Cover Image: The Trouble with Twelfth Grave

The Trouble with Twelfth Grave

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Member Reviews

Wonderful book. Every one is as good or better than the one before. Darynda Jones is a consistently amazing author.

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I usually do not read paranormal romances, but I absolutely love this series. Reyes and Charley are a great couple. I’m just sad they are unable to be with Beep. Love how the secondary characters are just as well rounded and are an integral part of the book. Looking forward to many more stories in this series.

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Words cannot express how much I love Darynda Jones' Charley Davidson series and I don't have the time right now to even try. Just know that we got the resolution we needed in The Trouble with Twelfth Grave, there was some hotness (How can there not be when Reyes is involved?), I enjoyed the two mysteries going on, and there was one particular scene involving Cookie, a few FBI agents, a homeless lady's shopping cart, and a light pole. It was hilarious.

As often as this series has made me laugh, I honestly don't think it has made me laugh that hard before. Here I was listening to the audiobook at work and giggling uncontrollably. Apparently, I needed that. So, thank you, Ms. Jones for making my rather tedious workday significantly better. I can't wait to see how the Charley Davidson series is going to end in Thirteenth Grave.

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Charley tried multiple times to summon Reyes from the god glass, but each time she was denied. When he suddenly broke the god glass and escaped, Charley was elated until she realized there was something not quite right about him. As Reyes fights to find the ash and ember, Charley fights to find her husband within this god. She doesn’t care who she must make a deal with to save him and the world.

Someone has started attacking people in very odd ways and the only connection between the victims is they are all sensitive to the supernatural world. Charley won’t accept that it could be Reyes and she will do anything to solve the case.

Oh, my this was one of the best of her books. Paving the way for book 13, her final book in the Charley Davidson series, Jones started laying the ground work for the final battles. Make sure you have plenty of time to read, because you aren’t going to want to put it down until the very end.

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(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Ever since Reyes Farrow escaped from a hell dimension in which Charley Davidson accidentally trapped him, the son of Satan has been brimstone-bent on destroying the world his heavenly Brother created. His volatile tendencies have put Charley in a bit of a pickle. But that’s not the only briny vegetable on her plate. While trying to domesticate the feral being that used to be her husband, she also has to deal with her everyday life of annoying all manner of beings—some corporeal, some not so much—as she struggles to right the wrongs of society. Only this time she’s not uncovering a murder. This time she’s covering one up.
Add to that her new occupation of keeping a startup PI venture—the indomitable mystery-solving team of Amber Kowalski and Quentin Rutherford—out of trouble and dealing with the Vatican’s inquiries into her beloved daughter, and Charley is on the brink of throwing in the towel and becoming a professional shopper. Or possibly a live mannequin. But when someone starts attacking humans who are sensitive to the supernatural world, Charley knows it’s time to let loose her razor sharp claws. Then again, her number one suspect is the dark entity she’s loved for centuries. So the question becomes: Can she tame the unruly beast before it destroys everything she’s worked so hard to protect?

The last few books were pretty average in my estimation. I was hoping this would build towards something really interesting. It didn't. It just kept pushing the same tropes and clichés as it has done for the previous few books.

What didn't I like? Here's a list:

* Shocker! Cliffhanger ending. Boring.
* Charley gets more and more ridiculous as a character in this book. Boring and pointless.
* Reyes (or whatever his name is now) is still HOT! Boring, pointless and completely overdone.

I think I don't even care about the final book, to be honest.


Paul
ARH

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This book was FANTASTIC!!! Darynda Jones never disappoints in her storytelling. The characters in this series are some of the best characters written, I just adore Charley and her snarky attitude and Reyes couldn't be sexier.. even when he is just not himself in this book. I couldn't put this book down, such a MAJOR cliffhanger! I am on pins and needles waiting for the next book.

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A big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I had to read a few books to get caught up. So glad I did, I remember now how much I love these books. Wow, just wow. Loved it date it a 4.5!! I think you can read this as a stand alone but probably better to read them in order. This has a little of everythin. mystery, romance, drama, and of course fire and brimstone.

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So I had been behind on this series. Then I binged all of them over last summer. So when this book came out - I was way more than ready. Charley and Reyes, omg, right? I'm really late on this review, but here I am. Better late than never!

I'm terribly sad that this series is winding down. I heard there is one more book, but I don't know. I am hoping there is. But even then, I don't think it would be enough.

The series in general involves all of the things that I love. Supernatural things, a badass woman, and a sexy dark man. And the humor is top notch.

I don't want to give spoilers away, but the big secrets just keep coming out. I don't know how Charley and Reyes will get through everything. And this book in particular had some really heartbreaking things happen. Let's just say at the end, there were tears. Big fat sloppy tears and I feel like a big part of the heart of it all in this world Darynda Jones created will be forever bruised. And then, as per I've become accustomed, the story ends with a BANG! and I'm frantic to read the next one.

If you've made it to the 12th book in this series, there's nothing I need to tell you. You know Darynda Jones can create a world and make it revolve like nobodies business. If you haven't gotten to this book, then you definitely need to.

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This series really stresses me out. There are just so many ups and down and twists and turns, but I just keep coming back for more because I love it. Reyes and Charlie. I can't get enough. The love. The steam. The heartbreak AND the comedy. Read it and be thoroughly depressed that you have to wait for the next book.

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Another winner in this series. Fun with suspense, and some humor. A great read.

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With each new installment in the Charley Davidson series, I am reminded how much I enjoy this series. I know the series is coming to an end with the next book in the series and have to say I felt like The Trouble with Twelfth Grave took us back to the old school Charley books.

Once again in Twelfth Grave, there is lots going on and I don't want to share too much to avoid posting spoilers. I will say I loved the interactions between Charley and Reyes/Rey'azikeen. Rey'azikeen says that Reyes is no more, but there was just something about the interactions between them that make me know the real Reyes was still there underneath all the swagger of Rey'azikeen.

I loved that Amber and Quentin wanted to start a PI agency much like the one Charley runs. Amber is such an inquisitive individual and has such a big heart; it made perfect sense for her to want to find a way to help others. I absolutely adored all the questions Amber had for Charley about her work and seeing Amber take her new roll as in investigator so very seriously. I also loved that Charley was smart enough to make sure Amber kept her mom in the loop by suggesting she talk to Cookie about the behind the scenes work involved in keeping everything running.

I have to say the friendship between Charley and Cookie remains one of my favorite things about this series. There is just something about best friends working together and totally and completely getting each other that keeps me coming back for more. I love that Charley will do anything in her powers (which she is still learning about at this point) to protect Cookie and everyone she loves. I also love the crazy banter between Charley and Cookie. I have found myself laughing out loud at some of their conversations they are so funny.

I knew something big would happen in The Trouble with Twelfth Grave, but had no idea that I would pretty much scream what the hell when I finished the story, and then promptly go back and re-read what I just read to make sure I read it right the first time. Do I think it could have happened any other way? Absolutely not. This ending was classic Charley taking care of everyone she loves. It honestly only made me want the final book even more than I already did. Darynda Jones knows how to leave her readers wanting more even as she pretty much rips out our hearts along the way. I am not on the countdown to see where Ms. Jones takes us in the final installment of the series.

Rating: 5 stars (A-)

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I love this series, but Reyes was sorely missed in this installment. There also wasn't much happening with the gang either, with the story seeming a bit stalled. Charley was her usual wisecracking self, but that just wasn't enough. The story development of the earlier novels is missing, and I want it back! However, the ending...OMG! What? #someonedies I hope Darynda can pull this one out of the fire with the next installment because I'm so conflicted.

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The countdown continues. After THE TROUBLE WITH THE TWELFTH GRAVE, there is only one book left in the series. As I look back to the beginning, I begin to appreciate what an achievement this is. Yes, there are other long-running series, but this one features the same primary characters in all 12 books. Charley takes us with her on her journey to discover her real identity, whilst solving crime as a private investigator. Each book adds another piece to the puzzle and takes us from New Mexico to the celestial planes.

Because THE TROUBLE WITH THE TWELFTH GRAVE is the second to the last book, it has to be great. It is the book that sets up the conclusion…and it is. It is simply awesome. The story mesmerizes. There are unexpected emotions and heart-dropping moments. What works best is how the author revitalizes the relationship between Charley and Reyes. After 12 books, they are like a married couple in a long-term relationship (with a side of demons and angels to complicate their lives). Their relationship is solid and nothing can separate them. Until Reyes enters into the god glass and comes back as Rey’azikeen. His motivations are suspect. Charley does not know Rey’azikeen and he has the ability to kill millions of people. Now, she is on the hunt for her husband and recruits all of her best buds to help including Cookie, Uncle Bob, Swopes, and Osh.

Like all the other stories, there are a couple of investigations Charley accepts that connects us with past characters like David Taft, Rocket, Blue and Strawberry Shortcake (not THE Strawberry Shortcake, but David’s sister, Rebecca Taft), Amber and Quinten. Although these are short side ventures, they do have an impact on the overall story arc. I am thrilled to see Officer Taft again. Since meeting him in an earlier book where he is in deep, deep denial about the supernatural world, I wondered where Ms. Jones was going to take him. Please, please, do not leave us hanging!

Things get pretty complicated after Charley discovers that she is more than the grim reaper. When she discovers that she is a god without any memories of her past, there are a plethora of moving pieces and moments where I get a little lost with who is who. I think Ms. Jones understands that it is complex and therefore, does a brilliant job bringing all the pieces together by providing a primer through a series of children’s books written by a seven-year old deaf and blind prophet from Jakarta. The First Star and The Dark Star summarize the celestial lives of Charley and Reyes and the last book, Stardust is about Beep. Although Charley is yet to read Stardust, I find the first two books incredibly helpful in giving us the context of the conflicts.

Darynda Jones really does right by her fans. She gives us a perfect lead into the last book and, at the same time, gives us a new element in Charley and Reyes relationship. Charley is as sarcastic as ever, but the dialogue does not rely on her snarkiness. I could not have asked for a better story. I am ever so sad that this particular story will come to an end, but I savor the journey so far and I am so eager to see how this series will conclude.

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Awesome! This book rocks! I stayed up way too late with this. Charley Davidson is one of my absolute favorite protagonists. Being a grim reaper doesn't mean she's not afraid of other big, bad scary stuff out there. This is cleverly written with witty humor interspersed throughout. I simply love, love, love all the secondary characters. They are a fun mix and make this highly entertaining.

I wish I could go back to when I first discovered Charley. There are many paranormal books out there to choose from, but if you haven't read this series, then you're missing out. Here's to many more Charley books. Brava to Ms. Jones for a series worth losing some sleep!

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Holy mother of cliffhangers batman! I'm honestly not even sure how to write this review as I can't get past that ending, even a week after finishing. The book was utterly fantastic, a bit short, but ultimately incredible. But that ending? It ripped out my heart, put it in a blender, and sadistically pushed the puree setting. Just wow.

Cliffhangers aside and out of my system. THE TROUBLE WITH TWELFTH GRAVE continued the series in normal snarky Charley style. Reyes is up to no good throughout most of the book and Charley is in a tailspin trying to bring down her own weakness. Things continue in a Scooby Doo gang style as they all group to try and figure out just what to do with the Reyes problem. It made for a really enjoyable read.

All in all THE TROUBLE WITH TWELFTH GRAVE is a fantastic installment in the Charley Davidson series that I thoroughly enjoyed. And after that ending I'm desperate to get my hands on the final installment next year. Fans of the series will be more than pleased!

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I received this book from Netgalley to review and I am happy I got to do it. The Charley Davidson and Reyes Farrow series is so good and I have read every single book. But I must admit this was on of the best in the series. So much going on for Charley but somehow it is not too much. The only thing I did not like was that it ended and that it was a cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next book. It can't come out soon enough.

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I eagerly await each new novel from this author and thoroughly enjoy this storyline, but wondering if this might be starting to feel a little scattered… I believe Charlie’s attitude and witticisms are key to the books, not the somewhat bizarre explanations into the “other world” stuff. Although Miss Jones is a vastly superior author, this is somewhat reminiscent of Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series... which I could not finish. Curious to see where this is going to wind up?

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Another fun quick read in the Charley Davidson series. I can feel the series building to a close and this book while a fun read doesn’t feel like a stand alone to me. I would recommend the series and certainly in order. Love this character! Thank you.

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As I know I've said before in my reviews for other books in this series, this is hands down one of my all-time favorite series! From the little quotes and sayings at the start of each chapter, which are totally hilarious, the humor within the book itself, and the characters that are so well developed and feel so real that they just jump off the page, I can't imagine anyone not loving these books! I will say that these books probably don't function great as standalones, especially at this point (the 12th book), as there are a lot of plot lines that have continued over multiple books and a lot of necessary to read backstory.

The Trouble with Twelfth Grave was absolutely excellent! Even though there were events going on throughout the book that were somewhat painful to read (I won't go into more detail than that because it'd be spoiler territory), I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and absolutely could not put it down! From start to finish, there were multiple mysteries and major plots going on and it was just enthralling and I could not wait to find out where it was going!

The only downside would be that I'm not entirely sure I like where it's going. I know we're getting to the end of the series and I definitely don't want to say goodbye and I also get the feeling that some more sad stuff is going to happen before we get there. But it is a testament to the writing that I'm so attached to the characters that I am very emotionally invested in their fates!

This book (and all of the other books in this series for that matter) are five stars, all the way!

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Ok, I'm a fairly new fan of Darynda Jones. And a wholly blame Netgalley. About a month ago, I received an email from Netgalley offering a copy of First Grave on the Right, so read the blurb and was intriguied. It also offered an opportunity to request The Trouble with the Twelfth Grave. Now I didn't realize at that moment, there were a total of 11 books currently. So, with my current schedule, I've read books one and two and now jumped to twelve. Not exactly normal, but I never claimed to be normal.

Now granted, I'm missing a huge chunk in the life and times of Charley Davidson. But never once did I feel truly lost. I don't believe you could read Trouble with the 12th Grave all alone, never reading any of the past stories. But there was enough tidbits to keep me hooked. (I do plan to read ALL the past books.)

I think my favorite part has to be when Cookie creates a distraction for Charley to "escape" the Feds. And Charley and Reyes are definitely not your typical couple. So there are plenty of surprises, twists and turns. I was not happy with the end however, so when is Ms. Jones writing the
13th book? Won't be soon enough.

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