Second Grave on the Left

Charley Davidson, Book 2

By: Darynda Jones

Narrated by: Lorelei King

Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper Extraordinaire, is back in this sexy, suspenseful novel of supernatural shenanigans.

When Charley is rudely awakened in the middle of the night by her best friend who tells her to get dressed quickly and tosses clothes out of the closet at her, she can’t help but wonder what Cookie’s up to. Leather scrunch boots with a floral miniskirt? Together? Seriously?

Cookie explains that a friend of hers named Mimi disappeared five days earlier and that she just got a text from her setting up a meet at a coffee shop downtown. They show up at the coffee shop, but no Mimi. But Charley finds a message on the bathroom wall. Mimi left a clue, a woman’s name. Mimi’s husband explains that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old friend of hers from high school had been found murdered a couple weeks prior. The same woman Mimi had named in her message.

Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He’s left his body because he’s being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can’t let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they’ll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven… well, let’s just say it wouldn’t be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Will Cookie ever get a true fashion sense? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel them as they do?

Here is your signpost for the most hilarious listen of the summer: Second Grave on the Left.

Also listen to the first book, First Grave on the Right©2011 Darynda Jones (P)2011 Macmillan Audio

Where the heck does Jones come up with this stuff!

The humor in these books is so over-the-top ridiculous that you’ll spend a good chunk of your time wondering where the heck does Jones come up with this stuff! For example, I met Will Robinson and Danger in First Grave on the Right but in this installment Darynda names even more of Charley’s body parts. Priceless. Expect to laugh and to keep on laughing because Second Grave on the Left is better than 9.5 hours of live stand-up comedy!

Charley has a mouth on her like you wouldn’t believe; I could listen to her wise cracks all day long. She could even make a funeral entertaining, seriously! Her personality, fearlessness and saucy wit have sold me on the merits of this series. I also like how even though she’s a Grim Reaper she’s not indestructible; Davidson loses more scraps than she wins which is oddly refreshing in the world of Urban Fantasy.

Cookie is one of the better fictional sidekicks that I’ve encountered; not only does she have Charley’s back but her ditziness makes me laugh without trying too hard. Her faux pas’ aren’t stereotypical because they’re few and far between which keeps her character from becoming annoying but when she does goof, it’s spectacular. There’s this one scene that’s been on constant replay in my mind since I finished this book because it’s just too funny. The main plot revolves around one of Cookie’s friends so she takes a more active role in Davidson’s investigation this time around and I hope that this continues because I think that she really adds something extra to the story.

There’s only one thing that can make an already talented author’s writing even better and that’s a gifted narrator. Lorelei King’s portrayal of Charley is beyond memorable; her witty tone and colourful reading puts the little voice inside my head to shame. You really do get the best of both worlds with the audiobook version of this tale. There’s also a couple of extras that make it even more irresistible including an interview with the author conducted by King and a preview of the next installment.

I do have a few beefs with book 2 though; namely that it doesn’t contribute to the overall story arc of this series and that there weren’t enough Grim Reaper tidbits for my liking. As a result, this novel felt more like a snarky P.I. murder investigation as opposed to a story about THE angel of death; slightly disappointing but still entertaining nonetheless. The dream state sex between Charley and Reyes is also starting to bug me; it’s good but I’m itching for the day when they knock boots in real life.

Darynda Jones and Lorelei King are a winning combo that can’t be beat which makes Second Grave on the Left an essential listen for all audiobook junkies.

Snark gets tiresome

Every second sentence tries to be a metaphor or a joke. It might seem light, but it gets tiresome trying to understand what's happening and backtracking all the time. The story doesn't progress much, but it is promising. Unfortunately the MC becomes unsympathetic as we get to know her. I dropped the series here.

Terrific Series & wonderful narrator!

SO glad the third book is out! I already bought it and downloaded it, ready for another fun, fast-paced, well-written tale of Charley---a great character.

Lorelei King performs this series so beautifully that I can't imagine any other voice. She really does a marvelous job of defining each character and infusing the perfect blend of wit, sarcasm and feeling into Charley. She really makes this book come alive.

LOVED IT!

Love this book! Truely has it all!

Would you listen to Second Grave on the Left again? Why?

Yes! I couldn't wait to start the next book!

What did you like best about this story?

It has it all! Love, action, paranormal activity!

What does Lorelei King bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I was able to see the story from the perspective of each character.

Love it!

As always, funny and captivating. This is a great series. Can't wait to listen to the next one.

Second Grave on the Left

Super funny and entertaining, I just love this series. Charlie is a real riot! I would definitely recommend this book and series. I can't wait to get the next in the series.

Excellent Narrator!

Liked this twist these characters present

I really liked this series. Reminds me of Janet Evanovich's "Stephanie Plum series"--which I find highly entertaining. Hope to see more from this writer

Best type of different

Love this series! I am listening for the 3rd time in the last 2 years. Lots of twists and turns. You don't always know what is coming and I love that. Too many books are like so many others or you already know what is going to happen without finishing it. Boring! This is not that kind of book. This author has such an awesome and relatable character base as Charlie and her friends take the cake. Personality wise she says out loud what we all just think. Hilarious and fun. Keeps you on your toes. Love this author and one of my favorite narrators. I highly recommend!

Second Grave on the left

I like this book. It is entertaining. Keeps you listening. Looking forward to listening to the next one.

Perfection

Lorelei King is an amazing narrator and brings to life Charlie and the rest of the characters. I read this series when it was released and this is not only like visiting a best friend, but having a new insight to the friendship. Second Grave on the Left is amazing and worth the time.