I did not know until I started writing this review that this book is the author’s debut, and the start of the long-running Charley Davidson series; it is honestly hard to believe. Not only is the writing polished–in the sense of hooking the reader into the world very quickly–, but the complexity of the universe in the series at large is evident pretty early on.

The story is narrated in first person, past tense, by our eponymous protagonist, who happens to be a private investigator, and also, the gate to heaven. Oh, and there’s no instructions booklet to being born the Grim Reaper, just a lot of on-the-job learning.

Beware: domestic violence; sexual abuse of a child; death of children; miscarriage; death in childbirth; swearing; explicit sex on page; racism; mentions of cancer.

I am one of those people who can struggle with first person narrative, because if I don’t click with the character, the entire book experience is tainted by that disconnect. Fortunately, I was hooked by Charley’s flippant smartypants internal dialogue from the start. Mind you, she’s a visual thinker, and a lot of her metaphors and similes are deeply rooted in popular culture, so some of the references may feel somewhat outdated.

The novel starts with a main character fully immersed in her world, and the author manages to explain how that work works bit by bit, through Charley’s interactions with her environment, other characters, and events, neatly weaving the exposition within the action.

To be fair, there’s a bit of telling through flashbacks, but those are generally so full of action that they don’t feel like telling. It really is a neat trick that despite several instances of going back to recall past events at various points of Charley’s life–sometimes more than once–the story seems to flow mostly in a reasonably linear fashion, with the actual action happening in the course of a few days.

The MacGuffin in the story is the investigation into multiple murders committed the same night in Albuquerque; while it’s not exactly a small town, finding four bodies in a matter of hours–three of whom work in the same law firm–does stir things up a bit. Toss in missing teenagers and someone falsely accused of murder, and we are off to the races.

There’s a shade of copaganda–both Charley’s father and paternal uncle are cops, both homicide detectives who have used Charley’s gift to advance their careers. And while both care about her, they aren’t particularly careful with her.

Charley’s relationship with the rest of her family is very fraught. While her sister is mostly jealous–being able to help your father solve murder cases from the time you were in kindergarten means you spend a lot more time with him than your sister who’s just a human girl. Things are harder with her stepmother.

Now, beyond the Reaper thing–which apparently she’s decent at–and her ‘consulting’ work with the cops (aka, telling them what murdered victims tell her about their own murders), Charley is not very good at her actual work–that of a private investigator. She flies off the seat of her pants with little thought to the natural consequences of her actions, and even less caution.

Some of Charley’s observations and conclusions about people are wildly out of pace with reality–any reality. “Guilty people aren’t pissed. They’re either relieved at having been caught or worried. Reyes was neither.” (Chapter 8) Charley, girl, a lot of guilty people who get caught are super extra angry–they are the ones who thought they were above and beyond the reach of consequences, legal or social.

Over the years, Charley has discovered that she’s hard to kill, and that she heals a lot faster from even really serious injuries than humans do; and those times when even that wouldn’t have been enough to keep her alive, something else has intervened and protected her.

There are a number of loose plot threads that are cleared away one by one, until the villain in the murders is caught. I found that part rather anticlimactic, and if I think too hard about it, it’s just not even half-way interesting.

What is interesting, and the real point of the book, is to introduce readers to the universe Charley exists in. The book doesn’t answer more than a few questions, and each answer brings up at least half a dozen more questions, and that’s how you hook people for thirteen books and half a dozen novellas and counting. (Three words: Satan Ex Machina.)

As the story is told from Charley’s point of view, and since internal dialogue is that of a mouthy teenager–never mind that she’s twenty-seven–the characterization of the rest of the cast is iffy at best. We get impressions that are surprisingly poignant for relatively minor parts (including the dead lawyers), but even her best friend is reduced to the role of sounding board/confidant, taking the place of the reader, asking Charley the obvious questions and occasionally getting some answers.

A lot of Charley’s flippancy and a lot of her snarky attitude are due to being betrayed by almost every living person she’s told what she is and does; with very few exceptions, they either think her crazy–hello, stepmother–or use her, or both in turn. Being a portal to the after life would be hard regardless, but over the years Charley has isolated herself emotionally from most everyone. It’s very telling that, with the exception of her receptionist-cum-best friend, those she feels most comfortable being herself with are all dead people who have refused to cross over.

I wanted that side of the character explored better, to find some depth behind all the snark, but while there are some heartbreaking passages, and some horrifying scenes, their impact is lessened by Charley’s own characterization. Even her own sense of emotional isolation, and her supposed bone-deep connection to Reyes (the “Entity” of the blurb) lack punch.

So while I’m curious about the wider world, I am not desperate to read the rest of the series; it’s more a case of, “I’ll get to them eventually” than “LET ME AT THEM, RIGHT NOW!”

And one of the reasons for this is the white gaze, and the racism behind it. It’s not like the author goes around dropping racial slurs, but the subtle snubs that permeate the novel.

For starters, the series is set in New Mexico. In the U.S. there are almost six hundred Indigenous tribes recognized by the federal government, and several large ones are based near Albuquerque. How hard would it be to introduce a character by saying, “so-and-so was a Navajo/Apache/Pueblo man in his twenties” or some such? Instead we get, “a Native American”–for every indigenous character.

Would anyone be comfortable if the author wrote, “she was a white” instead of “Irish blonde”?

And yet.

And it’s not that the author–who apparently lives in New Mexico herself (or did at the time of publication)–couldn’t be bothered with some research: she managed to slide a reference to dust pneumonia in the backstory of a character that’s present in exactly one short scene.

What then is the balance? Well, if you don’t mind the white gaze, it’s a pretty entertaining if superficial read; there’s enough action and hints at secrets and mysteries to keep one reading to the end. At a different time in my life, I would have jumped to the next one and kept going.

But this is now and not then, so.

First Grave on the Right get a 7.50 out of 10.

I don’t even remember when I added this to NetGalley but I finally got around to reading it! Such a fun (but a bit dated) fantasy read. I’m sure I’ll read more in the series!

Sorry for not writing a review here before. Totally slipped my mind. The book was actually featured on the blog on many occasions, here was my take on it.

"I'm not the first reviewer here on the blog to discuss Charley Davidson books. Actually, Lili reviewed and was "Daring You to Read..." this very book a few years back. I don't know why I waited so long to get into this series, but I'm really glad I did. First Grave on the Right is hilarious, fun and witty.

I think it's a perfect book to listen to as an audiobook. To be honest, this was the first audiobook I ever listened to in its entirety. I've tried to listen to books multiple times but I've never quite understood the appeal, until now. The narrator of First Grave on the Right, Loralei King, is wonderful and easy to listen to. The voices and the accents she uses makes it easy to follow and differentiate the characters. She reads the sarcastic comments perfectly and simply "gets" Charley Davidson's humour. Berls from Fantasy is More Fun actually recommended this series based on the narrator, and I think from now on, I'll be making more informed purchases when it comes to audiobooks.

As for the actual story, it's the perfect mix of mystery, paranormal and romance. If it wasn't for the paranormal aspects, the story would actually read like a cozie mystery. It has the humour and the crazy situations of a cozie but the author added this wonderful twist, which is Charley Davidson. Charley is a private investigator/police consultant/bartender/grim reaper. That last job title is obviously not on her business card. When we first meet her, she has a lot on her plate but even with her disorganized life she's able to do her job. She's able to juggle four murders, a comatose prisoner from her past, a mysterious shadowy lover, a mysterious shadowy Big Bad, and oh so many ghosts. As a grim reaper, she can see ghosts, and her job as a grim reaper is to try to help them get to the other side. Wherever that may be. As for being a PI, she got into that business because ever since she was five years old, her detective father and uncle have used her special ability to solve murders.

Charley is the perfect female PI for a paranormal romance. She's smart, courageous and resourceful. Her sarcastic wit is very similar to mine so I feel like we would get along perfectly. Her obsession with coffee borders on unhealthy, but come to think of it, so does mine. Her sensual encounters with a mysterious shadow being are pretty steamy, and the more the being interacts with Charley, the more she's led to believe he's Reyes, a complicated character she once met when she was in high school. Charley knows very little about this Reyes, but the more she investigate, the more she wants to find out. We do end up finding out who and what he is at the end of the book, and although I'm not surprised, it raises so many more interesting questions!

If you're a newbie to audiobooks like me, I highly recommend trying this one out as an audio. If you're reluctant, or simply prefer reading, this story is still a great choice. Be prepared to laugh out loud and get sucked into this grim reaper tale."

What an adventure! I loved the humor, wit, and original premise here, and the action was perfectly paced. Charley is a very likable, though flawed character, and I was pulled along, wanting to know her better and see what happened. It was a very strong series starter, and I will definitely check out the rest of the series!

This was a great start to this series. We get to meet Charley and a host of supporting characters. Cookie will forever be my most favorite sidekick ever!

So, a couple of years ago I was given arcs for this whole series, I think to promote the thirteenth books. Then, life got crazy for me and I was unable to review them. However, two or so years later, I see they were never taken from me so I decided to pick it up and give it a “proper” review. As proper as you can call my reviews, I guess.

Charley Davidson is a private investigator and is the grim reaper. Like, THE grim reaper. It is just her. Honestly, not sure how that works with her being the only one and all, but I am willing to move on from that. There are thirteen books I need to read after all. The best part of this book is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it is a good time. I personally loved Charley’s sense of humor, her nonchalant attitude, and constant sarcasm. The mystery was fine, but the best mystery was Reyes. Magical hot guy visits you in the middle of the night and gives you awesome sex? What can go wrong? Heh. The side characters are all quirky and fun too and more spice to everything, and oh there was a murder and all that too.

I would recommend this book for anyone who likes paranormal/urban fantasy romance and also anyone who likes a lot of sarcasm and cheesy jokes from the main character. I wouldn’t come to this series for a lot of depth, but that isn’t what I was looking for.

Darynda Jones has just shot into my Top 5 Favorite Paranormal Romance Authors list. Charley Davidson is so sassy, sarcastic, and humorous that I want her for a best friend! Being a Private Investigator and the grim reaper makes an interesting twist for her to solve mysteries. And the romance between Charley and Reyes….to quote one of my North Carolina cousins….hoo Lawdy!

I love this whole series. I binged it all in 2 weeks. I fell in love with the characters. This series made me laugh and cry.

Charley Davidson is a private investigator and the Grim Reaper. She can see and talk to the dead and help them cross over, which they do by passing through her. She also uses her ability to talk to the dead to help her cop uncle solve murders. She gets involved with a case of three murdered lawyers. She begins investigating their client who’s been jailed for murdering a teenager but insists he’s innocent. In the meantime, Charley is also grappling with the unknowns of her supernatural abilities as well as the mysterious entity that comes to her at night and makes love with her in her dreams.

I am of two minds about this book. On the one hand, it’s well-written and such a unique premise. It adds a different twist to your basic PI/detective series. The mysteries are interesting and pretty well-paced. Charley is super sarcastic and dry, but beneath her snarky exterior is a kind and empathetic heart, and I really liked her. On the other hand, there is more strong language and sexual content than I am comfortable with. Too bad, because I would have enjoyed reading more of the series. Thanks to NetGalley for the free ebook.

I started this series and read the first 8 books back to back. I love this author and these characters. The world building and storyline are so good and well developed!

What a fascinating book. I was impressed by the storyline and the characters were all well written and complex. Where there are complex storylines combined with intriguing characters the reader experience is magnified tremendously. To have a book that is well written as well as entertaining is a delight. Reading is about escaping your world and entering another one. The word building was phenomenal in this book. Here I forgot about my own life and was immersed in the world created by the author. I would recommend this book.

First Grave on the Right has a strong female lead, action, mystery, a bit of comedy and some light suspense. Charley is a grim reaper but not in the traditional way they are usually portrayed. After people die, she sometimes helps them with unfinished business and provides them a portal to the other side. There are often spirits of the deceased around. She's friends with several. In this book, she helps cops and the murder victims solve the case of who killed them and why. There's also a being similar to the ones she sees daily but very different. She's majorly attracted to him so she must figure out if he is he dead or alive and who or what he is. Charley is one of a kind. She can't stay away from trouble, but she never lets that keep her down. I enjoyed following along. The side characters and interactions were fun. I plan to continue the series.

Great idea for a book and really well executed. A thoroughly good read. Highly recommended. .

The first read by Jones and I think that I am in love. Jones has provided me with real characters from the real world to love with variety and rarities.

Orgasmic Dream!!!!! Holly $#ite!
This stars right of with a tanker filled with laughter. Caution do not be consuming food or drink for fear of choking hazard. Jones makes ADHD look extremely appealing from the perspective of Charley Davidson. Charley is a serious HOOT! I love her without a doubt. I love her relationship with the people around her. She has a quality of uniqueness about her and a devil may care attitude.

This is by far not the last book that I will read in this series. On to the next and hope for the same level of quality.

First Grave on the Right had an interesting premise but this was one of the strangest paranormal books I've ever read. While I was interested in learning more about Charley and what was in store for her, I didn't feel the execution was enough to make me want to keep reading.

Great introduction to a new series. Adult story setting the groundwork for a new take on the persona of a Grim Reaper..

I loved this book! Charley helps dead people move into their afterlife, in some cases by solving their murders. What a fun plot with a hoot of a heroine. This is, of course, the first in a long running series which I've dipped in and out of making it a great introduction. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun read.

Charley is hilarious.
Reyes... so hot + he's like all suuuper mysterious guy.
Add in a murder mystery and a creepy child ghost who hates the heroines guts and its all gold.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this. However, I thought this was going to be more like the Kate Daniels series, which I love immensely.
Charley felt like a cheap imitation of Kate though. While Kate is badass and fierce, Charley feels... like a babbling loser that's trying too hard?

While Reyes sounds hot in theory, I just didn't feel the connection between him and Charley either.

Overall, meh. This kept my attention and I'll give the next book a shot but I don't know if I'm going to continue the series.

I loved this book and its premise. This series is refreshing in its plot and characters. I couldn't put it down!!