Grim Reaper Charley Davidson is back in the final installment of Darynda Jones’ New York Times bestselling paranormal series–Summoned to Thirteenth Grave. Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper extraordinaire, is pissed. She’s been kicked off the earthly plane for eternity -which is exactly the amount of time it takes to make a person stark, raving mad. But someone’s looking out for her, and she’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 her daughter. She’s missed Reyes. She’s missed Cookie and Garrett and Uncle Bob. 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 for a broken heart? It all comes to a head in an epic showdown between good and evil in this final smart and hilarious novel.
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OMG! What an explosive and stunning conclusion to the Charley Davidson world! While readers may be disappointed that the series is ending, there is no way for readers to be disappointed in this climatic ending that is such an unexpected outcome! Readers also can’t help but agree that ending the series with the thirteenth book is quite appropriate as the number thirteen has such notoriety to it. The strong, bold characters of this series have continuously wowed readers with fun, sass, and thrills throughout this excellent series and they fulfill their reputation in the final book as they all come together to save the world.
The relationship between Reyes and Charley has always been unique and passionate and the conclusion of this book keeps that tradition going which invokes numerous emotions from readers but they have to admit that it is quite fitting. As always, the story is full of adrenaline pumping suspense, excitement and sass that readers have come to love although this book may actually surpass the overall explosive and thrilling feel of the previous stories. Maybe that’s because the series is ending or maybe it’s because of the whole world ending danger that flows throughout this fast paced story. While readers may be sorry to see Charley go, they can’t wait to find out what the author has in store for readers next.
This is the 13th and last book in the Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper urban fantasy romance series. I LOVE this series even though there can be violence and disturbing scenes while Charley is solving crimes and saving the world. The humor in the series is hilarious, and the characters are wonderful. It’s very sad that this is the last book, but I’m hoping that there will be another series once a young character in the series grows up to take one the devil’s army.
This is the last book in the Charlie Davidson Series and I was heartbroken to see it end. I loved every book in this series, and there is no one like Charlie and her posse of friends. And, Sweet Baby Jesus, when the author created Reyes Farrow, she created a masterpiece. Loved, loved, loved this series!
This being the last book I wasn’t disappointed. I will miss these characters. I have grown to love and enjoy these characters. I hope Darynda Jones writes more books like these. Being 13 books I wasn’t bored and I felt like these characters are more then characters but family.
About book:
Charley Davidson returns from another world to find things in a uproar. And trying to fix things and still save her friends and family. It was amazing way the author made Charley say goodbye to some of her closest friends.
Well this is it … the last book. A bitter sweet good bye to a great series that I loved so much.
Of course being the last book in the series it is hard to review without spoiling it but I will try and make it short and to the point.
We start off with Charley still being banished but shortly in, she gets freed and we get a steamy welcome home with Reyes.
He informs her shortly after what is happening and they have limited to save the world, but like all the previous book that is not enough so Charley gets a few more things to deal with, including a possible serial murder on the loose.
In order to solve one mystery she must find out what really happened the night she was born and we soon discover that there is a lot we didn’t know.
To be honest it did not feel like the last book until we get three quarters into the book. It just feels like most of the previous books and we get her and her gang together working on saving the world once again…
Likewise with humor, we get plenty of humor throughout the book even being one of the darker or scarier books in the series and let’s not forget the romance that plays a part of it.
About at the 75% into the book we start to get the, this is it, this is the final book vibe. It is do or die time, literally.
Also this is full of surprises, some of the BIGGEST twists are happening in this book. There were moments I was crying and then like …”wait … what?!?!” a minute later. Even after finishing the book I still was not over some of the surprises or shocks I should say we learned.
Everything gets tied up in its very own fitting way, depending on who or what….
I shed plenty of tears reading this book, some happy tears others not so much but overall I was happy and satisfied with how it ended …… even though the last line of the book about drove me …. Crazy.
I will miss Charley and crew so much and still am sad this is the final book, but I hope we will see them again sometime in maybe novella or maybe even a spin off.
Overall, I really loved this book and thought it was a great ending to an even better series. Farewell my friends, I will miss you….
I rate it full 5
We find Charlie returning to earth after being kicked off for 100 years, and lets just say she isn’t happy. She thought it was for eternity but now that she is back there are a multitude of questions that she wants answers for. What happened to her mom, will she ever see her daughter or Reyes again, and what about the rest of her family? Follow along in Charlies journey and find the answers that we all seek to her questions. Will the answers bring her closure along with the readers or will we all be heartbroken in the end? I’ve loved Charlies story from the beginning and hate that it has to end but I can’t be upset with how it was written and understand when an author must move on. In this last book of the series the author truly doesn’t disappoint, with amazing twists and turns throughout she delivered an ending that could only be Charlies.
One could not have asked for a better ending to the series. (Although, that last sentence…what the heck?!) Loose ends were tied up and questions answered. An epic battle, a case solved, old friends reunited. Darynda does not pull any punches, if it belongs in the story, it will happen. Just when you think she wouldn’t dare “go there”, she does!
Loved the series. Loved this book.
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!
Wow! I am blown away! This is the final book in the Charley Davidson series, and I love the way it ended. As you can probably guess, I really can’t say too much as I don’t want to give away anything. However, I can say the book is filled with moments of great joy, terrible heartache, unexpected revelations, and, of course, wonderful writing. I love the way the series wrapped up, and I am pretty sure the series will continue with Beep, especially with the very last sentence…or should I say question? I can’t say good enough things about this last installment. I do recommend if you haven’t read the first 12, do so before reading this one! You won’t regret one minute of it! I highly recommend this book and this series; both are great! I was provided the e-book which I voluntarily reviewed.
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.
I didn’t know how Darynda Jones would end the series, especially with the way the last book ended. But she pulled it off and I loved all the unexpected twists and turns.
Charley has been allowed to return to Earth, after only 100 years in exile (she expected it to be permanent). Now she has a host of problems to solve, questions to find answers to, and lots of cups of coffee to make up for those 100 years spent in another plane (one without coffee). Plus all of my favorite characters make an appearance, a wonderful send off.
Over the years I’ve become so fond of Charlie – her snark, the way she names everything in her life (body parts and possessions), and her good heart. She never hesitates to put herself in danger to save others. Reyes is amazing; his love for Charlie, the way he protects her, his surprisingly nice side, plus he is an amazing cook.
OMG!!!! What an ending to the most amazing series ever!!! I cannot believe it is over and how she ended this with a very big unanswered question……Where is Osh?
Charley is back from banishment after “One hundred seven years, two months, fourteen days, twelve hours, and thirty-three minutes.” What does she find upon her return, The Shade. The Shade is spreading out of the hell dimension she accidentally opened and it is taking over Albuquerque. People are infected with demons and going crazy.
After a heartfelt reunion with the gang, Charley must come up with a plan to save Albuquerque and the infected. But in true form, there are many unknowns, with plenty of heart stopping twists. On the edge of my seat, I followed along as Charley embarks on her biggest challenge yet. And boy is it a dozy. It may just be her last.
Reyes and Charley are the most sexual and hot couple out there in the paranormal world. Being Gods is just a bonus in their book. I love these two characters and the adventures they have embarked on together. The fit together like two perfect puzzle pieces. Working together to save humanity and Beep. They were made for one another….literally.
Charley Davidson and Reyes Farrow: That thing that happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object. —True fact
This book holds true to form with the funny chapter headings as well. I love the funny memes, t-shirt quotes, bumper stickers and facts. They really crack me up. Not to mention true to Darynda form, these books are full of funny sarcasm that will have you in stitches. Let us not forget Charley’s addiction to coffee. That will never change no matter what celestial plane she is on.
I’m not really into the whole “rise and shine” thing. Most days I just caffeinate and hope for the best. —Bumper sticker
I got to say, being the last book in the series Darynda really socked it to her readers. There were thrills, chills and tears galore. Throughout this whole series she has completely captivated her audience and kept us all addicted. I can’t imagine a world without Charley and the gang. And it seems I may not have to. With an ending like this one, there is only one way to go from here…..a spin off series. So as an avid fan, I will sit back, hope and pray that this is truly not the end. Please, please, please let this continue in some way or form known best as spin off.
Darynda is a fantastic story writer, full of imagination and excellent writing skills. Her books are highly addictive. She has this way of creating a world that you could get lost in. A world full of amazing characters you can’t help but fall in love with. Her books are amazing adventures full of fun, danger and romance. Beautiful creations.
Bravo Darynda for another job well done. If I could give this book a million trillion stars I would. I absolutely love this series and am sad to see it end. But all great things must come to an end. It is sad to see the end, but here’s to looking forward to new beginnings.
I don’t know how to say goodbye to Charley and Reyes and gang. Knowing this is the last book in the series just breaks my heart. It is so unusual for an author to show such a quirky unique sense of humor, such an unusual group of characters or such a knack for drawing you in until you feel as is you are a part of their group. To say goodbye is like leaving friends never to see them again, knowing you will never have a group of friends like them again.
Charley and Reyes truly have their work cut out for them this time, and well they should if it’s the last mess Charley gets them into! The whole world ties together in this final volume. The beginning to the end brings you to a cohesive, conclusive finale, allowing you to say a final goodbye without wondering what the heck happened. For once, we know exactly what happened. We may not like that it ends, but we do at least understand how they got where they ended up.
I’m hoping against hope that Darynda will continue with some peripheral characters, at least, so we don’t lose track of everyone in the Charley Davidson universe. There are always people who’s lives continue that we would love to follow. Hopefully Darynda won’t give up on them all completely. Hopefully I’ll be able to reunite with some old friends from this universe and be allowed to follow their lives with the same sense of fun and excitement that was such a part of the lives of Charley and Reyes.
Thank you, Darynda Jones, for bringing me this world, for allowing me to live in it for these many years, and for your absolutely unique sense of humor that has given me more laughs than I can count. I aspire to be as much a smartalec as Charley. She is my hero of the goofy smartmouth!
So so Very Well Done, Darynda, so very very well done. The Charley Davidson series will be sorely missed!
I received this book as an ARC, and I am reviewing this honestly, in my own words and of my own volition.
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.
It is hard to review this book without a spoiler. I knew going into this, it was the last of this series. The signature snark and steam are there, along with the regular workings of serial killers, legacy evil and of course the end of the world, all typical of a Charley book. However, this is the last, so there are a few twists and turns that are unexpected, but the end is ….. well, you will just have to read the book to find out. Charley, your snark, humor and idioms will be missed.
ONE OF THE MOST LIFE CHANGING SERIES EVER HAS FINALLY COME TO ONE EPIC, JAW-DROPPING END!
Summoned To Thirteenth Grave is intense with breath-catching, heart stopping twists, laugh till it hurts humor, our favorite lovable characters and a stupendous plot! I DEVOURED this book in a little over a day and LOVED every minute of it while simultaneously feeling a twinge of sadness to see one of my most favorite series to ever hit my kindle come to an end. But dang, what a way to go. This story is EVERYTHING AND THEN SOME! Its PERFECT and worth reading again at least once a month.
Summoned To Thirteenth Grave gets a JAW-DROPPING TEN GAZILLION SHINNING, TWINKLING STARS!
This was my 7 year trip into this author’s world. I can’t believe we’ve come to an end…and what’s with that ending?! It’s taken me a couple of days to think about this before penning a review. I don’t think I can do it justice. I think there is an opening here for a new series with Beep…what is the author up to I wonder?
I’m going to miss all these characters, their crazy lives of chaos.
I’ve gone back to reread book one that I originally read in 2011 to see how it all started.
I have to add here the author’s memes and sayings at the beginning of each chapter cracked me up. “Librarians may come across as meek and docile, but do not ruin a book. Or Three” ….no kidding says this Library Officer lol
4.5 stars–SUMMONED TO THE THIRTEENTH GRAVE is the thirteenth and final instalment in Darynda Jones’ contemporary, adult CHARLEY DAVIDSON urban fantasy series focusing on part time private investigator, full-time grim reaper, and omnipotent god Charley Davidson. SUMMONED TO THE THIRTEENTH GRAVE should be not read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book twelve – THE TROUBLE WITH TWELFTH GRAVE.
NOTE: If you have not read the previous instalments there may be some spoilers in my review.
SOME BACKGROUND: The Charley Davidson series is the continuing story of Charley Davidson’s life as the Grim Reaper and private investigator; the corporeal spirits who have yet to pass; and the man to whom she has pledged her undying love-the son of Satan-Reyes Alexander Farrow. Charley has recently discovered she and her hunky husband Reyes Farrow aka the Son of Satan, are gods-powerful, omnipotent beings whose futures, along with their infant daughter Elwyn Alexandra (aka Little Beep) are destined to either destroy the world, or bring peace to the heavens and earth.
Told from first person point of view (Charley Davidson) SUMMONED TO THE THIRTEENTH GRAVE follows Charley and her husband Reyes as they try to stop the end of the world. At the end of THE TROUBLE WITH TWELFTH GRAVE Charley was sent to one of the ‘Hell dimensions’ for disobeying the Almighty’s directives, after Reyes accidentally opened a portal to Hell allowing Lucifer’s minions access to this world. Upon her return to Earth’s dimension, Charley and Reyes must uncover the source of the illness and demonic possession of a number of people in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as Charley is pursued by a not-so-otherworldly spirit. As Charley’s group of intrepid friends are brought together in preparation to ‘bug out’ of Albuquerque, they begin to establish a timeline, and commence their own investigation into the who, how and why including the appearance of a young boy who may or may not have already departed to the great beyond. What ensues are Charley and Reyes’ attempts to destroy that which cannot be destroyed, and the realization that our leading couple may have to sacrifice themselves to save the people they love.
All of the major plotline, secondary and supporting characters from the previous twelve books make an appearance or say goodbye: Cookie and Ubie, Amber and Quentin, Garrett Swopes, Charley’s sister Gemma, former slave demon Osh, Rocket and his sister Blue, gang-banger Angel, Strawberry Shortcake, Mr. Wong, Officer David Taft, FBI Special Agent Kit Carson, Artemis the dog, and three members of the Bandits MC: Donovan, Michael and Eric. I am going to miss these colorful and charismatic friends but the author has plans for a spin-off, and I am hoping for the reappearance of many of the aforementioned characters although some of their stories have come to a close.
As per Darynda’s style of writing, the back and forth interaction between characters is energetic and playful. The author’s use of euphemisms, sarcasm and sass are fun are blindingly entertaining and, on their own, are worth the price of admission. SUMMONED TO THE THIRTEENTH GRAVE answers some of Charley’s most heart breaking questions including the circumstances surrounding her mother’s death, and the birth of a god.
SUMMONED TO THE THIRTEENTH GRAVE is an exciting but bittersweet conclusion to Charley and Reyes’ story. Most of our questions have been answered but there remain a number of open –ended pathways that continue to meander in different directions: Osh and Beep, Quentin and Amber, and my favorite MC member Donovan and the Bandits. Beep’s army remains behind to protect their charge as Charley and Reyes come to an understanding as to what must be done. SUMMONED TO THE THIRTEENTH GRAVE is a dramatic and entertaining ensemble storyline.
I randomly picked up Summoned to Thirteenth Grave because of it’s cover. I thought it was fairly cool and with a quick skim through the blurb I just went for it. And now I am totally kicking myself for not paying more attention to the statement ‘back in the final installment’. *Thunks head on desk. Dang it! I just read the LAST book in the series, one that I haven’t read any of the previous books. I mean, it’s not like I haven’t jumped into a series after it’s started before. But to read the last book to what looks to be a great series…? Ugh.
Despite being clueless about all the characters and the story plot, I got to say I loved it. Charley is a strong protagonist and exactly the type I thoroughly enjoy. There are quite a few characters to absorb and it looks like the author is busy tidying up all their stories. The book is infused with humor, excitement and what is probably jaw dropping moments for followers of the series. That said, I am so lost, and it is completely my fault. I know I will need to start it from the beginning to get the full impact of this finally book because there’s a feel to it that will be a spin-off with Beep.
So there you have it folks. Don’t do what I did and read this series from the beginning. Summoned to Thirteenth Grave was a fun exciting adventure but it definitely would have been so much better had I know what was going on. I do have to say Darynda Jones is an amazing author, one that I will be adding to my one-click list, so this little oopsie of mine was not a complete loss.
Stars: 4
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What an ending to such a great series! I just can’t believe it is over. This was a good ending. I feel like things got wrapped up nicely. There were some tears along with laughter. I highly recommend this whole series!