I received a free copy of FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT (Charley Davidson Book 5) by Darynda Jones through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. In this installment, Charley, private investigator and grim reaper, has company, a lot of it. Her apartment is filling up with blondes. The one under the bed isn’t so bad; the ones on the ceiling are more disturbing, but the one in the shower really adds the physical shivers to the metaphysical ones. It’s clear the women have been dead for a long time, why come to Charley now? She’ll have to investigate to find out because the ghosts aren’t speaking this time.

Oh well, just another day in the life of the shining beacon of death. I highly recommend this series to mature readers who don’t mind occasional bad language and who either enjoy reading or don’t mind skipping sexy-times.

reading through this series in order has been fun. I'm loving Charley and her antics and sarcasm.

The author still does too much recapping for those that have read earlier books...so if you haven't started yet you could possibly jump in here, but you won't get the full affect of some of the actions and decisions.

Okay. Feeling a bit back on track with this series now. I think this was honestly my favourite so far. We got a lot of new information, we had a really great Murder of the Week mystery, and the romance didn't manage to annoy me. Win!

While I do sorta have an issue with the stunning amount of trouble Charley gets herself into -- shot and stabbed and abducted and etc etc -- Jones did actually weave some of that into the narrative to make it kind of tongue in cheek.. only to literally pull the rug out from under her character and mess her the hell up again anyway. And, to be fair, it's been a running theme in the series and why certain characters have tried to steer Charley into a different line of work, so.

While this protagonist is still super OTT and sometimes not funny at all (infact despite the fact that I normally love lady besties in books I do feel like Cookie is half of the problem..), sometimes she <b>is</b> and if nothing else she's unique and totally memorable. At this point I'm just excited to see more of this story head towards the inevitable endgame. There is definite special snowflake syndrome here but it's not in a way that's remotely rehashed by anything I've read before so I'm giving it a pass. At least for now..

This was a fun, well-written book. Charley Davidson is a paranormal private eye/grim reaper and the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. Terrified dead women start showing up in her apartment and she suspects her sister is in danger from a serial killer. I love reading about Charley's adventures, her friends and family, and her interactions with Reyes. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Another amazing story to add to the series. I just love the characters and the world that has been created. The character development and relationship buildings have been great throughout. This is a 'must read' for sure!!!

I’m binge reading this books and I’m in love with this series. It’s wonderful.
You must read it if you love urban fantasy and humorous books
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this ARC

Love the Charley Daniels series; Jones continues to write engaging plots and great characters. I always look forward to the next installment!

Book Info
Hardcover, 339 pages
Published July 9th 2013 by St. Martin's Press
Original Title Fifth Grave Past the Light
ISBN 1250014409 (ISBN13: 9781250014405)
Edition Language English
Series Charley Davidson #5
Characters Charley Davidson, Reyes Farrow, Garrett Swopes, Cookie Kowalski
setting New Mexico (United States)
Other Editions (14)
Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK BLURB


Never underestimate the power of a woman on a double espresso with a mocha latte chaser high.
- T-shirt

Charley Davidson isn't your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper. She's more of a paranormal private eye/grim reaper extraordinaire. However, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. To further complicate matters, Reyes is her main suspect in an arson case. Charley has vowed to stay away from him until she can find out the truth...but then dead women start appearing in her apartment, one after another, each lost, confused, and terrified beyond reason. When it becomes apparent that her own sister, Gemma is the serial killer's next target, Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes's help. Arsonist or not, he's the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return. Charley. All of her, body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she is willing to pay.

Charley Davidson is at it again in the sexy, suspenseful, and laugh-out-loud funny fifth installment of the New York Times best selling series.

My Thoughts


Fueled by copious amounts of her favorite beverage, coffee, Charley finds herself roomie with a group of ghosts. The women appear to be of a type and are all mute as well no matter how she tries to communicate with any of them.

Finding out that the women were a serial killers murder victims is only the beginning of solving what proved to be another cold case and one Charley is particularly motivated to get to the bottom of. Especially since younger sister Gemma fits the profile that seems to the killers favorite.

The arson case is actually a by-product of another event that takes place in Charley's anything-but-boring life. The fact that her next door neighbor has all the earmarks that put him on radar as a suspect is worrying because of his identity. Reyes Farrow, the son of Satan, is well acquainted with Charley and also fast on the way to becoming her Achilles heel.

There are of course several different plot lines that take place over the course of the book, each one converging with the other as Charley finds her way to solving both mysteries.

For this 5th book there were plenty of expected sarcastic moments but also some very precious ones as well for our Reaper.

Charley has consistently experienced her power growing with each book and in this one it took a giant leap that was phenomenal. Which of course was necessary to keep our intrepid PI alive as once again there are multiple attempts to make these her last days on earth!

[EArc from Netgalley]

On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

Continuing onward with the Charley Davidson Grave saga we are welcomed back to the annoying sarcastic rejoinders inside and outside of Charley’s mind. There was a slight maturing of the main character with her handling of the deceased’s crossing over, but where the story lacked realism was how fast Charley would get over her traumas. Perhaps it has to do with her being a purveyor of vacationing souls, where she soaks up their healing energy...? I don’t know, there are clearly holes in this world building that need to be resolved.

I was once again hooked by the adrift souls life stories coming in fractions of seconds throughout the story.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Fifth Grave Past the Light is another winning novel in the Charley Davidson series. If you can read these books and not fall in love with Reyes, then we cannot be friends. Seriously, Charley Davidson grows on you like white on rice. Charley's apartment is full of the ghosts of serial killer and Charley finds trouble without trying. Things are heating up with Reyes and Charley's making peace with her family. And of course, someone is trying to kill her yet again. These stories cannot be put down- the characters, the action, and the continuing heat between Charley and Reyes- combine for a winning combination that will always leave you coming back for more. Charley's sarcasm always hits the spot on long days. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

As with all of the books in the Charley Davidson series, this is a MUST READ! Charley is the perfect take on a modern day grim reaper, and her humor, introspection, and determination are a delight. Reyes is hot and sexy, of course, but he's also just as funny and intelligent as Charley is. I love his relationship with Cookie.

Charley and Cookie are Girlfriend Goals. Always there for one another. Honest and adorable. We all need a relationship like this in our lives.

The stories are always excellent and well-plotted, the writing is superb (and if you listen to the audio book, Lorelei King's narration is perfect!) and both each individual book and the overall series is totally worth your time and attention.

If you like smart writing, original ideas, unique characters, and loads of humor and love, then you do not want to miss the Charley Davidson series.

That last chapter!!!!! Omg Reyes is becoming a fav book boyfriend of mine! Swoon!!!!! Charley has also been getting into some hairy situations. Her reaction to them, is showing "yes, she is also has a human side with emotions." Onto the next one!!!

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Johanna Sawyer's Reviews > Fifth Grave Past the Light

Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones
Fifth Grave Past the Light (Charley Davidson, #5)
by Darynda Jones (Goodreads Author)
17416257
Johanna Sawyer's review Nov 05, 2018 · edit
it was amazing

Thanks to the publisher for a copy to read and give my honest opinion.

Loved it, I'm finally recalling everyone's names which make these books go easier on me. This book is the fifth in this series and the series should definitely be read in order for the utmost reading pleasure because you definitely don't want to miss anything. Charley starts off in the fifth book with a ton of unexpected house guests and ends with a cliffy that makes you want to reach for book six. Charley solves the unexplained arson case in this book along with finding a serial killer that spans decades. Absolutely can not rave enough about this series. Each book just keeps getting better and better.

What did I like? Charley has named most of her body parts which adds for some humor. Reyes and her are almost getting along and she learns some great stuff from Garrett. Cookie has to take a concealed weapons class which was super hilarious, all because she pulled her gun on a guy and Reyes had to catch the bullet. Just an all around entertaining installment.

Would I buy this book? I am loving this series! This would definitely be a series to buy, especially since it's not even finished. It has everything to charm your pants off. Really enjoying it.

Thoughts for the author? Love that cliffy! I'm ready for book six!

Five huge stars of entertainment!

Charlie and Reyes adventures just keep going on and going on the story is still engaging and great the cover is bomb and I'm still binging onto book 6..

These stories get funnier and crazier than the last. Reyes is in constant saving mode when it comes to Charley but she is still after him for her money which is comical in itself. Garrett uncovers secrets regarding Reyes and his father. I'm loving Angel more and more. Quinton and Amber's "friendship" is one that will have you laughing out loud. Charley's apartment is full of guests that's taking up more room than she has and she's determined to find out what happened to them. This story was another fantastic read full of mystery, suspense and laughs. That ending though!!! I want Charley to say YES to everything and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Loved this book! Charley never fails to make me smile and Reyes is just amazing! We learnt more about Charley in this as Garrett finally revealed what he was researching and who sent him to Hell before pulling him back. Seems there is a prophecy about Charley and I can't wait to see where it goes.
Off course there are not so fun things like a threat to Reyes that she has to figure out how to prevent and I will admit to wanting to murder Garrett at one point (Reyes fans will know instantly at what point I wanted to kill him when they read the book!).
I think Reyes was super sweet at a couple of points in this book with something he did for Charley that she didn't discover til the end of the book and he asked her a question right at the end which of course was when Ms Jones decided to end the book before we got the answer!
I now, of course, can't wait for the next book and even if it was only a week away from a release date (which sadly there isn't even a release date yet) it would still be too long to wait! I need to know what will happen to Reyes and how Charley will break the rules to save him as I feel he's important to the prophecy! I'm hoping to find out more about the family he should have ended up with as a certain case involving a stolen baby boy (who had weird tattoo markings on his body) was dropped in Charley's lap at the end as well! Really need the next book ASAP!

I'm going to admit it's been a while since I wallowed in Charley's slightly insane (and often smokin' hot -- thanks, Reyes!) world. THIS LADY'S A HOOT. She's my type of crazy. Possibly because of all her pop culture references. I don't know. I like her.

I like how she's leveraging learning about her abilities with helping people. I like how she listens to her gut even when it ends up landing her in hot water. Heck, I even like how she puts up with the ghosts who wedge themselves into every part of her life.

Did I mention that I also like Reyes? He might be the son of Satan and all that, but he's pretty dedicated to keeping his special lady friend safe. Even if that means severing spines or delivering a beat down to anybody who looks at Charley wrong. Let's face it, considering what a trouble magnet she is, there's a lot of simmering violence about to take place on his part.

So. A whole lot of dead girls. A serial killer. A serial arsonist. Reyes. The upper brass as the police department giving Charley a closer look. Reyes. Basically, Charley's got a lot on her plate. And she does the crazy stuff she always does and manages to help people along the way. *thumbs up*

I recommend this series to paranormal readers. I really like the characters and the fact that the heroine is the grim reaper

I love this series by Darynda Jones, and it's one that is a must have, especially if you love a snarky, kick ass heroine! Any book series worth it's salt has to have one of those, as well as a sexy man who walks into your wildest fantasties/dreams! Very well written, and a series worth reading over and over!

FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT is the fifth installment in Darynda Jones’s paranormal/UF/romance/contemporary Charley Davidson series featuring twenty-something Charley Davidson-part time PI/part time grim reaper/ and full time love of Reyes Farrow-the son of Satan. Like all of the previous installments, Fifth Grave is jammed packed with humor, sarcasm, witty one-liners, t-shirt slogans, bumper stickers, murder, revenge and of course, more sex and romance with Reyes Alexander Farrow.

Fifth Grave Past the Light reveals plenty of information and answers some of our questions about the mysterious map and the key, both of which are believed to be residing on earth, awaiting their destiny. But the story surrounding the key to the map reveals the destruction of the world and in this, the truth may be stranger than fiction and the person who revealed the information is someone who has been to hell and back-literally and figuratively. He has the inside information from both Satan and his son.

Once again, Charley’s private life will be invaded by a series of spirits-twenty seven to be exact- who are drawn to her light as the grim reaper but for some reason, none of the woman are willing to move on until Charley uncovers the truth behind their murders. And it will take one small, young spirit, not much older than seven or eight to help reveal the person who may be the only one able to identify the person responsible. And in this particular case, he has a connection to Charley and her family. Oh, and someone recognizes Mr. Wong in the corner of Charley’s apartment. Let’s hope his presence and identity is finally revealed.

Cookie and Uncle Bob return as Charley’s confidants and aids. And Charley will need Ubie more than she ever thought possible when the person she was hired to tail turns out to be more dangerous than she had ever suspected.


Charley’s abilities come into question when local authorities take a look at her unbelievable record of solving cold case files and crimes. And the latest cold case to come across her desk is frighteningly familiar and heartbreaking.

The relationship between Reyes and Charley is romantic, sensual, hot and well worth the wait. Reyes, as the son of Satan, has never known love but he has found his soul mate in Charley Davidson-the one woman who is capable of putting out the fire that burns within. The romance sparks within the story as Reyes makes his feelings known to Charley and for him to make them a permanent couple will take some tricky dialogue and promises on both of their parts. Reyes is the epitome of sex on a stick; the ultimate lover and sensual male; he oozes sex appeal by virtue of his looks and presence; and it is Charley Davidson-the grim reaper who will capture his heart and his soul-forever.

Fifth Grave Past the Light is one of the best installments in the series thus far. I am still hoping that Darynda gives some life to Donovan and the Bandits and writes a series or at the very least, a series of novellas so that the reader can be kept up to date on their travels. Angel, Rocket, Garret Swopes, Gemma and Leland Davidson all play pivotal roles throughout the story. And the ending comes with a couple of surprises and not the least is the possibility of a new direction for Charley and Reyes.

Darynda Jones takes an UF/paranormal storyline and adds her sarcastic wit and humor as she pushes her series into another direction. The humor, the sensuality and the action filled storyline make this a must read for anyone who wants it all in the stories they read. Charley Davidson is a heroine who is strong yet feminine; heroic yet vulnerable; loved and yet hated by those she seeks to reveal. Fifth Grave Past the Light is an amazing and fascinating installment in Darynda Jones’s Charley Davidson series.

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