Audiobook Review: Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones, Narrated by Lorelei King

My love affair with Charley Davidson continues with Third Grave Dead Ahead. Maybe it is not so much love as it is idol worship. Charley is smart, sexy and hilarious. She is such a smart alec and always says the perfect thing in each situation. Even if I could think of that perfect wise-ass comment, I'd never be brave enough to utter it when faced with a knife-wielding criminal. Maybe that is one of Charley's many grim reaper superpowers – a smart comment for every occasion.

In Third Grave Dead Ahead, a guilty doctor hires Charley to find his wife. When I say guilty, I mean that Charley uses her empathic ability to determine the doctor can't be trusted. The hunt for his wife takes both supernatural and natural detective skills and is marked with several twists. Nothing is what it seems.

I have to mention Artemis. Artemis is one of the motorcycle gang's guard dogs. Guard dog – yeah right. If you have ever had a Rottweiler for a pet, you know how sweet and playful they can be. Unfortunately, they get too much bad press. So thank you Ms. Jones for your portrayal of this wonderful breed.

After reading Third Grave Dead Ahead, here is what I have decided:

1. Charley's dad cannot be trusted. He proved that in Second Grave on the Left and does nothing to disprove that opinion in this story.
2. Cookie is a sweetheart.
3. Uncle Bob always comes through.
4. Garrett always comes through.
5. Reyes (aka Son of Satan) is an ass. I mean it. I don't care if he is gorgeous. He is mean, manipulative and pissy. Really, what does Charley see in him?

In Third Grave Dead Ahead, there were a lot of things that happened that I did not like. See numbers 1 and 5 above. Also, a main character dies. However, upon further reflection, I have come to the conclusion that these events are a necessary part of the Charley Davidson lore and will come to be important to the ongoing story.

Reading the Charley Davidson series in order is the best way to enjoy them. But if Third Grave Dead Ahead is your introduction to the series, it can still be enjoyed. There is enough background provided to avoid getting lost.

My favorite way to enjoy the Charley Davidson series is by listening to audiobooks. As usual, Lorelie King delivers a narration full of nuance and heart. Her interpretation is perfect and I really can't imagine this series being experienced in other way other than audiobook.

Purchase: | Audiobook | Amazon | Kindle | B&N | iTunes |