by Darynda Jones
Series: Charley Davidson #7
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
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. 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.
“I often question my sanity. Occasionally, it replies.”
Spoiler free Caffeinated Ramblings for Seventh Grave No Body
I pre-ordered Seventh Grave and No Body the seventh book in the hilariously awesome Charley Davidson series and began reading it on release day. My intention as always was to savoir it. *hangs head* Yeah, as if. I came up for air at about 50%. My sides hurt from giggling and my nether parts from swooning over Reyes. I than decided a nap would allow me to savior it longer. *dreams of Reyes, yeah I can so handle that* Forty-five minutes later, I was back in the story and soon in tears because it was over. OVER. Now I have to wait until May 2015.*sobs* Oh, the cruelty of it all! Despite the frustration of having to wait for more answers, and more time with this motley crew of characters that I abso-friggin-loutely adored Seventh Grave and No Body was brilliant. Brilliant I tell you.
Charley Davidson is a grim reaper, and her transformation with her skills increases in the seventh book. She is really beginning to tune into her powers. Has she grown otherwise? No, Charley is still Charley, taking impossible risks, making Reyes crazy and risking all for her cases. This at times frustrates me, but you have to give her kudos for knowing who she is and never apologizing for it. Snark is her middle name and trouble is her addiction, well that and Reyes. *mine too- best book boyfriend EVER* The poor son of Satan must have ulcers by now trying to keep Charley safe.
The cases were interesting in Seventh Grave without a Body. Her ex-BFF is stalking her, bodies are missing from a grave and folks are writing suicide notes and disappearing. She is also helping the FBI to solve a cold case involving a brutal camp murder, and using her abilities for some unexpected things. The action is intense. Jones’ continues to amaze me with her writing. Her plot is tight, addictive and well balanced. She manages to weave all of these sub-plots into the overall storyline and develops them. We make some progress in the overall arc. From the Twelve to an important character’s role that Charlie has dubbed, “Beep.” We learn more about the demon Osh, and I really liked him. I am curious to see what his role will be. We are beginning to see an army build around Charlie and I cannot wait to see how this team develops. Cookies’ daughter, Amber shocks us and the group works together to battle hellhounds. We lose a few characters, and see a surprise development regarding a secondary character. Gads, I want to spill, but spoiler’s darling. It was intense, fascinating and Jones’ still delivered all the quirky, hilarious one-liners I have come to love.
Jones’ continues to flesh out the characters and storyline, notching up my excitement. I so need answers and while she answers some, she also adds more to my list. All of which makes this an addictive and unique Urban Fantasy. The ending was intense, with twists and for a brief moment, I wanted to curse Jones’ for leaving me salivating for more. Does anyone else want answers about Mr. Wong? Guardian or psycho demon waiting to be awaken? Gads.
I love the Charley Davidson series hard, and If you have not read them or listened to them, I feel the urge to lock you in a room and force you to become as addicted to them as I am. The characters in the series are fleshed out and unique. Good or bad, you will fall hard for them. At times, I laugh so hard my sides ach, and tears stream down my face. This is a series I like to read alone, in a quiet room where my outbursts will not alarm the outside world. Just my coffee, this book and me …Nirvana baby!
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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lorna
I have only read the first one, and have every intention of reading the rest-if I can find the time. Glad you loved it 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy ..they only get better Lorna!
Tyler H Jolley
Yeah, I’m so guilty. I try to savor a book and the next thing I know, it’s 2am, I finished the book and I’m surrounded by candy wrappers and diet coke. Lol.
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly! When this releases…I cannot help myself.
Lily B
hehe so glad you loved this one, It’s one of my favorite and now I cannot wait for the next book!
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo…yes the wait will kill me. Glad I have company:)
Sharon
I keep hearing/reading so many good things about this series. It’s starting to call my name. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Either that or the siren I placed in the closet full of Jones books to lure you in *winks* I hope you read them soon!
Sharon - Obsession with Books
This is another series I really need to start!
A fabulous review Kimba! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
*pushes you in closet with others*
Jennifer
At this point the narration is what keeps me coming back to this series. I’m sad to say I’m giving the series one more book to see if I’ll continue to follow it.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I am so sorry Jennifer as someone who adores them I hate to see anyone not happy, but different strokes for different folks and all that. 🙂
Melanie Simmons
This series is one of my favorite on audio. It is tied with Kate Daniels and Immortals After Dark. I hope you get a chance to try it on audio. Lorelei King does a great job, especially with Cookie. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am loving Kate Daniels on audio. I just started Magic Strikes
blodeuedd
I neeeeeed this one
kimbacaffeinate
Yes you do 🙂
Christy
It seriously does seem like this book went by way too fast. Trying to go slow and savor these books never work. And boy, do I try.
kimbacaffeinate
The wait is killing me..lol. Yeah I suck at savoring too.
A Belle's Tales
You and Christy and Heidi are just killing me. I want to read this series so badly; but it’s so daunting, and I have so many books to get through first. I bought the first one, so one of these days I’ll be in the loop with you lovely ladies! Thank you for the wonderful spoiler-free review — have a beautiful weekend <3
kimbacaffeinate
*opens door and check room left in closet* Hmm, you need to read these. You are going to kick yourself once you start. I smell a binge read.
Berls
I’m late to the game, since I just read First Grave like a month ago, but that means I don’t get locked up, right? LOL I loved Charley and her best friend so much, and I’m intrigued by Reyes so far. I need to pick up book 2 soon!
kimbacaffeinate
OK, if you have started I will not put you in the closet with the rest of them..for now *evil grin*
Sophia Rose
I’m so addicted to this series and it isn’t even just one thing about it that I like. I’m caught up save for this one. Can’t wait until I have time to get to it.
kimbacaffeinate
Right..I love the mini cases, the characters, the over-all arc, it is epic!
Jeann
Great review Kimba, I have been meaning to read these books for a long time but I’m glad to hear that it ends on a high note, even though there are a few questions unanswered. I really want to get to know Charley and her spunk, she sounds amazing.
kimbacaffeinate
I am going to need a bigger closet for ya all.
Angela Adams
Thanks for the post! Have a great weekend!!
kimbacaffeinate
You too Angela. Stay warm, we are getting snow tomorrow and a lovely low of 6. *pulls comforter over head*
Melissa (Books and Things)
I love this series so much. I am in the middle of this book and I haven’t finished it because life keeps getting in the way! Darn it! On the other hand it makes me look forward in what I have to listen to on audio for longer. 🙂 We need the next one now! 😀
kimbacaffeinate
How do you set it down? I get into a frenzy. The day it released I did nothing but read..even had pizza delivered..it’s like a national holiday or something.
Katherine
This series is on my TBR so I’m glad to see you’re enjoying it all the way book 7. Can’t wait to start this one!
kimbacaffeinate
bring cookies for when I lock you in the closet. Don’t worry at last count there are four of you. hehehe
Lily
I keep hearing about this series everywhere and especially this book. I’ve only heard good things so you all make me want to start reading it!
kimbacaffeinate
Can you bring batteries for the flash-lights? I am locking ya in the closet as well. Don;t worry I asked Katherine to bring ya cookies.
Kim
I love Charley too!!!!! Great review!!!! I can’t wait for the next one either!!! The snarkiness makes this series great! I love the characters too. Like you, I really want to know what the deal is with Mr. Wong. I’m worried he’s an evil guy who’s going to “wake up” when Charley is most vulnerable. Hopefully not, but that’s my fear anyway. I love your review! It’s so nice to talk to other Charley fans!!!
kimbacaffeinate
I really want answers about him too Kim. I think he will be for good..but gads it is creepy. This series makes me deliriously happy
kindlemom1
Ahhh I need this one NOW! I still haven’t purchased it which is rare for me but..I hate that kindle price darn it! I know I will break down and get it here soon though.
Have a wonderful weekend Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I understand, I am waiting for Christmas to build my little nest of gift cards up. The last few weeks I kind of one-clicked my way through my amazon wallet…lol
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
Wow, you are addicted! lol Sounds like a great series! I love when an author can work a lot of humor into a story!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh Melissa you need to read these
Rita
I’m glad you enjoyed it so much. She certainly has a huge fan base, but I just haven’t gotten around to trying the series out.
By the way, sorry if you didn’t catch my last post on My Home of Books, but I switched blogs and my blogging approach too–I know, I’m a difficult friend 🙂 Please keep in touch; I am still following you via bloglovin so nothing’s changed there.
kimbacaffeinate
Glad you let me know I am once again stalking you 😉 Happy Friday Rita
Debbie Haupt
OMG okay, okay I know I’ve said it before but I am definitely now getting this series. I can’t believe I have never read her. What is wrong with me LOL
Thanks Kim and wow a coveted 5 cup review.
xo
deb
kimbacaffeinate
Oh you so need to try these Debbie..you will adore Charley and Cookie!
Grace
So happy to see you LOVED this one too! I’m already salivating for the next one. Need more Mr. Wong, LOL! Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
the waiting is awful..lol. Thanks Grace 🙂
Alreem
sound like a great book, i have it in my TBR list but didn’t start it yet … when i see my TBR list it hard for me to chose what to read 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Alreem this was a great addition
Nick
Hahahaha, Kim! I laughed at your nether regions swooning over Reyes. That is a funny expression! 🙂
I need to catch up on this series. I loved the first two books, but for some reason didn’t pick up the rest of the series which is bad because this is a hilarious and awesome series. I’m so happy that this one was an amazing installment for you! I need to get to this asap!!
Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
Sometimes Nick I look back at what I wrote and giggle. I have no idea where I get these expressions. My friends are always laughing at me.
Reanna
LOL I will assist in the locking-in of people who haven’t read this series yet. Seventh Grave was just as brilliant as the rest. And I absolutely love the nickname Beep. That’s so Charley 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Right. Let’s lock um up!
Red Iza
Don’t lock me up, I do want to read it too, I swear !!!!
kimbacaffeinate
Ya know what is funny..when you do start..you are going to kick yourself for not having done it sooner.
Stephanie Faris
I like the title on this one. Sounds fun!
kimbacaffeinate
If you haven’t read these Stephanie they are hilarious.
Jennifer Bielman
Seriously, who can deny a great snarky MC. I feel like I am the only one not reading this series. The descriptions never interested me, but I must try them out.
kimbacaffeinate
What? Nooo. You like Urban Fantasy, snark, sexy, friends, hot to die for son’s of Satan, hilarious humor. I am gonna have to lock you up.
Melliane
yay! I’m so glad you had a great time with the story as well. I really enjoyed this one! SO mant things and I loved beep. I can’t wait to read more. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Beep…hilarious right. I cannot wait for the next!
Lupdilup
Yes, yes, yes to everything you said 🙂 I love this series so hard too! And I can’t believe (I can) that every book but the first has been a five star listen for me, and I’m sure that if I were to do a re-listen of First Grave I’d change my rating to 5…LOL
Fantastic review Kimba 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Love this series and do plan to listen to them all eventually