Darynda Jones Books in Order: The Complete Guide to Her Paranormal Mysteries and More
Darynda Jones is known for combining fast-paced mysteries, supernatural twists, sharp humor, and memorable characters. Her books range from a wisecracking private investigator who also happens to be the Grim Reaper to a small-town sheriff investigating crimes in New Mexico.
If you’re trying to figure out where to start, this guide organizes her books by series and reading order. It also covers companion novellas and other stories that readers may want to include.
Charley Davidson Books in Order
The Charley Davidson series follows Charley, a private investigator who can see the dead and has a much bigger supernatural role than she initially realizes. The series combines paranormal mystery, romance, danger, and plenty of sarcastic humor.
For the best experience, read the main novels in numbered order. The larger story develops across the series, so skipping ahead can spoil important character and plot developments.
1. First Grave on the Right (2011)
Charley Davidson is a private investigator who also serves as a Grim Reaper, helping the dead move on. Her unusual ability becomes central to a murder investigation that brings her into contact with dangerous supernatural forces.
2. Second Grave on the Left (2011)
Charley faces another investigation while dealing with the complicated relationships and supernatural mysteries surrounding her. The story builds on the first novel, making it important to read the opening book before starting this one.
3. Third Grave Dead Ahead (2012)
Charley takes on another case while trying to understand the increasingly complicated world around her. The balance of paranormal danger, investigation, and personal complications continues to develop.
4. Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet (2012)
Charley’s work as a private investigator becomes more complicated as supernatural threats and personal challenges collide. This installment continues the larger story rather than starting a separate adventure.
5. Fifth Grave Past the Light (2013)
Charley faces new challenges in her relationships and her work, with the series’ mix of mystery, humor, and paranormal danger firmly in place. Readers following the overarching story should continue in sequence.
6. Sixth Grave on the Edge (2014)
Charley’s relationship with Reyes Farrow becomes increasingly important as new problems arise. The novel combines supernatural suspense with the personal stakes that have been building throughout the series.
7. Seventh Grave and No Body (2014)
A dangerous supernatural threat puts Charley in an increasingly difficult position. The story raises the stakes and continues the larger conflict that connects the later books.
8. Eighth Grave After Dark (2015)
Charley has major personal changes to contend with while facing another serious supernatural challenge. This installment is particularly important for readers following the central story and its developing relationships.
9. The Dirt on Ninth Grave (2016)
Charley finds herself in a small New York village with a different identity and no memory of who she really is. The unusual setup gives this installment a fresh mystery while keeping it connected to the series.
10. The Curse of Tenth Grave (2016)
Charley continues searching for answers about her identity, abilities, and place in the supernatural world. The mystery surrounding her life becomes increasingly significant as the series moves toward its conclusion.
11. Eleventh Grave in Moonlight (2017)
Charley returns for another supernatural investigation as the consequences of earlier events continue to unfold. The novel advances the central storyline and prepares readers for the final stretch.
12. The Trouble with Twelfth Grave (2017)
The conflict involving Charley and Reyes intensifies after dangerous events in a hell dimension. Their personal struggles and the series’ larger supernatural storyline move closer to a turning point.
13. Summoned to Thirteenth Grave (2019)
The thirteenth main novel brings Charley’s central story to its conclusion. Readers should save this book until they have completed the previous twelve novels to experience the major developments in order.
Charley Davidson Companion Novellas and Stories
The main novels are the essential reading path, but Darynda Jones has also published shorter stories set in the Charley Davidson world. These provide additional perspectives and adventures involving characters connected to the series.
The following titles appear in the author’s official Charley Davidson catalog. Some are novellas or shorter works rather than full-length novels.
For I Have Sinned (2011)
This shorter story returns readers to the supernatural world of Charley Davidson. It is an additional read for fans who want more of the series beyond the main novels.
Brighter Than the Sun (2015)
This novella focuses on Reyes Alexander Farrow and offers more insight into his experiences and connection with Charley. It is best approached as a companion story rather than a replacement for the main series.
The Graveyard Shift (2020)
This Charley Davidson novella follows another adventure in the series’ supernatural world. It offers readers a shorter return to the characters and atmosphere of the novels.
The Gravedigger’s Son (2021)
This companion novella expands the series through another story involving its supernatural setting. Readers who enjoy the supporting characters may want to add it to their reading list.
The Graveside Bar and Grill (2022)
This shorter work follows a story involving Donovan St. James. It adds another perspective to the wider Charley Davidson universe.
The Grave Robber (2023)
This novella focuses on Eric Vause and his own story within the series’ supernatural world. It is an optional extra for readers who want to explore beyond Charley’s main storyline.
Graveyard Dog (2024)
This companion story features Michael Cavalcante and provides another short visit to the world of Charley Davidson. It is an additional read for completionists.
Where Does For I Have Sinned Fit?
For I Have Sinned is listed among the Charley Davidson stories, and bibliographies commonly place it around the beginning of the series. Because it is a shorter companion work rather than one of the thirteen numbered novels, readers can follow the main novels first and return to it as an extra.
The same principle applies to the later novellas: if you’re new to the series, don’t let the bonus stories interrupt the main reading sequence.
Sunshine Vicram Books in Order
The Sunshine Vicram series is a good alternative for readers who want a mystery series with a strong central character but less emphasis on the supernatural world of Charley Davidson.
Sunshine Vicram is a sheriff in the fictional town of Del Sol, New Mexico. The books mix small-town crime, family complications, humor, and an ensemble cast of distinctive characters.
Read the three novels in this order.
1. A Bad Day for Sunshine (2020)
Sunshine Vicram returns to her hometown as its new sheriff, hoping to settle into her position. Instead, a missing teenager and a town full of secrets quickly make her job more complicated than expected.
2. A Good Day for Chardonnay (2021)
Sunshine is back dealing with crimes, unexpected complications, and the colorful residents of Del Sol. The second novel builds on the relationships and ongoing mysteries introduced in the first book.
3. A Hard Day for a Hangover (2022)
Sunshine faces another complicated case as trouble finds its way into her small New Mexico town. This third installment continues the series’ blend of mystery, humor, and personal drama.
Recommended reading order: A Bad Day for Sunshine, A Good Day for Chardonnay, and then A Hard Day for a Hangover.
Betwixt & Between Books in Order
The Betwixt & Between series follows Defiance Dayne, a woman whose life changes dramatically when she inherits a house and discovers a new connection to the supernatural. The books combine witchcraft, paranormal adventure, and humor, with a protagonist navigating a major change in the middle of her life.
1. Betwixt (2020)
Defiance Dayne is divorced, financially struggling, and unsure what comes next when an unexpected inheritance changes her circumstances. The house she receives leads her toward a world of magic and possibilities she never expected.
2. Bewitched (2020)
Defiance continues adjusting to her new life and her emerging magical abilities. The story expands the supernatural world introduced in the first book.
3. Beguiled (2021)
Defiance’s journey as a witch continues as she learns more about the people and forces around her. This installment follows the developments of the first two books, so reading them in sequence is recommended.
4. Moonlight and Magic (2022)
This companion work revisits the first three Betwixt & Between books. The author specifically cautions readers about spoilers, so it’s best read after the original trilogy rather than before it.
5. Midnight and Magic (Upcoming)
The author’s book catalog lists Midnight and Magic as the fifth Betwixt & Between book and has described it as forthcoming. Check the current publication status before treating it as available; its release details may change.
Darklight Books in Order
The Darklight trilogy is a young adult paranormal series featuring Lorelei MacAlister. It combines supernatural discoveries, friendship, romance, and mysteries surrounding Lorelei’s family.
1. Death and the Girl Next Door (2012)
Lorelei’s life changes when Jared Kovach arrives in town and disrupts the ordinary world she thought she knew. The story introduces the characters and supernatural mysteries that drive the trilogy.
2. Death, Doom and Detention (2013)
Lorelei’s world grows more complicated as the events surrounding Jared and the supernatural forces connected to him develop. This second book continues the story established in the opener.
3. Death and the Girl He Loves (2013)
The trilogy continues toward the resolution of Lorelei’s story and the mysteries introduced in the earlier books. Read it after the first two novels for the intended character and plot progression.
The NeverNeath Books in Order
Darynda Jones’s The NeverNeath titles are separate from the Charley Davidson and Sunshine Vicram series. They are shorter works that readers interested in her broader bibliography may want to explore.
1. The Monster (2018)
This title belongs to Jones’s wider catalog outside her best-known series. Readers exploring her complete bibliography can begin here before moving to the later NeverNeath title.
2. A Lovely Drop (2020)
This later title is associated with The NeverNeath in bibliographic listings. Treat it as a separate reading path rather than part of the Charley Davidson or Sunshine Vicram storylines.
Which Darynda Jones Series Should You Read First?
The best starting point depends on the type of story you enjoy.
- For paranormal mysteries and romance: Start with First Grave on the Right, the first Charley Davidson novel.
- For small-town crime and humor: Start with A Bad Day for Sunshine, the first Sunshine Vicram book.
- For witches and supernatural adventures: Begin with Betwixt.
- For young adult paranormal fiction: Start with Death and the Girl Next Door, the first Darklight novel.
- For a complete reading project: Work through each series separately, then add the novellas, short stories, and anthology contributions.
You don’t need to read all of Darynda Jones’s series in one combined order. The main priority is to preserve the sequence within each series, particularly when characters and mysteries carry over from one book to the next.
About Darynda Jones
Darynda Jones is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for paranormal mysteries, humorous suspense, and supernatural fiction. Her best-known work includes the Charley Davidson series, featuring a private investigator who also serves as the Grim Reaper, and the Sunshine Vicram mysteries, set in a small New Mexico town.
Jones’s path to publication included years of writing and revising before she secured a publishing deal. Her manuscript for First Grave on the Right earned both a Golden Heart award and a RITA award, helping establish the series that introduced her distinctive blend of mystery, romance, supernatural danger, and comedy.
Her books span several genres and audiences, from adult paranormal romance and mystery to young adult supernatural fiction. That variety makes reading by series the most practical way for new readers to explore her work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first Darynda Jones book I should read?
Start with First Grave on the Right if you want to read her best-known Charley Davidson series. If you prefer a small-town mystery, begin with A Bad Day for Sunshine instead.
How many Charley Davidson books are there?
The core Charley Davidson series consists of thirteen numbered novels, ending with Summoned to Thirteenth Grave. Jones has also published companion novellas and shorter stories set in the same world.
Do I need to read the Charley Davidson novellas?
No. The thirteen main novels are the essential sequence. The novellas offer additional stories and character perspectives, so they are most useful for readers who want to explore more of the series after starting the main books.
Are the Charley Davidson books connected?
Yes. The novels follow an overarching story involving Charley’s abilities, her relationships, and a growing supernatural conflict. Reading them in numbered order helps preserve character development and avoids major spoilers.
What order should I read the Sunshine Vicram books?
Read A Bad Day for Sunshine first, followed by A Good Day for Chardonnay and A Hard Day for a Hangover. This sequence follows Sunshine’s work as sheriff and the continuing relationships in Del Sol.
Is Betwixt & Between connected to Charley Davidson?
They are separate series. Both explore supernatural themes, but Betwixt & Between follows Defiance Dayne and her discovery of a magical world, while Charley Davidson follows a private investigator who can see the dead.
Is the Darklight series suitable for young adult readers?
Darklight is a young adult paranormal trilogy. It features supernatural mysteries, friendship, and romance, though readers should check individual book descriptions to decide whether its content suits their preferences.
Are all Darynda Jones books part of a series?
No. In addition to her main series, Jones has published companion stories and contributed to anthologies. These shorter works are best treated as supplementary reading unless a particular story is part of a series you’re already following.
What is the best order to read all Darynda Jones books?
There is no single required order across every series because they follow different characters and storylines. Choose the series that interests you most, read its novels in order, and then add its companion novellas and other short works.
Is Midnight and Magic available?
The author’s catalog has listed Midnight and Magic as the fifth Betwixt & Between book and described it as forthcoming. Check the current release information before adding it to an available-books list, as publication schedules can change.
Final Note
Darynda Jones offers several different reading experiences, from Charley Davidson’s supernatural investigations to Sunshine Vicram’s small-town mysteries and Defiance Dayne’s magical adventures. If you’re new to her work, begin with the first book in the series that sounds most appealing, then follow its reading order before moving on to the others.
For readers who want to explore her entire bibliography, the companion novellas, short stories, and anthology appearances are worth checking after the main series novels.
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