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The Lady Julia Grey Bundle (Lady Julia Mystery #1-3 eBook omnibus)

by Deanna Raybourn (Goodreads Author)

4.27 of 5 stars 4.27 · rating details · 326 ratings · 50 reviews

To say that I met Nicholas Brisbane over my husband's dead body is not entirely accurate. Edward, it should be noted, was still twitching on the floor.

Starting with her husband's sudden death, Lady Julia Grey is swept into a world of mystery and deceit. It is also the world of the enigmatic and maddeningly attractive private investigator Nicholas Brisbane...

From the extrav...more

ebook, 1441 pages

Published March 1st 2009 by Harlequin Books

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Aug 01, 2011 Madame X rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, mystery, romance-spans-multiple-books

The Julia Grey books are hybrid mystery-romances set in the Victorian period, best suited to readers who enjoy both genres. Mystery is the dominant element in each book, but the romance between Julia Grey and Nicholas Brisbane is the backbone to the trilogy. The slow, methodical development of the mysteries is nicely counterbalanced by the tempestuous relationship that develops between Julia and Brisbane. The writing is elegant and rich, and it was a real pleasure to immerse myself in it.

The om...more The Julia Grey books are hybrid mystery-romances set in the Victorian period, best suited to readers who enjoy both genres. Mystery is the dominant element in each book, but the romance between Julia Grey and Nicholas Brisbane is the backbone to the trilogy. The slow, methodical development of the mysteries is nicely counterbalanced by the tempestuous relationship that develops between Julia and Brisbane. The writing is elegant and rich, and it was a real pleasure to immerse myself in it.

The omnibus contains all three books in the trilogy:

SILENT IN THE GRAVE - This introduces us to our heroine, Lady Julia Grey, and begins with her husband's murder. As the winning first line of the novel tells us: "To say that I met Nicholas Brisbane over my husband's dead body is not entirely accurate. Edward, it should be noted, was still twitching upon the floor." Julia had been quiet, obedient, and dull all her life - the freedom of widowhood sparks a journey of self-discovery. When Julia realizes her husband was murdered, more than a year after he died, she is determined to find the killer - no matter how cold the trail. To succeed, she needs the help of Nicholas Brisbane, the private investigator her late husband hired before his death to investigate a series of ominous threats.

SILENT IN THE SANCTUARY - This second book takes place at the family seat in Sussex, a converted abbey in the dead of winter. The novel is richly atmospheric - a holiday party is trapped inside the fantastical gothic structure during a terrible snowstorm. One among them is murdered, and another must be the culprit. There are gypsies, ghosts roaming the stone-flagged halls, secret passages, impecunious relatives and a talking raven named Grim. But SILENT IN THE SANCTUARY turns these gothic cliches on their heads as Julia and Brisbane race against time to find the murderer before the snow melts.

SILENT IN THE MOORS - Like the second book, this one picks up - and transforms - a cliche: a dark, ominous, half-ruined estate in the northern moors of Yorkshire, capped by a rotting manor house, where dark family secrets fester. Brisbane has acquired the estate, and his letters back to London indicate that something is very wrong - although he won't say exactly what. Julia makes the journey north to investigate her relationship with Brisbane, and provide what help she can. She's soon caught up in a proper mystery, featuring a family of aristocrats ruined by pride and a pair of mummified corpses hidden in a monk's hole.

I devoured the trilogy. The atmosphere of each book is wonderfully distinct and Raybourn does a wonderful job setting the scene - it's full of rich period detail, and everyone has a story to tell. The whole cast of characters is magnificent, including every single member of Julia Grey's rather large family - she's one of ten children. Although I sometimes solved the whodunit a little early in the story, Raybourn usually isn't content with just one crime: there's usually a tangle of them, and always had to wait for the end to see every detail unraveled.

Brisbane is a dark, dangerous, mysterious sort of hero - easy to fall for, but terribly frustrating. Sexy as he is, at times I really wondered if he was worth the trouble. The romance is stretched out over all three volumes, and Julia and Brisbane's relationship is at least nominally professional - readers will be panting after the cracks in their professional facade. At the end of the day, I still wished Brisbane had been a little warmer - and I am usually a big fan of brusque, brooding heroes.

I started the trilogy expecting something along the lines of Dorothy Sayers, but the homage was really towards the Bronte sisters, Gothic mysteries, and maybe a dash of Sherlock Holmes. All in all, highly recommended. (less)

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May 21, 2010 Denise rated it 4 of 5 stars

Since this bundle encompassed three books, I will give you my opinion on each one.

Book 1 - Silent in the Grave: This was the introductory book and I was sucked in quickly. Although not normally a fan of first person books, I found myself liking Julia and fascinated by her thoughts and views of the world. Although there were times when I did not completely follow her rationale or reasoning, I could see how her upbringing and place in society had shielded her from the seamier side of life. Her hus...more Since this bundle encompassed three books, I will give you my opinion on each one.

Book 1 - Silent in the Grave: This was the introductory book and I was sucked in quickly. Although not normally a fan of first person books, I found myself liking Julia and fascinated by her thoughts and views of the world. Although there were times when I did not completely follow her rationale or reasoning, I could see how her upbringing and place in society had shielded her from the seamier side of life. Her husband dies in the first chapter, leaving her a very wealthy widow. For the first year of mourning, I felt sorry for her as she observed the monotony and tediousness of mourning someone she discovers only tepid feelings for. Once, however, she realizes that our hero's suggestion of murder may be true, she sets out on a voyage of discovery that, quite frankly, turns her sheltered world on its head. The final revelation of the villain was a complete surprise, but only because I missed a few clues along the way.

Book 2 - Silent in the Sanctuary: Once again I was sucked into the story immediately, but I learned my lesson from the first book and found myself actually thinking through each chapter as I read. When a new local curate is found murdered in her childhood home's chapel, Julia and Brisbane (the hero) are given leave to investigate. It helps that the murder happens on a night that it snows heavily, allowing no one to leave the estate for the next two days. That said, I wasn't quite as surprised at who the villain was as much as how the book ended and the introduction of two subplots. I wonder if the 4th book (coming out in October 2010) will end up revisiting some of the characters from this story and tying up the ends of one of the subplots.

Book 3 - Silent on the Moor: I liked this one the best of the three. As a writer who enjoys constructing intricate plots, I was amazed at the intricacy of this book's plot. Brisbane has foregone the offer of a title to purchase a crumbling estate on the Yorkshire moors. What Julia finds there when she arrives with her sister and brother in tow to help "set the house to rights" is a family on the brink of extinction with more dark secrets than a gothic novel. In addition, as she blunders her way through secret after secret, sometimes making wild conjectures and conclusions from what she's discovered, she learns more about Brisbane's origins and the dark secrets he carries as well. It is definitely a book worth revisiting and so will go on my keeper shelf.

What stands out in all three books is the lengths families will go for those they love or hate. Ms. Raybourn does an admirable job of showing that many families have skeletons in their respective closets - although some are most certainly more horrible than most. Her extensive research into the Victorian period and the attitudes of the day toward Gypsies is admirable. All in all, I would definitely recommend reading the series. And, while they may easily be read as stand-alone books, reading them in order will deepen your understanding as you read each successive book.(less)

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Mar 24, 2011 Margaret Metz rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm not sure what to say about these books.

I'm conflicted. If I'd bought the first one individually - I may not have continued on in the series. I believe in realism and don't mind a little "dysfunctional" in any family situation - it can make things more interesting. This first book and this family... well everything that could be wrong is. A love triangle between men... STDs, prostitution, lesbianism, racism, betrayal, adultery,... all this in the family. Then you have a man that not only can...more I'm not sure what to say about these books.

I'm conflicted. If I'd bought the first one individually - I may not have continued on in the series. I believe in realism and don't mind a little "dysfunctional" in any family situation - it can make things more interesting. This first book and this family... well everything that could be wrong is. A love triangle between men... STDs, prostitution, lesbianism, racism, betrayal, adultery,... all this in the family. Then you have a man that not only can see what can happen but can supposedly take the form of a cat. I didn't know what to think about that one - and I think the author almost tried too hard to prove her heroine and her family were not your run of the mill ordinary people by piling on so many instances of out of the ordinary things that it pushed the bounds of even believable fiction. It was distracting and really not necessary for the story.

Having said all that - I did like the two main characters and stuck it out for the two next stories. More than anything I wanted to find out what happened with them.

The second story was very nearly tame in comparison. Some near family scandals - past and present - a thief to stop and (of course) a murder to solve. The whole time the couple fights their feelings for each other.

In the third things get strange - again. There are many answers to questions from the series. Lots of Egyptian relics are found including mummified babies... and I had to wonder whether Brisbane or the author is more confusing. (yes, no, yes, no) I can't really get into the strangeness without giving away spoilers, so I won't go there.

I was satisfied with the ending and I'll probably stop my adventures with Lady Julia here. As I already said, I liked the two main characters but thought the author tried too hard to make sure they weren't your average couple (just his history and her hooking up with him would have been unusual enough - add in maybe one or two of those things from the first book and it would have been plenty - this felt like I do after Thanksgiving dinner - bloated with way too much to be comfortable.

(less)

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Oct 25, 2012 Gils rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, history, ebooks-i-own, 2012, mystery

I received this bundle for a very low price on my kindle. I never expected to enjoy it as much as I did. Historical Mystery is not always my thing. I read them straight through and immediately got the next few. Here is a review of each book as I read it:

SILENT IN THE GRAVE -
3.75 stars. I couldn't give it 4, but it is more than 3.5.

I’m not really sure how I feel about this yet. I definitely liked it enough to keep reading the series. But I am a little torn. It wasn’t what I expected at all. Not...more

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Feb 13, 2011 Megan Lavey-Heaton rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, ebook, mystery

The series appeals to me on a number of levels. Julia herself is a fantastic character and her growth throughout the novels is amazing. She's a dormant little mouse to start with, but as she discovers her true self, she begins to blossom. Her family -- she's one of nine siblings -- are all fantastic. I love reading about her siblings and how they just literally waltz into her life. Seriously, the beginning of the fourth book has Julia's meal in Europe interrupted when two of her siblings just ra...more

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Sep 16, 2011 Mandy rated it 2 of 5 stars

This series was on sale in the kindle store and I was in the mood for a good mystery, especially one set in Victorian England.

The main reason I kept reading these books was that I loved the heroine. She was smart, feisty, silly in love, and interesting. The mysteries themselves are well developed and kept me guessing!

BUT...there was way to much other stuff that seemed just thrown in there...things that did not fit with the time period or story. Although there was nothing graphic, there were repe...more

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Oct 01, 2011 Lynda rated it 5 of 5 stars

There are now five books in the Lady Julia Grey series. I suggest that the reader ignore the "bodice buster" art work of the covers and settle in for an excellent mystery with fascinating characters. The author is a master of story telling. Julia comes from an extended family of non-conformists, all named for a Shakespearean character. Nicholas Brisbane brings to the stories his role as a private investigator, given to horrendous attacks of migraines, and his own off the beaten track family memb...more

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May 29, 2011 Maggi Andersen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Deanna Raybourn had me with the first line of the first book in the series. If you've read it you'll know what I mean. I could hardly put my kindle down until I'd finished the third, bowled over by the level of research and descriptions of life in late Victorian England. The third book, Silent In The Grave is extraordinary. Raybourn's hero, Nicholas Brisbane is a smoldering, flawed Heathcliffe, although blessed with finer qualities, in a Wuthering Heights, Yorkshire setting. Add a touch of murde...more

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Jul 29, 2009 Oriana rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009, english, e-books, historical-fiction

While I really enjoyed the first two books of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries, Silent on the Moor was far from giving me the same satisfaction.

In the final pages of Silent in the Sanctuary, we learned that Lady Julia was going to visit Brisbane’s mystery house, Grimsgrave Manor, with her sister, Portia. The later was invited by the young man to help him set up a more pleasant household on his recently acquired house in Yorkshire. Of course, Brisbane isn’t aware of this sisterly plan and when he se...more While I really enjoyed the first two books of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries, Silent on the Moor was far from giving me the same satisfaction.

In the final pages of Silent in the Sanctuary, we learned that Lady Julia was going to visit Brisbane’s mystery house, Grimsgrave Manor, with her sister, Portia. The later was invited by the young man to help him set up a more pleasant household on his recently acquired house in Yorkshire. Of course, Brisbane isn’t aware of this sisterly plan and when he sees Julia at his doorstep, he is somehow surprised and reluctantly agrees to shelter them both.

Julia and Portia find themselves living in an old crumbling house with the almost constantly absent Brisbane and the former owners, the Allenbys: Lady Allenby and her two daughters, Ailith (the family beauty) and Hilda (the tomboy). If in the beginning they enjoy their visit, they quickly see that appearances can be very deceiving…

While I think Julia is coming out of her shell since book two and we see now how much easily she makes her own decisions and knows what she wants, I can’t stop wishing she would kick Brisbane times to times. The man is completely obnoxious! I do understand why he doesn’t want to have someone in his life, even if I find the reasons exaggerated, but after a while I stop believing he actually cares for Julia and he is, in fact, enjoying being hunted.
It’s easy to understand that while she wants to show him she cares for him, his unjustified absences and rejections would try the patience of a saint. I admired Julia to pursuit what she wanted and cheered her up when she decided it was enough.

I have to admit I was much more interested in Portia’s relationship with Jane. They are both very warm characters and this turn of events was quite a surprise since they always seemed in perfect harmony. Hopefully, Raybourn will give their relationship another go.

The atmosphere is very gloomy and sometimes made me think of Wuthering Heights even if that never really works for me.

The mystery was very predictable and, at some point, I was asking myself how they could not see what was going on. You can feel since the beginning there are many skeletons in the closet of the Allenby family, their relationship is strained and in the point of breaking… The comments and attitudes of the servants and even the family about the late Sir Redwall and then Lady Julia’s discovery of two small mummies among the family Egyptian antiquities lead us to a well known story.

Also, after the Grey sisters arrive to Grimsgrave Manor everything seems to drag and slow down. The mystery part could have been solved quickly, just as the reason of Brisbane absences.

A pleasant read recommended to the fans of the series.

(less)

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Apr 04, 2012 Eggletina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Julia got on my nerves from time-to-time, but I sucked down all three books in three days, so the books obviously did something right. Nicholas reminded me a little of Francis Crawford of Lymond with his dark past, disguises, secretive nature, virtuoso skills and intellect, and same kind of stormy, overprotective behavior, etc. Enjoyed the nods to Wuthering Heights in the third book. Plan to read the rest in the series, but need a break for now so I don't burn out on it.

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Oct 26, 2011 Marie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Hooked from the first sentance of the first book - Silent in the Grave. Love Victorian mystery and this series is well written. Starts with the murder of her husband and I must say I had lots of ideas on who had done it but was surprised at the end.
The next book was Silent in the Sanctuary and was a better introduction to Julia's family and her upbringing. The third book Silent in the Moor did not hold my interest as well; but still a good mystery.

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Feb 17, 2013 Ann Coffin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful Victorian mysteries! Having loved good mysteries since my adolescent years with the likes of Nancy Drew et al, they still are my favorite go-to escape books. Her research and details of settings, speech and character makes these a delight to read. The protagonist is feisty, amusing and fearless--and even though some situations are a bit far-fetched, you have to love her spirit and determination.

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Sep 08, 2011 Judy Tolley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Three stores in one...Silent in the Grave; Silent in the Sanctuary; and Silent on the Moor. I loved this series all in one. Lady Grey marries, her husband is killed in the first story. She solves the mystery with Bisbane a handsome man. The second and third story takes them to solve two more mysteries. There were a lot of surprises in about the time I thought I figured it out, there would be another twist. I loved the easy read. I did find these stories similar to the series written by Tasha Ale...more

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May 02, 2012 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun read. Especially good deal having first three books of a series bundled in one ebook. This was a good way to avoid withdrawal from my 20 Georgette Heyer binge. Lady Julia Grey is an amateur sleuth with just a touch of romance during the Victorian age. There is plenty of humor and the novels are fast paced. Nothing deep here, just entertainment.

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May 18, 2013 Ryann Moran rated it 4 of 5 stars

If you've enjoyed Tasha Alexander's Lady Emily mystery series, Lady Julia Grey is Lady Emily if she let her hair down. Both heroines are enjoyable reads, but I'd rather hang out with Lady Julia in real life. Some of Lady Julia's family eccentricities are a bit of a stretch but they're great characters so it didn't bother me. However if you like your historical novels very authentic, you may need to skip this series.

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Mar 28, 2011 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Good value and fun stories - very much enjoying this series.

HowEVER, I did just discover after reading the 3rd book that I'd been HOODWINKED. These books are published by HARLEQUIN, the ROMANCE NOVEL PEOPLE THAT I'VE MOCKED MY ENTIRE ADULT LIFE. Good grief. I can only take this to mean that they have upgraded the quality of their writers and stories, as the characters in this series are enjoyable and the plot lines interesting and fun. Huh. Who knew.

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May 20, 2013 Joyce rated it 4 of 5 stars

A delightful series set among the aristocrats of Victorian England. Lady Julia is not the typical retiring socialite, and she is up to her delicate elbows in solving crime. Just what we would all love to do. First three books in this series come in one Kindle package.

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Mar 23, 2011 LaNae rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: thrillers-mystery, historical_fiction, chick-lit

These are a little bit historical fiction, a little bit mystery, a little bit romance. Some of the main character's liberated ideas are probably ahead of her time, but I enjoyed these nonetheless. A little bit of escapist fluff.

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Jan 25, 2013 Mandi rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is light reading, but well-written, engaging, and entertaining. The three-book series contains villains, heroes, a strong female lead, romance, mystery, the moors...it's just a rainy Saturday afternoon book!

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Sep 30, 2011 Liz rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have never read a series where I felt more like the whole series could have been read all through as one (huge, though it would be) book. The chemistry didn't falter and the characters didn't lose ANY of their appeal in this sequel, which so often happens in series.

The mysteries are good--sometimes the broader parts of the crimes aren't terribly hard to guess, but there are always smaller intrigues mixed in, and I don't think it would be possible to solve each and every one of them, so I think...more

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Nov 15, 2011 Madonna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Like these books--and the series--a lot. Julia's family is interesting background, and we're given bits and pieces of Nicholas's history as we go along; never know what will turn up next.

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Feb 22, 2013 Tricia rated it 3 of 5 stars

All three of these books are good reads. Perfect for the beach or anytime you want something easy but worth the effort! I just sent my mom book #4, I hope they capture like the first thre!

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Jul 25, 2012 heather rated it 3 of 5 stars

It was ok. The plot was slow moving and repetitive to me. However I liked the mystery's resolution. I may read the other two stories if I run out of other things to read on my Nook.

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Feb 03, 2011 Hailey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Full of dysfunctional family fun, but a little too much descriptive fluff for my liking. Can't wait for number book five as long as she leaves out the mummy babies.

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Nov 16, 2011 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Thought the books were very good. After reading the first one, had to read the next and then the next. Will read the next two at a later time.

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Jan 11, 2011 Laura marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: in-library, mystery-thriller, e-books, historical-fiction

First three books in the Lady Julia Gray series. Bundle includes: Silent in the Grave, Silent in the Sanctuary and Silent on the Moor.

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Aug 16, 2011 Deborah rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a delightful series. Lady Julia Grey is smart, sly, coy and witty. The adventures are full of surprizes and I often found myself laughing out loud at her thoughts and they way she tries to be proper in the most nonproper situations.

This is a great summer read. Highly recommended!

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Sep 12, 2011 Lynette rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed these. I was kept interested all the way through. It was a nice break from the heavier reading I do.

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Jul 19, 2012 Barbara Hansen added it

I do like her novels, but sometimes you just want to shape her leading lady, Julia Grey, she jumps to conclusions why too much. she does figure out in the end but her guess are wild sometimes.

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Nov 05, 2012 Robin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-in-12

I liked these. Good mystery (although the actual dead body in the third one didn't turn up until WAY into the book. i thought I had started reading the wrong series. But I just finished a Thursday Next book, so that's going to happen for a while.)
I will probably read more of these, right up until Lady Julia becomes as irritating as Lady Emily has lately. Then I'll go to something else.
Apparently there's a new Flavia De Luce novel coming in January, so there's that.

But, if this is the kind of boo...more

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About Deanna Raybourn

A sixth-generation native Texan, Deanna Raybourn graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a double major in English and history and an emphasis on Shakespearean studies. She taught high school English for three years in San Antonio before leaving education to pursue a career as a novelist. SILENT ON THE MOOR is the third novel in the award-winning Lady Julia Grey series. Deanna m...more

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Books by Deanna Raybourn

Silent in the Sanctuary (Lady Julia, #2)

Dark Road to Darjeeling (Lady Julia, #4)

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