Silent In The Grave
by Deanna Raybourn
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Book Reviews of Silent In The Grave
Book Review: silent in the grave
Summary: 4 Stars
I decided to read "Silent in the Grave" after seeing the great reviews it received on Amazon. While I cannot say that I was as excited as some of the 5 star reviewers, this book did provide interesting entertainment. The protagonist, Lady Julia Grey, is likable enough, & the plot became very interesting towards the end of the story.
My main problem with this book was that it moved entirely too slow for my liking. It seemed as though there were numerous chapters that did nothing to further the plot, & the entire mystery really takes place in the last one third of the book. The book seemed confused: was it to be a social critique of the Victorian period or a straight out mystery? Unfortunately, Mrs. Raybourn did not pull off both genres here.
Overall, I would recommend the book with some reservations for readers who enjoy a faster pace to their mysteries. I do intend to read the sequel, "Silent in the Sanctuary."
Book Review: (3.5 stars) ignore the inital similarity with "And only to Deceive" this novel takes off to be its own book
Summary: 3 Stars
Upon reading the first chapter of "Silent in the Grave" I was immediately struck with the similarity to another novel, "And only to Deceive." Both are mysteries narrated by the wives of dead husbands living in the late Victorian period, both go on to investigate those deaths and both come to the conclusion that not only did they not really know their husband, but they had no clue of who they were either.
Seems familiar, no? Luckily this book is saved by the charming and often funny narration of Lady Julia, the heroine of this novel and her very odd and very large family. They make the book far more than the mystery does (though I have to admit the scene were Lady Julia confronts the murderer s very well done in a way I can't say or it will spoil it for you.)
All in all an enjoyable mystery. I look forward to the next novel in the series.
Three point five stars.
Book Review: Wonderful Debut novel.......
Summary: 5 Stars
I became acquainted with both this author and her debut novel when I saw that it won the RITA award at the RWA conference last summer in San Francisco, for Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements.
Since my reading leans much more toward contemporary women's fiction, I wasn't sure if I'd like it. From the first page, I was captivated. Great characters and plot and spot-on authenticity for the time period.
Somebody here mentioned this story not being a "mystery" and I don't agree. No...it's not your typical "cozy" or suspense mystery, but I have to say when I got to the end of the novel, I was quite surprised. Not only that, but I found myself trying to figure out the killer from the first page. In my opinion, that's the definition of a "mystery."
Excellent and well written story and now I'm glad I'd also purchased Silent in the Sanctuary. I love finding new authors to read.
Book Review: More Romance than Mystery
Summary: 2 Stars
I agree with several of the other reviewers who this book is more of a romance than a mystery. There were very few suspects and I fiqured out who did it, if not why, about a quarter way through the book. I was looking for a replacement for the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt mysteries of which I've read all, and this book made me appreciate just what a good author Anne Perry is. Ms. Perry's authentic Victorian manners and settings plus her real talent for creating mysteries really makes other books pale. Others have mentioned the modern tone of this book and inauthenicity. And while I didn't mind Lady Julia and her eccentric family, I really disliked the character of Nicholas Brisbane. He did remind me of Heathcliff, a character I really dispise. And the second sight subplot is ridiculous. All in all, if you're looking for a romance it will probably serve, but I was looking for a mystery.Book Review: Silent in the Grave
Summary: 4 Stars
When Sir Edward Grey dies everyone assumes it is due to his lifelong health problems. Everyone except detective Nicholas Brisbane. When Brisbane goes to Lady Julia Grey and tells her of his suspicions that her husband was murdered, she dismisses him. Nearly a year later, she makes a discover that leads her to question Brisbane's accusations. The two become partners in an investigation that is full of twists and turns that lead Lady Julia to question everything she thought she knew about those around her.
While the plot is intriguing, the characters are what make this a great novel. Brisbane and Julia are both complex and likable characters and their interactions are always entertaining. In addition, there are many interesting minor characters. Julia's family and staff is filled with quirky, yet believable characters. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!