First Grave on the Right

This series starter—Jones's first work of fiction—is funny, sarcastic, and erotic and includes a darned good detective yarn. Part-time PI/full-time Grim Reaper Charlie Davidson works with the police to solve murders—which is made easier by her ability to talk with the victims. So who killed three different lawyers in the same evening, and why is her supernatural guardian suddenly visiting her in her dreams? Good pacing, easy introduction of the backstory, and tons of snappy, sometimes four-letter retorts add to the enjoyment. When Charlie announces that the names of her breasts are "Danger" and "Will Robinson," listeners know they are in for a wild ride. Actress/Audie Award winner Lorelei King is comfortable in Charlie's skin and performs a wide variety of characters distinctly. For anyone enjoying sexy paranormal detective fiction. [The St. Martin's hc also received a starred review, LJ 11/1/10, and won the Romance Writers of America 2009 Golden Heart for best paranormal romance manuscript; the St. Martin's Griffin pb will publish in July 2011.—Ed.]—J. Sara Paulk, Wythe-Grayson Regional Lib., Independence, VA