Fifth Grave Past The Light by Darynda Jones
Narrator: Lorelei King
Series: Charley Davidson #5
Published by Macmillan
Published on: July 9, 2013
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 8 hrs & 52 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
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Never underestimate the power of a woman on a double espresso with a mocha latte chaser high. (T-shirt)
Charley Davidson isn't your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper. She's more of a paranormal private eye/grim reaper extraordinaire. However, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. To further complicate matters, Reyes is her main suspect in an arson case. Charley has vowed to stay away from him until she can find out the truth... but then dead women start appearing in her apartment, one after another, each lost, confused, and terrified beyond reason.
When it becomes apparent that her own sister, Gemma, is the serial killer's next target Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes' help. Arsonist or not, he's the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return. Charley. All of her, body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she is willing to pay.
Charley Davidson is at it again in Fifth Grave Past the Light, the sexy, suspenseful, and laugh-out-loud funny fifth installment of the New York Times best-selling series by Darynda Jones.
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Every time I listen to a CHARLEY DAVIDSON book I know that I’m in for a wild ride, but Darynda Jones has truly outdone herself with this latest installment. We finally get a real sense of “the big picture” that’s previously only been hinted, and the infamous “key” is at long last inserted into the “lock.” Cryptic enough for you? I’m sure that long-time fans of this series know exactly what I’m talking about, but as for the rest of you… this is a spoiler-free review, so you’d best get reading!
There’s definitely no shortage of plot threads in FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT with ghosts galore, a serial arsonist on the loose, a new client with a cheating ex husband, and then of course there’s Charley’s ongoing issues with the son of Satan. My favourite mystery out of the bunch was the one surrounding the 20 dead blondes; I loved the way Jones developed this story line, and the resolution was masterfully done. The other subplots were equally as entertaining, especially the new tidbits we learn about this series’ main arc. Mr Wong continues to be stand-in-the-corner dude, but I’m beginning to suspect that he’s there for a reason. And, that cliffhanger, well let’s just say it’s the reason why I’ve postponed listening to this audio for so long.
I’ve been DYING for more Charley/Reyes’ smexy time since I first started these books, and Jones finally delivers in this installment. I guess it’s a good thing that the author made readers wait for so long because it allowed their chemistry to reach its boiling point, but you can’t blame a girl for wanting less flirting and more “doing.” Their relationship undergoes a lot of growth in this novel—both in and out of the bedroom—and it’s clear that their romance is in no danger of waning anytime soon. The secondary characters continue to be incredibly endearing; Cookie is hands down my fav, but Garrett and Ubie aren’t too far behind.
Lorelei King brings just the right amounts of sultry and sass to these audios. She really captures the essence of Charley’s larger-than-life, smart mouthed, ADD personality, and makes you feel like she’s a real person. King is a skilled narrator with a knack for bringing the snark while still maintaining a good pace and tone. Her character voices are distinct yet remain consistent throughout this series, and she sure knows how to deliver a punch line! I can’t imagine that it’s easy reading Jones’ writing aloud with a straight face, so this woman deserves mad props for this and for her stellar performance.
FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT is the best of the best, the crème de la crème, the pick of the litter—well, you get the idea. The Darynda Jones / Lorelei King duo is unstoppable!
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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!
This is my all-time favorite series on audio. It has the perfect mix of action, snark, smexy and even can be heart-wrenching at times (wait to you get to book six, which releases on Tuesday, I came very close to crying). I will continue to get this series on audio as along we Ms. King keeps reading and Ms. Jones keeps writing.
The t-shirt and bumper stickers at the beginning of each chapter are hilarious.
I pre-ordered Sixth Grave in audio, and am counting down the hours until it shows up on my iPhone.
I forget how much I love this series until I pick up the next book — and don’t want it to end. We definitely need a lot “more Charley/Reyes’ smexy time”.
I know that feeling well. LOL
OOO. I like snark! Wonder if my library has this one.
These books are packed full of snarky humour; you’ll love them!
I’m so excited for the next book! I can’t wait.
It comes out tomorrow, and it’s also all I can think about!
I freaking love this series!! I can’t wait for book six, it will be out next week!!
I bet you tons of peeps will be calling in sick on Tuesday to read/listen to this one! 😉
Lovely review Carmel, thank you! I still have to read book 4, but if book 5 has a cliffhanger, I might wait until book 6.
That’s why I waited, but book 6 is out VERY soon, so there’s no need to delay.
I know that cliffie. I have been waiting a whole year for book 6. I love this series and it keeps getting better and better. I absolutely adore Lorelei King’s narration. I am on the fence whether to do this in audio or just read it.
I don’t think I’ll ever be able to read one of Darynda Jones’s Charley Davidson books again. Lorelei King’s narration has ruined me. LOL
Yay I’m glad that you had a great time as well with this one. I so love the series and all the books are really fun! I want more.
This series is definitely addictive!
I hope the publisher puts the last three books on sale too, that way I can get all of it and binge-read! I love the sound of this series, it seems like super fun & sexy at the same time.
There might be a release day sale in the works… stay tuned!
I’ve heard such good things about this author and this series but I haven’t been able to squeeze any books in. I’ll have to check them out on audio.
They are quick reads, but be warned, once you start you may not be able to stop!
I have heard so much about this series, and I so need to make time for it.
Bump this series up for TBR pile; you won’t regret it!
I LOVED this one as well! I can’t wait for the 6th book in audio. Must do audio. Oh and what about the ending to this book? Didn’t it just shock you? LOL 😀
YES! But, I could not speak of it in my review without giving too much away, so I just didn’t mention it at all. LOL
I just skimmed since I haven’t started this series yet, but I am so excited since it seems really exciting and without a boring moment! 😀
Darynda Jones consistently delivers pure awesomeness!
This was my favorite of the series for sure! I didn’t even feel like that was really a cliffhanger though. I thought it was an incredibly sweet and fun way to end it. The 6th book is so close …. I can’t take it!
I didn’t find the cliffhanger too brutal, but the ending still left me begging for the next book, so either way… MISSION ACCOMPLISHED Darynda Jones! LOL
I just read it too and it was great! Reyes!
Reyes is one of my all-time fav fictional boyfriends. 😀
Awesome review Carmel! This series sounds fantastic. It is great to see an author can keep you interested time and time again. and it’s exciting to see that not only Charlie and Reyes have you captivated, but the secondary characters too!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Thanks Naomi! And yes. the secondary characters in this series are superstars in their on right.
Carmel this is yet another series I haven’t heard of it. Obviously, I need to get with the program and get this! I’ve seen other ratings for this one and readers LOVE it! Great review Carmel! 😉
OMG You’ve seriously never heard of this series?? Have you been living under a rock? 😉
Clearly, I have! LOL 🙂
I had to skim this one Carmel because I haven’t picked up the series yet but I think I would love Charley, she sounds like a hilarious girl. Glad to hear this one was the best yet!
You’re going to love Charley! I’m telling ya!
O_o!!! I’m reading this one next! It’s been on my kindle for ages, but I only recently caught up with book #4 and now ready for book #5. Excellent review, Carmel! 🙂
Nice! Enjoy! The audiobook version was sitting on my iPhone for nearly a year before I listened to it.
Great review Carmel. I’ve not picked up this series yet, but have herd great things about it. Hope I can try it out sometime.
This series is a must listen/read! Get on it already Angela!
Excellent review!!! That’s the reason this was such a big contender last year 🙂 I just came back from RT, I got to meet Darynda, is she’s such a nice lady 🙂
I hope you love the next book too (I got a big feeling that you will)
Perfectly said 🙂
I’m so jealous that not only did you get to go to RT, but that you also met Darynda Jones. NO FAIR!!! 😉
It was in my practically on my backyard, so it wasn’t as difficult.
I love this series. I just started listening to Sixth Grave on the Edge today. I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen with Charley and Reyes. Great review as always!
I finished Sixth Grave in two days. SO GOOD!