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Review: Silent on the Moor, by Deanna Raybourn


I’ve been anticipating Silent on the Moor ever since I tore through Silent in the Sanctuary, and Silent in the Grave before that. I can't remember when last I've enjoyed a series as much as the Lady Julia Grey books. This time, Lady Julia Grey travels to Yorkshire with her sister Portia, where Brisbane has recently purchased a decrepit mansion on the moor. Living there too are Lady Allenby and her two daughters, the descendents of Saxon kings but living in reduced circumstances after the death of Lady Allenby’s son, Redwall.

I greatly enjoyed this story of poison, romance and revenge, compounded by a number of sinister and rather twisted family secrets. We learn more about Brisbane’s past, and we get to see more of his and Julia’s relationship—never smooth, but they have wonderful chemistry together. Julia’s maid Morag is back, too, still as feisty as ever. What I love about Deanna Raybourn’s books is that she’s so good at character and plot development, and Silent on the Moor failed to disappoint me on those points. The crime, or crimes, unfold slowly, but getting to the end is well worth it. The title is a misnomer, which I guess in a way is a good thing; this novel is pretty unpredictable. My only problem is that I finished this book so fast. When’s Raybourn’s next book coming out?

Also reviewed by: Obsessed With Books, Wendi's Book Corner, Medieval Bookworm, A Garden Carried in the Pocket

Comments

Meghan said…
I'm really glad this book held up against the first two! According to her blog, I don't even think she's started on number four, although she does plan to write it. She's working on something else instead. At least, that's my impression. I can't wait to get to this. :)

- Meghan @ Medieval Bookworm
Danielle said…
Apparently the books were released a bit earlier than their March 1 date, which means I got it in the mail yesterday. I was wondering if I oculd just leave this in the pile and get to it later, but I can see I'll have to start it soon!
Alyce said…
I stayed up until 1am last night finishing this book, and I loved it! I couldn't wait to read it, and I actually set aside a few other books I was supposed to be reviewing so that I could read this one first. It was just too much fun to resist.
Amy said…
I'm so glad you've enjoyed these books! I still need to start the first one, but I've enjoyed seeing all the positive reviews.
Yet another rave review for this series...I need to buckle down and get through my ARCs so I can read these! Great review!
Michele said…
This is my new favorite series! Glad to know someone else loves them as much as I do. ;)
Marg said…
I really need to hurry up and read the second book in this series so that then I can allow myself to buy the third one!
nicchic said…
Thanks for linking to my review...the fourth book cannot come out soon enough! Good thing I have a large tbr pile.
Booklogged said…
I have Silent in the Grave. Is it the first in the series?

Your description of a decrepit mansion on the moor makes this book sound like a wonderful Gothic romance.
Framed said…
I still haven't read the first one yet. It's still sitting on the shelf with hundreds of other neglected books. Even so, I'm trying to mooch two and three, but it may be a while before anyone lets loose of them.
S. Krishna said…
I'm glad you enjoyed this one! I need to read this series.

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