Kristina A. reviewed on 1/13/2016 + 1528 more book reviews

The Dirt on Ninth Grave by Darynda Jones is the ninth book in the Charley Davidson series. It Sleepy Hollow, New York the Firelight Grill has a new employee named Janey Doerr (aka Charlotte "Charley" Davidson). Jane Doe was too boring and normal so she changed it up a little. Charley has amnesia and does not remember who she is. She woke up behind the diner four weeks ago with memory. Charley has special abilities (she can see the dead, see aura, and can tell if someone is lying are a few of them), but she does not understand how they work. She is also afraid to tell anyone (for fear of what they will think). Charley is lucky to have made a good friend in fellow worker Cookie (and her husband, Bob). The diner gets a new cook. One of the regulars, Reyes Alexander Farrow has just been hired, and Charley is very attracted to him. Charley is not sure she should act on the attraction (he also infuriates her). Then Charley notices something strange going on at Mr. Vandenberg's antique store. Charley discovers that some Middle Eastern men are holding Mr. Vandenberg and his family hostage so they can use his storeroom (to drill a tunnel into a dry cleaners). Charley sets out to help him. Will Charley be able to help the Vandenberg's? Will she ever get her memory back (and why did she lose it) and what happens when she does?

I have not read any of the books in this series before, and I discovered that is a detriment. You really do need to read the other books in the Charley Davidson series in order to understand everything going on in The Dirt on Ninth Grave (or just to understand the book). I thought the book was okay. There is a lot of foul language and sex (talk and act) with very little mystery. The first twenty percent of the book is basically Charley admiring Reyes (how handsome, sexy, hot, etc.) and the other guys that are regulars at the diner. There is no action (the book does not move forward at all). The book picks up pace in the last forty percent (if you make it that far). I give Dirt on Ninth Grave 3 out of 5 stars. The idea is good, but I was just not a fan (I think I will have to go back and read the other books in the series--at least the first book). The Dirt on Ninth Grave reads more like an erotic novel than a paranormal mystery book.

I received a complimentary copy of Dirt on Ninth Grave from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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