(Just a general market review, that never made it to the blog before...)
Silent In The Grave by Deanna Raybourn
These ominous words, slashed from the pages of a book of Psalms, are the last threat that the darling of London society, 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, Sir Edward 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 Sir Edward has been murdered. It is a reaction she comes to regret when she discovers the damning paper for herself, and realizes the truth.
Determined to bring her husband's 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.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
the Writing of this book really pulled me in and I found it overall to be a good long mystery that kept me slightly confused and full of vague guesses. It has been many years since I have read much mystery, and I did enjoy this one. As a basic Victorian English Mystery novel it was quite fun. The characters were likable and I do plan to read the future novels in the series.
This is not a series for everyone. It is very "worldly" and liberal with homosexuality and affairs. After all the murder weapon was for use on a phallus. This is definitely an adult novel. Part of me feels that they mystery could have gone a completely different way. It was not until late in four hundred pages that it even appeared to have the "lovers" and method of death. I am quite disappointed as to where it went, because those are definitely not my taste, and it is just plain blah. It was just annoying at first that her sister earlier displayed a leaning tendency toward her Jane, but it just went too far really. The writing is good, and such a better story could be told with the talent without being so sexual.
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- Hardcover: 512 pages
- Publisher: Mira; First Printing edition (January 1, 2007)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0778324109
- ISBN-13: 978-0778324102
- Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.7 inches
Click here, to go read my review of the second in the series, Silent in the Sanctuary.
Click here, to go back and read my review of the third in the series, Silent on the Moor.
3 comments and creative thoughts:
The murder weapon is a phallus? Hrm.
"for use on one" and a reason that I really doubted continuing to read this author... but her other books have proven to be much more tasteful. I was shocked really, but the whole book leading up does not "look" that way. I hate to give away the ending, but at the same time... reading the blurb you know he died, now you know why. But you still do not know who...
Not sure about this one. Really helpful review. Thanks.
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