Deanna Raybourn's Silent on the Moor is for me one of those 'satisfying sigh when you turn the last page' sorts of books. The story and characters are totally engaging yet it is an undemanding read, perfect when life is full of too many stresses and you need a little escapism. I know I read a lot of 'comfort read' type books, but I think Lady Julia Grey's adventures are my own little guilty pleasures. There is something to be said for a story that you know is going to end well even if the road there will be a rocky one. I gulped the first two in the series down and I am sure I waited anxiously for this third instalment, but for some reason it sat unread for a while. Actually so much time passed that the next book, Dark Road to Darjeeling, came out. And when I discovered her newest, Dark Enquiry, was in the works for a June release (and that I could get an electronic version from Netgalley ahead of the publishing date) I knew the time was right to pick up where Lady Julia's adventures left off.
The Lady Julia Grey novels are a mix of mystery and romance with a dash of humor thrown in, though I believe they end up in the fiction section of bookstores. Raybourn has created such a wonderful chemistry between Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane that you can't help but be caught up in their romantic (and sleuthing) escapades. They first met when Lady Julia's husband was murdered. Nicholas Brisbane had been retained by him to look into some private matters, which ended in Edward's death. Although the marriage was one of convenience rather than a love match, Julia is determined to see that the murderer is brought to justice and with the help of Brisbane is able to do so. And of course along the way they fall for each other, but this is proper Victorian England and wealthy aristocratic ladies don't involve themselves with inquiry agents, particularly those with gypsy blood, no matter how distinguished and well mannered they may be. Further adventures ensue in Silent in the Sanctuary when Lady Julia once again trips over a body, figuratively in any case, and again assists Brisbane in a little more investigative work.
To say that Lady Julia is unconventional is something of an understatement, but her family is equally as eccentric. A sister who lives with another woman, a brother whose scientific study means that whispers of grave robbing follow behind him, and family interest in the betterment of young ladies who have fallen into ill-repute (and often end up as house parlor-maids in the family home) does nothing to dampen the resolve of Julia's much more conservative elder brother to at least rein in Julia. It helps to have a father who is an Earl. It also helps to have a father who is quite liberal, too, so when Julia decides to follow Nicholas Brisbane to Yorkshire, she may not have the blessing of her brother Bellmont (next in line to the Earldom, desiring his son to make a good match and therefore preferring his siblings to not create yet more scandal), but she agrees to travel with chaperons.
So, Lady Julia with her sister Portia and younger brother Valerius, two maids, two dogs and a raven named Grim all in tow travel north to Yorkshire. Grimsgrave Hall is an end of the line sort of place in more ways than one. It's about as far away as possible from any sort of society in the middle of the moors. Meant to be a reward for services rendered to the crown by Brisbane, it's an odd choice of family seats since it is about as ramshackle as is possible for any building to be. Portia had been invited to help in the redecoration of the estate, but it's Julia's desire to sort things out between she and Brisbane once and for all. The entourage is surprised to find that Grimsgrave is inhabited by not only Brisbane but members of the former, and once noble family, the Allenbys who are the estates former residents. There is something very strange about the Allenby family, who remain on their once great estate on sufferance only. The very proud Lady Allenby has long been widowed and lives with her remaining children, two daughters--a son having died years before. Brisbane's history is somehow inextricably linked with that of the Allenbys, and when he's poisoned and nearly dies Julia is left on her own to unravel the deep and very dark mysteries of Grimsgrave Hall.
As always Lady Julia is a plucky heroine with a sharp tongue and no shortage of moxie. Although Julia is someone who breaks every convention of Victorian society, there is one that Brisbane will not allow to be broken. Since he is a man of property, but not of wealth, he believes it unconscionable to take a wife he cannot provide for. Particularly when she is a widow of some means and accustomed to living in style. So, do they find a way to be together?
I thoroughly enjoyed Silent on the Moor. The Lady Julia Grey books are fun, very light and entertaining reads. My only quibble is with the cover illustration. The first two captured the feel of the story much more (my favorite cover here), than this particular design. I'm afraid someone not familiar with the previous books might pass this up as being a simple bodice-ripper. There are certainly romantic elements in the story, but in many ways they are quite chaste. If the story sounds appealing, don't hesitate to pick it up despite the cover. I've got Dark Road to Darjeeling on my night stand and am looking forward to reading it with much anticipation!