Hi everyone, and welcome to Day 1 of Darynda Jones’ SEVENTH GRAVE AND NO BODY promo tour! This post is overflowing with amazeballs, so clear your schedule because you are going to be here a while. Check-out the must read / listen excerpts, my gushing 5-star review, and the THREE GIVEAWAYS! There’s the usual tour-wide one, but Rabid Reads also has the privilege of being one of only four sites to host a US-only AND international audiobook contest thanks to Macmillan Audio. And, Darynda Jones is doing something extra special for us hosts, so please don’t forget to vote for your favourite blog before you leave! Enjoy the Charley Davidson awesomeness. 🙂
“What do you mean? Of course, I would.”
“So, if you knew something could happen to you, you’d let me know.”
Where was he going with this? “Yes. Nothing is going to happen to me. Well, unless the Twelve get ahold of me. Other than that, I should be fine.”
He nodded in thought.
“Reyes, what is it?”
“I think you keep secrets from me.”
“You keep secrets from me,” I said, teasing. “Seems only fair.”
He leaned forward and nibbled on my ear. “We can decide who gets to keep secrets and who doesn’t later. Until then, want to do it?”
“Reyes!” I said, appalled. “You just had your arm nearly ripped off at the shoulder.” That and the fact that a grown man asking me if I wanted to “do it” was hilarious.
“We can still do it.”
I giggled. “No, we can’t.”
“I’m very creative with my mouth.”
“I am well aware of that.”
“You should sit on my face.”
A bubble of laughter escaped again. “I am not sitting on your face. Oh, my god.”
“Just sit on my face. I’ll make all your dreams come true.”
“You really need to practice humility,” I said.
“Humility is overrated.”
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[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]http://rabidreads.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/DaryndaJones.png[/author_image] [author_info]
NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious Golden Heart®, a Rebecca, two Hold Medallions, a RITA ®, and a Daphne du Maurier, and she has received stellar reviews from dozens of publications including starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and the Library Journal. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike, and she is ever so grateful for the opportunity to carry on that tradition. She currently has two series with St. Martin’s Press: The Charley Davidson Series and the Darklight Trilogy. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband of almost 30 years and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.
Seventh Grave and No Body by Darynda Jones
Narrator: Lorelei King
Series: Charley Davidson #7
Published by Macmillan
Published on: October 21, 2014
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 10 hrs & 23 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Twelve. Twelve of the deadliest beasts ever forged in the fires of hell have escaped onto our plane, and they want nothing more than to rip out the jugular of Charley Davidson and serve her lifeless, mangled body to Satan for dinner. So there’s that. But Charley has more on her plate than a mob of testy hellhounds. For one thing, her father has disappeared, and the more she retraces his last steps, the more she learns he was conducting an investigation of his own, one that has Charley questioning everything she’s ever known about him. Add to that an ex-BFF who is haunting her night and day, a rash of suicides that has authorities baffled, and a drop-dead sexy fiancé who has attracted the attentions of a local celebrity, and Charley is not having the best week of her life.
A tad north of hell, a hop, skip, and a jump past the realm of eternity, is a little place called Earth, and Charley Davidson, grim reaper extraordinaire, is determined to do everything in her power to protect it.
We’re doomed.
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*** Review may contain spoilers for previous installments in series. ***
Charley Davidson is back for her seventh round of cray-cray situations, murder n’ mayhem, and grim reaper pandemonium, only this time her snark is the sole weapon in her arsenal because she has to do it all sans caffeine. Fortunately for her, she has a strong crew of secondary characters at her back, and in this installment she’s going to need every single one of them! This audiobook was emotionally taxing; I went from laughing out loud at the heroine’s lunacy, to weeping with joy about that THING we’ve all been waiting for, to blubbering over the death of one of their own. But, this novel wasn’t just about the feels because it also featured mucho plot threads, wonderful epiphanies, and made some pretty significant mythology headway. The overall experience was rendered even more perfect with the delightful Lorelei King at the narrative reins.
I like listening to these books because they are light, fun, and typically don’t require much thought—ear candy at its best! SEVENTH GRAVE AND NO BODY changed all of that because every chapter, while entertaining, was also crucial to this series’ overall story arc. Charley solved a ten year old case in fifteen minutes, and even though that initial plot thread was quickly overshadowed by several others, it was still super important because it was related to the twelve, and pulled agent Carlson into Davidson’s inner circle. Then, the priest’s minor haunting episode brought Heaven and Hell to the fore by introducing the Vatican and bounty hunter angles. And finally, don’t even get me started on the suicide kidnappings and Silvia Star! There were a lot of seemingly unrelated incidents in this installment, however upon closer inspection every single one was part of the bigger picture. Genius!
Charley never fails to crack me up with her t-shirt sayings, eccentric naming habits, and outlandish sense of humour. Her lack of progression as a character used to frustrate me, but the evolution of her abilities, and that of her sidekicks more than make up for her shortcomings in that area. Cookie was as terrific as always, and it appears as though her daughter, Amber, will play a pivotal role in this story as well. Reyes isn’t quite as evil as he used to be, but both Charley and The Dealer definitely kept him on his toes. I actually got a kick out of Swopes for once, and even Ubie managed to surprise me. There were unfortunately two deaths in this installment; Belvedere’s which was a given (haha!), and one other that broke my heart.
Darynda Jone’s writing style is without a doubt addictive; however it’s Lorelei King’s voice that keeps me coming back for more. She adds a whole new level to Charley with her saucy tone, and uncanny ability to switch from silly to serious in the same breath. I gave this audiobook five stars, but it should be noted that the narrator earned at least one of them all by herself thanks to her A+ delivery. It takes longer to listen than it does to read, yet with King in your ear those extra hours feel like a gift instead of a burden. This novel was one of the most suspenseful in this series to date, and that aspect really came through in Lorelei’s performance via her character voices, and the high impact action scenes.
SEVENTH GRAVE AND NO BODY was audiobook magic, plain and simple!
Was this review helpful? If so, please consider liking it on GoodReads or vote for it on Amazon!
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
LOL! That excerpt. He’s right, humility IS overrated. 😉 I can WAIT to read this. I’m dying here!
Christy recently posted…Bird Box by Josh Malerman
The wait is almost over—less than 24 hours to go! 😀
Voted!
blodeuedd recently posted…Haunting Nathan – Lillie J Roberts
Thank you!!! *fingers crossed*
I love Charlie’s attitude :). Voted.
Me too! She’s such a fun character, I just can’t get enough of her. Thanks for voting!
Love your review, this is one of my favorite series of all time. I am so excited to read this but also a little scared to see who is it that dies. 🙁
Lea Krnjeta recently posted…Seventh Grave and no Body (Charley Davidson #7) by Darynda Jones Promo Tour (Excerpt + Giveaway)
Hopefully I didn’t spoil it too much for you. At this point in the game it’s to be expected than one or two of the secondary characters bite the dust, but that doesn’t make it any easier.
My favorite series on audio. I was upset that Darynda Jones makes me cry two books in a row. This series is supposed to be funny, not make me cry. 🙂
Melanie Simmons recently posted…As You Wish Audiobook by Cary Elwes (Review)
I agree! The crying thing has got to go! And, the last few cliff hangers have been BRUTAL. At least the next one is due out in May, although I have a feeling that more peeps may die before it’s all over.
I voted for you! 🙂 🙂 I am up on the 29th 🙂
Felicia the Geeky Blogger recently posted…Dewey’s Oct 2014 #ReadAThon: Charity Totals
Thank you, I’ll be sure to return the favour next Wednesday! 🙂
I haven’t read this book or the series yet but I loved the excerpt and the review so this one is going in my ever growing wish list. I voted for you. 🙂
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Happy Raturday!
You MUST make time for Charley & Reyes! Did you listen to the audio sample?? Isn’t Lorelei King A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!? Thanks for your support, I appreciate it.
So freaking excited for this! I can’t wait!
kindlemom1 recently posted…Blog Tour Blitz and Review: Ghost Heart by Ripley Patton
It’s almost here! It’s almost here! *jumps up and down* I feel like Charley on coffee. LOL
Okay, I skimmed because I’m still on book one of this series. BOOK ONE CARMEL!!! I need to get moving, I have some serious catching up to do and I can’t wait. I think holding off on this series will work to my favor though since I know most of these installments have epically cruel cliffhangers:)
You’re in for such a treat, Jenny! I’m kinda jealous of your virgin status, but you’re so right about the cliffies. ENJOY!!!
Thanks for the excerpt, cannot wait for the book!
You’re welcome! It’s only a little taste of what Darynda Jones has in store for readers.
YAY! I’m so thrilled you loved this one too! I’m not surprised, but I loved the validation that is not just me being nuts about these books 🙂
Great review!
Voted! Great job!
Lupdilup recently posted…As You Wish Audiobook by Cary Elwes (Review)
Haha! No, you can rest easy now knowing that it’s not just you. I can’t wait to read your thoughts, and compare notes. Thanks again for getting me involved in this tour.
I love the title to that. It sets up the intrigue perfectly!
Stephanie Faris recently posted…Can You Make a Full-Time Living as a Writer?
The title is just be beginning, but it definitely does this book justice.
I love everything about this series!
Ditto!! Thanks for commenting. 🙂
Great exerpt
This is only day 1 of the promo tour, so there’s plenty more on the way, plus the book itself of course!
I cannot wait to devour this..one day I am going to listen to the entire series as well.
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…The Collector by Nora Roberts
If you love this series now, you’ll ADORE it when you give the audiobooks a whirl. Lorelei King is the
manWOMAN!!I love, LOVE the Charley Davidson series! It has everything I love in a book, sass, humor, mystery, action, a dreamy guy, and an incredibly likable MC, oh, and side characters!
My friend bought me the 1st book one Christmas and I’ve been hooked ever since!
Yes, yes, YES! I second all of that, and so much more. Darynda Jones can do no wrong in my eyes. LOVE her!
I love this series. Charley is a great female character and I love Cookie as well. Well really I love all the characters lol
It’s super tough picking a fav character in this series because they all have their own unique charm. There’s a little something for everyone!
Can’t wait for Seventh Grave and No Body!w
Thank goodness that tomorrow is release day, eh? 😀
VOTED!!
Thank you for the opportunity.
THANK YOU!! xo Good luck in the giveaways!
Omg I love to see the humor is still wonderful and hilarious and the reason I love this series! I haven’t read book 4+ though and I really NEED to catch up! And oooh the audiobooks sound like it has a great narrator I might audiobook them! I’m currently listening to Black Ice but maybe after! 🙂
Giselle recently posted…Review: The Walled City by Ryan Graudin
The audiobooks are DEFINITELY the way to go! I can’t sing King’s praises enough. This is one of those rare instances where playing catch up won’t be painful at all. Happy listening!
I can’t wait until tomorrow! This is absolutely one of my favorite series! Great review. I wish I didn’t know that someone dies though before reading it. That makes me sad 🙁
Sorry about that, I tried to be as vague as possible, but sometimes it’s good to be forewarned. I’m sure you’ll still love it nonetheless!
Yes! No doubt about it! 🙂 🙂 🙂
I can’t wait to listen to this one. I love Charley! Thanks for te audiobook giveaway.
HEid recently posted…Something Wicked Strikes Day #20: Beware the Wild by Natalie C. Parker: Guest Post, Review & Giveaway!
Hopefully you’re able to hold-off long enough to see if you win. 😉 Good luck!
Of COURSE you get my vote! 🙂 I absolutely love that excerpt! Equal parts sexy and fun!
Amber Elise @ Du Livre
Thanks darling, you ROCK!
another serioes i’m completely behind but it hasn’t won me over completely either perhaps in this case i would enjoy teh audiobook more^^
thank you for teh international giveaways, i just regret facebook being mandatory
miki recently posted…Angels’ Judgment (Guild Hunter 0.5) by Nalini Singh
The author is doing a big Facebook push for this tour, so it’s not surprising. At least there’s something for the international peeps. I had to twist her assistant’s arm a little. 😉
you did well;)
miki recently posted…Halloween event: Ghoulishly Good Monster Mash Mix Up has started!
I do what I can! They’ll usually crack and give me CAN too, but international is tougher.
OMG! The only reason I didn’t enter the giveaway is because I have this one coming to me! I cannot wait! Gimmie! 😀 Love that. I know what you mean about ear candy and I can’t wait to see how this one changes things! Can you tell I’m excited? LOL
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Of Monsters and Madness by Jessica Verday
I wouldn’t be able to wait on the giveaway either, so I completely understand where you are coming from. I look forward to checking out your review so that we can squee together. Hehe!
Excellent review, has me even more eager to read. Love this series, it’s in my top 5 favorites. I’ve been so anxious for this one after the ending of the last.
Thanks! Oh yes, the last few installments have had super frustrating endings, and this one’s no different. You’ll be begging for book 8 in no time. Authors can be so EVIL!
Your review makes me want to listen to the audiobook!
Vote The Bookaholic Cat! :p
BookaholicCat recently posted…Tour Stop, Early Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: Seventh Grave and No Body by Darynda Jones
Are you doing a re-read via audio? I noticed that Sixth Grave was listed on your sidebar as your current listen. I guess turnaround is fair play. LOL
I’m listening to Fourth Grave, it was the only one my library had available. 🙁
After I’m done with this one I’m planning to listen to First Grave and go in order from there.
Sister and nephew are also into the audiobook, we are listening in the car when we are together. Great family time. 🙂
BookaholicCat recently posted…Tour Stop, Early Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: Seventh Grave and No Body by Darynda Jones
Oh, that’s cool! My library has 0 of ’em, so you’re one up on me.
So I JUST read the first Charley Davidson book last month and LOVED it. At some point I was like, “oh! So this is Reyes!” LOL I’ve heard so much talk about him, but never knew what series he belonged to. Needless to say I skipped this excerpt and review because I’m too far behind to avoid spoilers, but I’m thrilled you loved it this far in. I have definite plans to continue soon! And its fantastic on audio so yay for that giveaway!
Berls recently posted…Blood of a Red Rose | Short Review
It took me a couple of installments to fall for Reyes, but once I did, I fell HARD. Welcome to the Charley Davidson fan club!
Will have to come back and enter the giveaways as my phone is not letting me enter, but I wanted to do my SQUEE! Can’t for tomorrow!
Tanya recently posted…Review ~ Son Of Noone by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Darned phones, they are only good for so much unfortunately. The giveaways are open for a while still, you have lots of time.
I’ve heard such great things about this series, and I look forward to starting it one of these days — I’ve already started collecting them 🙂
Nice! Well, you have to start somewhere, right? 😀
I see the reviews for these as they’re coming out and always remember I need to read/listen to these! So thank you for the reminder 🙂 I think I read book 3 (?) and really enjoyed it. Need to start from the beginning though lol
The release dates in this series are hard to miss, Darynda Jones’ Grimlets are always on the job. Hehe!
Everyone raves about this series. Hot listens also loves the audios. I need to start these soon 🙂
Nereyda recently posted…Let’s Talk About: The Future of Blogging!
I think Hot Listens would unfriend me if I quit these audiobooks. LOL They are a must listen!
I’m glad you had a great time with this one. I loved the book as well and I was happy about the story but now it’s a vicious circle lol because I want more!!!! great review!
Ah, yes, you just can’t win! At least we don’t have to wait too long for the next installment.
I’m SO excited for Seventh Grave! I love so many things about this series, but what really knocks my socks off every time (besides Reyes) is how so many little plot threads are woven in, and then BAM – you find out they were not so little. Thanks for the great excerpt *wipes drool* Carmel! 🙂
kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Adult Book Review: Claimed by a Demon King by Felicity Heation
Oh geez, you want plot threads!? This latest addition has the most yet I think. Please don’t drool on my blog. 😉
I have not read any of Darynda’s work, but she is on my radar. Thanks for the awesome review, which only makes me want to get started on this series.
sherry fundin recently posted…Zombie Humor – Unfed by Kirsty McKay – Review
Usually I have a difficult time finding stuff to say when a series is this far gone, but that’s never the case where Charley Davidson is concerned. Jones makes review writing easy!
I hadn’t heard of this series, sounds like I should check it out! Ear candy is a good thing sometimes and I love a book that can make me laugh! Good characters too? I’m there! I’m curious about the romance, but that was probably featured more in other books. Nice review. 🙂
Molly Mortensen recently posted…Tags, Tags (To Read Tag and Bookshelf Tag)
There’s romance in this one too, I just left it out of my review because it’s kinda a spoiler. It’s that “THING we’ve all been waiting for.” 😉
OOoh I hope I win the International Audiobook!!! Fun post and great review Carmel 🙂
Chanzie recently posted…Teaser Tuesday #15 & Top Ten Tuesday #16
Entries are pretty low so far, so you have a good chance! Good luck!
I’m getting ready to start First Grave on the Right for my OctobeRec Fest. It comes highly recommended! 😉 I’m really excited to meet Charley and company. I’ve been told there’s lots of humor and sass. I have a feeling I’m going to regret having waited so long to pick up this series. 🙂
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…**OctobeRec Fest Review #3 ~ Kissed by a Dark Prince ~ Felicity Heaton**
Clear your schedule, Brandee, because once you start, you’ll only have eyes for Charley & Reyes. I can’t wait to check-out your first review! Prepare to fan-girl it up!
I’ve only read the first book but I loved it! And actually now that I’m listening to audiobooks more I think I need to add this series to that list. I have a credit so I’m off to grab book 2 cause I seriously need to catch up! So glad to hear this book was amazeballs!
Candace recently posted…Wendy Roberts Guest Post & Giveaway for Something Wicked Strikes!
Nice choice! Just wait until you hear Lorelei King’s narration; you’re going to fall HARD.
OMG!!! I can’t believe they gave you THAT part for the excerpt!!! That is so freaking hysterical!!!!!!!!!!! My hubs is wondering why I’m pounding on the keyboard 😉 That was too funny – Reyes had come a long way from his brooding, mysterious ways, right?!?! I guess I can see Charley as not changing much as a character but I don’t know how she would change. She’s so free-wheeling as it is. I wish I could point certain things out but I don’t want to blow anything for non-readers who want to read it. Okay, remember when she had PTSD… that was big, right? Or is that too short term…. Oh, lets just meet for coffee 😀
Fantastic review!!!!!
There are WAY too many precious Charley moments to list! And, yes that excerpt is priceless, I was thrilled when her assistant sent it to me. Then again, you could probably close your eyes and point, and you’d still strike gold. I hope you didn’t give your man a heart attack. LOL
Great review Carmel! You know this is one of my top series, but I haven’t listened to the audio. I know, I know! I’ve heard how fabulous Lorelei is with the narration and I really do need to give it a listen. 🙂
Traci recently posted…ARC Review, Excerpt & Giveaway ~ Seventh Grave and No Body ~ Darynda Jones
Oh yes, you MUST! Just think, you’ll get to experience this series all over again AND listen to a fabulous narrator. Win/win!
Bwahahaha!! Sit on his face!! Sounds good to me!
This book sounds like a fantastic read, and I know I would love it! Fab review Carmel!
Naomi recently posted…Release Day Launch/Excerpt~ Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout
I can’t recommend this series enough! You’re guaranteed to laugh out loud LOTS, and Reyes should be on every girl’s fictional BF list.
This is one of my favorite series because the characters are so funny and I can’t wait to see how the story/characters evolve and what is in store for them.
Charley Davidson and Darynda Jones don’t do bad books. I hope this series never ends!
Great excerpt! I love how Reyes can be scary one moment and then adorable the next =)
Cat recently posted…Review, Excerpt, & #Giveaway – Seventh Grave & No Body by Darynda Jones!
He’s definitely an interesting character for sure, but then again, Charley needs someone extra ‘special.’ LOL
Yes, I love this series. Hope it never ends. I love Reyes and I love Charlie’s sarcastic personality.
It will be a sad, sad day when Darynda Jones wraps-up this story line. Hopefully it won’t be for many, MANY years.
What a fabulous review, Carmel! You made me giggle. I have this book, just haven’t had time to start it yet.
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