley and Reyes and all these amazing characters and yet, also knowing that I had to get through it, because I couldn't wait to see what happened. Couldn't wait to be immersed back into their world.
So with a heart both beating fast to know what would happen and slowly breaking at realizing this was it, I soldiered on and dove straight in, head (and heart) first.
And oh what an experience! I relished it, I devoured it. I soaked it up and in and...it was amazing. Everything I was use to, everything I never thought it could be and everything I knew it could.
The classic Charley humor, the love, the cases, the discoveries, the revelations. The loses, the bemoaning. Just so very much.
I loved it and the ending, while perfect, also left me wanting more. That spin-off series, oh man, it better get here soon.
All in all, that word again, perfection.
Well done Ms. Jones, well done.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
March 4, 2019
Honestly I'm really disappointed. I had so much hope for this book to save the series but honestly it took even more turns that made the whole thing make less sense. This is a major bummer. I'll reread the series because I LOVE Reyes and Charley and Cookie and all the rest, but the last few books in the series made it clear that it stopped being Charley's story. It became a prelude to Beep's. Really I'm very sad about this.
But I'll of course read Beep's series because OSH
But I'll of course read Beep's series because OSH
February 11, 2019
Summoned To Thirteenth Grave es el ultimo libro de la saga Charley Davidson y continua narrando la increible historia de Charley y Reyes.
Es una sensacion extraña la que tengo en este momento, por un lado estoy satisfecha de haber llegado a la ultima parte de esta serie pero tambien estoy triste al saber que no habra mas novelas, lo unico que me emociona es saber que Darynda Jones escribira la historia de Beep y quizas ahi podamos saber mas de estos personajes, los cuales han sido muy memorables en mi vida como lectora.
Esta novela al igual que las anteriores es muy amena de leer, siento como si la hubiera leido en nada de tiempo y aun estoy pensando si eso es algo positivo o no, tambien esta llena de accion y de nuevos descubrimientos, los cuales me dejaron con la boca abierta, sinceramente no los vi venir en ningun momento.
Como final de saga me parecio un libro casi perfecto, le encontre pequeños detalles que no me convencieron completamente, pero la verdad es que estas novelas son tan especiales para mi, que soy incapaz de ser imparcial y ponerle muchas pegas.
Como siempre extrañe un epilogo y aunque el ultimo capitulo cierra bastante bien todas las tramas abiertas, me hubiera gustado que el final de Reyes y Charley hubiera sido un poco mas pausado y descrito con mas detalles.
Cuando inicie la lectura era incapaz de imaginar como terminaria todo o lo que es lo mismo, cual seria el final perfecto para esta pareja, por eso ahora puedo decir abiertamente que el desenlace que le dio la autora esta hecho justo a la medida de Charley y Reyes.
Ahora solo me queda esperar ansiosa a que la escritora de mas informacion respecto a la futura historia de Beep, muero por saber mas de ella y Osh, sobretodo despues de la conclusion de este libro.
En resumen, Summoned To Thirteenth Grave fue todo lo que esperaba que fuera, una novela adictiva, interesante, llena de giros argumentales, con un equilibrio perfecto entre las partes mas desgarradoras ( las cuales me hicieron llorar ) y las escenas mas comicas que tan bien caracterizan a estas historias y a su protagonista. El cierre me dejo satisfecha y queriendo ( necesitando ) mas, ademas tuvo el plus de tener muchas escenas entre Reyes y Charley, uno de mis aspectos favoritos de esta saga.
Asombrosa. Atrapante. Impresionante. Sensacional. Fantastica. Fascinante.
5 Estrellas!!!
January 15, 2019
That ending!
If Beep doesn't get her own series when she is grown then I'll...I'll...I don't know what I'll do. Wail helplessly and endlessly?
**********************************************************************
Review:
Book source ~ NetGalley (for tour)
Charley Davidson broke the only rule she was supposed to follow and God (yes, Him) flicked her like a bug into a Hell dimension as punishment. Ok, maybe he didn’t actually flick her. He may have whisked her. Or scooted? Anyway, after 100+ years of exile she’s back and she’s not sure what she’s missed more: Reyes, her daughter, her friends or coffee. But just because she’s been gone doesn’t mean shit hasn’t hit the fan and now she has to roll up her sleeves, assuming she has sleeves, and get to work.
I finished this epic final installment of an even bigger epic series and all I could hear is the Doors playing The End. That was a stupid ringtone I picked for my phone, but anyway, I’m sad to say it is The End for Charley’s adventures. However, I left the last page behind with hope in my heart that there will, at some point, be a book/trilogy/series featuring the ever adorable Beep and her army facing off with Lucifer.
I laughed, I cried, I snorted, I drooled, so it was a typical Charley book in that respect. But I was also floored by a certain revelation. Woo doggie! I totally did not see that coming. And that thing, at the end? I never would have thought of that! So, goodbye for now, my friends. I hope to see you again soon in another dimension. Or installment. Or whatever. Oh, who am I kidding? I’m totally going to re-read this entire series and soon, so get some cookies and put on the tea!
If Beep doesn't get her own series when she is grown then I'll...I'll...I don't know what I'll do. Wail helplessly and endlessly?
**********************************************************************
Review:
Book source ~ NetGalley (for tour)
Charley Davidson broke the only rule she was supposed to follow and God (yes, Him) flicked her like a bug into a Hell dimension as punishment. Ok, maybe he didn’t actually flick her. He may have whisked her. Or scooted? Anyway, after 100+ years of exile she’s back and she’s not sure what she’s missed more: Reyes, her daughter, her friends or coffee. But just because she’s been gone doesn’t mean shit hasn’t hit the fan and now she has to roll up her sleeves, assuming she has sleeves, and get to work.
I finished this epic final installment of an even bigger epic series and all I could hear is the Doors playing The End. That was a stupid ringtone I picked for my phone, but anyway, I’m sad to say it is The End for Charley’s adventures. However, I left the last page behind with hope in my heart that there will, at some point, be a book/trilogy/series featuring the ever adorable Beep and her army facing off with Lucifer.
I laughed, I cried, I snorted, I drooled, so it was a typical Charley book in that respect. But I was also floored by a certain revelation. Woo doggie! I totally did not see that coming. And that thing, at the end? I never would have thought of that! So, goodbye for now, my friends. I hope to see you again soon in another dimension. Or installment. Or whatever. Oh, who am I kidding? I’m totally going to re-read this entire series and soon, so get some cookies and put on the tea!
November 8, 2018
How do I begin to write a review for this bittersweet final book ? It's been a series I've really enjoyed and I love that the author decided to end it on episode thirteen as somehow that is just so fitting. These characters have gone through so much and recently I've been more than a little upset that Charley and Reyes cannot be with their daughter Beep and I was so hoping that this book would change all that. Still this power couple just keep going fighting demons, drinking coffee, helping the dead and generally saving the world. Oh but that unfortunately is exactly what they need to do here but how do they defeat something that is pretty much going to mean the end of the world ? Too bad Reyes big brother isn't around but luckily Charley is home although she's not exactly sure how or why she's where she wants to be. No time for analysis though except there are those who have been watching and they are a lot closer than she thought !
I began this feeling hopeful and honestly felt my heart start to sink as the story progressed. Something I kind of guessed but still this author twisted the knife. You will smile and be elated, you will feel a creeping melancholy but most of all you will want to go back to the beginning and read this wonderful series all over again because it's ends exactly as it should but my lips are sealed !
I began this feeling hopeful and honestly felt my heart start to sink as the story progressed. Something I kind of guessed but still this author twisted the knife. You will smile and be elated, you will feel a creeping melancholy but most of all you will want to go back to the beginning and read this wonderful series all over again because it's ends exactly as it should but my lips are sealed !
June 12, 2019
AAAAAAAAAA! Can't tell if I'm excited or about to burst into tears.
January 15, 2019
Summoned to Thirteenth Grave by Darynda Jones is the final book in the Charley Davidson series featuring a coffee loving, Grim Reaping god who collects friends, named her tits and loves a Demon who happens to be the son of Lucifer. These are my people. Osh, Cookie, Garret, Uncle Bob, the kids and so many more from the living to the non-living. I have loved every minute of this series, even the killer last paragraphs that left me hanging to the next release.
The only reason I am not curled in a fetal position somewhere is because I have it on good authority we will see more from this world pertaining to Beep.
Jones took me on one heck of an emotional ride and made me experience all the feels from laughter to tears as we said goodbye to some, made startling revelations, learned the fate of some, battled demons and spent time with our favorite couples.
An apocalyptic event is happening in Albuquerque because of events in the previous books. The CDC and national news are reporting illness, followed by violent changes in behavior to those affected. Think..zombie apocalypse..but no one is eating brains. Oh, and there are demons from a hell dimension. You must read the book to discover more but Charley and her army of misfits have mere days to save the world.
Summoned to Thirteenth Grave was epic!! If you haven't begun the series now is the time to binge. If you've read all the books, but have final book phobia (trust me it is a thing), do not be afraid. I repeat. Do not be afraid....it is safe to go into the light!
On and Ms. Jones, that last paragraph was a killer. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The only reason I am not curled in a fetal position somewhere is because I have it on good authority we will see more from this world pertaining to Beep.
Jones took me on one heck of an emotional ride and made me experience all the feels from laughter to tears as we said goodbye to some, made startling revelations, learned the fate of some, battled demons and spent time with our favorite couples.
An apocalyptic event is happening in Albuquerque because of events in the previous books. The CDC and national news are reporting illness, followed by violent changes in behavior to those affected. Think..zombie apocalypse..but no one is eating brains. Oh, and there are demons from a hell dimension. You must read the book to discover more but Charley and her army of misfits have mere days to save the world.
Summoned to Thirteenth Grave was epic!! If you haven't begun the series now is the time to binge. If you've read all the books, but have final book phobia (trust me it is a thing), do not be afraid. I repeat. Do not be afraid....it is safe to go into the light!
On and Ms. Jones, that last paragraph was a killer. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2019
What, pray tell, the fuck?!
I am so disappointed in this book. I cannot believe this is how this series ends. This has been one of my favorite series for years. Charley, Reyes and the rest of the gang have all been my favorite characters. Especially Charley and Reyes. And because of that I'm not giving this book a one star. But oh do I want to. Rants and spoilers below.
I will read Beep's books. Because I love Osh. But I honestly hope Ms. Jones can make up for this mess of an ending.
I am so disappointed in this book. I cannot believe this is how this series ends. This has been one of my favorite series for years. Charley, Reyes and the rest of the gang have all been my favorite characters. Especially Charley and Reyes. And because of that I'm not giving this book a one star. But oh do I want to. Rants and spoilers below.
I will read Beep's books. Because I love Osh. But I honestly hope Ms. Jones can make up for this mess of an ending.
February 7, 2019
I have devoured this book and now I don't know what to do with myself. I am a gluttonous wreck that needs more. I need Beep's book and I need it now. Darynda Jones, you can't leave me hanging like that!
Agh, this woman weaves ropes out of me.
Over and out
Agh, this woman weaves ropes out of me.
Over and out
November 6, 2018
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
This is it, the final book in this series. And how fitting that it's the number thirteen. I'm sad that it's going to be the last one but at the same time I'm glad that we got our big ending. I think we've all been waiting a long time for that to happen, since the previous book ended on such a huge cliffhanger. And to be honest, this book ends more on a HFN than a HEA, since there's still the big battle that Beep has to fight agains Lucifer. I've read somewhere, so this info might not be 100% accurate, that we'll get a spin off for Beep's story. I hope that's true, since I'm in love with this series and would love to continue reading about such fantastic characters. Especially since we don't know what happened to Osh. So I think the author is hinting at the new spin off with that little clue.
And about what happens in this book...well...I'm not giving away any big spoilers so you'll just have to read the book to find out for yourself. But it's safe to say that this time all that could go wrong, goes wrong. And disastrously so. As in all hell is breaking loose and in the literal sense at that. Can't say I'm surprised by that, since that happens to me on a daily basis once I leave home and my cats can have the time of their lives destroying the house.
As for Charley and Reyes, I mean, they can't do any wrong in my opinion. Even if they accidentally almost destroy the whole world, no biggie. After being gone from the earthly plain for what felt like an eternity Charley had to live a little, right? And also, this might be the book where we get to see the couple spend most of their time together. Can't tell you how much I loved that. They are one of my all time favourite couples, their relationship is always so funny and something I someday wish to have with my loved one. Not to mention all the sexy scenes we get in this book. Aside from that, it felt so good to get the whole gang back together, the whole big family reuniting once again for this big battle. I mean, what more could one want from this series conclusion, right? Well, there were some pretty big plot twist and revelations and even deaths that left me completely stunned. I think it was Rocket's secret that had shocked me the most, like who knew? I was so happy and at the same time so sad for him. I wished someone would give him a big hug.
All in all, this is a bitterweeet ending of a great series and this book is a must read for all Charley and Reyes fans!
This is it, the final book in this series. And how fitting that it's the number thirteen. I'm sad that it's going to be the last one but at the same time I'm glad that we got our big ending. I think we've all been waiting a long time for that to happen, since the previous book ended on such a huge cliffhanger. And to be honest, this book ends more on a HFN than a HEA, since there's still the big battle that Beep has to fight agains Lucifer. I've read somewhere, so this info might not be 100% accurate, that we'll get a spin off for Beep's story. I hope that's true, since I'm in love with this series and would love to continue reading about such fantastic characters. Especially since we don't know what happened to Osh. So I think the author is hinting at the new spin off with that little clue.
And about what happens in this book...well...I'm not giving away any big spoilers so you'll just have to read the book to find out for yourself. But it's safe to say that this time all that could go wrong, goes wrong. And disastrously so. As in all hell is breaking loose and in the literal sense at that. Can't say I'm surprised by that, since that happens to me on a daily basis once I leave home and my cats can have the time of their lives destroying the house.
As for Charley and Reyes, I mean, they can't do any wrong in my opinion. Even if they accidentally almost destroy the whole world, no biggie. After being gone from the earthly plain for what felt like an eternity Charley had to live a little, right? And also, this might be the book where we get to see the couple spend most of their time together. Can't tell you how much I loved that. They are one of my all time favourite couples, their relationship is always so funny and something I someday wish to have with my loved one. Not to mention all the sexy scenes we get in this book. Aside from that, it felt so good to get the whole gang back together, the whole big family reuniting once again for this big battle. I mean, what more could one want from this series conclusion, right? Well, there were some pretty big plot twist and revelations and even deaths that left me completely stunned. I think it was Rocket's secret that had shocked me the most, like who knew? I was so happy and at the same time so sad for him. I wished someone would give him a big hug.
All in all, this is a bitterweeet ending of a great series and this book is a must read for all Charley and Reyes fans!
January 13, 2019
I’m in a wonderfully awful place right now. I’ve loved every moment of this series and reaching its conclusion is bittersweet on its own. (I can’t even imagine what this feels like for the author.)
So much takes place in this final installment. It still has the wonderful Charley Davidson humor as well as the steam of her relationship with Reyes. But there is so much more this time around. Even as the ending drew nearer, I could feel it in every word written as well as their tone that we were entering a new place that this series hasn’t taken us to before. I found myself absolutely sobbing through all the bad, the good and the in between. I have a love hate relationship with this author for making me fall in love with every single one of these characters, not just Charley and Reyes, and then bringing it all to an end.
I’m not reviewing the actual storyline here in any real sense of the word because if you’ve reached this point in the series, then I encourage you not to read anything that’s going to spoiler it for you. And really, no matter the actions these characters take, you’re going to be an emotional mess like myself simply because their story has reached its end. If your checking out reviews to learn if this series is “safe”, then pull up book one as quickly as you can and dig in. You can’t find a better time and any delay will only having you kicking yourself later.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
So much takes place in this final installment. It still has the wonderful Charley Davidson humor as well as the steam of her relationship with Reyes. But there is so much more this time around. Even as the ending drew nearer, I could feel it in every word written as well as their tone that we were entering a new place that this series hasn’t taken us to before. I found myself absolutely sobbing through all the bad, the good and the in between. I have a love hate relationship with this author for making me fall in love with every single one of these characters, not just Charley and Reyes, and then bringing it all to an end.
I’m not reviewing the actual storyline here in any real sense of the word because if you’ve reached this point in the series, then I encourage you not to read anything that’s going to spoiler it for you. And really, no matter the actions these characters take, you’re going to be an emotional mess like myself simply because their story has reached its end. If your checking out reviews to learn if this series is “safe”, then pull up book one as quickly as you can and dig in. You can’t find a better time and any delay will only having you kicking yourself later.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
January 25, 2019
Darynda Jones has shown a lot of her talent throughout the Charley Davidson series and while I was excited for this book, it was also very bittersweet to see the series come to an end.
With SUMMONED TO THIRTEENTH GRAVE, Jones gives Charley and Reyes a happily ever after while also providing the secondary characters their versions of bliss as well. It was a satisfactory ending for me, even if it’s sad to know that this is the end.
However, Jones does provide some insight of a possible spin-off series. Most of the questions are answered. But I think there’s plenty of room for more to explore.
For me, this book definitely had a feel-good vibe to it while also delivering on the humor and action that we expect from this series. This series, and Charley’s character in particular, has always stood out to me because of her uniqueness. You’ll find lots of Urban Fantasy heroines who are kickass and snarky, but none of them have the wit and charm that Charley does.
SUMMONED TO THIRTEENTH GRAVE is a great ending to the series and Darynda Jones has proven to be able to write an amazing series while also maintaining her uniqueness that sets her apart from the pack.
Read my alternate review at Fresh Fiction
With SUMMONED TO THIRTEENTH GRAVE, Jones gives Charley and Reyes a happily ever after while also providing the secondary characters their versions of bliss as well. It was a satisfactory ending for me, even if it’s sad to know that this is the end.
However, Jones does provide some insight of a possible spin-off series. Most of the questions are answered. But I think there’s plenty of room for more to explore.
For me, this book definitely had a feel-good vibe to it while also delivering on the humor and action that we expect from this series. This series, and Charley’s character in particular, has always stood out to me because of her uniqueness. You’ll find lots of Urban Fantasy heroines who are kickass and snarky, but none of them have the wit and charm that Charley does.
SUMMONED TO THIRTEENTH GRAVE is a great ending to the series and Darynda Jones has proven to be able to write an amazing series while also maintaining her uniqueness that sets her apart from the pack.
Read my alternate review at Fresh Fiction
January 8, 2019
Chapter headings are usually only a quick glance but.. Jones' are so unique and always make me smile and chuckle before the story continues. Go to her web site and take a look at them; she has a list. This series is one of my all time favorites. Absolutely nothing left out no matter what your preferred reading material is. So... LET'S SEE WHAT WE HAVE: 1. Mega unique and I just love them characters. 2. Romance and under the sheet moments. 3. Some tears are shed. 4. Paranormal aspects - Charley is the Grim Reaper and her husband is from the Dark side. 5 Humor - Who names their Boobs? 6. Action and conflicts that keep the pages turning. 7. Jones does not use cliff hangers just a craving for the next book to come out. Can't think of anything else to say except start the series from the beginning and treat yourself to an escape. "A copy of this book was provided by St. Martin's Press Via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
January 30, 2019
4 ⭐'s
Charley Davidson and Reyes Farrow: That thing that happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object.
—TRUE FACT
This is hands down one of my favorite UF series...ever. Charley and Reyes make one of the best couples. I would love to see them in a contemporary romance story without all the sleuthing and with more of the smoldering! Now...that would be a story!
This story wraps up a lot of loose ends and still things took me by surprise...and even stung a little. However, all good things must come to an end and so we have it, the last Charley and Reyes book. ~Sigh~ they will be missed.
Charley Davidson and Reyes Farrow: That thing that happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object.
—TRUE FACT
This is hands down one of my favorite UF series...ever. Charley and Reyes make one of the best couples. I would love to see them in a contemporary romance story without all the sleuthing and with more of the smoldering! Now...that would be a story!
This story wraps up a lot of loose ends and still things took me by surprise...and even stung a little. However, all good things must come to an end and so we have it, the last Charley and Reyes book. ~Sigh~ they will be missed.
May 31, 2021
Tendré que volver a leer este libro pronto.
Con la emoción no lo pude disfrutar como se debe.
Y prometo hacer reseña.
Ya lo volví a leer y ahora sí lo disfruté demasiado
Y sí.. voy hacer reseña pronto
Con la emoción no lo pude disfrutar como se debe.
Y prometo hacer reseña.
Ya lo volví a leer y ahora sí lo disfruté demasiado
Y sí.. voy hacer reseña pronto
May 30, 2019
Thirteenth (& last!?!) in the too-funny Charley Davidson urban fantasy series and revolving around a Grim Reaper of a god.
This eARC was sent to me by St Martin's Press via NetGalley for an honest review.
My Take
Just to set your mind at rest — I hope!! — I don't think this is the complete end. It's only the end of focus for Reyes and Charley with Beep's story to come.
Why do I think that? Because Jones is winding things up with a number of characters and prepping us with her future characters. Thaniel, anyone?? Her summing up about Quentin and Amber holds some promise as well. As for other side stories, I get Livia as she humanizes that treasure hunt, but what's with Meiko and his case?
For the rest, it's so Charley. A girl who is half god, half Grim Reaper, and all snark. She cracks me up so very much, and while it has been a confusing ride at times in the series, I have been LMAO from the start.
She thinks she's been gone 100 years...it's been 10 days, lol. Must be the coffee deprivation.
It was that emotional hook at the start that pulled me in. I had no idea what was going on, and I needed to in this cozy, crazy read.
It's all about love and acceptance with a different perspective on dark and light, noting that we all have both within us. For a bit of controversy, Jones throws in religion with those awkward family issues with the much-fostered Reyes and his conflicts with his older brother, the matter of free will, and the question of the Vatican's involvement.
And Summoned to Thirteenth Grave warms with the focus on motherhood, as Charley receives directive to discover her very beginnings on earth even as she and Reyes are intent on protecting their own child.
It's still been dang confusing, at least in trying to understand why Jehovah keeps tricking his brother? Sheesh, talk about sibling rivalry...
Jones ratchets up the tension with that deadline involving the hell dimension, not to mention the worry about Charley's impending death! It certainly didn't help knowing that my own optimism could well be wrong!
Just keep in mind — never open a hell dimension.
The Story
Imprisoned in a lightless realm, Charley agonizes over the prophecy facing her daughter, their daughter, hers and Reyes. Trapped, not knowing how her family, her friends fare.
Meanwhile, the Hell dimension that was opened is infecting Albuquerque, the city a crazed mass of rioting, looting, destruction, slowly spreading to encompass the world. The key to stopping it is to discover how her mother died.
And Uncle Bob lies to Charley. For the first time in her life.
The Characters
Charley "Dutch" Davidson is both the Grim Reaper and a god who is married to Rey'azikeen, a.k.a., the Hellmaker, a god and brother to Jehovah. Somehow, he was also Rey'aziel, a demon, the son of Satan, and a general in Lucifer's army. He is also "Reyes" Alexander Farrow, who became human for Charley. Artemis is a ghost Rottweiler who has been protecting Charley. Gemma is her psychiatrist sister who fell in love with a patient (and cop), Wyatt. Aunt Lil, well a great-aunt, is a ghost as well who died in the 1960s at a hippie commune.
Beep, a.k.a., Elwyn Alexandra Loehr, is their daughter, destined to battle Lucifer and is living with Reyes' "real" parents: the Loehrs. The Twelve are a pack of hellhounds protecting her along with Mr Wong, the ghost who used to live in Charley's living room; Donovan, Michael, and Eric had been part of the Bandits, a motorcycle club; Amador Sanchez was Reyes' only friend growing up; and, Nicolette is a friend of Charley's who can channel the departed before they depart. Garrett Swopes had been a skip tracer before he went to Hell. Now he's a scholar and another of Beep's soldiers. Marika is the woman who tricked him into getting her pregnant; Zaire is the result. Zoe is Garrett's ex who has hooked up with Pari, an incredible tattoo artist. Osh'ekiel "Osh" is a former slave demon, a Daeva, who has been around for millennia and lives off the souls of others and who is destined to be the Warrior.
Cookie Kowalski is Charley's best friend and secretary. Amber is Cookie's resurrected daughter. Charley's Uncle Bob Davidson, a.k.a., Ubie, a detective, married Cookie. Angel is a thirteen-year-old gangbanger ghost who has assisted Charley with surveillance.
Rocket is a ghost who writes the names of those who died on the walls of the abandoned asylum. Blue is his ghost of a sister with a ghost friend of her own: Rebecca Taft, a.k.a., Strawberry Shortcake, the sister of the missing Officer David Taft.
Quentin is a deaf boy in love with Amber. Together they set up Q&A Investigations, their own private detective firm. Petaluma is their employee. During the week, he attends the New Mexico School for the Deaf and stays with Sister Mary Elizabeth on the weekends.
Ghost Boy, a.k.a., Meiko, is five and remembers his mommy, Belinda Makayla Banks who had disappeared fourteen years ago. Molly is his older sister. Geri is Belinda's mother.
Thaniel Lee Just is a truck driver with too many back tattoos who works for Sundial Shipping. His mother had been Ilsa Blaine and his father was Richard Lund; both were patients in an asylum in the 1950s. Bella Lund was the sister who died from dust pneumonia. Jill the Giant was a fellow inmate. Nurse Hobbs was nasty.
Carolyn is/was a patient of Gemma's. Mary Schipplet went missing a couple weeks ago. Mark was stabbed to death. Dr Scott Clarke had been Charley's mother's ob-gyn. Gayle is his loved wife. Mrs. Barros is one of Charley and Reyes' neighbors. Her Daisy has allergies. Pandu Yoso is a seven-year-old deaf and blind child who has written a children's book about the First Star, the Dark Star, and Stardust. Pak Surya is his father; Bu Kasih is his mother. Livia is a Roman ghost. The Tonna is referenced by Mr Barilla, a Vatican agent. Val-Eth is the celestial language from Charley's home dimension where she'd had the nickname god eater . Wraiths were Charley's companions in her hell dimension, Marmalade.
Captain Eckert is Uncle Bob's boss on the police force. Wade Powers is the chief medical examiner.
Special Agent Kit Carson is Charley's contact at the FBI. Dr Nisha Dev is the spokesperson for the Center for Disease Control.
Jehovah is Reyes' older brother. Michael is Jehovah's archangel, who is not one of Charley's fans. Raphael is another archangel who failed his initial mission.
The Shade is the Hell dimension Reyes created. It was supposed to stay in the god glass. A weapon, a prison made by God, the god glass can trap a god in another dimension. Zeus is a dagger that can kill a supernatural being.
Earl Walker is the man who kidnapped Reyes as a baby and raised him, brutally. Hale Walker had been Walker's biological son and a classmate of Reyes'. Kim Millar had been Reyes' sister.
Fitzwilliam is Charley's toothbrush. Misery is her Jeep. Danger and Will Robinson are her breasts. Thelma and Louise are her eyeballs. Betty White is her heart. And this is probably my biggest issue with Jones' Charley...this mad need to name everything in her life!
The Cover and Title
I so love these covers, and the series has been quite consistent with the bejeweled skull that shows up each time. This one is the skeleton key, dangling from a thick silver chain through the author's name in a very pale gray at the very top with an itty-bitty info blurb beneath it. The key draws your attention to the title in the lower half of the cover, also in gray. It's a key that unlocks the truth against a bright blue and black background of swirling mists.
The title is Charley, Summoned to Thirteenth Grave to embrace a little death.
This eARC was sent to me by St Martin's Press via NetGalley for an honest review.
My Take
Just to set your mind at rest — I hope!! — I don't think this is the complete end. It's only the end of focus for Reyes and Charley with Beep's story to come.
Why do I think that? Because Jones is winding things up with a number of characters and prepping us with her future characters. Thaniel, anyone?? Her summing up about Quentin and Amber holds some promise as well. As for other side stories, I get Livia as she humanizes that treasure hunt, but what's with Meiko and his case?
For the rest, it's so Charley. A girl who is half god, half Grim Reaper, and all snark. She cracks me up so very much, and while it has been a confusing ride at times in the series, I have been LMAO from the start.
She thinks she's been gone 100 years...it's been 10 days, lol. Must be the coffee deprivation.
And hungry. Dang it, all that talk about Reyes' cooking had me drooling, requiring enchiladas and rellenos."Safety first!
Just kidding. Coffee first.
Safety's like, third or fourth."
It was that emotional hook at the start that pulled me in. I had no idea what was going on, and I needed to in this cozy, crazy read.
It's all about love and acceptance with a different perspective on dark and light, noting that we all have both within us. For a bit of controversy, Jones throws in religion with those awkward family issues with the much-fostered Reyes and his conflicts with his older brother, the matter of free will, and the question of the Vatican's involvement.
And Summoned to Thirteenth Grave warms with the focus on motherhood, as Charley receives directive to discover her very beginnings on earth even as she and Reyes are intent on protecting their own child.
It's still been dang confusing, at least in trying to understand why Jehovah keeps tricking his brother? Sheesh, talk about sibling rivalry...
Jones ratchets up the tension with that deadline involving the hell dimension, not to mention the worry about Charley's impending death! It certainly didn't help knowing that my own optimism could well be wrong!
Just keep in mind — never open a hell dimension.
The Story
Imprisoned in a lightless realm, Charley agonizes over the prophecy facing her daughter, their daughter, hers and Reyes. Trapped, not knowing how her family, her friends fare.
Meanwhile, the Hell dimension that was opened is infecting Albuquerque, the city a crazed mass of rioting, looting, destruction, slowly spreading to encompass the world. The key to stopping it is to discover how her mother died.
And Uncle Bob lies to Charley. For the first time in her life.
The Characters
Charley "Dutch" Davidson is both the Grim Reaper and a god who is married to Rey'azikeen, a.k.a., the Hellmaker, a god and brother to Jehovah. Somehow, he was also Rey'aziel, a demon, the son of Satan, and a general in Lucifer's army. He is also "Reyes" Alexander Farrow, who became human for Charley. Artemis is a ghost Rottweiler who has been protecting Charley. Gemma is her psychiatrist sister who fell in love with a patient (and cop), Wyatt. Aunt Lil, well a great-aunt, is a ghost as well who died in the 1960s at a hippie commune.
Beep, a.k.a., Elwyn Alexandra Loehr, is their daughter, destined to battle Lucifer and is living with Reyes' "real" parents: the Loehrs. The Twelve are a pack of hellhounds protecting her along with Mr Wong, the ghost who used to live in Charley's living room; Donovan, Michael, and Eric had been part of the Bandits, a motorcycle club; Amador Sanchez was Reyes' only friend growing up; and, Nicolette is a friend of Charley's who can channel the departed before they depart. Garrett Swopes had been a skip tracer before he went to Hell. Now he's a scholar and another of Beep's soldiers. Marika is the woman who tricked him into getting her pregnant; Zaire is the result. Zoe is Garrett's ex who has hooked up with Pari, an incredible tattoo artist. Osh'ekiel "Osh" is a former slave demon, a Daeva, who has been around for millennia and lives off the souls of others and who is destined to be the Warrior.
Cookie Kowalski is Charley's best friend and secretary. Amber is Cookie's resurrected daughter. Charley's Uncle Bob Davidson, a.k.a., Ubie, a detective, married Cookie. Angel is a thirteen-year-old gangbanger ghost who has assisted Charley with surveillance.
Rocket is a ghost who writes the names of those who died on the walls of the abandoned asylum. Blue is his ghost of a sister with a ghost friend of her own: Rebecca Taft, a.k.a., Strawberry Shortcake, the sister of the missing Officer David Taft.
Quentin is a deaf boy in love with Amber. Together they set up Q&A Investigations, their own private detective firm. Petaluma is their employee. During the week, he attends the New Mexico School for the Deaf and stays with Sister Mary Elizabeth on the weekends.
Ghost Boy, a.k.a., Meiko, is five and remembers his mommy, Belinda Makayla Banks who had disappeared fourteen years ago. Molly is his older sister. Geri is Belinda's mother.
Thaniel Lee Just is a truck driver with too many back tattoos who works for Sundial Shipping. His mother had been Ilsa Blaine and his father was Richard Lund; both were patients in an asylum in the 1950s. Bella Lund was the sister who died from dust pneumonia. Jill the Giant was a fellow inmate. Nurse Hobbs was nasty.
Carolyn is/was a patient of Gemma's. Mary Schipplet went missing a couple weeks ago. Mark was stabbed to death. Dr Scott Clarke had been Charley's mother's ob-gyn. Gayle is his loved wife. Mrs. Barros is one of Charley and Reyes' neighbors. Her Daisy has allergies. Pandu Yoso is a seven-year-old deaf and blind child who has written a children's book about the First Star, the Dark Star, and Stardust. Pak Surya is his father; Bu Kasih is his mother. Livia is a Roman ghost. The Tonna is referenced by Mr Barilla, a Vatican agent. Val-Eth is the celestial language from Charley's home dimension where she'd had the nickname god eater . Wraiths were Charley's companions in her hell dimension, Marmalade.
Captain Eckert is Uncle Bob's boss on the police force. Wade Powers is the chief medical examiner.
Special Agent Kit Carson is Charley's contact at the FBI. Dr Nisha Dev is the spokesperson for the Center for Disease Control.
Jehovah is Reyes' older brother. Michael is Jehovah's archangel, who is not one of Charley's fans. Raphael is another archangel who failed his initial mission.
The Shade is the Hell dimension Reyes created. It was supposed to stay in the god glass. A weapon, a prison made by God, the god glass can trap a god in another dimension. Zeus is a dagger that can kill a supernatural being.
Earl Walker is the man who kidnapped Reyes as a baby and raised him, brutally. Hale Walker had been Walker's biological son and a classmate of Reyes'. Kim Millar had been Reyes' sister.
Fitzwilliam is Charley's toothbrush. Misery is her Jeep. Danger and Will Robinson are her breasts. Thelma and Louise are her eyeballs. Betty White is her heart. And this is probably my biggest issue with Jones' Charley...this mad need to name everything in her life!
The Cover and Title
I so love these covers, and the series has been quite consistent with the bejeweled skull that shows up each time. This one is the skeleton key, dangling from a thick silver chain through the author's name in a very pale gray at the very top with an itty-bitty info blurb beneath it. The key draws your attention to the title in the lower half of the cover, also in gray. It's a key that unlocks the truth against a bright blue and black background of swirling mists.
The title is Charley, Summoned to Thirteenth Grave to embrace a little death.
November 12, 2018
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This is it. The conclusion to the Charley Davidson series. I thought I was ready for this book, but boy was I wrong. I was prepared for anything, and made sure to keep tissues close by, because I knew I would need them. This review will contain spoilers if you haven't read the previous books in the series. So think twice before you continue reading. If you read the previous book, you know Charley did the one thing she was explicitly told not to, which resulted in her paying the price: being kicked off the earthly plain for eternity. But of course she makes it back to earth because there is a battle to be fought. This book was action-packed, mysterious, hilarious, emotional and amazing. Summoned to Thirteenth Grave was perfect.
It was also very emotional for me, because I spent more than six years hanging out with Charley and her tribe. Six years of going on crazy adventures, laughing and crying with them. Each and every character in this book has a special place in my heart. Darynda Jones, like in her previous books, found a way to add twists and turns to the story. There were still so many secrets to be revealed, and some of them shocked the hell out of me. Don't expect this book to only focus on the battle, if you know Charley, she can multitask like no other. She won't leave any case unsolved, and I loved that the author included them into the story. I am also happy that we got to see every character again. I am going to miss them so much, and they will hold a special place in my heart forever. It will take some time for me to get over this series. The only upside to the conclusion of this book is that there will be a spin-off focusing on Charley and Reyes daughter Beep.
This is it. The conclusion to the Charley Davidson series. I thought I was ready for this book, but boy was I wrong. I was prepared for anything, and made sure to keep tissues close by, because I knew I would need them. This review will contain spoilers if you haven't read the previous books in the series. So think twice before you continue reading. If you read the previous book, you know Charley did the one thing she was explicitly told not to, which resulted in her paying the price: being kicked off the earthly plain for eternity. But of course she makes it back to earth because there is a battle to be fought. This book was action-packed, mysterious, hilarious, emotional and amazing. Summoned to Thirteenth Grave was perfect.
It was also very emotional for me, because I spent more than six years hanging out with Charley and her tribe. Six years of going on crazy adventures, laughing and crying with them. Each and every character in this book has a special place in my heart. Darynda Jones, like in her previous books, found a way to add twists and turns to the story. There were still so many secrets to be revealed, and some of them shocked the hell out of me. Don't expect this book to only focus on the battle, if you know Charley, she can multitask like no other. She won't leave any case unsolved, and I loved that the author included them into the story. I am also happy that we got to see every character again. I am going to miss them so much, and they will hold a special place in my heart forever. It will take some time for me to get over this series. The only upside to the conclusion of this book is that there will be a spin-off focusing on Charley and Reyes daughter Beep.
January 15, 2019
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
How do you read an anticipated end-of-series novel and not let it end? Savor every word, every scene, highlight every quote and hope that the next page is not the last. I seriously tried to slow down my reading and not devour this book in one sitting. Unfortunately, it’s like taking that red pill. Once I started reading, I’m basically done for.
Charlie is back from her hundred years in exile. While she came back with a lead about her mother, she comes back to the chaos that is threatening her loved ones and mankind. It’s been quite a journey for Charley, Reyes, and crew, but in this last installment, they will fight the biggest battle of all.
What a perfect ending to an amazing series. Not just for Charley, but for a handful of other characters in this book. Darynda did right by them and with that, she did right by me. I loved every page. What amazed me is how Darynda neatly tied things together. From the very beginning of the series to this very last. There were twists and turn of events and reveals that shocked the heck out of me. Unfortunately, mentioning any of it will just lead to spoilers but know this, you will not be disappointed in any of the outcomes.
Here’s what that excites me the most; Darynda left a few things open. Not so much a cliffhanger but more of a possibility for a spin-off. I was told by DJ herself that she has plans for that. The question is when. I just hope sooner than later. Meanwhile, she has another series in the making and I have no doubt it will be amazing.
Since I read this book in November, it was hard not including it in my Best of 2018. So, I will say it now, this book is in the running for my Best Book, Best Couple, Best Sex Scene, Best Series, Kick-Ass Heroine, And Sexiest Hero for 2019. Not to mention Best Author!
If you haven't read this series yet, you simply must!
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Angela❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
December 9, 2018
The fun was there, but at the same time, I did not like how it ended. It was all building up to a Beep book set in the future, with I guess lots of dead people as ghosts helping her in the war. This book ended in a cliffie that way and that is a horrible way for a series to end.
THe apocalypse is happening. Charley return to her gang to help save the world, for this time. There are "zombies", lots of death regarding people you like. Revelations, and she even has time to solve a a crime of a missing girl. Which, considering was really strange. Focus on the big bad.
But the whole book was at the same time a build up for a future Beep book as nothing is solved
And I just can not like Osh, I find it creepy. It was one thing with Reyes, but Beep is a baby in these books.
So do not expect a neat ending. The big battle is still to come. But I enjoyed it for old times sake.
THe apocalypse is happening. Charley return to her gang to help save the world, for this time. There are "zombies", lots of death regarding people you like. Revelations, and she even has time to solve a a crime of a missing girl. Which, considering was really strange. Focus on the big bad.
But the whole book was at the same time a build up for a future Beep book as nothing is solved
And I just can not like Osh, I find it creepy. It was one thing with Reyes, but Beep is a baby in these books.
So do not expect a neat ending. The big battle is still to come. But I enjoyed it for old times sake.
February 22, 2019
Loved this final book but sad to see the stories end. There was a few tears during this one, a few shocks and obviously lots of smiles and laughter... Charley Davidson is something else and this is a series that will stay with me for a long, long time.
June 25, 2020
I won't say that this is the penultimate book of the series, but it is a solid ending. Not a fantastic ending, but solid.
I've enjoyed the run with Charley and Reyes and the whole OP feel of the later books but more than that, I've enjoyed the humor. All these books are great for lovers of Albuquerque, but let's face it, most people stay for the OP romance. :)
So why didn't I give this a full five stars?
Because it just doesn't live up to the full promise of an 'OMG I can't believe what I just read' review. It was comfortable. Expected. Kinda sappy. But then, what can we really expect? It is a paranormal romance.
I've enjoyed the run with Charley and Reyes and the whole OP feel of the later books but more than that, I've enjoyed the humor. All these books are great for lovers of Albuquerque, but let's face it, most people stay for the OP romance. :)
So why didn't I give this a full five stars?
Because it just doesn't live up to the full promise of an 'OMG I can't believe what I just read' review. It was comfortable. Expected. Kinda sappy. But then, what can we really expect? It is a paranormal romance.
October 23, 2018
I am absolutely stunned by this ending. STUNNED.
The first words I wrote on my Goodreads page after finishing was “I am a speechless, sobbing mess. Words will come, but it's gonna take some time.” and believe me, it has.
Okay, getting myself together. Firstly, let me just say that the Charley Davidson series has been one hell of a ride. From the moment Charley entered my bookish life, till the very end. She has been and will remain one of my all-time favorite heroines. Her snark, troubled escapades, her hidden emotions, and seriously criminal coffee addiction will be sorely missed.
As for Summoned to Thirteenth, well… my emotions were all over the place in this final book. From relief, to grief, and a melancholy yet somber feeling when I reached the last page. I will miss them all. Cookie, Uncle Bob, Mr. Wong, Artemis, Osh… and so many more.
“I savored the scene as long as I could, memorizing each face. Each smile. Each laugh. This was a room filled with greatness. With gifts and talents that were unmatched the world over. A god, a warrior, a spiritualist, a healer, a scholar, a magician, a caregiver, a ruler, and a handful of guardians. This was my world. These were my people.”
The shining star in all this is the knowledge that more seems to be coming with Beep. The foreshadowing is all over Summoned to Thirteenth. I am truly sad that it's over yet… is there more?
“I want what you and Reyes have.” “The strong possibility of an STD?” “No, a love that spans the life of a million stars.”
5 Coffee infused sadly it’s over stars
~Tanja
**PUSHES ALL OTHER BOOKS OFF DESK. STARTS READING**
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The first words I wrote on my Goodreads page after finishing was “I am a speechless, sobbing mess. Words will come, but it's gonna take some time.” and believe me, it has.
Okay, getting myself together. Firstly, let me just say that the Charley Davidson series has been one hell of a ride. From the moment Charley entered my bookish life, till the very end. She has been and will remain one of my all-time favorite heroines. Her snark, troubled escapades, her hidden emotions, and seriously criminal coffee addiction will be sorely missed.
As for Summoned to Thirteenth, well… my emotions were all over the place in this final book. From relief, to grief, and a melancholy yet somber feeling when I reached the last page. I will miss them all. Cookie, Uncle Bob, Mr. Wong, Artemis, Osh… and so many more.
“I savored the scene as long as I could, memorizing each face. Each smile. Each laugh. This was a room filled with greatness. With gifts and talents that were unmatched the world over. A god, a warrior, a spiritualist, a healer, a scholar, a magician, a caregiver, a ruler, and a handful of guardians. This was my world. These were my people.”
The shining star in all this is the knowledge that more seems to be coming with Beep. The foreshadowing is all over Summoned to Thirteenth. I am truly sad that it's over yet… is there more?
“I want what you and Reyes have.” “The strong possibility of an STD?” “No, a love that spans the life of a million stars.”
5 Coffee infused sadly it’s over stars
~Tanja
**PUSHES ALL OTHER BOOKS OFF DESK. STARTS READING**
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