Silent in the Grave

Deanna Raybourn's Silent in the Grave is one of the best historical mysteries I've read in a long time. Set in London in 1886, it introduces Lady Julia Grey and inquiry agent Nicholas Brisbane. Fortunately, these two intriguing characters will be back since this is the first in a series.

When Lady Julia's husband collapsed and died during a dinner party, Brisbane carried him out of the room, and stayed with him. It was only later that Brisbane revealed that he had been hired by Lord Edward Grey to investigate threatening notes sent to him. Although it took time for her to accept that her husband may have been murdered, eventually Lady Julia hired Brisbane to look into her husband's death.

Silent in the Grave is not only an outstanding mystery, with revealing stories of the Victorian era, but it introduces wonderful characters. Lady Julia is a conventional woman, forcing herself into a mold that she desperately wants to fit into. Her father, Lord Hector March, her nine siblings, and her extended family is an eccentric group. Lord March is a no nonsense person with modern views on women and education, a man who treasures his children. Lady Julia tries to escape her family eccentricities, but it's only when she decides not to conform that she becomes a real person. Nicholas Brisbane is a mysterious character with secrets in his past.

If you're looking for a fast-paced,fun, well-written mystery, with attractive characters, you can't go wrong with Silent in the Grave.


Deanna Raybourn's website is www.deannaraybourn.com

Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn. MIRA, ©2007, ISBN 978778324102, (hardcover), 509p.