First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson, #1) by Darynda Jones

Jun 24, 2012 Khanh, first of her name, mother of bunnies rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kick-ass-heroine, adult, all-time-favorites

Charley Davidson is like white chocolate. You either love it, or you think it's an abomination of nature. I love white chocolate, I love Charley Davidson, and I am not ashamed.

She's got such a great narrative voice - she is, dare I say it, a lot like me. A lot of deadpan humor. A lot of inappropriate thoughts at the worst possible times.

“Well, I was kind of kidnapped, though not really kidnapped so much as led away.”

A hand shot to her mouth to squelch a gasp.

“God, all this sounds so awful when

Charley Davidson is like white chocolate. You either love it, or you think it's an abomination of nature. I love white chocolate, I love Charley Davidson, and I am not ashamed.

She's got such a great narrative voice - she is, dare I say it, a lot like me. A lot of deadpan humor. A lot of inappropriate thoughts at the worst possible times.

“Well, I was kind of kidnapped, though not really kidnapped so much as led away.”

A hand shot to her mouth to squelch a gasp.

“God, all this sounds so awful when I say it out loud,” I complained. “I whine more than a Goth with a blogging fetish. It’s really not that bad. I actually grew up rather happy. I had lots of friends. They were mostly dead, but still.”

Charley is special without being a special snowflake.

“Is anything broken?” Uncle Bob’s voice had softened.

“My eyelids, I think. I can’t open them.”

I heard a soft chuckle. “If it were anyone else, I’d say eyelids can’t be broken. But considering the source…”

A weak grin spread across my face. “So I’m, like, special?”

He snorted as he pressed gingerly here and there, testing for broken bones and the like. “Special wouldn’t even begin to cover it, my dear.”

Charley is a Grim Reaper. She can see the dead and take them through the other side. As you can well imagine, it must have been pretty fucking rough growing up with that ability. Seriously, some kid comes up to me and tells me "I see dead people," you'd tell him he was nuts and eventually everyone else would pick up on the weirdness, because kids are assholes. Charley grew up ostracized by friends and even family, but she coped in her own way; she is strong, she is resilient. She isn't filled with misery and depression and self-pity. She is pissed off, at times, but she deals with it through her snark and sarcasm and all-around awesome Charley-ness. Which isn't to say she never gets angry, she damned well gets mad, but she can deal with the unfairness life has dealt her.

“People like those assholes at the station yesterday. People like Taft with their sideways glances and hushed whispers who turn their backs on me every time I walk into a room. People like you who treat me like shit until they figure out I really can do what I say I can do. And then suddenly I’m their best friend.”

We all have our coping mechanism, and I see her sarcasm and her inappropriate sense of humor as one of such. Seriously, I find Charley absolutely hilarious. She speaks her lines with such a deadpan sense of humor. The first time I read the book, I was howling with laughter.

I twisted around in my seat to face him. “My fore-parts, as you so ineloquently put it, have names.” I pointed to my right breast. “This is Danger.” Then my left. “And this is Will Robinson. I would appreciate it if you addressed them accordingly.”

After a long pause in which he took the time to blink several times, he asked, “You named your breasts?”

I turned my back to him with a shrug. “I named my ovaries, too, but they don’t get out as much.

I know that Charley isn't everyone's cup of tea, and I completely understand if she grates on your nerves, but personally, I adore her. (well, I can't say the same for the later books in the series, but still) ...more

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Mar 15, 2011 Vinaya rated it it was ok

Shelves: bleh, fluff-fluffy-fluffest, romance, urban-fantasy, could-have-been-better

I think it's time someone let the author of this book into a little secret: Ms. Jones, stringing together a thousand-odd wisecracks does not make a novel. That is more commonly known as a Joke Book. In fiction, we like our wisecracks accompanied by an actual plot, plot development, sub-plots and character development. Say it with me, Sto-ry-line.

You know that teen movie trope about a nerdy guy trying to be popular by joking around with the jocks? Only his jokes always sound rehearsed and fall f ...more

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Dec 15, 2013 Emily May rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, paranormal-uf

You know, I love a well-written, well-constructed, complex urban fantasy world as much as anyone. I love beautiful writing, jam-packed plots and wild twists that I never would have seen coming. But sometimes, just sometimes, I have a real need for something lighthearted, nonsensical, silly and sexy. Like the Bridget Jones version of urban fantasy. Paranormal "chick lit" one might say.

First Grave on the Right is a girls' night in watching your all time favourite romcom whilst eating ice cream. I ...more

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Dec 02, 2011 Mike (the Paladin) rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: didn-t-finish

First my over all impression of this book. Then I'll give some detail as to why I feel as I do. I picked this up because it got a...."whole passel", of 4 and 5 star ratings here. My over all impression of the book????

It's crap.

Why do I think that? Well at first I was thinking it would be okay if not one I really liked. It opened with an account of the protagonists dream where she was having intercourse with a "hot" shadowy figure. She made sure to tell us she'd had an orgasm.

I sighed and went on ...more

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Nov 11, 2018 Julie rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2018

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones is a 2011 St. Martin’s Press publication.

Uproariously funny and Unique!!

This is the first book in the Charley Davidson series. I’ve noticed a few of my GR friends have read books in this series and it seems to be popular, but I was not sure about diving into a paranormal/ urban fantasy series after burning out on the genre during the ‘Twilight’ craze. So, I initially passed on it.

But, I am craving something otherworldly right now, so when I noticed a First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones is a 2011 St. Martin’s Press publication.

Uproariously funny and Unique!!

This is the first book in the Charley Davidson series. I’ve noticed a few of my GR friends have read books in this series and it seems to be popular, but I was not sure about diving into a paranormal/ urban fantasy series after burning out on the genre during the ‘Twilight’ craze. So, I initially passed on it.

But, I am craving something otherworldly right now, so when I noticed a new installment in this series was coming out soon, and picking up a little chatter, I decided to see if this one would be a good fit for me.

If this first book is any indication, then I’d say I could fall completely under the Charley Davidson’s scathing, testy, and snappy spell.

Charley is a private investigator and a grim reaper. By grim reaper I mean she is able to see dead people and her job is to lure them into the light. To convince them, she often has to help them find peace by discovering who murdered them or finally getting justice on their behalf.

With the help of her uncle, a deceased former gang member named, Angel, and her best friend, Cookie, Charley solves crimes, and helps the dead pass over. But, in her personal life, she’s coping with an unseen entity that visits her dreams in a super- hot sensual way. Finding who and what this entity is that has followed her around her entire life is her most fervent wish. But, as they say- Be careful what you wish for!

I’ve read urban fantasy stories that were light and funny, some that were serious and super dark, but I’ve never read one that mixed such sharp wit and gallows humor, with action, adventure, dark fantasy, and a genuine murder mystery before. But, that’s not all! Capping it all off is a dangerous forbidden romance.

I’m sold! I need to start another series like I need a hole in head, and I loathe the idea of binge reading, but I’m signing on for this one all the way.

Can’t wait to read the next book!! ...more

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Nov 11, 2015 Katerina rated it liked it

Shelves: paranormal, urban-fantasy

3.5 (ish) stars

“Don't fear the reaper. Just be very, very aware of her.”

Well, personally, I have mixed feelings towards the reaper.

Confused. Befuddled. Puzzled. Disconcerted. Call it what you like, it's still the same. While First Grave on the Right was a gripping and funny story, I had some issues with it, especially with Charley.

Let's take it from the start.

“Just a girl, a few ghosts, and the entire human race. What could be easier?”

The creepy guy we call the reaper is not that creepy ...more

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Jul 19, 2011 Lora rated it liked it

Recommends it for: people who are looking for a hot and hilarious summer read

Recommended to Lora by: Dawn, Maja, J.R. Ward, my library's shelving system

Shelves: lib-read

. . . So. I was browsing in the New Fiction shelves at my library the other day — you know, just like every bookaholic does — and I came across debut author Darynda Jones' First Grave on the Right. I flipped through it, thought it sounded interesting but decided to put it back for the moment, since my bag was already giving me a shoulder cramp. Just as I was putting it back on the shelf, I noticed the blurb on the cover: "The best debut novel I've read in years! Hilarious and heartfelt, sexy and ...more

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Jan 27, 2011 Maja (The Nocturnal Library) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, favorites, books-for-rainy-days, i-see-dead-people, reviewed-in-2011, own-a-dtb, my-flat-army, just-another-book-crush

Garrett chose that moment to join the conversation. “I appreciate your forethought,” he said, his tone distant, as if his mind were elsewhere. “Not as much as your fore-parts, but still…”
I twisted around in my seat to face him. “My fore-parts, as you so ineloquently put it, have names.” I pointed to my right breast. “This is Danger.” Then my left. “And this is Will Robinson. I would appreciate it if you addressed them accordingly.”
After a long pause in which he took the time to blink several tim Garrett chose that moment to join the conversation. “I appreciate your forethought,” he said, his tone distant, as if his mind were elsewhere. “Not as much as your fore-parts, but still…”
I twisted around in my seat to face him. “My fore-parts, as you so ineloquently put it, have names.” I pointed to my right breast. “This is Danger.” Then my left. “And this is Will Robinson. I would appreciate it if you addressed them accordingly.”
After a long pause in which he took the time to blink several times, he asked, “You named your breasts?”
I turned my back to him with a shrug. “I named my ovaries, too, but they don’t get out as much.”

Now, if that little quote didn’t convince you to read First Grave on the Right, nothing I write will, either.

There's a new generation of UF authors who are slowly but surely rising to the throne. The names that instantly come to mind are Nicole Peeler, Jaye Wells and now Darynda Jones. I think it’s a lot harder to succeed these days than it was for Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs or Ilona Andrews, for example. It has become very difficult to find something new and exciting to read in the ocean of new UF novels. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we’ve seen it all and a completely original story is now a distant dream. I guess there are two ways around that obstacle. The first is finding something never before used, which is (as I’ve already said) almost impossible. Nicole Peeler did it, sure, but she IS a college professor, and all professors are generally awesome.
The second would be developing a great sense of humor (if you don’t already have one) and using it to distinguish yourself. That’s the path Darynda Jones chose, and she was extremely successful. The best way to start a book is with a laugh. Jones obviously knows this. By making the reader laugh on the very first page, the author achieves two important goals: he/she makes the MC instantly likeable and because of that, the reader keeps turning those pages.

I’ve read a couple of reviews comparing Jones to Janet Evanovich. Having just recently finished Wicked Appetite, I think that the only thing they have in common is that they are both hilarious. Although First Grave on the Right certainly is a fun read and Jones undoubtedly has a fantastic sense of humor, she does not have Evanovich’s courage to just let go: abandon all rules and reason along the way. But unlike Wicked Appetite, First Grave on the Right has a solid story that holds all the humor together.

...more

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Jan 01, 2011 Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2013

Don't you just love it when the majority of your friends love a book and keep telling you to read it but for some reason you don't get around to it. Then when you finally do...the only question that begs asking is why didn't I read this sooner?? That's this book exactly!

But beware...if you do not like snark, do not read this book. It is loaded with snark with more snark on top and even some snark sprinkles but any girl that names her boobs "Danger" and "Will Robinson" and her ovaries, "Beam me ...more

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Sep 28, 2017 Carol rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: series, paranormal-romance, netgalley, read-2017, kindle, humor

HA! What a crazy-fun read! Definitely not my usual fare, and honestly, I almost threw in the towel...more than once...prior to the half-way point, but then Reyes, his difficult family life and the BIG BAD caught my attention.

PI Charlotte "Charley" Davidson is a 27 year old beauty. She drives a jeep named Misery..."in honor of the master of horror"...has a cop for an uncle...an ex-cop for a dad, and an evil step-mother. Most importantly, though, she has very special abilities...abilities not ever

...more

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May 15, 2019 Jane rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommended to Jane by: MissBecka

Shelves: libby, would-totally-watch-that-tv-show, 1netgalley, badass-women-supernatural-world, 2019, audio-other, because-missbecka-said-it-rocked, netgalley-challenge-2019, oooh-this-was-fun

Snark, snark, grim reaper, snark, light mystery, hot supernatural sex, snark.

description

I alternated between listening to this one via Libby and reading a digital review copy. Narrator Lorelei King does a phenomenal job with the voices in this, and she nails the snark levels. A new fave narrator to add to my list :)

I raced through this book and barely caught my breath before jumping into the second book in the series! Charley is a very fun character and I cannot wait to spend more time with her.

There were ...more

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Jul 21, 2013 Robin (Bridge Four) rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Lovers of Psych and Snarky always 'On' humor

Shelves: fantastic-fantasy, sexy, book-boyfriend-material, 4-5-stars, kick-ass-heroines, adorable-alphas, chick-i-want-to-hang-out-with

Sale Alert January Book Deal for $2.99 on Amazon

4.5 Stars

“If I couldn't be a good example, I'd just have to be a horrible warning.”

I want to be Charley Davidson….I can’t say that I have ever read a book and was like omg I want to be that girl. I mean I love characters in other books don’t get me wrong but who really wants to be Katness, or Georgina Kincaid, okay okay I maybe want to be MacKayla Lane (cuz seriously Barons would be worth it) but I totally wanted to be Charley. If it wasn’t for t Sale Alert January Book Deal for $2.99 on Amazon

4.5 Stars

“If I couldn't be a good example, I'd just have to be a horrible warning.”

I want to be Charley Davidson….I can’t say that I have ever read a book and was like omg I want to be that girl. I mean I love characters in other books don’t get me wrong but who really wants to be Katness, or Georgina Kincaid, okay okay I maybe want to be MacKayla Lane (cuz seriously Barons would be worth it) but I totally wanted to be Charley. If it wasn’t for the fact that it appears to be Kill Charley Davidson week I think I’d consider it seriously. We are already both addicted to coffee and not morning people so I’m like 8% on my way already.

“You called me at four thirty-four....I hate four thirty-four. I think four thirty-four should be banned and replaced with something more reasonable, like, say, nine twelve.”

Not only is she the most quick witted, snarky, smart and absolutely funny character I read, I mean she named her breasts Danger and Will Robinson, she is also having hot, the heavens open up and choirs sing halleluiah, sex every night in her dreams with talk dark and masculine. Not to mention the fact that she is a Private Investigator that helps solve crimes, see ghosts because she is also a Grim Reaper and she has death incarnate as a protector. Like I said bad ass

“My calculations - allowing for a 12 percent margin of error, based on the radius of the corresponding confidence interval and the surgeon general's warning - concluded that they (ghosts) probably didn't stay behind for the tacos.”

The story was totally different than anything I thought it would be. I mean sure she helps people that have been murdered or have lingering business on this side find closure so they can cross over to the other side, nothing really unusual there. But, the intertwined story of finding the man from her dreams….well let me just say that I didn’t see that one coming at all. The story behind Reyes, the man in her bed did not go even close to the direction I thought it would and I was floored by the big reveal of who and what he was. That doesn’t happen to me very often, I usually clue in ahead of time.

All the side characters were entertaining and the banter absolutely the funniest dialog I’ve read between characters. Her sex obsessed secretary and neighbor Cookie, Swopes fellow PI who is having a hard time believing in her gift, her Uncle on the police force she helps solve crimes all were great sounding boards for Charley and her unique dialog. She had so many great one liners that it was absolutely charmingly hilarious. I wish I could get away with saying half the stuff she did.

If you are looking for a strong heroine who is smart, funny, charming and doesn’t take crap from anyone this is right up your ally. This is one of the strongest ratings I’ve given to a book at the beginning of a series. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for Charley. ...more

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May 02, 2015 Jilly rated it it was amazing

Shelves: urban-fantasy, girls-i-want-to-hang-out-with, paranormal-mystery

2016 is the year of 5-stars for me. I used to be so picky about handing out the 5-star rating, but then I realized that life is too short to be stingy with the stars. If I like it a lot, then all the stars for you! YOLO! (sorry for saying YOLO, but YOLO)

So, this book is like a rom-com that is more com, with the MC being the Grim Reaper. A sarcastic, funny, slightly crazy Grim Reaper. Who is a private investigator, because why not? She sees dead people and that is very helpful in murder investiga ...more

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Jan 23, 2017 Meredith rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-reads

Guilty pleasure read!

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Apr 20, 2013 Hershey rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: crime-mystery-thriller, heights-of-awesomeness, girl-power, favourites, fun-fun-fun, uf-paranormal

“Never knock on death's door. Ring the doorbell then run. He totally hates that.
- T-shirt”

First Grave on the Right is a concoction of everything. It turned the cliched story line of grim reapers into that of a novelty. Have you ever considered a grim reaper being a cocky girl with an attitude? I certainly didn't.

I found the story line to be fast – paced, filled with humor and mystery. I also found the mixture of characters a little confusing but I got used to it. Jones has created an incred ...more

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Jul 05, 2015 Rachel Reads Ravenously rated it liked it · review of another edition

Recommended to Rachel Reads Ravenously by: Nareh

Shelves: fantasy, 3-stars-aint-the-devil, urban-fantasy, paranormal-romance, paperback, ghosts

3 stars!

“Never knock on death's door. Ring the doorbell then run. He totally hates that.
- T-shirt”

This is where I use this review to rant about Goodreads a bit. 3 stars is NOT A BAD RATING!! I enjoyed reading this so even if you mean well, please do not say sorry or better luck next time . Remember a 3 star rating according to Goodreads means I liked it . 4 stars is for REALLY liked and 5 is for LOVED.

Back to the real part of the review.

Charley Davidson can see dead people. Te ...more

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Apr 07, 2013 Jo ★The Book Sloth★ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, mythology, urban-fantasy, adult, paranormal

This book was so, so, so awesome! I don't know how to describe how happy I am right now!

We have Charley...

Charley is THE Grim Reaper...Not the guy with the black hood and scary face but the 27 year old brunette, full of attitude and snark. Can I just say that Charley went right up there with my favorite heroines? She isn't a badass like Kate Daniels or Elena Deveraux, in fact she mostly gets her ass kicked through the book but she is so full of sarcastic comments and hilarious innate dialogs tha ...more

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Feb 21, 2011 Kat Kennedy rated it liked it

Shelves: romance-romance-romance, death-by-paranormal-romance, kat-s-book-reviews

I got so damn sick of people recommending this book to me. "Sheesh, peeps!" I'd say to myself if I were the kind of person to use the word "Peeps".

"It's $12.69, peeps! I can't afford that!" some alternate universe version of myself would exclaim.

Out of sheer desperation for something to read, I finally buckled and bought it. You know what? I don't totally regret it.

Firstly, I have the most massive crush on Charley. She unequivocally made this novel. She has more personality than a Jung and Bri I got so damn sick of people recommending this book to me. "Sheesh, peeps!" I'd say to myself if I were the kind of person to use the word "Peeps".

"It's $12.69, peeps! I can't afford that!" some alternate universe version of myself would exclaim.

Out of sheer desperation for something to read, I finally buckled and bought it. You know what? I don't totally regret it.

Firstly, I have the most massive crush on Charley. She unequivocally made this novel. She has more personality than a Jung and Briggs typology test.

PI is a popular occupation in the PNR world, so it's hard to rise above that to create an original story that stands out. A lot of what Jones has done here is highly reminiscent of other PNRs/UFs - but it's in the fun characters and interesting story line that Jones' story really shines.

That's not to say it's perfect. For starters, I never felt that there was a huge climatic moment that caused me to sit on the edge of my seat. Because Jones was always so confident and blase about the actual mystery, the action had risen, climaxed and settled in with a good cigarette while I scratched my head and asked, "Is it in yet?"

Then there's Reyes. Okay, Reyes is both a problem and an excellent addition to the book. The problem, mostly, is that he is largely non existent making it difficult for the audience (me) to empathize with Charley's obsession and desire. He just kind of comes around, she claims he gives her orgasms and then doesn't say much. I felt so disconnected to this aspect of the story. Having said that, I loved the IDEA of Reyes. Because, had there been more to his night time visits, had Jones not used up all her personality quota on Charley, then I'm sure I would have loved him.

Jones seemed to spend more time selling the reader on the idea of Reyes. "Hey look, what a great person he is. Here's a story about how he tragically looked after his sister. Here's a story about how lovely he is."

Then when you really meet him it's all monosyllabic grunts and poof! He's gone. I can't express how disappointed I was - because I honestly wanted to adore him. In the end, he was one of the most disappointing aspects of the novel.

In fact, when I said that the book lacked that climax - Reyes lacked it most of all.

Otherwise, a great read! 3 1/2 stars! ...more

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Sep 18, 2017 Phrynne rated it liked it

Shelves: 4000-books

I really liked the premise - a young woman who sees and communicates with the dead and is actually the Grim Reaper. There's a lot of humour of course in her daily interactions with people who no one else can see or hear.
I enjoyed the whole thing very much although Charley's banter teetered on the edge of trying too hard from time to time. There were lots of great characters even the ones like Mr Wong who never did anything but stand in the corner facing the wall.
The story was good but became ve ...more

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Feb 01, 2016 Kels rated it did not like it

Shelves: paranormal, blah, shaking-my-head, slow-pace, snooze-fest, gag, ok-maybe-its-me-too, adult, holy-plot-holes-batman, is-it-over-yet

Oh there's so many reasons why I didn't enjoy this book...

His features darkened. He stepped closer, pressed the length of his body against mine, leaned into me, and whispered in my ear. "What's your name?"
"Charley," I said, suddenly afraid, too afraid not to answer.
...He was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. He was solid and strong and fierce. And vulnerable. "No," I said in a whisper as his fingers drifted down and brushed intrusively over my breasts.
"Have you ever been raped, Dutch?"
...
Oh there's so many reasons why I didn't enjoy this book...

His features darkened. He stepped closer, pressed the length of his body against mine, leaned into me, and whispered in my ear. "What's your name?"
"Charley," I said, suddenly afraid, too afraid not to answer.
...He was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. He was solid and strong and fierce. And vulnerable. "No," I said in a whisper as his fingers drifted down and brushed intrusively over my breasts.
"Have you ever been raped, Dutch?"
..."No," I answered breathlessly.
His cheek brushed across mine as his hand eased back up to lock on my throat. To an ordinary passerby, we would look like lovers playing flirtatiously in the dark.
He forced a hard knee between mine and spread them, gaining access to my most private area. I gasped at the intimate contact as his free hand dipped between my legs, and I knew instinctively I was in way over my head. I grabbed his wrist with both hands.
"Please, stop."
He paused but kept his fingers cupped at my crotch..."

...and this excerpt pretty much sits at the top of my list. If there's one thing that annoys me with the current trend of bad boys as love interests, it's the romanticization of rape or any form of abuse for that matter. It's pretty sick and beyond disturbing. So yeah, the above sentence just left a bad taste in my mouth for the entirety of the book. This is Charlie's first encounter with Reyes (who as a teen threatened her with rape) and I guess that went so well *sarcasm* that she just couldn't picture her life without him. Yeah... no. Nope, nope, nope. So in case it wasn't clear, the romance portion of this book struck out for me.

Another thing that just wasn't working for me was the humor. I mean, Charlie was sassy, sarcastic, and snarky, and I liked her quick wit, but the vast majority of her jokes and comebacks fell so very flat for me. I kept picturing in my head an unfunny comedian standing on the stage getting crickets, and blank stares. Like maybe you're funny in person, but not up on stage. That's the vibe I was getting from her.

Lastly the writing was just so disjointed and it was all so very dull. I'm not exaggerating when I say this book put me to sleep... TWICE!! I'm not even going to bother making sense of the plot, because Holy plot holes, batman! this book makes none.

I only picked up this novel because so many of my GR friends have enjoyed it. Clearly, I'm in the minority on this one. I don't know why, but this book reminds me a lot of the Fever series by Karen Moning. They aren't similar in plot or characters, but the theme and writing in these books just feels comparable to me. So I guess it's no surprise that I didn't enjoy neither, huh? Oh well. On to the next book. ...more

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Oct 31, 2010 Laura rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, goodreads-first-reads, adult-uf-pr

It is rare for me to give a book five stars, because to me, a book can only achieve such a high rating if:

1. It is near perfect.
2. It affects me on a deep, emotional level.
3. I’m biased towards the author and/or series and I’m not capable of remaining objective.

There are books that I have loved unconditionally and books that I have loathed to ever read again, but despite how my tastes may differ from those who share my love for books, I must insist that if you’re a fan of paranormal romance o It is rare for me to give a book five stars, because to me, a book can only achieve such a high rating if:

1. It is near perfect.
2. It affects me on a deep, emotional level.
3. I’m biased towards the author and/or series and I’m not capable of remaining objective.

There are books that I have loved unconditionally and books that I have loathed to ever read again, but despite how my tastes may differ from those who share my love for books, I must insist that if you’re a fan of paranormal romance or urban fantasy, you would be remiss not to read this book! I loved First Grave on the Right. I mean, I REALLY loved this book! It was perfection. Books like this are the reason why I fell in love with this genre to begin with.

First Grave on the Right seamlessly combines mystery/suspense, a romance that sizzles, and an infectious humor that kept me in stitches from beginning to end. The story focuses on Charley Davidson, private investigator and Grim Reaper extraordinaire. She is smart, sassy, and possesses a steadfast determination that has gotten her into trouble more often than not. She also has a penchant for naming her extraneous parts (and not so extraneous parts) with names that are sure to give you a chuckle. Armed with the ability to see dead people, Charley helps both the living and dead seek justice and find closure. It also doesn’t hurt that when she is in a bind, she has a quirky assistant, a sexy skip tracer, and a mysterious supernatural entity dubbed the “Big Bad” to help her whenever trouble is hot on her trail.

Encountering ghosts on a regular basis and helping them find their way to the other side is to be expected of the one and only Grim Reaper, but Charley never expected to experience an intense passion with a mysterious spirit that visits her only in her dreams. The spirit is described as being beautiful, but it is his slow seduction of Charley and the fleeting kisses and touches that they share that had me weak in the knees. I also enjoyed Charley’s love/hate relationship with the skip tracer, Garrett. Their flirtatious banter is amusing and I couldn’t help but root for the guy since he was so clearly smitten with her. Love triangles are a guilty pleasure of mine and I was pleased to discover that I liked both men and would be happy with whomever she ends up with.

I insist that everyone devour this book at the first available opportunity. It was truly a fantastic read. My only regret about winning it on Goodreads First Reads Giveaways is that now I will have to wait that much longer to get my hands on the sequel! If you’re looking to start the new year with a phenomenal paranormal romance, I suggest starting with this one! First Grave on the Right has an intriguing plot with plenty of twists and surprises that will keep you guessing, many memorable laugh out loud moments, and a romance that will entice even the most frigid of hearts. ...more

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Nov 14, 2012 Marina rated it it was amazing

Shelves: all-things-paranormal, kick-ass-heroes-heroines, contemporary-fiction, delicious-bad-boys, funny-and-easy-reads, in-one-word-good, favorites

Where have you been all my life.

Yes, this review is going to have a lot of BOLD lettering.
My mind is currently blown away and thus, unavailable.

Charley Davidson.

Wow.
To all future heroines,
The standards have been upped to overflowing capacity.
Kindly settle for lower positions.

I cannot stress enough how AWESOME this book is.
I'm simply reeling in feelings of literary bliss.

“I stood and walked around the desk so I could stand over him. Menacingly. Like Darth Vader, only with better lung capacity.”

“ Where have you been all my life.

Yes, this review is going to have a lot of BOLD lettering.
My mind is currently blown away and thus, unavailable.

Charley Davidson.

Wow.
To all future heroines,
The standards have been upped to overflowing capacity.
Kindly settle for lower positions.

I cannot stress enough how AWESOME this book is.
I'm simply reeling in feelings of literary bliss.

“I stood and walked around the desk so I could stand over him. Menacingly. Like Darth Vader, only with better lung capacity.”

“You rented the apartment with a dead guy in the corner?” I shrugged. “I wanted the apartment, and I figured I could cover him up with a bookcase or something.”

“I have three words for you," EMT Guy said. "Possible internal bleeding."

I turned back to him. "Don't you think if I was bleeding internally, I'd know somewhere deep inside? Like, internally?”

My point is that this book is so good I wanted to cry just from the sheer fabulousness. And I know this isn't even a word but I really don't care at this point. It gives you a person you would kill to have in your life, it lets you move slowly into and around the intriguing plot, and then:

Reyes Alexander Farrow.

That's about the point you start stumbling on your gaping jaw.
Ever heard of the expression "less is more"?
Well, this proves that for a couple to breath out the most intense sexual attraction, there is no need for 2,153 sex scenes.

“Who’s Dutch?” Uncle Bob asked, gesturing toward the monitor, and my breath caught in my throat. Though I hadn’t touched it, the screen was now black. In the center sat that one solitary word followed by a blinking cursor, and relief flooded me so completely, I thought I would slide off the chair. Reyes. Reyes Alexander Farrow was alive. I stared a long time at the nickname he’d given me the day I was born, wondering if he could still come to me, if we could still be together. Then I felt him brush across my mouth, and I knew my life would never be the same again.

Seriously, go read it.
Then we can all wander around with stupid smiles on our faces together. ...more

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Jan 14, 2019 DJ Sakata rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: humor, netgallery, mystery, paranormal-romance

Favorite Quotes:

My stepmother was never big on the whole nurturing thing. I think she used up all the good stuff on my older sister, and by the time she got to me, she was fresh out of nurture. She did, however, give me one pertinent bit of 411. She was the one who informed me that I had the attention span of a gnat; only, she said I had the attention span of a gnat with selective listening. At least I think that’s what she said. I wasn’t listening.

Maybe I needed sensitivity training. I once sig ...more

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Mar 20, 2011 UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: recd-by-jr-ward, first-in-series-trilogy-duet, format-hard-cover, pnr-grim-reaper, format-audio-book, 5-stars, 2013-reads, witty-dialog, author-darynda-jones, murder-mystery-whodunit

This review discusses the audio book qualities, as well as the actual story.

First Grave on the Right is the first book in Darynda Jones’s Charley Davidson series, and the world Ms. Jones has created is intriguing, exciting, and unique. I thoroughly enjoyed Lorelei King’s narration and her ability to give such distinctive voices to the many characters. She brings them to life with humor, passion, and a deeply profound poignancy that completely took me by surprise.

On the Cover: Charley sees dead

This review discusses the audio book qualities, as well as the actual story.

First Grave on the Right is the first book in Darynda Jones’s Charley Davidson series, and the world Ms. Jones has created is intriguing, exciting, and unique. I thoroughly enjoyed Lorelei King’s narration and her ability to give such distinctive voices to the many characters. She brings them to life with humor, passion, and a deeply profound poignancy that completely took me by surprise.

On the Cover: Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an Entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely.

I’m a huge fan of paranormal romance, but lately I’ve not found much in the genre that grabs hold, keeps hold, and has me coming back for more. There’s just too much of the same old stuff out there, but that’s not the case here. I love the fact that Charley Davidson isn’t just a full time Grim Reaper, but she’s also a part-time PI who uses her “other-side” connections to help her solve cases. Of course there’s a lot of humor involved because no one else can see or hear the people and the voices that Charley can, but I was also blown away by the depth of emotion at points in the story.

And those who know me well know I wouldn’t have even given this book a second thought had there not been a love interest of some kind. And while I can’t call this a happily ever after romance – yet – there’s definitely something developing between Charley and the very hot, very tormented, otherworldly male named Reyes Farrow.

The bottom line: I’m absolutely thrilled with this story, and whether you read the book or listen to the audio version, I highly recommend it to fans of paranormal romance. It’s not too light, not too dark, and definitely sexy. And while there's no cliffhanger, it left me dying to find out what's going to happen next with Charley and Reyes! ...more

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Jun 03, 2011 new_user rated it liked it

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Where was the laugh track, Jones? Darynda Jones litters First Grave on the Right with her sometime witty, sometime corny humor.

"You're about as inconspicuous as a monster truck at an exotic car show."

Wince. I don't mind bad analogies in lieu of clichés. At least she didn't say "a sheep among wolves." Jones owns her narrative; the formula doesn't own her. Put that on a plaque. But she really needs some restraint. Jokes continue as she's fleeing a murderer or dying from blood loss until you just Where was the laugh track, Jones? Darynda Jones litters First Grave on the Right with her sometime witty, sometime corny humor.

"You're about as inconspicuous as a monster truck at an exotic car show."

Wince. I don't mind bad analogies in lieu of clichés. At least she didn't say "a sheep among wolves." Jones owns her narrative; the formula doesn't own her. Put that on a plaque. But she really needs some restraint. Jokes continue as she's fleeing a murderer or dying from blood loss until you just want to take her aside and say, "Darynda. Give it a rest."

That killed the mood a little, but I probably wouldn't have rated Grave three stars if the narrative didn't focus so much on heroine Charley's fixation on a boy she met in high school. She pines after her one crummy memory of him threatening her with rape (for a good cause!). I don't get it; I remember high school boys. Years later, this boy grown up is fantasy fodder. He protects her faithfully, he invades her dreams, he wordlessly saves the day and conveniently poofs out of existence again when he isn't needed. Dude doesn't speak until the last chapter- excuse me, second to last chapter. He is just a fantasy. I was embarrassed for him.

Since the "romance" was a focus of Grave, that meant that I was not convinced of one of the novel's key claims. I could see Jones exploiting this and saving the series if Charley decided in the sequel, Second Grave on the Left , that hey, I don't really know this guy, and endured all the trials of a relationship as whatshisface and Charley learned about each other. Or if she realized hey, I actually know this other guy Garrett beside me and he's cool and he's into me too, forget the ghost. Since, however, Charley ends the book madly in love, I doubt it.

Grave also includes a carefully seeded plumbing of Charley's history throughout the novel for those of you who like full immersion, so that we are discovering her -kudos- and a complete murder mystery (despite rumors to the contrary). However, these take a distinct backseat to Charley and her prop- er, fantasy- er, man. It's not a mystery novel.

His poofing in and out is pretty cool though. And his killing with the smoke and the blades. Like something out of Mortal Kombat. (I have Mortal Kombat on the mind.) ...more

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Dec 13, 2013 Sh3lly (GrumpyBookGrrrl.com) rated it it was ok

Shelves: maybe-its-just-me, everyone-loved-it-but-me, 2-stars, urban-fantasy

DNF 43%.

Ok, it must just be me. I can't get into this. It's not that it's bad writing. Occasionally, there's an awesome witty zinger, but everything in-between is Snoozeville for me.

Lots of people love this series. I just can't muster up anything for Charley and her investigative case or her seeing ghosts. Reyes seems intriguing, but he's still just a whisper in the plot at this point. Meh. :(

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May 28, 2013 Navessa added it

Shelves: urban-fantasy, dnf, books-everyone-loves-but-i-hate

Too much

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Sep 16, 2012 Keertana rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: did-not-finish, why-the-hype

Usually, when I wind up disliking a book the masses have loved, I am the last person to be surprised. I do, after all, have a penchance for being the black sheep; a tendency, if you will, to rarely give out high ratings. With First Grave on the Right, though, I don't think anyone is more surprised than I am. Unfortunately, this novel is a clear cut case of 'it's not you, it's me.'

Quite honestly, I am still struggling to come to terms with the fact that I did not enjoy this book, or as much of t Usually, when I wind up disliking a book the masses have loved, I am the last person to be surprised. I do, after all, have a penchance for being the black sheep; a tendency, if you will, to rarely give out high ratings. With First Grave on the Right, though, I don't think anyone is more surprised than I am. Unfortunately, this novel is a clear cut case of 'it's not you, it's me.'

Quite honestly, I am still struggling to come to terms with the fact that I did not enjoy this book, or as much of this book as I read. Jones has written a hilarious, engaging, and perfectly fun paranormal romance and, against all odds, all I found myself doing was finding fault with it. I suppose, technically speaking though, this book is flawless. Charley Davidson, the protagonist of our tale, is intelligent, brave, and witty. With every word that flies out of her mouth, you can't help but love her and, to top that all off, she's the Grim Reaper, responsible for convincing ghosts to leave the waking world and pass through her into the light. Add to that mix a sexy guy who gives Charley erotic dreams and who may or may not be a ghost and we have on our hands a perfect novel.

Or so it would seem. In reality, I found that the famed humor of this series got old - quickly. Sure, Charley is snarky and her dialogue will ensure you don't fall asleep, but the conversation lacks depth. In fact, for a Private Investigator, Charley does less investigating and more ogling. Not only does she seemingly have facts handed to her because she can talk to ghosts, but she has no problem walking around talking to thin air and looking like a maniac. Granted, she doesn't do this in public all the time, but it seemed odd to me that only three-four people knew of her gift when she flaunted it everywhere like a madwoman. It simply screamed unrealistic and for some reason, I was unable to move on past that, imagining Charley talking to the air while other people stood staring at her in a room. Hmm...

Even more than that, though, is the fact that the romance in this novel is seriously...odd? It seems as if there's a bit of a love triangle at first with Charley utterly intent on finding the guy of her dreams, Reyes, while her co-worker is bent on dating her. Nevertheless, it's obvious from the beginning that there is only one man for Charley, but I never felt invested in this aspect of the story at all. For one, Reyes and Charley have only met once and that was years ago when Charley helped fend off a man who was beating him, only to have Reyes threaten her with rape if she didn't leave him soon afterward. Of course, Reyes was only looking out for his younger sister and his actions can be forgiven - I guess - but either than seeing him as a figment of Charley's dreams, a mist that followed her and make her knees weak, there didn't seem to be much to him.

Ultimately, though, this novel lost my interest, turned me off with its constant humor, and I wasn't exactly the biggest fan of Charley or the writing style, especially the manner in which the murder mystery in this case was tackled. A story of three lawyers all dying on the same night is fascinating, but throw in a ghost who discusses the hotness of Charley's co-workers with her and all seriousness is lost. I guess you need to really love humor and especially urban fantasy-lite to be a fan of this series and I guess I'm just one of those few people who doesn't. Regardless, I'd encourage readers who plan to read Darynda Jones to give this series a try. With such a huge fan base of lovers, there's clearly something wrong with me.

You can read this review and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings. ...more

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May 13, 2011 Heather C rated it really liked it

Shelves: cloud

This was an awesome paranormal-romance-urban-fantasy-mystery-comedy

It had a little bit of everything that I love!

What I loved:

♦ Charley: She was hilarious with the "attention span of a gnat"! She's an awesome heroine and reminded me a little of Stephanie Plum. She's kick-ass and hilarious.

♦ Reyes: He was yummy, hot, and delicious. (See sexy man photos below ↓ Thanks, Cayce!!)

♦ Swopes: If there was no Reyes I would take Swopes for myself!

♦ The lawyers: Even though they kinda made me sad :(

♦ ...more

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Aug 18, 2011 Duchess Nicole rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2013, library, genre-urban-fantasy, romantic-elements, e-pcs, z-audiobooks

No time to be thorough with my review, so this will be a quickie:

-- I knew I'd love this because I had it recommended to me by no less than five of my reader friends. It's official: they know me well!!

-- Charley is freaking awesome! Despite the fact that she's the grim reaper...it doesn't get much more awesome than that...she's also such a fun person. Her battle with morningtime routine and the whole getting out of bed process was worth reading the whole book

-- Ummm...Reyes?!?! Yes, please! He's ...more

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First Grave on the Right

(Charley Davidson #1)

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