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    Second Grave on the Left
    Second Grave on the Left
    Second Grave on the Left
    Audiobook9 hours

    Second Grave on the Left

    Written by Darynda Jones

    Narrated by Lorelei King

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Second in the Darynda Jones' award-winning paranormal series that's "hilarious and heartfelt, sexy and surprising." (J.R. Ward)

    When Charley Davidson and Cookie (her best friend/receptionist) have to track down a missing woman, the case is not quite as open and shut as they anticipate. A friend of Cookie's named Mimi disappeared five days earlier. This friend then sends Cookie a cryptic message telling them to meet her at a nearby coffee shop. The coffee is brewing, but Mimi's still missing. There is, however, a clue left on the bathroom wall: a woman's name, scribbled by Mimi. Mimi's husband explains that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old friend of hers from high school had been murdered a couple weeks prior. The same woman Mimi had named in her message.

    Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He's left his body because he's being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can't let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they'll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven…well, let's just say it wouldn't be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Can she keep those she loves out of harm's way? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel her as she does?
    Here is your signpost for the most hilarious read of the summer: Second Grave On The Left.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMacmillan Audio
    Release dateAug 16, 2011
    ISBN9781427212443
    Second Grave on the Left
    Author

    Darynda Jones

    New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 17 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, certain they went away the better for it. She penned the international bestselling Charley Davidson series and is currently working on several beloved projects, most notably the Sunshine Vicram Mystery Series with St. Martin's Press and the Betwixt and Between Series of paranormal women's fiction. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys. She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com

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    Reviews for Second Grave on the Left

    4/5

    599 ratings58 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Makes me laugh. Now onto book 3.
    • 5/5
      The book was witty and held my interest. I all around loved the story line and the characters involved in it; I wouldn't mind reading the first book of the series and I can't wait to read the next.
    • 5/5
      Excellent narration breathes life into the quirky characters in this fast-paced Urban Fantasy. Charlie Davidson quickly wormed her way into my heart.

      I can't wait to read/listen to the next book in this series.
    • 5/5
      This series rake havoc with my sleep. They are so so hard to put down. "Only one more chapter. Then I will stop listening" ha ha as if.
    • 5/5
      I'm a late comer to the Charley Davidson books, but I'm already a huge fan! Charley is so much fun, and I loved how the relationships between Charley and Cookie, and Charley and her family, were delved into much deeper in this book than in the first. Cookie asks Charley to help her find out what happened to her friend Mimi, who was going to meet with Charley and Cookie before she disappeared. I thought this mystery rolled out at a nice pace, with Charley solving a couple of side mysteries along the way. The humor in these books has me laughing out loud, and who doesn't need a little bit more of that? I loved the relationship between Charley and Reyes as well, but I think that goes without saying to anybody who has read the first book in the series! In summary, I'm giving this book 5/5 stars and highly recommend it. I received a copy of this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
    • 4/5
      Takes place one week after the first book, so if you haven't read the first one you should, before reading this.
    • 4/5
      Yep, just going to keep ripping through these. They're fun, and there are fewer repetitions of "sensual" in this sequel. Thank goodness.
    • 4/5
      Although I missed the first book in this series, it was not difficult to pick up the series and start reading from the second. I listened to the audiobook, which is perfectly narrated by Lorelei King who also narrates Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum and Lizzie and Diesel series. In fact, if you enjoy Janet Evanovich, you're likely to enjoy Darynda Jones' style as well. A fun, light, and funny paranormal read with interesting characters and good intertwining of plots and subplots. Fast-paced and breezy with a couple of twists you don't see coming.
    • 5/5
      I love the way each chapter starts with a quote from a t-shirt or bumper sticker. The relationship between Cookie and Charley reminds me of Stephanie Plum and Lulu. Between the minds of each of them, they manage to solve their mysteries all while making you have giggle fits. :)
    • 4/5
      Uh-oh. I've been kidnapped by another series.
    • 4/5
      I am loving this series. Charley Davidson is quickly becoming my favorite female investigator. I've listened to the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich for years and loved them but lately those books have lost their luster. But never fear, looks like Charley is ready to take Stephanie's place. What I think makes Charley better than Stephanie is that she's smart and figures things out whereas Stephanie just falls in to a lot of the answers. Plus, Charley's just cool. This books are hilarious but it's not because Charley's doing stupid stuff. It's because Charley's sarcastic and smart. The one-liners are great. Plus, Reyes is super-hot. And, I'm holding out hope for Garrett Swopes. Charley's sidekick and neighbor, Cookie, is fun and smart. I really appreciate that Darynda Jones writes books with two smart women in them that are not reliant on the men in their lives to make things happen or get them out of trouble. I can't wait to get further along in these audiobooks.

      And completely coincidental, these books are narrated by Lorelei King who also narrates the Stephanie Plum series. As always, Ms. King does a wonderful job with the narration. She's definitely in my top three narrators.

      If you're looking for something fun and entertaining to get you through your daily commute or exercise routine, give these books a try and I guarantee the time will fly.
    • 4/5
      I didn’t find this book as fantastic as the first. I felt like it was mostly a recap and then all the action took place in a rush. I am invested in the story though so on to the next book!
    • 4/5
      Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones is a 2011 St. Martin’s Press publication. When a friend of Cookie’s goes missing, Charley is on the case. However, Charley has a lot going on in her personal life right now, as well. Charley has absorbed the fact that Reyes is literally the son of Satan. But, right now, he is haunting her after leaving his corporeal body, with the intention of dying, and won’t tell her where his body is. The mystery is great! Very solid, twisty, lots of big revelations. The other parts of the story are emotional and very tense. I was absolutely riveted. Of course, Charley’s trademark snark and wit are front and center and had me laughing out loud. The ending is a bit controversial, which had me feeling conflicted. If that weren’t bad enough, the book ends with a cliffhanger. Thankfully, I’ve got book three already queued up and ready to go. Can’t wait to see what happens next!! 4 stars
    • 5/5
      I'm just going to say that Charley is effin hilarious, and a total bad ass without a scare reflex. I say that because in most books, a heroine will find their way into trouble and freak. No, not Charley, she just keeps on truckin. Being threatend to be tortured, and she just makes a joke and keeps poking at the bad guy. I wish I marked one of the parts that cracked me up last night, but since it was about five am ( I couldn't put the book down...) and it was an awesome read, I didn't pause to mark it down. I love a book that can make me laugh so hard I cry.
      I can't wait for the next book in the series, mostly because I'm drooling over what's going to happen between Charley and Reyes. Partly also because I'm a nerd, and her discovering she has even more powers is awwwesome.

    • 4/5
      Second Grave on the Left
      4 Stars

      The adventures of Charley Davidson, snarky P.I. and Grim Reaper extraordinaire, continue in the second installment. Much has been said in numerous reviews about the fact that Charley's sarcasm is getting old. For me, her mocking cynicism is a huge part of her endearing personality and she wouldn't be the same if it were toned down. It also balances out the darker and grittier aspects of the storyline.

      There is a lot going on in this book with 4 separate mysteries: the disappearance of Mimi Jacobs, Reyes's escape and the search for his corporeal form, the changes in Charley's father and the dead guy in Cookie's trunk. Nevertheless, it all merges together seamlessly and everything is resolved in a believable way.

      Charley's relationship with Reyes takes on some subtle changes. Charley has questions about her role, and his, in the universe and refuses to allow him to distract her. She also has some issues with the other men in her life who are keeping secrets and telling her half-truths. Charley also makes a life altering decision at the climax of the story, which some readers may find selfish but for me is a pivotal moment that was necessary for the continuation of the series.

      All in all, things are changing in Charley's world and I look forward to seeing where the new developments take us.
    • 5/5
      This ended WAY too quickly. I'm loving this series and can't wait to listen to book 3. Great characters, great storyline, suspenseful, funny, sexy and just an all around great series. Can't wait for the next book!
    • 4/5
      Charlie is one busy lady, being a private investigator and a grim reaper. She is investigating a missing person case, and murdered victims are turning up in her investigations. When Reyes appears to her in desperate straits, she is equally desperate to save him. Can Charlie do it all? And in time? You'll want to read the book and find out. Sprinkled with dark humor, this novel is still a suspenseful page-turner.
    • 4/5
      Liked this better than the first! More insight on old characters and a cliffhanger at the end. Makes me want to run to pick up all the next books immediately!
    • 4/5
      The ending? Yeah...that's just mean.
    • 4/5
      Fun book. Several mysteries all going on at the same time. The main character is Charley Davidson a female private investigator who also happens to be a grim reaper. One of the mysteries is looking for a missing woman. Another is finding the corporal body of Reyes, the son of Satan. Also someone it out to kill her. All of this is intertwined in this book. The missing woman was actually loosely involved in a crime 20 years ago that someone is trying to permanently cover up. Reyes is hiding to help save the world, yes the son of Satan is doing good. Charley is being hunted down by a criminal who has a vendetta against her father. Should prove to be an interesting series over all
    • 5/5
      When three or more story threads are happening at once but they still form a cohesive unit that pushes the plot forward: Jenius.
    • 5/5
      This is the second Charley Davidson book and it was a very fun continuation of this humorous urban fantasy series! Right now the 11th book in this series, Eleventh Grave in Moonlight, is scheduled for a January 2017 release. I listened to this on audiobook and the narrator does an awesome job. This is one of those series I would highly recommend listening to on audiobook if you enjoy audiobooks.I enjoyed this book even more than the first book in the series. These books remind a bit of Molly Harper’s Jane Jameson series in tone, but I am actually liking this series a lot better than that one. There is a ton of quirky humor in here and I just love Charley and her inability to keep her mouth shut or be afraid of anything. In fact there are quite a few wonderful characters in here, even the side-characters have a lot of depth and are super fun to read about.This book is mostly investigative but there is quite a bit of action as well. I love that each of these books solves one mystery but there is also a story that continues between books involving Charley’s powers and Reyes. We learn a lot more about both Charley’s and Reyes’s powers in this book and the whole thing is getting increasingly interesting.The only thing that I have a bit of trouble getting past in this series is the fact that if spirits can see Charley so well then why isn’t Charley constantly swamped by ghosts? I find this a bit unbelievable but am willing to let it slide because I just have so much darn fun listening to these books.Overall I loved this book and found it incredibly entertaining. So far I am really loving this whole series (of course I am only at book 2 of 11). I would highly recommend to fans of investigative urban fantasy who enjoy some humor in their books.
    • 4/5
      ReviewThis series is just purely delightful and just what I needed to get me through the stressful time of selling a house. Charley is such a sassy little imp, you cannot help but fall in love with her. This one was a tad slow and repetitive at times (& Reyes isnt as interesting as in the debut novel), but its not that big of a deal because its really the characters and dialogue that keeps you interested. I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know each and everyone of the secondary characters and cannot wait to pick up the next installment to learn more. I highly recommend this series for those who just need some fun escapism with lots of heart. And the dialogue is worth the price of the book (or audiobook in this case) Favorite Quotes“Make it quick," I said when I picked up. "Okay. Two men from the FBI are here." Cookie said. Quickly. Crap. "Men in black are at the office?""Well, yes, but they're actually in more of a navy."Crapola. I so don't have time for men. In any color. "Okay, two questions. Do they look mad, and are they hot?"After a long, long, pause, Cookie said, "One, not really. Two, no comment at this time. And three, you're on speakerphone."After another long, long pause, I said, "Okie dokie then. Be there in a jiff.” “For the first time in my life, I was in a shoot-out. A real, honest-to-goodness shoot-out with a bad guy. And, apparently, we both sucked.”
    • 5/5
      DESCRIPTION, NOT REVIEW: When Charley Davidson and Cookie (her best friend/receptionist) have to track down a missing woman, the case is not quite as open and shut as they anticipate. A friend of Cookie's named Mimi disappeared five days earlier. This friend then sends Cookie a cryptic message telling them to meet her at a nearby coffee shop. The coffee is brewing, but Mimi's still missing. There is, however, a clue left on the bathroom wall: a woman's name, scribbled by Mimi. Mimi's husband explains that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old friend of hers from high school had been murdered a couple weeks prior. The same woman Mimi had named in her message.Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He's left his body because he's being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can't let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they'll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven…well, let's just say it wouldn't be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Can she keep those she loves out of harm's way? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel her as she does?Here is your signpost for the most hilarious read of the summer: Second Grave On The Left.
    • 4/5
      The second book has Charley searching for various people both with and without her "dead" friends and supernatural beings. Charley's best friend Cookie awakens her in the middle of the night to find out what has happened to "Mimi". As they search for Mimi, they discover that all that is happening revolves around the mysterious disappearance of one of Mimi's high school acquaintances. While this is happening, Charley's father is dealing with something that has him more worried that Charley has seen in a long time - but he doesn't want to tell Charley. By not telling her, it has put her in more trouble with "bad guys". To add to all this, Reyes has hidden his body from Charley. She desperately needs to find him before his body dies. As usual, Charley is witty, the story is interesting, and the characters are wonderful. Another great read.
    • 4/5
      -Second Grave on the left- I was a bit taken back with the two case's she was working on. The fact that she could even stop looking for one for a second to spend looking for the other totally miffed me. I still love the Charley and the author's snarky T-shirt humor. My kind of girl, She get's me she really does. I found myself laughing at her as much as I was horrified by her ordeal. It was a darker book for me, than the last one. I enjoyed the ride and can't wait to find out if she is forgiven or if she ever learns what she can do.
    • 3/5
      Charley is the Grim Reaper.....she is a beacon of light for dead people world-wide who want to cross over. She is also super-human, a smart-mouthed P.I. and lover of Reyes, the Son of Satan (who has disappeared).

      In this book, not only has Reyes disappeared, but so to as the wife of a very wealthy business man....and people who went to H.S. with the missing woman have turned up dead (murdered).

      I only gave this 3 &#9733, because In My Opinion, Charley's obsession with finding Reyes interferes with the other part of the story......

      I am now about to begin the 3rd in the series.
    • 4/5
      Charley Davidson is Albuquerque’s private eye extraordinaire and local Grim Reaper. In this installment, her best friend Cookie hits her up to help find her friend Mimi. Pretty soon the two ladies are pulled into a murder mystery, one that may be tied back to an event from Mimi’s past. On top of all that, Reyes Alexander Farrow, Charley’s lover and also the son of Satan, has yet another mystery for Charley. While his hidden body is tormented by demons, his spirit haunts Charley, tempting her with promises of hot, pleasurable nights.I wasn’t particularly taken with Book 1 (First Grave on the Right) in this series, but then I heard the author talk at the local convention (Bubonicon) a few times and she came off as funny and smart. So when I won a copy of this book (from Audio Gals blog), I jumped right into. I was happily surprised that this book entertained me far more than Book 1.There’s really three mysteries in this book; the two biggies already mentioned and then a smaller one that even Charley is not aware of until she stumbles right into it. I really liked how these three intertwined, each masking the other or revealing insights into the next. It made it much harder to predict the plot and I was pleasantly surprised several times when the next little twist wasn’t what I was expecting.Charley herself has plenty of self effacing humor. Sometimes it made me chuckle and, unfortunately, some of it felt canned. This was probably the single point that by turns charmed me and turned me off. When the wit was flying and clever, I was a very happy listener. When the humor lacked wit and was the same joke I have heard a thousand times on TV, I was likely to let my focus wander off the book. I have to admit the sometimes unsurprising dialogue was one of the drawbacks to Book 1 and Book 2 doesn’t quite escape from this rather predictable sitcom type humor.Then we have the hot, flirty romance between Charley and Reyes. In Book 1, it didn’t quite work for me, but in this book, it is much smoother. The two have a little history together now, some trust, something more to go on than just lusting hormones. I really enjoyed that Charley isn’t always willing to sit back and let Reyes be the alpha in their relationship. The other side of the coin is that she sometimes truly does need his help and she has to admit that and essentially ask for it. Reyes, on the other hand, hasn’t been able to ask for help in a very, very long time, given the nature of his being. So he’s still got some growing to do.The various side characters provide humor and angst as needed. Of course, Cookie is front and center with this story. She’s sometimes near hysterics, worrying for her missing friend Mimi but then you can see her pull it together. Uncle Bob and Charley’s dad are both cops, so there’s some family politics that come in to play in this book that added some nice depth to Charley’s character. Then there are all the dead people that Charley can see and the conversations with those individuals runs the gamut of emotions: hilarious, poignant; creepy; etc.Yep, I definitely enjoyed this book more than Book 1 and I will be continuing the series.Narration: Lorelei King gave us another great performance. She’s got the perfect sassy voice for Charley. I also liked her voice for Cookie, making her sound voluptuous and bold at the same time. Both her male and female voices were distinct and her little kid voices were excellent. She also pulled off the Hispanic accent nicely.
    • 4/5
      If goodreads allowed half stars, would rate 3½ but rounded up to 4 stars.

      Second book in Charley Davidson series, blurb on this site accurate so not requoting/summarizing. Charley Davidson character is one I like (a little unrelenting on the one liners and snappy combacks) and there were some funny moments. Read in one sitting and really enjoyed (cast and characters, not that big on the wordlbuilding in this entry) which means I would never rate lower than 3-5 stars.

      Lost some partial ranking stars for me by reading a bit like the stereotypical 2nd book in a trilogy (although I know series is longer) in that not a great deal happened to move series forward (okay, a new power and she now has seen demons), no progression of romance (in fact romance and personal relationships except with her BFF seemed to go backwards with the men in her life leaving her out of the loop and treating her like helpless femme).

      The drama behind a bad guy stalking her dad and her leading to the police sticking a tail on her did not progress naturally, just shoved in there toward the quickie ending--just did not flow well.

      Despite the minor complaints I expressed that lost some stars in my ranking, I did enjoy, did get some laughs, and will be reading further in the series.
    • 4/5
      This second book in the Charley Davidson series was as funny and chaotic as the first. Charlie is working on a case for her best friend/receptionist Cookie. Her best friend Mimi is missing. She is also trying to find out about the dead guy in Cookie's car trunk. But, most of all, she is trying to find Reyes body before he dies. Reyes is determined to let his human body die; Charley doesn't want that to happen. And, also, Charley's father is being threatened by someone who wants to kill him or, at least, kill his family.All of those cases intertwine in this investigation. Charley is her usual fear-free self. She doesn't seem to have any sense of self-preservation as she confronts criminals of all sorts of descriptions on her quest to find Mimi and save Reyes. This book was laugh out loud funny which is unusual in the urban fantasy genre. I enjoyed every minute of this story and can't wait to read more of Charley's adventures.