Third Grave Dead Ahead is the third novel in the Charley Davidson series. While I personally do not recommend it, these urban fantasies can be read as a standalone. I have loved this series from its inception. Jones writing style and gift for sarcastic humor has this series on my pre-order list. This novel was released on January 31st, 2012 and after a failed attempt to read it in one evening. (I fell asleep sometime around 2 AM with my nook in my hands..LOL) I quickly consumed the remaining chapters the next day.
The Stubborn Dead by Natasha Hoar
The Stubborn Dead drops us right into the action as protagonist Rachel Miller attempts to release a spirit from the Earth realm. The entity appears to be a woman and she violently resists Rachel’s plea for her to crossover. Rachel draws upon symbols on her arms calling forth spirits that help her trap the entity. Despite its violence, she asks the spirits to be gentle. Rachel is thrust against a wall, as the spirits wrap themselves around the female entity. One of them lingers back and Rachel yells, I’m OK, she needs you more then I do.” “GO”. This novella while only twenty thousand words grabbed me from page one and never let go.
Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs
Iron Kissed is the third book in the Mercy Thompson series. Mercy is asked to assist in figuring out who is murdering Fae on the reservation. Zee, Mercy’s friend and mentor is later arrested for the murders. Mercy steps in to clear his name and the Fae make it very clear they do not want her help. This novel is my favorite in the series thus far. Briggs blends folklore and fiction to enhance this tale and the effect is delightful. Mercy’s character growth is awesome as she is tested by some of her biggest adversaries. In this novel, Mercy make a much anticipated decision regarding the men in her life.
Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones
I “abso-freaking-lutely” loved it. Darynda Jones is a genius. This is her second book in the Charley Davidson series, and it delivered all that I had hoped for and more. The storyline is fresh, with a strong cast of characters. The writing is tight, fast paced, incredibly witty and left me wanting more.
The Shade and the Nine Lower Levels by Tannis Skye
The Shade and the Nine Lower Levels is a dark urban fantasy with supernatural elements. It started off slow for me and left me with unanswered questions. The story line is unique and I look forward to reading more in this series. This novel has vampires, demons, angels, hellions and a new creature called a Shade.