Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones Series: Charley Davidson #3
Published by St. Martin's Press on 31 January 2012
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Suspense, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 310
Format: Kindle
Source: Kindle Purchase
Paranormal private eye. Grim reaper extraordinaire. Whatever. Charley Davidson is back! And she's drinking copious amounts of caffeine to stay awake because, every time she closes her eyes, she sees him: Reyes Farrow, the part-human, part-supermodel son of Satan. Yes, she did imprison him for all eternity, but come on. How is she supposed to solve a missing persons case, deal with an ego-driven doctor, calm her curmudgeonly dad, and take on a motorcycle gang hell-bent on murder when the devil's son just won't give up?
I really enjoy how this series is progressing, Third Grave Dead Ahead moved forward with the main plot at a nice pace, and the secondary plotlines were at break-neck speed.
I always enjoy a healthy dose of Charley, and of course, Reyes and Cookie, too! In Third Grave Dead Ahead, there was a lot going on, both in the overall story arc, with Charley needing to understand exactly what she is, and all she can do. A missing person she needs to find, as well as getting in and out of the asylum now that there is a biker club in residence. One of the things that always strikes me when I read a Charley Davidson story is the strong friendship between Cookie and Charley, and I love how snarky they both are! They can always make me laugh, even when they find themselves in dire situations.
And then, of course, there is Reyes. And he definitely has his own agenda in Third Grave Dead Ahead! Only it takes a long time of Charley to figure this out, and when she does, it’s almost too late. And on top of having more than one investigation going, Charley has to deal with her family – especially her dad – who wants her to quite as a PI and do something that is much safer for her. She really doesn’t have that many people on her side, and I was really angry towards the end! Not at Charley, but at some of the men in her life, I would have gladly help her kick their butt and get them out of the way there.
The overall plot moved along nicely, and while I now know quite a bit more about Charley and her abilities, I have a feeling there is still much to be learned! Both because Charley doesn’t know everything herself yet, and because just enough hints were dropped to make me quite anxious about the next instalment, which I really need to get to very soon.
Written in third person point of view, but still mostly from Charley’s perspective, and in past tense with sarcastic and humorous dialogues, there is never a dull moment in this story. I need to get my browser window open so I can one-click the next book 🙂 and you should get to one-clicking too, this series is amazing.
Eating wold keep me awake for at least another five minutes, and my one goal in life for the past coule of weeks was to stay awake at all costs. The alternative was exhausting.
I had hours to go before dawn. It was easier to stay awake during the day. Night was so calm and relaxing. But I couldn’t let myself fall under. I’d managed to dodge sleep like it was an ex-boyfriend with herpes for almost two weeks straight. And when I didn’t, I paid the price.
“You’re a charmer. If anyone can get him to talk, it’s you.”
“Aw, thanks. And I repeat, if I die, I’m coming back to haunt you.”
She thought about that a moment. “You do have a tendency to almost get murdered in the most unlikely places.”
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
Twitter: xxertz
I’m digging the synopsis. Happy you’re loving this series!
This series is so much fun, it’s full of snark, and Charley is great.
The Charley Davidson series is one that I’ve been meaning to try for some time. I’m glad you enjoyed it, and you know I love good humour entwined throughout my reads! Fab review.
It’s filled with humor and with a lot of snark, Naomi, and I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun with it as well!
Yay! I love Charley, her books are always so much fun. the last one was a bit less than the others but well it’s charley and all the other characters!!!
I love the fun, too, Melliane, and the snark is golden!
This sounds amazing! I heard of the series before but didn’t give it a try yet. I really want to try it now, though.
It’s a lot of fun, Majanka, and it’s also original, which is a big plus 🙂
Twitter: ailynk
it sounds funny, interesting and poor Charley sounds frustrated?
It’s a very funny series, Ailyn, and yes, Charley is often a bit frustrated 🙂
Twitter: bmreviewsohmy
I really need to start this series! 🙂
I think this is exactly your cup of tea, Stormi, it’s so much fun!
So glad you enjoyed this one. It’s on my Amazon wish list and I’ll be picking it up soon.
I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did, Laura!
Me too:) I’ve found some good books through your recommendations:)
Oh I’ve had so much fun with the first book! I’m in love with Charley! I want to be her BFF! 🙂 unfortunately because I’ve been a very ADD reader lately I was listening to the audio book along with other 5 books! so the library loan expired on me at 80% in! UGH Now there is a 5 people waiting line! UGH UGH I was your review of the first book what made it request it from the library. 🙂
Oh no! Waiting is awful, especially when you were towards the end. I hope you’ll be able to get it back soon, Daniela! And I’m glad my review helped you choose to get it 🙂
I really liked the first two books in the series, but for some reason never caught up to the rest of them. I need to change that though because from all the reviews I’ve seen from friends this is one of those series that impresses with every book. Plus, the humor in this is excellent! I’m excited that this turned out so well for you, Lexxie and I hope you learn everything there is to learn about Charley!
Great review! 🙂
I’m happy you’re continuing to enjoy this series, Lexxie. It sounds like it’s action-packed and fun. I will eventually get around to meeting Charley, Reyes, and Cookie. I really can’t believe it’s taken me this long but then, that’s how I roll sometimes. 😉
**BIG HUGS**
I adore this series and it feels like a long time since I read this book. I’m 6 at the mo and it’s taken me a while to really catch up with it. But I hope too soon. Love a bit of Reyes for sure! 🙂
Oh man, it’s been forever since I read the first book in this series. I completely forgot about it! I’ll have to pick it up again so I can get to this one.
Twitter: kbaby81
I’m loving this series, but I almost had a heart attack with book 8. Starting number 9 tomorrow!
Twitter: Mlsimmons
This is one of my favorite series. I listen to the audio (I know, you’re surprised), but I think Lorelei King does a great job with the narration. She is the entire reason I picked up this series. I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I love reading reviews of books that I read a while ago. It is like taking a trip down memory lane, so thank you for that. 🙂
I really need to start reading this series! I bought most of them a couple of years ago but I am always overwhelmed with ARCs so that I never get to my own books. I may try to start this series later this year. Great review!
I’m planning on starting Fifth Grave Past the Light VERY soon so I was really pumped to read your thoughts on this one Lexxie^^ I LOVE the snark and sass of Charlie and her snarky and sassy friendship with Cookie – those two are like the best friends EVER ♥ And then there’s swoony Reyes (yum) he has an agenda but I adore the guy nonetheless…could he BE any more dreamy?! Lovely review my friend!