The Charley Davidson, urban fantasy series is one of my favorites and I love revisiting the world. Even though the voices were already developed in my head, I tried Quentin and Amber’s story on audio. Come learn about the demon hunter in 1001 Dark Nights and Lorelei King fantastic narration in The Gravedigger’s Son.
by Darynda Jones
Series: Charley Davidson #13.6
Narrator: Lorelei King
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.3x
The job should have been easy.
Get in. Assess the situation. Get out. But for veteran tracker Quentin Rutherford, things get sticky when the girl he’s loved since puberty shows up, conducting her own investigation into the strange occurrences of the small, New Mexico town. He knew it would be a risk coming back to the area, but he had no idea Amber Kowalski had become a bona fide PI, investigating things that go bump in the night. He shouldn’t be surprised, however. She can see the dead as clearly as he can. The real question is, can she see through him?
But is anything that’s worth it ever easy?
To say Amber is shocked to see her childhood crush would be the understatement of her fragile second life. One look at him tells her everything she needs to know. He’s changed. So drastically she barely recognises him. He is savage now, a hardened - in all the right places - demon hunter, and she is simply the awkward, lovestruck girl he left behind.
But she doesn’t have time to dwell on the past. A supernatural entity has set up shop, and it’s up to them to stop it before it kills again.
While thousands of questions burn inside her, she has to put her concern over him, over what he’s become, aside for now. Because he’s about to learn one, undeniable fact: she’s changed, too.
Whether you decide to listen or read The Gravedigger’s Son, I am sure you will agree it was fun getting a glimpse into the futures of Amber Kowalski and her high school boyfriend, Quentin Rutherford. The two have separated since we saw them last because of a series of unfortunate events. It was delightful to see their unexpected reunion as the two crossed paths during a case in New Mexico.
The story is told in third person, and not at all typical of what Jones typically delivers. It took me a minute to settle in, but in the end I felt it worked for this novella.
Amber is now a private investigator with her own posse of dead, and Quentin has grown into a man. He’s filled out in all the right places and makes his living as a demon hunter. There is a coldness about him, but it’s clear the two of them still harbor feelings for each other.
Quentin is tracking an unusual demon that leads him to a small-town in New Mexico. Amber is helping the recently departed. A woman wants to warn her family about the demon. Demons, summoners, awkward moments and all the elements I love in Jones’ characters and stories quickly pulled me in.
While this is meant to be read as a standalone, fans of the series will love getting tidbits on beloved characters and seeing our Amber, sassy and all grownup.
Lorelei King did a lovely job narrating the tale. She captures both Amber and Quentin’s personalities, even if I had to adjust for the voices in my head. King pairs perfectly with the characters in this series as she captures their voice and personalities. She draws the listener in and enhances the overall tale.
?The Gravedigger’s Son by Darynda Jones shares a glimpse into the future with Amber & Quentin, even as it introduces new listeners to the #CharleyDavidson series. #audiobook #1001Nights #urbsnfantasy #NewRelease Share on XAbout Darynda Jones
NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier. As a born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. She currently has two series with St. Martin's Press, the Charley Davidson Series and the Darklight Trilogy. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband of more than 25 years and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.
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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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Ethan
It is interesting that the author decided to change the perspective of her storytelling, but it sounds like it was a wonderful continuation of the story.
Joyousreads
OMG. YES, please! I’m downloading this asap.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I loved this but I’m not sure about reading it as a standalone as you’d miss so much. But it was an awesome update and new story for fans of the series.
Kimberly
Agreed, but all of the 1001 Dark Nights books are meant to be read as standalone.
Nadene
This sounds right up my alley. I am adding the series to wishlist.