Third Grave Dead Ahead

Charley Davidson is back and she’s drinking copious amounts of caffeine to stay awake because Reyes Farrow, the part- human, part- supermodel son of Satan is a bit angry and haunting her every sleeping moment. Now she has to solve a missing persons case, deal with ego-driven doctor, cam her curmudgeonly dad, and take on a motorcycle game while being sleep deprived and set as bait once again.

Once again, the saucy and snarky Charley Davidson has readers eager for another visit from the Grim Reaper in this mega suspenseful and splendidly delightful read. All the characters in this series are strong and full of vibrant life that make it easy for readers to not only connect with them but wanting them to extend their time with them as much as they can. Charley, herself is a fun ‘knock them dead’ heroine that reader can enjoy and live vicariously through with her wicked wit and feisty attitude. The chemistry between her and Reyes burns with lots of fire and sparks fly in every direction in their unconventional yet passionate relationship.

The plot is fast paced and full of exhilarating suspense that has readers turning the pages in anticipation of the next thrilling moment and with Charley’s busy, chaotic life there is never a dull moment to be found. The perfect blend of humor and suspense makes this book a dynamite read that readers can’t get enough of. New characters bring more excitement and adrenaline pumping thrills to the story while recurring characters continue to add their own brand of spice and sauce to the story and readers find themselves locking out the world in order to get the full enjoyable and entertaining experience of this fabulous read.

Oh I love this series more and more as it progresses!

We are back! Today we’re looking at Third Grave Dead Ahead, book #3 in the Charley Davidson series and since I have already read all the way through book #4, I can tell you that Third Grave Dead Ahead was BY FAR my favorite book in this series.

One word: Insomnia! Charley is normally one of the funniest characters I have ever read. Her biting sarcasm and odd way of looking at the world really make for some hilarious moments. Well, you take that normally funny character, add coffee and take away sleep. Yeah, you’re totally going laugh so hard you’ll shoot coffee out of your nose. Third Grave was definitely the funniest book in this series so far. Charley’s attitude, temperament and reasoning when she’s running on no sleep is gut-busting kind of funny.

I did notice something in this book that we didn’t really run into with the first two books. Third Grave has a lot more story rehashing. See, I love series books. Always have. I don’t need a book to be standalone and sometimes I prefer that it isn’t. As long as the book is part of a series, I start at the beginning. I know not everyone does this and that is why series books always have a little bit of rehashing. I just wish this was unnecessary. In the case of Third Grave, I literally finished the audiobook for Second Grave and immediately hit play on the audiobook for Third Grave. When the rehashing started, it stuck out like a sore thumb to me because the wording was almost identical to what was in Second Grave – specifically, the story of how Angel died and came to be a departed. All that being said, there was also about a year between the releases of book #2 and #3 so most readers wouldn’t pick that out. I wouldn’t really count it against the book. Not all of us are nerdy enough to read through an entire series back-to-back in a few days. For those that read them spaced out, the rehashing might be needed.

Once again, in Third Grave, we are finding out more and more about Charley’s abilities. I am sticking by my theory. Whatever it is that she’s capable of, I really think that we are all going to be shocked.

The story line in Third Grave is a touch darker than what we are used to seeing in the Charley Davidson books and I think it was good for the series. For one thing, we are brought closer to understanding why Reyes is the way he is.

We also meet the cutest character ever in this book! Her appearance is brief and cryptic but I like her!

Overall, I am giving Third Grave Dead Ahead 5 stars! Heavy plotlines that will make you want to cry mixed with humor that could not be a farther end of the emotional spectrum. Loved it! A must read!!! BUT read the rest of the series first! You wont be disappointed, I promise!

another great book, I just love these books and look forward to seeing in what direction they will go.

Charlie is back again, mayhem and shenanigans ensue! This time she’s beyond fed up with every man in her life, Cookie is Cookie, and the stuff keeps hitting the fan! This was an excellent third book in the series with oodles of snark and sass, situations that make you alternately snort/snicker and gasp, and a few characters that seriously need whacked up the back of the head! Loved it, thank you for the opportunity to review this gem!

Charley is still ridiculously hilarious as she solves multiple cases at a time.
Did I mention that she is also dealing with the son of Satan?
This series just keeps getting better. From beginning to end, I was glued to the pages.
I love the romance, humor, and mystery. Absolutely addicting to read.

This was another wild adventure for Grim Reaper Charley Davidson. With the addition of new characters that I’m itching to find out how they play into Charley’s future escapades, there was also a lot of angst between her and Reyes. Things are rocky in romance land for this dysfunctional couple and just when you think they’re going to work things out…well, this is Charley we’re talking about so things usually go sideways.

The humor here continues to be just as sharp as each book before it and the dynamic between Charley and her best friend Cookie highlights the quirkiness that is an essential part of Charley’s personality. The case she’s working on this time has a bit of a twist I didn’t see coming. Another twist at the end almost made me tear up.

You won’t end this book with the thought it’s safe to stop the series at this point. Instead, like myself, you’ll be anxious to go right into the next one. Which I’ll be doing ASAP.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The darkest as of yet. These books are so enjoyable, the snark and humor abound. This one was a dark version of the past versions. Not only is it dark, but the dark is sad and twisted.

Darynda Jones continues the adventures of Charlotte “Charley” Davidson and her battle with all things good, evil, beyond evil and really smexy. I must give praise to Darynda Jones’s writing style. Above all else, Charley’s witty repartee, sarcastic responses, one liners, sassy come-backs with friends, enemies and frenemies would make this series a stand-out. I find myself laughing and thinking…”that is exactly what I would have said (had I been rockin’ the PI badge).” I need a {sarcasm} button whenever I visit chat rooms to discuss books and authors….or perhaps an {insert Charley sarcasm} button. Do you think Bill Gates is willing to {sarcasm} help me out?? Then again, it is Charley’s sarcasm that may cost her…..her life!!

Third Grave Dead Ahead continues a few weeks after Second Grave. As the Grim Reaper, among other things, Charley has some special powers that she is just discovering. Once again, Charley considers a missing person(s) case, but the evidence doesn’t add up. A wealthy doctor comes to Charley in the hopes she (Charley) will find his missing wife, but a mixture of guilt and sorrow pour off the man, and that in itself is confusing. But as Charley and her ‘intrepid’ side-kick Cookie scour for information, more details about the man’s past will surface and more than just one missing and presumed dead wife will tarnish the ‘good doctor’s’ reputation.

Charley’s dad, once again, begs his daughter to turn in her PI badge. Like all fathers, he is concerned and worried about his daughter, but the PI business is ugly, and week and week, Charley is risking her life for clients who are guiltier than the mob. But Dad is not aware of, to what extent Charley’s abilities can stretch. He has ‘used’ Charley with many of his investigations within the APD, since she was 4-5 years old, and that has left the man shrouded in guilt-but a father should never have to see his daughter bloodied, bruised and near death on any occasion, let alone during an investigation. Uncle Bob (Ubie) is aware of who is and what is Charley’s secret identity, and it is Ubie that will not risk his niece’s life; but the tail that is following Charley, maybe too late, in more ways than one. And Charley’s father will once again, try to protect his daughter, but in doing so he will lose more than he bargained. The father-daughter relationship is slowly crumbling and no one is around to collect the pieces of the broken heart. I can only hope, that Darynda has a direction for this particular storyline, because although I understand the guilt and remorse of the father, it is the sorrow and depression engulfing the man, that must be addressed before it is too late.

Much is revealed about some of Charley’s associates including Officer Vaughan and Swopes. Although there is no love loss between Vaughan and Charley, she has the satisfaction of knowing why the man tried to run her over in high school. And Garrett Swopes will risk everything (including his life) to ensure Charley’s safety. But a new man has entered Charley’s life-as an interesting twist at the end of the storyline will show. Although we met Donovan under less than ideal circumstances, there is a connection between he and Charley, and one that does NOT go unnoticed by Reyes. And Cookie has a new man in her life??? I hope we see this relationship grow because it should add some very humorous dialogue to an already great series.

And Reyes. The Son of Satan, who was brought to earth, to be with Charley Davidson continues to haunt every aspect of her life. But when Charley binds Reyes to his corporeal body on earth, he is left unprotected from the demons hoping to secure the Map and Key to both Heaven and Hell. Reyes knows that he and Charley are fated, but she must discover on her own how to use her powers and abilities. Without that knowledge, Charley is risking the lives of everyone on earth. But for some reason, Reyes is not allowed to interfere in Charley’s supernatural development and that is a disturbing. Reyes knows that both he and Charley have a purpose and that they are both hunted for that very reason.

And finally…Earl Walker. Reyes foster father and the man Reyes was imprisoned for murdering. Funny how the dead are actually alive when the innocent sit behind bars. But the extent of the man’s perversion and psychosis goes beyond a story and a few pictures or words. To experience first hand, the torture and degradation from a man as evil as Earl Walker, would scar more than just the body….but the soul. Could that have been the cause of Reyes’s rage and anger? Or is Reyes need and wanting of Charley more than just the knowledge that they will one day be guardian and warriors against the demons from hell. Are Reyes feelings for Charley true or a necessary evil that comes along with the title of KEYS to both heaven and hell.

Third Grave Dead Ahead is another amazing and wonderful storyline from author Darynda Jones. Her sense of humor and quick repartee between the characters will have you giggling and shaking your head. And we all know someone like Charley Davidson-a no nonsense woman willing to go the distance for someone she loves. Let’s hope Charley is loved as much in return.

OMG!!! Awesome. I love the fact that there are so many things going on and it’s so hard to figure out who the bad guy is. You think you have it figured out but it turns out to be wrong. So can’t wait for the next one!!!

Many have recommend the Charley Davidson series to me and now I’ve finally picked it up. I’ve been really enjoying this series and how things are progressing. The series does need to be read or listened to in order.

Third Grave Dead Ahead is full of mysteries, betrayals, heartache, and revelations.

There is a lot going on in this installment; with three different mystery’s happening, understanding exactly what Charley can do, and Charley now trying to get in and out of the asylum without the biker club catching her.

The overall plot moved along well and now I know a bit more about Charley and her abilities, though we are not finished learning what she can do as the Grim Reaper. Their is much more to discover. I love the friendship Charley has with Cookie. Cookie is a great secondary character and just adds to the story. The witty humor continues to be fun, but at times if feel like Charley uses it to mask her stupid mistakes or maybe it’s her way of copping with a difficult and stressful situation. I do have to say I was rolling my eyes at some of the things Charley did in this one and I will point out that I didn’t care for how this one started, dream sex. Other then that I had fun and enjoyed the story and progress happening.

Reyes of course plays a part in the story. He’s got his own agenda in Third Grave Dead Ahead and once Charley figures it out, it’s almost too late. Then to top it off she’s got her investigations and her family to deal with. She really hasn’t had it easy and dons’t have many people on her side. I was angry and sad for Charley. The men in her life really upset me. What Reyes and her father do, really made me sad.

The Narrator, Lorelei King continues to make this series enjoyable. She does an outstanding job bringing Charley to life and all the characters. I continue to appreciate and like the audio version for this series.

If you enjoy snarky humor and a good mystery then give the Charley Davidson series a try. I highly recommend the audio version for the series.

Rated: 3.5 Stars