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Lady Julia Grey #5.6
Twelfth Night
New York Times best-selling author Deanna Raybourn returns with a brand-new novella, starring her beloved heroine, the intrepid Lady Julia Grey.
To mark the passing of another decade, the esteemed - and eccentric - March family have assembled at Bellmont Abbey to perform the Twelfth Night Revels for their sleepy English village. But before Lady Julia and her handsome, sleuthing husband, Nicolas Brisbane, can take to the stage, a ruckus in the stable yard demands their attention. An abandoned infant is found nestled in the steel helm of St. George. What's more, their only lead is the local legend of a haunted cottage and its ghastly inhabitant - who seems to have returned. Once again, Lady Julia and Nicholas take up the challenge to investigate, and when the source of the mystery is revealed, they'll be faced with an impossible choice - one that will alter the course of their lives... forever. Don't miss a single tale in the Lady Julia Grey series - or Deanna Raybourn's latest novel, City of Jasmine.
To mark the passing of another decade, the esteemed - and eccentric - March family have assembled at Bellmont Abbey to perform the Twelfth Night Revels for their sleepy English village. But before Lady Julia and her handsome, sleuthing husband, Nicolas Brisbane, can take to the stage, a ruckus in the stable yard demands their attention. An abandoned infant is found nestled in the steel helm of St. George. What's more, their only lead is the local legend of a haunted cottage and its ghastly inhabitant - who seems to have returned. Once again, Lady Julia and Nicholas take up the challenge to investigate, and when the source of the mystery is revealed, they'll be faced with an impossible choice - one that will alter the course of their lives... forever. Don't miss a single tale in the Lady Julia Grey series - or Deanna Raybourn's latest novel, City of Jasmine.
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First published June 1, 2014
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About the author
Deanna Raybourn
40 books9,441 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Deanna Raybourn is a 6th-generation native Texan. She graduated with a double major in English and history from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Married to her college sweetheart and the mother of one, Raybourn makes her home in Virginia. Her novels have been nominated for numerous awards including two RT Reviewers’ Choice awards, the Agatha, two Dilys Winns, a Last Laugh, three du Mauriers, and most recently the 2019 Edgar Award for Best Novel. She launched a new Victorian mystery series with the 2015 release of A CURIOUS BEGINNING, featuring intrepid butterfly-hunter and amateur sleuth, Veronica Speedwell. Veronica has returned in several more adventures, most recently AN IMPOSSIBLE IMPOSTOR, book seven, which released in early 2022. Deanna's first contemporary novel, KILLERS OF A CERTAIN AGE, about four female assassins on the cusp of retirement publishes in September 2022. (Please note: Deanna is not active on GR.)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 199 reviews
November 3, 2014
Because this appeared in the summer, I decided to put it temporarily on the back-burner to read at a more wintry time of the year.
In Twelfth Night, the entire March family is gathered for the annual Revels at Bellemont Abbey. Having imbibed copious amounts of Plum’s punch the night before, Julia is nursing a hangover and is less than pleased at being woken by her sister, Portia, and practically dragged out of bed in order to convene with her father and the rest of the family about the upcoming theatricals.
With any other family, it might be difficult to swallow the idea of the heroine’s sister in law commenting so casually:
“Julia, this is the first time I’ve seen your husband entirely unclothed. May I offer my congratulations?”
But this is Portia, after all, and I’d put nothing past her! :P
As an afterthought, she tells them that a baby has been found in the stables.
Ostensibly the story is about finding whose baby it is, but more interesting are all the other little tid-bits that are dotted throughout, such as the introduction of Perdita, whom readers of the recent Night of a Thousand Stars will recognise as a formidable child destined to become an equally formidable woman.
There’s mention of Brisbane’s desire to undertake more covert work for the government because of the rumblings throughout Europe and talk the founding of the organisation we’ll come to know as The Vespiary.
The March family is as bonkers as ever. There are very quick snapshots of the various family members, and because both readers and authors are so familiar with them by now, that’s all it takes to convey something about the complexity of the relationships between the March siblings. And I have to hand it to Ms Raybourn for the way she packs so much – a bit of mystery, despair, comedy and deep family connections - into a story that can be read in half an hour.
One note of caution – this probably won’t make a lot of sense to anyone who hasn’t read at least some of the preceding novels. It’s a quick and well-put together story, but familiarity with the other books and the characters is pretty essential for it to make much sense.
In Twelfth Night, the entire March family is gathered for the annual Revels at Bellemont Abbey. Having imbibed copious amounts of Plum’s punch the night before, Julia is nursing a hangover and is less than pleased at being woken by her sister, Portia, and practically dragged out of bed in order to convene with her father and the rest of the family about the upcoming theatricals.
With any other family, it might be difficult to swallow the idea of the heroine’s sister in law commenting so casually:
“Julia, this is the first time I’ve seen your husband entirely unclothed. May I offer my congratulations?”
But this is Portia, after all, and I’d put nothing past her! :P
As an afterthought, she tells them that a baby has been found in the stables.
Ostensibly the story is about finding whose baby it is, but more interesting are all the other little tid-bits that are dotted throughout, such as the introduction of Perdita, whom readers of the recent Night of a Thousand Stars will recognise as a formidable child destined to become an equally formidable woman.
There’s mention of Brisbane’s desire to undertake more covert work for the government because of the rumblings throughout Europe and talk the founding of the organisation we’ll come to know as The Vespiary.
The March family is as bonkers as ever. There are very quick snapshots of the various family members, and because both readers and authors are so familiar with them by now, that’s all it takes to convey something about the complexity of the relationships between the March siblings. And I have to hand it to Ms Raybourn for the way she packs so much – a bit of mystery, despair, comedy and deep family connections - into a story that can be read in half an hour.
One note of caution – this probably won’t make a lot of sense to anyone who hasn’t read at least some of the preceding novels. It’s a quick and well-put together story, but familiarity with the other books and the characters is pretty essential for it to make much sense.
February 28, 2017
I like that these novellas never seem rushed and that we're getting some conclusion to Julia & Brisbane's life.
December 8, 2018
Aw, Julia and Brisbane will always hold a special place in my heart since this is where my love of all things Deanna began. I always appreciate spending time with Julia's eccentric family. There is always so much humor and joy. I'm still sad this series ended a bit abruptly but I love these novellas to give us some really good closure.
April 14, 2017
I'm so happy I could cry!!!!
May 29, 2014
This is an absolutely charming little novella from the Lady Julia historical mystery series, and provided by the publisher through netgalley, with all the wonderful little touches that make the full-length novels so enjoyable to read. All the characters I love are there: the eccentric and yet sensible Lady Julia, her disparate and pleasantly odd family and her charming, clever and enigmatic husband. Even her rather silly cousin, Lucy makes an appearance.
The plot is similar to others in that it is an accessible mixture of the everyday and the tragic, but it is the witty, dry and sometimes saucy writing which just draws you in as a reader and keeps you reading on.
Loved it, and it just reminded me how much I have enjoyed this series.
4 stars. I really liked it.
The plot is similar to others in that it is an accessible mixture of the everyday and the tragic, but it is the witty, dry and sometimes saucy writing which just draws you in as a reader and keeps you reading on.
Loved it, and it just reminded me how much I have enjoyed this series.
4 stars. I really liked it.
March 25, 2017
All members of the eccentric family of Earl March have gathered at Bellmont Abbey to perform the Twelfth Night Revels for their sleepy English village. Julia and Brisbane are busy, however, tracking down the origins of an abandoned infant found on the premises.
I was surprised and delighted by this well-plotted installment in the Lady Julia series. I suspect, though, that it helps a great deal to have read the preceding five full-length novels.
I was surprised and delighted by this well-plotted installment in the Lady Julia series. I suspect, though, that it helps a great deal to have read the preceding five full-length novels.
December 13, 2025
This is the story that sets up a future standalone in which Perdita and Tarquin are running a spy agency. I love it!
May 15, 2014
I never realize just how much I miss the eloquence and beauty of Raybourn's writing until I start one of her novels and it all comes back to me. How much I adore her writing and most of all, her characters.
I adore Julia and Brisbane and the whole March household, including their servants. They are just too lovable and quirky not to love.
The Lady Julia series happens to be one of my most, if not my, most favorite historical (with a slight edge of paranormal) romance series. It really does have it all. Fun characters, twists and turns, danger, mystery, romance and most of all, a whole heck of a lot of fun. Whether that fun be in the mishaps Julia gets herself into, her crazy over the top family, or even the strange pets, this is just one series that is so much fun to read that I gobble them up. I love them all and can't help but mourn them when I finish because I just know the wait until the next one comes out will be killer.
I think about the characters long after I have put the book down and wonder what adventures and shenanigans they will get themselves in next time and I can't help but have a smile on my face while doing so.
This was such a great addition to the series and really showed once again why I adore Brisbane and Julia so much. I love their dynamic and oh my, their little niece who is so much like Julia melted my heart. I loved watching Brisbane interact with her.
I am so excited with how this one ended. There are so many new adventures out there for this fantastic couple. I really hope there are many more books to come.
January 9, 2018
This novella definitely has a lighter tone than many of the early books in the series. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. There are so many major changes that occur in this short book, I can't wait to see what the future holds.
When I originally wrote the above statement I had no idea the series was ending. I think this novella is my favorite of the novellas. Among many things, I really love the character of Lady Julia's little niece Perdita, and wish the series had continued to see how Perdita turned out as an adult.
When I originally wrote the above statement I had no idea the series was ending. I think this novella is my favorite of the novellas. Among many things, I really love the character of Lady Julia's little niece Perdita, and wish the series had continued to see how Perdita turned out as an adult.
May 28, 2018
"God help us, there are two of you."
This novella was such a delight. If you are a fan of the series, this is a must read! I love this cast of characters immensely. I laughed countless times and was left feeling completely satisfied. I hope Raybourn is not done with this series, but this would be a perfect ending if she is.
This novella was such a delight. If you are a fan of the series, this is a must read! I love this cast of characters immensely. I laughed countless times and was left feeling completely satisfied. I hope Raybourn is not done with this series, but this would be a perfect ending if she is.
March 12, 2024
What a pleasant short story! I’m so happy they have a baby - what if Jack finds them.
May 25, 2014
I love husband and wife detective teams particularly those set in historical times. Quite addicted really! This short novella is from one of my all-time favorite series, Lady Jane Grey, in which married pair Brisbane and Julia work their way through many a dark, gritty story. This particular installment in the series however, is of the lighter variety. Like other books in the series, this one needs to be read in order as many aspects of the storyline and the characters are ongoing in their development. In fact, the novella refers back to four previous storylines and the reader would probably feel off kilter several times when references are made.
It is a short piece and it takes place at the tail end of the holiday season just as the title suggests. The events are a continuation of the previous novella, Silent Night. Julia and Brisbane have spent the holidays at the Abbey with her huge eccentric family gathering for the Twelfth Night Revels play and celebration that take place every decade at the family seat performed by the March family for the people from the surrounding area. Dropped into the preparations are two mysteries to tantalize the detecting couple. First, a newborn baby is found out in the stable and then a ghost is spotted near an old empty cottage on the edge of the cemetery. With the help of a precocious niece, the mysteries are solved, but the answers will lead to a profound change for Brisbane and Julia.
Food poisoning, scandalous guests, mysterious newborn baby, a ghost, unique pets, hints at future twists, and just the fun of the holidays when the March family gathers are enough to leave me very pleased with this short piece. I am always eager for scenes with Brisbane and Julia together and I was not disappointed. Married life has not altered their need for each other or to track down the answers to a mystery and for this I am glad. Julia's family gathering was another huge plus and I was particularly happy to get to know her niece and nephew who have a penchant toward mysteries too.
The length of the story pushes it to set up the mystery and solve it quickly, but I was pleased that it never felt rushed. As I noted above, there were many other events and characters developed further and deeper. It was an all around satisfying read that fans of the series will definitely enjoy, but also gather some great tidbits about the future direction of the story for Brisbane and Julia.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review thoughts.
It is a short piece and it takes place at the tail end of the holiday season just as the title suggests. The events are a continuation of the previous novella, Silent Night. Julia and Brisbane have spent the holidays at the Abbey with her huge eccentric family gathering for the Twelfth Night Revels play and celebration that take place every decade at the family seat performed by the March family for the people from the surrounding area. Dropped into the preparations are two mysteries to tantalize the detecting couple. First, a newborn baby is found out in the stable and then a ghost is spotted near an old empty cottage on the edge of the cemetery. With the help of a precocious niece, the mysteries are solved, but the answers will lead to a profound change for Brisbane and Julia.
Food poisoning, scandalous guests, mysterious newborn baby, a ghost, unique pets, hints at future twists, and just the fun of the holidays when the March family gathers are enough to leave me very pleased with this short piece. I am always eager for scenes with Brisbane and Julia together and I was not disappointed. Married life has not altered their need for each other or to track down the answers to a mystery and for this I am glad. Julia's family gathering was another huge plus and I was particularly happy to get to know her niece and nephew who have a penchant toward mysteries too.
The length of the story pushes it to set up the mystery and solve it quickly, but I was pleased that it never felt rushed. As I noted above, there were many other events and characters developed further and deeper. It was an all around satisfying read that fans of the series will definitely enjoy, but also gather some great tidbits about the future direction of the story for Brisbane and Julia.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review thoughts.
June 29, 2014
Twelfth Night is an in between Julia Gray novels short story/novella. It keeps the story moving while we wait for the next full length novel to arrive, and really they can't get here fast enough.
I love Lady Julia. She's always been a strong heroine, however this story isn't really about Lady Julia being strong. Its a holiday-ish novel, with her family doing the Twelfth Night Revels. But there is a baby that's found, and the possibility of some ghosts and witches, this short story moves along at a rather fast pace.
I loved the kids in this story, especially Perditia, who even Brisbane noted, was much like a young Julia.
The mystery of the baby and witch will leave you with a few tears, though nothing is totally certain about the mother's whereabouts when the story ends.
It definitely keeps the storyline going and brings new changes for this sleuthing couple.
It was a light, fun read with some of my favorite characters.
I love Lady Julia. She's always been a strong heroine, however this story isn't really about Lady Julia being strong. Its a holiday-ish novel, with her family doing the Twelfth Night Revels. But there is a baby that's found, and the possibility of some ghosts and witches, this short story moves along at a rather fast pace.
I loved the kids in this story, especially Perditia, who even Brisbane noted, was much like a young Julia.
The mystery of the baby and witch will leave you with a few tears, though nothing is totally certain about the mother's whereabouts when the story ends.
It definitely keeps the storyline going and brings new changes for this sleuthing couple.
It was a light, fun read with some of my favorite characters.
June 4, 2014
Twelfth Night, by Deanna Raybourn, gives us a tidbit of what is now happening in the lives of Lady Julia and her husband, Brisbane.
To celebrate the passing of another decade, the admired (and often eccentric) March family have gathered together to perform the Twelfth Night Revels for their rather dull English village. Before Lady Julia and Brisbane can perform their attention is drawn elsewhere when a newborn baby is found abandoned in the stable and a ghost shows itself near an old cottage on the edge of the cemetery.
The best part of this novella was being able to, once again, visit with all of the characters I have become quite attached to.
The mysteries are solved and this was a wonderful addition to the Lady Julia Grey series.
To celebrate the passing of another decade, the admired (and often eccentric) March family have gathered together to perform the Twelfth Night Revels for their rather dull English village. Before Lady Julia and Brisbane can perform their attention is drawn elsewhere when a newborn baby is found abandoned in the stable and a ghost shows itself near an old cottage on the edge of the cemetery.
The best part of this novella was being able to, once again, visit with all of the characters I have become quite attached to.
The mysteries are solved and this was a wonderful addition to the Lady Julia Grey series.
August 14, 2014
An anachronistic, but charming little novella. Not much meat for mystery readers and overall, fairly predictable, but I still liked it. I'm pleased that the author took her characters in a different direction than she'd led us to believe at the close of The Dark Enquiry. It appears that the author plans to continue the series, so it will be fun to see what she does next.
December 26, 2015
4.5 stars
This short novella got an extra half-star because it takes place amidst all of Lady Julia Grey's family, and I absolutely love them in all their wacky eccentricity.
Slightly wordier review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/128327...
This short novella got an extra half-star because it takes place amidst all of Lady Julia Grey's family, and I absolutely love them in all their wacky eccentricity.
Slightly wordier review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/128327...
July 17, 2016
This is a fun novella that brings together all the quirky members of the March family - with a little mystery on the side.
July 6, 2023
As Always, I Love Any In This Series/Library Loan
As much as I loved this, it was way to short. It’s approximately 45 pages in E-print. It is a very quick and brief read, but nonetheless pleasurable. I wouldn’t go so far as to say gratifying, simply because of the shortness.
I’m not a fan of novellas. But, props to Deanna Raybourn. She wraps up this short story, but still gives a hint to what the future may hold for our favorite couple. Very succinctly delivered, but much to glean in-between the words put to page.
I believe there’s one ebook left in this series. Not sure if it’s a novella as well. It took me the devil of a time to track it down, in order to read it. I’ll be starting it shortly.
I’m shocked to find that the previous publisher for Raybourn, has declined to publish anymore full length books in the Lady Julia Grey Series. I am happy to see though Ms. Raybourn is also with a new publisher. Here’s an article directly from the writer with a brief explanation of what happened:
https://www.deannaraybourn.com/faq/#:....
I am already a huge fan of her Veronica Speedwell series, and am anxiously awaiting the next one. I’ve read through up to # 8.
Off to read the next!
As much as I loved this, it was way to short. It’s approximately 45 pages in E-print. It is a very quick and brief read, but nonetheless pleasurable. I wouldn’t go so far as to say gratifying, simply because of the shortness.
I’m not a fan of novellas. But, props to Deanna Raybourn. She wraps up this short story, but still gives a hint to what the future may hold for our favorite couple. Very succinctly delivered, but much to glean in-between the words put to page.
I believe there’s one ebook left in this series. Not sure if it’s a novella as well. It took me the devil of a time to track it down, in order to read it. I’ll be starting it shortly.
I’m shocked to find that the previous publisher for Raybourn, has declined to publish anymore full length books in the Lady Julia Grey Series. I am happy to see though Ms. Raybourn is also with a new publisher. Here’s an article directly from the writer with a brief explanation of what happened:
https://www.deannaraybourn.com/faq/#:....
I am already a huge fan of her Veronica Speedwell series, and am anxiously awaiting the next one. I’ve read through up to # 8.
Off to read the next!
May 19, 2019
I've rated the previous installments in this book at three or four stars, and liked them well enough to purchase the Kindle package from Amazon. That's where things started to unravel for me.
Amazon didn't make it clear that the ensuing books were novellas. I wouldn't have purchased the package had I known. I. HATE. NOVELLAS. It's as if the author and publisher doesn't want to go to the trouble of creating an entire story, so they produce a short story. A novella that occupies me for an hour or so just isn't fulfilling. Also, it's danged-near impossible to develop characters or nuanced pacing in a novella. The work is just a blast of information, a story sketch, that leaves me cold. So instead of developing Twelfth Night (and the other novellas, most of which occur on the heels of each other) into one book that would keep me interested for hours, the author and publisher decided to string things out.
It hink this is a lazy approach to fiction, and it cost them a reader.
Amazon didn't make it clear that the ensuing books were novellas. I wouldn't have purchased the package had I known. I. HATE. NOVELLAS. It's as if the author and publisher doesn't want to go to the trouble of creating an entire story, so they produce a short story. A novella that occupies me for an hour or so just isn't fulfilling. Also, it's danged-near impossible to develop characters or nuanced pacing in a novella. The work is just a blast of information, a story sketch, that leaves me cold. So instead of developing Twelfth Night (and the other novellas, most of which occur on the heels of each other) into one book that would keep me interested for hours, the author and publisher decided to string things out.
It hink this is a lazy approach to fiction, and it cost them a reader.
April 20, 2018
The March family is all present at Bellmont Abbey for the traditional Twelfth Night mummers play. Every ten years the family gets together to perform the play written by Shakespeare. This year's performance has the addition of a foundling baby which opens an investigation by Brisbane and Julia to find out who he is. Julia is also dealing with some of her sibling's attitudes toward her new half-gypsy, private inquiry agent husband who is not their kind of people. This was has returning characters from earlier books in the series who bring their problems home with them and with Julia and Belmont winding up with a child when they never expected to have one.
May 1, 2019
Another short story that takes place a few weeks after the previous short story ended.
I really like this one. For the fabulous price of only a few dollars Australian you get:
1. Closure with a previous character/storyline from an earlier book,
2. A new direction for Julia and Brisbane (oh...please give us a new novel about this line of work),
3. A new addition to the Brisbane-March clan which made me squeal with delight, and
4. More Julia and Brisbane.
Not bad value for money!
A really gorgeous little short story for fans of the series.
I really like this one. For the fabulous price of only a few dollars Australian you get:
1. Closure with a previous character/storyline from an earlier book,
2. A new direction for Julia and Brisbane (oh...please give us a new novel about this line of work),
3. A new addition to the Brisbane-March clan which made me squeal with delight, and
4. More Julia and Brisbane.
Not bad value for money!
A really gorgeous little short story for fans of the series.
September 20, 2018
Well written, as usual, but way too short.
December 14, 2020
A very nice addition to the series and to their family.
March 10, 2019
Just to be clear, this novella is not a fluff piece or filler. A major development does occur in this installment. I'm really curious if Raybourn had originally intended to end the series with these couple of novellas or had she planned on more books. Did she want the fifth book to be the end but felt that she had to write more due to the dark ending of The Dark Enquiry maybe?
I'm somewhat on the fence whether I think this development is necessary, but I had wanted more closure with Julia and Brisbane in the series. I'm glad we got more time with these characters. I had forgotten how great they were.
I'm somewhat on the fence whether I think this development is necessary, but I had wanted more closure with Julia and Brisbane in the series. I'm glad we got more time with these characters. I had forgotten how great they were.
December 31, 2015
As always it's lovely to be re-immersed into the world of Lady Grey.
Julia Grey is an aristocrat and married to Nicholas Brisbane, a private enquiry agent in England, circa 1880ies.
Even for an e-novella, I felt that it was a pivotal episode and an important turning point for Julia Grey as to motherhood and what she wants “professionally” for her future and her husband's. There's no great plot here, except being reunited with Julia's family for Twelfth Night and finding an abandoned baby and, later, its provenance. Still, the relationship between Grey and Brisbane is, as always, compelling to say the least. Their sharp minds combined are the key to their success.
Julia Grey is an aristocrat and married to Nicholas Brisbane, a private enquiry agent in England, circa 1880ies.
Even for an e-novella, I felt that it was a pivotal episode and an important turning point for Julia Grey as to motherhood and what she wants “professionally” for her future and her husband's. There's no great plot here, except being reunited with Julia's family for Twelfth Night and finding an abandoned baby and, later, its provenance. Still, the relationship between Grey and Brisbane is, as always, compelling to say the least. Their sharp minds combined are the key to their success.
April 22, 2018
After reading almost 1700 odd pages, this was was over in less than two hours.
It is a small novella which occurs in the March house in January. The story spans three days at the max.
One new character I loved was the little girl, Julia's niece. We get to see the soft side of Morag again (after the doggie bit in book 3).
The confusion of Julia was different from the usual yearning of the ladies belonging to that era. (no spoilers)
One more to go and I'll be done with the series.
It is a small novella which occurs in the March house in January. The story spans three days at the max.
One new character I loved was the little girl, Julia's niece. We get to see the soft side of Morag again (after the doggie bit in book 3).
The confusion of Julia was different from the usual yearning of the ladies belonging to that era. (no spoilers)
One more to go and I'll be done with the series.
November 26, 2018
A continuation of the holiday season (Started in novella Silent Night) with the March family and Brisbane. It's a lighter version from the normal detective work Julia and Brisbane are involved with. In this one they end up with a gift they never foresaw.
ETA: Second time 11/26/18
ETA: Second time 11/26/18
November 15, 2024
Re-read and loved it
I should say I loved it again. I didnt recall all the plot points, so I still enjoyed the unfoldong of the story. Super characters, and a standout was the young niece. A terrific series!
I should say I loved it again. I didnt recall all the plot points, so I still enjoyed the unfoldong of the story. Super characters, and a standout was the young niece. A terrific series!
June 1, 2014
A dose of Lady Julia and Brisbane is always good, no matter how small!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 199 reviews