Sometimes being the grim reaper really is, well, grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple of months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above…or at least get dressed. It becomes clear something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. But the more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it.

In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, is out of prison and out of Charley’s life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved.

Where to start?

More Charley. More Reyes. More of their dysfunctional families, which are enough to break your heart, but also more of their friends and more stable family members, who make you want to meet them.

I love that this book answered so many questions, and the character development is there. These books remind me a lot of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books, but I stopped reading those when I realized nothing was going to happen — the books were funny but episodic. This series, however, builds on each book, and each book pulls me deeper into the characters and wants me to know more.

Also, Jones is a master at creating a satisfying ending that makes you feel like the story is wrapped up while also dropping in teasers that force you to get the next book to know what’s going to happen. (Forced in a good way, because the books are super entertaining.)

By far the steamiest of the books so far (NOT clean/sweet romance, if that’s what you’re looking for). R-rated for swearing and sex. (Get your copy here.)