“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 longstanding 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.

The merit of Raybourn’s Silent in the Grave rests on the solid shoulders of interesting characters {and remarkable twists to the mystery.}

Ladies, prepare to meet Nicholas Brisbane, private inquiry agent; he’s dark, brooding, and somehow manages to become even more enigmatic as you get to know him. He’s quite a match to Lady Julia Gray; the tension between these two propels the story forward, leaving the reader right on the edge of “will they or won’t they” {and whether they do, I won’t say.} A host of interesting characters surround the events that take place and you will undoubtedly have a favorite or two.

While I believe Silent in the Grave is character driven – which is a plus in my book – the plot is so carefully created that, even when you think you know something, you really don’t. Let me put it this way…Read this one with a friend because you will want to discuss all of the revelations that pop up from page to page.

Fans of rich historical mysteries will love the first installment in the Lady Julia Grey series. One warning, though: Make sure to have Silent in the Sanctuary close by once you’ve finished – you’ll want to devour it right away.