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Lady Julia Grey #1-3
The Lady Julia Grey Bundle
To say that I met Nicholas Brisbane over my husband's dead body is not entirely accurate. Edward, it should be noted, was still twitching on the floor.
Starting with her husband's sudden death, stubborn Lady Julia Grey is swept into a world of deceit, by following enigmatic attractive private investigator Nicholas Brisbane.
From Victorian London society to a hectic family holiday to madness on the moors of Yorkshire:
1 Silent in the Grave
2 Silent in the Sanctuary
3 Silent on the Moor
Starting with her husband's sudden death, stubborn Lady Julia Grey is swept into a world of deceit, by following enigmatic attractive private investigator Nicholas Brisbane.
From Victorian London society to a hectic family holiday to madness on the moors of Yorkshire:
1 Silent in the Grave
2 Silent in the Sanctuary
3 Silent on the Moor
1083 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2009
272 people are currently reading
711 people want to read
About the author
Deanna Raybourn
40 books9,385 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 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 28, 2011
Good value and fun stories - very much enjoying this series.
HowEVER, I did just discover after reading the 3rd book that I'd been HOODWINKED. These books are published by HARLEQUIN, the ROMANCE NOVEL PEOPLE THAT I'VE MOCKED MY ENTIRE ADULT LIFE. Good grief. I can only take this to mean that they have upgraded the quality of their writers and stories, as the characters in this series are enjoyable and the plot lines interesting and fun. Huh. Who knew.
HowEVER, I did just discover after reading the 3rd book that I'd been HOODWINKED. These books are published by HARLEQUIN, the ROMANCE NOVEL PEOPLE THAT I'VE MOCKED MY ENTIRE ADULT LIFE. Good grief. I can only take this to mean that they have upgraded the quality of their writers and stories, as the characters in this series are enjoyable and the plot lines interesting and fun. Huh. Who knew.
October 25, 2012
I received this bundle for a very low price on my kindle. I never expected to enjoy it as much as I did. Historical Mystery is not always my thing. I read them straight through and immediately got the next few. Here is a review of each book as I read it:
SILENT IN THE GRAVE -
3.75 stars. I couldn't give it 4, but it is more than 3.5.
I’m not really sure how I feel about this yet. I definitely liked it enough to keep reading the series. But I am a little torn. It wasn’t what I expected at all. Not in a good or bad way. Just unexpected.
There was quite a bit of what I call “filler” info. Maybe that is on par with other Victorian mystery novels, but there was a lot of information that wasn’t necessary. Tiny little details that you really don’t need to hear about. Though, I suppose for a mystery, that makes sense. It is all in the details when one is trying to weed out a murderer.
As a character, Julia becomes more likable as the story unfolds. In the beginning she is not vapid, but she is not particularly interesting. Only after the death of her husband and encouragement from her sister to be bold does she allow herself to open up and try to enjoy her life. Julia’s family are not backwards thinkers, quite the opposite, but some things are shocking no matter what.
Several times during the story, I wanted to be shocked. I kept thinking, meh, I need something juicy. Maybe it is my modern way of thinking. ;) I certainly do not live under Victorian Era standards, but I wanted SOMETHING. I got more than I bargained for in the end. Eek.
Nicholas Brisbane is appealing as hell. Kind of a jerk, the kind of bad boy that we all love to hate and love to love at the same time. But he isn’t a complete ass. He has redeemable qualities. He isn’t perfect, despite what some people say in their reviews. I think he is very flawed. Yes, he plays instruments, he speaks languages. There is a reason for that, and it all unfolds very slowly.
So, I guess I liked it. I want more.
SILENT IN THE SANCTUARY -
3.5 Stars
I do love how well researched these books are. And the language is on par with the time period. I have often read Victorian novels or novels set in other times that do not correctly reflect the mannerisms or speech of the people of the time. It is really off putting and makes it difficult for me to read. Thankfully, that is not the case in the Julia Grey Novels.
I love Julia & Brisbane's constant bickering and back and forth. It creates a tension which is altogether delicious. Though it make you want something to happen and become frustrated when it doesn't. Sometimes though, the anticipation can be better than the act itself. I'm hoping that isn't the case, but I am enjoying the ride nonetheless.
I like how ridiculous Julia's family is as well. The fact that they accept one another, despite their abundance of flaws is, for lack of a better word, awesome. And quite entertaining. They all have quirks and mannerisms that can be annoying but the author manages to portray them with a sense of humor through Julia's eyes.
I have grown to like Julia's voice a good deal more as well. She isn't a meek little mouse, and we all know that I love that.(less)
SILENT ON THE MOOR -
Julia Grey does not disappoint in her adventures.
This installment of the Julia Grey series was a bit more morbid than the previous 2 books. There is much truth about the age in which it was set, but not necessarily something that you want to think about. Or read about. It did not deter me from soldiering on and plowing through it, though. I am a sucker for romance, and we finally get a little bit of it in the end.
I have read that many people aren't fond of Brisbane. They believe he is too perfect, too well-read, too intelligent. I disgree. He is completly flawed. Sure, he is well-versed in many ways, but that is becuase he had to be. In order to achieve the life he wanted, he had to learn these things. It is an admirable trait, though the reasons behind doing what he did are not entirely admirable. I think he is a perfect match for Julia. Their flaws are what make them so well-suited for each other.
Silent on the Moor brings us further into Brisbane's history. We get a lot more information about his past. Something that Julia has been salivating for. It is presented in typical Deanna Raybourn fashion - a mystery of course. One filled with quite a few unexpected twists and turns. I did not really expect any of it, which is what makes a great book. Sometimes mysteries can be predictable, and sometimes a piece of a plot just seems obvious, but I don't think that was the case here.
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SILENT IN THE GRAVE -
3.75 stars. I couldn't give it 4, but it is more than 3.5.
I’m not really sure how I feel about this yet. I definitely liked it enough to keep reading the series. But I am a little torn. It wasn’t what I expected at all. Not in a good or bad way. Just unexpected.
There was quite a bit of what I call “filler” info. Maybe that is on par with other Victorian mystery novels, but there was a lot of information that wasn’t necessary. Tiny little details that you really don’t need to hear about. Though, I suppose for a mystery, that makes sense. It is all in the details when one is trying to weed out a murderer.
As a character, Julia becomes more likable as the story unfolds. In the beginning she is not vapid, but she is not particularly interesting. Only after the death of her husband and encouragement from her sister to be bold does she allow herself to open up and try to enjoy her life. Julia’s family are not backwards thinkers, quite the opposite, but some things are shocking no matter what.
Several times during the story, I wanted to be shocked. I kept thinking, meh, I need something juicy. Maybe it is my modern way of thinking. ;) I certainly do not live under Victorian Era standards, but I wanted SOMETHING. I got more than I bargained for in the end. Eek.
Nicholas Brisbane is appealing as hell. Kind of a jerk, the kind of bad boy that we all love to hate and love to love at the same time. But he isn’t a complete ass. He has redeemable qualities. He isn’t perfect, despite what some people say in their reviews. I think he is very flawed. Yes, he plays instruments, he speaks languages. There is a reason for that, and it all unfolds very slowly.
So, I guess I liked it. I want more.
SILENT IN THE SANCTUARY -
3.5 Stars
I do love how well researched these books are. And the language is on par with the time period. I have often read Victorian novels or novels set in other times that do not correctly reflect the mannerisms or speech of the people of the time. It is really off putting and makes it difficult for me to read. Thankfully, that is not the case in the Julia Grey Novels.
I love Julia & Brisbane's constant bickering and back and forth. It creates a tension which is altogether delicious. Though it make you want something to happen and become frustrated when it doesn't. Sometimes though, the anticipation can be better than the act itself. I'm hoping that isn't the case, but I am enjoying the ride nonetheless.
I like how ridiculous Julia's family is as well. The fact that they accept one another, despite their abundance of flaws is, for lack of a better word, awesome. And quite entertaining. They all have quirks and mannerisms that can be annoying but the author manages to portray them with a sense of humor through Julia's eyes.
I have grown to like Julia's voice a good deal more as well. She isn't a meek little mouse, and we all know that I love that.(less)
SILENT ON THE MOOR -
Julia Grey does not disappoint in her adventures.
This installment of the Julia Grey series was a bit more morbid than the previous 2 books. There is much truth about the age in which it was set, but not necessarily something that you want to think about. Or read about. It did not deter me from soldiering on and plowing through it, though. I am a sucker for romance, and we finally get a little bit of it in the end.
I have read that many people aren't fond of Brisbane. They believe he is too perfect, too well-read, too intelligent. I disgree. He is completly flawed. Sure, he is well-versed in many ways, but that is becuase he had to be. In order to achieve the life he wanted, he had to learn these things. It is an admirable trait, though the reasons behind doing what he did are not entirely admirable. I think he is a perfect match for Julia. Their flaws are what make them so well-suited for each other.
Silent on the Moor brings us further into Brisbane's history. We get a lot more information about his past. Something that Julia has been salivating for. It is presented in typical Deanna Raybourn fashion - a mystery of course. One filled with quite a few unexpected twists and turns. I did not really expect any of it, which is what makes a great book. Sometimes mysteries can be predictable, and sometimes a piece of a plot just seems obvious, but I don't think that was the case here.
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March 24, 2011
I'm not sure what to say about these books.
I'm conflicted. If I'd bought the first one individually - I may not have continued on in the series. I believe in realism and don't mind a little "dysfunctional" in any family situation - it can make things more interesting. This first book and this family... well everything that could be wrong is. A love triangle between men... STDs, prostitution, lesbianism, racism, betrayal, adultery,... all this in the family. Then you have a man that not only can see what can happen but can supposedly take the form of a cat. I didn't know what to think about that one - and I think the author almost tried too hard to prove her heroine and her family were not your run of the mill ordinary people by piling on so many instances of out of the ordinary things that it pushed the bounds of even believable fiction. It was distracting and really not necessary for the story.
Having said all that - I did like the two main characters and stuck it out for the two next stories. More than anything I wanted to find out what happened with them.
The second story was very nearly tame in comparison. Some near family scandals - past and present - a thief to stop and (of course) a murder to solve. The whole time the couple fights their feelings for each other.
In the third things get strange - again. There are many answers to questions from the series. Lots of Egyptian relics are found including mummified babies... and I had to wonder whether Brisbane or the author is more confusing. (yes, no, yes, no) I can't really get into the strangeness without giving away spoilers, so I won't go there.
I was satisfied with the ending and I'll probably stop my adventures with Lady Julia here. As I already said, I liked the two main characters but thought the author tried too hard to make sure they weren't your average couple (just his history and her hooking up with him would have been unusual enough - add in maybe one or two of those things from the first book and it would have been plenty - this felt like I do after Thanksgiving dinner - bloated with way too much to be comfortable.
I'm conflicted. If I'd bought the first one individually - I may not have continued on in the series. I believe in realism and don't mind a little "dysfunctional" in any family situation - it can make things more interesting. This first book and this family... well everything that could be wrong is. A love triangle between men... STDs, prostitution, lesbianism, racism, betrayal, adultery,... all this in the family. Then you have a man that not only can see what can happen but can supposedly take the form of a cat. I didn't know what to think about that one - and I think the author almost tried too hard to prove her heroine and her family were not your run of the mill ordinary people by piling on so many instances of out of the ordinary things that it pushed the bounds of even believable fiction. It was distracting and really not necessary for the story.
Having said all that - I did like the two main characters and stuck it out for the two next stories. More than anything I wanted to find out what happened with them.
The second story was very nearly tame in comparison. Some near family scandals - past and present - a thief to stop and (of course) a murder to solve. The whole time the couple fights their feelings for each other.
In the third things get strange - again. There are many answers to questions from the series. Lots of Egyptian relics are found including mummified babies... and I had to wonder whether Brisbane or the author is more confusing. (yes, no, yes, no) I can't really get into the strangeness without giving away spoilers, so I won't go there.
I was satisfied with the ending and I'll probably stop my adventures with Lady Julia here. As I already said, I liked the two main characters but thought the author tried too hard to make sure they weren't your average couple (just his history and her hooking up with him would have been unusual enough - add in maybe one or two of those things from the first book and it would have been plenty - this felt like I do after Thanksgiving dinner - bloated with way too much to be comfortable.
February 10, 2019
Awful
I don't understand why people like these books. They're so bad. The mysteries are fairly simple and the romance is better not talked about. I hope her new series is better.
I don't understand why people like these books. They're so bad. The mysteries are fairly simple and the romance is better not talked about. I hope her new series is better.
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December 1, 2019Categories
Women Sleuths Mystery & Detective Fiction, Historical Romance, Romance Collections & Anthologies, Victorian Historical Fiction
Miniseries
A Lady Julia Grey Mystery
Women Sleuths Mystery & Detective Fiction, Historical Romance, Romance Collections & Anthologies, Victorian Historical Fiction
Miniseries
A Lady Julia Grey Mystery
July 25, 2013
I like the series well enough, but towards the end I found myself shaking my head a lot. The mysteries were good, but the author just kept adding in more and more quirks about the family or the mystery to where I finally reached the point of ENOUGH ALREADY I get it the Marches are EXTREME good grief for the love of all I get it. And seriously Julia was a ninny when it came to Nicholas I'm going to leave you for being mean to me, I'm going to leave you for making a fool of me, I'm going to leave you... BULL you were never going to leave or grow a pair and demand fair treatment cause you demanded it and then let him get away with not following through... UGH. No I will not continue with the series which is sad I really thought it had great potential. I'm just tired of how crazy and different the Marches are, how secretive Brisbane is, how even the idiots know Julia YOU R IN LOVE WITH HIM and yes dear it is that obvious and no one for a second thought you would ever not put up with his behavior.
May 29, 2011
Deanna Raybourn had me with the first line of the first book in the series. If you've read it you'll know what I mean. I could hardly put my kindle down until I'd finished the third, bowled over by the level of research and descriptions of life in late Victorian England. The third book, Silent In The Grave is extraordinary. Raybourn's hero, Nicholas Brisbane is a smoldering, flawed Heathcliffe, although blessed with finer qualities, in a Wuthering Heights, Yorkshire setting. Add a touch of murder and a dash of Egyptology to the mix! But be warned these books are not bodice rippers, Raybourn leaves much to our imaginations. Traveling with these two characters who so clearly yearn for each other, I had no trouble doing that.
October 2, 2011
There are now five books in the Lady Julia Grey series. I suggest that the reader ignore the "bodice buster" art work of the covers and settle in for an excellent mystery with fascinating characters. The author is a master of story telling. Julia comes from an extended family of non-conformists, all named for a Shakespearean character. Nicholas Brisbane brings to the stories his role as a private investigator, given to horrendous attacks of migraines, and his own off the beaten track family members. Set at the turn of the century, Lady Julia is a woman of independence and spirit, determined to play a part in her husband's mysteries. If you read the FIRST of the series, you will be hooked.
March 25, 2017
I've loved mysteries, ever since starting out as a girl with Nancy Drew. I eventually moved on to Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Dorothy L. Sayers. I also love to read historical romance, especially Regency and Victorian.
So how could I help loving the Lady Julia Grey books? Simple. I couldn't. The three books in this very nicely priced ebook bundle were much more mystery than romance, but that's okay. They were engaging and well constructed. The underlying romance -- which in these three books take Julia and Brisbane from first meeting to marriage -- is subtle but gripping. Brisbane is such a delicious, deeply layered character.
So how could I help loving the Lady Julia Grey books? Simple. I couldn't. The three books in this very nicely priced ebook bundle were much more mystery than romance, but that's okay. They were engaging and well constructed. The underlying romance -- which in these three books take Julia and Brisbane from first meeting to marriage -- is subtle but gripping. Brisbane is such a delicious, deeply layered character.
February 4, 2011
Full of dysfunctional family fun, but a little too much descriptive fluff for my liking. Can't wait for number book five as long as she leaves out the mummy babies.
March 30, 2016
Wonderful
I loved this series and look forward to continued reading adventures by Deanna Raybourn. The characters captured my heart and brought me through many exciting mystery's.
I loved this series and look forward to continued reading adventures by Deanna Raybourn. The characters captured my heart and brought me through many exciting mystery's.
April 20, 2018
Okay, so this is the first time I am reading a DR book, rather books.
Now, since it is a bundle I had three books to read as one. The opening line was awesome. I had great expectations but then Book 1 almost disappointed me.
Still, I continued and Book 2 was maybe okay. Book 3 was a little better but, I skimmed through a few pages in all the books.
If 25-30% of Julia's ramblings were removed, the story would have progressed better. The chemistry wasn't that great until almost the ending.
The crimes were neither easy nor hard to guess so that's okay.
I'm not sure if people of that era used a few words written in the book.
I was torn between liking and hating Julia, but finally, she's good enough. Not great, but good.
Brisbane, of course, was the typical brooding hero, and it was the same with him. Like at times, dislike at times.
I'll continue reading the series to see how they manage their temperments.
Now, since it is a bundle I had three books to read as one. The opening line was awesome. I had great expectations but then Book 1 almost disappointed me.
Still, I continued and Book 2 was maybe okay. Book 3 was a little better but, I skimmed through a few pages in all the books.
If 25-30% of Julia's ramblings were removed, the story would have progressed better. The chemistry wasn't that great until almost the ending.
The crimes were neither easy nor hard to guess so that's okay.
I'm not sure if people of that era used a few words written in the book.
I was torn between liking and hating Julia, but finally, she's good enough. Not great, but good.
Brisbane, of course, was the typical brooding hero, and it was the same with him. Like at times, dislike at times.
I'll continue reading the series to see how they manage their temperments.
September 15, 2020
Took me awhile to read because it was the 1st 3 books in the series. Lady Julia Grey and Nicholas Brisbane are interesting characters with a , in his case, a lot of baggage. It is interesting to see how they grow through the 3 books. I will most likely read more of this series to see what happens next.
July 4, 2019
This bundle introduces you to Lady Julia Grey, her family the Matches and Nicholas Brisbane. You get to know them in all the oddness of their unique personalities. I really like them. Read and see for yourself.
March 8, 2021
Pretty good
It’s a good mystery but drags in a few places. The mysteries are easily figured out. There are scenes that you think will become something but they’re filler, similar to real life.
It’s a good mystery but drags in a few places. The mysteries are easily figured out. There are scenes that you think will become something but they’re filler, similar to real life.
December 31, 2017
Cosy Victorian crime fiction.... I liked it :-)
June 20, 2019
A lovely cozy mystery with a strong female lead.
September 5, 2019
entirely worth reading
May 21, 2019
I love 3 in 1 bundles because you can really get into a series. I enjoyed books 1 and 2 but I have to confess to faltering on book 3 - out on the wild and windy moors. Too much Wuthering Heights and by that stage I was having difficulty buying the relationship between Julia and Brisbane - there is something lacking I can't quite put my finger on. And gypsies keeping popping up as convenient plot devices. So more of a 3.5 stars than a 4 but worth a read if you love historical mystery with a dash of humour.
March 3, 2021
These are fairly Gothic, with all their portents, foreshadowing, and dire directives from the heroine's narration; their dark and brooding hero whom, we are assured, is really quite entranced with the heroine yet deals with her rather nastily for a large proportion of the novels (oh but it's really the most romantic! because he actually has loved her from the very minute he saw her! and he simply suffers from a tragic past and debilitating headaches because he refuses his gift of the "sight"! so it's all okay! 🙄); and the rather transparent mysteries which could be guessed less than a third of the way in, yet somehow the heroine bumbled about discombobulatedly for the rest of the books. They're also, despite their status as a historical mystery series, rather disconcertingly modern in some respects (descriptions of clothing aside; the modernity is more in some of the interactions/speech/thoughts, more than things like syphilitic characters and homosexuality as some other reviewers cited).
I'm sure a rebuttal could be made that I'm simply too stodgy and unimaginative to appreciate these books - and the glowing reviews and high star rating here suggests perhaps that's true - but I couldn't help but be annoyed by these books, and impatient. Gothic plot devices such as the heroine loving the hero who is broody and enigmatic and remote and rather unpleasant to her and has secrets deeper than the Mariana Trench? I can't help but mentally groan and think "I'm so tired of this. Why doesn't she just leave him and get on with her life and let him go to hell in a handbasket if that's what he wants? And why don't people just talk and communicate?!"
So...I guess these just aren't my cup of tea, and that assessment reflects my personality more than the quality of the books.
I'm sure a rebuttal could be made that I'm simply too stodgy and unimaginative to appreciate these books - and the glowing reviews and high star rating here suggests perhaps that's true - but I couldn't help but be annoyed by these books, and impatient. Gothic plot devices such as the heroine loving the hero who is broody and enigmatic and remote and rather unpleasant to her and has secrets deeper than the Mariana Trench? I can't help but mentally groan and think "I'm so tired of this. Why doesn't she just leave him and get on with her life and let him go to hell in a handbasket if that's what he wants? And why don't people just talk and communicate?!"
So...I guess these just aren't my cup of tea, and that assessment reflects my personality more than the quality of the books.
December 28, 2013
I normally don't go for novels that seem like they have a strong romantic component but I was intrigued by the historical context and the detective mystery aspect in the small passage I read at the bookstore. I have since purchased all of the books (5 to date I believe) and have never been disappointed.
The romance is certainly present, but it is not overpowering, and the mystery style is far more prominent. I like the main character because she is multi-dimensional and adapts to the other characters (I have seen a lot of protagonists in books remain rigidly the same the entire length of the novel). She is at times afraid, at times fearless, at times unsure and at times very confident. She has realistic human flaws and ambitions. She could also be considered a feminist character, which is a nice little clash with the fact that the stories are set in the (I estimate) Victorian era.
Most importantly, I have never found myself discovering the solution to the mystery before the protagonist does (which has happened on occasion while reading or watching other detective books/tv shows), so I find the intrigue to be quite well-crafted.
The author also likes to work in some topics that are not typical in this type of fiction; notably homosexual relationships (that are not demonized - very refreshing), medicinal drug use, Romani culture etc.
The romance is certainly present, but it is not overpowering, and the mystery style is far more prominent. I like the main character because she is multi-dimensional and adapts to the other characters (I have seen a lot of protagonists in books remain rigidly the same the entire length of the novel). She is at times afraid, at times fearless, at times unsure and at times very confident. She has realistic human flaws and ambitions. She could also be considered a feminist character, which is a nice little clash with the fact that the stories are set in the (I estimate) Victorian era.
Most importantly, I have never found myself discovering the solution to the mystery before the protagonist does (which has happened on occasion while reading or watching other detective books/tv shows), so I find the intrigue to be quite well-crafted.
The author also likes to work in some topics that are not typical in this type of fiction; notably homosexual relationships (that are not demonized - very refreshing), medicinal drug use, Romani culture etc.
January 30, 2017
I left stories one and three unread due to unfathomable boredom. The first book takes forever to get anywhere, and the third quickly loses its interesting atmospheric almost Gothic vibe to continue to bore me. But the real problem with this book is Brisbane. Always rude, always condescending, always unpalatable, always disagreeable, Brisbane has no real redeeming qualities and always manages to ruin what I like about Julia and the plot. He is such an utterly loathsome man who wallows in his issues, pushes Julia away only to pull her close and push her away again, and his arrogance is intolerable. He is everything I hate some romance novel heroes, humiliates her, and despite being an investigator, it doesn't feel like he serves any other purpose than asshole-love-interest-the-heroine-is-supposed-to-get-to-love-her-because-she's-special-or-something. All in all, ridiculous books with no entertainment value, unless you can handle irredeemable love interests and English moors.
September 16, 2011
This series was on sale in the kindle store and I was in the mood for a good mystery, especially one set in Victorian England.
The main reason I kept reading these books was that I loved the heroine. She was smart, feisty, silly in love, and interesting. The mysteries themselves are well developed and kept me guessing!
BUT...there was way to much other stuff that seemed just thrown in there...things that did not fit with the time period or story. Although there was nothing graphic, there were repeated themes of infidelity, homosexuality, murder, magic, prostitution, ghosts, and too many others too remember. While the author may have been trying to have the main characters family be full of interesting people, it just became too much. All the extras clouded up what was a very well written and thought out mystery.
The main reason I kept reading these books was that I loved the heroine. She was smart, feisty, silly in love, and interesting. The mysteries themselves are well developed and kept me guessing!
BUT...there was way to much other stuff that seemed just thrown in there...things that did not fit with the time period or story. Although there was nothing graphic, there were repeated themes of infidelity, homosexuality, murder, magic, prostitution, ghosts, and too many others too remember. While the author may have been trying to have the main characters family be full of interesting people, it just became too much. All the extras clouded up what was a very well written and thought out mystery.
September 6, 2013
I was so surprised on learning this was a HARLEQUIN romance book. I really liked the author, the pace, the characters and the descriptive way Ms Raybourn colored the scenery in the book so well. I found myself waking up at 4:00 am to get a bit more reading time. Lady Julia Grey was a fascinating character and truly enjoyed the varied characters of her family. The mysteries were plausible and in the very first book, I was stumped at who the true killer was. That doesn't happen to me often. I really liked Nicholas Brisbane and all of his secrets and flaws. It made for a very entertaining story. One of the best surprises was that even though it was a HARLEQUIN book, the story was not filled with gratuitous sex scenes. Very well done and I would easily grab another book written by this author knowing I will get a well written story.
September 1, 2014
I continue my tour of escapist, not-very-serious-minded literature with these first three books of this Victorian mystery/romance series. Here's the first line of the first book:
Yeah, it's pretty great. The characters, even the secondary ones, are wonderful (if anachronistic in their attitudes) and the writing is super fun. I didn't realize until I got to the end of the third book that these are published by Harlequin, and I was surprised because the romance here is tasteful and PG-rated, the bodice-ripper covers notwithstanding; I thought that everything from Harlequin was all explicit and kind of trashy. I guess I don't actually know much about Harlequin or its imprints.
To say that I met Nicholas Brisbane over my husband's dead body is not entirely accurate. Edward, it should be noted, was still twitching upon the floor.
Yeah, it's pretty great. The characters, even the secondary ones, are wonderful (if anachronistic in their attitudes) and the writing is super fun. I didn't realize until I got to the end of the third book that these are published by Harlequin, and I was surprised because the romance here is tasteful and PG-rated, the bodice-ripper covers notwithstanding; I thought that everything from Harlequin was all explicit and kind of trashy. I guess I don't actually know much about Harlequin or its imprints.
September 30, 2011
I have never read a series where I felt more like the whole series could have been read all through as one (huge, though it would be) book. The chemistry didn't falter and the characters didn't lose ANY of their appeal in this sequel, which so often happens in series.
The mysteries are good--sometimes the broader parts of the crimes aren't terribly hard to guess, but there are always smaller intrigues mixed in, and I don't think it would be possible to solve each and every one of them, so I think everyone can reach the end surprised in some fashion, and therefore satisfied.
The mysteries are good--sometimes the broader parts of the crimes aren't terribly hard to guess, but there are always smaller intrigues mixed in, and I don't think it would be possible to solve each and every one of them, so I think everyone can reach the end surprised in some fashion, and therefore satisfied.
September 8, 2011
Three stores in one...Silent in the Grave; Silent in the Sanctuary; and Silent on the Moor. I loved this series all in one. Lady Grey marries, her husband is killed in the first story. She solves the mystery with Bisbane a handsome man. The second and third story takes them to solve two more mysteries. There were a lot of surprises in about the time I thought I figured it out, there would be another twist. I loved the easy read. I did find these stories similar to the series written by Tasha Alexander.
November 5, 2012
I liked these. Good mystery (although the actual dead body in the third one didn't turn up until WAY into the book. i thought I had started reading the wrong series. But I just finished a Thursday Next book, so that's going to happen for a while.)
I will probably read more of these, right up until Lady Julia becomes as irritating as Lady Emily has lately. Then I'll go to something else.
Apparently there's a new Flavia De Luce novel coming in January, so there's that.
But, if this is the kind of book you enjoy, you'll probably enjoy all three of these.
I will probably read more of these, right up until Lady Julia becomes as irritating as Lady Emily has lately. Then I'll go to something else.
Apparently there's a new Flavia De Luce novel coming in January, so there's that.
But, if this is the kind of book you enjoy, you'll probably enjoy all three of these.
October 26, 2011
Hooked from the first sentance of the first book - Silent in the Grave. Love Victorian mystery and this series is well written. Starts with the murder of her husband and I must say I had lots of ideas on who had done it but was surprised at the end.
The next book was Silent in the Sanctuary and was a better introduction to Julia's family and her upbringing. The third book Silent in the Moor did not hold my interest as well; but still a good mystery.
The next book was Silent in the Sanctuary and was a better introduction to Julia's family and her upbringing. The third book Silent in the Moor did not hold my interest as well; but still a good mystery.
February 17, 2013
Wonderful Victorian mysteries! Having loved good mysteries since my adolescent years with the likes of Nancy Drew et al, they still are my favorite go-to escape books. Her research and details of settings, speech and character makes these a delight to read. The protagonist is feisty, amusing and fearless--and even though some situations are a bit far-fetched, you have to love her spirit and determination.
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