A perfectly executed ending to a series that astounded and entertained more and more with each story...the imagination, hilarious inner monologue (Charley), wry and witty banter, and a whip smart, lightning fast paced dialog...all these elements were so ingeniously crafted to keep the pages turning at a furious rate, continuing to whet the appetite for more Charley, et al.

With each story, I was hard pressed to but the book down once I started reading...the gift that this author has for keeping such a long running series fresh, interesting, and original was readily apparent through the uniqueness of its characters and premise. Ms Jones is particularly adept at providing a backstory (as a refresher or for newer readers) that does not detract with the story’s momentum...especially necessary with so many constantly moving and changing elements and a sizable cast of characters.

I shall miss the ongoing Charley and Reyes show, but now is the perfect time to read it all over again from the beginning...this is one series that’ll continue entertain the second time around.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Some spoilers

Charley is returned to earth after being sent to a form of hell with no sunlight and no coffee after returning someone from dead.On earth she has a husband , daughter,friends,family.She was in darkness for 100 years but shocked how much time passed on earth.It’s been said that beep,her daughter,is suppose to form a army with hell hounds to battle satan.Her husband is Rey’azikeen little brother to god himself,son to satan,high ranking member of Satan’s army.He was also Reyes a human in order to be with his wife charley..Amber,her best friends daughter,was killed by a priest trying to escape hell.Charley brought her back to earth leading to her exile.The hell Deminson Reyes opened is starting to take over the earth.An infection infecting the brain with flu like symptoms takes over. The cause of infection is demons taking over the host body.Charley,short for charlotte,does not regret bringing back amber.Charley helps lost souls find their way home and what is binding them to the earth.The truth of Charley’s mothers death may stop the demons and the hell deminsion .There is also the distraction of young spirit who is not yet dead who has strange story to tell.I’ve never read the other books in series but was able to follow along.I like how tough Charley is.I liked how Charley’s nickname is dutch. A bit dull in parts. Beeps real name is Elwynn alexandra.charley had been sent to kill Reyes and he built a hell deminsion just for her.There is a pattern to the human hosts for the demons.Charley finds out big secret about her family. There was a lot going on at one time

#summoned to thirteenth grave #netgalley

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an eGalley of this novel.

I've been with this author for the full thirteen books and I don't know about Ms. Jones, but I'm ready to let go. According to her note in the book she was ready too and I think that's a very good thing. This is the book that ties up all the loose strings - with maybe just a tiny micro-thread that can or could be used for a novella or short story from time to time. For me this didn't even come close to being the best book of the series because it was very awkward having to bring all the characters into one story and have some kind of resolution for each of them. There were a lot of characters spread over those past twelve books and finding something to do with each of them was a challenge.

I cannot recommend that anyone begins this series with book thirteen. This story really is the end and you would spoil your enjoyment of the previous books if you join the series at this point. I like the first six books in the series best so would suggest that you start at the very beginning and get to know Charlie and Reyes from the way their relationship began. It's quite a story!

Summoned to Thirteenth Grave
Charley Davidson , Book 13

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.

The Characters:

Charley Davidson:
Reyes Alexander Farrow:
Cookie, Amber, Uncle Bob, Osh, Peri, Garrett, Beep, Gemma, I’m probably leaving someone out.

The Story:

Let’s move past the part when I cried because this is the last book in the series. Let’s also forget the other random crying I did throughout the book as they are related to major spoilers. Let’s focus on the fact that we are on the thirteenth book and Ms Jones still manage to shock and surprise me with every chapter. Don’t get me wrong I am incredibly saddened by the end of this series but I could not be happier with the way it ended. I think Ms Jones gave us appropriate closure to the story.

The amount of tears I shed during this book is probably record breaking. There are so many characters that we must say a loving goodbye to but who knows maybe the goodbye is only temporary.


The Random Thoughts:

I cannot wait for the audiobook to be released. Definitely deserves another read/listen.

The Score Card:

description

5 Stars

Review coming soon... I've read it during the Chrismas holidays and still have to write it... I'll add it here as soon as I can! Promise!

This review was originally posted on <a href="https://booksofmyheart.net/2019/01/03/summoned-to-thirteenth-grave-by-darynda-jones/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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The <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/52637-charley-davidson" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><strong>Charley Davidson series</strong></em></a>  has reached its final chapter.  I have completely enjoyed this series, especially on audio.  I have the books in all three formats somehow.

I won't be sharing spoilers here. <strong>Summoned to Thirteenth Grave</strong> has the snarky, sexy story I've come to expect. There is also a fast paced plot with lots of action. There are some twists which are totally unexpected.  A lot of things are happening, Charley is still learning new things and there are secrets.  As readers we don't really get much advance notice on their plans.  Charley and Reyes are keeping some secrets from each other, also.

I do wish we had more development of Reyes' character. I don't know why I feel this, but perhaps it is because we don't have his point of view. But then the mysterious can also be sexy.  Everything revolves around Charley and she is the most special one who breaks the rules and succeeds in unusual ways.

The story arcs are mostly wrapped up and we learn many more details about things within the series. We touch base with almost everyone. One twist was a huge shock.  Beep is a baby and her battle is in the future, so that story may come to life in a new series or something. The very ending puzzled me and maybe it leads to Beep's story.

I am sad. I am sad the series is ending. I am sad for those who died in the battles. I am happy to have had such fun, exciting, sexy stories to brighten my days.

<h4>Narration:</h4>
Lorelei King is a treasure and I always choose to listen to this series. Her voices for males and females are distinct and authentic.  I was surprised I could listen at 1.5x speed comfortably. Her pacing was excellent. The timing for the humor was impeccable. Her performance is glorious.

<strong>Listen to a clip:</strong>
https://soundcloud.com/macaudio-2/summoned-to-thirteenth-grave-by-darynda-jones-audiobook-excerpt
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This book is a sad one for me as I truly love this series and I am sad this is the last book. I recommend re-reading the series so you don't miss any of the big moments. I love the characters, the emotional rollercoaster ride, the action and the writing style

When it comes to the last book in a fabulous and fun series, I find myself fumbling for what to say. Like everyone else I go into grand finale books with the mixed feelings of sadness and excitement because ‘this is it!!!’, right? So, my game plan was to savor and take my time… shot that sucker to pieces. I devoured this book in one day. Other fans will not blame me.
Review

Summoned to Thirteenth Grave is well, the thirteenth and final book in the Charley Davidson series. It is the final installment in a story that began thirteen books ago so newbies put down the book and back away. The one you are after is the white one with the word ‘First’ and ‘Grave’ on it.

The last book ended on a shocker. We all gasped when Charley was given a totally impossible choice, but, she’s Charley so it was no choice at all. She broke the rules to save some one dear and paid the consequences. Now, she’s back and finds herself with her usual frenzied to-do list: solve a few mysteries, avoid a few homicidal demons, negotiate some big-time family secrets, and stop the end of the world in three days. Nothing to it as long as Bunny her Bunn Coffee Maker keeps the liquid elixir coming.

I really do not want to spoiler anything for those who are at the height of anticipation for this book so this will be more about my impressions and a few non-specific highlights. First of all, I appreciated the the last book allowed for time with the whole gang to hug, wrap up last times, and say their good-byes for the readers.

The reunion was great and everyone had their part to play to help Charley.

There are some absolutely caliente delectable moments for Charley and Reyes.

The action and excitement never quits as Charley tracks down key facts that will lead her to the solution for their big problem.

I’m still somewhat upended about some of the surprise plot choices. Not sure how I feel about one or two of them and will have to give that some time to percolate whether I liked it or not. These are not negative niggles so much as I got taken by surprise and need to process.

Okay, one niggle. That last line of the book. Seriously? It was sort of fun, but now I will exsanguinate slowly until Beep’s stories begin and I get the answer to the burning question. Kidding. It wasn’t that huge of a cliffie, but I am pretty curious now.

So, my fellow Charley Davidson enthusiasts, this was a solid and sensational read. I do have a case of last book depression. No, I don’t know for sure if there will be a new season, but I’m hanging to that hope hard. For those who have not picked these up yet, I can highly recommend them for Urban Fantasy fans who also enjoy colorful characters, clever mysteries, and a nice slow burn romance and series plot.

My thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh, Uncle Bob.

It's a weird way to end my last review of a Charley Davidson book - sniff, it's been a gloriously snarky and violent ride. But I'll miss most Charley's sweet moments with her motley crew of family and friends: Amber, Angel, Aurora, Mimi, and of course, Uncle Bob.

I was not prepared for how everything unraveled and then came together in Charley and Reyes' final adventure but then again, I never am. I was thrilled about their reunion and of course that Beep still has a war to win against Lucifer (spin off?).

Charley was one hell of a heroine to follow (thirteen times!) and I'd probably follow the World's Funniest Grim Reaper even further as long as she brought more laughs, snorts, and giggles. Here's hoping that Beep continues her mom's legacy.

4 stars

Note: I voluntarily reviewed this eARC generously provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

The Charley Davidson series is one of my favorite series' of all time and Summoned to Thirteenth Grave did not disappoint! I am so sad that Darynda Jones is ending the series--here's to hoping there is an off-shoot of other characters, such as Osh and Beep! In this final installment, Charley has been sent to another dimension as punishment for bringing Cookie's daughter Amber back to life. She has been gone 100 years--or on Earth-time, 10 days. When she returns, Charley and Reyes must fight the ultimate battle of good versus evil in order to make sure Beep will be alive and able to fight her own battle later. Along with the usual cast of characters--and some new ones--Charley and Reyes do what needs to be done to save the world, and to keep their precious daughter safe. I cried numerous times throughout this book, but the two parts that got me the most were the death of her sister Gemma, and the crossing over of Rocket, Blue, and Strawberry, finally. I love this series so much and I am so sad to see it go!

Summoned to the Thirteen Grave by Darynda Jones

Final book in the Charley Davidson Grim Reaper series. #13.
A battle of Shade demons against Charley, Reyes and the army supporting them.

It’s with both sadness and enthusiasm that I feel reading this last book in the series. I know Beep will be back, but I will miss Charley’s sarcasm and wit.
This book brought closing to several pending issues and a few tears in the emotional goodbyes. It was brilliantly done. And I’m feeling satisfied with the conclusion.

A great entertaining series of a Grim Reaper and her family.

I received a copy of this book from a NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to keep.

I knew when I'd been licked. Not Reyes-licked, but beaten-licked

The laughs and great quotes are back! After all these years the time has come for a bittersweet goodbye to Charley Davidson. But it's never goodbye to Darynda Jones! I'm sure we'll see more of her in the future.
Welcome back, to the crazy upside down world of Charley. I LOVED the beginning. I could feel the hot wind from all that heat. bow chicka bow bow!

This final episode is full of laughs and so many tears. So many twists I think I got a crick in my neck from dodging the blows.

The ending did feel a bit hollow and disappointing. It was like, "I have an idea!" BOOM! Over. But if anything, I loved Reyes even more.

Thank you, Darynda for your wonderful storytelling. I can't wait to see what you have next! beep beep

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, so I could give an honest review.

Darynda Jones' Summoned to Thirteenth Grave (Charley Davidson, #13) is a wee bit contemporary/futuristic and a lot paranormal. I had previously read a Charley Davidson book so had a mindset based on that previous book. Big surprise. I had missed a lot in the eleven books I had not read. Charley has been in exile for over one hundred years when she is returned to Arizona. Charley and her husband, Reyes, find themselves in a race against time not only to save their daughter, Beep, but to save the world. Nonstop action and certainly grabs you and holds on to the very end. I would recommend it to Charley Davidson and Darynda Jones fans as well as others interested in paranormal and the war between good and evil.

First I would like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was to be allowed to read this book. I have loved every one of the Charlie Davidson books, and I was so sad to hear that this would be the last book in the series.

I felt that Ms Davidson ended the series in a wonderful Charlie way. Of course I would love to see these characters again, maybe in a series about Beep?

If you have not read this series yet then what are you waiting for? I will suggest you start at the first book in the series.

Wow! I have no clue how to begin to write this review!! I’ve been a diehard Charley Davidson (and Darynda) fan for many years, and it’s extremely bittersweet that it has now come to an end. In all honesty, I have mixed feelings about book 13.

While it had all the feels, the Charley-isms, and the sexiness we’ve all grown to love, it fell a bit flat for me. There were times it felt like the story would jump randomly to a different plot, confusing me. A lot happens in this story, so you definitely need to pay attention, otherwise you could get confused easily. Also, the big buildup for the big fight, it ended a bit quickly for my liking.

Now the ending? I hated it. It’s not what I would have wanted for them, and it was basically a cliffhanger, or more accurately, a setup for Beep’s spinoff series.

All in all, this wasn’t what I expected or hoped for for the ending of an amazing series. Did I enjoy it still? Yes. But I didn’t love it as I have all the previous books. And I hate that the most. I truly wanted to love this book, but I just didn’t.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest review.

I loved this book! Charley and Reyes are just incredible together! I’m just upset this is the last book in the series! Filled with all the usual humor of a Charley Davidson book, Charley and her crew have to take on a Shade taking over their hometown, with demons invading people’s bodies.

As it is the last book, so many things are tied up, but nothing seemed rushed or forced, and things I never would have expected are uncovered.

The final battle of the book had a very Darynda/Charley/Reyes twist, so of course I wasn’t expecting it. And the ending was perfect. Now I’m just hoping for a Beep series... please?

I can't believe this is the last book in the series. I'm so sad. I love this series and these characters. This book was great. I loved it. It had everything we've come to expect from Charley and the gang. It was a great ending to the series and left the door open for more. I hope she writes more. I want to know what becomes of Beep.

Summoned to 13th grade is good. Folks are still dying, of course. There’s lots of mayhem, a few reunions and sexy times too. If you’ve enjoyed the last 12, devouring this one is a no brainer. Also, SPOILER ALERT! The stories are not over, I don’t think. The last page leads me to believe there’s more story coming, but Charlie isn’t the main character anymore.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Unfortunately I was not approved for the rest of this series and thus do not think it is wise to start with the 13th book. I appreciate approving me for this one but I had hoped to read the entire series, culminating in its latest. Everyone else that I know was approved for the first 12. Thanks for your consideration.

3.5 stars but I'm rounding up to 4. While I'm sad to see the conclusion of this irreverent grim reaper series I must say having all of the loose ends wrapped up feels good. I'm looking forward to seeing what Ms Jones puts her pen to next. Maybe a spin off? That ending...
Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an advanced review copy.