Date published: December 2007
ISBN: 978-0-7783-2524-6
Victorian Mystery
Paperback
Reviewed by Gina
Lady Julia Grey knew from childhood there was only one man she could love and marry and marry him she did. Edward Grey was all she ever wanted. Well, the heroes from her novels were tall, dark and brooding. Heathcliff could easily have won her heart had not slight, blond Edward captured it. It is devastating then, when in the midst of an evening’s entertainment, he collapses and dies. Despite a life-long state of ill health, Julia truly hoped for a longer time with her husband. It is at this death bed she meets Nicholas Brisbane for the first time. The total opposite of Edward, Nicholas is dark, heavily muscled and not at all charming to Julia. It is nothing personal. Indeed Edward had hired Nicholas to investigate threats on the blond lord’s life. Julia is appalled at Nicholas’ allegations and immediately disregards him. That is until her period of mourning is upon her. While going through Edwards possessions she comes across a note that clearly threatens her husband’s life. Julia hastens to Nicholas’ quarters and beseeches him to investigate what appears to be her husband’s murder. At first Nicholas tries to dissuade her yet dreams and visions keep him for walking away from the lady. In short order Julia and Nicholas embark on the investigation of Edward’s death. Step by step aspects of her husband she never dreamed existed are revealed, leaving Julia wondering if she ever knew the man she married.
SILENT IN THE GRAVE, Deanna Raybourn’s debut novel, is the first book in a long, long time I finished and then turned around and began reading again. In my teens when I first began reading romance I would read the books over and over until I knew each one by heart. As time passed my mantra became one of so many books, so little time with more and more talented authors coming to my attention. I have keeper books, ones that are truly the highest rating and I really do plan to read again—when I have read everything else already on my “to be read” list which grows daily. SILENT IN THE GRAVE, however, was so good, so compelling, so unique I not only had to order the next two books in the series, SILENT IN THE SANCTUARY and SILENT ON THE MOOR, I indulged myself and immediately began the book again. It was even better the second time.
Ms. Raybourn truly has a unique writing voice. Sparks of humor, threads of daring and a fabulous mystery keep the reader turning the pages. The author has given Julia an intriguing family with diverse personalities—a Tory member of parliament, a would-be doctor, a sister with a woman lover. Julia begins as a typical wife of her time and bit by bit unfolds into someone truly exceptional. SILENT IN THE GRAVE is thoroughly researched, but not at all dry. Rather it is an enthralling story that keeps the reader turning the pages and looking forward to the next book in the series. This truly is one author, readers across the board, should not miss.
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