Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet Mass Market Paperback – March 26, 2013

I've been waiting for this book for a year and the wait, although tedious, was worth it. Fourth Grave Beneath my Feet is another wonder from the incredibly fertile mind of Darynda Jones. It is not quite like the first three books, nor will it, I suspect, be like the remaining books in the series. It feels like a bridge between what has been happening in the series and what will come.FIRST, LET ME GET THE NOT SO POSITIVE STUFF OUT OF THE WAY.The editing wasn't quite up to par with the first three books. It wasn't bad at all, but there were a couple of mistakes like "dessert" for the word "desert" (as in the Mojave desert) that grated just a little bit.Charley's self talk and sometimes inane conversations reached the height of my all-time tolerance level. I kept asking what the author was doing until I got the full picture of what was going on. Then it made sense and I sat back and enjoyed it.THE GOOD STUFFSince Earl Walker's brutal attack and torture, Charley has spent almost two months hiding in her apartment. She has become agoraphobic and obsessive compulsive, suffering exquisitely from post-traumatic stress disorder. She names every body part, piece of furniture, and appliance conceivable. She hasn't worked a case in that time and has interacted with no one but Cookie and her sister. Her most terrible fear is the monster chair that lurks under stack of boxes filled with household items that she's bought on the home shopping network, the chair where Walker nearly tortured her to death and drove her out of her mind. Her fear paralyzes her. This is the reason for all the crazy self-talk, so just strap in and go with it.Ubie, Gemma, Cookie, and Amber stage an intervention to try to help Charley come out of it and she has to face the fact that she has no money to pay the bills or even buy a sweet roll. So, she accepts a case when Harper Williams visits her home and asks for help. Ubie asks for her help in solving a series of arsons. She also devises a scheme to demand $1 million from Reyes Farrow for her services in clearing him from his murder conviction in the previous book. This smacks more like just a ruse for her to get in touch with Reyes than it does a serious intent to collect.Charley's fear turns out to be like an aphrodisiac to the demons who use it to home in on her presence. The demons plan and execute a far more sophisticated strategy to get to Charley and the more they try to kill her the more her terror spirals out of control. It broke my heart to watch the formerly fearless grim reaper be reduced to helpless jello, succumbing to terror.With a multitude of subplots, there are two main plot points to the series: the relationship between Charley and Reyes and the coming war between good and evil.The relationship between Charley and Reyes is the main course for me. Their relationship does not stagnate here. Darynda Jones give us more Reyes in this book, thank the lucky stars! I swoon when he's on the page. Seriously. Bring me a fan. That man is so hot . . . and volatile . . . and unpredictable; I know just how Charley's friend, Cookie, feels. The author keeps you on pins and needles about their relationship. It's frustrating and delicious.We learn more about what the war between good and evil will entail and what it will require for either side to win. We learn more about Charley's back story and her purpose. We discover that Reyes is morphing into things (that described would present spoilers) but that are important to the overall series.On the one hand, the story seemed to stall in this book; on the other, the rapid fire developments, the volume of curves and story arcs; the action, utterly consumed me. Charley works on five mysteries, all of which are fully fleshed out and not hurried; ultimately addresses her PTSD in such a novel way that I'd volunteer for PTSD if I could have that treatment. She deals with family and friend issues, and then indulges in a self act that leaves her torn into shreds of a different nature.Believe me, I've left a lot of stuff out of this review. But lastly, I want to say that Darynda Jones is a huge talent. She writes beautifully in an easy-to-read, easy flowing style. How she can create ultimate order out of a dozen or so different storylines and bring them together like a bundle of colored skeins in a knitting project is simply astounding. And it all makes sense. No loose ends. With the exception of one thing--but it's not really a loose end because I'm sure it will come back in her fifth book.If you haven't started this series, hie yourself off to the bookstore right now and don't wait for anyone in crosswalks. Just get there and start reading this yummy series. If you don't have this book yet, do the same thing. The good news is that it won't be a year until the next book comes out. I believe it's only going to be 8 months--the longest 8 months in recent memory.4.5 STARS; .5 stars off because of the silly conversations and self-talk.

My Rating: 4 stars: Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)Review originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About*Note: In this series, each book builds upon story lines revealed in the previous releases. Therefore, there will be spoilers from the prior three titles in this review. This series is best enjoyed when the books are read in order.It's been over two months of pajama-wearing, home-shopping-network-watching, never-leaving-her-apartment for our heroine Charley Davison. After being horribly tortured by a crazed killer, then abandoned by her sort-of boyfriend, and finally, at the request of her father, arrested while in the hospital, Charley has spent some downtime avoiding her problems, and who would blame her?Charley's life starts to pick up again, in baby steps, after she decides to take a case from a women who thinks someone is trying to kill her. Working on the mystery gets Charley out of her apartment, and we witness her spark begin to return once she starts using her brain for something other than watching TV.Of course with Charley, nothing is ever linear, and although her case is not tied to her personal life, the two begin to intermingle. She's got a score to settle with Reyes, she is actively avoiding her father, and she knows something is up with a set of bank robbers she views on the news. Oh, and it seems that there are a bunch of demons taking possession of humans and then trying to kill her.Fans of Ms. Jones' Charley Davidson series will be delighted with Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet. We get a lot more of what we love! First, there is Charley's insanely brilliant humor. Although there are some serious moments, and Charley has been beaten down, she still dishes out the barbs at herself and those around her. Her view and critiques of life are laugh-out-loud hilarious. The humor allows an intimate bond to develop between Charley and the reader, allowing one to empathize with her condition and cause one to root for Charley to succeed. I don't think I've read a more humorous character than Charley Davidson. But beware - her snark isn't for everyone.We also get more of Cookie, Charley's best friend and assistant. Their relationship is so special - the kind one hopes to form in real life. The pair fit together so well - able to lift one another up and laugh at the insanity of life. In addition, there is more of Charley's once estranged sister, Gemma. Charley is at her best when interacting with those she cares about.And for those who want it... yes, there is more of the sexy Son of Satan, Reyes. While the pair share some extremely sensual and erotic moments (and yes, they finally get to interact in person!), I have to admit, I'm still not a big Reyes fan. It's not that I want to see Charley with anyone else, although she does have some promising would-be suitors. It's just that Reyes knows Charley can't control herself and her hormones around him, and he uses that - uses her - to suit his own needs. And while he may care deeply about what happens to her - let's face it: he's an a$$. He expects a certain type of behavior from her, but won't give her the same courtesy with his actions. They have heat, but I just don't feel the emotions, and that is what I want from the pair as a couple.In addition, there are lots of fun nuggets for those who read the series - we see prophet Sister Mary Elizabeth again. Aunt Lil is over-the-top this time around. And there is some interaction with the sexy motorcycle gang lead by Donovan. But I am disappointed at the lack of face time for one of my favorite characters, Garrett Swopes. Although their scenes were powerful and well-written, I was let down that there wasn't more resolution over what has happened (read to find out!). I hope his near-death experience from the third book, and any subsequent fallout, gets more play time in the next book.As Charley goes through the motions of solving the case, she begins her healing, but she still has a ways to go. The case itself was extremely gripping and full of twists that frankly, I just did not see coming. Although the surprises don't have any ramifications on the overall plot arc, they made for exciting reading!Importantly, both Charley and Reyes develop and grow. New powers/talents emerge for both Charley and Reyes. We see Charley take charge of her shattered life once again. Because of of these things, Charley takes some questionable actions. In the end, I like Charley, a lot. She's snarky, smart and loving. Her crazy ADD brain and way of thinking are engrossing and entertaining.Overall, I completely adore the writing style of Darynda Jones. I devoured Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet in a day. It is a funny and smart read, with interesting and well-woven plots. Sure, I guessed early on who was trying to kill Charley's newest client... but I didn't know why. And while I did figure out who Charley's new neighbor was going to be, it sure was fun watching Charley figure it out. The entire story from beginning to end was a complete joy.

Well I downloaded this one month ago and it was so good I read all 12 books to date in one month. They were epic! without giving any spoilers away, let me just say, this series was refreshingly different. A grim reaper who is funny, empathetic and has a gorgeous sexy counterpart. Both main characters and main sub characters progress throughout the series to the point that I felt I knew these people. I miss them - waiting on the final book to be released in a couple of weeks - and then I'll be despondent without them. Each book progressed not only the characters but the story without too much repetition - just the right amount that it kept new readers in the loop and didn't bore the pants of serial readers. It was laugh out loud funny in places -you don't get much of that in books - and I really empathised and felt in tune with Charley. It had it all - romance, naughty bits (just the right amount), suspense, complex storyline, and storyline progression throughout the series. These books would make an excellent transition to TV or film. A good director and producer could make these great on this medium. They are also well written. Written from Charley's POV, you get the inside view of what it's like to be Charley and you get her reactions to her circumstances, relationships both normal and paranormal and how she feels about what she does. You love Reyes as much as she does, what's not to love? And the suspense is a page turner. A series not to be missed and one to ensure you put aside time to enjoy.

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet is a fantastic addition to the amazing Charley Davidson series. Charley Davidson is the Grim Reaper and is such a great fun character. She is genuinely very funny and the book is filled with witty one liners and great chapter headings. As one would expect from a leading lady in an Urban Fantasy book Charley is kickass but we also see her vulnerable side too as Charley has locked herself away for two months too afraid to leave her flat after the events in the last book. As with all great leading ladies you also have to have a great leading man and we do with Reyes Farrow. He is my perfect male character, and I am completely in love with him. Sexy, hot, one minute Mr Nice Guy saving Charley's life the next Mr Badass backing Charley into a corner because he is mad at her and the image of him shirtless in those jeans....well what more can I say. You never know where Charley stands with Reyes and their teasing will they won't they relationship so far makes this series brilliant.As well as the main plot in this book which is Charley's new case we also find out a lot about Charley's past and what being the Grim Reaper is and why the demons want her so much. But in as much as we get answers we also have so many more questions which leaves us begging for the next instalment.If you want a great witty read with a funny female character and a hot sexy bad boy then please try these books. I love this series and it is a must read for Urban Fantasy fans. Ms Jones has pulled off yet another awesome book and I can't wait for July 2013 to get my hands on Fifth Grave Past the Light. I am going to give Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet 5 stars.

I have no idea from where Darynda Jones exploded onto my reading world but I am overjoyed that I've discovered her. This woman is a genius and long may she continue to write.This book is pure entertainment of the highest order - as are all the others in the set. I have been swallowed whole into the world of Charley and simply can't get enough.The book is fast paced, full of humour, sadness, surprises and bone deep love. Charley continues to be as loveable as ever and I have to say this is no small achievement as in many series of this genre the character begins to lose sparkle and wit after a few books. Not so with this feisty, adhd suffering, kookie weirdo. Although the unveiling of Charley's full powers is taking too long! I'm getting a little bit bothered by 'I can't tell you...you'll find out' line (that's the line people feed me during a movie when I want to know what happens at the end. Just tell me already!)I also got the feeling that the author may be a little stuck with how the 'war' between good and evil will be played out. It didn't really add much to the plot for me but this didn't have a detrimental impact as the story seems to be mostly about Charley overcoming trauma and developing a relationship with Reyes. It will be interesting to see how this 'war' plot line will develop. Hopefully it will add to the excitement rather than turn this amazing series into something ridiculous.I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next installment. Loved, loved, loved it! Read it!

I really enjoyed this. There's humour, plot, excellent characterisation, an ongoing story arc, quality writing, and a brilliant portrayal of the emotional aftermath of the torture and suffering of the last book.I would like to give it 6 stars, then take 1/2 a star off because the witty repartee is sometimes a wee bit relentless.Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.Oh, and one last (controversial) point - just before writing this review, I accidentally stumbled onto Darynda Jones' author page. It says that she has a family and a long term relationship (decades). It explains so much. The humour in her writing is that of a grownup. Seriously. There's a huge difference between the emotional depth and balance of this series, and the girlish brooding and 'teen womance' that dominates so many UF books. Enjoy. I did.

The only problem with writing a book review is the chance of inadvertently giving away too much of the story line ... so I will be brief. Anyone starting this book, without reading the other three first, would certainly be advised by me to just start at book one in order to really, really enjoy this series. The wisecracking Charley Davidson is a PI with a difference - she is a Grim Reaper but certainly not in the traditional sense. This book has certainly come a long way for the character of Charley, especially regarding the rather delicious relationship with the gorgeous Reyes who, poor sod, happens to be the Son of Satan. This is such a terrific read. You would think Charley is a simple soul but she isn't really ... and with the devils demons after her now she has to be quick on her feet and with the riposte ... and never fails to deliver. In my opinion, Ms Jones has created a wonderfully, loveable character who also happens to be a little crazy because of the life she has to lead. I cannot wait for Book No. Five where, hopefully, Charley will begin to really understand just what she is capable of. Love it.