Silent in the Grave

Reviewed by Moonsong on March 8th, 2008, 11:39pm

by Deanna Raybourn

Format: Print Books

Series: MIRA Books

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 longstanding 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.

Wow what a very intriguing, delightful read! It is hard to believe this was done by a debut author it was so brilliantly done. I very quickly found myself being drawn into the story involving the heroine and her dysfunctional family, marriage and other situations. I really liked her a lot with her quick wit and sassy attitude towards those around her. I especially liked her showdowns with the intriguing and mysterious Nicholas. This book was like reading a mystery more than a suspense. With the hint of clues, the way the h went about trying to solve her husbands murder. It did have its chilling moments though. I also liked the raven present in the story that was interesting. The things that came out were always surprising I never guessed how things would end up. I never saw the ending coming. This book was just very cleverly done. I do indeed have the sequel to this and it looks just as good.

mini-challenge-first time: this is a first time author for me. I picked it out because I have been seeing tons of good reviews on it and was part of my dusty tbr pile so I decided to pick it up.

Never knew what was once warm is now a cold place.