Silent in the Grave

By: Deanna Raybourn

Narrated by: Ellen Archer

Length: 12 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.

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.

©2007 Deanna Raybourn (P)2007 Audible, Inc.
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A. All characters in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Critic reviews

"Riveting." (Bookreporter.com)
"Fans of British historical thrillers will welcome Raybourn's perfectly executed debut." (Publishers Weekly)

Was this supposed to be a mystery?

This story was barely a mystery. I feel as if this was written more to introduce the character and the Mystery was a second thought. I also had issues with the main character. I know the author was trying to build a sense of complexity to the main character but I found that her actions were contradictory. I also think that the author was trying too hard to make the character's unique that it just made it unrealistic especially for the time period. Overall I was underwhelmed with the writing

Kept me interested

I enjoyed the story very much as it did have a surprising ending. I would have loved to see more romance between the main characters but I guess that is Deanna’s way to keep me listening to the next book!

Wowowow

I loved this! This was such a great story that was pretty true to the times in all aspects! The mystery was great with a twist at the end!

Pleasant Victorian Mystery

I liked the reader and her accents quite well. I probably don't have the discerning of some listeners but it was easy to separate the characters during the reading and only once, near the end, did I note that one character's accent somewhat resembled another.
It is not an extremely complex mystery but it was enjoyable as it evolved and better than I expected from a Harlequin, (I feel I can say this as I probably singlehandedly kept them in business back in the 80s!)
If you are looking for a light read this is fine. I liked it well enough to go buy the other two Audible has in the series.

Intriguing

This was a real treat to listen to. The ending caught me by surprise. Now I can't wait to listen to Silent in the Sanctuary. I hope there are more to come.

Woman Before Her Time

Great presentation of life in the 1800s in England. Earls, Ladies, servants, and gypsies.
The story of a woman who is a part of the aristocracy and accepts the expected behaviors of widowhood and social standing of the times. Yet, she questions the norms and wonders at the chance of her birth into privilege. The mystery of her husband's death takes her into secret worlds beneath the outward appearances of Victorian England. I enjoyed reading about her discoveries. Good narration voices. A totally enjoyable book.

Fun Victorian mystery

This was a lot of fun! I got this as part of the Romance Package. I had read the Veronica Speedwell series so I knew I liked the author. This book had the same cheeky sense of humor, well-developed mystery, and enjoyable historical fiction setting. Although maybe a little more serious than the Veronica books. If you're wondering how much of a romance novel this is, there is a sexy simmer between the two main characters but the focus is absolutely on the mystery and the development of Julia Grey's character and story. I'm definitely going to read more of the series and I'm so glad the series is included in the romance package.
Audible 20 Review Sweepstakes Entry

Mystery, Rather than Romance

Character development was excellent, and not just the leads. After starting with bang, all the players were gradually, and thoroughly, brought in and “grown.” This book was well-written (including the avoidance of anachronistic speech or behavior that was not in keeping with the characters or the times). Yes, the hero is over-the-top with talent, but I like my characters to be larger than life, and he plays well opposite the realistic Lady Julia. I thought the narrator did an excellent job portraying the characters. I enjoyed the mystery, though this book is just a tease as far as the romance goes (you’ll get no spoilers from me). The ending was as well-paced as the story, immensely satisfying, while offering just enough to lead me to the next book—not that I needed it. This author has just risen to my Favorites. Would never have guessed this is a Harlequin. I do find first-person somewhat more palatable in audio.

surprisingly good!

I didn't think I'd like this Victorian romance mystery, but it was excellent. No bodice ripping or sex scene fillers. Interesting characters and storyline. I can't wait for the next book. Narration was great!

Very good book

This book kept my attention the whole way through. I was surprised by the ending. The narrator was perfect too.