Second Grave on the Left

SECOND GRAVE ON THE LEFT is the second novel in Darynda Jones’s Charley Davidson Grave series. Once again, written in first person POV, we follow Charley and her side-kick Cookie as they investigate a missing person’s case and a cryptic message left on a bathroom stall wall. Blending humor and mystery, Second Grave is another powerful storyline that delves deeper into the relationships that make up Charlotte Davidson, PI (aka Grim Reaper). Oh and we mustn’t forget her bunny slippers, Bugs Bunny comforter, Danger and Will Robinson and the heart stopping Reyes Farrow ;) Unlike First Grave, there are NO recently departed following Charley around hoping for resolution about their own deaths. But, that is not to say that some spirits do not make a re-appearance=Angel, Rocket Man and Strawberry Shortcake to name a few. Second Grave begins when Cookie receives an urgent message from a high school friend-Mimi, who is in need of Charley’s services. But like all good mysteries, Mimi is no where to be found and although no witnesses recall seeing the woman, Mimi has left a cryptic message on the bathroom stall at a local all-night café. And to complicate matters, her husband believes she has been having an affair, and has been threatening those he believes are responsible. Searching through the past, Cookie and Charley stumble upon a 20 year old secret that may soon reveal itself, amidst a Senate campaign. When all clues point to a cover up, Charley and Cookie soon discover that everyone who knows about the secret is suddenly dying under mysterious circumstances. Although the clues point in one direction, Charley is forced to confront those who do not wish the secret revealed. At several times throughout the storyline a trio of ‘FBI agents descend on Charlie, posing a threat to her life. But unlike in the previous storyline, Reyes Farrow aka Big Bad has not been present to serve and protect. And this has Charley worried. In First Grave, Reyes professed his lifelong protection of Charlotte Davidson, but he is currently derelict in his duties, whenever Charley is faced with a life-threatening situation. Two knife attacks and a shoot-out do not bode well for Charley, and resulting injuries must be attended. But Reyes will finally explain, that he will be present-if truly needed. Again, there are several secondary storylines and investigations. Charley and her father must face some realities as it involves his previous career as a police detective in the APD. When someone from his past threatens his family, Charley’s father seems willing to risk the life of his daughter to save those that he loves. Garret Swopes is injured in the line of duty and the prison warden is well aware that Reyes Farrow is not all that he appears. And like the headlines from gossip magazines and horror stories, Reyes has a following that will both surprise and force you to withdraw into the world of ‘ick’ knowing that there are people out there, willing to do anything for attention and money. Oh and we mustn’t forget about the spirit riding around in the trunk of Cookie’s white Taurus. His identity will come as a shock to everyone but Uncle Ubie. Reyes and Charley’s relationship grows as Reyes reveals more about what destiny has in store. As the story continues, Reyes’s corporeal body’s whereabouts is still unknown as Charley searches in vain. Knowing that Reyes is continuously tortured for information and the map, Charley hopes to find his body, to stop Reyes from allowing his own death. But Reyes has warned Charley that she should not interfere. As the son of Satan, Reyes is well aware of the prophecies and who is the KEY to both heaven and hell. But Charley’s interference and refusal to back down will now place everyone at risk, and her relationship with Reyes will take them into another direction-one that she isn’t willing to accept. Second Grave on the Left is another wonderful instalment in the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. Darynda writes with plenty of humor and just enough sexiness

Second in the Charley Davidson urban fantasy series about a personable grim reaper-cum-private detective-cum-police consultant in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My Take This was excellent although not as funny as the first story, First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson, 1). It took forever before I figured out that Dead Trunk Guy was supposed to be a funny bit. Too subtle for me. There are a lot of revelations in this installment. The fear/fascination/trust her dad has about her. Neil Gossett's stories about Reyes. A new perspective on family life after the attack on Charley and her dad. I'd sure like to know who Mr. Chao, Ulrich, and Frank Smith were and why they were sort of involved with Evil Riggs and Evil Murtaugh. Now, the worst part. I have to wait for Third Grave Dead Ahead (Charley Davidson, 3) expected to come out in Feb 2012 to find out what happens next! The Story Dragging Charley from her bed at 2 a.m. and shoving bunny slippers at her, Cookie tries to force Charley into her car trunk. A car trunk that's already occupied! With Dead Guy! Seems Cookie got a text message from an old friend to meet her. Alone. At a coffee shop. But Cookie just knows that she and Mimi will need Charley's help. Hence the sweats and bunny slippers. But it's Mimi's dilemma that has two fake FBI guys on her tail. They're eager to find Mimi and wouldn't mind taking Charley out as well. Nor are they the only bad guys looking for Charley for the demons are slipping through to Earth as well and Reyes has put his corporeal body on the line to keep them from finding her. A sacrifice that Charley refuses to accept. She wants Reyes alive. And able. Slowly Charley and Cookie find other "accidents"/murders/suicides that are connected to Mimi; Janelle York's death is the kicker. The same Janelle York that triggered a violent change in Mimi's behavior in high school. It's a hurtful period for Charley as she's being attacked left, right, and center: the contract killers after Mimi, demons hunting her and Reyes, a newly-released convict looking to hurt her dad, Betrayals also abound. Uncle Bob has her followed. Her dad doesn't warn her of the threats he's received on her life. And Charley binds Reyes into his body forbidding his ability to escape prison. An escape he needs to stay sane. The Characters Charley Davidson has been a grim reaper from the day she was born. For years, she helped her father, Leland Davidson, solve cases. Once he retired from the police force, she's been helping her Uncle Bob the same way. The dead tell her that she shines like a beacon. Her sister Gemma and stepmother Denise really hate her. Angel is a young--dead--gangbanger who helps Charley investigate. Reyes Alexander Farrow is Lucifer's son reborn into a human to be on the Earth at the same time as Charley. Son of Satan and more gorgeous than a super-model, Reyes escaped from prison. For killing the man who kidnapped him and abused him horrifically all his young life. His demon father wants him to find the gate to Heaven [Charley] while Reyes simply wants to be with Charley. Able to travel outside his body, Reyes shows up when Charley's life is in danger. Kim Millar is Reyes' sister. His unacknowledged sister. He wants her kept safe away from his problems with Hell. Charley found her in First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson, 1) and has respected her and Reyes' wish to keep her invisible. Amador Sanchez was Reyes' boyhood friend and cellmate. Together, they used Reyes' fan clubs to build a nest egg and then played the stock market to create a good life for Amador and his wife Bianca. They know all about "Dutch". Cookie Kowalski is Charley's best friend and her receptionist for her private investigation business; Amber is her daughter. Neil Gossett is an old schoolmate of Charley's; he is now the deputy warden at the prison where Reyes was incarcerated. Garrett Swope is a bounty hunter and unsure if he likes or fears

I think I’m becoming addicted to this series. After reading book one and the first novella, I totally love all the quirkiness that is Charley, Cookie, Uncle Bob and the rest of the gang, which include the dead. I enjoyed reading about this case and how it unfolded. As Charley is working her way to solve the mystery of a missing woman, she is also trying to help Reyes. Unfortunately, he doesn’t want her help and he gives her dire warnings along the way. I don’t want to give too much away but I will say that I absolutely love Reyes even though we see very little of him. This is much more about Charley with a touch of romance thrown in. That little bit makes me want so much more. Laced with humor that tickles me every step of the way, it also has an intriguing storyline that kept me trotting along as fast as I could read. There are still so many things left unanswered and small particulars that I’m curious to see if they will affect future cases. I’m definitely digging into the rest of the series with fingers crossed for more of Reyes. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.