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Fifth Grave Past the Light
Fifth Grave Past the Light
Fifth Grave Past the Light
Audiobook8 hours

Fifth Grave Past the Light

Written by Darynda Jones

Narrated by Lorelei King

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

()

About this audiobook

Never underestimate the power of a woman
on a double espresso with a mocha latte chaser high.

—T-shirt

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.

Charley Davidson is at it again in Fifth Grave Past the Light, the sexy, suspenseful, and laugh-out-loud funny fifth installment of the New York Times bestselling series by Darynda Jones.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateJul 9, 2013
ISBN9781427230805
Fifth Grave Past the Light
Author

Darynda Jones

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 17 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, certain they went away the better for it. She penned the international bestselling Charley Davidson series and is currently working on several beloved projects, most notably the Sunshine Vicram Mystery Series with St. Martin's Press and the Betwixt and Between Series of paranormal women's fiction. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys. She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com

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Reviews for Fifth Grave Past the Light

Rating: 4.410025881233933 out of 5 stars
4.5/5

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Ok, this one get's five stars from me because there is finally some growth from Reyes!! Finally, he is showing that he may be able to get beyond the whole angry all the time grumpy attitude. I know he has saved Charley many times, and is great to all others in his life but I never felt like he deserved Charley because he was always so flipping grumpy...and by grumpy I really mean other explicits that I just can't put out there.I decided I need to buy this entire series just for reference when I need some sarcastic saying. The "t-shirt, bumper sticker, and status updates" are just the best. I love this series!PS: I am hoping that Cookie finally gets Uncle Bob in the next book..... ha ha ha...she deserves some love....
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Absolutely loved the ending!

    Outstanding story with characters you can't help but love. Great dialog, fast pacing, and lots of action keep you riveted. Add phenomenal narration and you have a hit.

    I can't recommend this book and series enough. You won't want to miss it. This is my second or third read of this series.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Review courtesy of Dark Faerie TalesQuick & Dirty: Fast paced urban fantasy with a surprising ending (both good and bad)!Opening Sentence: The dead guy at the end of the bar kept trying to buy me a drink.The Review:Fifth Grave Past the Light continues Charley’s misadventures as the grim reaper and private eye. This installment was action-packed and crazy. The main portion of this story take place over the course of a few days, while Cookie is undergoing a gun safety course so Charley doesn’t get the help she normally would on her cases. I still greatly enjoy Charley’s humor and sarcastic wit. It helps to take away from the extremely depressing cases.Charley wouldn’t be Charley without working on about five different cases at once. Charley is working a run of the mill cheating spouse job when a bunch of ghostly murdered women show up in her apartment. Albuquerque has a serial arsonist and Charley is recruited by her uncle to work that case as well. All of these cases wrap up really well without Charley suffering from bodily harm, or did she say that too soon? This was probably the most worried for Charley than I have ever been with terrible twist that I didn’t see coming.The people in Charley’s life are acting funny. Garrett is being really secretive. Charley’s father is asking her strange questions. Reyes is being really secretive but is trying to open up to Charley in his own way. Then Captain Eckert (Uncle Bob’s boss) is onto Charley. He confronts Charley wanted to know how she is able to solve the cases that she can.Cookie is funny. She is supposed to be in a two day course for gun training but she would rather be helping Charley so she keeps calling her, trying to get out of doing the safety course. Cookie and Charley are also funny with their binge marathon watching of some really hot guy shows like Prison Break and Supernatural. This joke keeps popping up throughout the story.Fifth Grave Past the Light does reveal quite a lot about the plan that Lucifer has for Charley. Her information comes from an unlikely source. We still don’t get all the answers but Charley gets a better idea of what she is up against. I really enjoyed this installment. It kept me on my toes, plus I was not sure how these cases were going to wrap up. The Charley and Reyes ending was … whoa… hot and crazy romantic.My only complaint about Fifth Grave is the unsolved stories. I know they are part of a bigger picture but between the naked guy and Captain Eckert there are some things that aren’t finished. Then Charley gets handed the case that could get her more answers into Reyes past. It is intriguing setup for the next story that I can’t wait to read.Overall, this was a fast paced book with an incredibly twisted ending that I didn’t see coming. I enjoy the sarcasm and wit of Charley. The world is sad and crazy and fun but it sucked me in. I would highly recommend this book for fans of urban fantasy who want a book they can laugh with.Notable Scene:“Twitter!” Cookie said, pointing at me as she sat beside Agent Carson.I tossed my rag on the bar and stood up for myself. “Don’t tell me what to do, missy!”“No, that’s how all these women know about your man and where he works. He has his own hashtag. It’s crazy.”Why that would surprise me, I had no idea. He had entire websites dedicated to him while we was in prison—why should I have expected any less when he got out.“Does he really have a Ferrari?” she asked.“A what?” I asked, stunned.“According to the Twitter-verse, that man is decked out.” She waved at the rest of the gang as she settled onto the barstool.A Ferrari? Clearly we needed to bang less and talk more. If he did, where was he keeping it? I would totally have noticed a Ferrari, especially if one were sitting beside Misery.FTC Advisory: I purchased my own copy of Fifth Grave Past the Light. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I always think the last book in a series read was the best then I read the next. I laughed, I had a tear in my eye, I enjoyed the relationships of all the characters. I learned more of Reye's backstory and unfortunately Charley simply can't seem to stop trying to get herself killed. Cookie, Gemma, and Uncle Bob provide Charley the emotional support that keeps her grounded; and Garrett Swopes is on a research mission that will affect Charley and Reyes' relationship.  Some new characters were added, such as Pierce and Captain Eckhart, and I hope to see them in the future. Some of the old characters appear to be moving to the back burner or deleted, such as evil stepmother and maybe Dad who wants to travel (on his lonesome) .. but that is how life goes.I'm ready for the next book in the series
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    'The dead guy at the end of the bar kept trying to buy me a drink. Which figured. No one else was even taking a second look and I'd dressed to the nines.'Charley Davidson is, as usual, up to her elbows in work and she's the only one equipped to handle it. Her apartment has suddenly been taken over by a few dozen ghostly blonde women who show no interest in passing, she almost gets shot after she enlists Cookie to help her in a recent PI case and add to that the ever-distracting Reyes is an arson suspect and he's officially moved in right next door to her."My dad put himself through college by setting up cons and selling moonshine. He was a pretty famous moonshiner, actually.""My dad's pretty famous too." We all turned to stare at Reyes.This series never disappoints and has gotten better and better with each installment. Charley Davidson is one of my all-time favorite female leads: she's hilarious and snarky and totally badass but not in excess. And if Charley is one of my favorite female leads, Reyes definitely earns a spot on my favorite male leads. Fair warning, the steamy is in abundance in this installment! And oh my GOSH that ending! Not quite a cliffhanger but definitely leaves a smile on your face and makes you infinitely anxious for the next book."No, your other - Fuck, how many boyfriend's do you have?""Including Herman, the maintenance guy at the Jug 'N Chug who talks to celery?" If I didn't know better, I could've sworn Reyes ground his teeth. I couldn't blame him. I mean, who talks to celery in this day and age?Fifth Grave Past the Light really begins to branch out as far as possibilities for future installments... and let me tell ya, I like the looks of it. This installment really spoke of the future development, the purpose and the potential of Charley Davidson. Darynda Jones has been slowly maturing and expanding on Charley's character taking her past the snarky girl that we've all grown to love and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where she continues to take it. This series is a highly entertaining and sexy supernatural mystery that is incredibly easy to fall in love with.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Originally posted at NovelReveries.com“One would think that, since I was the grim reaper, I’d be used to the dead showing up unexpectedly. Nope. It still got me every time.” (73)This was absolutely, most definitely well worth the wait! We get to see more into Charley’s purpose and her powers, as well as being thoroughly entertained with a couple of great investigations, plenty of whimsy, and abundance of coffee and a little lot of Reyes! Yes, Fifth Grave definitely reaffirms my everlasting love of this series!“The world had gone berserk (...) A serial killer was running loose on the streets of–well, I had no idea where, but somewhere. And I had a house full of departed women I didn’t know what to do with. I should probably have gone back to bed, but I had a big day ahead of me.” (251)The serial killer mystery gives us clues as to what may happen, and who this killer may be, but all may not be as it seems! I was both relieved, and stunned at Charley’s assumptions and predicaments. Although I must say, never has ADD looked so good, ha! Not only are our favorite characters still kicking, but we meet some fascinating (and hilarious) new characters! I love the Zombie Nicolette bit, and definitely want to learn more of her, and I was drenching tears of laughter whenever I imagined Ozzy’s navigational expertise!“‘What’s your specialty?’‘Oh, you know. Madness. Mayhem. Debauchery. And even with all that going for me, I can still make a mean mojito.’” (330)That ending!! Oh sweet feelings! I love it, unless of course it sets in motion Rocket’s foreboding, in which, OH MY RAGING BULLS I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS IN SIXTH GRAVE SO I MAY WARN CHARLEY BEFOREHAND! With Fifth Grave we are brought into light of many changes to come, and it stirs up so many emotions and leaves us craving answers. We are left with the beginnings of a case of a lifetime (a certain spawn of the devil’s lifetime,) a startling premonition, a paternity surprise, and... wait... are those bells I hear in the distance. Bells of happiness? Bells of doom? Bells of– oh wait, that’s my cell’s battery dying.Fifth Grave will have you frightened, astonished, laughing, crying, wondering, and craving a nice hot... cup of coffee, among other things (I’m looking at you George.) Read this for the laughs, the danger, the steamy romance and all of the above! Haven’t started on this series yet? “‘You have to tahn the foock around. You’re in the middle of foockin’ nowhere.’” (Ozzy, 190)First Line: “The dead guy at the end of the bar kept trying to buy me a drink.” (1)Last Line: HA! spoiler!Quotes:“He could die. He was slated to die. I took a deep breath and made a decision. When the time came, I would do whatever it took to stop that from happening. He was not going to die. Not on my watch.” (151)
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is the fifth Charley Davidson book, and I have to say, I think it 's my favorite one so far! The ever handsome, and sexy son of Satan himself, Reyes Farrow, has moved in next door, and a whole slew of dead women have taken up residence in Charley's apartment, so basically, a Tuesday. While Charley's used to dealing with ghosts, these particular women are scared to death, climbing the walls and catatonic, so Charley's going to have to use every tool in her arsenal to try to solve this mystery. Her trusty sidekick, Cookie, is busy taking a concealed carry class that Charley signed her up for, much to Cookie's dismay, so Charley's on her own a lot, which usually means trouble. This book is full of sass and wit, which are two of my favorite things! The pacing is spot on, as usual, and the characters are varied and well written. This book doesn't disappoint, whether it's is your fifth trip into the Charley-verse or your first.Highly recommend - 5/5 stars!*** I would like to thank NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Darynda Jones for the opportunity to read and review this book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    For me Charley Davidson is a perfect character. She's smart, funny as hell, and just nicest person ever. She helps people, dead and alive, and did I mention she's funny.

    Cookie had brought over a basket of muffins. Muffins! She was such a great hostess. I only brought an open pack of gum with pocket lint on it.

    Unfortunately, no one could read them, so I contacted Dr. von Holstein for help.” Reyes

    “The cow guy can read ancient texts?” Charley's reply

    I’d kill for a Nobel Peace Prize.

    If Charley isn't funny enough then credit the author with some funny intros to each chapter, usually a bumper sticker or t-shirt slogan.

    I have a couple short stories to read then onto book 6.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    The pacing was all wonky and the tension was undercut literally every single time things started to get interesting. And that irreverent, sort of ditzy humor was so, so overdone.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Did you see me do the fist pump to the sky?! Because that's what I did when I read the last page. The ghosts are darker and the romance is sweeter...or as sweet as a grim reaper and the son of Satan can get. LOVE!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I absolutely love this series of books. They're fun, exciting and great mysteries to boot. This audiobook made me laugh out loud and then tingle with romance the next. The end of this book was heart wrenching and the end end was awesome. Oh and Lorelei King is an awesome narrator. She brings the characters to life in such an amazing way that I can't imagine reading the physical book could bring me half the pleasure that listening to her read me the books does. If you haven't jumped on the Charley Davidson bandwagon yet, I highly recommend you do. You won't regret it.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Fifth Grave Past the Light
    4.5 Stars

    As usual, there is a lot going on plot wise. Charley’s new roommates are all the victims of a serial killer with a penchant for blonds; she is still on the track of the serial arsonist and also needs to prove that her latest client’s husband is a cheating scumbag. Not to mention her ongoing issues with the son of Satan, Reyes Alexander Farrow.

    Charley and Reyes’s chemistry is off the charts sexy and their scenes together contribute both to their physical and emotional connection. There are also some interesting revelations regarding Charley’s purpose on Earth as well as Reyes’s role in her other life.

    The secondary cast are as engaging as ever - Cookie and UB, Amber and Quentin, Rocket and Angel, Gemma and Pierce - all make me remember how much I love the characters in this series. The villains are also compelling although the serial killer plot could have been better developed the killer’s identity is more of an afterthought and his motive is non-existent, and the ending, while traumatic and chilling (never saw that one coming), could have gone very wrong, which would have ruined both the book and the series thankfully, Jones avoids the rape trap!.

    The humor also has its ups and downs. Charley’s tendency toward naming inanimate objects and body parts has been toned down (for which I am eternally grateful) and her new GPS is a nice touch but she can also be a tad too flippant and sarcastic at times.

    Overall, Fifth Grave Past the Light is a fantastic addition to the series and I’m eager to find out where Jones is taking the story are we in for an epic battle between the forces of good and evil?
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    It has been awhile since I have read one of Darynda's books and it makes me wonder why. I love her stories. The quirky Charley, red hot Reyes, always loyal Cookie, and the never ending supply of dead people. Action packed and a bunch of humor to go with it. Can't go wrong with a Charley Davidson book. 4.5 ⭐️
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is another really good book in the Charley Davidson series. Stuff is ramping up for her and this was no exception. Love this series.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I won my copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
    This was a fun book overall, despite my usual dislike for romance genre fiction. The sex scenes were creative, and the bits in between did not come across as just filler between sex scenes. So, as romances go, this one was ok, though if you don't like reading about rough sex, you might not like some of this book.
    The fantasy side of this book was interesting, a sort of fantasy world based loosely on Christian theology, in a way that almost turns our 'real' world into a fantasy setting, if you believe in angels and demons anyway. The main character is a woman who is a grim reaper, a portal for dead souls to cross through and apparently something more powerful as well. There are some rough spots, but mostly it works, and it makes for fun reading.
    I only read this one book in the series, so I don't know what I missed by not having read the first 4 books, and most likely the weak or thin parts would make more sense if I'd read the whole series. Still, this book does work on its own, so while I'd recommend reading the series in order if possible, you won't get too lost if you read this one out of order.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    As usual for this series I enjoyed this book a lot, and as usual ended the book wanting to choke the author until she coughs up the next one.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is the fifth book in the Charley Davidson series. Right now there are ten books in the series with the eleventh book (Eleventh Grave in Moonlight) expected to release in Jan 2017. These book just keep getting better and better. I absolutely loved this book and could not stop listening to it! This review will have some spoilers if you haven’t read the previous books in the series.I listened to this on audiobook and the audiobooks for this series have been fantastic. King does an awesome job of sounding just like I imagine Charley would. She also does great with other character voices and with portraying emotion. This is one of my favorite book series to listen to on audiobook.With Reyes living down the hall from Charley things have really started to heat up between the two of them...in the physical realm this time. However, Charley gets distracted from this when the terrified ghosts of dead blond women start showing up in her apartment. When the number of dead women gets to the point where Charley can barely walk through her apartment Charley knows she has to figure out what is going on quickly.We learn a lot more about what happened to Garrett Stokes in Hell in this book as well, which was nice. Additionally we find out a lot more truths behind what Charley and Reyes actually are and what their purpose is. Things are really starting to build and it looks like a supernatural war may be on the horizon.There are so many awesome characters in this series; I enjoy reading about them all. I love the world and love how we keep learning more and more about the alternate world Charley is from.The story continues to get more complex and interesting with each book. I love that there are individual mysteries solved in each novel and that there is also a larger story arc that is built on in each book...this my absolutely favorite type of urban fantasy to read.Overall this was a fantastic addition to the series. This series just keeps getting better and better and shows no signs of slowing down. I would highly recommend to those who enjoy humorous urban fantasy with a lot of action. I absolutely love this series and can’t wait to read the next book in it.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Awww, Reyes.Theories and revelations of who and what Charley is.Also, this book was not as spine-thrilling as the past four books.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Another great story by Darynda Jones! This fifth book in the series had everything. With Garrett's help, we learn a lot more about Charley and Reyes. We also have a search for a serial killer which has several twists. As well, Charley has a client who suspects her husband of cheating. There is a wonderful section about Charley's sister and a strange encourter with her father. Cookie gets involved in the action in this book also. There are the requisite demons, ghosts, and regular humans with extraordinary gifts. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the sarcasm/wit. Best of all, she used a quote from the movie "The Sandlot" - "you're killing me, Smalls" - love it!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    It all started with a key, a cheating man and a gun shot.

    Charley, my book BFF has gotten into it again. She confronts a clients nasty husband, she is confronted by questions from the police, she's forced into therapy, her room is filled with blonds, she has a horrible life/death experience and Reyes is just down the hall in all his pure hot steamy sexyness. No, that is not all of it just the holy crisps parts for me. The best was of course Reyes just down the hall, va va voom ! The worst, the bridge. I will have nightmares of that rusty evil place.
    Reyes, Holy Hot Tamales warmed in fire is he hot in this book. He takes his romantic side out from under the bed and hangs it out for us to enjoy. if you didn't lust/love him before,(you're crazy? LOL) you will after this. He gives Charley, his attention, his heart ?, gives her security, gives her comfort and trust. He really shocked me with his total devotion to giving it all. Reyes has opened hi security wall and let her in. He asks her at one point to let him in and the result is spine tingling ! His line at the end, he got the last words (don't you go and peek it will ruin the book) was WOW, oh Double WOW...
    Ms. Jones pulled a meanie by ending it right there. I forgive her, kind of. She wrote a fabulous entertaining story that had me giggling, swooning, sweating and crying and even praying. What a ride, I think my arse is sore from all the bumps, thrills and hard turns.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is a continuance of the Charley Davidson (Grim Reaper) series. It was fast and easy to read, it wasn't as suspenseful as numbers 3 & 4, but it was as entertaining and it held my interest.

    Dead women (27 of them) begin appearing in Charley's apartment, all are blonde, all in some type of oil, but none are able to connect with Charley in order to cross. There is also a little girl under her bed, who she is able to connect with and eventually talk to, who helps Charley solve the mystery.

    There was not as much violence, which made it easier for me to read uninterrupted.

    All the regular characters are there and we are introduced to a new interesting character.... Nicolette who works in the local hospital and has dreams, very real dreams where she is the victim of the crime.......
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    That ending. Holy crap, that foocking* ending! I think I literally squee'd. My toes may have even curled. *fans self* Sorry, Curran. Reyes just knocked you off the podium for favorite male lead character. And the humor? It had me chuckling, snorting, and lol'ing constantly. Why on earth did I put off reading this series for so long? If I only knew then... *if you read the book, you'll get that one!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Contemporary, Paranormal RomanceAlbuquerque, New Mexico Charley Davidson isn’t a run-of-the-mill grim reaper. She leans more towards paranormal private eye/grim reaper extraordinaire. Unfortunately she gets sidetracked when Reyes Farrow moves in next door especially with him being the sexy, sultry son of Satan. If that wasn’t enough things get even more complicated when he is her main suspect in an arson case. Charley is determined to stay away from him until she finds out the truth. At least that was her plan until dead women start showing up in her apartment one after the other. Each one confused, lost and terrified beyond reason. Soon Charley has no choice but to ask Reyes for help when it becomes apparent that the serial killer’s next target is her sister, Gemma. Reyes may be an arsonist but he is also the only man that can protect Gemma no matter what is headed her way. There is a price to pay for that protection. Reyes wants one thing, Charley. Body and soul. That is price Charley is willing to pay to keep her sister safe.This is a series that gets better and better with each book. Neither the laughs nor the action stop and it keeps the book moving along at a very fast pace. This is one book that readers will find very hard to put down and just might finish in one sitting. Charley is a very fun and interesting character that will have readers wishing they could know her in real life. Everyone could use a Charley in their life. The story will also have readers wanting to read the next book just to see what happens next to Charley as wherever Charley is trouble is sure to follow.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    There are only two words that you need to know to read this book - Reyes. Farrow. Man that dude is HOT. Literally. These books just keep getting better and better. I laughed my ass off and if I could, I would probably also stalk Reyes. Hey, what can I say? I've got a thing for sexy as sin bad boys. But really, if you've read the first four, you're going to read this one, right? And if you haven't, what are you waiting for?
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I need next book NOW!!!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Darynda Jones does it again with this 5th installment in her fabulous Charley Davidson series. Humor, mystery, danger, romance - it's all there and so adroitly intertwined. Investigator/grim reaper Charley and the too-hot-to-mention son of Satan Reyes Farrow return, as do the usual cast of quirky characters - Charley's assistant Cookie, sister Gemma, uncle Bob, and more. This time it's a serial killer who needs to be found, and as Charley investigates, she learns more about her role in the war between Heaven and Hell, and her complicated relationship with Reyes goes to a whole new level. I love Jones's writing; she has a sparkling wit that at times is laugh-out-loud funny, and yet she can also write smoldering, sexy scenes convincingly. I nearly squealed like a teenager at a Justin Bieber concert when I read the last line of this book. I cannot WAIT for book #6 - it can't come soon enough!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Love love love this book. Love this whole series. Ms. Jones has a unique ability (IMO) to take a very dark subject matter (or matters) and make it bearable to get through it. Charlie has had every bad thing thrown at her in this series, and they are all written graphically, and without holding back. Normally, this would cause me to run rapidly in the opposite direction, but she also writes with such compassion, humour, and scathing wit. I find the latter helps me get through the former.

    The mythology(?) of Charlie's world comes together in this book and I was totally sucked in - and relieved that what she'd been led to believe about the future was inaccurate. Questions are answered in this book, in between solving murders and other mysteries. I can't wait to see what happens with all of these people coming together: Cookie, Uncle Bob, Garret, Quentin, Reyes, Sister Mary Elizabeth. Charlie is getting herself a gang.

    As for Reyes and Charlie, well damn. Hot damn. Literally. Just taking these two and their relationship into consideration, this is by far the best book of the series so far.

    Thank you Ms. Jones, for writing a story/series I can lose myself in and come out of grinning like a fool.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    FANTASTIC! By far my favorite book in the series thus far and I can't tell you how good a read this was for me. I started it yesterday and by the end of the day I was already more then halfway through it. Now that Charley and Reyes are neighbors, we see them a lot more then we got to on previous books, which ends up giving us some pretty awesome scenes between the two of them. Cookie doesn't really gets all that 'page' time that she usually gets, which is quite a bummer actually. One of my favorite scenes has that sweet boy Quentin in it and the bonus of Amber in there too. I was already halfway madly in love with Reyes up until the end of book four, now I'm completely and hopelessly down that road and I do not regret this fact one littly tiny bit. That supernatural being is the bomb! Now this book has some pretty serious stuff going on for Charley by the end of it, which just made everything that much enjoyable to read, in the sense that we get to see a side of Charlie that she doesn't usually lets out much: the sensitive and in love and scared side. I'm just counting the days 'till the next one is out!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Reviewed by: Rabid ReadsEvery time I listen to a CHARLEY DAVIDSON book I know that I’m in for a wild ride, but Darynda Jones has truly outdone herself with this latest installment. We finally get a real sense of “the big picture” that’s previously only been hinted, and the infamous “key” is at long last inserted into the “lock.” Cryptic enough for you? I’m sure that long-time fans of this series know exactly what I’m talking about, but as for the rest of you… this is a spoiler-free review, so you’d best get reading!There’s definitely no shortage of plot threads in FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT with ghosts galore, a serial arsonist on the loose, a new client with a cheating ex husband, and then of course there’s Charley’s ongoing issues with the son of Satan. My favourite mystery out of the bunch was the one surrounding the 20 dead blondes; I loved the way Jones developed this story line, and the resolution was masterfully done. The other subplots were equally as entertaining, especially the new tidbits we learn about this series’ main arc. Mr Wong continues to be stand-in-the-corner dude, but I’m beginning to suspect that he’s there for a reason. And, that cliffhanger, well let’s just say it’s the reason why I’ve postponed listening to this audio for so long.I’ve been DYING for more Charley/Reyes’ smexy time since I first started these books, and Jones finally delivers in this installment. I guess it’s a good thing that the author made readers wait for so long because it allowed their chemistry to reach its boiling point, but you can’t blame a girl for wanting less flirting and more “doing.” Their relationship undergoes a lot of growth in this novel—both in and out of the bedroom—and it’s clear that their romance is in no danger of waning anytime soon. The secondary characters continue to be incredibly endearing; Cookie is hands down my fav, but Garrett and Ubie aren’t too far behind.Lorelei King brings just the right amounts of sultry and sass to these audios. She really captures the essence of Charley’s larger-than-life, smart mouthed, ADD personality, and makes you feel like she’s a real person. King is a skilled narrator with a knack for bringing the snark while still maintaining a good pace and tone. Her character voices are distinct yet remain consistent throughout this series, and she sure knows how to deliver a punch line! I can’t imagine that it’s easy reading Jones’ writing aloud with a straight face, so this woman deserves mad props for this and for her stellar performance.FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT is the best of the best, the crème de la crème, the pick of the litter—well, you get the idea. The Darynda Jones / Lorelei King duo is unstoppable!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Ugh. The only thing I hated about this book is it left me in a craving for the next one. CAN'T WAIT HURRY UP:)