Silent on the Moor

By: Deanna Raybourn

Narrated by: Ellen Archer

Length: 12 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

In Grimsgrave Hall, enigmatic Nicholas Brisbane has inherited a ruined estate, replete with uncanny tenants and one unwanted houseguest: Lady Julia Grey. Despite his admonitions to stay away, Lady Julia arrives in Yorkshire to find Brisbane as remote and maddeningly attractive as ever. Cloistered together, they share the moldering house with the proud but impoverished remnants of an ancient family: the sort that keeps their bloodline pure and their secrets close. Lady Allenby and her daughters, dependent upon Brisbane and devastated by their fall in society, seem adrift on the moor winds, powerless to change their fortunes. But poison does not discriminate between classes.... A mystery unfolds from the rotten heart of Grimsgrave, one Lady Julia may have to solve alone, as Brisbane appears inextricably tangled in its heinous twists and turns. But blood will out, and before spring touches the craggy northern landscape, Lady Julia will have uncovered a Gypsy witch, a dark rider, and a long-buried legacy of malevolence and evil. Deanna Raybourn spins a gripping tale of loyalty and lust, set against the wild beauty of the Yorkshire moors.

©2009 Deanna Raybourn (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Fans of romantic mystery could ask no more." ( Kirkus )

I liked this story

I am surprised though that this author does not write with any detail the ‘romance’ scenes. Maybe I’ve just come to expect it from reading so many other books in this genre. It is rather disappointing. But I did like the story line.

More gothic than the previous two.

Either Archer is reading better, or I'm becoming less sensitive to her accents - probably a bit of both.

So far each mystery in this series is different enough from the others to keep things interesting. Raybourn changes the venue for each, which helps. This book has moved the main characters to the moors of the north country and the story is more atmospheric, so both Lady Gray and Brisbane are able to express more emotion in this context without it seeming a break in their character. Lady Gray is her usual sensible and intelligent self, but she's gaining confidence and therefore ferocity in fighting for what she wants. I like how she is evolving as the series progresses. Brisbane becomes more accessible in this book as well.

One thing I find uniquely enjoyable in Raybourn's books: she uses extremely good grammar even in dialog, which makes Lady Gray's bluestocking credentials ring true.

I plan on ordering the next book in the series.

Enjoying this series immensely

I’m really enjoying this series immensely. The Narrator is excellent. The mystery in this one took quite a few twists and turns. The social mores of the time make the ongoing romance all the more intriguing.

I loved the ending and am in process of downloading Darjeeling!!

Enjoyable.

Interesting and believable characters, unexpected plot twists, well researched historical details, and a fine reader. I liked it.

LOVES THESE STORIES

Excellent writing, depth of characters, plot development and superb narrator continuity. These cozies are easy to follow. Only hope there are more to come.

Compelling romance continues

This is a satisfying continuation of the relationship between Lady Julia Gray and the enigmatic Nicholas Brisbane. This was first issued with a different reader who was not good but has been reissued with Ellen Archer as reader and this is a great improvement. Nice light listening.

Enjoyable story; easy to listen to

What made the experience of listening to Silent on the Moor the most enjoyable?

I did not listen to the first book in the series, but started with a later book, and enjoyed it so much that I am backtracking to listen to the other books in the series.

What about Ellen Archer’s performance did you like?

Unlike other reviewers, I enjoy Ellen Archer as a narrator. Her voice is very pleasant and she gives a distinct voice to each of the major characters.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This book was easy to listen to in stages - a bit at a time. The story stays with you, so you can pace yourself.

still not enough dirty romance

Exquisite details yet again, but not the juicy romance I was hoping for. Voices are delicious!

Silent on the Moor

You must hear all three to understand the relationship between these characters. I wasn't as fond of book #2 and hesitated getting involved with #3, but I did and it did complete the series. I have told friends about the "Silent" series and they have enjoyed them. I would say go ahead. I would hope Raybourne will keep writting.

Bored with them

Any additional comments?

Will not go further with this series...Ellen Archer does a helluva job though. Story just ran flat...now that they are a couple, sexual tension (which was getting boring anyway) is gone. Same thing happens on every TV episode where the sexual tension is a major plot line. The "mysteries" are beyond believable.