Silent in the Grave

Deanna Raybourn

Book 1 in the series:Lady Julia Grey

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'Silent in the Grave' by Deanna Raybourn is a Victorian mystery novel that follows Lady Julia Grey as she navigates the unexpected death of her husband, Sir Edward Grey. When a mysterious private investigator, Nicholas Brisbane, suggests foul play in Edward's death, Julia embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her husband's murder. Set in late Victorian London, the book weaves together secrets, mystery, and unconventional characters, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers guessing until the surprising end. Raybourn's writing style is described as engaging, with witty and amusing elements that draw readers into the lives of the characters and the atmospheric setting of Victorian London.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, particularly Lady Julia, who evolves throughout the story, and Nicholas Brisbane, who serves as both her aide and potential love interest. The supporting cast adds humor and depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is witty and engaging, characterized by its rich descriptions, clever dialogue, and a strong sense of the historical period.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a murder mystery that also explores the personal growth and transformation of the protagonist, Lady Julia, as she navigates her husband's suspicious death with the aid of Nicholas Brisbane.

Setting:

The setting is Victorian London in 1886, showcasing the era's opulence and societal details through its vivid descriptions.

Pacing:

The pacing balances between slower character development and more suspenseful moments, with a quicker resolution towards the end.

I stared at him, not quite taking in the fact that he had just collapsed at my feet. He lay, curled like a question mark, his evening suit ink-black against the white marble of the floor. He was writh...

Notes:

The book opens with a gripping line where Lady Julia Grey meets Nicholas Brisbane over her husband's dead body.

Lady Julia Grey comes from an eccentric aristocratic family in Victorian England.

The story involves a murder mystery that Julia decides to investigate after initially dismissing the idea.

The setting is rich in detail, bringing late 19th century London to life with its fashion, societal norms, and transportation types like broughams and hansoms.

Lady Julia's sister is in a known lesbian relationship, which adds modern elements to the otherwise Victorian setting.

The narrative features a strong romance subplot between Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane, marked by tension and character development throughout the series.

Raybourn was recognized for her writing with this book being nominated for an Agatha Award for Best First Novel.

The characters are complex, particularly Lady Julia, who experiences significant personal growth from a passive widow to an active investigator.

Revelations about the characters' true natures and motivations unfold over the course of the book, keeping readers engaged until the end.

The story mixes humor, historical elements, and a gothic vibe that enhances the traditional mystery structure.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains medium content warnings, primarily regarding themes of death, murder, and societal issues related to sexuality and gender.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present, primarily revolving around the slow-burn relationship between Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

"Let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave."

These ominous words are the last threat that Sir Edward Grey receives from his killer. Before he can show them to Nicholas Brisbane, the private inquiry agent he has retained for his protection, he collapses and dies at his London home, in the presence of his wife, Julia, and a roomful of dinner guests.

Prepared to accept that Edward's death was due to a long-standing physical infirmity, Julia is outraged when Brisbane visits and suggests that her husband was murdered. It is a reaction she comes to regret when she discovers damning evidence for herself, and realizes the truth.

Determined to bring the murderer to justice, Julia engages the enigmatic Brisbane to help her investigate Edward's demise. Dismissing his warnings that the investigation will be difficult, if not impossible, Julia presses forward, following a trail of clues that lead her to even more unpleasant truths, and ever closer to a killer who waits expectantly for her arrival.

Ratings (23)

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Reader Stats (37):

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Want To Read (11)
Not Interested (3)

1 comment(s)

marluv424

Loved It

3 months

This is my McDonalds. This is the Milanos I eat in the middle of the night standing over the sink. Good? No. Delicious? Absolutely.

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