Customer Reviews

Silent in the Sanctuary (Lady Julia Grey)

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Lady Julia Grey is a thirty-year-old widow who almost lost her life in Deanna Raybourn's debut mystery, "Silent in the Grave." The sequel, "Silent in the Sanctuary," opens in a luxurious rented villa near Lake Como in 1887. Julia, who narrates, has been enjoying Italy's picturesque sights and warm climate along with her brothers, Plum and Lysander, and their good friend, the handsome Alessandro Fornacci. Since she helped private inquiry agent Nicholas Brisbane hunt down her late husband's killer, Julia has developed a taste for intrigue and danger. She longs for "something more important than the embroidering of cushions or the pouring of tea to sustain me." Julia gets her chance for excitement sooner than she expects when her father, the wealthy and influential Earl March, peremptorily summons the siblings home to Bellmont Abbey, the family estate in England. The Earl is furious with Lysander who, without asking permission of his father, has wed a fiery Neapolitan woman named Violante. Since Lysander has very little money of his own, he is dependent on the Earl's financial support to cover his living expenses. If the earl were to cut them off, Ly and his wife would be destitute.

Although Julia is happy to be at home with her family, she dreads seeing Brisbane again. She cannot forget the moment when "we had both of us reached beyond ourselves" and kissed passionately. Unhappily, their relationship never progressed beyond that one feverish encounter, and she has not heard a word from him in five months. However, Julia still cherishes the pendant that he gave her bearing the lovely inscription, "For where thou art, there is the world itself."

Julia and her brothers arrive four weeks before Christmas to find a large group of guests in residence at March House: their saucy and sarcastic sister, Portia; the vicar and his new curate, Lucian Snow; their poor orphaned cousins, Emma and Lucy Phipps; Dorcas, a portly and cranky old aunt; Lucy's much older fiancé, the overbearing Sir Cedric Eastley; Henry Ludlow, Cedric's cousin and secretary,; Hortense, the Earl's lady friend and a former courtesan; and most shocking of all, Nicholas Brisbane and his future wife, the lovely widow, Charlotte King. It takes all of Julia's considerable pride, breeding, and restraint to keep from showing her true feelings towards Brisbane's intended: "She was a Fragonard milkmaid, a Botticelli nymph. I hated her instantly."

When one of the Earl's guests is murdered, Julia and Nicholas join forces to find and apprehend the perpetrator. In the course of the novel, people are robbed, bludgeoned and poisoned. The deliciously intricate plot features phantoms, gypsies, and jewel thieves as well as deception, secrets, shocks, and betrayals. Raybourn has come up with the perfect recipe for a Victorian murder mystery: Take one spunky and meddlesome heroine. Add a dark and handsome gentleman with a shadowy past and a tortured soul. Mix in family scandals and a dollop of murder. Sprinkle with a generous portion of witty and acerbic dialogue, and top it all off with an imaginative and unexpected conclusion. "Silent in the Sanctuary" is a marvel that will have Raybourn's mesmerized readers turning pages well into the night. Miss it at your peril.

First, my sincere apologies to the author and the publisher. Ms. Raybourn's publisher was kind enough to extend an ARC, and as such my review should have been published the day the book was available for sale.

I first came upon Ms. Raybourn's work in an unusual way. Having just finished The Thirteenth Tale, back in late 2006, I was browsing the bookstore looking for a book that might be similar, and written by a contemporary author. I didn't think I would find anything, but I was game, and up for the challenge. I came across Silent in the Grave on a display, and it caught my eye because the cover was red, and it vaguely, subconsciously reminded me of the cover of The Thirteenth Tale - although the only similarity is that red appears on both covers. A quick glance at the book description told me that I hadn't found what I was looking for, but I decided to read the first page anyway.

And I'm glad I did. I was immediately hooked, and instead of waiting to get a better price on Amazon, which I guiltily admit I usually do, bought the book at the store, and devoured it. Ms. Raybourn kept me just as entertained throughout the rest of the book as her opening paragraph had promised, and I greatly looked forward to the next installment in the series.

Now how odd is it, that when looking for something vaguely Victorian that spoke of ghosts and family secrets and tragedies, that I found Silent in the Grave? Because while that wasn't what I was looking for at the time, Silent in the Sanctuary absolutely was. It evoked memories of the Bronte sisters and Henry James, and was more what I was looking for two years ago. That's what this book is...a throwback to a different era. The hook isn't in the first sentence, but rather in the entire book. Ms. Raybourn gave herself quite a task, and she succeeded admirably. She brought together a large, diverse group of people, outfit them with unique yet sensible and believable personalities, and then told us a story that takes place in a cold, dank abbey that is quite possibly haunted.

Not a huge fan of romance, I found myself much entertained by the back and forth between Brisbane and Grey in the first book of this series, and it continues here, with a marvelous twist. In fact, there are so many twists in this book that it's nearly impossible to guess at where the story is headed.

In addition to Brisbane and Grey, there is a marvelous cast of supporting characters, all of whom are exceedingly well drawn. I kept waiting to encounter a character that stepped out of character, so to speak, because with the tangled web Ms. Raybourn was weaving, it seemed that something, somewhere, was bound to fall apart.

It didn't. Ms. Raybourn entertained me again, and masterfully managed all of the delicate, intricate threads of her story. I'm delighted that she didn't try to copy what made the first book such a success, that she listened to the story, and told it as it needed to be told.

In her second novel of the Lady Jane Grey series, author Deanna Raybourne has much to live up to. That she so successfully meets the challenge is a testament to the character and wit of her independent widow at odds with an enquiry agent, Nicholas Brisbane, who gets under Julia's skin at every turn, indicative not only of a professional sense of competition, but also a romantic tension that fails to materialize as the two lock horns and intellects, murder at the heart of each contretemps. Returning from five months in Italy with her two brothers, a new sister-in-law and a charming young gentleman with a crush on the widow, Lady Julia arrives in Sussex at her father's home, Belmont Abbey, for a protracted Christmas family gathering. Unexpectedly, among the earl of March's guests is none other than the enigmatic and profoundly stubborn Brisbane, who blandly introduces Julia to his fiancé. Not to be outdone, Julia proffers her handsome gentleman in turn.

Critiquing Brisbane's intended, Julia finds the woman lacking. Pretty enough, to be sure, but not of the intellectual caliber one would expect from Brisbane. Her suspicions piqued, Julia believes something is amiss and vows to keep her eye on the couple, at the same time attending to her temperamental new sister-in-law, as well as a visiting clergyman, and two poor-relation cousins, one of whom has brought her wealthy, elderly fiancé with plans to be married in the Abbey chapel that weekend. Beginning their usual fractious repartee, Julia and Brisbane have once more begun to circle one another when a scream rings out; a man is found dead in the chapel, the about-to-be-wed cousin standing near the lifeless body clutching the blood-stained murder weapon. With everything in chaos, the cousin claims the right of sanctuary, unwilling or unable to answer further questions. Later that night, when she and her devoted sister suffer the consequences of someone's ill-intent, it is clear that this family holiday is not going as planned.

With the aura of a baroque late 19th century drawing room melodrama, the setting is gothic and mysterious, four centuries of ghosts in good company with a killer who mixes among the other guests. Terrified that the culprit might be one of her kin, Julia must consider every possibility, no matter how distasteful, following Brisbane's lead, but forging a singular path as her own stubborn nature prevails. Accidentally thwarting Brisbane's investigation, Julia is adequately remorseful, but as is her wont, her mistakes come at Brisbane's personal cost, all because she refuses to be dominated by another man since widowhood, independence part of this protagonist's charm. Stories within stories, wheels within wheels, nothing is predictable in this novel, not the murderer, nor the eclectic assortment of guests, including a jewel thief and a deeply bitter man who craves society's approbation, nor the two combatants, Julia and Brisbane, who fuel yet another romp through the dark halls of murder and a relationship yet to be acknowledged. A charming, irresistible novel. Luan Gaines/ 2008.

Much as I wanted to read the sequel to "Silent in the Grave" as soon as I could get my hands on it, it some how wound up with another person who gave me continuous reports of it being boring, of the murder taking place half-way through the book, and of unsatisfying conclusions. Since I had liked but not loved its predecessor I had kind of low hopes in the beginning for this novel.

Let's just say having read that I now believe this other person to be quite wrong, or the author has improved. Both probably. While it is true the crime that makes "Silent in the Sanctuary" a murder mystery does place roughly half way through the book it is because this is a mystery of the Agatha Christie school, unlike it's predecessor. In "Grave" Lady Julia barely knew her husband and so everyone was a suspect for his murder and an old fashioned investigation had to be taken to find the culprit.

But "Sanctuary" has a murder taking place in an isolated country mansion (an abbey before Henry VIII's reforms) during a snowstorm that insures the murderer is one of the guests invited for the March Christmas party. As more crimes come to light, people and jewels go missing and hidden tempers, perhaps murderous, are revealed, it is clear that something must be dine before all the guests can depart-the killer and theif among them. Can Lady Julia (freshly returned from her recovery vacation on the continent with a young, handsome Italian Count in tow) and Nicholas Brisbane her partner in discovering her husbands murdered just months before (who happens to be newly engaged and in line for a title) find the culprit before more lives are taken? Or before their snowy isolation melts away and the fiend gets away for good...

I didn't find this to be boring at all, unlike my friend. Yes, a lot happens before the murder and it is mostly chit-chat, getting to know the cast of characters. But this is a deeply personal crime and knowing the characters is essential. Besides Lady Julia's narration is so charming (and at times laugh out loud funny) that everyday talk is still a pleasure to read. And I do believe with this novel Deanna Raybourn has firmly proved she is no copier of Tasha Alexandra's Lady Emily series. They are similar, it's true (widowed female detective gets into the business discovering husband's murder and somehow gets involved with a man that has something to do with investigations) but they are different in many ways. And both are so well written that it would be a crime not to enjoy both series.

Four stars and I do look forward to the next novel in the series immensely.

I have been eagerly awaiting this sequel to Deanna Raybourn's first novel Silent in the Grave and I was not disappointed in the least.

In this novel we are reunited with our heroine Lady Julia Grey as she sets out to return to her father's home in England with her two brothers after they have sojourned in Italy. She has been in Italy recovering from the loss of her husband and her home. Now their father has demanded that they all return home for Christmas.

Their father's home in England is in Belmont Abbey which has been the home of the Marches for generations, back to the time of dissolution of the Catholic church under Henry VIII. Julia returns to find many houseguests visiting when she arrives, including Nicholas Brisbane who is not alone.

When one of the houseguests is murdered Julia's cousin confesses to the crime. Julia is certain of her cousin's innocence and at her father's request she and Brisbane set out to discover who the real murderer is as they have done before.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, it was effortless to read. I enjoyed the various threads of mystery and the history of the English Abbey. I loved the characters of Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane as I did in the first novel. The tension propelled the story and kept me reading and wondering while I wasn't reading. I was satisfied by the conclusion of this story and yet there was plenty left unfinished and unexplained. I can not wait to read the next installment in this series.

I would highly recommend reading Silent in the Grave first, it will make this story a richer and more satisfying read.

My only disappointment was how quickly I finished reading this book...another 550 pages would have made me happy!

Silent in the Sanctuary by Deanna Raybourn is the second book in the Julia Grey series. Lady Julia is heading home with her two brothers Plum and Lysander (plus Lysander's new wife) for a family Christmas on the March country estate. But she's in for a surprise because her father has invited family members, neighbors, and the target of Julia's affection: Nicholas Brisbane, who just happens to bring his fiance. Every one of Raybourn's characters is a stand out, whether supporting or lead, they are fascinating and full of mystery. Even the family home, a former abbey, has a personality. The March family is well known for its eccentricities, but murder is something even they can't overlook, and when a young cousin confesses, Julia decides to find out the truth, no matter who gets hurt. The electricity between Julia and Brisbane arcs across each page, and the sibling rivalry among the March children is insightful and often hilarious. This Victorian romance/mystery is filled with lots of period detail and sparkling dialogue. Raybourn ends with a new home for Julia, and this series has a new home on my list of favorites.

Lady Julia Grey is summoned back to England after a restorative six months in Italy following the traumatic events written about in SILENT IN THE GRAVE. An attentive young count, Alessandro Fornacci, journeys with her, as do two of her brothers, one of whom is newly married and who fears their father's wrath at his choice of a bride. It is the Christmas season, and when they arrive at their imposing ancestral home, a former Cistercian abbey confiscated from the monks by Henry VIII, many guests are already in residence, including more of Julia's nine siblings, two penurious cousins, a crotchety aunt, a titled man who made his own fortune, and the inimitable and enigmatic Nicholas Brisbane who has taken a fiancee!

The drolly endearing eccentricities of the March family surface at the dinners, outings, and other diversions of the leisure class that unfold with loving detail, particularly concerning the apparel and courtliness of the Victorian times. But Julia senses undercurrents of intrigue almost immediately as she makes (mostly) courteous conversation all around. Soon a ghost, stolen pearls, a vanished Aunt Dorcas, and a body discovered during a game of sardines all demand investigation and Lord March commends the task to Julia and Brisbane, much to their simultaneously warring disquiet and excitement. The game is afoot, and this prickly pair have many secrets to unravel and more than one culprit to unmask. Their collaboration requires many a consultation, often during the nocturnal hours and often in each other's bed chambers....

Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia Grey, by the way, calls strongly to mind Tasha Alexander's Lady Emily Ashton. Both are strong-willed young widows who give Sherlock Holmes sprightly competition.

SILENT IN THE SANCTUARY delights with its singular characters, its warmly fluent style, its finely-tuned mysteries, and its continuing love story. This second SILENT entry surpasses the first in this reader's opinion.

If Lady Julia is to be believed (and why not?), she and Brisbane will discover another body, in Yorkshire this time, very soon. I can't wait.

"Silent in the Sanctuary" was truly a book that I hated to end. I wanted to stay in the world of the Marches as long as I could because they have become even more endearing than they were in "Silent in the Grave." In this installment, the family is snowbound at their estate, so we get a heavy dose of Julia & her eccentric family.

Surprisingly, the mystery was not the main draw for me. The actual murder that precipitates the mystery does not happen until about 250 pages into the book, which allowed me to focus on the Marches & Nicholas Brisbane. I'm sure that some readers will be dissatisfied that the mystery does not get more pages, but I think that the Marches well made up for that fact. I've also really enjoyed the inclusion of the Gypsies in this series.

Lady Julia and her brothers, Plum and Lysander, have been enjoying themselves in Italy. Julia has needed the time away from home after the events that occurred in SILENT IN THE GRAVE. Now, however, their father has demanded they return home immediately due to Lysander's recent and unexpected marriage.

Julia doesn't expect for Nicholas Brisbane to be one of her father's houseguests when they return home. Worse yet, he's claiming to be engaged! But events will throw them together once again when a body turns up murdered and one of Julia's own March family members takes responsibility....

Deanna Raybourn excels at incorporating historical events into a suspenseful mystery. SILENT IN THE SANCTUARY has twists and turns that will leave the reader wildly guessing as to the ending. However, once the conclusion is reached, it is easy to see how all the pieces fit nicely together.

The outrageousness of the March clan is on full display in this second book of the series. While it is not necessary to read SILENT IN THE GRAVE first, it does help establish to the reader the craziness of the Marches along with the rather unusual relationship between Julia and Nicholas. SILENT IN THE SANCTUARY takes the quirks of the Marches to a whole new level as this is one family that doesn't follow in the traditionally thought of Victorian mode.

Deanna Raybourn creates fascinating characters in this series. The depth of emotions one feels about the characters is also impressive. Ms. Raybourn is good at showing that each person has a hidden side, that the mask they often portray to the public isn't their true self. This adds another layer to the character development as no one is simply one dimensional in her tales! SILENT IN THE SANCTUARY is easily recommended.

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

Deanna Raybourn scores a winner with her newest Victorian mystery, a sequel to 2007's SILENT IN THE GRAVE. The action emanates from a stately country manor outside London. The March family's Sussex estate is a former abbey, home to a cloistered order of Brothers. Earl March and his children, ribald and eccentric, have occupied the estate for several generations.

A recent widow, daughter Lady Julia Grey, accompanied by brothers Plum and Lysander, recuperates in southern Italy from physical and emotional trauma. Raybourn's debut novel was Lady Julia's intriguing story of solving her husband's murder. Now, recovering from her harrowing experiences, she puzzles over her lack of mail. Nicholas Brisbane, her consort in solving the crime, has ignored her for five months.

Lysander's sudden engagement to a fiery Italian beauty, Violante, triggers March's unexpected request for their return to England for the Christmas holidays. Plum adds to the traveling party when he invites his Italian friend, Count Alessandro Fornacci, a wealthy young man who adores Julia.

March has assembled a house party that brims with intriguing personalities, including two eccentric maiden aunts; orphaned cousins Lucy and Emma; the local vicar's curate, Lucien Snow; daughter Portia; and Sir Cedric Easley, a wealthy tradesman. Sir Cedric has become Lucy's fiance, despite a wide gap in their ages. Lucien exhibits his flirtatious nature, an uncommon trait in a religious trainee. Ultimate shock jars Julia when her father re-introduces her to Lord Hargrave, formerly known to her as Nicholas Brisbane. In turn, he adds a twist to her perplexing emotions with the introduction of his fiancée, Mrs. Harriet King, a widow. Overwhelmed, Julia's composure remains stoic. The abbey's spacious hallways can be useful in prevention of more than chance meetings.

In fact, the abbey's religious history maintains a volume of traditions long ago forsaken but possible to reincarnate. Late one night the guests are awakened by a shriek that slices the quiet hallways. In the former chapel chamber, a morbid scene plays out. Lucien's body lies on the cold stone floor. Above him, Lucy clutches an iron candelabrum that drips slow, heavy crimson drops of blood.

In the pandemonium following the discovery, a bewildered Lucy staggers toward Father March, grabs onto an iron ring attached to the wall and declares, "My lord! In this holy place, I claim the right of sanctuary!"

"Child, what have you done that you would invoke sanctuary?'

"My lord," she continues. "You cannot take me for murder. Under the law I am given forty days."

The girl collapses but is joined by her sister, Emma, refusing to leave the holy room where sanctuary from immediate prosecution is protected. March responds with compassion and allows the scenario to continue. But he enlists Julia and Nicholas to sort out the mysteries of the alleged murder before he contacts London authority. Lucien's body will remain in the cook's larder until a later date. Julia and Nicholas delve into the crime with vigor but find themselves often at odds in their methods. Revelations abound, with dirty secrets unveiled that connect numerous guests besides Lucy with a motive for murder.

Each chapter is prefaced with a quote from Shakespeare that delineates the content to follow. Raybourn tantalizes the reader by inference before she develops the ensuing action, and Victorian-scrolled artwork further illustrates the chapter title pages, which is a clever touch. Although not familiar with the first book in the Silent series, I am an enthusiastic reader and will anticipate SILENT ON THE MOOR, scheduled for release in 2009.

--- Reviewed by Judy Gigstad