Review: Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones

Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones (Charley Davidson #2)

won from Mel's Random Reviews

Synopsis from Goodreads
"If you hang around with dead people, life can deliver a whole world of trouble."

Take it from Charley Davidson, part-time P.I. and full-time Grim Reaper.The deceased find her very sparkly. Demons find her irresistible. And one entity in particular wants to seduce her in every way possible...

When Charley and Cookie, her best friend slash receptionist, have to track down a missing woman, the case is not quite as open and shut as they anticipate. Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally.) has left his corporeal 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? Can she keep those she loves out of harm's way? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel her as she does?

 Amazon  US/UK | Amazon kindle US/UK(£4.49) | The Book Depository US/UK | Fishpond

 9.5/10

* * *

 Absolutely fabulous, funny and touching read, I loved this book even more than the first one!

 “Make it quick," I said when I picked up.
"Okay. Two men from the FBI are here." Cookie said. Quickly.
Crap. "Men in black are at the office?"
"Well, yes, but they're actually in more of a navy."
Crapola. I so don't have time for men. In any color. "Okay, two questions. Do they look mad, and are they hot?"
After a long, long, pause, Cookie said, "One, not really. Two, no comment at this time. And three, you're on speakerphone."
After another long, long pause, I said, "Okie dokie then. Be there in a jiff.”

I love Charley Davidson series because it's not only hilarious treasure trove of quotes, but it's full of action, twists and turns and small secrets that you're never really ready to deal with :)

Charley is extremely charismatic, a character you can't help but instantly fall in love with and her life is pure chaos that she seems to thrive upon.

The slew of secondary characters easily compliments the main heroine - Cookie, Garrett, Charley's uncle - they are fabulous for comic relief. Reyes on the other hand is this malevolent furious force, which brings darkness to this book. He is torn trying to keep Charley away from the danger and determined to destroy her before his dad will get his hands onto Miss Davidson's shiny pretty light.

Perhaps this is why this series is so alluring. There is plenty of light and laughter but at the same time, cruelty and darkness which doesn't necessarily come from the supernatural. Usually it's the common criminals that Charley has to fight, and very rarely it's something paranormal.

Crazy, funny, bittersweet yumminess! Fantastic series which I'd recommend to anyone.

First Grave on the Right -  8.5/10

* * *

Охренительно прекрасная серия! Умно, жутко смешно и интересно.

Если первая книга была хороша, то вторая просто блистательна.

Чарли чрезвычайно харизматичная, умная и осторожная главная героиня. Среди её оптимизма и силы духа, юморных высказываний и уверенности в своих силах чувствуется  большое доброе сердце и сострадание ко всему живому.

Обаятельные второстепенные персонажи - Куки, Гарретт и дядя Чарли только  подчёркивают достоинства этой книги. Самое интересное, что несмотря на паранормальные способности Чарли, бандиты в этой книге опять люди. Демоны и Рейс добавляют мистики и мрака - но они - это второстепенная линия. 

Быстро развивающийся сюжет, так что скучать не приходится; неожиданные повороты и сюрпризы, а также концовка, от которой ну просто хочется бросить всё и прочитать запоем следующую книгу... Очень рекомендую!

Первая Могила Справа - 8.5/10