Thursday, January 26, 2012

Review: Third Grave Dead Ahead

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Third Grave Dead Ahead
(Charley Davidson, #3)
Darynda Jones
Release date: January 31st, 2012
by St. Martin’s Press

Goodreads / Purchase

Grim reaper extraordinaire. Whatever. Charley Davidson is back! And she’s drinking copious amounts of caffeine to stay awake because, every time she closes her eyes, she sees him: Reyes Farrow, the parthuman, part-supermodel son of Satan. Yes, she did imprison him for all eternity, but come on. How is she supposed to solve a missing persons case, deal with an ego-driven doctor, calm her curmudgeonly dad, and take on a motorcycle gang hellbent on murder when the devil’s son just won’t give up?

*A copy was provided by St. Martin’s Press for review purposes*

“Death comes to those who wait. And to those who don’t. So either way…”
-Quote from Third Grave Dead Ahead (ARC)


I could never get tired of our dear Charley Davidson. First Grave on the Right and Second Grave on the Left were both incredibly funny and smart. Third Grave Dead Ahead is no exception. It only took about 10 pages for me to be falling off my chair laughing.

The plot in Third Grave Dead Ahead is similar to the others. Charley gets a case; trying to find a missing person, while dealing with Reyes and the other pain in the butt men in her life. The mystery behind the case isn’t particularly hard to decipher. I had most of it figured out well before the end. But this book isn’t to be read for the suspense behind the plot; read this for the incredible characters and especially entertaining dialogue. Don’t get me wrong, the case is still fun, but the characters make the show.

I can’t say enough about the personalities in this series. Charley is, as always, witty, sarcastic and incredibly hilarious. I love how she takes everything lightly in grave situations. It doesn’t only get her into trouble, it also makes her brave – which is a must for a PI. And don’t fret, Danger and Will also make a few appearances. Her best friend and receptionist, Cookie, is equally entertaining, and she complements Charley like a hand and glove. We meet a few new characters as well that make a great addition to the story. I’m not sure what’s going to occur with Donovan, but I’m positive it’ll be pretty amusing. At least before it all goes to hell – yes the hell. As for Charley’s dad, I don’t really understand the length he went through to try to get his way in this novel. I’m getting a bit annoyed by him – he’s not very… nice, especially after painting a target on Charley’s back in the previous book.

Now… Reyes *sigh*, he’s more present than in Second Grave on the Left, but he still hasn’t really joined the cast of main characters. The coming apocalypse storyline also doesn’t progress much. I’m hoping when it does we’ll get to see more of him. On the other hand, we did get answers to a few burning questions I had from the previous books: Mistress Marigold and Owen Vaughn. I didn’t expect to get both of those revelations in this one , so I was very pleased. I think Owen is a bit psychotic: I understand what happened was awful but to the point of attempted murder…? So I doubt we’ve seen the last of him.

Third Grave Dead Ahead is no insignificant installment. It’s fun, funny and full of charm. If you’ve enjoyed Charley before, you’ll definitely enjoy her again in this one!

“How would you feel about us becoming plumbers? I have a nice crack.”
-Charley in Third Grave Dead Ahead  (ARC)

4 Hot Espressos

The Charley Davidson series:

For my reviews on the previous books, click the links below:
1. First Grave on the Right
2. Second Grave on the Left

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Giselle

Canadian blogger, wife, mother, coffee lover, and sarcastic at heart! She has had a love for all things bookish since before Amazon and eReaders existed *le gasp*. You can also find her organizing tours and other fun things at Xpresso Book Tours.

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27 Responses to “Review: Third Grave Dead Ahead”

  1. Amalia

    I’ve never heard of this series before but judging from your rating on this one, I’m guessing it’s good. I don’t read Adult so I’ll probably give it a go in the future future. 😀

  2. Amy

    I haven’t read any of this series, but it sounds like it very fun and entertaining. I wish there were more hours in the day so I could actually read everything that I want to lol!! Great review, it really makes me want to pick up this series!

  3. Kristin

    I’m kind of bummed that you say Reyes hasn’t come front and center yet! It’s been such a tease so far and I was hoping his anger at Charley would cause all kinds of mayhem this time around and he’d be right there!!! I hope that doesn’t turn me off 🙁 I won’t give up and I’m still running to the store Tuesday, though, b/c Darynda’s books fill a niche for hysterical adult UF/PNR that I just can’t find enough of.

    Great review!!

    Kristin @myparahangover

  5. Giselle

    Omg guys you HAVE to try this series it’s fabulous!!

    And Kristin: No Reyes is not much more present 🙁 A bit more than book 2 but still not as much as I would have liked. It’s still a great installment though. Maybe Darynda is making us wait for Reyes on purpose so when he’s there fully it’ll be like, an epic book!

  6. April

    I clicked on this cause I love the cover, then realized it’s book three so I only skimmed.. but wow, that cover is wicked cool.

    I love her shoes!

  8. Lauren M

    I love books that can get you laughing! I’ve yet to try this series, but now I’m thinking that I’ll have to! The premise sounds awesome. Great review, Giselle! 🙂
    – Lauren

  10. Melliane

    I’m so glad you enjoyed it I can’t wait to read it. It sounds so fun and I really liked the two first book. It’s nice to know your feelings are the same for this one. Great review

  12. Candace

    This sounds EXACTLY like a series I’d LOVE! I added it to my WL but I’m going to Powells tomorrow so I’ll have to see if they have a used copy for cheap. I’m dying it start it though!

  13. Giselle

    Thanks ladies!!

    @Candace: Eek I can’t wait to see what you think of these. Personally, going by your reviews, I think you will love them! They’re so much fun and so funny!

  16. Maja

    I agree with Kristin, I’m kind of disappointed about Reyes, too. But either way, I can’t wait to get my hands on this one.
    Thanks for the lovely review, Giselle.

  20. Missie, The Unread Reader

    ooooh, I saw this review pop up in your little thingy on top and had to check it out since I recently read the first two books. I’m not gonna lie, I’m a bit disappointed to hear Charley’s dad interferes again, and that Reyes doesn’t really join the cast the way I would have hoped, but I’m still looking forward to reading this one soon.

  21. Novels On The Run

    Giselle, I love this series. Such a fun, hilarious dialogue, hot lads…just a lot of fun reading.

    I need to ask you as Marissa says I pronounce your name wrong…apparently I can be name challenged..who knew? hehe!! Is it Giselle as in Gazelle ( G sounding) or Giselle with the George sounding G?

    😀

    Michelle

  23. Novels On The Run

    Awww crap! That’s another one I got wrong….bloody hell I am accent challenged sometimes…hehe!! Marissa wins again!! Ok Jiizelle…got it! I had Malachi….I was saying Malachi as in Chachi ( Happy Days T.V)…Marissa is like..noooooo, Malaki..darn it…I get sooooo many wrong.

    Thanks for letting me know:D

    hehe!! I am a crack up:D

    MIchelle

  24. Novels On The Run

    Ha!! I am giggling away here at the audio….ooo now I know there is this audio thing I won’t get anymore wrong….ssshhh don’t tell Marissa, now she can’t laugh at me anymore…hehe!!!

  25. Giselle

    @Michelle: Bahaha right? You just have to google the name with “pronunciation” and you’ll find an audio pretty easy. I won’t tell!

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