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    The Dirt on Ninth Grave: A Novel
    The Dirt on Ninth Grave: A Novel
    The Dirt on Ninth Grave: A Novel
    Audiobook10 hours

    The Dirt on Ninth Grave: A Novel

    Written by Darynda Jones

    Narrated by Lorelei King

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    This audiobook includes a wonderful dedication to the long-time narrator of the series, Lorelei King, read by the author.

    Grim Reaper Charley Davidson is back in the ninth installment of Darynda Jones' New York Times bestselling paranormal series, The Dirt on Ninth Grave

    In a small village in New York Charley Davidson is living as Jane Doe, a girl with no memory of who she is or where she came from. So when she is working at a diner and slowly begins to realize she can see dead people, she's more than a little taken aback. Stranger still are the people entering her life. They seem to know things about her. Things they hide with lies and half-truths. Soon, she senses something far darker. A force that wants to cause her harm, she is sure of it. Her saving grace comes in the form of a new friend she feels she can confide in and the fry cook, a devastatingly handsome man whose smile is breathtaking and touch is scalding. He stays close, and she almost feels safe with him around.

    But no one can outrun their past, and the more lies that swirl around her-even from her new and trusted friends-the more disoriented she becomes, until she is confronted by a man who claims to have been sent to kill her. Sent by the darkest force in the universe. A force that absolutely will not stop until she is dead. Thankfully, she has a Rottweiler. But that doesn't help in her quest to find her identity and recover what she's lost. That will take all her courage and a touch of the power she feels flowing like electricity through her veins. She almost feels sorry for him. The devil in blue jeans. The disarming fry cook who lies with every breath he takes. She will get to the bottom of what he knows if it kills her. Or him. Either way.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMacmillan Audio
    Release dateJan 12, 2016
    ISBN9781427264060
    The Dirt on Ninth Grave: A Novel
    Author

    Darynda Jones

    New York Times and USA Today bestselling author DARYNDA JONES won a Golden Heart and a RITA for her manuscript First Grave on the Right. A born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

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    Reviews for The Dirt on Ninth Grave

    4/5

    225 ratings32 reviews

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    • 5/5
      I love the twists and turns this one gave me. I never new what was happening to Charlie. It was great!
    • 3/5
      Hhmmm. spoiler alert
      I liked the snark and all of the lovable characters were present. But the issue with Charlie a.k.a. Janie not having her memory for 99% of the book just doesn't sit well for me. It's almost as if the author wasn't quite sure where to go with the series, so she created this little side jaunt in I Can't Remember My Name World. Really?!? The whole concept of Charlie being the ultimate ghost god having a mental breakdown is just ridiculous and kind of breaks all of the rules of a strong female lead. oh well. The story was still entertaining as Janie bumble through multiple scenes to ultimately save the day.
    • 5/5
      *Book source ~ NetGalleySleepy Hollow, New York. Janey Doerr showed up in an alley behind a diner a month ago and no one, herself included, knows who she is. Taken under the diner owner’s wing, she works and tries to figure out who she is, where she comes from, why she can see dead people and sense people’s emotions. Not wanting to be called crazier than people already believe, she doesn’t confide in any of her new friends what she can do. But things are getting weirder by the day and something big and scary is after her. What’s an amnesiac with questionable super powers supposed to do?After being tossed off the huge cliff in the last book, I couldn’t wait to get my greedy mitts on this book. It picks up a month after the end of Eighth Grave After Dark with Charley suffering from amnesia and surrounded by her friends and husband though she has no idea who they are. Full of the same humor, mystery and paranormal hotness that is Reyes as the previous books, this story doesn’t push the main story arc along much further than it already was. But that’s ok. I totally enjoyed it anyway. Charley does some of her trademark off-the-wall stuff, solves some problems, creates some more problems, and by the end she has her memory back. A little too repetitious about how nommy Reyes is (yes, I know he is, I don’t need it spelled out continuously) and Charley is still a bit too ditzy though I cut her some slack for being mind-wiped and not remembering she shouldn’t be going off on her own. Where this is going from here, I have no idea. But I’ll definitely be catching the next train to Charleytown to find out.
    • 5/5
      This might be my favorite book in the series! At first I was not happy. REMEMBER Charley! For the LOVE, remember! That was my chant throughout this book! It was torture.... torture! But to see Reyes and Charley fall in love again--priceless! The sacrifice was Charley's father was heartbreaking. I was so sad but it was a good way for him to go. It really helped Charley to understand his love. Excellent addition to this series! Love it!
    • 4/5
      Janey, waitressing in a diner in Sleepy Hollow, has no idea who she is or where she comes from. Janey might not realize she's Charley, but her friends are all there, surrounding her and protecting her. She falls in love with Reyes all over again and discovers her powers slowly. This ninth book in the series continues the humor and warm interactions between the friends. A must read for fans of the series.
    • 5/5
      I started this book #9 in the Charley Davidson series with trepidation. Why? Because I've read every book in the series, and book #8 wasn't as good as the previous 7 books. I was concerned that author Darynda Jones was beginning a downward spiral with the series - something that happens frequently to authors who have many books in a series and end up running out of interesting material. Also, with the way book #8 ended, I was wondering if that cliffhanger was Jones's excuse to continue the series on a different path - one that I wouldn't like.Well, I needn't have worried. Although "The Dirt on Ninth Grave" was a bit of a breather for the series, allowing Jones (and the reader) to slow down from all the hellhound-chasing action of the previous books, it was still very entertaining. Charley's sense of humor is completely intact, Cookie's crazy antics are still endearingly crazy, and Reyes, Osh, and Swopes are still there in all their gorgeous glory. Book #9 gives the reader a chance to get to know all the characters all over again, but from an entirely different perspective. (I'm not going to go in to any more detail on that because I want to avoid spoilers.) There's a lot more emotion conveyed across all the characters, and I really enjoyed seeing their relationships deepen in their quest for a common goal.There wasn't as much action in book #9, although there was still the side mystery/crime that Charley gets involved in. But the lack of action in this book - unlike in book #8 - did not mean boring moments. On the contrary, it was a breath of fresh air. Not as much linear plot progress was made with respect to the series as a whole, but the chance to really get to know the main characters better was worth the pause in action.I am so looking forward to book #10 "The Curse of Tenth Grave."
    • 5/5
      Charley Davidson series, another exciting read from Darynda Jones.
    • 4/5
      Review courtesy of Dark Faerie TalesQuick & Dirty: Charley has amnesia in this somewhat mellower installment which kind of feels like a reboot as she is learning to work with her “god” grim reaper powers.Opening Sentence: I stood beside the booth and poured coffee into a beige cup that had the words FIRELIGHT GRILL written across it, wondering if I should tell my customer, Mr. Pettigrew, about the dead stripper sitting next to him.The Review:The Dirt on Ninth Grave by Darynda Jones is *not surprisingly* the ninth title in the Charley Davidson series and it marks a complete shift in the direction that the series has gone so far. It is almost a reboot of sorts. You could pick this novel up and be just as in the dark as Janey Doerr (err Charley Davidson) but with the eventual spoilers, hopefully you will be wanting to find out what led her up to the events of The Dirt of Ninth Grave. (Although everything is recapped quickly for those new or old to the series.)This novel picks up just a month after the devastating events of Eighth Grave After Dark. Charley Davidson is now living in Sleepy Hollow, New York with no memories of who she is or where she came from. Charley is now Janey Doerr. She is working as a waitress at the restaurant where she first stumbled into in Sleepy Hollow. She is trying to keep a low profile after all the press about the mysterious woman with no memory. When she realizes that she can see the dead (in a completely hilarious flash back by the way), she keeps the information to herself, completely down playing and ignoring the dead people she sees because she really doesn’t want to get locked up in a padded room.All of Charley’s entourage join her in Sleepy Hollow, she just doesn’t know it. After Charley’s sister, Gemma, a psychiatrist said that Charley needs to gain her memories back on her own, they infiltrate her life in order to keep an eye on her. Janey feels so comfortable with her co-worker, Cookie, that she feels that she can tell her about almost everything (just not ghosts). There are three very handsome regulars that visit the restaurant for every breakfast, lunch and dinner but it is tall, dark and dangerous who won’t even acknowledge her that really messes with her head until the day he gets a job as a cook.Charley is once again stretched thin, working many mysteries at once. The main mystery that she seems to be following comes from the neighbor antique shop where she feels a lot of pain and despair. The man’s family has seemingly disappeared and she wants to know why. The mysteries are a bit more difficult this time because she doesn’t know anyone or trust anyone. She is afraid of what clues to reveal and she doesn’t have the reliable Cookie to help her out.Charley is a bit different than normal. Some of her same charm and habits are there. Charley’s sarcasm is still there but I felt like it wasn’t quite as prevalent as it has been in the previous books. Reyes is still his dark, broody self and man of few words. If you didn’t know Osh, he would appear to be some creepy kid with nothing better to do. Garrett had some page time but no enough to really get to know him if you haven’t read the series yet. Angel, Jessica and Strawberry Shortcake all show up for some snarky scenes.I wasn’t quite sure where The Dirt on Ninth Grave was going because most of the “smaller” mysteries were finished before the big revelation is revealed right at the end. Charley and the gang have a new mission, a new focus that should take them through a few more novels. Although I’m not too sure how Charley is going to keep up her end of the bargain.Overall, The Dirt on Ninth Grave is a darker, mellower Charley learning how to solve crime on her own and dealing with the new aspects of her power. The story was a bit slow in the beginning, cementing Charley and her gang’s place in Sleepy Hollow and how they are keeping an eye on her before moving on to the meaty portions of the story. FYI, the headless horseman makes one hilarious appearance.Notable Scene:“You two are like teenagers,” he said, “fighting over the quarterback.”There was a silence that I suspected was filled with glares before Angel continued.“Mira, I get it. You’re afraid she’ll ascend. Scared she’ll come to her senses and leave your ass.”I heard a scuffle, then a tight “What is your point?” from Reyes.When Angel spoke again, his voice was slightly higher than before. “You don’t get it, pendejo. Maybe she just wants to be normal for a little while.”Another pause.Angel coughed and Reyes asked, “What do you mean?”“Maybe, I don’t know… Maybe she just needs a break from all the bullshit. It’s controlled her life since the day she was born.”“Kid has a point,” Osh may or may not have said. Still wasn’t sure.“Fuckin’ A, I have a point. A razor-sharp one, cabron.”Overall, this was a really unusual dream. Most of my dreams were filled with utter nonsense and questions like what color scythe would go best with my sweater. No idea. But this one had no pictures. Just darkness. And voices. And a hand on my arm. But it wasn’t until I felt the tongue slide up my face that realization sank in.I’d fainted! My lids flew open, and humiliation surged through me. I was such a dorknado. Not only had I fainted, I’d done it in the arms of Reyes Farrow. I groaned and slapped a hand over my eyes. No telling what he thought of me now.FTC Advisory: St. Martin’s Press/Macmillan provided me with a copy of The Dirt on Ninth Grave. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
    • 5/5
      Love the series, I am an addict. Cant wait to listen to the next one. My favorite power couple
    • 5/5
      Yet another great adventure brought to you by Chrlie Davidson. If you haven't read this series you need to!
    • 5/5
      "In a small village in New York Charley Davidson is living as Jane Doe, a girl with no memory of who she is or where she came from." Charley broke apart at the end of the last book in the series when she learned her true celestial name, and after having to give up her little Beep to keep her safe, and ended up in Sleepy Hollow, New York, with amnesia. It was really fun to watch Charley learn that she could see dead people and not know what to do with that information. She started out all alone but soon became part of the family at the diner where she worked, along with a new waitress named Cookie (and her husband Robert), and a very sexy new fry cook named Reyes Farrow. She also had a couple of very handsome new regulars named Osh and Garrett. Unfortunately, the gang agreed that they had to let Charley regain her memories all on her own, although it was amusing to watch Charley interact with them. Soon, though, things took a serious and dangerous turn (it's Charley, so of course!), and everyone had to pull together to save lives and solve mysteries. We got answers to some of our questions, but ended up with even more questions, which will hopefully be answered in the next book, which I've already got queued up!5/5 stars.
    • 5/5
      This book is a bit difficult for me to review. Not because I didn't enjoy it, but because I am coming into it totally blind. This book is 9th in a series and I have never read book 1 through 8. Naturally it took me a little while to figure out that "Janey Doerr" was not a stranger to these other characters and the reason ''Cook" would call her Charley when she got upset.

      Anyway, "Janey" has lost her memory, and has been taken under the wing of a variety of characters, some who are not among the living. Oh yes, Janey can see dead people! This was a really fun read for me. It is humorous, sexy, and spooky, and I loved the setting in "Sleepy Hollow" complete with headless horseman. I am sure fans of the series will enjoy this newest installment and I would recommend those who have not started at the beginning would grab book one, as I intend to do.

      I received an advance copy for review
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed this reset of the series and was surprised that I did. After the climax in 8 and I knew that Charley had amnesia, I wasn't looking forward to this book. I mean amnesia seems to be the most over used trope in fiction.

      But after reading it and thinking about it, this was the authors best course of action to keep the series moving forward, and not becoming depressing. Charley had just given birth and then was forced to give up Beep to protect her.

      By losing her memory, Jones could craft a story that wasn't about Charley being devastated by her loss, and it was very well done. Janey shone as bright as Charley, the best of all possible heroines,



      Looking forward to see where this goes in book 10.
    • 5/5
      Talk about a "say what?" moment! This entire book is that. Really fun. Really twisty. Now, where do we go with that information?
    • 4/5
      It took me a while to get through this one because life got in the way, but I really enjoyed it. I loved the change of scenery and pace, and how well characterized Charley is. She might have amnesia, but she's still herself and it's delightful. I also really appreciated how well Jones used our knowledge of the world and of the rest of the cast to signal what was happening off screen, even when Charley couldn't put it all together.
    • 4/5
      Ninth book in the Charley Davidson series. Paranormal private eye Charley Davidson also just happens to be the Grim Reaper as well as having the hots for Reyes Farrow, the son of Satan. Unfortunately she doesn’t remember any of that. She’s woken up in New York City with amnesia and taken the name Jane Doe and a job in a diner. It does freak her out when she realises that she can see dead people and she has the odd panic attack that brings a deep sense of loss. A new fry cook has started, and he’s incredibly handsome, and also there are a few ‘regulars’ to the diner and her co-worker Cookie who is really supportive. Hopefully her memory comes back soon, especially when she spots a demon sleeping around a customer's heart. Another entertaining read.
    • 3/5
      The Dirt on Ninth Grave
      3.5 Stars

      Suffering from amnesia Charley Davidson (now Janey Doer) is working as a waitress in Sleepy Hollow, New York. Surrounded by strangers who seem to know more about her than she does, Janey doesn't know who to trust when she observes some suspicious activity in the antique shop next door. Can she tell her new best friend, Cookie? Or perhaps the sexy new cook with his hot eyes and devastating touch? Should she tell them that she can also see the dead?

      Despite my love for Charley, Reyes and the rest of the gang, this installment is nothing more than filler. While the book has all of Jones's trademark wit and humor, most of the plot threads (and there are a lot of them) are irrelevant to the ongoing story arc.

      In addition to Charley's loss of memory (which lasts 3/4 of the book), there is an antiques dealer being held hostage in his store, a waitress whose baby is being haunted, a police officer with stalker tendencies, a retired detective with a demon in his stomach and a homeless man with nefarious intentions. Charley eventually resolves all of these issues, but the most interesting developments only come toward the end, which is very frustrating.

      As always, the highlight of the book is Charley's relationship with Reyes as she rediscovers her love for him. Watching him struggle with his inability to tell her the truth is heartbreaking, but all's well that ends well, and he is there for her in every way when she needs him.

      All in all, not the best installment in the series, but the revelations at the end do open up new avenues for exploration in future books, and Charley will have her work cut out for her if she is to have a happily ever after with Reyes and her friends.
    • 5/5
      This series just keeps ramping up as it goes along. This one with Charlie not knowing who she is drove me crazy. I kept wanting her to remember who she was because she kept putting herself into danger. But I liked her and Reyes discovering each other again. Very good ending! Love this series!
    • 5/5
      I absolutely loved this. It was so frustrating to see that Charley didn't have her memory and thus couldn't be her awesome self, but I have to say Darynda Jones did a remarkable job with this. First, because Charlie's amnesia was just something that happened and you almost didn't think about it. Second, the tone of the book and all of those funny moments were there, so we really did get our Charlie plus the gang was all there. That last chapter killed. So sad. Can't wait to start the next one!
    • 5/5
      This is the ninth book in the Charley Davidson series and it was a very good book in this series. I continue to enjoy this series a lot; it is humorous and highly entertaining. Right now there are eleven books in this series. There are spoilers ahead for those who haven’t read previous books.I listened to this on audiobook and King does an awesome job narrating this series. I would highly recommend listening to this on audiobook if you enjoy audiobooks.Janie (formerly Charley) is working at the Firelight diner as a server. She has no memory of the time before she woke up in that alley. However, she does notice some strange things...like how she can see ghosts and stop time. Then there is her fellow waitress Cookie, who was instantly an awesome friend to Janie….and those three brooding handsome men who stop by for meals three times a day.It was fun and heart-breaking to see Janie try to rebuild her life from scratch. I love watching her unravel the mysteries surrounding her. As with previous books there is a mystery to be solved in this book, as well as the larger story-arc that continues. Towards the end of the book we learn some truly fascinating things about gods and demons.This book really drives home how important Charley’s friends, and their support, are to her. They have truly gone out of their way to protect and nurture Charley/Janie while she works through her issues. Getting to watch Janie and Reyes fall in love all over again was also highly entertaining.I loved where the story ended and can’t wait to find out what happens next. My only complaint about this series is the amount of time spent describing Reyes’ body over and over and over again. I really know what he looks like by now and that he’s supposed to be really hot...enough of that...no more please.Overall a spectacular addition to the Charley Davidson series. I was a bit nervous about the whole “lost my memory” storyline, but Jones made it work beautifully for this series. I highly recommend this urban fantasy series to those who enjoy light-hearted urban fantasy.
    • 3/5
      Dirt on the Ninth Grave by Darynda JonesCharley Davidson series Book #93 StarsFrom The Book:Charley Davidson is living in New York City as Jane Doe, a girl with no memory of who she is or where she came from. So when she begins to realize she can see dead people, she’s more than a bit taken aback. Strangers who enter the diner where she works seem to know things about her…Then she is confronted by a man who claims to have been sent to kill her. Sent by the darkest force in the universe. An enemy that will not stop until she is dead. Thankfully, she has a Rottweiler. And the diner’s devastatingly handsome fry cook, who vows to protect her even though he seems to be lying with every breath he takes. But in the face of such grave danger, who can Jane/Charley/whoever she is trust? She will find the truth even if it kills her…or the fry cook. Either way.My Thoughts:The book was okay...actually for me the entire series is just okay. I don't care for Ms. Jones humor most of the time although occasionally she does manage to strike a humorous chord. I love paranormal books but this just isn't particularly one of them that I care for. I needed a paranormal romance for a challenge and it this fit the bill for that.
    • 3/5
      Hhmmm. spoiler alert
      I liked the snark and all of the lovable characters were present. But the issue with Charlie a.k.a. Janie not having her memory for 99% of the book just doesn't sit well for me. It's almost as if the author wasn't quite sure where to go with the series, so she created this little side jaunt in I Can't Remember My Name World. Really?!? The whole concept of Charlie being the ultimate ghost god having a mental breakdown is just ridiculous and kind of breaks all of the rules of a strong female lead. oh well. The story was still entertaining as Janie bumble through multiple scenes to ultimately save the day.
    • 4/5
      My personal health reality includes sleeping medications, so I rarely suffer from anything that could be called insomnia. Except on very rare occasions when they fail, and last night they failed spectacularly - I never went to sleep. I finally started to nod off when MT's alarm went off and I briefly contemplated instigating a domestic disturbance. The good news - I guess - is that I finished The Dirt on Ninth Grave in one sitting. I was engrossed enough in the story to not want to put it down, but I'd have preferred not feeling like a zombie on toast today. I definitely, thoroughly, enjoyed this book but I liked it the least of the nine books so far. It was the amnesia thing. We finally got to a place in the story arc where we had answers and a clear goal in site and then this book comes along and we're temporarily rebooted to Charley not knowing anything. I thought this would only last a few chapters... maybe half the book at the outside, but nope: Charley doesn't snap out of it until the end. I saved this book until The Curse of Tenth Grave was released because I'd read from several places that Ninth Grave ended on a cliffhanger. I'll argue this ending isn't a cliffhanger though, because the action comes to an end; the story is paused. A major story-arc plot twist is revealed, but it's more a 'how will this affect the arc' twist, rather than 'ohmigod is someone gonna die in chapter 1 of book 10?!?'. ...I think. Thankfully, I have the next book sitting here waiting, so I can find out. After I take a nap.
    • 5/5
      The Dirt on the Ninth Grave is another great installment in Jones' Charley Davidson series, and it proved to be just as hard to put down as the previous books in the series. Now I was not completely caught up in the series before I jumped into book nine however this book was a good one to jump into. Charley aka Janey has amnesia in this book so while Janey is trying to figure out her past and who she is the reader gets to go on the journey with her. While not an ideal book to start the series because the reader wouldn't catch some of the signature themes and understand all the secondary characters, I do believe that this could be read by new readers wanting to check out the series.Jones' does a great job with her development of Janey aka Charley by showing her path and growth as a character from the beginning of the book until the end when her memories return. Charley's great sense of humor is one of the things I always enjoyed about this series, and I was pleased that Jones kept that humor with Janey. The secondary characters in this series have always added to the appeal of this series, and I loved seeing Bob, Cookie, Reyes, Angel, etc. all staying in Janey's life while trying to let Charley remember things on her own. The ensemble cast of characters in this series is always a delight, and these characters have helped make this series a favorite of mine.The book's second and third stories are also interesting giving Janey a chance to put her PI skills to use even if she doesn't realize it. Janey becomes involved in a mystery when she notices the strange happenings at a neighboring business. She decides to find out what is happening there when she suspects an entire family could be in danger. In addition to everything else, Janey also needs to deal with a dangerous personal threat when someone in her life appears to be stalking her. Overall The Dirt on the Ninth Grave proved to be an amazing read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Charley's next adventure.Received a copy of The Dirt on the Ninth Grave through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
    • 3/5
      I picked this book up from the library thinking that it was as standalone story. While I was hoping for a more serious story, the happy, klutzy, heroine kept me reading, and for the first 3/4 of the story, it kept me interested. I didn't need to know about the previous 8 books, because Janey didn't know anything, so I didn't need to know the backstory of any of the characters. I suspect if I was vested in the story, I would have been incredibly annoyed because it didn't add anything to the story.The book was cute, but I would have liked to see a number of elements changed, for example, everyone seems okay with the peeping tom neighbor who spies on girls from his apartment, or that amnesiac Janey sleeps with a guy she barely knows, and finds scary after only a few days of actually meeting him. I like books with an interesting romantic line, but not when the people involved are not thinking. Many of the elements were only added to pad the story to book size, for example the kidnapped family or the stalker police man - neither of these really added anything to the story. So overall, I'd suggest skipping this one unless you like the series.
    • 4/5
      REVIEW: I had forgotten how much I love the authors sense of humor. This is a great addition to a wonderful series. Seeing the story through the amnesia lets you discover it all over again. Reyes is as hot as ever, smoldering hot. Waiting for the next book!DESCRIPTION, NOT REVIEW: n a small village in New York lives Jane Doe, a girl with no memory of who she is or where she came from. So when she is working at a diner and slowly begins to realize she can see dead people, she's more than a little taken aback. Stranger still are the people entering her life. They seem to know things about her. Things they hide with lies and half-truths. Soon, she senses something far darker. A force that wants to cause her harm, she is sure of it. Her saving grace comes in the form of a new friend she feels she can confide in and the fry cook, a devastatingly handsome man whose smile is breathtaking and touch is scalding. He stays close, and she almost feels safe with him around.But no one can outrun their past, and the more lies that swirl around her-even from her new and trusted friends-the more disoriented she becomes, until she is confronted by a man who claims to have been sent to kill her. Sent by the darkest force in the universe. A force that absolutely will not stop until she is dead. Thankfully, she has a Rottweiler. But that doesn't help in her quest to find her identity and recover what she's lost. That will take all her courage and a touch of the power she feels flowing like electricity through her veins. She almost feels sorry for him. The devil in blue jeans. The disarming fry cook who lies with every breath he takes. She will get to the bottom of what he knows if it kills her. Or him. Either way
    • 5/5
      Talk about sitting on edge the whole trip! This book picks up where the last dropped off and the journey set before you is a gripping agonizing road with twists and turns and several plots! Just when you think you got it figured out something else happens! Highly emotional and so very great!! A true must read for any the Charley Davidson fans out there!! The audio edition has an awesome tribute to Lorelei King by Darynda Jones herself!!
    • 3/5
      The Dirt on Ninth Grave by Darynda Jones is the ninth book in the Charley Davidson series. It Sleepy Hollow, New York the Firelight Grill has a new employee named Janey Doerr (aka Charlotte “Charley” Davidson). Jane Doe was too boring and normal so she changed it up a little. Charley has amnesia and does not remember who she is. She woke up behind the diner four weeks ago with memory. Charley has special abilities (she can see the dead, see aura, and can tell if someone is lying are a few of them), but she does not understand how they work. She is also afraid to tell anyone (for fear of what they will think). Charley is lucky to have made a good friend in fellow worker Cookie (and her husband, Bob). The diner gets a new cook. One of the regulars, Reyes Alexander Farrow has just been hired, and Charley is very attracted to him. Charley is not sure she should act on the attraction (he also infuriates her). Then Charley notices something strange going on at Mr. Vandenberg’s antique store. Charley discovers that some Middle Eastern men are holding Mr. Vandenberg and his family hostage so they can use his storeroom (to drill a tunnel into a dry cleaners). Charley sets out to help him. Will Charley be able to help the Vandenberg’s? Will she ever get her memory back (and why did she lose it) and what happens when she does?I have not read any of the books in this series before, and I discovered that is a detriment. You really do need to read the other books in the Charley Davidson series in order to understand everything going on in The Dirt on Ninth Grave (or just to understand the book). I thought the book was okay. There is a lot of foul language and sex (talk and act) with very little mystery. The first twenty percent of the book is basically Charley admiring Reyes (how handsome, sexy, hot, etc.) and the other guys that are regulars at the diner. There is no action (the book does not move forward at all). The book picks up pace in the last forty percent (if you make it that far). I give Dirt on Ninth Grave 3 out of 5 stars. The idea is good, but I was just not a fan (I think I will have to go back and read the other books in the series—at least the first book). The Dirt on Ninth Grave reads more like an erotic novel than a paranormal mystery book. I received a complimentary copy of Dirt on Ninth Grave from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
    • 5/5
      We watched Charley's mind break at the end of EIGHTH GRAVE AFTER DARK. In THE DIRT ON NINTH GRAVE we got to watch Charley put herself back together.Charley continuously proves to us that she is a strong woman and THE DIRT ON NINTH GRAVE is no different. I could never begin to imagine what it would be like to not know who you are. With Charley she has the added struggle of her gifts freaking her out. She handles everything pretty well in my opinion. Even with her memories missing you could see the old Charley peeking through with almost everything she said and did and I absolutely loved that everyone who loved Charley was by her side the whole time. It really reiterates the fact that no matter what happens, they love her and will be there for her like she is always there for them.Let's talk romance. Even with her memories of their love gone the spark that is Charley and Reyes is as strong as ever. It was fun getting to watch them sorta start over and re-discover each other. It was also kinda funny watching Charley's reactions to other woman throwing themselves at Reyes.Charley comes a long way in THE DIRT ON NINTH GRAVE, but she's still a bit broken and I don't think what is broken will be healed until the danger is gone and her daughter is able to come home. THE DIRT ON NINTH GRAVE was sort of a refresh in my mind and I really enjoyed all the twists that were thrown in. The Charley Davidson series continues to surprise me and I don't see there ever being a time where I won't want to get my hands on the next installment as soon as Jones is done writing it. As always, I look forward to more.* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
    • 3/5
      It has been a long overdue while since I have read a book in this series. I can remember reading the first book and instantly falling in love with Charley. I thought this series was refreshing and I could not wait to read the next book in this series. A female reaper with an snarky attitude to boot...yes please. Having not read several of the past books in this series, this book was fine but probably not the best showing of what makes this series so great. However I still enjoyed reading this book and revisiting with all of the characters like Cookie and the sexy, Reyes. Also, there was still humor and snarkiness to be found in this book. If anything reading this book has made me anxious to go back and read the other past books that I have missed.