THIRD GRAVE DEAD AHEAD

An Albuquerque private eye’s professional success just might hinge on her status as grim reaper.

For years now, Charley Davidson has been helping her father, a retired cop, and her uncle, still on the Albuquerque force. As a teen, she saved Reyes Farrow from being beaten to death by the stepfather he’s now accused of killing. She’s afraid to sleep because Reyes, the devastatingly handsome son of Satan, haunts her with erotic dreams. Approached by a doctor whose wife is missing, Charley senses that he has something to do with the disappearance. Assuring him that she’ll take the case, she investigates his past, which includes another wife found dead. Meanwhile, a biker gang wants her to discover who’s killing their guard dogs. When Reyes escapes from prison, carjacks Charley and tells her his stepfather is still alive, she senses yet another case to work on. As a portal for people to pass from life to death, Charley gets a lot of help from those who have not yet decided to pass over. Stressed to the max by her father, who wants her to quit investigating; Reyes, who tells her she still hasn’t uncovered all of her powers; and clients who may be planning to kill her, Charley just won’t give up.

Charley’s third paranormal case (Second Grave on the Left, 2011, etc.) features updates on the complicated relationships developed in the first two offerings. This time the mystery is stronger but still overshadowed by the ramifications of Charley’s day job.