Seventh Grave and No Body (Charley Davidson #7) by Darynda Jones
PNR
E book, 352 pages
October 21, 2014
St. Martin’s Press
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote: “Hey, I could be your assistant. I’d be an Assistant Serial Killer Serial Killer. I’d be an ASS.”
Entering into the seventh installment of Darynda Jones wickedly funny and smoking hot Charley Davidson series, Seventh Grave and No Body, picks up not long after book six-Sixth Grave From The Edge– ended. Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper in training and P.I. extraordinaire, is pregnastic and affianced by non other than the sex on a stick hottie son of Satan-Reyes Farrow. But if you think any of this will finally slow Charley down, you’d lose that bet. Already ready to kill due to lack of the exceptional goodness only highly caffeinated beverages can give her, Charley has to deal with twelve homicidal hellhounds, a series of suicide notes with no bodies, a misplaced father, and a fiance who had decided to stick extra close to her but not in a fun “let’s do some mattress dancing” kind of way. As the bodies and clues add up, Charley finds herself once again standing toe to toe with the good, the bad, and the stinky.
“You’re the reason I get up in the morning. That and I need to pee.”
Once again, Jones has left readers giggling and shaking their heads at the antics of her eccentric protagonist Charley Davidson and her band of strange and deadly cohorts. A strong character driven series, Jones kidnaps the reader and takes them on a crazy adventure teeming with solid storylines, multiple subplots, high octane action, unusual characters, and laugh out loud dialogue. A slow but steady advancement of the arc and world building keeps you entertained without the feeling Jones is trying to rush you along to the end.
Charley has a lot on her plate; the most important and dangerous being the twelve hellhounds sent to kill her. Hellhounds who can come and go like the wind so you never know where they are until they take a bite out of you. This places Charley in a predicament as she has jobs to do and refuses to sit at home waiting for the threat to be nullified BUT she is also carrying a very special child who will be the world’s savior in the future. She needs to slow down but Charley only knows two speeds…fast and super fast. Observations are made that clue us into the possible motivations behind Charley and her antics.
“You risk the wrong things for the wrong causes. You strive for perfection instead of taking pleasure in the imperfect.”
This becomes a serious point of contention between her and her fiance-Reyes Farrow. He is consumed by his need to see her safe and uses everything in his disposal to facilitate that. I like that we see a significant change in Reyes this installment. We are granted more insight into his thoughts and emotions, something that hasn’t been as evident in past books. His having a baby on the way and Charley’s life being in serious danger seems to be having a profound effect on him. He still growls and evades but he is becoming more honest and forthright not only in his actions but his words. He shows us a vulnerability that wasn’t there before.
“It’s like you can’t get away from me fast enough.”
Even with the added conflict between Reyes and Charley, Jones answers fans requests for more one on one time between this unlikely couple with well written and extra hot love scenes that will steam up e-readers. Add in the breakdown of Reyes’ emotional barriers and we finally get to see the intense connection that Jones has pushed towards in the series.
New and old characters are back in full force to help round out the story, move it along, and keep us in stitches. Osh, Garrett, and a ghostly cast of spies try their best to keep Charley alive. Amber, Quinton, Strawberry Shortcake, and more make appearances when needed. Cookie is still backing Charley one hundred percent though her time now is split between hooking Charley up with her “blood of Satan” while sharing snuggle time with Charley’s Uncle Ubie. Cookie and Charley’s relationship still remains one of my favorite aspects of this series. Friends, neighbors, and co workers, their strong connection never waivers. They are two peas in a pod and the love between them is epic. They have a wonderful friendship that shines throughout the series.
I scrutinized the mug in her hand. “What are you drinking now?”
“What we’re both going to be drinking for the next eight months. We’re switching to decaf.”
The horror that riveted through me, the absolute terror with a taint of nausea, stunned me speechless for three, maybe four seconds. I put the mug down and made a cross with my fingers, screaming, “Death before decaf!” as Garrett poured himself a cup.
The fool.
“Oh, stop it.” She put down her cup and tried to give me mine back. “Just give it a shot.”
“I can’t. That’s like asking me to cheat on Reyes with Garrett.”
He scowled at me as he doctored his cup of devil’s blood with cream and sugar.
“Suit yourself,” Cook said, picking hers up and taking a long, lingering draw.
After a few agonizing moments, the aroma started to get to me. I almost caved because of that, not because of Cookie’s coffee porn. Really, who sucked on a mug like that? I leaned closer as she licked a drop sliding down the side and moaned in ecstasy.
It was so wrong and yet so very, very right.
My issues, which I have addressed multiple times throughout the series, are still alive and kicking. Charley’s immaturity, the increasing one liners, and her need to personalize things. It all becomes overpowering at times. Charley gives cutesy names to everything and I do mean everything. Re-naming her body parts is a little strange, but now she’s on to appliances and furniture. I found myself confused to whom or what she was speaking to. She also doesn’t seem to be “growing” emotionally anymore. Still treating life as one big Vegas act, she has tunnel vision when it comes to herself. While she’ll do anything for anyone, there were times I felt she was being purposely obstinate. Like a child, she tries hard to be an adult and taken seriously, but ends up running headlong into danger just to spite those around her. The direction the series seems to be taking shows readers Charley needs to grow up and think about how her actions endanger herself and everyone around her.
Multiple story lines twist and tangle around one another, offering clues to bigger dangers heading Charley’s way. Jones wraps up the main conflict, leaving just enough open to ensure we need book eight pronto. Fans will rejoice in getting a rare Reyes POV at the end-though I understand this is only available in print copies.
RATING: C+
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I agree with the issues you’re having because I have the same. I was confused many times while listening to the audio when it came to the new names. I was like who the hell is that? What did I miss? Only to find out she was talking about a toaster or something equally silly.
YES! It was cute (in a way) in the beginning. But now it’s become an irritation. I had to keep re reading various passages because I thought I had missed a new character. :(
I’ve really liked this series. Haven’t read book 6 yet even though it’s hanging around on my Nook. And I think it’s because of the very reasons you have pointed out, Tori. I’ll still continue reading though. ;-)
I’m like you. I’ll keep reading and hoping these issues eventually iron themselves out. I REALLY liked the advancements in this installment.
I’m with Tori and Deb. Initially this was one of my favorite series, but I do feel that Charles is pretty immature. I will continue to read and enjoy the series, but I’m definitely hoping that with the baby coming Charley wishes up a bit. I will have to buy a physical copy for the extra Reyes!
Evil auto correct on my phone. Should have proof read that :)