Silent on the Moor

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.

I love this series! These historical/romantic suspense novels are so well written, with complex characters, that I hate when the story ends. For me the romance between Brisbon and Lady Julia is hotter than some of the more explicitly sexual romances I have read. It took a while for them to decide, one way or the other, to be together. But the wait was worth it. The mystery of what was really going on in Grimsgrave Hall was also executed well and kept me guessing. If you haven't read the first two books in this series, "Silent In The Grave" and "Silent In The Sanctuary", I recommend reading these books first to truly appreciate this series.

I was entertained, but lukewarm to the first book of this series. I liked the 2nd book well enough, but I'm so glad I stuck with this series and purchased this 3rd novel. What a great book! Deanna Raybourn has achieved something very rare -- a book that is every bit as fun, dark and thrillingly entertaining as any by the Bronte sisters. Well done! And Ellen Archer has softened her delivery for the principle character, which is a great improvement. (All her other characters were perfect from the first book.) I Really, really loved this one!

The narrator does make the audiobook and Ellen Archer is a perfect fit for this author's work. Really enjoyed listening to the diversity of characters (especially Portia) without being distracted from the story by horridly done accents that don't fit the character. If you've read the other two Brisbane and Grey mysteries, you will enjoy Silent on the Moor and await the next installment eagerly.

I like this series very much mostly due to the reader's ability to bring the characters to life - and make them likeable. Some female readers make men's voices gruff when trying to make them masculine - sort of like Billy Goat Gruff - which effects the listeners perspecitve of what the man is like. Ms. Archer has perfected tones to indicate masculinity which is very effective. The mysteries themselves are a bit light weight but the stories and characters make them very enjoyable. Great beach/pool books!

This mystery takes a while to develop but comes together in the end. Over all there is very little romance in the story. Strong gay/lesbian subplot that the reader should know about before purchasing the audiobook. The narrater has an annoying voice for some characters but does very well with others. Overall just a fair experience.

The story was captivating

Where and when it took place.

Lady Julia

There were several. The story kept me having to find out more.

The performance of Ellen Archer was amazing. It was a total pleasure listening to this book. Have already ordered her other books.

Each time I hear the announcement that this is a joint production with Harlequin, I cringe a bit. My experiences many years ago with Harlequin were not stellar. I no longer read much in the way of romance. However, this series continues to comprise entertaining historical mysteries, with a bit of romance blended in. I am enjoying them so much that I am about to start on the fourth book!

I really like how the author has developed the entire March clan (Lady Julia's family) as a major character in the series, with the unconventional nature of the father being largely responsible for the resultant wide-ranging interests and beliefs of his grown children. This adds a flavor to the stories that allows the reader to get a wonderful feel for the late Victorian period in which they are set and to root for the various family members as they go about their lives and experience their varying dilemmas.

Silent on the Moor takes Julia and Portia to Yorkshire, ostensibly to "help" Brisbane, who has purchased an estate there. Of course, this is against all propriety, and big brother Belmont, the most conventional and strait-laced of the clan, fights against the scheme until deciding that they can go if Val goes with them. So Julia and Portia are off on their next adventure.

This series is well-written and I believe well-researched regarding customs of the day. I recommend that anyone who has not read the earlier books (Silent in the Grave and Silent in the Sanctuary) should begin with those to have a full appreciation for the background of the characters.

My only problem with the narration is that Julia's sister Portia is portrayed with a tiny little-girl voice which drives me quite crazy. Portia had a small role in the first book and has had expanded roles in the next two. The reader, Ellen Archer, began with this caricature of a voice in the first book and must have felt compelled to continue it. I wish there were siome way she could achieve a toned-down version of the voice if Portia is to continue in subsequent books!

I love Julia Grey, but this one the first one I read as opposed to listened to and it left me feeling a little disappointed. Sometime later I went back and re-listened to all the previous books and I decided to get this audiobook too. So glad I did! I don't know why, but I found it much better on tape than in print. True story ...

I have read all five of the Lady Julia Grey series and enjoyed them all, so I knew the story already when I decide to listen to the audio version. Ms. Archer gives a very good performance and it was an enjoyable listen. I especially liked how she voice the various regional accents, it really added to the richness of the story. Sometimes Julia seems a little overly stiff but perhaps that is a more accurate depiction of a woman so well-born.

Lady Julia and Brisbane are such an intriguing mix of personalities and emotions that there is never a dull moment. Deanna Raybourn has developed characters that you cannot help but become attached to. And in Silent on the Moor she paints a vivid and forbidding image of the moors which adds to the interest and the tension.

I heartily recommend the entire series and look forward to more in the future.