Eighth Grave After Dark by Darynda Jones

May 19th, 2015 Kimberly Review 69 Comments

19th May
Eighth Grave After Dark by Darynda Jones
Eighth Grave After Dark
by Darynda Jones
Series: Charley Davidson #8
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

With twelve hellhounds after her, pregnant Charley Davidson takes refuge at the only place she thinks they can’t get to her: the grounds of an abandoned convent. But after months of being cooped up there, Charley is ready to pop. Both metaphorically and literally since she is now roughly the size of a beached whale. Fortunately, a new case has captured her attention, one that involves a murder on the very grounds the team has taken shelter upon. A decades-old murder of the newly-vowed nun she keeps seeing in the shadows is almost enough to pull her out of her doldrums. Charley’s been forbidden to step foot off the sacred grounds. While the angry hellhounds can’t traverse the consecrated soil, they can lurk just beyond its borders. They have the entire team on edge, especially Reyes. And if Charley didn’t know better, she would swear Reyes is getting sick. He grows hotter with every moment that passes, his heat scorching across her skin every time he’s near, but naturally he swears he’s fine. While the team searches for clues on the Twelve, Charley just wants answers and is powerless to get them. But the mass of friends they’ve accrued helps. They convince her even more that everyone in her recent life has somehow been drawn to her, as though they were a part of a bigger picture all along. But the good feelings don’t last for long because Charley is about to get the surprise of her crazy, mixed-up, supernatural life….

The Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones is a unique urban fantasy that combines humor, suspense, action and a steamy romance that make me swoon. Eighth Grave After Dark, the eighth book in the series is a pivotal one and I encourage you to devour it immediately.

Spoiler free review for folks who have read the series

Five Caffeinated reasons to call out sick and read Eighth Grave After Dark

  • Jones herself has indicated Eight Grave After Dark is a pivotal novel as we move forward with the series. Questions are answered, significant moments are shared and revelations are revealed! The tale picks up 8 months after Seventh Grave and No Body ends.
  • Charley and Reyes are living in an abandoned convent to protect their soon to be born baby “Beep” and in typical Jones fashion; we have a lot going on. Old friends and allies are popping in, the front lawn is covered with dead people and Charley is ready to pop. A nuptial is about to take place on the grounds, Mr. Wong has magically appeared and is in the corner. Kit shows up with a missing child case. The case Charley was secretly working on produces answers and unexpected results. A young ghost needs help and there is a wailing woman in Charles closet…yeah life is good.
  • It is a character reunion! So many characters begin appearing at the convent and it was delightful seeing them and learning new developments. Jones takes secondary characters and gives them pivotal roles for future novels. Folks you will not be able to set this down. Call your boss now. You need a mental health day.
  • For fans, this book might make you pee your pants a little because we get answers. I am talking big answers! Ones that have driven us crazy for example, “Who is Mr. Wong?” or “Who sent the twelve hell hounds?’ and so much more.
  • Twists, turns and oh baby, Reyes is in trouble! Jones continues to surprise me and it is clear she knows what direction she is taking this story and these characters. It is one hell of ride. While we see some of Charley’s wit and sarcasm and get some heated moments with Reyes this story is much more serious. The ending was brutal but it is not a cliffhanger. Jones likes to deliver these zingers and while it is clear where we are heading the last chapter will bring excitement, tears and have you contemplating driving to New Mexico for an advanced copy of Dirt on Ninth Grave. Unless you are up for a road trip and possible jail time, you will just have to wait like the rest of us for January 5, 2016.

Quotes

“I just don’t get it. I’m supernatural. You’re supernatural. Why can’t we have one of those quick pregnancies like Bella and Edward? Gwen from Torchwood. Skully. Deanna Tori. Or even Cordelia when that demon impregnated her. Twenty-four hours later, bam! Demon child.”

“… But the good feelings don’t last for long because Charley is about to get the surprise of her crazy, mixed-up, supernatural life….”

‘I found him in kitchen raiding the fridge. We still had a lot of food left over from the caterers and the cookout last night.
“No,” he said before I could even get a word out.
“But you haven’t heard-”
“No,” he said again, standing up with his arms full of leftovers. “And that’s final.
” How do you even know I want something? ”
“It’s how you walk.”

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

69 Responses to “Eighth Grave After Dark by Darynda Jones”

  1. Dani C

    I just finished this yesterday. While I loved it I didn’t love it as much as the others. It did answer questions and yes I did actually cry at the end but for some reason it just didn’t hit well with me.

    But that doesn’t mean I am not looking forward to the next book… 🙂 I have some high hopes for it!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This didn’t have as much humor and really set things up for both the spin-off and book nine.

  2. Cyn

    Eight books in and still great. That’s exactly what I want to hear about a series! I’m pretty sure I have the first book, I just need to start it! Great review, Kim! Love the quotes (:

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This series just rocks Cyn. I laugh so hard I cry.

  3. Jaclyn Canada

    Ah! I really think I’d love this series. It has been on my to-read list for so long. You’re definitely making me want to jump in reading this soon.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I consume these books in one sitting when they release and then walk around for weeks contemplating what will happen next and quoting the characters…such a good ride Jaclyn

  4. Mary

    YES!! BIG questions answered — and a wedding! And a kid born! It was crazy…and that ENDING!!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes. Ya know I keep writing the next book in my head and it’s making me crazy..all the scenarios..gads

  5. Lindy

    I have this series on my TBR. Eighth Grave After Dark sounds like it was an excellent addition to the series. Plot twists, action packed, and characters reunited, make this a book that I think I would love!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Enjoy Lindy, this is one of my all time favorite series

  6. Christy

    I think this is going to be my next read. I’ve pretty much fallen off the ARC bandwagon. lol. Or maybe I should use this as a reward.

  7. Candace

    I didn’t read your review but I’m glad to see the high rating. I think I have the third ready on audio but obviously I still have a long ways to go to catch up. I really enjoyed the first two!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh enjoy, yeah my review is mostly spoiler free but at this junction in the series it is hard.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It is totally addictive and I can read a new release in a few hours. Try one and if you aren’t sold move on..but worth it to try.

  8. Keionda

    It sounds like you had a BLAST with this book and man oh man it sounds exciting. 🙂 especially with all of the mystery and unanswered questions. It sounds like a good time. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I have a blast every time I open one of these books..love them

    • kimbacaffeinate

      3 day weekend approaching…time for a Charley-thon!

  9. Stormi

    I really need to get my hands on the first book, I really want to read this series. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      If I was just beginning I would do the audio..it sounds hilarious. I plan to do a re-read on audio when the series ends..but at this point I have created the character’s voices in my head

  10. Ramona

    Apparently, I’m the only earthling who hasn’t read this series. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do, it seems. Everyone appears to love it! Wonderful review, Kimba 🙂

  11. Heidi

    I just downloaded my audiobook copy this morning. I can’t wait to dig in this week and finally learn more about Mr. Wong.

    • Heidi

      P.S. Christy said the same thing. I have checked all my links today, and I have checked each and every comment I left today and yesterday on blogs and they all seem to be linking correctly. Must be a glitch? If the problems persists please let me know.

  12. Grace MyBookSnack

    I love all the twists and surprises Darynda gives us in this series! I’m saving listening to this one on my next road trip. Wonderful review, Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh how can you wait? Well I am sure it will be worth it!

  13. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)

    This was totally the pivotal installment! Maybe a bit less funny than the rest, but so very important! And the direction will change. I don’t doubt Darynda at all, I know I’ll enjoy it. But it was obvious to me that she was setting things up for a spin-off, and she totally was. She said so herself.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes, she talked about it in her interview with us and said she had a hard time with this one, and felt it effecting the humor, but honestly it worked with all that developed. I need the spin-off!

  14. Ro

    I don’t normally read a lot of Urban Fantasy, but my goodness I have totally fallen in love with the quotes you mentioned and the characters sound fantastic. If I can use this book as a good excuse to call in sick soon, I’m going for it! Really like your review. Hugs…

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This is a good one to dabble in..since it has a different vibe then traditional UF

  15. Sophia Rose

    Yeah, I think this book is going to make me crazy. Enjoyed your review and quotes to get me excited and just the eensiest bit nervous. 😉

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh it was good..Sophia..so many questions answered!

  16. kindlemom1

    *gasp* Are you suggesting we play hookey for this Kim? 😛
    Any Charley and Reyes book is worthy to stay up way too late and call in sick the next morning. 😉

    • kimbacaffeinate

      *looks around and whispers, * Why, yes. Yes I am. *giggles*

  17. Lupdilup

    Great review Kimba! I’m listening, but I just saw your review pop up on my Tribber feed and I had to come and read it 🙂 Not easy to put Charley and Reyes down..lol

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Agreed I was lost to my family while reading it!

  18. Lanie

    Still only one book two, now knowing Charlie eventually gets knocked up makes me question her potential parenting skills.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I would trust Charlie..she takes care of those she loves and those she is responsible for 🙂

  19. Jenny

    I’m holding out on this series Kim! I’m so excited to read it, but I know it’s going to be a brutal ride and I think it’s better for my mental and emotional health if I just take it on all at one time. Do we know how many books are going to be in this series? 10?

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Jenny she said she plans or hopes to be writing this series for a very long time.

  20. Nick

    I must catch up on this series, Kim!! I love that it’s still going so strong and that Charley and Reyes are stronger than ever as a couple.
    You should make a sacrificial offer to the ARC gods for a copy of the next book! 😉
    Great review! Love your enthusiasm.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I don’t want to switch formats since I already have the voices in my head, but plan to eventually do a re-read on audio.

  21. Red Iza

    Great quote, especially the first, LMAO ! I *need* to read this story and I’m heavily curious about Mr Wong… ^^

  22. Tanya

    I’m screaming a little in my head that my OCD is making me finish my current audiobook before I can start this one. I can’t wait!

  23. Jeann

    Had to skim this one a bit because I haven’t started the series yet, but how exciting you finally got some of the answers you were hanging out for! sounds like this one was a strong installment!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It was a strong one , this series really keeps you vested and lordy the fun we have!

  24. Renee (Lover of Romance)

    oh boy this sounds amazing…and those quotes just about won me over. I definitely need to be reading this series.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes..you need to read the series..such fun and yum

  25. Melliane

    Yay I”m glad you had a great time with this one as well, I loved all the revelations! So interesting to discover all that and now I want book 9!