mass market paperback, 544 pages
English language
Published Dec. 1, 2007 by Mira.
"Let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave."These ominous words are the last threat that 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, he collapses and dies at his London home, in the presence of his wife, Julia, and a roomful of guests.Prepared to accept that Edward's death was due to a long-standing physical infirmity, Julia is outraged when Brisbane suggests that her husband was murdered. It is a reaction she comes to regret when she discovers damning evidence for herself, and realizes the truth.Determined to bring the murderer to justice, Julia engages the enigmatic Brisbane to help her investigate. 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, …
"Let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave."These ominous words are the last threat that 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, he collapses and dies at his London home, in the presence of his wife, Julia, and a roomful of guests.Prepared to accept that Edward's death was due to a long-standing physical infirmity, Julia is outraged when Brisbane suggests that her husband was murdered. It is a reaction she comes to regret when she discovers damning evidence for herself, and realizes the truth.Determined to bring the murderer to justice, Julia engages the enigmatic Brisbane to help her investigate. 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 for her arrival.
There were a number of points in here where I asked the cats, "What the pants am I reading?" And that's a good thing.
Was this novel a literary masterpiece? No. But it was a pleasure to read.
What I liked about this novel was the wit. It was nice to read a novel set in this era that wasn't all boring doldrums and angsty woe about wooing a husband. Lady Julia Grey had spirit, although at times it seemed a little inconsistent. Occasionally I found the character of Brisbane quite frustrating and somewhat cliched, but on the whole I quite enjoyed their interactions.
I did figure out the mystery quite early on, however that did not detract from the story as it does in so many novels these days. I am quite looking forward to reading the next novel in the series, Silent in the Sanctuary.
