Fifth Grave Past the Light (Charley Davidson #5) by Darynda Jones

Charley Davidson may not look like your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper, but she has vowed to reap grimness wherever she goes despite this unfortunate fact. Sadly, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. As he is the main suspect in her arson case, she is determined to stay away from him until she can find out the truth. According to her therapist, however, she lacks conviction.

When dead women start appearing in her apartment - lost, confused and terrified beyond reason - Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes's help, especially when it becomes apparent that her own sister Gemma is the serial killer's next target. With his ability to observe incorporeally, surely he can find out who's responsible. And even if he can't, he is 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…

Five Stars

Audiobook Review

I just spent a few days in Charley Davidson's world listening to the audiobook, and I already want to return! This series has become one of my favorite guilty pleasures. Book after book Darynda Jones keeps giving her fans the wit, charm and mystery that we've come to love all the while offering something fresh and new. In my opinion, this fifth installment of the series is the BEST one thus far!

“Never underestimate the power of a woman on a double espresso with a mocha latte chaser high.” --T-shirt

“I'd rather be in Virginia.” --T-shirt worn often by Reyes Farrow

If you're not familiar with this series, every chapter begins with a funny T-shirt, bumper sticker or inspirational quote. I've come to think of them as little gifts of humor sprinkled throughout the story.

So, what happens in book #5 with my favorite coffee-loving grim reaper? Charley has a few more mysteries to solve. All those dead people she sees need her help, ya know! Also, her new neighbor is kinda, sorta distracting. Mr. son of Satan himself, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door and leaves a note for Charley to “Use the key”...thud!!!

"I want you, Dutch, body and soul. I want you in my bed every night. I want you there when I wake up in the morning. I want your clothes strung across my apartment and your scent on my skin.”

Throughout the series, Ms. Jones has built and kept the chemistry between Charley and Reyes at a slow, simmering burn and sometimes things get flaming hot, but in book 5, the passion and heat all gets kicked up a lovely, sultry notch! Goodness! Now, I'm all for seeing the bad boy side of Reyes, but we get to see a more tender-loving, nurturing Reyes this time around, and, boy, is he as sexy as ever!

The other things I loved in the book include all the things Garret Swopes had to say. It was very thought provoking. Cookie...who loves Cookie? Me!!! Charley's best friend makes me laugh and smile. I'm hoping cupid strikes in the next book for her. I think it's time for Cook to get some...lovin'! Charley, wow! She certainly kicks some major butt. All I will say is that the last few chapters were shocking and wicked!!!

After reading books 1 and 2, I decided to try listening to these books starting with book 3. I am now officially hooked on the audiobook versions. Lorelei King does a super, fantastic job narrating this series. By now I've gotten used to her voices for Charley, Reyes, and the whole gang. They seem like family now. Her voices for Charley's new GPS app was one of the funniest, laugh-out-loud things I've ever heard! Really, I giggled so much. For the most part, the books in this series are humorous, fun and dark. Listening to them offers quite an entertaining experience.

Darynda Jones, you are such a delicious tease with how you ended this book. Please write faster. I need more Charley & Reyes!