
Author: Darynda Jones
Series: Charley Davidson #5
Published by: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: July 9, 2013
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased


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’ 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.
Okay, okay … I was told that Fifth Grave Past the Light was the best one in the series, and I can now confirm that this claim is indeed true. It is without a doubt my favorite installment so far! I’ve loved all of the books, but Darynda Jones stepped it up even more with this one.
Guess what – it has happened, Reyes and I are finally on good terms. I can tell you the exact moment he and I became bffs … it was when Charley was frisking him after a certain incident. That is when I realized that he truly gets her humor and goes along with her shenanigans. I know, that seems like such a weird reason, but it allowed me to really see what he feels for Charley. The fact that he appreciates her quirky personality made him 10x better in my eyes. There are a lot of things that Reyes did in this book that made up for all of my uncertainty, but that was our major moment.
My gosh, Charley and Reyes are a-freaking-dorable and so damn sexy together. I love it so much how they can play around and laugh during such intimate times. Oh, and I want to know what kind of “correspondence classes” he took – whew! Reyes really does feel all new to me – better. There are so many moments in this book that I truly felt their connection, and the feels … oh, the feels!
Charley is always getting in trouble, and that’s no exception in Fifth Grave. Because of that she has a moment with Ubie that about broke my heart. We also get more Garrett and answers about what’s going on with him. All of that news had me on the edge of my seat. Literally. There is more insight to what Charlie is and her … “job,” which is fascinating …
Ugh, every time I try to write a review for these books I feel so overwhelmed, wanting to discuss everything that happens, but then I have to restrain myself so I don’t spoil anything. Darynda Jones fills each book with so much awesome, that it feel like it’s coming at you from all directions, making it hard to stop once you start talking about it. So I’m just going to repeat myself again: this series freaking rocks! Read it, love it, and bask in all its glory. 😉
Also, Darynda has two short stories on her website that take place after Fifth Grave. Do not read them until after reading this book, but do make sure to read them eventually.
Charley Davidson Series




First Grave on the Right (#1): Review | Goodreads | Amazon
Second Grave on the Left (#2): Review | Goodreads | Amazon
Third Grave Dead Ahead (#3): Review | Goodreads | Amazon
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet (#4): Review | Goodreads | Amazon
Well, this is definitely a book that would interest me. Now I will have to check out book one to see if we fit.
I’m positive you and this series would get along great. 🙂
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I have seen a lot of amazing reviews for this series and I still haven’t read it. I have read Jones’ YA series though. 🙂 I think I would definitely like Charley and Reyes too. Great review.
Oh Jenea, this series is SO much better the her YA series. Way better.
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A friend of mine absolutely loooves the series and wants me to read it. And I will ! 😉
Good, I hope you do it soon! 🙂
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Didn’t I tell you you will end up liking him after this book :D?
I definitely had my doubts. 🙂
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Okay, so you’re totally giving me reader’s guilt here, lol!! You’re like a ninja reader, how do you do it?
Yet another series I have on my to-read list yet never get to, and these numbers keep on growing. Very frustrating, haha. But you did make me wanna start reading it soooo bad right now. You seem to have that effect on me a lot, lol! Shame on you, really xDD
*wanders away stuck with the frisking scene curiosity in her head*
I gladly take the blame. 😀 Seriously though, this is one of my favorite series. Like … top 5.
Aaand you owe me a cookie. bwahaha. This is my favourite book to date and that ending. Mercy.
lol! Oh yeah, the ending <3
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I can’t wait to read these books! I’m trying not to start any new ongoing series, but after reading this review I really really want to…
I know how you feel, but this one is worth it. 😉
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YAY! I just finished listening to this one not too long ago either, and I agree it was definitely my fav so far. But, after that cliffhanger ending, I’m kinda glad that I waiting so long. It was all part of my plan. LOL Great review! I know what I’ll be doing on May 20th! 😀
It didn’t feel like a cliffhanger to me. It was super cute, though. And yeah, I’m marking 5/20 on my calendar. 😀
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YES!
My review for this one is coming up as well. I just freaking adore this series and I am dying for book six. I NEED more Reyes!!
I’m so glad we’re both caught up. We will all be waiting for May 20th. lol.
Great review Christy!!! I loved this one too, and if any book can turn you into an audiobook fan, THIS IS IT 🙂 These are fabulous on audio, as great as they are in print, they so much more on audio.
Oh tempting! I will have to listen to a sample and see how I feel about it.
I should just go read these already, right? So, it took you 5 books to warm up to Reyes? See, it’s never too late! Now I want to see what all the fuss is about…;)
Right! Almost everyone else warmed up to him much quicker – loving him from the beginning. I’m just harder to please sometimes. lol.
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MUST CATCH UP ON THIS SERIES!!! I love that Reyes finally clicked for you in this book Christy, that has me crazy excited to dive back in this world and see what the two of them get up to. Good to know about the short stories too, I will definitely hold off on those until I’ve binge-read books 2-5!
You totally do Jenny. Pronto!
Yes! Yesyesyesyesyesyesyes! Hahahaha! I love a series that just gets better and better, but slowly so that it has time to grow and not so fast it peaks early. Know what I mean? 😀
I completely know what you mean, and I agree.
oops did not realize there was a short story involved, wow I fail must have been living under the rock when they came out 😐
They are just short little ones she has on her blog, but they’re cute.
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I read the first book and loved it! I SO need to get busy and continue the series, this sounds wonderful!
You do Candace! You need to binge read them since the 6th book is coming out next month.
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I’ve still not read them! But gah yall kill me with these reviews. It’s so fun to see how much yall all love them. I’ve got book one. Poor thing has just been languishing on the shelf for ages!
I’m surprised you haven’t read these yet! Quit neglecting your book and give it some love. lol
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Ack! Another series that I must start. I even have the first book. It’s so awesome when you find a series that continues to get better and better. So glad you enjoyed Fifth Grave!
Dang it Andrea, get to reading! 😀
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I really want to read these! That’s awesome the fifth book is the best. It shows the series is really staying strong!
I hope you do!
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Yay! You loved it! Oh, yes, Charley & Reyes are freaking adorable in Fifth Grave. 🙂
They are! I can’t believe how much I loved their relationship in this one. Maybe because it finally became a true relationship.
Great. Just another series that I’ve fallen behind in. Sigh. This is the fifth book, you say? All right. You sold me. 🙂
Haha – and the 6th will be out next month. Get to reading, Joy!
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Oh I just love this series! It’s so awesome! And I agree this book was really great. I was so impatient to read book 6 and I finally have it, I’m starting it right now!
Already read the shorts! 🙂
Btw… back off girlie.. Reyes is MINE! *growls* LOL Didn’t that ending kill you? We need the next book NOW! 😀
This looks and sounds like a great series! I’ve heard great things about Darynda Jones! Charley and Reyes sound great together. I love when you can be playful and laugh with your significant other during intimate times! Your review has me wanting to read this! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Everyone keeps raving about this series, and especially this book, it makes me want to get caught up so badly! I’m so happy to hear this is still going strong for you. I can’t wait for the Charlie/Reyes moments and the feels! 🙂 Wonderful review!
Had to skim the middle of your review because I’m intending to read this series but glad it was the best one out of all of them. Lovely review Christy!
Okay, okay 😉 I REALLY need to catch up with this series. I’m glad book 5 was awesome, and hopefully sometime SOON I’ll be able to further confirm that this is the best book in the series.
Yes, you most certainly do need to catch up. 🙂
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Oh, I saw someone review this series before and they were all absolutely praising reviews. Thanks for reminding me of what I’m missing out ;P
Delicious review, Christy! I’m gonna check if the theory is right and it’s indeed the best very soon. *wink*