"First Grave on the Right" by Darynda Jones

5 of 5 stars.

The Basics: This novel follows Charlotte (Charley) Davidson. She is a private investigator, works with the APD (Albuquerque Police Department), and oh yeah, she is the grim reaper. Charley prides herself in being able to help her clients, many of which are among the nonliving. Souls tend to visit her as she is a bright light among the dead. They "cross" through her once they are ready to leave the plane of the living, sometimes Charley has to urge them along.
By the way, Charley is the only one that can see the dead so it becomes a bit awkward for those around her. This has caused a rift between her and her stepmother and sister, but her Uncle Bob (a cop who enlists Charley's assistance on many cases) and father have embraced her privileged abilities. Her supernatural talents come in handy after three lawyers are killed.   
In the midst of everything, Charley is seeking to discover who or what this black mist is that's been following her since she's been born. When she figures it out, things change for her.

My Thoughts: *Spoilers Ahead* OMG!!!! I'm just so in love with this book. I'm a married woman but I soooo have a crush on Charley. She is strong, confident and witty. It is so awesome. Where has my life been without this book?!?!
Anyway, the whole premise of this book was great. I have never really been into supernatural type books, but I gave this novel a chance and I'm happy for that. Charley handles her job with such wittiness. She's dedicated but still sympathetic to the dead who are grappling with the fact that they are indeed dead. I like that Darynda Jones was able to incorporate what we would really think it would be like for dead people to want to be around those they left behind, and wanting to tell your loved one that one last thing before you move on into the other world, whatever that may be. Charley handled that perfectly.
Onto the most intriguing aspect of this novel, Reyes. OMG! He is like a dream, the only issue is that he's the son of Satan. Charley doesn't know that until the end of the novel right before getting intimate with him. He is mysterious and seemingly evil, but has been waiting, watching and protecting Charley since she was born.
I am so grateful for the character of Reyes. He adds a sense of mystery that is the opposite of Charley since her character's abilities are pretty transparent to the reader. When Reyes is thrown into the mix there is a sense of suspense and we know something is going to happen.
At the end of the book, Reyes' physical body disappears so I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes.
By the way, Officer Taft's sister was such a hilarious character :) She was funny but it was also touching towards the end when she crosses.

~Remember, teachers read fun stuff too!