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)

I loved it

Engrossing. I have liked every one of Raybourn’s novels and all for different reasons. Some people say it is too drawn out but the atmosphere it creates is part of the reason I loved it.

Pretty good book, bad narrator

This is a pretty good historical suspese/romance with apparently fairly accurate depiction of life in the Victorian age. Unfortunately, the brightness of the story is dimmed by the narrator. Clearly not British, it's hard not to notice the lapses into American and/or the stilted supposed British accent - sometimes, it works, sometimes, it definitely doesn't. Also, the narrator has a tendency to read. In a very. Staccato. Way. which is infuriating and just about murdered my enjoyment of the book.

Good enough that I'll keep an eye out for the sequeal, but only if it's read by someone else.

I Loved this Book

I just recently re-read it as a matter of fact. And not for the first time. I thought everything about it was pretty close to perfection. The author did a wonderful job of creating fully formed and fascinating characters. Julia, the main character was almost the least developed, but that fit well with the plot of this first book in the series and her character was the perfect foil to the eccentric family she tolerates to varying degrees, her dysfunctional long term relationship with her husband and his family and most importantly, to the brilliance of Brisbane. He quickly became one of my very favorite "heroes", using that word quite loosely, of all time. I love every quirk, tic and unlikeable aspect of his character. And Julia slowly emerges as the book progresses and in the other books that follow in the series.

This is one of the best parings of narrator to book. Everything about the crisp, clear, reserved and concise voice of the narrator worked. The way she pronounced "Brisbane" perfectly defined Julia's personality.

The quality of this book alone made me rethink some long held prejudices about its publisher.

I have now read all 5 of these books ...

Would you listen to Silent in the Grave again? Why?

Yes, at some point, I may go back over the entire series again. They are all wonderful, light, easy cozy mysteries with a little romance. No graphic violence or boring sex scenes. They go down so smoothly -- like a whole box of chocolates.

Loved it

This story kept my full attention. I had a hard time turning it of! Intrigue on many levels. I can't wait to start the next book by this talented author.
The Narrator was excellent, telling the story with different accents and voices.

Nifty Read !

Had fun listening to this book, kept my interest thru a boring ride, no great epic, but enjoyable. The narrator did an entertaining and realistic job. Just the thing for a bit of "recess from Life".

not your typical romance novel

I hate romance novels. I downloaded one awhile back before I realized that "romance" is just a euphemism for soft porn. Regardless of its category, this was a fun book to listen to. The characters are original, the story is suspenseful and has subtle humor. Call it light self mockery. Anyway, I am hooked on this writer and will buy her next book either in audio form or conventional form. I wanted to download the second in the series but they switched narrators and according to the reviews it was a mistake. I hope the next book will return to the original narrator.

Great

Ready for the next adventure
Love the intrigue and flowing language
Superb interweaving of the characters

I’m so glad I found these!

I am late to the party, discovering the Veronica Speedwell series first. Now I am going back and listening to the Lady Gray series. Wow! Deanna Raybourn is a master of strong, intelligent and quirky characters! I’ve found a new favorite author!

Story spoiled by narration

I couldn't finish this because the frightfully posh voice put me off ( or "put me orf" as this narrator might pronounce it.) Too distracting, as this was mixed in with American vowels every now and then.