Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Summoned to Thirteenth Grave by Darynda Jones Narrator: Lorelei King
Series: Charley Davidson #13
Published by St. Martin's Press, MacMillan on January 15, 2019
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 304
Length: 8 hours, 39 minutes
Format: eARC, Audiobook
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
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Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper extraordinaire, is pissed. She’s been kicked off the earthly plain for eternity – which is the appropriate amount of time to make a person starkraving mad. But someone’s looking out for her, and she’s allowed to return after a mere hundred years in exile. Is it too much to hope for that not much has changed? Apparently it is. Bummer.
She’s missed Reyes and her daughter, Beep, but now that she’s back on earth, it’s time to put to rest burning questions that need answers. What happened to her mother? How did she really die? Who killed her? And are cupcakes or coffee the best medicine? It all comes to a head in an epic showdown between good and evil in this final smart and hilarious novel.
The Charley Davidson series has reached its final chapter. I have completely enjoyed this series, especially on audio. I have the books in all three formats somehow.
I won’t be sharing spoilers here. Summoned to Thirteenth Grave has the snarky, sexy story I’ve come to expect. There is also a fast paced plot with lots of action. There are some twists which are totally unexpected. A lot of things are happening, Charley is still learning new things and there are secrets. As readers we don’t really get much advance notice on their plans. Charley and Reyes are keeping some secrets from each other, also.
I do wish we had more development of Reyes’ character. I don’t know why I feel this, but perhaps it is because we don’t have his point of view. But then the mysterious can also be sexy. Everything revolves around Charley and she is the most special one who breaks the rules and succeeds in unusual ways.
The story arcs are mostly wrapped up and we learn many more details about things within the series. We touch base with almost everyone. One twist was a huge shock. Beep is a baby and her battle is in the future, so that story may come to life in a new series or something. The very ending puzzled me and maybe it leads to Beep’s story.
I am sad. I am sad the series is ending. I am sad for those who died in the battles. I am happy to have had such fun, exciting, sexy stories to brighten my days.
Narration:
Lorelei King is a treasure and I always choose to listen to this series. Her voices for males and females are distinct and authentic. I was surprised I could listen at 1.5x speed comfortably. Her pacing was excellent. The timing for the humor was impeccable. Her performance is glorious.
Listen to a clip:
Giveaway:
This is a print copy ARC which I received but since I have it in digital formats I did not read this one and am giving it away with a short timeframe on the giveaway so I can get it out quickly next week before the release.
About Lorelei King
Lorelei King is one of the most successful and accomplished American actresses working in the UK today, appearing in numerous films and television shows. Lorelei is also a multi- award-winning narrator of audiobooks, recording the works of best-selling authors Janet Evanovich, Sue Grafton and Patricia Cornwell among others.
Born in Pennsylvania and raised in Los Angeles, Lorelei now makes her home in London, where she lives with her husband, actor Vincent Marzello.
About Darynda Jones
NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious Golden Heart®, a Rebecca, two Hold Medallions, a RITA ®, and a Daphne du Maurier, and she has received stellar reviews from dozens of publications including starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and the Library Journal. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike, and she is ever so grateful for the opportunity to carry on that tradition. She currently has two series with St. Martin’s Press: The Charley Davidson Series and the Darklight Trilogy. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband of almost 30 years and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2019 Audiobooks
- 2019 Releases
- COYER WINTER
I have the first couple of books and now plan to get started on this exciting series as it nears it’s end. Can’t wait to try them!
I think it is so fun. I hope you enjoy them! I do recommend the audio highly if that is an option.
I was actually surprised that I didn’t enjoy the first book, still contemplating whether I should continue or not. What is your advice?
Did you read or listen? If you read, then I would try the audiobook (for book 2). The narrator is amazing! Also unless you totally hated it I would always give a series at least 2 books since the first book in any series is tough. The world is being built and the characters set up. Also, try to get book 2 at the library. There’s some odd stuff, unique, about this series, so it’s possible it isn’t for you. There are some really popular series which just aren’t for me even though others love them. I hope that helps. If you have a specific question, feel free to respond or email me.
“Have you read any of the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones?” Alas, I have not!
I would recommend the audiobooks then. They have them at the library also, so you could try them this way.
How great that such a long series can end strong. Over so many books it’s easy to become so invested in the characters and saying goodbye can be so hard. 🙁
It is hard but this is one I may listen to again since it is so humorous and fun.
Yep, you and I were affected by the book similiarly. I stared at that last sentence and shook my head. 😉
OK then I wasn’t totally clueless. LOL. I was also flummoxed by the plot with Gemma.
I need to get started with this series. I think I have 3 of the audiobooks and do want to at least get through part of the series in 2019. I am happy to see that you enjoyed this one. Interesting that you think there could possibly be a spin-off in the future.
I enjoyed the whole series, especially on audio. It’s humorous and fun to listen. Well either there might be a spin-off or additional short story or i am just clueless. Which is entirely possible.
I FLOVE this series and Darynda is an amazing writer! The mix humor and Hotness is perfect !
yes it is. I’m glad you’re enjoying it so much!
Omg, I love this series so much! And I’m also sad it has ended. Well, for now anyway. Because Darynda wouldn’t be so cruel as to leave us stranded, waiting forever for Beep’s series. Right? Right?!
That is what I am wondering. I sort of hope she does something else first but I don’t know. I’d just like to see her stretch her incredible mind and imagination to a new setting. Anne – Books of My Heart
I have not read any of these books, but I recently bought the first based on blog reviews I’ve seen of this one. I plan to binge read the series when I get the chance. Lovely review, Anne. I have enjoyed reading about the love for this series and maybe there is hope for a spinoff series after all.
I hope you enjoy them. They are all solid UF stories with humor.
There are a few things that shocked me in this book. Also a few things that made me sad (poor Rocket). So many twists and turns.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
yes, good but not quite what I expected which is not always a bad thing either. I always enjoy the funny in this series.
I’m on the waitlist at the library for the audiobook. Can’t wait to see how it all ends.
I was on the waitlist and then the publisher was kind enough to give me an audio ARC. I actually ended up with print, digital and audio ARC by some odd coincidence. So I’m giving away my unused print ARC. I hope you enjoy! I think it is very in tune with the series. If you love the series, you will love this one.
I devoured this and loved it. I read since I began the series reading them and quickly developed voices for them all in my head. I plan to do a re-read via audio. I would totally read anything from Reyes Farrows POV!!
IKR?!?! I’d really like to know what is going on in his head.