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The Ministry of Curiosities #3
Beyond The Grave
At the request of Lady Harcourt, Charlie and Lincoln begin searching for her missing stepson. Still recovering from her ordeal at the hands of a diabolical villain, Charlie is supposed to be resting. But resting is dull, so she throws herself into the task at hand, much to Lincoln's frustration.
The search leads them down a dark path littered with family secrets and titillating scandal. Using her necromancy to expose those secrets, Charlie unwittingly raises a spirit with the power to override her control. With a dead body on the loose in London, Charlie and Lincoln must work together to send it back before havoc is unleashed, and the committee members find out.
Because if they do, they will have more ammunition in their fight to send Charlie away from her home and everyone she loves.
The search leads them down a dark path littered with family secrets and titillating scandal. Using her necromancy to expose those secrets, Charlie unwittingly raises a spirit with the power to override her control. With a dead body on the loose in London, Charlie and Lincoln must work together to send it back before havoc is unleashed, and the committee members find out.
Because if they do, they will have more ammunition in their fight to send Charlie away from her home and everyone she loves.
380 pages, ebook
First published November 4, 2015
663 people are currently reading
1533 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
96 books5,636 followersC.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
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She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcjarc...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
January 22, 2023
I really enjoyed the mystery and the search for the missing man. I was suitably horrified by Bedlam. I loved the scenes when Charlie used her necromancer skills and raised the dead. I enjoyed all the humour in the scenes with Seth, Gus and Cook. I wanted to give Lincoln a good smack. I seriously need the author to move this romance to a better place.
Maybe in the next book.
Maybe in the next book.
February 13, 2017
I'm obviously obsessed. Help.
August 25, 2017
I really like this series even though I feel I should know better! Lincoln, Charlie, Seth, Gus and Cook are a great family. Despite the Kiss at the end of the previous book, Lincoln still spends the entire book trying to deny his feelings for Charlie and Charlie sounds like what she actually is- an insecure teenager, interpreting every deed or speech for signs of his affection. For some reason, however cringeworthy this should sound, I still enjoyed the book!
The mystery they solve is to find Lady Harcourt's step son and it is a good one, which obviously relies on Charlie's necromancy skills.
Looking forward to the next one!
The mystery they solve is to find Lady Harcourt's step son and it is a good one, which obviously relies on Charlie's necromancy skills.
Looking forward to the next one!
July 30, 2017
At the request of Lady Harcourt, Charlie and Lincoln begin searching for her missing stepson. Still recovering from her ordeal at the hands of a diabolical villain, Charlie is supposed to be resting. But resting is dull, so she throws herself into the task at hand, much to Lincoln's frustration.
The search leads them down a dark path littered with family secrets and titillating scandal. Using her necromancy to expose those secrets, Charlie unwittingly raises a spirit with the power to override her control. With a dead body on the loose in London, Charlie and Lincoln must work together to send it back before havoc is unleashed, and the committee members find out.
Because if they do, they will have more ammunition in their fight to send Charlie away from her home and everyone she loves.
CHARACTERS-
The way these charcters are written are so beautiful and just amazing. They are all so unique and precious. Charlie is one of the best protagonist I've ever read about and this book deserves so much more readers than it gets.
ROMANCE-
My OTP finally got together and I thought that this relationship was so gradual paced and it bloomed so beautifully.
PLOT-
The plot wasn't as good as the second book in the series but I still thought it was enjoyable and really entertaining.
Ending-
I can't wait to read the next one!
Characters-9/10
Romance-9/10
Plot-10/10
Ending-9/10
Speed-10/10
The search leads them down a dark path littered with family secrets and titillating scandal. Using her necromancy to expose those secrets, Charlie unwittingly raises a spirit with the power to override her control. With a dead body on the loose in London, Charlie and Lincoln must work together to send it back before havoc is unleashed, and the committee members find out.
Because if they do, they will have more ammunition in their fight to send Charlie away from her home and everyone she loves.
CHARACTERS-
The way these charcters are written are so beautiful and just amazing. They are all so unique and precious. Charlie is one of the best protagonist I've ever read about and this book deserves so much more readers than it gets.
ROMANCE-
My OTP finally got together and I thought that this relationship was so gradual paced and it bloomed so beautifully.
PLOT-
The plot wasn't as good as the second book in the series but I still thought it was enjoyable and really entertaining.
Ending-
I can't wait to read the next one!
Characters-9/10
Romance-9/10
Plot-10/10
Ending-9/10
Speed-10/10
July 22, 2016
Archer's characters are devolving further into mindless stupidity. Lincoln ignores Charlie after kissing her. He is still doing his hot and cold thing. It's not attractive!
And Charlie, on the other hand, so pathetic, waiting for every morsel of his attention. Ugh.
And Charlie, on the other hand, so pathetic, waiting for every morsel of his attention. Ugh.
December 4, 2015
This could have been a solid 3 stars read.
* Docking one point for all the lady-hating and judgmental gold digger comments about Lady Harcourt. I detested that. Because God forbid a woman be ambitious.
* This series would pass the Bechdel test, NOT.
* The whole will they or won't they got real old real fast.
* I'm so done with the super specific snow-flake evolution of Lincoln's powers. That's just lazy story-telling.
* I would like to see Charlie overcome all her insecurities.
Will I continue with this PNR series remains to be seen.
* Docking one point for all the lady-hating and judgmental gold digger comments about Lady Harcourt. I detested that. Because God forbid a woman be ambitious.
* This series would pass the Bechdel test, NOT.
* The whole will they or won't they got real old real fast.
* I'm so done with the super specific snow-flake evolution of Lincoln's powers. That's just lazy story-telling.
* I would like to see Charlie overcome all her insecurities.
Will I continue with this PNR series remains to be seen.
December 5, 2020
Charlie and Lincoln, this read was great and had a good twist to it..... a real mystery.....
I do wish the romance could have progressed a little more, this pair it seems is one step forward two steps back.
Still a great read!
I do wish the romance could have progressed a little more, this pair it seems is one step forward two steps back.
Still a great read!
February 19, 2019
I love this series way more than I probably should. It is pure fun and I’ve become very invested in the characters and can’t wait to read the next one.
May 6, 2019
3.25*
Picking up almost exactly where Her Majesty’s Necromancer (#2) left off, Beyond the Grave was another fun and entertaining read. There was a little less action but the mystery was enjoyable and I liked the overall plot.
If you’ve liked Charlie, Lincoln, and the rest of the gang for the last 2 novels, you’ll continue to like them here. Charlie and Lincoln in particular, continue to take baby steps towards each other and I appreciate a slow-burning romance. Lincoln continues to deny his feelings for Charlie for most of the book but I think we’re seeing some hope on the horizon for book #4.
However, at times, Charlie can sometimes sound like the teenager she is and, despite her hardened years on the street, she still seems to have a naive faith and hope in people. She likes to see the good in others and, while this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, living on the street slaps you in the face with the harsher realities of the world (including the cruelty and callousness humans can show). Charlie also continually seeks love and affection from others. Again, this is something that I question someone in her position doing so openly. She wears her heart on her sleeve vs showing any wariness toward others or having a more jaded and cynical view of the world. It doesn’t seem believable.
Additionally, as a continuation of this, I think I may have romanticized the previous novels in this series a bit instead of looking at them more practically. I overlooked several things in the in the last 2 novels that are glaring errors now. As an example, the language Charlie uses isn’t correct. Not once have we really read the slang and lower-class, gutter-toned speech that she would’ve and should’ve picked up during her time living as a boy. There may be a small reference here or there where she’s not using perfect / correct grammar, but the author never lets us read more than a word of two of it. Furthermore, Charlie supposedly ‘slips’ back into her street-urchin slang when she goes to visit the theater and talk to its employees. Not only would this make sense for Charlie to do, but it’s implied that the actress she spoke to conversed in a similar manner. But again, we (as readers) never see that, we’re just told that it happened this way. Although it doesn’t take place in London, we should be seeing a lot more passages similar to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (except with a more English flare). I hate that the author only nods to the differences in speech by stating that there are differences vs letting us read the difference.
I also found myself a little annoyed that in the previous book, Her Majesty’s Necromancer (#2), we learn that Lincoln struggles to interact well with others at times. Again, we see little evidence of this and what interactions we read about, not only is Lincoln a perfect gentleman to his guests/other members of society, but he’s able to engage in polite conversation with them rather well. There’s a small mention that he may not be the best at small talk all the time but, for the most part, he’s certainly able to get by. This is yet another contradiction between what the author is stating or implying vs what’s actually being written in the pages.
It’s not that I didn’t enjoy this novel or that I’m giving up on the series. Because, to the contrary, I plan on continuing this journey. I think reading book 3 just threw some red-flags my way that, in all honestly, should’ve stood out from the beginning. I’ve been a little disillusioned with my reading of Beyond The Grave (#3) so I hope book #4 is better!
Picking up almost exactly where Her Majesty’s Necromancer (#2) left off, Beyond the Grave was another fun and entertaining read. There was a little less action but the mystery was enjoyable and I liked the overall plot.
If you’ve liked Charlie, Lincoln, and the rest of the gang for the last 2 novels, you’ll continue to like them here. Charlie and Lincoln in particular, continue to take baby steps towards each other and I appreciate a slow-burning romance. Lincoln continues to deny his feelings for Charlie for most of the book but I think we’re seeing some hope on the horizon for book #4.
However, at times, Charlie can sometimes sound like the teenager she is and, despite her hardened years on the street, she still seems to have a naive faith and hope in people. She likes to see the good in others and, while this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, living on the street slaps you in the face with the harsher realities of the world (including the cruelty and callousness humans can show). Charlie also continually seeks love and affection from others. Again, this is something that I question someone in her position doing so openly. She wears her heart on her sleeve vs showing any wariness toward others or having a more jaded and cynical view of the world. It doesn’t seem believable.
Additionally, as a continuation of this, I think I may have romanticized the previous novels in this series a bit instead of looking at them more practically. I overlooked several things in the in the last 2 novels that are glaring errors now. As an example, the language Charlie uses isn’t correct. Not once have we really read the slang and lower-class, gutter-toned speech that she would’ve and should’ve picked up during her time living as a boy. There may be a small reference here or there where she’s not using perfect / correct grammar, but the author never lets us read more than a word of two of it. Furthermore, Charlie supposedly ‘slips’ back into her street-urchin slang when she goes to visit the theater and talk to its employees. Not only would this make sense for Charlie to do, but it’s implied that the actress she spoke to conversed in a similar manner. But again, we (as readers) never see that, we’re just told that it happened this way. Although it doesn’t take place in London, we should be seeing a lot more passages similar to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (except with a more English flare). I hate that the author only nods to the differences in speech by stating that there are differences vs letting us read the difference.
I also found myself a little annoyed that in the previous book, Her Majesty’s Necromancer (#2), we learn that Lincoln struggles to interact well with others at times. Again, we see little evidence of this and what interactions we read about, not only is Lincoln a perfect gentleman to his guests/other members of society, but he’s able to engage in polite conversation with them rather well. There’s a small mention that he may not be the best at small talk all the time but, for the most part, he’s certainly able to get by. This is yet another contradiction between what the author is stating or implying vs what’s actually being written in the pages.
It’s not that I didn’t enjoy this novel or that I’m giving up on the series. Because, to the contrary, I plan on continuing this journey. I think reading book 3 just threw some red-flags my way that, in all honestly, should’ve stood out from the beginning. I’ve been a little disillusioned with my reading of Beyond The Grave (#3) so I hope book #4 is better!
January 10, 2017
Love it! This is just a superb story. Charlie is perfect, Lincoln is thawing, and Gus, Seth, and Cook are lovely as always.
January 29, 2021
Beyond the Grave
Ministry of Curiosities, Book 3
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla via PP Library
Dates Read: 1/21/21 - 1/27/21
Stars: 4
The Characters:
Charlotte “Charlie” Hathaway:
Lincoln Fitzroy:
Seth, Gus, Cook
The Story:
Review to come….maybe.
The Random Thoughts:
Challenges:
A to Z Reading Challenge 2021 - B
Ministry of Curiosities, Book 3
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla via PP Library
Dates Read: 1/21/21 - 1/27/21
Stars: 4
The Characters:
Charlotte “Charlie” Hathaway:
Lincoln Fitzroy:
Seth, Gus, Cook
The Story:
Review to come….maybe.
The Random Thoughts:
Challenges:
A to Z Reading Challenge 2021 - B
June 20, 2022
In this installment of one of the most enjoyable, paranormal mystery romances (sheesh, that’s a long title!) I have ever read, the questions deepen, as does Charlie and Lincoln’s relationship. I do think the mystery aspect takes over in the storyline, as that is much of the focus, but it is still handled with such a deftly fine touch that those who are reading for the romance or historical aspects won’t even mind. It’s a delight to indulge!
June 16, 2022
The story line really picks up momentum with Charlie becoming increasingly confident in her abilities and the relationship with Lincoln maturing. The nobles on the committee continue to cause problems and generate intrigue and it is clear from the semi-cliff ending that they are just getting started.
March 24, 2022
The storyline is enjoyable and unpredictable. The characters are well developed and the narrator has a fabulous voice!
February 8, 2017
“Beyond The Grave” is the third book in “The Ministry of curiosities” series. Again, I would like to give fair warning that this series has some dark content and I would recommend it for mature audiences, preferably whom are not too squeamish. The story continues from the previous book, “Her Majesty’s Necromancer.”
At the request of Lady Harcourt, Charlie and Lincoln begin searching for her missing stepson. Still recovering from her ordeal at the hands of a diabolical villain, Charlie is supposed to be resting. But resting is dull, so she throws herself into the task at hand, much to Lincoln’s frustration.
The search leads them down a dark path littered with family secrets and titillating scandals. Using her necromancy to expose those secrets, Charlie unwittingly raises a spirit with the power to override her control. With a dead body on the loose in London, Charlie and Lincoln must work together to send it back before havoc is unleashed, and the committee members find out.
The tension between Charlie and Lincoln becomes a very interesting focus in this book. The hints at Lincoln’s thoughts and sense of humor from Charlie’s point of view are amusing and interesting. In many ways this creates empathy for Charlie while she tries to figure out what Lincoln feels, if anything, and what he will do next.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series to the point my sleep schedule suffers, I personally think it is a fair trade-off to know what happens next. The story moves quickly and to the point, which I think is great. The story is, in my opinion, so well written that it does not need a lot of filler content as the plot moves along. The next book in this series is “Grave Expectations.”
Author: C.J. Archer
Beyond The Grave: The Ministry of Curiosities series
At the request of Lady Harcourt, Charlie and Lincoln begin searching for her missing stepson. Still recovering from her ordeal at the hands of a diabolical villain, Charlie is supposed to be resting. But resting is dull, so she throws herself into the task at hand, much to Lincoln’s frustration.
The search leads them down a dark path littered with family secrets and titillating scandals. Using her necromancy to expose those secrets, Charlie unwittingly raises a spirit with the power to override her control. With a dead body on the loose in London, Charlie and Lincoln must work together to send it back before havoc is unleashed, and the committee members find out.
The tension between Charlie and Lincoln becomes a very interesting focus in this book. The hints at Lincoln’s thoughts and sense of humor from Charlie’s point of view are amusing and interesting. In many ways this creates empathy for Charlie while she tries to figure out what Lincoln feels, if anything, and what he will do next.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series to the point my sleep schedule suffers, I personally think it is a fair trade-off to know what happens next. The story moves quickly and to the point, which I think is great. The story is, in my opinion, so well written that it does not need a lot of filler content as the plot moves along. The next book in this series is “Grave Expectations.”
Author: C.J. Archer
Beyond The Grave: The Ministry of Curiosities series
November 5, 2016
This book was a great addition to the series, although I was slightly dissapointed that after the fireworks of the ending in the last book that the two characters were back to being normal. But I suspect that it only to keep readers interested enough to continue reading the series and it worked because I can't wait for book.
The main character is again Charlie, a necromancer who is living with members of the ministry and helping them investigate various mysteries that they are unable to solve. In this book there is a huge backlash from the kiss at the end of book 2 Charlie is struggling with her relationship with Lincoln. But a ministry case keeps them both busy and acting against each others wishes is the only way to solve the case.
The secondary characters in this book are the same as in others, the most noteworthy is Lincoln. I was so pleased by the kiss at the end of the last book that I got my hopes up only to find that yet again Lincoln has talked himself out of happiness for both him and Charlie.
The storyline is original, fast paced and interesting keeping readers interested and making them desperate to read more. I've already got book 4 on my kindle and will start reading it shortly hoping that Charlie and Lincoln will eventually get together although I will enjoy reading the books even if they don't.
4.5 stars :) I would seriously recommend this series to everyone!
The main character is again Charlie, a necromancer who is living with members of the ministry and helping them investigate various mysteries that they are unable to solve. In this book there is a huge backlash from the kiss at the end of book 2 Charlie is struggling with her relationship with Lincoln. But a ministry case keeps them both busy and acting against each others wishes is the only way to solve the case.
The secondary characters in this book are the same as in others, the most noteworthy is Lincoln. I was so pleased by the kiss at the end of the last book that I got my hopes up only to find that yet again Lincoln has talked himself out of happiness for both him and Charlie.
The storyline is original, fast paced and interesting keeping readers interested and making them desperate to read more. I've already got book 4 on my kindle and will start reading it shortly hoping that Charlie and Lincoln will eventually get together although I will enjoy reading the books even if they don't.
4.5 stars :) I would seriously recommend this series to everyone!
December 23, 2015
*screaming* I absolutely loved it! Asdfghjkl!!!
Charlie is the type of heroine that I love. She doesn't let her emotions get the best of her. Unrequited love? I have an adventure to attend to, I'll cry later. I love it!!!
While I am not THAT in love with Fitzroy (still holding a torch for The Darkling), I can honestly say that I am halfway there. Heroes who doesn't act on what they feel because of a misguided notion that their loved one will be in danger because of them, usually annoy me. But Lincoln, I can understand. He is NOT trying to "save her". And HE FREAKIN KNOWS WHEN TO GIVE UP AND SURRENDER TO HIS EMOTIONS.
Okay, enough about the romance.
Let us talk about the rest of the book. While I found it a bit predictable, I really enjoyed myself reading it. I am capable of immersing myself into Charlie's world without any problems because regency novels are my sweethearts. Add a bit of magic, action, and I am one contented alien.
*cries because where the heck is the next book?* *will definitely die waiting*
Charlie is the type of heroine that I love. She doesn't let her emotions get the best of her. Unrequited love? I have an adventure to attend to, I'll cry later. I love it!!!
While I am not THAT in love with Fitzroy (still holding a torch for The Darkling), I can honestly say that I am halfway there. Heroes who doesn't act on what they feel because of a misguided notion that their loved one will be in danger because of them, usually annoy me. But Lincoln, I can understand. He is NOT trying to "save her". And HE FREAKIN KNOWS WHEN TO GIVE UP AND SURRENDER TO HIS EMOTIONS.
Okay, enough about the romance.
Let us talk about the rest of the book. While I found it a bit predictable, I really enjoyed myself reading it. I am capable of immersing myself into Charlie's world without any problems because regency novels are my sweethearts. Add a bit of magic, action, and I am one contented alien.
*cries because where the heck is the next book?* *will definitely die waiting*
June 6, 2017
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice....
While this is a decently written mystery with some undertones of the supernatural, this can hardly be called a romance. The "relationship" was created in the first book and we get brief glimpses at the direction of the romance, but in spite of a kiss in last book and some touchy-feely stuff, the romance is non-existent. Frankly, the series could do better with zero involvement between the main characters. OR they could have resolved the relationship and been romantic from the very first book (or at least the second) and explored that while solving mysteries. Instead we get this lazy hot/cold shit that is idiotic and anti-romance.
And it seems clear that the author is going to continue for several more books.
Even though I have the other books, I am unsure if I will continue this series or any other from this author. What started off as good characters and a wide open world to explore has devolved into something I cannot quite recommend.
While this is a decently written mystery with some undertones of the supernatural, this can hardly be called a romance. The "relationship" was created in the first book and we get brief glimpses at the direction of the romance, but in spite of a kiss in last book and some touchy-feely stuff, the romance is non-existent. Frankly, the series could do better with zero involvement between the main characters. OR they could have resolved the relationship and been romantic from the very first book (or at least the second) and explored that while solving mysteries. Instead we get this lazy hot/cold shit that is idiotic and anti-romance.
And it seems clear that the author is going to continue for several more books.
Even though I have the other books, I am unsure if I will continue this series or any other from this author. What started off as good characters and a wide open world to explore has devolved into something I cannot quite recommend.
March 25, 2021
Re-read 3/25/2021
Can we just talk about how wonderful it is to see Charlie pushing back against Lincoln? She has started to become more comfortable and to just tell Lincoln that he needs to get it together.
Especially when she stands up to him in regards to their relationship. It really shows her maturity.
Love the changing relationship and the fact that Charlie is really becoming a part of the ministry. And in that at least, Lincoln is more forceful. He makes sure that everyone treats her well.
In regards to the mystery. Not my favorite. It wasn't too easy to figure out, but I wasn't really invested in it. I didn't really care. I like focusing more on the supernaturals. But lets be honest, it was worth it to get more of the ragtag team.
Can we just talk about how wonderful it is to see Charlie pushing back against Lincoln? She has started to become more comfortable and to just tell Lincoln that he needs to get it together.
Especially when she stands up to him in regards to their relationship. It really shows her maturity.
Love the changing relationship and the fact that Charlie is really becoming a part of the ministry. And in that at least, Lincoln is more forceful. He makes sure that everyone treats her well.
In regards to the mystery. Not my favorite. It wasn't too easy to figure out, but I wasn't really invested in it. I didn't really care. I like focusing more on the supernaturals. But lets be honest, it was worth it to get more of the ragtag team.
January 27, 2017
Beyond the grave
Another good follow on story. Again more info on the main characters. As these books are not very long once you get into the book its already ending. I realize the author needs to make money from the books but so far these books could have actually been joined to make 1 book. Overall good read.
Another good follow on story. Again more info on the main characters. As these books are not very long once you get into the book its already ending. I realize the author needs to make money from the books but so far these books could have actually been joined to make 1 book. Overall good read.
June 3, 2017
Very good!
I'm falling in love with the characters in this story! This is a very good book with suspense and mysteries. Along with a developing romance between the two main characters, Lincoln and Charlie. It's money well spent!
I'm falling in love with the characters in this story! This is a very good book with suspense and mysteries. Along with a developing romance between the two main characters, Lincoln and Charlie. It's money well spent!
November 24, 2015
Finally they are together and totally loved the new cliff hanger
January 25, 2017
loved it again!
January 2, 2020
At first, I was very frustrated with this book. The last one ended in an entirely satisfying way for my romantic heart, only to immediately have it dashed by this one. Charlie and I were both bewildered and frustrated by Lincoln's pig-pigheadedness and stupidity. I had a hard time enjoying it at the beginning.
However, once Charlie began investigating and exploring the dark underbelly of the medical scene in London, it got much more interesting. I loved that she met the spirit of a woman who was competent and smart and who knew a little more about her powers than Charlie did.
The mystery was well done as well. Lady Hartcourt's stepson goes missing and it seems like it has something to do with the Ministry of Curiosities, since he'd been reading his father's journals on it. The investigation is complex and requires Lincoln and Charlie to use all their wits to figure it out. I was completely lost for much of it, which made it lots of fun.
The ending was also very satisfying. It calls on one of my favorite tropes, which I can't tell because it would be a spoiler, but was amazing. I can't wait to read the next book.
However, once Charlie began investigating and exploring the dark underbelly of the medical scene in London, it got much more interesting. I loved that she met the spirit of a woman who was competent and smart and who knew a little more about her powers than Charlie did.
The mystery was well done as well. Lady Hartcourt's stepson goes missing and it seems like it has something to do with the Ministry of Curiosities, since he'd been reading his father's journals on it. The investigation is complex and requires Lincoln and Charlie to use all their wits to figure it out. I was completely lost for much of it, which made it lots of fun.
The ending was also very satisfying. It calls on one of my favorite tropes, which I can't tell because it would be a spoiler, but was amazing. I can't wait to read the next book.
November 18, 2020
3.50.... just barely 4 Stars.
Like in the Glass and Steele books (India & Matt) the main characters in The Ministry of Curiosities (Charlie & Lincoln) investigate on their own and don't tell the other. One will come back and they've both been seeking the same information, or the other already knew the answer but never said so. Usually due to lack of communication or one sneaking behind the other's back to investigate something the other said to "leave alone". Also, the relationship dance is similar between the two couples...all the waffling.
I still enjoyed the storyline, and I do like the main characters. It's just for me it's what I come to expect from C.J.A.
Like in the Glass and Steele books (India & Matt) the main characters in The Ministry of Curiosities (Charlie & Lincoln) investigate on their own and don't tell the other. One will come back and they've both been seeking the same information, or the other already knew the answer but never said so. Usually due to lack of communication or one sneaking behind the other's back to investigate something the other said to "leave alone". Also, the relationship dance is similar between the two couples...all the waffling.
I still enjoyed the storyline, and I do like the main characters. It's just for me it's what I come to expect from C.J.A.
January 23, 2020
I liked this one well enough. Once again, the first book heightened my expectations therefore making this one and the one before disappointing. I believe that the author has discovered that there’s not too many differing plot lines you can create to do with communicating with and bringing back the dead.
We saw development in Charlie and Lincoln’s relationship so I’m not sure where they’ll go from there. I’m interested to see what happens with Julia because it’s seems that she’s starting to become a foe.
I miss Gordon :((
We saw development in Charlie and Lincoln’s relationship so I’m not sure where they’ll go from there. I’m interested to see what happens with Julia because it’s seems that she’s starting to become a foe.
I miss Gordon :((
November 4, 2020
I really am enjoying this series. Out of the three, this one was my least favorite, however, it was still great. In this novel, it is less about the ministry, but a search for the stepson of Lady Harcourt. Charlie is getting more comfortable with her necromancy abilities as the search goes on. I enjoy the secondary characters in this novel, with Seth, Gus, Lincoln, and Cook and their friendships with each other.
July 18, 2023
It surprises me how far a series with a solid, interesting (if a little cliched) first book can fall.
This book was impressively worst than the previous one, and I thought that one was dreadful.
If I wanted to buy a Regency-era romance I would have. I dislike being tricked into buying one with lies about it being a paranormal mystery/suspense with some romantic undertones.
I felt the breakdown of the book was:
50% contrived BS that keeps them from being Charlie and Lincoln from being a couple.
... "I can't love you, I don't know how to..."
... "I'm never going to marry someone so I can't be with you..."
... Ministry business.
... Our social status
etc.
30% Family drama and of that only 2% was actually finding out anything about Charlie the rest of it was all about dragging the Harcourt family through the mud by digging around in their past.
15% Silly rabbit holes to prove how overpowered Charlie is and to make the book unnecessarily long.
4% Actual plot and mystery.
1% Shoehorning in Charlies' necromancer powers
0% Ministry business or part of the overall series.
I am so glad that I am done with this. I don't know how it has so many books in the series, but maybe if they become a couple it will allow the author to write the series the way it was pitched.
This book was impressively worst than the previous one, and I thought that one was dreadful.
If I wanted to buy a Regency-era romance I would have. I dislike being tricked into buying one with lies about it being a paranormal mystery/suspense with some romantic undertones.
I felt the breakdown of the book was:
50% contrived BS that keeps them from being Charlie and Lincoln from being a couple.
... "I can't love you, I don't know how to..."
... "I'm never going to marry someone so I can't be with you..."
... Ministry business.
... Our social status
etc.
30% Family drama and of that only 2% was actually finding out anything about Charlie the rest of it was all about dragging the Harcourt family through the mud by digging around in their past.
15% Silly rabbit holes to prove how overpowered Charlie is and to make the book unnecessarily long.
4% Actual plot and mystery.
1% Shoehorning in Charlies' necromancer powers
0% Ministry business or part of the overall series.
I am so glad that I am done with this. I don't know how it has so many books in the series, but maybe if they become a couple it will allow the author to write the series the way it was pitched.
November 25, 2015
This is YA Paranormal at its finest.
I was a bit afraid of the predictability of the mystery, but as it turned out I was dead wrong. And that was a bit of a surprise, seeing as how with most YA novels it's so easy to tell from the beginning. Sure, there wasn't a big suspense and I would in no way call this a thriller, but for an easy and light read, this was awesome.
I did feel the minor characters' appearances and intersections were pushed back a bit to make room for the romance, which was the only fault I could find (I want more Seth and Gus and Cook). Also I do wish Charlie would grow up a bit more, because while Lincoln shows great signs of character growth, she lacks in that department (in my opinion).
Anyway, I highly recommend reading all three novels, and I am very much looking forward for the next volume.
I was a bit afraid of the predictability of the mystery, but as it turned out I was dead wrong. And that was a bit of a surprise, seeing as how with most YA novels it's so easy to tell from the beginning. Sure, there wasn't a big suspense and I would in no way call this a thriller, but for an easy and light read, this was awesome.
I did feel the minor characters' appearances and intersections were pushed back a bit to make room for the romance, which was the only fault I could find (I want more Seth and Gus and Cook). Also I do wish Charlie would grow up a bit more, because while Lincoln shows great signs of character growth, she lacks in that department (in my opinion).
Anyway, I highly recommend reading all three novels, and I am very much looking forward for the next volume.
March 29, 2019
Listened to this as part of the 1-3 book boxset on Audible. Narrator is really good but the books have gone downhill since the first. The sub-plot of the missing person was the only reasson I kept listening. I find the 'romance' to be toxic and I'm sure there's some Stokholm Syndrome in there. Neither character has any interesting traits anymore. Fitzroy is volatile at worst and indifferent at best. Charlie constantly acts like a child, while thinking she knows more than everyone else, I found myself rolling my eyes far too much while listening to this book.
It's a real shame as the general idea is really interesting. Had there been more focus on the sub-plot of the missing person and less on the 'romance' it could have been really good. I doubt I'll continue the series.
It's a real shame as the general idea is really interesting. Had there been more focus on the sub-plot of the missing person and less on the 'romance' it could have been really good. I doubt I'll continue the series.
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