Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Grave Robber by Darynda Jones Narrator: Lorelei King
Series: Charley Davidson #13.8
Published by Brilliance Audio on September 5, 2023
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 3 hours, 5 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Eric Vause is done.
Done with ghosts. Done with hellhounds. And definitely done with asshole demons, mostly because he’d been possessed by one. Even now, five years later, the rage he absorbed from the creature has yet to wane, so he decides a road trip is in order. Surely some cool air, great scenery, and a case of Dos Equis will shake things loose. Unfortunately, supernatural events happen everywhere. When he meets up with a friend whose partner’s daughter needs help with a pest problem—aka, a ghost—Eric takes that as his cue to leave.
Until he sees her.
He can tell Halle’s house isn’t the only thing that is haunted. The hopelessness behind her eyes tugs at something deep inside him. Something all too familiar. The fact that she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen has nothing to do with his change of heart. And he vows to leave her in his rearview the minute he takes care of the poltergeist. Then again, vows were never his strong suit.
Returning to the Charley Davidson world in this series of 1001 Dark Nights novellas for some post-series action to see what’s doing these days with the folks surrounding Charley and Reyes is a real treat. The Grave Robber follows up with Artemus the hellhound’s former owner from the motorcycle club. I’ll admit it took me a bit to place Eric from the series, but I’m always glad to experience Darynda Jones’ writing in this world with the fabulous Lorelei King narrating.
The Grave Robber is a standalone, but series readers/listeners will get more out of the story, particularly with the hint toward Beep’s story and how it all fits.
Poor Eric had a bad supernatural experience with a demon and such, and takes a ‘no thanks, I’m good’ attitude for anything that goes bump in the night. He’s trying to take a vacation when he encounters a really dark situation with someone he has a terrible meet-cute. Oh, and by dark, I mean struggles with suicide.
Halle doesn’t see herself well, but then again neither does Eric so they both feel unworthy, but Eric stands pat when his supernatural gift shows him just what Halle is up against.
This was short and gets through the paces quickly. I was glad for Eric and Halle, but like with others of these 1001 Dark Nights novellas, I always want more- more of the wise-cracking fun and more of the intense dark supernatural and hot romance.
Narration:
Lorelei King has long been the voice of the series for me. I’m pretty sure her voicing of characters is how I’d hear them when reading in print. Such talent with the range of voices, but also the emotional tone and pacing of the scenes. Urban Fantasy fans should definitely add this series to their reading pile.
Listen to the clip:Â HERE
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.
As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing.Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience so many wonderful books, authors, and narrators.Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance.Though, sorry, no horror or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- 🎧 Candy Apples and Clairvoyants by Danielle Garrett @daniellegarrett.bsky.social #AmandaRonconi @tantoraudio.bsky.social #LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited @sophiarose1816 @authordgarrett @TantorAudio - March 23, 2025
- The Unquiet Bones by Melvin Starr #MelvinStarr @sophiarose1816 - March 19, 2025
- Mastering the Art of French Murder by Colleen Cambridge @colleengleason.bsky.social @colleengleason @kensingtonbooks.bsky.social @KensingtonBooks @sophiarose1816 - March 16, 2025
Darynda Jones is one I really want to get read some day! Thanks for sharing about this one!
I’ve had a good time with three of her series now so yes, hope you get to try her stuff soon, Lisa.
Poor Eric is right. This was a good one.
Yeah, he sure had it tough.
That sounds like a book that I might like too.
I think you’d love these, Mary. Lots of good action and humorous dialogue.
I haven’t read any of these but I know Heather Graham has a few in this series that I’ve been wanting to read. I’ve really enjoyed everything I’ve read from Darynda Jones so this looks like a fun read.
I enjoy each opportunity to listen to ta book from the series, but these are over quickly.
I never did read any of these post-series novellas. I was kind of waiting to see if she was going to write the follow up series regarding Beep, but I’ve not heard anything more. Maybe I’ll pick them up (I think I own the first two).
Yeah, I think she does plan that Beep series, but for now she’s been filling in with secondary character follow up stories which are quick, but good.
Love this review darling. The books I have read from the 1001 Dark Nights are so fun to read and I do like that they are written to be read as standalones if you want to. I might try this one here to see how I like this author’s writing. I really want to try her out.
I think they’re fun and quick listens, too, Renee. I’d actually recommend just starting with book one b/c this is a standalone in some ways, but not in others and I think you’ll wonder about certain parts without the earlier story knowledge.
Awww poor Eric!!!
Oh yeah, he had a rough row to hoe. 🙂