Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet

By Darynda Jones

The fourth in this fun and sexy New York Times bestselling paranormal series:  “If you enjoy Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, you will certainly enjoy Charley Davidson!” —Suspense Magazine In Darynda Jones's Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet, sometimes being the grim reaper really is that. Grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple 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. She quickly realizes something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. The more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it. In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, has been cleared of all charges. He 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. Just when life was returning to normal, Charley is thrust back into the world of crime, punishment, and the devil in blue jeans.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
• Release date: Oct 30, 2012
• ISBN: 9781250014467

Darynda Jones

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author DARYNDA JONES won a Golden Heart and a RITA for her manuscript First Grave on the Right. A born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

Reviews for Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet

[rabidreads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Reviewed by: Rabid ReadsEvery time I pick-up a Charley Davidson book I know that I’ll find snarky humor, quirky characters and a grade-A cut of man meat inside. Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet delivers all that and more with its jaw dropping revelations, countless twists and impossible situations; definitely my favourite installment to date!One of my main complaints about this series has been its lack of forward momentum; as much as I enjoy Jones’ wit, the stagnant storyline has been taking its toll. I’m pleased to say that that issue gets resolved with this installment; I wanted answers and boy did I get ‘em! Aunt Lil finally realizes she’s dead, Charley uncovers more about her grim reaper origins and Reyes stops being so wishy washy by finally making a move. This influx of information left my head reeling with the possibilities but also plastered a huge, contented smile on my face. This novel felt like a giant step forward for this series and for once, I found myself enjoying the plot just as much as the wisecracks.I hated seeing the toll that the events from book three have taken on Charley; she’s not exactly the most stable person to begin with. Her newly acquired reclusive habits have her whittling away her savings on useless junk from the Shopping Channel and spending way too much quality time with Mr. Coffee. I thought the “intervention” organized by Uncle Bob, Cookie and Gemma was a nice touch. They clearly understand their distraught friend’s needs and I enjoyed watching them come up with creative solutions to help an especially unique individual out of a tight spot. Despite all of these challenges, Davidson still manages to dumbfound the FBI by solving four impossible cases in under a day. Her methods may be questionable but her talent as a P.I. is irrefutable.Reyes is positively fan-freaking-tastic in this installment; there are some great scenes between him and Charley that’ll have you teetering between wanting to jump him and/or punch him. He finally puts his corporeal form to good use in this novel and the result is downright explosive; although, admittedly, I was a little surprised that there weren’t any consequences, especially after all of the ominous predictions made by demon with the English accent. I suspect that there will be hell to pay in the next book.Lorelei King continues to beguile me as this series’ narrator; her smoky voice and seamless transitions between characters are some of the main reasons why I prefer to listen to these novels. Her timing is, as usual, impeccable and she continues to deliver Jones’ punch lines with skill and class. You can’t go wrong with the Charley Davidson series in audio and Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet is the cream of the crop.

[mhanover10 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I absolutely LOVE this series! I'm not looking forward to catching up with the author because I will not be able to wait for the next book. This is fantastic as an audiobook. The characters are enjoyable, well developed and entertaining. I enjoy the T-shirt sayings at the beginning of the chapters. I have started making graphics of those saying and posting them on Facebook.

[gpangel_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones is a 2012 St. Martin's Press publication. “I meant to behave. There were just too many options.Time to check in with Charley Davidson again after a brief hiatus. After surviving yet another series of traumatic events, Charley becomes reclusive, spending all her days maxing out her credit cards watching the home shopping channel. Cookie finally steps in and takes matters in hand, and before long Charley has a new case to solve.This time a troubled young woman is convinced someone is trying to kill her. Soon, Charley suspects her new client is holding the key to the mystery inside her own head, in the form of repressed memories. Meanwhile, Charley and her father continue their feud and Reyes can’t leave Charley alone. However, he offers her a few more clues about her many powers and abilities, as their relationship deepens on an emotional level. I decided to give this series one more shot after book three, which almost put me off the series entirely, because Reyes’ behavior towards Charley made me squirm. I’m glad I decided to give the series a second chance though- although I think it works out better if I space the books out, instead of reading them too close together. The humor is top notch, and the series is certainly outside the box, but the stories also drain my emotions. This installment follows the same format as the first three books in the series. It is action-packed, with big emotional wallops, and laugh out loud dialogue. There is, of course, a very compelling mystery to solve, as well.However, Reyes’ is much better behaved in this installment and his and Charley’s relationship shifted significantly, although Reyes is still too prideful at times. Not only that, this chapter also showed some maturity and growth instead of relying too heavily on the action and sexual tension. Now I am excited again about this series and am looking forward to meeting up with Charley again in the future- just not the immediate future.

[diana_long_thomas · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Book received from Goodreads Giveaways. I have been working my way through this series on audiobook. Charlotte "Charley" Davidson is a daughter, sister, private eye, oh she is also the grim reaper. This book in the series made me really mad on Charley's behalf. I loved it, but how some of the people in her life are treating her pushed me over the edge. I can't really go into it without spoiling the earlier books. I can't wait to find the time to listen to more of the series.

[bettesbooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I so enjoy this series that I had to sit down and read this book cover to cover. Darynda Jones has a wicked sense of humor that keeps a smile lurking on my face. This the 4th book of the Charley Davidson series shifts from action to romance to heartbreak and tears, to laughter and then back again as her many characters interact in a fast-moving, well-scripted pace. This gifted storyteller teller has created a world inhabited by the Grim Reaper busy solving crime after crime, working with the Albuquerque police in her role as a P.I. This is a series that you could read out of order and still understand but I would recommend reading in order as each book builds its relationships upon the book that comes before.

[yas4735-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love love love this series! Charley never fails to make me laugh, I can't help but inhale the book in one fell swoop and I stayed up late last night finishing it. When will I learn?! Now it's over too soon and I want the next one.

[dorie.craig · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another great entry in this enjoyable series. I'm so glad this one ended on a more upbeat note than the last book. More Garrett please!

[thegenreminx · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

So far every book in this series has been awesome! I liked this installment because we see a vulnerable side of Charlie, she has been severely emotionally wounded and is not acting like the Charlie we have come to know. Farrow is still a mystery to me. Is he evil and manipulative or does he truly love Charlie? The cliff hanger was delightful but really does this author need to do cliff hangers?? Does she not understand that I would keep reading this series just for pure enjoyment?? ha ha ha I love this series!!

[theyodamom · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

LOVED IT. Ms. Jones rocked it, again. She had me laughing, snorting and giggling like a child through much of the story. There was the sniffling and worrisome parts too, it's not always fun an jokes for Charley and Co.
Charley gets to put her crazy on and dip into the pool of hoarding for sanity, it's too good I can't spill more. She also gets lusty with a few guys, oh yeah, she is smoking sexy. : D Her expectations of what life would be like when Reyes was finally freed have not happened, darn it ! Her fears have fractured her life and she uses her humor to soften the blows as they come. it's a hard time for our Charley girl, family issues, money issues, men issues, fear issues, and the biggest issue of them all- she is not .......omg !
The ending was so satisfying. The key, he gave her the key !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Squeeeee- [fangirl moment.] I want the next book so bad, this series hits all my happy spots.

[whybehave2002 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you were to look at how fast I am flying through this series you would be able to tell how much I love it! I am only giving this 4 stars as I noticed some odd inconsistencies, or maybe segues, in this book that threw me off. If you didn't read #3 then you won't notice. I ADORED #3. Or if you are not reading them in one fell swoop you may not notice either. To think that this all started with a NetGalley review for #2. I, of course, had to read #1 first. :) I'm off to read number #5. Come along for the ride. ;)

[whatsmacksaid · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another solid addition to the series. I like how things are progressing, and how well both the individual book's plot is laid out and how it builds on the overall series' arc. Also the first bi character! She's not new to the series, but good god these books are straight.

Also I appreciated the exploration of PTSD, and how sequestering herself from the world made returning to it really difficult (agoraphobia). Charley's got an amazing support system and I really enjoyed seeing it work to her benefit.

[kevn57-163679 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Jones storytelling skill is getting more seamless as she weaves three stories through this book, a PI case, continuing Reyes Farrow storyline and a cop case involving bank robbers.

[melrailey-412132 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

OMG! I absolutely love this series. Charley is such a great heroine. In this book, however, Charley is having issues dealing with the fallout from book three and is in a deep, dark place. Plus, now that Reyes is a free man, he's showing up everywhere. Jones is doing a wonderful job of developing the characters book by book. Each book shows Charley learning more about her powers and her friends and family learning more about Charley's powers.

As always, Lorelei King is a terrific narrator. I highly recommend these audiobooks as they will make any task pass more quickly.

[vickimarie2002 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This series is incredible! It has action, romance/seduction and so much wittiness and sarcastic banter, it’s just so fun to read! I think this is my favorite so far!

[debbiemccauley-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fourth book in the Charley Davidson series. Paranormal private eye Charley Davidson also just happens to be the Grim Reaper as well as having the hots for Reyes Farrow, the son of Satan. It’s two months since she was tortured by the abusive man who raised Reyes, and who Reyes was wrongly imprisoned for ten years for supposedly murdering. Charley is having trouble recovering from those events and hardly leaves her couch whilst maxing out her credit cards on a home shopping network. Her friend Cookie does what she can, but it takes a new case to get her moving again. Another entertaining read.

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
4 Stars

The characters in this series are so engaging (that Reyes just gives me heart palpitations) and the story arc is very interesting. Nevertheless, Charley's quirky humor is getting old and her habit of naming her body parts (and her furniture) is more than a little irritating.

In this installment, Charley becomes the target of demons obsessed with killing her and also works on three separate cases: a young woman who has been tormented by a stalker since age 5, a series of bank robberies and a serial arsonist. The mystery surrounding Harper Lowell's stalker is the most compelling of the three (the others feel like filler) and the twists and turns keep you guessing.

On a more personal level, Charley is coping with the aftermath of the previous book's events by becoming addicted to the home shopping channel. Cookie thankfully comes to the rescue but Charley must come to terms with what happened and Reyes plays a big part in her "treatment". Speaking of Reyes, the man can be an obnoxious jerk, but when push comes to shove, he is always there when Charley needs him. Charley also has a couple of heart to heart talks with her stepmother and father, and things finally come to a head (that Denise is such a cow!)

The angels and demons storyline is developing in an enticing direction and I look forward to further developments with the whole lock and key agenda.

[melannc-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In this fourth book of the series, Charley has to figure out who has been terrorizing a woman for at least two decades. It is what gets her out of her apartment and her addiction to the shopping channel - after trying to come to terms with her ordeal in the last book. Charley has to admit that she is actually afraid of something. There is a side story about her biker friends, especially Donovan. Charley discovers more about herself in this book and about her purpose and her history. We discover more about Reyes also. There are demons to battle and Charley finds out who her guardian angel will be. This book doesn't have as many funny sections, but Charley's sarcastic wit can definitely be seen. I enjoyed this book.

[raeadav · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I LOVE these books :)

[bonniemarjorie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4.5 stars

Considering I have a ton of ARCs I should really be catching up on, and considering how much I love Charley, I really should have known better than to tell myself, "Just one chapter!" But it didn't even take a chapter, I was hooked by the opening paragraph.

'I sat watching the Buy From Home Channel with my dead aunt Lillian and wondered what my life would've been like had I not just eaten an entire carton of Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Therapy with a mocha latter chaser. Probably about the same but it was something to think about.'

Oh, Charley. I missed you.

Charley was funny and full of snark (as usual) but after the incident from the last book she has a new sense of reality. She's still fragile and recovering mentally and hasn't even left the house in two months when the book begins. It takes a lot of work from everyone close to her (and a few margaritas) to get her close to normal, or as normal as Charley has ever been.

'Surely my macking on some guy in an insane asylum wouldn't hurt him. He'd been living with his stalker, for heaven's sake.'

Her love life is full of drama as usual and Donovan makes a (small) appearance to complete the love triangle going on. Strangely, this is one love triangle that doesn't cause a negative reaction from me. I'm quite fond of both boys. :) But, it was just a small appearance and Reyes is front and center in her life (as it should be.) The two butt heads for a short time until Charley can forgive him for his actions from book 3. He had an attitude problem for the vast majority of the book but he made amends for that. And then some.

Charley's sister Gemma plays a larger role this time around and I loved what she brought to the story. Charley and Gemma have finally made amends and for the first time in their life they're actually acting like sisters. One of their funniest moments was when everyone was concerned that Charley wasn't sleeping so Gemma and Cookie resort to drinking margaritas (Cookie-a-ritas). The morning after conversation between Gemma and Charley:
"Have you seen my pants?"
"Speaking of which, how did you get home without them?"
"I borrowed a pair of your sweats. I ran into a convenience store with them on. I talked to neighbors out in their yard when I pulled up. And only after I got inside did I realize they had 'Exit Only' written across the back."
"You stole my favorite sweats?"
"I wanted to die."
I think I just died of laughter.

Charley finally gets some answers in this installment! What she's capable of, why she's here on Earth, and even why Reyes calls her Dutch which has bugging me FOREVER. I won't ruin it for you but it was quite enlightening. Really opens up future storylines and how it's going to go. As usual, this is one series I'm constantly pining for and cannot get enough of. Start the countdown for book 5 "Fifth Grave Past the Light" due out July 9th, 2013. Only 9 months. *sigh*
__________________________________________________________

Tell me that cover is not badass.

SO EXCITED!!!!!!!

[seanbata · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love everything Darynda Jones writes, and this book was no exception. LOVED it.

[lritte · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Charley's antics visited once more. This series is just the right thing for anyone looking for a mystery with laughs. Charley and her ADD always makes me giggle... and wonder where I can get the T-shirts and bumper stickers.It has murder, suspense, demons, grim reaper, love, adventure, and a awesome biker gang! I read a lot, but this book goes into my absolute favorites. I am now biding my time for the next in the series.

[mlsimmons-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Listening to audiobook. Love Lorelei King

I love this series. I love that Charley is such a smart ass, even when everything is down, she is able to fall back on being a smart ass. Charley has an extremely rough life. If I were her, I would've curled up in a ball and you couldn't get me out.

Charley does start off the book in that type of mental state, but pulls out of it. I'm still amazed at her father, which ended the last book by trying to have her arrested. This book he is even worse. I have no idea what is wrong with this guy.

I'm still not sure what I think of Reyes. One minute I think he is an okay guy, then the next, I just want Charley to send him back to hell.

Overall, I LOVE this series. I just can't get enough. I can't see where Charley goes next and what she will learn about herself and her powers.

[lacello · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I freaking love this series!

[scorchingrevs · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another fab read. Love Charley, love Donovan and I'm still not sold on Reyes.....as much as he is hot as hell! Funny, sexy and Goddamn addictive...a must read series!

[arparish82 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love these books. There just isn't anything else to say, those words explain ot all

[bookaholiccat · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loooooooved it!!
Great as ever, a must read.

[murderbydeath · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Just excellent. I love this whole series and this book was just excellent. Truly great snark making for excellent readability. Fabulous characters with depth. No relationship in the book is perfect, but realistically messy - with the exception of Charlie and Cookie and, please, just don't mess with that!

The main(ish) plot point of this book was an interesting one with a creepy twist at the end that I only half liked (and that's all I can say without spoilers), but the entire story and all the plots had my undivided attention. I literally devoured this book in one sitting. It's going to be a very long year waiting for the next book...

[msralways · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Again.
Incredible. I just can't believe how these books end! Reyes and Charlie
were awesome to read here. Cookie and all the others were just as
awesome. I really liked how Charlie and her dad related here,with all
the events from book #4. I can't wait for the next book!

[kresslya · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Charley's humor and thought processes are filled with humor.

[aztwinmom · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This light-hearted series featuring a pretty young grim reper and a handsome son of Satan always makes me laugh.