Audible Book Review: Soul Taken, A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 13, by Patricia Briggs

I enjoyed the latest in this series which is one of my favorites.

Soul Taken
A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 13
By: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins
Release date: 08-23-22
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Paranormal, Supernatural, Urban
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, must face her greatest fears in this chilling entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
The vampire Wulfe is missing. Since he’s deadly, possibly insane, and his current idea of “fun” is stalking me, some may see it as no great loss. But, warned that his disappearance might bring down the carefully constructed alliances that keep our pack safe, my mate and I must find Wulfe—and hope he’s still alive. As alive as a vampire can be, anyway.
But Wulfe isn’t the only one who has disappeared. And now there are bodies, too. Has the Harvester returned to the Tri-Cities, reaping souls with his cursed sickle? Or is he just a character from a B horror movie and our enemy is someone else?
The farther I follow Wulfe’s trail, the more twisted—and darker—the path becomes. I need to figure out what’s going on before the next body on the ground is mine.
©2022 Patricia Briggs (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Review:
Mercy is a coyote shapeshifter married to the Alpha of the local wolfpack, Adam. Not too long ago, Mercy declared that the Tri-Cities area was under the protection of the pack. This resulted in allowing some supernatural creatures to come into the area, but also resulted in isolating the local pack from the lead wolfpack in the United States who chose not to get drawn into potential issues between the pack, other supernaturals, humans, and the fae community.

Wulfe is a traumatized vampire who has a bit of an obsession with Mercy. When Wulfe goes missing, the head vampire mistress places the burden to find him on Mercy and Adam at the threat of terminating the vampire and pack alliance. While beginning the hunt for Wulfe, Mercy discovers that other people are missing, and bodies are being found. The bodies display a distinct pattern of brutal cutting which links them to a mythical murderer, the Harvester. This comes just as a new horror movie is bringing the mythical killer to the big screen.

The search gets darker and more dangerous as Mercy discovers that her vampire friend, Stephan is missing too. And her fae friend, Zee, is insistent on getting his hands on the Harvester’s cursed weapon that makes anyone who is touched by the blade seems to go crazy. Would it be safe to give the weapon to Zee? Will he destroy it, or will its darkness twist him?

I totally enjoy this series. The relationships between Mercy and the other characters are a big part of the story. I am ever impressed by Ms. Brigg’s ability to continue to create interesting plots and dangers for Mercy and her pack to work through. I recommend the whole series – preferably read from the beginning.

Audio Notes: Lorelei King does her usually superb job narrating these characters. It is wonderful to hear her distinct character voices. I love to listen to this series on audio.

Source: 8/28/2022 Audible August Credit. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Smoke Bitten: A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 12 by Patricia Briggs

I was in the mood for werewolves and this installment in a favorite series hit the spot!

Smoke Bitten
A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 12
By: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
Release date: 03-17-20
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Action, Adventure, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, faces a threat unlike any other in this thrilling entry in the number one New York Times best-selling series.
I am Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman.
My only “superpowers” are that I turn into a 35 pound coyote and fix Volkswagens. But I have friends in odd places and a pack of werewolves at my back. It looks like I'm going to need them.
Centuries ago, the fae dwelt in Underhill - until she locked her doors against them. They left behind their great castles and troves of magical artifacts. They abandoned their prisoners and their pets. Without the fae to mind them, those creatures who remained behind roamed freely through Underhill wreaking havoc. Only the deadliest survived.
Now one of those prisoners has escaped. It can look like anyone, any creature it chooses. But if it bites you, it controls you. It lives for chaos and destruction. It can make you do anything - even kill the person you love the most. Now it is here, in the Tri-Cities. In my territory.
It won't, can't, remain.
Not if I have anything to say about it.
©2020 Patricia Briggs (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Review:
Mercy, our coyote shifter heroine, has her hands full with community and spousal stress. In book 10, Silence Fallen, Mercy claimed the Tri-cities areas under the protection of the local Columbia Basin werewolf pack led by her Alpha husband, Adam. The pack has its share of danger balancing issues among the local vampires, witches, werewolves, and fae, while protecting the humans from those with supernatural powers. Of course, this sets up a chance for various outside groups who feel they can challenge the pack while it is spread thin. There is a rogue group of werewolves, led by a dangerous assassin, who think they can take out the edges of Adam’s pack and then challenge him.

Before they even know about the rogue werewolf threat, Mercy finds her elderly, sweet neighbors murdered. Mercy is bitten by what appears to be a wild rabbit until they learn it is an evil, mind controlling creature who has escaped from Underhill into Mercy’s own backyard. Fortunately, Mercy is saved with the help of a creepy ‘stalker’, but it makes her realize that something is wrong with her mate bond with Adam.

Adam has been acting tense and standoffish and Mercy begins to wonder and doubt the strength of their relationship. Will she be able to face the wolf, or worse, and still keep their unique bond? As noted, there are at least three threads of suspense moving in this book. Ms. Briggs presents her impressive creativity with fast paced action and tension. I like how she weaves in a touch of fairy tale classic into the fae situation. The author also has built a strong emotional relationship between Mercy and Adam and she makes it real to life stresses. I love this series and highly recommend it. I do suggest starting from the beginning not only to get to know the characters but also to enjoy the entertainment!

Audio Notes: Lorelei King is a superb narrator and does a wonderful job with this series. The characters come to life with all their energy and stresses.  I’m sure the story is good if read in print/ebook, but for me it is a great listening experience.

4/13/2020 Audible March Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Storm Cursed, Mercy Thompson Novel Series, Book 11 by Patricia Briggs

This continues the fun Mercy Thompson entertainment with werewolves, vampires and witches…Oh My!

Storm Cursed
Mercy Thompson Novel Series, Book 11
By: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-07-19
Language: English
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Werewolves
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
In this powerful entry in the number-one New York Times best-selling series, Mercy Thompson must face a deadly enemy to defend all she loves....
My name is Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman, and I am a car mechanic.
And a coyote shape-shifter.
And the mate of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.
Even so, none of that would have gotten me into trouble if, a few months ago, I hadn’t stood upon a bridge and taken responsibility for the safety of the citizens who live in our territory. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. It should have only involved hunting down killer goblins, zombie goats, and an occasional troll. Instead, our home was viewed as neutral ground, a place where humans would feel safe to come and interact with the fae.
The reality is that nothing and no one is safe. As generals and politicians face off with the Gray Lords of the fae, a storm is coming, and her name is Death.
But we are pack, and we have given our word.
We will die to keep it.
©2019 Patricia Briggs (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Review:
Mercy has declared the Tri-City area as a safe place for the fae. The government and the Grey Lords, fae leadership, are seeking to meet to work out some guidelines for normal humans and the fae creatures to live safely beside each other. The meeting is to take place in Mercy’s hometown with Mercy’s mate, Adam, and the werewolf pack members providing security. Considering her unique relationship with the fae, Mercy has been recruited (directed) to participate by arranging a safe location.

While the joint meeting is barely being discussed, Mercy is called upon to help deal with some strange community incidents. Mercy faces a rogue, killer goblin and next she has to deal with zombie miniature goats. Mercy gets help from appropriate allies, like Larry the Goblin King and a new pack member, Sherwood, who brings some surprising skills to bare when faced with black magic. The zombie goats are determined to be the work of an invading witch group.

Mercy and Sherwood go to check on the local witches and discover tragedy and horror. They find one survivor, a nearly dead kitten. Mercy and Ben save Adam and a small group of government officials from a bomb. When a curse attack against Mercy is accidentally discovered at her garage, it becomes clear that the enemy witches, including one called “death”, are not only trying to take control in the community, but they want to block Mercy and the joint meeting. Dangers escalate and Mercy seeks the aid of her fae friends, Zee and Tad, and even the wildly instable vampire, Wolfe, to take on the black witches and the minion zombie army they have created.

This is a series that keeps on providing strong entertainment through strong characters and engaging plots. The relationship between Mercy and the werewolf pack is always interesting. Of course, her bond with her mate Adam is particularly well done. The black magic in this story creates a dark tone with evil and death putting a bit of a damper on Mercy’s usual snappy humor. I enjoyed the cameo touch with Mercy’s family, Coyote and Mercy’s brother. I also liked the unique zombie creatures and the surprise connection that appears during the battle. I wasn’t overwhelmed with this episode, but it maintains the entertainment level of the series for me. I recommend the whole series and suggest starting at the beginning for full enjoyment.

Audio Notes: I’ve probably said it before, but Lorelei King is the gifted narrator for this series. She has unique voices for the characters and brings the right emotion and energy to the story. She even captures the darker mood of this story. It is a pleasure to listen to this series on audio.

Source: March 2019 Audible credit (pre-order). This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

#NetGalley and Audible Book Review: The Trouble with Twelfth Grave by Darynda Jones

This was a good entry in the series.
The Trouble with Twelfth Grave
A Novel
By: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Series: Charley Davidson, Book 12
Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-31-17
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Fantasy, Ghosts, Private Investigator
My Rating: 4.5 Overall; 4.25 Story; 5.0 Narration

The Trouble with Twelfth Grave: A Novel (Charley Davidson Series Book 12) Kindle Edition

Publisher's Summary
Grim Reaper Charley Davidson is back in the 12th installment of Darynda Jones' New York Times best-selling paranormal series, The Trouble with Twelfth Grave.
Ever since Reyes Farrow escaped from a hell dimension in which Charley Davidson accidentally trapped him, the son of Satan has been brimstone-bent on destroying the world his heavenly Brother created. His volatile tendencies have put Charley in a bit of a pickle. But that's not the only briny vegetable on her plate. While trying to domesticate the feral being that used to be her husband, she also has to deal with her everyday life of annoying all manner of beings - some corporeal, some not so much - as she struggles to right the wrongs of society. Only this time she's not uncovering a murder. This time she's covering one up.
Add to that her new occupation of keeping a start-up PI venture - the indomitable mystery-solving team of Amber Kowalski and Quentin Rutherford - out of trouble and dealing with the Vatican's inquiries into her beloved daughter, and Charley is on the brink of throwing in the towel and becoming a professional shopper. Or possibly a live mannequin. But when someone starts attacking humans who are sensitive to the supernatural world, Charley knows it's time to let loose her razor-sharp claws. Then again, her number one suspect is the dark entity she's loved for centuries. So the question becomes: Can she tame the unruly beast before it destroys everything she's worked so hard to protect?
©2017 Darynda Jones (P)2017 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Charley’s husband, Reyes, has returned from the hell dimension as a wrathful, brimstone satanic god set on destroying Charley’s world. Charley is convinced that the better side of Reyes is still within the evil Rey’aziel but God’s archangel, Michael, has given her a time limit to control Reyes or he must be eliminated. Charley and her friends, Cookie, Osh, Garrett and ghost Angel, plot out how to capture Reyes.

Charley is also trying to help her Uncle Bob investigate bizarre deaths where the victims are strangely burned. Charley is desperately hoping that the killer isn’t her fiery husband.

Meanwhile Charley is dealing with the mundane mysteries of her private investigation business, including trying to help clients sort out the ghostly beings in their homes. Additionally, she has to protect a friend who had an unfortunate connection with an overbearing, possessive and abusive man who has ended up dead. On top of all of that, her best friend’s daughter, Amber, is starting her own investigation agency to pursue troubles at school.

There is plenty to keep the reader interested in this volume. I enjoyed seeing so many of Charley’s friends, including her supernatural rottweiler, Artemis, and her asylum friends, Rocket and Blue. Even Beep is threatened and makes a brief appearance. There is good tension and a few surprises. All of the action made it worthwhile getting past the one fairly steamy scene. The book ends with a customary zinger so I am certainly anxious to see how the author wraps up this series in the final book.

Audio Notes: Lorelei King is the voice of Charley and her cohorts. Her narration is spot on as usual and adds to the emotion of the story.

Source(s) NetGalley 2018 and Audible Sale Purchase November 2018. I am counting this towards NetGalley and Audio Challenges.

My reviews for books one through eleven can be read under this link.

Audible Book Review: Eleventh Grave in Moonlight by Darynda Jones

This is a good addition moving the series along toward the conclusion.

Eleventh Grave in Moonlight, A Novel
By: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Series: Charley Davidson, Book 11
Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-24-17
Language: English
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Fantasy, Ghosts, Private Investigator
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Series narrator Lorelei King returns to narrate Eleventh Grave in Moonlight, the latest installment of Darynda Jones' New York Times best-selling paranormal series.
My entire life can be summed up in one sentence: "Well, that didn't go as planned." (T-shirt)
A typical day in the life of Charley Davidson involves cheating husbands, errant wives, missing people, philandering business owners, and, oh yeah...demons, hell hounds, evil gods, and dead people. Lots and lots of dead people.
As a part-time private investigator and full-time grim reaper, Charley has to balance the good, the bad, the undead, and those who want her dead. Now Charley is learning to make peace with the fact that she is a goddess with all kinds of power and that her own daughter has been born to save the world from total destruction. But the forces of hell are determined to see Charley banished forever to the darkest corners of another dimension. With the son of Satan himself as her husband and world-rocking lover, will Charley be able to defeat the ultimate evil and find a way to have her happily ever after after all?
©2017 Darynda Jones (P)2017 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Charley has her memory again and is happy to be back with Reyes. She is trying to help Cookie who is worried about Ubie (Uncle Bob) who keeps getting grumpier. They are keeping an eye on him until finally a conflict brings his issues out in the open.

Meanwhile, Reyes half-brother, Shaun, has sought help from Charley. She and Cookie track down the foster parents who kidnapped Reyes and then turned him over to the monster man who abused him. Reyes keeps telling Charley to drop the investigation but she now suspects that a missing young girl is the latest kidnap victim and she isn't willing to back down.

Charley is slowly starting to accept her powers as a god with the training help – and challenge -- of  Reyes. When Cookie's daughter, Angel, develops problems, Charley seeks the help of demon Osh to go undercover at school to trap a stalker.

There is plenty of strong, snarky humor to go along with the suspense of the several investigations. There are also several rather sexy encounters between Charley and Reyes. I like how Charley is maturing as this moves along. I can't help but chuckle at the fun, sardonic sayings that start each chapter. There is additional backstory divulged in this volume and it helps as the author prepares for the next story. I wasn’t so taken with book 10, but this one is engaging and moves the story forward. I recommend this series to those who enjoy snarky fantasy, but I do suggest beginning at the beginning.

Audio Notes: Lorelei King has this series down pat with wonderful narration. She conveys the full range of emotion and snark and trepidation of the characters. I truly enjoy this series in audio.

Source: Audible Credit November 2018. This qualifies for Audiobook Challenge.

My Reviews for Books 1 through 10 can be found through THIS LINK.

Audible Review: The Curse of Tenth Grave: A Novel by Darynda Jones

This series is fun listening, although this one got a bit edgy for my tastes.
The Curse of Tenth Grave: A Novel
Written by: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins
Series: Charley Davidson, Book 10
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-28-16
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Mystery, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
"If one door closes and another one opens, your house is probably haunted." (Bumper sticker)
As a part-time PI and full-time grim reaper, Charley Davidson has asked a lot of questions throughout her life: Why can I see dead people? Who is the hot supernatural entity following me? How do I get gum out of my sister's hair before she wakes up? But "how do I trap not one malevolent god but three?" was never among them. Until now. And since those gods are on earth to kill her daughter, she has little choice but to track them down, trap them, and cast them from this dimension.
There's just one problem. One of the three stole her heart a very long time ago. Can the Razer, a god of absolute death and destruction, change his omniscient spots, or will his allegiances lie with his brothers?
Those are just a few of the questions Charley must answer, and quick. Add to that a homeless girl running for her life, an innocent man who's been charged with murdering the daughter of a degenerate gambler, and a pendant made from god glass that has the entire supernatural world in an uproar, and Charley has her hands full. If she can manage to take care of the whole world-destroying gods thing, we're saved. If not, well...
©2016 Darynda Jones (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

Review:
I enjoy Charley’s intense, sassy character and the smokin’ (in more ways than one) chemistry between Reyes and her. This episode starts with tension between them as Charley has found out secrets about Reyes and he seems to be keeping secrets from her too. Word that their daughter “Beep” (Elwyn) is in danger doesn’t help when it sends Charley into a murderous panic.

Meanwhile Charley has been called in to consult on a murder case by none other than the prosecuting attorney (PA). Although all the very bloody evidence points to the accused, the PA is sure he isn’t guilty and he will do his best to get the man off the charges. That means he needs Charley’s to 'do her thing' and find the real murderer.

As Charley spots a young girl who is hiding on the streets. This one isn’t a ghost but she might become one if Charley can’t protect her from what appears to be a curse -- or ill deeds -- at a local children’s home where children are dying in unreasonable numbers.

As usual Ms. Jones skillfully weaves three lines of ‘mystery’ at a time. Clues and dangers keep Charley moving at a fast pace. The overall story moves forward with some sorrow and rage that could tear things apart. I like how Ms. Jones pulls in the secondary characters (Osh, Garret, Rocket, Agent Carson, Artemis and others) so they each get some reader time. And I love the fun memes/bumper stickers and quotes that start each chapter.

What I didn’t care for in this episode was some foul language, some crudeness and almost eroticism (one review even describes it as "erotic romance"). Although those elements make me wince, what I really found most difficult was an expressed irreverence for Jehovah. I know it is fantasy and probably not meant to be demeaning, but anything that belittles my God hurts my spirit. It makes me wonder if the series is worth continuing. I understand the series is to end at book 13 so I might push through but sadly not with the same enthusiasm as the early books.

Audio Notes: I can’t praise Lorelei King’s narration enough. She has helped to make these characters come alive and I love listening to her performance. It is an awesome experience (when not jarred by the issues that bothered me).

I pulled this in from my Audible TBR Shelf for Mount TBR, Audible Challenge and "C" in Alphabet Challenge.

My Reviews for Books 1 through 9 can be found through THIS LINK.

Audible Review: Silence Fallen: A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 10 by Patricia Briggs

This is wonderful entertainment and my only disappointment was that it ended.

Silence Fallen: A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 10
Written by: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King, George Newbern

Length: 11 hrs and 17 mins
Series: Mercy Thompson, Book 10
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-07-17
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In the New York Times best-selling Mercy Thompson novels, the coyote shapeshifter has found her voice in the werewolf pack. But when Mercy's bond with the pack - and her mate - is broken, she'll learn what it truly means to be alone....
Attacked and abducted in her home territory, Mercy finds herself in the clutches of the most powerful vampire in the world, taken as a weapon to use against alpha werewolf Adam and the ruler of the Tri-Cities vampires. In coyote form Mercy escapes - only to find herself without money, without clothing, and alone in the heart of Europe.
Unable to contact Adam and the rest of the pack, Mercy has allies to find and enemies to fight, and she needs to figure out which is which. Ancient powers stir, and Mercy must be her agile best to avoid causing a war between vampires and werewolves, and between werewolves and werewolves. And in the heart of the ancient city of Prague, old ghosts rise....
©2017 Patricia Briggs (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Review:
Mercy has died at the hands of her step-daughter… as a merciless pirate in a computer game. She heads off to the local corner market to pick up supplies for cookies. Before she can return home she is brutally attacked and kidnapped. One of the most powerful vampires in the world, from Italy, was told that Mercy was the power behind the Tri-Cities coalition of werewolves, fae, gnomes and other supernatural creatures. He doesn’t exactly believe this when the attack to capture her nearly kills her.

Mercy awakes in a foreign place. Although it appears that her ‘host’, Iacopo aka Joseph, has set her up for a failed escape, she manages to surprise the master vampire and his unusual, enslaved drone. Mercy escapes in coyote form, finally arriving in Prague with no clothes, no money and unsure of any safe allies. The pack and mating bond aren’t strong enough to reach half-way across the world. As she walks in the shadows of the streets, Mercy comes upon the Golem of Prague who gets to serve an important role further into to story.

When Adam feels the loss of his mating bond with Mercy, he races to find her and discovers the scene of her attack. He knows she has been kidnapped but has no idea what condition she is in. Mercy’s vampire friend, Stephan, also feels the bond loss and meets Adam at the crime scene. They contact Marsilia, the mistress of the local vampires and are soon ‘invited’ to travel to Italy to be reunited with Mercy. Marsilia and Adam each get to bring two companions plus the pilot and copilot. Marsilia brings Stephan and the head of the goblins, Larry. Adam brings Honey, a strong female from his pack, and his employed, powerful witch, Elizaveta. Adam calls Charles, from Mercy’s childhood pack, to be their pilot, but due to political reasons, her adoptive father, Bran, has separated his ties and is not willing to allow Charles to go. They send a different pilot, another goblin, and a co-pilot who appears to be a submissive wolf.

The story alternates between the POVs of Mercy and Adam as they are separated. I enjoyed the interesting character dynamics particularly from Adam and his team as Adam attempts to remain calm in the negotiations with Joseph. Mercy has to deal with some ghostly elements and unfamiliar packs. She needs all of her usual resourcefulness to wade through her dark misadventures. The chapters are not chronologically sequenced and are introduced by Mercy giving the reader audience a summary of the event setting. Rather than interrupting the flow of the story, this actually adds some priceless Mercy satirical humor.

There are interesting political, philosophical and social musings, including bits of coyote lore, and Golem folklore, woven into this story. Briggs does a masterful job of creating a plot that shares pack and ally dynamics and emotions amid the tense, dangerous situations.

The mixture of suspense, action, humor, romance and emotional dynamics makes this a great series. I stayed up a few hours I should have been sleeping so I could keep listening. Then I was sorry when it ended. I highly recommend this series, starting from the beginning!

Audio Notes: Lorelei King always does a suburb job with the narration of this series. I love her character voices and how she matches the personalities as I believe the author intends. George Newbern was a surprising addition. Unlike many other reviewers, I found George’s performance an okay touch even if I did miss Lorelei’s male voices that we have become accustomed. I love this series in audio.

This is a must listen series for me so I had to get it when it became available. :-) This qualifies for my 2017 Audio Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Fire Touched: Mercy Thompson Series, Book 9, by Patricia Briggs

Another warm and engaging installment to this strong series. 
Fire Touched: Mercy Thompson Series, Book 9
Written by: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins
Series: Mercy Thompson, Book 9
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-08-16
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy,
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Mercy Thompson has been hailed as "a heroine who continues to grow and yet always remains true to herself."* Now she's back, and she'll soon discover that when the fae stalk the human world, it's the children who suffer....
Tensions between the fae and humans are coming to a head. And when coyote shapeshifter Mercy and her Alpha werewolf mate, Adam, are called upon to stop a rampaging troll, they find themselves with something that could be used to make the fae back down and forestall out-and-out war: a human child stolen long ago by the fae.
Defying the most powerful werewolf in the country, the humans, and the fae, Mercy, Adam, and their pack choose to protect the boy no matter what the cost. But who will protect them from a boy who is fire touched?
*Library Journal
©2016 Hurog, Inc. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Mercy, a coyote shapeshifter, and her mate, Adam, the Alpha of the Tri-Cities Werewolf pack, are called in by the local authorities to help stop a rampaging monster on one of the city’s bridges. They don’t know exactly what they are dealing with until it is described to them. Mercy’s guess that it is a troll are confirmed when they arrive on site to stop the creature who is killing humans and playing crash with the cars. Although there are three werewolves and Joel, the fire-god dog, in the battle the troll is not easy to take down.

Mercy had promised not to step into danger but has to weigh that promise against the need to save a mother and infant trapped in a car not far from the troll. Mercy takes the risk to help others and places herself in the path of the troll. Surprisingly she has a few tricks that help but she is facing death when the enraged troll is brought down by the Joel in the crazed fire-god dog form. The out of control dog is a danger, even though it is part of the pack until a child steps onto the bridge and calms the dog.

The boy, Aiden, looks like a child but in fact is hundreds of years old. He was stolen by the fae and has recently escaped with the help of two of Mercy’s fae friends. He is seeking sanctuary which Mercy grants short term in exchange for the help he has given.

Mercy wasn’t fully aware of Aiden’s fire-touched powers or the fact that other fae will attack to try to get to him. Adam and Mercy commit their pack to protect the child even as he causes havoc in their home. The pack has also been set up as the protector of the humans in 'their territory'. The Greylords of the fae are prepared to engage in full out war with the pack unless a treaty can be reached. Fortunately, not all the fae want to destroy the humans and Mercy has powerful friends willing to step up and offer help in negotiating a way out of this mess.

Once again Ms. Briggs presents the magic warmth of Mercy, with the strength of her pack and friends, in a setting that mixes love, humor, conflict and action. I like the strong pack dynamics displayed by the care and loyalty to their own and those they claim as theirs. The strong bond between Mercy and Adam is a plus and even the conflicts with Mercy's step-father added an interesting element. The story is creative and engaging and I have enjoyed the 'specialness' of the walking stick in Mercy's life. I was only sorry it ended too quickly.

Fans of the Mercy Thompson series should enjoy this installment. If you haven’t read the series yet I recommend that new readers start at the beginning to learn all of the characters and relationship developments… not to mention enjoying all of the dangerous adventures.

Audio Notes: Lorelei King is the voice of this series! She does an impressive, excellent job with the various character accents as well as delivering the tone and intensity of the actions. I always love to listen to books narrated by Lorelei.

I picked this up with a February Audible credit. It qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge and “F” in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Audible Review: The Clay Lion by Amalie Jahn

This is a remarkable story of an emotional journey through loss. 

The Clay Lion

Written by: Amalie Jahn

Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 6 hrs and 48 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-18-15
Publisher: Creative Content
Genre: Sci Fi, Fantasy, YA
My Rating 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Winner of the YA category in the 2015 Kindle Book Awards

What if you could go back in time to save the person you love the most? The rules are simple. If you want to travel back in time, you need to be at least 18 years old. You can travel only within your own lifespan for a maximum of six months. And, above all else, you must never, ever change the past. But that's exactly what Brooke Wallace plans to do.

As Brooke faces existence without her beloved brother, his life cut short by a rare disease, she can think of only one solution - travel back in time to prevent his death. Along the way she discovers the truth about loss, second chances, and the power to shape our own destinies.

©2013 Amalie Jahn (P)2015 Creative Content Ltd

Review:
Brooke Wallace is a senior in high school when her 14 year old brother, Branson, dies unexpectedly of a rare disease. Brooke is devastated and deeply depressed. But in Brooke’s world it is possible to travel back in time with strict rules. Each person over the age of 18 gets only one trip, they must travel within their own lifespan for no more than six months, and it is illegal to change the past. That last rule is not going to stop Brooke’s determination to travel back to save her brother.

Brooke decides she knows the cause of the disease and she plans to prevent the event that will trigger it. During Brooke’s journey she gets the joy of sharing days with her brother again but she must also share the pain of watching him get sick again.

I was quickly entranced by the characters and story. Each chapter pulled me to the next. I was initially concerned that I wouldn’t care for the YA setting. Instead that element was expertly used to reflect Brooke’s changing attitudes. I enjoyed that the family was a loving one rather than a dysfunctional unit full of shallow teenage angst. The intense emotions in this story were perfect to portray the maturing life lessons that include an investment that can result from loss.

I like time travel stories and Jahn made effective use of that concept to share an emotionally gripping story. I feel I cannot share any more detail of the story without edging into spoiler information. I am interested in the sequels in the series although I wish they were available in audio format. I found this thoroughly engaging and I highly recommend it.

Audio Notes: I immediately recognized Lorelei King’s voice and had to remind myself that this was not one of a couple of series that I love to hear her narrate. Lorelei does a beautiful job with the first person storytelling. The audio version is well worth the credit.

I was very fortunate to be offered this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It is part of my Audio Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Seventh Grave and No Body by Darynda Jones

This is fun, quick listening entertainment.

Seventh Grave and No Body

Written by: Darynda Jones

Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
Series: Charley Davidson, Book 7
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-21-14
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre:  Paranormal, Detective
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Twelve. Twelve of the deadliest beasts ever forged in the fires of hell have escaped onto our plane, and they want nothing more than to rip out the jugular of Charley Davidson and serve her lifeless, mangled body to Satan for dinner. So there's that. But Charley has more on her plate than a mob of testy hellhounds. For one thing, her father has disappeared, and the more she retraces his last steps, the more she learns he was conducting an investigation of his own, one that has Charley questioning everything she's ever known about him. Add to that an ex-BFF who is haunting her night and day, a rash of suicides that has authorities baffled, and a drop-dead sexy fiancé who has attracted the attentions of a local celebrity, and Charley is not having the best week of her life.
But all of that combined barely scratches the surface of her problems. Recent developments - and a few distressing prophesies - have forced her to become a responsible adult. Exactly the kind of adult she's never aspired to be. To conquer such a monumental task, she's decided to start small. Really small. She gets a pet. But how can she save the world against the forces of evil when she can’t even keep a goldfish alive? A tad north of hell, a hop, skip, and a jump past the realm of eternity, is a little place called Earth, and Charley Davidson, grim reaper extraordinaire, is determined to do everything in her power to protect it. We're doomed.
©2014 Darynda Jones (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

Review:
This is the seventh story in this fun series. Charley is excited to be pregnant but she is insecure about her ability to succeed as a mother. Meanwhile she still wants to continue her PI duties and she is glad to help her Uncle Bob on a case of suicide notes and missing people. It is just too inconvenient that the twelve hounds of hell are out to kill her.

Reyes, Charley’s ‘affianced’, is frustrated because he wants to keep Charley and the baby safe but Charley keeps slipping out on him. She gets help from The Dealer, a demon who Reyes doesn’t trust, and Garret, Charley’s skip trace buddy who learned the truth the hard way. But no one really knows how to kill the hellhounds.

Charley helps FBI SAC Carson to find the bodies of missing girls. In the process Carson begins to uncover some of Charley’s secrets. Charley is also worried because her missing father and she has learned that the Vatican has a full file on her. Charley is being annoyed by the whiney ghost of her former bff and Rocket actually leaves his ‘asylum’ to complain to Charley about her actions that are upsetting heaven.

I continue to enjoy the snarky t-shirt and bumper stickers that open each chapter. I also enjoy the humor and the action that keeps the crew hopping. Charley is a little whiny herself at times even as she grows into her surprising strengths and skills. The sex scenes are on the steamy side but I like the natural frustrations that spark the relationship between Charley and Reyes. The overall story moved forward only a little with a bit more history and some new elements thanks to some dead flashbacks and a Priest from the Vatican. Still this is fun, quick listening entertainment.

Audio Notes: Lorelei King does such a great job narrating this series. Her reading completely enhances the story entertainment.

This title is a purchase in my Audible library.

Audible Book Review: Sixth Grave on the Edge: Charley Davidson, Book 6 by Darynda Jones

"I have a perfect body; it’s in my trunk." T-Shirt.

Sixth Grave on the Edge: Charley Davidson, Book 6
Written by: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins
Series: Charley Davidson, Book 6
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:05-20-14
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Paranormal
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Sometimes I wrestle my demons. Sometimes we just snuggle. (Bumper Sticker)
Most girls might think twice before getting engaged to someone like Reyes Farrow - but Charley Davidson is not most girls. She’s a paranormal private eye and grim-reaper-in-training who’s known to be a bit of a hell-raiser, especially after a few shots of caffeine. Her beloved Reyes may be the only begotten son of evil, but he’s dark and sultry and deeply sexy and everything Charley could hope for. Really. But when the FBI file on Reyes’ childhood happens to land into her lap, she can’t help herself: She opens it...and then the real fun begins. First, Charley finds a naked corpse riding shotgun in her car. Then, a man loses his soul in a card game. Throw in a deaf boy who sees dead people, a woman running from mobsters, and a very suspicious Reyes, and things can’t get any worse for Charley. Unless, of course, the 12 Beasts of Hell are unleashed.
©2014 Darynda Jones (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Once again Charley, a paranormal PI who not only sees the dead but is a grim reaper who allows them to pass, sets off to help a client resolve an unusual issue. It seems the man has gambled away his soul to a ‘demon’ dealer. Charley’s “almost fiance” (she just has to say “yes”) Reyes, the sexy son of Satan, doesn’t want Charley getting close to any demons. Of course that won’t stop her. At least she enlists the help of another sexy friend, Garret.

Garret is trying to help decipher the prophecies regarding Charley, the daughter of light, and Reyes, the son of dark. He now thinks there are twelve hell-hounds who may be after Charley so she needs to be extra careful.

While challenging the ‘demon’ dealer, Charley is also researching a cold FBI kidnapping case that involves Reyes’ childhood. Reyes would just as soon she stay out of his past but, again, that won’t stop Charley.

Between research for the jobs, Charley is playing match-maker for her employee/across the hall neighbor/best friend, Cookie, and Charley’s beloved Uncle Bob. Charley’s plan is to make Uncle Bob jealous by having Cookie go out on ‘fake’ dates. Meanwhile someone is tailing Charley and there is a scare for Cookie’s twelve year-old daughter, Amber, who sneaks off to play hooky with Quentin, Charley’s deaf, teenage friend, who also sees ghosts.

Readers get to learn more about Angel’s background and also to enjoy all the usual Charley sass including a visit with Rocket. The t-shirt or bumper sticker slogans that introduce each chapter continue to bring smiles to my face. The relationship between Charley and Reyes is warm and sensual with a few nice surprises. Occasionally I am frustrated by Charley’s ‘ditziness’ but - hey - it fits her character. And of course there are some twists and surprises at the end of this installment’s dangers that left me eager for the next book - Seventh Grave and No Body releasing in October, 2014.

Audio Notes: Lorelei King does a great job with this series. She captures the voices of the characters and conveys danger, sensuality and, of course, the snarky humor. This is a fun series to listen to.

I downloaded this from my own Audible Library.

Audible Book Review: Night Broken: Mercy Thompson, Book 8 by Patricia Briggs

This is another hard to put down addition to a wonderful series.
Night Broken: Mercy Thompson, Book 8
Written by: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
Series: Mercy Thompson, Book 8
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:03-11-14
Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

#1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson series has been hailed as “one of the best” (Fiction Vixen Book Reviews). Now Mercy must deal with an unwanted guest—one that brings a threat unlike anything she’s ever known.
An unexpected phone call heralds a new challenge for Mercy. Her mate Adam’s ex-wife is in trouble, on the run from a stalker. Adam isn’t the kind of man to turn away a person in need—and Mercy knows it. But with Christy holed up in Adam’s house, Mercy can’t shake the feeling that something about the situation isn’t right.
Soon her suspicions are confirmed when she learns that Christy has the furthest thing from good intentions. She wants Adam back, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to get him, including turning Adam’s pack against Mercy.
Mercy isn’t about to step down without a fight, but there’s a more dangerous threat circling. Christy’s stalker is more than a bad man—in fact, he may not be human at all. As the bodies start piling up, Mercy must put her personal troubles aside to face a creature with the power to tear her whole world apart.
©2014 Hurog, Inc. (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Mercy has begun to settle in with her mate, Adam, who is the head of the Tri-City Ware pack. Although she has been brought into the pack as the alpha’s mate, not all the members totally support her since she is a coyote shifter not a wolf. This problem intensifies when Adam’s ex-wife, and Jessie’s mother, Christy, seeks refuge with Adam as she is running from a stalker. Jessie feels that Christy abandoned her and Adam but several of the female pack members were friends with Christy and they are quickly sucked back into her helpless, self-absorbed, manipulative acts. Mercy has to struggle to choose the higher ground rather than call Christy on her bad behaviors.

The tensions are running high in the household and then the stalker shows up and attacks Mercy. Mercy could hide but she knows that the confrontation will be on the monitors. She decides she has to take a stand and face the guy with his vicious dog. Of course that was before she learned the guy and his faithful companion are far from ordinary. The guy is some type of volcano god who is nearly indestructible. Fortunately Adam arrives just in time to help protect her. Tad, who helps at the garage, uses unrevealed fae magic to temporarily secure the enemy who then escapes through the concrete floor. But the obsessed, evil god-man is mad and convinced that Christy is his long lost mate. He is prepared to take out the pack to get to her.

Adding to her worries, Mercy has been approached by a powerful fae who wants her to return the walking stick that used to follow her around. After the stick turned itself into a deadly weapon Mercy gave it to Coyote. As Mercy searches for Coyote she discovers she has a half brother, Gary Laughingdog, who has visions and reluctantly realizes he is going to have to stick around and help the pack face this evil god-like creature.

I love all of the action and creative danger in this series. I also love the extreme warmth portrayed through the family and pack bonds. Ms. Briggs does both of these elements beautifully keeping the series successfully entertaining and fresh.

Audio Notes: Lorelei King does a great job with this series. She manages to convey the emotions and personalities, particularly of the primary characters. The narration enhances the reading experience for me as it makes it an easy, gripping listen.

I really like this series so I purchased this with a February Audible credit! 

Audible Book Review: Fifth Grave Past the Light: Charley Davidson, Book 5 by Darynda Jones

This is another good installment of mysteries and action as Charley and Reyes try to resolve their issues.
Fifth Grave Past the Light: Charley Davidson, Book 5
    UNABRIDGED
    by Darynda Jones
    Narrated by Lorelei King
        Series: Charley Davidson, Book 5
LENGTH  8 hrs and 52 mins
RELEASE DATE  07-09-13
PUBLISHER  Macmillan Audio
Genre: Paranormal, Mystery, PI
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
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 best-selling series by Darynda Jones.
©2013 Darynda Jones (P)2013 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Charley is worrying that Reyes may be responsible for several building fires. Although no one has been injured she recognizes the locations have a connection to Reyes’ past. While she is trying to avoid Reyes he is busy remodeling the apartment at the end of her floor to move in!

One morning Charley discovers a dirt covered blond little girl under her bed. The ghost is clearly frightened and Charley is unable to get her to speak. Soon there are a multitude of dirty, blond female ghosts cowering in every corner of Charley's apartment.

Meanwhile Charley has a visit by the spirit a nurse who claims there is a body under an old bridge out of town. As Charley follows this line she is surprised when she meets the nurse who is actually alive but has a history of prophetic dreams. As a serial killer begins to be revealed Charley gets frightened that her own sister may be the next target.

There is plenty of mystery and action to keep this moving along and interesting. There is also renewed contact between Charley and Reyes for those who crave the romance elements. There are still the fun chapter headings - snarky t-shirt and bumper sticker sayings. There is also good interaction among the regular characters, Charley's team of friends. There is some rough language but it passes quickly. This is a fast listen in a fun series and I look forward to more adventures.

I have been enjoying this snarky, fun series - from my own Audible library.

Audible Book Review: Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones

The beginning of this was a little too focused on sensual aspects for my tastes, but the second half was non-stop fun listen.

Third Grave Dead Ahead
by Darynda Jones
    
Narrated by Lorelei King
        Series: Charley Davidson, Book 3
    LENGTH    9 hrs and 51 mins
    RELEASE DATE    01-31-12
    PUBLISHER    Macmillan Audio

Genre: Paranormal, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Third in the award-winning paranormal series that’s “hilarious and heartfelt, sexy and surprising.” (J.R. Ward)

Paranormal private eye. Grim reaper extraordinaire. Whatever. Charley Davidson is back in Darynda Jones' Third Grave Dead Ahead! And she’s drinking copious amounts of caffeine to stay awake because, every time she closes her eyes, she sees him: Reyes Farrow, the parthuman, 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 hellbent on murder when the devil’s son just won’t give up?

Review:
This is the third Charley Davidson book continuing her misadventures as the Grim Reaper and a private eye. This third story actually has three investigations although two are primary and one is on the periphery.

The first case involves finding a missing wife. Although the supposedly concerned husband brings the case to her, Charley doesn’t actually accept the case on his behalf since she believes the husband is responsible for the disappearance. Charley starts looking for the missing lady and then accepts the case on behalf of the woman’s angry brother, who has been brought in by the other worried, and ill, sister. Charley’s investigation leads her to determine the husband is a control freak who most likely got away with killing his first wife. She is determined to find the wife before she turns up as a ghost.

The second matter tying up Charley’s time is the most dangerous. Her dream lover, Reyes, the son of Satan, escapes prison and kidnaps Charley. He wants her aid to find the step-father he was convicted of killing but now believes to be alive. Charley soon discovers a trail of dead, and dying witnesses, as she courts danger in the investigation. The cops are tailing her, either to keep  Reyes from making contact or to protect her. Having the cop tales isn’t likely to protect her since she tends to evade them, even Garrett, the skip tracer who has learned her secrets and has appointed himself as a protector.

The third investigation involves the biker gang that occupy the abandoned building that Charley sneaks into to talk to her crazy friend Rocket. Rocket is always busy cataloguing deaths by writing the names on the walls. Charley can usually rely on him to let her know when someone she is looking for is dead or still alive. Charley always had to sneak into the building as she wanted to avoid the biker gang and their large guard dogs. Turns out they knew about her and they want her to help find the person who is poisoning their dogs.

An interesting line in this story is a prediction that Charley would be the cause of a death that would result in a new protector for her. Charley is distressed to think she is the cause of deaths around her and she is concerned who this latest victim might be.

I didn’t enjoy the beginning of this book as it seemed too focused on the sexual aspects between Charley and Reyes. However after a bit the story shifts to the craziness of the investigations and I enjoyed the snarkiness that is Charley’s trademark.  Darynda Jones does a wonderful job of surprising the reader with last minute twists in the plotlines. I am looking forward to book four and more adventures and snark!

Audio Notes: It still surprises me how good a job Lorelei King does with the characters, nailing their accents and characters. She makes it a joy to listen to this series.

This was a selection from my own Audible Library.

Audible Book Review: Second Grave on the Left: Charley Davidson, Book 2 by Darynda Jones

This is another fun listen with more romantic conflict and paranormal danger.
Second Grave on the Left: Charley Davidson, Book 2
    UNABRIDGED
    by Darynda Jones
    Narrated by Lorelei King
        Series: Charley Davidson, Book 2
    LENGTH    9 hrs and 30 mins
    RELEASE DATE    08-16-11
    PUBLISHER    Macmillan Audio
Genre: Paranormal, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper Extraordinaire, is back in this sexy, suspenseful novel of supernatural shenanigans.

When Charley is rudely awakened in the middle of the night by her best friend who tells her to get dressed quickly and tosses clothes out of the closet at her, she can’t help but wonder what Cookie’s up to. Leather scrunch boots with a floral miniskirt? Together? Seriously?
Cookie explains that a friend of hers named Mimi disappeared five days earlier and that she just got a text from her setting up a meet at a coffee shop downtown. They show up at the coffee shop, but no Mimi. But Charley finds a message on the bathroom wall. Mimi left a clue, a woman’s name. Mimi’s husband explains that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old friend of hers from high school had been found murdered a couple weeks prior. The same woman Mimi had named in her message.

Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He’s left his body because he’s being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can’t let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they’ll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven… well, let’s just say it wouldn’t be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Will Cookie ever get a true fashion sense? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel them as they do?

Here is your signpost for the most hilarious listen of the summer: Second Grave on the Left.
©2011 Darynda Jones (P)2011 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Charley is once again addressing two mysteries in this second book.  One mystery involves the disappearance of one of Cookie’s good friends, Mimi. It appears that Mimi was acting strangely before disappearing and now the investigation reveals that many of her high school friends have recently died. Charley and Cookie are in a desperate race to find Mimi before she turns up dead too.

However, Charley is also caught up in trying to save her dream lover, Reyes, aka the Son of Satan. We learn much more about Reyes, his history and connections to Charley. All of her life Reyes has secretly been protecting her through an astral connection. But now he is in danger of leading demons to find Charley which would be a very bad thing, allowing them to use her as a portal to heaven. Charley found Reyes in prison, actually in a hospital in a coma, but now he has escaped and gone into hiding. Charley is intent on finding Reyes before he allows his corporeal body to die while he continues to hide from her in an effort to keep her safe.

The conflict between Charley and Reyes creates great tension. Also, Charley is learning that she has more powers than even she realizes and she is beginning to let her family in on some of her secrets with some heartbreaking and encouraging moments. If you enjoy sass, humor and romantic conflict I highly recommend this series.

Audio Notes: Again, Ms. King does a great job of narrating and making the characters come more alive than a print book might. This listen moved quickly and I am ready to purchase book three from Audible!

This download was from my Audible Library.

Audible Book Review: First Grave on The Right: Charley Davidson, Book 1 by Darynda Jones

This is sassy and full of action and sensual relationship. Great, fun listening!

First Grave on the Right: Charley Davidson, Book 1

    UNABRIDGED

    by Darynda Jones

    Narrated by Lorelei King

        Series: Charley Davidson, Book 1
    LENGTH    9 hrs and 4 mins
    RELEASE DATE    02-09-11
    PUBLISHER    Macmillan Audio
Genre: Paranormal, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
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. The audio includes a sneak peak of Second Grave on the Left.
Keep chilled: spend some more time with Charley Davidson.
©2010 Darynda Jones (P)2010 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Charley Davidson has known for a long time that she was different from most folks. As a child she didn’t understand but over the years she learned to hide her abilities -- she sees dead people. Not only does she see them but she apparently is THE Grim Reaper and she helps people pass through into "the light." Sometimes the dead want Charley to help them with unresolved issues before they will move along. That is how she became invovled in fighting the bad guys and solving murders.

Charley has worked as a Private Investigator helping the Albuquerque police, first her father, who has retired, and now Uncle Bob. No one, not even her family, really know the extent of her secrets. They just know that somehow she gets the right clues to solve the cases. Additionally, they have observed that, although sometimes clumsy, Charley always seems to manage to “dodge the bullet” so to speak. Actually, when she has been really in danger the bad guys seem to end up with very severe injuries, like broken spinal columns.

Charley struggles with being ‘a freak’ especially as she is scorned by her step mother and seems to have lost the friendship of her beautiful, talented sister. And of course having a normal dating life is pretty much out of the question. Lately though Charley has had a great night life- even if it is just in her dreams. She doesn’t know who her secret, sexy dream lover is, or quite ‘what’ he is and that begins to concern her when he starts appearing during her working hours too.

This first book of the series introduces Charley, her family, her work nemesis, Garrett, her assistant/best friend/neighbor, Cookie, and several other secondary characters. The reader also begins to experience Charley’s rather crazy world and life. It seems each of the books has Charley involved in helping a couple of cases. In this story she has arranged an escape for an abused wife and she is pulled in to help solve a killing of three local attorneys, who are conveniently providing her mixed messages.

There is great action, mystery, tension and humor in these stories! I love Charley’s sass and determination. Initially it isn’t clear if her dream lover, Reyes, is a good guy or not, but it is clear he has a protective streak and strong attraction for Charley. I also enjoyed Charley’s struggles as she slowly begins to reveal more of herself to her circle of family and friends. The plot is full and fast paced and I was eager to get and listen to the second book in the series.

Audio Notes: Lorelei King does a wonderful job carrying the craziness of Charley’s life and her somewhat vulnerable but irrepressible personality. Ms. King does a good job with the other characters and portraying the emotions as the story moves along. The narration definitely added to my enjoyment of this title.

I read this from my own Audible library.