Silent on the Moor

Author: Deanna Raybourn
Copyright: 2009 (Mira); 465 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-7783-2614-4
Series: 3rd in the Lady Julia Grey series
Sensuality: Kisses

Where & When: England, 1888

At the end of Silent in the Sanctuary, Lady Julia Grey learns that Nicholas Brisbane has invited her sister Portia to help him set up his household at Grimsgrave. Julia is determined to settle, once and for all, the question of whether there is a future for herself and Brisbane. She intends to accompany Portia to Yorkshire, whether she wants company or not.

As the book opens, Julia’s oldest brother, Belllmont, is fussing about his sisters’ plan to travel unchaperoned. The respectability of the family would be called into question and Bellmont doesn’t need that type of scrutiny at this time. His own children are entering society and a scandal could hurt their chances. The Marches have always been unconventional, but the Earl March has already decided to send Valerius, his youngest, along with Julia and Portia to prevent gossip. Bellmont is mollified, but the others are unhappy. In this state, the sisters set off to Yorkshire with their brother, their lady’s maids, and their pets.

What Julia finds in Yorkshire is an estate that will require extensive repair — a job way beyond simply setting up one’s household — and Brisbane is his usual impossible self. His habit of seeming to want her gone, at the same time holding her close, is frustrating — not to mention his habit of disappearing for days on end. Wanting to be useful to the destitute Allenby women still residing at Grimsgrave, Julia offers to catalog the late Sir Redwell Allenby’s Egyptian collection in preparation for selling it. However, she stumbles upon a mystery. There’s more about the Allenby family than an obsessed son who financially ruined his family estate and then died, leaving his mother and two sisters at the mercy of strangers.

The first Gothic romances I read where by Victoria Holt, so I could easily imagine the atmosphere Julia and her siblings found themselves in. The ancient estate and the bleak moor are perfect settings for the brooding half-Gypsy, half-Scotsman Brisbane. The man fit right in. And thanks to my extensive experience with those books by Holt, I knew to suspect everyone Julia met of some crime or other — because there’s no telling what secrets they might be hiding.

I thought this was a much better book than Sanctuary. There seemed to be more interaction between Julia and Brisbane in this book than the last one. Maybe it felt that way because Julia learned a lot more about him, and the author wrapped up the mysteries of Brisbane’s past. I don’t think that Julia is quiet up to “equal partner” status in the private inquiry business yet. She has a lot more to learn before I trust her to solve a mystery. I must say I was impressed with her willingness to tackle someone.

Favorite Quotes:
“You are a singular woman, Julia Grey. You persist in seeing me as the man you want me to be.”
“No, I see you as the man you want to be.”
–Brisbane, Julia

“I could give it all away, you know. I am sure there is some home for elderly cats or something that would appreciate the money.”
– Julia

“I am leaving England for awhile.”
“For how long?”
“Until I am quite recovered from you.”
“When will you return?”
“Never.”
– Brisbane, Julia

Started: 17 March 2009
Finished: 19 March 2009

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

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Books in the series:

Silent in the Grave

Author: Deanna Raybourn
Copyright: 2007 (Mira); pgs. 511
Series: 1st in the Julia Grey/”Silent” series
Sensuality:Mature Themes **

Who: Lady Julia Grey and Nicholas Brisbane

Summary: After initially dismissing the idea that her husband may have been murdered, Lady Julia Grey hires Nicholas Brisbane to investigate the possibility.

Comments: What a great book! I made the mistake of reading the book club questions first — why? I have no idea. Even knowing certain things didn’t distract from the book; in fact, it made me more aware of some of the clues, it made me pay attention to things certain characters said. The Magda side-story was certainly a surprise.

Since I don’t want to accidentally give anything away, I talk about Julia’s family instead. Yes, they are definitely unconventional. Lord March doesn’t insists that his widowed daughters remarry. He doesn’t see a problem with them being financially independent. He also doesn’t seem to mind that one of his sons is a artist and another is a playwright/poet, though he does seem to mind that one of his sons wants to be a surgeon. In those days, it wasn’t something that aristocrats do — but the Marches are unconventional, so it shouldn’t have come as a shock to the earl.

And their names! Early in second chapter, when Julia, her sisters, and their aunt are discussing the funeral arrangements, I got a bit suspicious. By the end of the chapter, I was pretty sure I was right, but I looked it up anyway. The names of the earl, his siblings, his children, and his dog all come from the same source (we just has to assume Bellmont’s given name is also from the same source, since it’s not mentioned). The biggest surprise was the dog. I wasn’t looking for a connection there when I stumbled on it by accident. It was fun to see how many more relatives with source-specific names got mentioned.

I loved the characters. I loved the Crown raven. The touches of humor. Julia, queen of denial:

You keep telling yourself that, Jules. And that you didn’t enjoy seeing Brisbane’s naked chest. You can’t fool us; we know that your girlhood crushes were dark, broody men in literature.

All and all, another enjoyable read.

Favorite quote:
“If that Mr. Brisbane should die soon. . .”
“I will send for you at once.”
“Oh, that is kind of you, my lady.”
– Mrs. Birch, Julia

** = Though there are no intimate scenes, the book touches on mature topics.

Started: 14 February 2008
Finished: 18 February 2008

Rating:

LOVED IT !!