Rummanah Aasi
  Charley Davidson was one of my best finds from last year. There are currently four books in the series that are currently out. I'm eagerly awaiting the release of Fifth Grave Past the Light, which releases this July. I love spending time with Charley and company.

Description: Part-time Private Investigator and full time Grim Reaper extraordinaire, Charley Davidson, is back and drinking copious amounts of caffeine to stay awake because, every time she closes her eyes, she sees him: Reyes Alexander Farrow. Yes, she did royally piss him off the last time they met, but how else is she suppose to solve her cases and deal with all the other kinds of drama in her life?

Review: This third installment of the Charley Davidson series is probably my favorite so far. The writing and the plot structure are a lot stronger. The subplots in this book held my attention throughout, which is a complaint that I had of the first two books as I thought they seem to clutter the mysterious relationship between Charley and her mercurial love interest, Reyes. Each subplot carried the same theme and tone throughout so it never took you out of the story, but rather pushed you to read just another page or chapter when you thought you could take a break.
  Books in a series can become formulaic very quickly, but Jones avoids this as she introduces new characters and carefully places plot twists that I did not see coming. Family drama and relationship issues offers its own interesting and complicating dimensions to the story. We are given some answers as to how Charley and Reyes fit into the little event called the Apocalypse  Like Charley, we are also left in the dark about how powerful she truly is and we very impatient for more answers.
  The series trademark is not in the mysteries that Charley solves, which could easily be solved by readers who pay careful attention to the clues that are sprinkled across the pages, but rather its characters and their irresistible humor. Charley's humor is infectious and within minutes she has me laughing. Her snarky comments and levity to the dark situations that she finds herself. A normal person would throw in the towel and say that can't held it but Charley is not ordinary by any means. Charley's best friend and partner in crime, Cookie, is the epitome of a best friend. She runs with Charley's antics and plays off her off beat humor. I can only imagine all the conversations they would share in the office.
  Reyes still continues to confuse me. Though he is undoubtedly physically attractive, I didn't like him at all in this book. Part of me wonders if he is trying to make Charley hate him on purpose, but he does have some sweet moments that me make hesitate to say he is evil. I know there is a lot about Reyes we don't know and I'm eager to find out more. Readers looking for a funny, fun, and charming book with some doses of paranormal and romance should definitely pick this series up. It'll brighten up anyone's horrible day.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong language, crude humor, some strong violence, and a few sexual situations. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Fourth Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones (Charley Davidson #4), Accidental Friends series by Dakota Cassidy, Peper Martin series by Casey Daniels, Undead series by MaryJanice Davidson, and the Chicagoland Vampire series by Chloe Neill
7 Responses
  1. Jen Twimom Says:

    I also just discovered this series near the end of last year. I recently finished this book (review coming at end of January), and will be reading the 4th book over vacation next month.

    I think I'm in the minority with this one, but it was actually my least favorite of the first three stories. And yes, Reyes is a complete jerk in this one. So is her dad. But I'm looking forward to seeing what will happen next. The series on whole is so original and funny!


  2. Jenny Says:

    Ah! I need to read this Rummanah! I read book one and really enjoyed it, and Reyes definitely piqued my curiosity because he's one of those characters that has the ability to fascinate and irritate all at the same time:) Sounds like he's quite the contradiction in this third book. Love it. Glad to know this one is your favorite thus far!


  3. I agree this was my favorite of the series and I love Garrett. Reyes is a pain in the butt for sure, but you get some more answers in Fourth Grave... I am so glad you are continuing with this series and that you are loving it. Patting myself on the back for introducing you to Charley!


  4. Sigh...I keep kicking myself because I haven't read this series. So many people love it.


  5. I don't usually read UF but I have a feeling that this series may be a good one to try. I've heard of Jones' humour and may keep this in mind when in a reading slump. Thanks, Rummanah!


  6. I didn't much care for Reyes in this book either. I had no idea that to think. He confused the heck out of me. But still, there's no one quite like Darynda to make my day and I'm so glad you're still enjoying this series.
    Great review!


  7. So need to read this one. I'm curious about Reyes. But then... when am I not? :)


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