Silent in the Grave

I like this series set in 1880s London. Julia Grey is trapped in an unsatisfying marriage to Sir Edward Grey. When he is poisoned, Julia gets an opportunity to restart her life.

She not only has to manage the estate left to her by her husband, but also deal with the murder of her husband. She retains a private investigator, Nicolas Brisbane, and develops a passionate attraction to this difficult man.

Nine titles make up this now (apparently) complete series, which features the eponymous Lady Julia, a widow as of the first scene in the first tale, and the tall, dark, and enigmatic Nicholas Brisbane.

Raybourn’s chops as a romance author might explain why the chemistry between these two characters is wonderfully intense, but her fascinating exploration of the high Victorian English world (including some far-flung locations) highlights Raybourn’s skill with setting and historical rabbit holes.

Not only does Silent in the Grave go on my list, but the series itself also goes on my “wish there were more stories!” list.… show more.

The book begins with the death of Lady Julia’s husband at a dinner party at their house. Both Julia and the doctor believe he suffered a heart attack. Only an enigmatic private inquiry agent, hired by her husband, thinks Edward was murdered. When Julia discovers a threatening note to her husband, she determines to find his killer with the help of the inquiry agent. Over the course of their investigation, Julia changes from a naïve young wife to a mature woman, confident in her abilities. I loved the wonderfully eccentric characters in this book. After Edward’s death, Julia’s sister consoles… show more.