Ah, I do love a good mystery! Add in England and the Victorian era, and I am in heaven! This author is new to me, but I am determined to read the rest of her works after reading this novel Of note, the first novel in this series is Silent in the Grave. Yes, I too tend to read series in the wrong order! But, after reading this novel, I've learned that it's okay to read them out of order...it is truly alright!
Our story is through the eyes of Lady Julia Grey, our heroine. Julia is on an extended holiday in Italy with her brothers, recovering from the murder of her husband, the loss of her home, and nearly the loss of her own life. She has been traveling the country with her two brothers, one an artist, and one a musician. An angry summons from their father, the Earl March, prompts them to return home to England for Christmas. Julia is surprised to be reunited with Nicholas Brisbane, the agent in the investigation of her husband's murder. Brisbane has invaded her mind for months; ever since their passionate kiss several months ago. With no word from Brisbane since then, Julia is shocked to see him at her home for Christmas, and even more so to learn he is engaged. Although, things are not as they seem.
Putting background aside, now we start the mystery! No mystery is complete without lies, deceit, murder and of course, a tall, dark and handsome Lord leading the investigation with the help of a Lady. A murder has happened, and a guest confesses. However, the evidence points in the opposite direction, and what is unraveled is a tangled web of blackmail, jealousy and thievery, and not all necessarily connected! Brisbane and Julia work together, at the command of the Earl March, to figure out who the real killer is, and all the while denying what they truly feel for each other.
I will go no further into what happens, as I do not want to spoil it for anyone. This novel is written in such a way that the words jump off the page at you, sucking you in and making you shy away from the dark corners in your house. It is so very descriptive that it is easy to get lost in the story, as I did. The attraction between Brisbane and Julia is intense, so no description of their heated kiss is necessary, your imagination can do the work nicely.
I am off to purchase Silent in the Grave, and anxiously await the next book in the series- Silent on the Moor.
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