Fifth Grave Past the Light

Darynda Jones

Jul 2013 · Charley Davidson Series Book 5 · Sold by St. Martin's Press

About this ebook

Never underestimate the power of a woman

on a double espresso with a mocha latte chaser high.

—T-shirt

Charley Davidson isn't your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper. She's more of a paranormal private eye/grim reaper extraordinaire. However, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. To further complicate matters, Reyes is her main suspect in an arson case. Charley has vowed to stay away from him until she can find out the truth...but then dead women start appearing in her apartment, one after another, each lost, confused, and terrified beyond reason. When it becomes apparent that her own sister, Gemma, is the serial killer's next target Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes' help. Arsonist or not, he's the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return. Charley. All of her, body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she is willing to pay.

Charley Davidson is at it again in Fifth Grave Past the Light, the sexy, suspenseful, and laugh-out-loud funny fifth installment of the New York Times bestselling series by Darynda Jones.

Ratings and reviews

FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT is the fifth installment in Darynda Jones’s paranormal/UF/romance/contemporary Charley Davidson series featuring twenty-something Charley Davidson-part time PI/part time grim reaper/ and full time love of Reyes Farrow-the son of Satan. Like all of the previous installments, Fifth Grave is jammed packed with humor, sarcasm, witty one-liners, t-shirt slogans, bumper stickers, murder, revenge and of course, more sex and romance with Reyes Alexander Farrow. Fifth Grave Past the Light reveals plenty of information and answers some of our questions about the mysterious map and the key, both of which are believed to be residing on earth, awaiting their destiny. But the story surrounding the key to the map reveals the destruction of the world and in this, the truth may be stranger than fiction and the person who revealed the information is someone who has been to hell and back-literally and figuratively. He has the inside information from both Satan and his son. Once again, Charley’s private life will be invaded by a series of spirits-twenty seven to be exact- who are drawn to her light as the grim reaper but for some reason, none of the woman are willing to move on until Charley uncovers the truth behind their murders. And it will take one small, young spirit, not much older than seven or eight to help reveal the person who may be the only one able to identify the person responsible. And in this particular case, he has a connection to Charley and her family. Oh, and someone recognizes Mr. Wong in the corner of Charley’s apartment. Let’s hope his presence and identity is finally revealed. Cookie and Uncle Bob return as Charley’s confidants and aids. And Charley will need Ubie more than she ever thought possible when the person she was hired to tail turns out to be more dangerous than she had ever suspected. Charley’s abilities come into question when local authorities take a look at her unbelievable record of solving cold case files and crimes. And the latest cold case to come across her desk is frighteningly familiar and heartbreaking. The relationship between Reyes and Charley is romantic, sensual, hot and well worth the wait. Reyes, as the son of Satan, has never known love but he has found his soul mate in Charley Davidson-the one woman who is capable of putting out the fire that burns within. The romance sparks within the story as Reyes makes his feelings known to Charley and for him to make them a permanent couple will take some tricky dialogue and promises on both of their parts. Reyes is the epitome of sex on a stick; the ultimate lover and sensual male; he oozes sex appeal by virtue of his looks and presence; and it is Charley Davidson-the grim reaper who will capture his heart and his soul-forever. Fifth Grave Past the Light is one of the best installments in the series thus far. I am still hoping that Darynda gives some life to Donovan and the Bandits and writes a series or at the very least, a series of novellas so that the reader can be kept up to date on their travels. Angel, Rocket, Garret Swopes, Gemma and Leland Davidson all play pivotal roles throughout the story. And the ending comes with a couple of surprises and not the least is the possibility of a new direction for Charley and Reyes. Darynda Jones takes an UF/paranormal storyline and adds her sarcastic wit and humor as she pushes her series into another direction. The humor, the sensuality and the action filled storyline make this a must read for anyone who wants it all in the stories they read. Charley Davidson is a heroine who is strong yet feminine; heroic yet vulnerable; loved and yet hated by those she seeks to reveal. Fifth Grave Past the Light is an amazing and fascinating installment in Darynda Jones’s Charley Davidson series.

Yet another highly entertaining, laugh out loud, sexy, fun and chilling romantic adventure for Charley and all her family and friends.... so many exciting things happen in this book, two count them two mysteries to solve, a possible cheating husband to catch and as always the on going mystery of her love life... Loved every heart pounding twist and turn in this exciting journey and look forward to more to come. These charter and this world are on my top ten favorite worlds to visit of all time.

This one seemed a little tamer than previous books until things took a much deadlier turn just when I had the thought. It was also a tad darker and extremely heartbreaking. I haven’t read one of these stories and felt that it was the same as any of the previous ones. I love that each one feels different as it reveals new information even as it brings up a whole new set of questions. I definitely suggest reading these from the beginning but the author gives enough background that it’s possible you could jump in somewhere along the way. The relationship between Reyes and Charley is growing deeper and I’m feeling more connected with him now despite never having his point of view. The secondary characters are developed in such a way that I find myself loving, hating, or questioning their motives. I suspect there are so many more surprises along the way that I don’t want to be that reader that didn’t see it coming, but I’m pretty sure that’s going to be the case anyway. Next up, a couple of novellas, one which is from Reyes point of view. I’m itching for it! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author DARYNDA JONES won a Golden Heart® and a RITA® for her manuscript First Grave on the Right. 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. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.