andampaul

I hate to give out 4.5 stars but doggonit I liked First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones! A lot! It’s her debut novel, folks. And you know I don’t really go for series, but I really can’t wait for the next book. I wish it was out right now!! I don’t even know how I came across this one, but somehow it ended up on my books to buy list. Happy with my purchase! Charley. I liked Charley. She was funny and I think that given her circumstances, she was very well written. Just think, you’re a private investigator surrounded by crazy people AND you’ve been seeing (and routinely talk to) dead people your entire life. I’d say that snarky with a bit of girly is a great mix. Not once did she annoy me and come off as “too cool”. I have a huge problem when female characters try too hard and instead of sounding tough, you end up sounding witchy (but you know what I really mean, right?). So yes, I did like Charley. She’s up there with some of my top protags. In the book, Charley has really bad ADD (again, surrounded by ghosts can be distracting), so at one point she passes out and a guy is helping her up: “…She keeps slipping out of my grip. She’s like really heavy spaghetti.” “What?” I shrieked, jerking to my senses.”How heavy?…” Hahaha. Why would she even respond to that? Another part I like happens in the end. I can’t tell you what happens because it’s a ridiculously juicy spoiler. I did really enjoy Charley’s response to it: “Wow. That was a bit harsh, but, ‘Okay, point taken.’” Ok, ok, you’ll totally get it when you read it. You can come back and tell me how crazy that part was. And that Entity that they mention in the synopsis? Wow. Za. I can’t say any more but that. You’ll see what I mean. And you’ll want to hug said Entity. Because, you know, sometimes a hug is very warranted. Hey, did anyone else notice how said Entity has fast hands? Not that I’m complaining. I’m just saying that the entity just did not beat around the bush. I’m pretty sure the hands had a homing beacon on it! Still loved him though! Oh, before I forget – wasn’t the story, where she met him, wasn’t that crazy? That’s all I’ll say! I loved the Demon Spawn bit. That part was funny. I can see how people compare this to the Stephanie Plum books. Just like Steph, poor Charley just had the bad stuff layered on thick! Can’t catch a break, it seems. But on the other hand, you can’t really compare them. They’re similar, but they are so different. If you like Stephanie Plum and paranormal books, you’ll love this one! If you like cozy mysteries and super hot dudes, you’ll be wanting to read this one. The only reason I’d recommend you not read it was if you hate laughing. Eww, who are you? I LOVED the ending! It totally made me smile. *Drools* next book, PLEASE! Overall, I really enjoyed this! As far as emotions, let’s see: I smiled, laughed out loud, got mad, chuckled, blushed, grimaced, gasped, and snickered. I NEED to see what else will happen. There are questions that I need answered. I want to know about Mr.Wong! I think he needs a hug, don’t you? Seriously, there are things that I want answered but when a book is this good, you don’t even mind waiting for the next one. P.S. As much as I love the book, I can’t say the same for the cover. I think her scythe is much too small. And her left foot has gone AWOL!

2020-12-31 19:25