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Charley Davidson #13.6
The Gravedigger’s Son
The job should have been easy.
Get in. Assess the situation. Get out. But for veteran tracker Quentin Rutherford, things get sticky when the girl he’s loved since puberty shows up, conducting her own investigation into the strange occurrences of the small, New Mexico town. He knew it would be a risk coming back to the area, but he had no idea Amber Kowalski had become a bona fide PI, investigating things that go bump in the night. He shouldn’t be surprised, however. She can see through the dead as clearly as he can. The real question is, can she see through him?
But is anything that’s worth it ever easy?
To say that Amber is shocked to see her childhood crush would be the understatement of her fragile second life. One look at him tells her everything she needs to know. He’s changed. So drastically she barely recognizes him. He is savage now, a hardened—in all the right places—demon hunter, and she is simply the awkward, lovestruck girl he left behind.
But she doesn’t have time to dwell on the past. A supernatural entity has set up shop, and it’s up to them to stop it before it kills again.
While thousands of questions burn inside her, she has to put her concern over him, over what he’s become, aside for now. Because he’s about to learn one, undeniable fact: she’s changed, too.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
Get in. Assess the situation. Get out. But for veteran tracker Quentin Rutherford, things get sticky when the girl he’s loved since puberty shows up, conducting her own investigation into the strange occurrences of the small, New Mexico town. He knew it would be a risk coming back to the area, but he had no idea Amber Kowalski had become a bona fide PI, investigating things that go bump in the night. He shouldn’t be surprised, however. She can see through the dead as clearly as he can. The real question is, can she see through him?
But is anything that’s worth it ever easy?
To say that Amber is shocked to see her childhood crush would be the understatement of her fragile second life. One look at him tells her everything she needs to know. He’s changed. So drastically she barely recognizes him. He is savage now, a hardened—in all the right places—demon hunter, and she is simply the awkward, lovestruck girl he left behind.
But she doesn’t have time to dwell on the past. A supernatural entity has set up shop, and it’s up to them to stop it before it kills again.
While thousands of questions burn inside her, she has to put her concern over him, over what he’s become, aside for now. Because he’s about to learn one, undeniable fact: she’s changed, too.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2021
316 people are currently reading
5630 people want to read
About the author
Darynda Jones
59 books16.6k followersNYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 17 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, certain they went away the better for it. She penned the international bestselling Charley Davidson series and is currently working on several beloved projects, most notably the Sunshine Vicram Mystery Series with St. Martin's Press and the Betwixt and Between Series of paranormal women's fiction. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.
Click here to read one of the more popular short stories by Darynda called The Monster:
https://theneverneath.com/2018/02/02/...
She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com
Click here to read one of the more popular short stories by Darynda called The Monster:
https://theneverneath.com/2018/02/02/...
She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 315 reviews
May 12, 2021
It's a book about my sweet two teens in Charley Davidson series. What's not to love?
I actually had a lower expectation going into this. But you know what, I enjoyed this short story. It delivered what it has promised and so I'm satisfied with it.
Either that or I'm a bit biased 😂.
I actually had a lower expectation going into this. But you know what, I enjoyed this short story. It delivered what it has promised and so I'm satisfied with it.
Either that or I'm a bit biased 😂.
August 12, 2021
" Si mis calculos son correctos, puedo jubilarme cinco años despues de mi muerte. "
He soñado con que esta novela existiera desde hace años, por eso cuando vi lo corta que era pense que no seria tan memorable como yo esperaba, por suerte me equivoque completamente, The Gravedigger's Son tiene el numero de hojas perfecto.
La historia es un poco caotica en el buen sentido, me costo unas cuantas paginas adentrarme en la lectura, sobre todo porque creo que la autora da por supuesto muchos hechos que el lector no sabe en un primer momento, no obstante, despues de que se asientan un poco las bases, es un libro interesantisimo.
No se si Darynda Jones planea escribir mas sobre esta pareja, estoy dividida, por un lado me gustaria volver a encontrarme con estos personajes pero por otra parte, no creo que la historia de Amber y Quentin de para mucho mas, no me malentiendan, ambos son unos protagonistas muy validos pero creo que sus coincidencias con la historia de Charley y Reyes les restaria brillo.
En conclusion, The Gravedigger's Son es una novela muy especial para mi, y aunque considero que algunos detalles de la trama podian haber sido mas impactantes de haber tenido mas paginas con las que trabajar, en general fue un libro breve pero intenso.
3.5 Estrellas!
August 1, 2021
Desde que apareció Quentin en la vida de Amber yo anhelaba un libro para ellos y Darynda al fin lo hace realidad pero es tan corto que me supo a poco.
Yo necesitaba una historia más extensa para ellos se lo merecían además que su historia es FRIENDS TO LOVERS Y you know what it means
Amber y Quentin siguen siendo un amor
A pesar de ser una historia tan corta tiene de todo, nos explican su separación, por qué sucedió, su reencuentro, la acción, su reconciliación todo aunque no se profundiza al menos no quedan cabos sueltos.
Me hubiera encantado salieran más personajes tan queridos y pero sobre todo Charley y Reyes AKA alborotador de mis hormonas amor mío.
Ahora sí a esperar que nos traerá Darynda próximamente espero que sea algo de Beep y Osh bebé.
Yo necesitaba una historia más extensa para ellos se lo merecían además que su historia es FRIENDS TO LOVERS Y you know what it means
Amber y Quentin siguen siendo un amor
A pesar de ser una historia tan corta tiene de todo, nos explican su separación, por qué sucedió, su reencuentro, la acción, su reconciliación todo aunque no se profundiza al menos no quedan cabos sueltos.
Me hubiera encantado salieran más personajes tan queridos y pero sobre todo Charley y Reyes AKA alborotador de mis hormonas amor mío.
Ahora sí a esperar que nos traerá Darynda próximamente espero que sea algo de Beep y Osh bebé.
May 14, 2021
Whether you decide to listen or read The Gravedigger’s Son, I am sure you will agree it was fun getting a glimpse into the futures of Amber Kowalski and her high school boyfriend, Quentin Rutherford. The two have separated since we saw them last because of a series of unfortunate events. It was delightful to see their unexpected reunion as the two crossed paths during a case in New Mexico.
The story is told in third person, and not at all typical of what Jones typically delivers. It took me a minute to settle in, but in the end I felt it worked for this novella.
Amber is now a private investigator with her own posse of dead, and Quentin has grown into a man. He’s filled out in all the right places and makes his living as a demon hunter. There is a coldness about him, but it’s clear the two of them still harbor feelings for each other.
Quentin is tracking an unusual demon that leads him to a small-town in New Mexico. Amber is helping the recently departed. A woman wants to warn her family about the demon. Demons, summoners, awkward moments and all the elements I love in Jones’ characters and stories quickly pulled me in.
While this is meant to be read as a standalone, fans of the series will love getting tidbits on beloved characters and seeing our Amber, sassy and all grownup.
Lorelei King did a lovely job narrating the tale. She captures both Amber and Quentin’s personalities, even if I had to adjust for the voices in my head. King pairs perfectly with the characters in this series as she captures their voice and personalities. She draws the listener in and enhances the overall tale. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The story is told in third person, and not at all typical of what Jones typically delivers. It took me a minute to settle in, but in the end I felt it worked for this novella.
Amber is now a private investigator with her own posse of dead, and Quentin has grown into a man. He’s filled out in all the right places and makes his living as a demon hunter. There is a coldness about him, but it’s clear the two of them still harbor feelings for each other.
Quentin is tracking an unusual demon that leads him to a small-town in New Mexico. Amber is helping the recently departed. A woman wants to warn her family about the demon. Demons, summoners, awkward moments and all the elements I love in Jones’ characters and stories quickly pulled me in.
While this is meant to be read as a standalone, fans of the series will love getting tidbits on beloved characters and seeing our Amber, sassy and all grownup.
Lorelei King did a lovely job narrating the tale. She captures both Amber and Quentin’s personalities, even if I had to adjust for the voices in my head. King pairs perfectly with the characters in this series as she captures their voice and personalities. She draws the listener in and enhances the overall tale. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
May 12, 2021
DAMMIT! Over too soon (waaaaaah). Need more, pretty please :)
August 31, 2022
New Mexico. USA. Present day. Darynda Jones’ The Gravedigger’s Son (Charley Davidson Novella, 13.6)
begins with Amber Kowalski, Cookie’s daughter, as she starts the new day with a new case. Amber is following in ‘Aunt’ Charley’s footsteps as she has become a PI. This case will be a bit different than the last as her new client has ‘departed’. Her new client is already dead. Matter of fact her ‘assistant’,
Kyle, is also a member of the ‘departed’. Amber is part PI, part psychic, and can not shake her memories of “He Who Must Not Be Named”. At the same time when Amber is meeting her new ‘client’, He Who Must Not Be Named has taken a chance and returned to New Mexico to catch a murderous demon. HWMNBN, also known as Quentin Rutherford, is a Vatican trained demon hunter with a kind heart who loves Amber Kowalski. Unknown to either one, Amber and Quentin will be working on the same case, at the same time, and in the same place exactly! Fireworks and smoldering here we come! A love story with a bit of the paranormal thrown in! Intriguing characters, sexy lovers, and coordinated teamwork! I am happy for them! 4.5 stars.
begins with Amber Kowalski, Cookie’s daughter, as she starts the new day with a new case. Amber is following in ‘Aunt’ Charley’s footsteps as she has become a PI. This case will be a bit different than the last as her new client has ‘departed’. Her new client is already dead. Matter of fact her ‘assistant’,
Kyle, is also a member of the ‘departed’. Amber is part PI, part psychic, and can not shake her memories of “He Who Must Not Be Named”. At the same time when Amber is meeting her new ‘client’, He Who Must Not Be Named has taken a chance and returned to New Mexico to catch a murderous demon. HWMNBN, also known as Quentin Rutherford, is a Vatican trained demon hunter with a kind heart who loves Amber Kowalski. Unknown to either one, Amber and Quentin will be working on the same case, at the same time, and in the same place exactly! Fireworks and smoldering here we come! A love story with a bit of the paranormal thrown in! Intriguing characters, sexy lovers, and coordinated teamwork! I am happy for them! 4.5 stars.
April 13, 2021
3.5/5
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I was really looking forward to diving back into a novella in the Charley Davidson series and getting back to the characters.
We follow Quentin and Amber this time around, after a few years and I was thrilled to see them again! They are surprised to run into each other but their feelings are still there. But they both have secrets and they will have to work together to find and eliminate the entity that is in town and leaving bodies behind.
I was a little disturbed by the use of the third person in this novel. It threw me off a lot at first. That aside, it was a nice discovery. Of course, it’s a quick read, it’s a new one, but I was happy to go back into the universe.
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I was really looking forward to diving back into a novella in the Charley Davidson series and getting back to the characters.
We follow Quentin and Amber this time around, after a few years and I was thrilled to see them again! They are surprised to run into each other but their feelings are still there. But they both have secrets and they will have to work together to find and eliminate the entity that is in town and leaving bodies behind.
I was a little disturbed by the use of the third person in this novel. It threw me off a lot at first. That aside, it was a nice discovery. Of course, it’s a quick read, it’s a new one, but I was happy to go back into the universe.
July 21, 2021
This novel got me feeling all kinds of weird feelings. I loved Amber and Quentin in the series, they were so cute, their teen crushes adorable. They were like my own younger siblings, or cousins or whatever.
Here they are all grown up though and acting like it. They're having their own grown up lives and doing stuff. I love them as adults. But at the same time, I mean, it's so weird reading about them having sex.
I swear, I'm not a prude. Hardly! It's just my brain can not compute these two engaging in this sort of activities so I was kind of pretending they were some other characters and that's how I was able to enjoy this read. And enjoy it I did. A lot!
I know, I'm weird.
Over and out
Here they are all grown up though and acting like it. They're having their own grown up lives and doing stuff. I love them as adults. But at the same time, I mean, it's so weird reading about them having sex.
I swear, I'm not a prude. Hardly! It's just my brain can not compute these two engaging in this sort of activities so I was kind of pretending they were some other characters and that's how I was able to enjoy this read. And enjoy it I did. A lot!
I know, I'm weird.
Over and out
May 7, 2021
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
I just get so excited and happy when I get to read a book set in the Charley Davidson series. The Gravedigger's Son is Amber and Quentin's story, whose friendship and young love I have seen grow in the series. I was looking forward to see what would happen when these two would be reunited. The blurb summarized this book perfectly so Instead of going into the plot I will write down my thoughts. It was too short! That is what I want to say in the first place, and I know it is a novella, but I just wanted more.
Amber and Quentin's story would've been such an amazing full-length novel. Darynda teased me with this book but I loved every moment. The connection and love between these two is beautiful and very strong. I enjoyed seeing them as grown-ups and I can't wait to see more of them in the spin-0ff series. There was a great balance between humor, romance, action and paranormal elements. This novella is a treat for the fans of the series so I am very happy that Darynda decided to write it regardless of the size of the book.
I just get so excited and happy when I get to read a book set in the Charley Davidson series. The Gravedigger's Son is Amber and Quentin's story, whose friendship and young love I have seen grow in the series. I was looking forward to see what would happen when these two would be reunited. The blurb summarized this book perfectly so Instead of going into the plot I will write down my thoughts. It was too short! That is what I want to say in the first place, and I know it is a novella, but I just wanted more.
Amber and Quentin's story would've been such an amazing full-length novel. Darynda teased me with this book but I loved every moment. The connection and love between these two is beautiful and very strong. I enjoyed seeing them as grown-ups and I can't wait to see more of them in the spin-0ff series. There was a great balance between humor, romance, action and paranormal elements. This novella is a treat for the fans of the series so I am very happy that Darynda decided to write it regardless of the size of the book.
October 18, 2025
When the Charley Davidson series ended I was so sad. I loved the whole cast of characters including the minor ones. Well two of those characters are back in this novella. During the series Amber and Quentin were teenagers, now they are full fledged adults who come together to battle a demon. We find out that these two had broken up and went their separate ways. Quentin is a demon hunter and Amber is a PI just like her Aunt Charley. Both are back in town looking into some killings that is being done by a demon.
These two working together made my dark heart super happy. I think it would be super fun if a series was written about these two. They are a fun couple and really work well together.
These two working together made my dark heart super happy. I think it would be super fun if a series was written about these two. They are a fun couple and really work well together.
March 19, 2021
Not what I expected but loved it in general
Thank you to Darynda Jones for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review, and big thanks to the friendly Dana Crawford for providing me with the ARC.
SPOILERS
YE BE WARNED
Amber and Quentin have always been some of my favorite people in the Grave books, so when I received a wonderful surprise email containing the ARC for their story, I sat down and devoured it. It’s a novella, so it only took a couple hours, but there was definitely enough material for a full-length novel; why couldn’t it have been longer!?! Lol. I loved this little Amber-Quentin story. I loved the writing, I loved Amber, I loved the plot, I loved the secondary characters—Kyle, Dora, Rune, even Sarah.
The only thing I didn’t love was Quentin’s personal narrative. I like Quentin himself, but not what Jones decided to do with him for the last several story-years. I didn’t love that, of all the conceited Reyes-esque moves to pull, he ghosted Amber to “protect” her—and out of shame as well. I didn’t love that he and Amber were separated for five years, didn’t love that he apparently spent a lot of time in bars and had lots of meaningless sex with other women. I really thought he was above that. Didn’t love that he made really stupid choices and decided to lone-wolf it, which only got him into deeper shit. Rune grew on me, but I still resent them for causing this mess.
Quentin, sweetheart, tell me something. Of all the people on Earth who could have helped you with the problem, who do you think would have been best able to handle it? That’s right, Char—
Wait. When was this novella in the timeline? Back in Thirteen, Quentin was sixteen and Amber was thirteen. If Quentin’s problem began in his second semester of college, that was, presumably, approximately three years after Thirteen; he would have been nineteen, Amber would have been sixteen. And this novella takes place five years later, so he should be approximately twenty-four, Amber about twenty-one. Although, I think she’s supposed to be done with college, which should have been four years since she went to Vassar, so maybe she’s twenty-two. Except she graduated high school a semester early, so maybe she is only twenty-one.
Anyway, if Quentin’s problem began only three years after Thirteen, Charley and Reyes would still have been in the form of the Cheyes Haven, so I suppose Quentin couldn’t go to them for help. Osh was off turning savage in Hell or something, so he wasn’t available, either. There was still Uncle Bob, who had to have had some helpful knowledge, and maybe Garrett, too, but I don’t know how much they could have done for Quentin.
No, you know what, I’m still not buying it. If Charley could search the universe for Osh and Beep while in the form of the Cheyes Haven, she could check on Quentin at college, no sweat. I’m sure she’d have been monitoring all her loved ones. I mean, what else did she have to do? I don’t believe that she would have remained ignorant to Quentin’s problem for long. Even if she didn’t learn of it from observing him, she could have learned of his breaking up with Amber by observing her or her mom or Uncle Bob. And even if there was nothing she could do while in the form of Cheyes Haven, or if for some reason she remained ignorant of Quentin’s problem until the Cheyes Haven was dismantled, that was about two to three years before the events of this novella. I’m supposed to believe that once she returned to human form, she didn’t take roll call, discover Quentin was MIA under mysterious circumstances, go find him, find out about his problem, and help him fix it? Nah. Not possible.
So yeah, I’m not buying nor liking his backstory for the last eight story-years. And while I do still love him as a character, I did really miss the sweet, shy young man he used to be. He was such a welcome contrast to the arrogant, high-handed, testosterone-laden male characters like Reyes and Garrett. But now he’s pretty similar to them, hardened and world-weary. Just glares at everyone and everything. RIP OG Quentin.
I know it sounds like I’m hating on Quentin, but I swear I’m not. I love him, he’s a multi-faceted character. I loved the Deaf perspective, and if there’s a non-Deaf person I trust to convey that culture and experience respectfully and as accurately as possible, it’s Darynda Jones. I just . . . I’m pretty disappointed in him, I guess. I hope I regain respect for him during Beep’s trilogy.
There’s not much to say about Amber. She was Amber: sweet, kind, strong. I admit I don’t understand the “traveler” deal, though. I don’t think it was explained; did it have something to do with her mind/memory reading? I imagine it will come into play in Beep’s trilogy, but it would have been nice to get more of an explanation here, since it came up so often.
Also, Quentin still has his problem. Will he always? Will that be like, his superpower in the fight against Satan? Interesting.
So, overall, I’m disappointed in how things worked out for Quentin, and Charley’s lack of involvement in his life is unbelievable–but I loved everything else about this novella, which is why it’s only knocked one star.
Thank you to Darynda Jones for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review, and big thanks to the friendly Dana Crawford for providing me with the ARC.
SPOILERS
YE BE WARNED
Amber and Quentin have always been some of my favorite people in the Grave books, so when I received a wonderful surprise email containing the ARC for their story, I sat down and devoured it. It’s a novella, so it only took a couple hours, but there was definitely enough material for a full-length novel; why couldn’t it have been longer!?! Lol. I loved this little Amber-Quentin story. I loved the writing, I loved Amber, I loved the plot, I loved the secondary characters—Kyle, Dora, Rune, even Sarah.
The only thing I didn’t love was Quentin’s personal narrative. I like Quentin himself, but not what Jones decided to do with him for the last several story-years. I didn’t love that, of all the conceited Reyes-esque moves to pull, he ghosted Amber to “protect” her—and out of shame as well. I didn’t love that he and Amber were separated for five years, didn’t love that he apparently spent a lot of time in bars and had lots of meaningless sex with other women. I really thought he was above that. Didn’t love that he made really stupid choices and decided to lone-wolf it, which only got him into deeper shit. Rune grew on me, but I still resent them for causing this mess.
Quentin, sweetheart, tell me something. Of all the people on Earth who could have helped you with the problem, who do you think would have been best able to handle it? That’s right, Char—
Wait. When was this novella in the timeline? Back in Thirteen, Quentin was sixteen and Amber was thirteen. If Quentin’s problem began in his second semester of college, that was, presumably, approximately three years after Thirteen; he would have been nineteen, Amber would have been sixteen. And this novella takes place five years later, so he should be approximately twenty-four, Amber about twenty-one. Although, I think she’s supposed to be done with college, which should have been four years since she went to Vassar, so maybe she’s twenty-two. Except she graduated high school a semester early, so maybe she is only twenty-one.
Anyway, if Quentin’s problem began only three years after Thirteen, Charley and Reyes would still have been in the form of the Cheyes Haven, so I suppose Quentin couldn’t go to them for help. Osh was off turning savage in Hell or something, so he wasn’t available, either. There was still Uncle Bob, who had to have had some helpful knowledge, and maybe Garrett, too, but I don’t know how much they could have done for Quentin.
No, you know what, I’m still not buying it. If Charley could search the universe for Osh and Beep while in the form of the Cheyes Haven, she could check on Quentin at college, no sweat. I’m sure she’d have been monitoring all her loved ones. I mean, what else did she have to do? I don’t believe that she would have remained ignorant to Quentin’s problem for long. Even if she didn’t learn of it from observing him, she could have learned of his breaking up with Amber by observing her or her mom or Uncle Bob. And even if there was nothing she could do while in the form of Cheyes Haven, or if for some reason she remained ignorant of Quentin’s problem until the Cheyes Haven was dismantled, that was about two to three years before the events of this novella. I’m supposed to believe that once she returned to human form, she didn’t take roll call, discover Quentin was MIA under mysterious circumstances, go find him, find out about his problem, and help him fix it? Nah. Not possible.
So yeah, I’m not buying nor liking his backstory for the last eight story-years. And while I do still love him as a character, I did really miss the sweet, shy young man he used to be. He was such a welcome contrast to the arrogant, high-handed, testosterone-laden male characters like Reyes and Garrett. But now he’s pretty similar to them, hardened and world-weary. Just glares at everyone and everything. RIP OG Quentin.
I know it sounds like I’m hating on Quentin, but I swear I’m not. I love him, he’s a multi-faceted character. I loved the Deaf perspective, and if there’s a non-Deaf person I trust to convey that culture and experience respectfully and as accurately as possible, it’s Darynda Jones. I just . . . I’m pretty disappointed in him, I guess. I hope I regain respect for him during Beep’s trilogy.
There’s not much to say about Amber. She was Amber: sweet, kind, strong. I admit I don’t understand the “traveler” deal, though. I don’t think it was explained; did it have something to do with her mind/memory reading? I imagine it will come into play in Beep’s trilogy, but it would have been nice to get more of an explanation here, since it came up so often.
Also, Quentin still has his problem. Will he always? Will that be like, his superpower in the fight against Satan? Interesting.
So, overall, I’m disappointed in how things worked out for Quentin, and Charley’s lack of involvement in his life is unbelievable–but I loved everything else about this novella, which is why it’s only knocked one star.
May 17, 2021
Trop court, trop rapide, et je ne sais pas si j’ai manqué des autres livres entre la fin de Charley Davidson et cette novella pour comprendre le saut dans le temps.
October 19, 2021
This was probably a closer 3.5 stars than 4, but I rounded up because I love the Charley Davidson world and I long for more! This was a great little story and Darynda Jones certainly packed a lot into 100 pages, but I just felt like this would have benefitted from at least 100 more pages to really flesh out these characters. I loved Quentin and Amber in the original story, but now they were teens in the original novels and are adults now and this short doesn't really do their story justice, but I still enjoyed it and I feel that anyone who is a fan of the CD universe will also enjoy it.
May 13, 2021
If you loved the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones, you don't want to miss her new novella, The Gravedigger's Son. This is Amber's and Quentin's story, whom we've met as teenagers in Charley Davidson's books. I loved these two characters and was very excited to learn that we get a chance to read their story in The Gravedigger's Son. Amber and Quentin were in love and planned to spend their lives together until Quentin left Amber and his former life without an explanation. Amber never forgot her first love, even though he hurt her when he left. In the present, Quentin, now a demon hunter, crushes back into Amber's life while tracking a killer demon in New Mexico. Amber is a supernatural PI, who helps the departed find closure. One of the departed who came to her is the victim of the demon Quentin is hunting.
The Gravedigger's Son has Darynda Jones' signature writing style and wit that I first discovered in the Charley Davidson series. I loved revisiting the characters and the supernatural world that she created in the earlier books. I loved Amber and Quentin and I enjoyed reading their story immensely. I would've loved it if this novella was longer. I was left wanting more! I highly recommend this 1001 Dark Nights novella, and if you haven't read any of Darynda's books, you are missing out!
*ARC provided by the publisher and Social Butterfly PR.
The Gravedigger's Son has Darynda Jones' signature writing style and wit that I first discovered in the Charley Davidson series. I loved revisiting the characters and the supernatural world that she created in the earlier books. I loved Amber and Quentin and I enjoyed reading their story immensely. I would've loved it if this novella was longer. I was left wanting more! I highly recommend this 1001 Dark Nights novella, and if you haven't read any of Darynda's books, you are missing out!
*ARC provided by the publisher and Social Butterfly PR.
January 13, 2024
Too short! I like that they answer some what if questions but they’re just too darned short!
June 4, 2021
After the big bang ending of the Charley Davidson series, like most readers, I was not done speculating about some of the endearing side characters and what the future held for them. This was definitely true of the dynamic teen duo of Amber Kowalski and Quentin Rutherford. We got to watch them grow up and now we get to see them when they’ve come into their own.
The Gravedigger’s Son is a post-series story and could be listened to standalone in a pinch, but I know those who will get the full effect of the story are those who have followed the series and seen this pair of characters from the beginning.
Amber and Quentin have grown up and, heart-aching of all, have been apart since college. Amber is now a PI and a ghostseer like her aunt Charley. She has had to pick up the pieces since Quentin inexplicably ghosted her after he’d had a near-death experience during college. Quentin’s life has been one tough challenge after another and an experience at college and what came after were even more so. He never meant to come back, but a demon hunt brings him face to face with the only woman he will ever love and he broke her heart. Only, he hasn’t come through it all alone…
I was braced just in case their reunion went into high angst, but I should have trusted the author to give me more of her tried and true humor, action, and sensual romance against a fascinating urban fantasy landscape of demons, ghosts, gifted humans, and the rest of the human race rubbing shoulders in a tough world. There is a case and it’s a whopper- big bad killing demon come to town. Their reunion was parts explanation and parts demon fighting. I had a good time with this pair and even got a little emotional over some of the reveal. There is room for more from this pair which left me hopeful.
Lorelei King, the narrator of the series kept her role through this standalone novella. I enjoy her work and she’s a gifted storyteller and voice actress. I did feel Amber’s voice was a bit young like a kids, but other than that this was another fab listening experience.
All and all, a fun reunion with Amber and Quentin, an exciting plot, and a wonderful addition to the series. Urban Fantasy fans who enjoy a lot of humor and some mystery should definitely give this series a go.
My thanks to Brilliance Audio for providing the opportunity to listen to a free copy this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Gravedigger’s Son is a post-series story and could be listened to standalone in a pinch, but I know those who will get the full effect of the story are those who have followed the series and seen this pair of characters from the beginning.
Amber and Quentin have grown up and, heart-aching of all, have been apart since college. Amber is now a PI and a ghostseer like her aunt Charley. She has had to pick up the pieces since Quentin inexplicably ghosted her after he’d had a near-death experience during college. Quentin’s life has been one tough challenge after another and an experience at college and what came after were even more so. He never meant to come back, but a demon hunt brings him face to face with the only woman he will ever love and he broke her heart. Only, he hasn’t come through it all alone…
I was braced just in case their reunion went into high angst, but I should have trusted the author to give me more of her tried and true humor, action, and sensual romance against a fascinating urban fantasy landscape of demons, ghosts, gifted humans, and the rest of the human race rubbing shoulders in a tough world. There is a case and it’s a whopper- big bad killing demon come to town. Their reunion was parts explanation and parts demon fighting. I had a good time with this pair and even got a little emotional over some of the reveal. There is room for more from this pair which left me hopeful.
Lorelei King, the narrator of the series kept her role through this standalone novella. I enjoy her work and she’s a gifted storyteller and voice actress. I did feel Amber’s voice was a bit young like a kids, but other than that this was another fab listening experience.
All and all, a fun reunion with Amber and Quentin, an exciting plot, and a wonderful addition to the series. Urban Fantasy fans who enjoy a lot of humor and some mystery should definitely give this series a go.
My thanks to Brilliance Audio for providing the opportunity to listen to a free copy this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2021
This was my first introduction to Darynda's writing and I'm impressed with what I've read. I really loved Amber and Quentin's characters. They were funny and relatable. I wish I could've had more of their story, but this was a novella so understandably it was just a snippet. I look forward to reading more of her work in future!
January 5, 2023
Quiero más de Quentin y Amber. Esta historia se me ha quedado corta 💔
May 10, 2021
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
Oh what a great treat to get even a little return to the world of Charley Davidson! If you have not read any of the series yet, then this will give you a little insight into the complexity of the storylines, but I do not believe would spoil your enjoyment of it. To fans of the books, this is a cheeky little return to the crazy, without delving too deep - and we always knew that Amber and Quentin were destined to meet again.
For a short story, this packs a lot of punch in its demonic plot-lines - a really clever double bluff in a way. But the real treat is finding Quentin is on the demon's tracks and this leads him back to Amber. Neither of them have forgotten the other, but only he knows why he disappeared and what happened to him. It makes for quite distressing reading, and wait till you find out about Rune!
Amber doesn't care about any excuses Quentin may have, she still loves him, and once the danger has passed, she is going to make sure he doesn't believe anything but that fundamental truth.
Oh, I do hope you enjoy this little dip back into Darynda Jones' fun and fascinating writing.
Oh what a great treat to get even a little return to the world of Charley Davidson! If you have not read any of the series yet, then this will give you a little insight into the complexity of the storylines, but I do not believe would spoil your enjoyment of it. To fans of the books, this is a cheeky little return to the crazy, without delving too deep - and we always knew that Amber and Quentin were destined to meet again.
For a short story, this packs a lot of punch in its demonic plot-lines - a really clever double bluff in a way. But the real treat is finding Quentin is on the demon's tracks and this leads him back to Amber. Neither of them have forgotten the other, but only he knows why he disappeared and what happened to him. It makes for quite distressing reading, and wait till you find out about Rune!
Amber doesn't care about any excuses Quentin may have, she still loves him, and once the danger has passed, she is going to make sure he doesn't believe anything but that fundamental truth.
Oh, I do hope you enjoy this little dip back into Darynda Jones' fun and fascinating writing.
May 12, 2021
*I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads*
I was so excited to revisit Charely Davidson's world, and this was the perfect little story to do it with!
I want to mention that every single story I've read in the 1001 Nights series has been the perfectly sized (on the shorter side), complete story, and has yet to disappoint.
Anyway, back to the story...
If you've read any of the Charley Davisdon series than you know who Quentin is, you may also remember Amber. (If you have not read the series, what are you waiting for? It was fantastic!)
I won't spoil anything, but I loved everything about this: the supernatural angle, the investigation, the snarkiness, and the characters.
If you're looking for a quick, yet complete story or if you'd like a glimpse into this series then definitely check this out.
I was so excited to revisit Charely Davidson's world, and this was the perfect little story to do it with!
I want to mention that every single story I've read in the 1001 Nights series has been the perfectly sized (on the shorter side), complete story, and has yet to disappoint.
Anyway, back to the story...
If you've read any of the Charley Davisdon series than you know who Quentin is, you may also remember Amber. (If you have not read the series, what are you waiting for? It was fantastic!)
I won't spoil anything, but I loved everything about this: the supernatural angle, the investigation, the snarkiness, and the characters.
If you're looking for a quick, yet complete story or if you'd like a glimpse into this series then definitely check this out.
May 10, 2021
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a quick, fun introduction to Charley Davidson’s world. Fans of the series who have watched Amber grow up will remember Quentin, her teenage love interest. In this book, Amber and Quentin are all grown up and they meet unexpectedly while hunting the same demon.
I think an Amber-focused spinoff series could be fantastic. Amber will remind fans of the Grim-Reaper Charley at the start of her series. Amber seems a little more grounded and a little less kooky - but she’s confident and engaging. Quentin is an unexpected treat in this novella - he brings a unique supernatural skillset to his demon hunting. The chemistry is fabulous between these two - even if the story feels a little instalove. I really enjoyed this short read and I look forward to more books about Amber and Quentin.
This is a quick, fun introduction to Charley Davidson’s world. Fans of the series who have watched Amber grow up will remember Quentin, her teenage love interest. In this book, Amber and Quentin are all grown up and they meet unexpectedly while hunting the same demon.
I think an Amber-focused spinoff series could be fantastic. Amber will remind fans of the Grim-Reaper Charley at the start of her series. Amber seems a little more grounded and a little less kooky - but she’s confident and engaging. Quentin is an unexpected treat in this novella - he brings a unique supernatural skillset to his demon hunting. The chemistry is fabulous between these two - even if the story feels a little instalove. I really enjoyed this short read and I look forward to more books about Amber and Quentin.
May 18, 2021
It's been a while since I read any of the Charley Davidson books but Jones did a great job of smoothly bringing me back into that world. Amber and Quentin are now grown up, but have not seen each other since he was a freshman in college and she still in high school. This novella brings them back together as they battle with a demon killing people in Amber's town. A lot happens and it's a testament to Jones' writing skill that it feels seamless and not overwhelming. An excellent, if short, peek back into Charley's world.
August 4, 2022
I'm so happy that we get Amber and Quenton's story. It was hard not to still envision them as teenagers still but I loved getting to see them again. I think it's awesome that Amber has stepped into Charlie's private investigator shoes. The only complaint I have is that I wish there was more. I could keep reading this series forever!
August 14, 2021
Ameeee!!!
May 20, 2021
This novella packs quite a punch! I’m a huge Charley Davidson fan and was thrilled to read about the all grown up Amber and Quentin! This little nugget was packed full of everything I have come to love about Darynda Jones’s writing!
All I have to say is PLEASE write us a series about BEEP!!
All I have to say is PLEASE write us a series about BEEP!!
May 29, 2021
This is Amber's and Quentin's story. It is so much fun to read about these two all grown up. This story is romantic, fast, action-packed and fun.
November 20, 2023
It was nice to be back in Charles's world.
May 13, 2021
O. M. G. I loved this little novella!!!! Finally reading about Amber and Quentin all grown up was awesome!
Packed with Ms Jones signature humor, snark and suspense....I was IN HEAVEN while reading.
Demons and the departed and a spunky Amber and a grown up dark and delicious Quentin set the tone to my perfect afternoon read.
I seriously can’t wait to read more in this world.
~Heather💜
Packed with Ms Jones signature humor, snark and suspense....I was IN HEAVEN while reading.
Demons and the departed and a spunky Amber and a grown up dark and delicious Quentin set the tone to my perfect afternoon read.
I seriously can’t wait to read more in this world.
~Heather💜
May 12, 2021
THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON is instalment 13.6 and novella in Darynda Jones’ contemporary, adult CHARLEY DAVIDSON paranormal, UF series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is twenty-seven year old demon tracker Quentin Rutherford, and psychic/traveller Amber Kowalski’s story line. For fans of the series, Amber and Quentin were first introduced in the earlier instalments of the Charley Davidson series. Amber is the daughter of Charley’s assistant Cookie.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Amber and Quentin) THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON focuses on two of the secondary characters in the author’s Charley Davidson series. Approximately ten to twelve years have past since we were last up close and personal with our story line couple, teens who have been in love for one another for a very long time but Quentin Rutherford disappeared from Amber’s life, a disappearance that ripped out her heart, and destroyed her soul but both Quentin and Amber have psychic abilities, abilities that grew stronger, through their teen years into adulthood.
Amber Kowalski hadn’t seen Quentin for close to ten years but investigating the possible murder of a recently deceased brings Amber up close and personal with Quentin Rutherford, the boy turned man, who is much more than she could ever have imagined. While Quentin is hunting a demon that had quite possibly gone rogue, everything begins to connect including the murder of three people connected by the past. What ensues is the search and take down of a murdering demon, and the potential fall-out as the demon sets his sights on Amber, and Amber learns the truth about the man that she still loves.
We are introduced to Amber’s assistant and earthbound spirit Kyle, and Quentin’s ‘demon’ other Rune.
For followers of the Charley Davidson series, the humour and snark is limited except for the t-shirt and meme quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I was hoping for a little more of the familiarity of the dark comedy, sarcasm and sass.
THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON is a quick read; a fast paced, action packed story of vengeance and betrayal; friendship and love; second chances and hope. The premise is captivating; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are familiar and energetic. THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON is a welcome return to the Charley Davidson’s series, a return of which there will be so much more. Here’s hoping the author has plans for a spin-off series focusing on Amber and Quentin.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual third person perspectives (Amber and Quentin) THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON focuses on two of the secondary characters in the author’s Charley Davidson series. Approximately ten to twelve years have past since we were last up close and personal with our story line couple, teens who have been in love for one another for a very long time but Quentin Rutherford disappeared from Amber’s life, a disappearance that ripped out her heart, and destroyed her soul but both Quentin and Amber have psychic abilities, abilities that grew stronger, through their teen years into adulthood.
Amber Kowalski hadn’t seen Quentin for close to ten years but investigating the possible murder of a recently deceased brings Amber up close and personal with Quentin Rutherford, the boy turned man, who is much more than she could ever have imagined. While Quentin is hunting a demon that had quite possibly gone rogue, everything begins to connect including the murder of three people connected by the past. What ensues is the search and take down of a murdering demon, and the potential fall-out as the demon sets his sights on Amber, and Amber learns the truth about the man that she still loves.
We are introduced to Amber’s assistant and earthbound spirit Kyle, and Quentin’s ‘demon’ other Rune.
For followers of the Charley Davidson series, the humour and snark is limited except for the t-shirt and meme quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I was hoping for a little more of the familiarity of the dark comedy, sarcasm and sass.
THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON is a quick read; a fast paced, action packed story of vengeance and betrayal; friendship and love; second chances and hope. The premise is captivating; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are familiar and energetic. THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON is a welcome return to the Charley Davidson’s series, a return of which there will be so much more. Here’s hoping the author has plans for a spin-off series focusing on Amber and Quentin.
www.thereadingcafe.com
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