Scan barcode
fishgirl182's review against another edition
2.0
I read and really liked First Grave on the Right, the first book in the Charley Davidson series. Charley’s sarcastic wit and self-deprecating nature really appealed to me and had me laughing out loud. The super hot romance with Reyes was an added bonus and I was really happy to find a fun new series to get into. I don’t know what happened between when I read the first book and when I read the second one, but Second Grave on the Left was not fun and I really had to push myself to finish it.
The main problem for me with the book was Charley herself. I remembered that she was super sarcastic in the first book and the jokes felt a little forced at times but, overall, I liked her and enjoyed the sarcasm. This time around though, I really noticed how every sentence and word out of her mouth was a sarcastic quip or catch phrase. It’s like she could not utter a normal sentence. Because she would only speak in wisecracks, nothing that came out of her mouth seemed sincere. She also used “like,” “duh” and “totally” too much and I kept wondering if she was a grown woman or a testy teenager. She is also described as being a great PI but I did not see any evidence of this. At least 3 people tail her during the book and she doesn’t notice a single one of them. Later she ends up leading the bad guys to a witness. She makes really dumb decisions and barely manages not to get herself killed every few hours.
I was hoping that Reyes would save this book for me but I didn’t like him either. His interactions with Charley in this book consist of threatening her and saving her life. He even calls her a “whore” at one point, which isn’t a good sign in a relationship. The two still have physical chemistry but the book doesn’t go anywhere with it. And if I have to hear about Reyes’s “liquid brown eyes” one more time, I may scream. There is a reason that I have avoided audiobooks with a lot of romance. Lines that sound swoon-worthy when reading often sound cheesy when read aloud.
Then we get to the ending, which really annoyed me. I don’t want to give it away but Charley’s actions at the end of the book just show how immature and selfish she is. I really can’t think of any other reason why she does what she does.
Lorelei King read the audiobook of Second Grave. I have heard good things about King but this is the first time I have listened to her. King is very talented, giving life and expression to the words and dialogue. However, her voice didn’t quite match what my image of Charley. As I said, Charley is very immature and speaks more like a teenager than an adult. King has a really rich, deep voice that is incongruous with how I perceive Charley. It just wasn’t a good fit for me.
Sad to say that I won’t be continuing on with this series. I don’t think I can take another book of Charley’s one-liners and pouty quips. It’s unfortunate, too, because I really enjoyed the first book in this series. But Charley’s schtick gets old fast and, without a viable plot or other likeable characters, the humor simply isn’t enough.
The main problem for me with the book was Charley herself. I remembered that she was super sarcastic in the first book and the jokes felt a little forced at times but, overall, I liked her and enjoyed the sarcasm. This time around though, I really noticed how every sentence and word out of her mouth was a sarcastic quip or catch phrase. It’s like she could not utter a normal sentence. Because she would only speak in wisecracks, nothing that came out of her mouth seemed sincere. She also used “like,” “duh” and “totally” too much and I kept wondering if she was a grown woman or a testy teenager. She is also described as being a great PI but I did not see any evidence of this. At least 3 people tail her during the book and she doesn’t notice a single one of them. Later she ends up leading the bad guys to a witness. She makes really dumb decisions and barely manages not to get herself killed every few hours.
I was hoping that Reyes would save this book for me but I didn’t like him either. His interactions with Charley in this book consist of threatening her and saving her life. He even calls her a “whore” at one point, which isn’t a good sign in a relationship. The two still have physical chemistry but the book doesn’t go anywhere with it. And if I have to hear about Reyes’s “liquid brown eyes” one more time, I may scream. There is a reason that I have avoided audiobooks with a lot of romance. Lines that sound swoon-worthy when reading often sound cheesy when read aloud.
Then we get to the ending, which really annoyed me. I don’t want to give it away but Charley’s actions at the end of the book just show how immature and selfish she is. I really can’t think of any other reason why she does what she does.
Lorelei King read the audiobook of Second Grave. I have heard good things about King but this is the first time I have listened to her. King is very talented, giving life and expression to the words and dialogue. However, her voice didn’t quite match what my image of Charley. As I said, Charley is very immature and speaks more like a teenager than an adult. King has a really rich, deep voice that is incongruous with how I perceive Charley. It just wasn’t a good fit for me.
Sad to say that I won’t be continuing on with this series. I don’t think I can take another book of Charley’s one-liners and pouty quips. It’s unfortunate, too, because I really enjoyed the first book in this series. But Charley’s schtick gets old fast and, without a viable plot or other likeable characters, the humor simply isn’t enough.
bmg20's review
4.0
4.5 stars
Well, it’s official. Charley Davidson is one of my most favorite book characters of all time. Oh my gosh I love this girl. Yes, I’m having a silly fan-girl moment where I end up saying things like, ‘I’m going to be Charley Davidson for Halloween!” She’s not just funny, she is absolutely hilarious and I cannot get enough. If you've read the first novel (which you definitely should before reading this one or you'll be super duper confused) then you'll remember laughing practically every single page. I'll admit, this one wasn't AS funny, but I still wasn't disappointed... I had to make sure to keep from drinking liquids when my eyes were on the pages for fear it would come out my nose. :)
I started this book the day that it came out and due to my current crazy schedule it was hard for me to find time to read… I still managed to read it in 2 days though. A bit sleep-deprived? Yes. A bit backed up on work from too many breaks? Yes. Was it worth? Oh heck yes!
‘Second Grave on the Left’ picks up right where ‘First Grave on the Right’ left off with a brand new mystery (or three) to boot. Darynda Jones? You’re an amazing writer and I kinda love you. You’ve now written two amazing novels that, well… I can’t get over how much I love these books. I totally dig a good grim reaper novel, I’m always up for a good laugh, throw in a mystery to keep me guessing (please do!), and then there’s the way you describe Reyes. To quote Charley: “Holy mother of banana cream pie.”
”He was like the desert, stark and beautiful, harsh and unforgiving, with the promise of treasure behind every dune, the allure of water hidden just beneath the surface.”
And if you need a visual? Whoever posted that picture on Goodreads of ‘Reyes Farrow’ totally hit the nail on the head. Lol
I’m not going to go into details about the plot or anything because I don’t want to give anything away to the non-readers of book 1 and because all I want to get across with this review is to say that you really need to read this series. If you’re looking for a serious mystery, this probably isn’t the novel for you. It’s one of those books that I’m sure if you spent a lot of time critiquing the story you’d find some holes but it’s such an enjoyable read that I don’t personally see a damn thing wrong with it. Not so much a cliffhanger ending but I most certainly cannot wait for January to roll around. And that cover? Awesome.
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
Well, it’s official. Charley Davidson is one of my most favorite book characters of all time. Oh my gosh I love this girl. Yes, I’m having a silly fan-girl moment where I end up saying things like, ‘I’m going to be Charley Davidson for Halloween!” She’s not just funny, she is absolutely hilarious and I cannot get enough. If you've read the first novel (which you definitely should before reading this one or you'll be super duper confused) then you'll remember laughing practically every single page. I'll admit, this one wasn't AS funny, but I still wasn't disappointed... I had to make sure to keep from drinking liquids when my eyes were on the pages for fear it would come out my nose. :)
I started this book the day that it came out and due to my current crazy schedule it was hard for me to find time to read… I still managed to read it in 2 days though. A bit sleep-deprived? Yes. A bit backed up on work from too many breaks? Yes. Was it worth? Oh heck yes!
‘Second Grave on the Left’ picks up right where ‘First Grave on the Right’ left off with a brand new mystery (or three) to boot. Darynda Jones? You’re an amazing writer and I kinda love you. You’ve now written two amazing novels that, well… I can’t get over how much I love these books. I totally dig a good grim reaper novel, I’m always up for a good laugh, throw in a mystery to keep me guessing (please do!), and then there’s the way you describe Reyes. To quote Charley: “Holy mother of banana cream pie.”
”He was like the desert, stark and beautiful, harsh and unforgiving, with the promise of treasure behind every dune, the allure of water hidden just beneath the surface.”
And if you need a visual? Whoever posted that picture on Goodreads of ‘Reyes Farrow’ totally hit the nail on the head. Lol
I’m not going to go into details about the plot or anything because I don’t want to give anything away to the non-readers of book 1 and because all I want to get across with this review is to say that you really need to read this series. If you’re looking for a serious mystery, this probably isn’t the novel for you. It’s one of those books that I’m sure if you spent a lot of time critiquing the story you’d find some holes but it’s such an enjoyable read that I don’t personally see a damn thing wrong with it. Not so much a cliffhanger ending but I most certainly cannot wait for January to roll around. And that cover? Awesome.
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
bikes_books_yarn's review
5.0
I love these books. I think of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I think of Gracie Hart. I think of Stephanie Plum. Charley Daniels is a kick-ass Grim Reaper with a big mouth and an even bigger heart. Just enjoyed this one so much! Already starting on Book 3!
laughlinesandliterature's review
4.0
This book was much better than the first one, and considering that I really enjoyed that one it's saying a lot. This series is just so fun and easy to read. Charley is honesty one of the funniest characters I've ever had the pleasure to read about. And Reyes is no chump, he really adds a tension and drama to the story, although with Charley there's no shortage of drama. I really really enjoyed this one, and even the ending which I saw coming and really pissed Reyes off was great. I'm diving right into the next book!
amibunk's review
3.0
I thought this sequel in the Charley Davidson series was even more enjoyable than the first. Light, witty, a little sexy, and original.
angels_gp17's review
4.0
Second Grave on the Left is book two in the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones.
The humor continues in this second installment of Charley Davidson. It’s over-the-top ridiculous, but so much fun. Expect to laugh out loud.
Charley is one unusual character. Her personality, fearlessness, and sauciness just add to the whole thing. Cookie is Charley’s friend, neighbor, and co-worker. She is a great sidekick. She’s got Charley’s back and brings her own humor into the mix. The main plot revolves around one of Cookie’s friends, so she’s taking a more active role in this investigation. I liked seeing more of Cookie and having her around with Charley.
I had fun with the different mysteries, yes, their is more then one thing going on. I also cried in some areas. I’m glad I don’t have to wait for the next book release; because the ending left me wanting more asap.
The Narrator, Lorelei King, brings Charley and all the characters to life. It’s memorable. Her witty tone and colorful reading add to the listeners enjoyment and brings the world and characters to life. I’m so adoring the audiobooks for this series.
I have to say Jones and King are a winning combo. I’m savoring the audiobooks for the Charley Davidson series. I recommend giving this series a listen. You certainly will have a good time!
Rated: 4 Stars
The humor continues in this second installment of Charley Davidson. It’s over-the-top ridiculous, but so much fun. Expect to laugh out loud.
Charley is one unusual character. Her personality, fearlessness, and sauciness just add to the whole thing. Cookie is Charley’s friend, neighbor, and co-worker. She is a great sidekick. She’s got Charley’s back and brings her own humor into the mix. The main plot revolves around one of Cookie’s friends, so she’s taking a more active role in this investigation. I liked seeing more of Cookie and having her around with Charley.
I had fun with the different mysteries, yes, their is more then one thing going on. I also cried in some areas. I’m glad I don’t have to wait for the next book release; because the ending left me wanting more asap.
The Narrator, Lorelei King, brings Charley and all the characters to life. It’s memorable. Her witty tone and colorful reading add to the listeners enjoyment and brings the world and characters to life. I’m so adoring the audiobooks for this series.
I have to say Jones and King are a winning combo. I’m savoring the audiobooks for the Charley Davidson series. I recommend giving this series a listen. You certainly will have a good time!
Rated: 4 Stars
nighteyes82's review
4.0
Exactly what I needed.
It was fun. Charley is as whacked in the head as ever. her family and friends great as usual.
and this time Cookies friend is MIA. there is a 20 year old mystery.
Reyes is out hiding from the hell-hounds or their cronies. He is injured. badly. once again he calls her a bad name that did not sit well at all.
also he has a fan club (sad but true) made me think of these guy, a couple of years ago IRL he was hot and all that when he got out he ditched his wife for a rich heiress, you know?
I can't wait to read the next book. give me 3 weeks before I give in ;)
It was fun. Charley is as whacked in the head as ever. her family and friends great as usual.
and this time Cookies friend is MIA. there is a 20 year old mystery.
Reyes is out hiding from the hell-hounds or their cronies. He is injured. badly. once again he calls her a bad name that did not sit well at all.
also he has a fan club (sad but true) made me think of these guy, a couple of years ago IRL he was hot and all that when he got out he ditched his wife for a rich heiress, you know?
I can't wait to read the next book. give me 3 weeks before I give in ;)
anasatticbookblog's review
3.0
Charley’s snarkiness got to be too much for me in this installment. It felt canned- like someone went in and added a ton of snarky one-liners. Don’t get me wrong, I laughed out loud at a few, but it overall started to get on my nerves. If I read these as they were coming out I would have had a chance to miss her between books, but binging in a row was a bit too much. Since this story built on the first, ended on a bit of a cliff and there are still 11 more, I think I’m going to end here. I did like this book overall, but not enough to continue the series.