Grave Expectations

The Ministry of Curiosities, Book 4

By: C. J. Archer

Narrated by: Shiromi Arserio

Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Charlie's life is perfect. She has everything her heart desires. Until it all goes horribly wrong.

Charlie and Lincoln return to London to find two supernaturals have been murdered, and Charlie might be next. As if that wasn't bad enough, the man who adopted her has escaped from prison, and the committee members have just learned some news that infuriates them. Now there's talk of sending Charlie away again. Far away.

But the worst is yet to come. Charlie is kidnapped and forced to summon one of the murder victims - but she's unable to send him back. With an angry dead supernatural on the loose and the committee determined to get rid of her, Charlie's time with the Ministry of Curiosities, and Lincoln, is in grave danger of coming to an end.

©2016 C.J. Archer (P)2017 C.J. Archer

mixed feelings

By book 4 I expect to see more character development, but these characters are flat. Thry keep running in to seemingly new scenarios that should ultimately create depth as the characters grow, but their responses are the same over and over. I'm surprised Charlie isnt more interested in casually exploring her powers, or using the ministry resources to locate a teacher. I find myself yelling at the book: "use your powers!" "What? you're sneaking out yet again?!". And yet here I am, about to download book 5. The plotline, the story's premise intrigue me enough to keep going, but disappointedly.

frustrating leads

*possible spoilers*
I enjoy CJ Archer's writing very much. In anticipation of the next Glass & Steele installment I've been listening to some of her other series/trilogies which take place in the same world. After 4 books of this series I cannot get over what a dick the romantic male lead is, nor how the heroine continues to beg & plead for him. I understand that 'it was a different time' but the simpering is ridiculous. It's, imo, pushed too far into the series. I can't empathize with the characters at this point because no one would put up with the constant hot/cold actions of the male lead. Dude's an asshole. Stop making excuses for him. smh

Mixed on this one

After four books it’s hard to keep the momentum alive I am learning. I still like the overall story for the most part but the more I listen the more of the same themes seem to be reoccurring. Certain characters seem to be saying almost the same thing since book one and it is getting a bit irritating. Lincoln’ s character finally pissed me off where as Charlie has been irritating as heck for most of the second and third books, now she finally starts to not seem like a whiny child and she gets the short end of the stick. By now you would think she would tell everyone to shove it, and take the money and run but then I guess that would be a boring ending to a series that has several more books to go. Narrator does an excellent job but i think I will be thinking harder on if I should continue on and wait for the HEA that may happen in a future book or just wish for the best and start another series.

Couldn't finish it

it just seemed really repetitive and the romance is getting really boring. I agree with others that the book could have been done differently.

The Ministry of Curiosities series is GREAT

I have been an Audible Listener since before 2003 and have listened to over 2000 audio books from there and Recorded Books. This series is just delightful. Imagine the scamps from Dickens Novels in the 1800's with some supernatural/fantasy and Romance Novel overtones. Unless you find all Fantasy Novels distasteful, you will love this series. I just salivate at the thought that the 10th book will soon reach Audible.

All the feelings

This book is an emotional roller coaster, leaving you wanting to read the next book.

I agree with the other reviews

Repeating themes, No character development, and Charlie gets kidnapped on every book! I love the characters but let’s see alternative plot lines with Seth!

Loved it

But a little silly with all of Charley’s moods. Still fun to listen to I. Spite of the girlish moods.

Extremely disappointing

Not much of a story. Very predictable and there’s one other reviewer said no character development.

Love this series, but…

Charlie makes me nuts sometimes and the hot cold of Lincoln makes me wonder if this isn’t almost an abusive relationship.

What a Roller-Coaster!

This installment of Ministry of Curiosities is truly an emotional roller-coaster. Well worth the read

Frustrating

I've enjoyed the first 3 books but found this one frustrating. On one hand Charlie, is a feisty, strong woman and then she becomes simpering, submissive and to be honest, pathetic. There were tears in my eyes....tears of frustration. I now just want to slap Charlie and tell her to get angry and stop being a doormat. Her earlier personality traits seem to have vanished. I hope the next book will redeem her.