First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson #1) by Darynda Jones
Adult
Mass Market Paperback, 310 pages
Published Feb. 1st, 2011 in Hardcover by St. Martins Press
Source: Purchased
A smashing,
award-winning debut novel that introduces Charley Davidson: part-time
private investigator and full-time Grim Reaper
Charley sees dead
people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince
them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died
under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want
Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the
intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an Entity who has been
following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after
all. In fact, he might be something else entirely.
This is a thrilling debut novel from an exciting newcomer to the world of paranormal romantic suspense.
I first heard of this book (I may have heard of it before but it didn't stick with me) on Giselle's blog at Xpresso Reads and her description of Charley had me saying I have to read this series now and I went out and bought it almost immediately. And I started it the same day. I was desperate for a smart, snarky woman with some unique abilities and Charley more then delivered. I seriously adored her. She can see ghosts, as a matter of fact she is the grim reaper. But really I felt like this was more ghost whisperer then anything else. She can help ghosts and they can help her {which is very helpful when you're a P.I. that helps out the police} and she also is how they move on if they so choose.
Charley's personality is amazing. She doesn't really take anything too serious, but yet she's not stupid. She says what's on her mind without being obnoxious. She's a caring person who is always trying to help everyone and she's a true friend to those who care about her. She's hilarious and witty and says the funniest things ever. And she's like one of my new favorite-est characters for real.
Now this book doesn't just have an amazing MC, but it has a fantastic story line as well. It's constant action as Charley is uncovering why three lawyers from the same firm were killed the same evening and with their help are discovering some pretty nasty stuff. At the same time she's trying to figure out who this 'guy/thing' is that is giving her sexy 'dreams' and does he have some relation to the 'guy/thing' that has saved her life countless times. There's lots to be discovered and Charley doesn't hesitate to do the dirty work nearly putting her life in peril time and time again.
I honestly cannot recommend this book any more highly. It was a fantastic start to a series and I'll be trying my hardest to get my hands on the next two books as soon as possible! If I haven't convinced you yet then go check out Giselle's review HERE. She's got some awesome quotes in hers.
5/5 stars!
