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mjwerts's review
5.0
Unlike the first two novels in the Lady Julia Grey series, which were firmly entrenched in the historical fiction/mystery genre, this novel belongs more to Gothic noir. As a result, the characters' ongoing struggles were given a new freshness and twist.
While always the principal of this series, Lady Julia truly becomes a leading lady and heroine in this story. No longer the wallflower of Silent in the Grave, this tale reveals a strength of character and will that is well-earned.
The mystery is less intriguing than those of the previous two stories, but the novel provides a nice conclusion to the chapter of Lady Julia's life that began in Grave, while teeing up a new chapter of her life to be revealed in subsequent novels.
While always the principal of this series, Lady Julia truly becomes a leading lady and heroine in this story. No longer the wallflower of Silent in the Grave, this tale reveals a strength of character and will that is well-earned.
The mystery is less intriguing than those of the previous two stories, but the novel provides a nice conclusion to the chapter of Lady Julia's life that began in Grave, while teeing up a new chapter of her life to be revealed in subsequent novels.
jennifer_mcgowan's review
4.0
This book was instrumental in opening the window to Brisbane's past...
seshat59's review
3.0
More of a gothic novel than a mystery, Silent on the Moor was an entertaining throwback to those classic novels while still retaining its own charm.
Defying convention, Lady Julia invites herself to Brisbane’s new estate in Yorkshire, bringing her sister Portia and younger brother Valerius along as a chaperone. Meaning to force Brisbane to declare himself one way or another, the March band is unexpectedly confronted instead by the mysterious and impecunious female relations of the house’s former owner as well as a customarily infuriating and elusive presumed upon host. Naturally, mysteries abound and attempted murder is committed but nothing so formulaically “mystery” is under way here. Most of the novel is spent with Brisbane and Julia taking two steps toward another and one step back, until of course the melo— I mean dramatic ending that resolves everything one way or another. No spoilers here, but you can probably guess the resolution, right?
Atmospheric as any aspiring gothic novel should be, Silent on the Moor was a satisfying addition to the Lady Julia series. (The last one? I’ll investigate.) While it did have its usual anachronistic elements, the sum of the whole allowed me to suspend my belief well enough.
3-3.5 stars
Defying convention, Lady Julia invites herself to Brisbane’s new estate in Yorkshire, bringing her sister Portia and younger brother Valerius along as a chaperone. Meaning to force Brisbane to declare himself one way or another, the March band is unexpectedly confronted instead by the mysterious and impecunious female relations of the house’s former owner as well as a customarily infuriating and elusive presumed upon host. Naturally, mysteries abound and attempted murder is committed but nothing so formulaically “mystery” is under way here. Most of the novel is spent with Brisbane and Julia taking two steps toward another and one step back, until of course the melo— I mean dramatic ending that resolves everything one way or another. No spoilers here, but you can probably guess the resolution, right?
Atmospheric as any aspiring gothic novel should be, Silent on the Moor was a satisfying addition to the Lady Julia series. (The last one? I’ll investigate.) While it did have its usual anachronistic elements, the sum of the whole allowed me to suspend my belief well enough.
3-3.5 stars
geekbrocade's review against another edition
3.0
I want to give it four stars, but the mystery was so Gothic and revolting. Gothic settings and goings on never appealed to me in the least.
On the other hand, everything that dealt with Brisbane and Julia's relationship made me want to throttle and love them even more. I'm glad it had a happy ending with nothing to ruin it such as explicit scenes (thank you Deanna Raybourn for being awesome in that respect!).
My favourite part is at the end with the deaf Duke of Aberdour and Brisbane yelling at each other.
Looking forward to the next installment!
On the other hand, everything that dealt with Brisbane and Julia's relationship made me want to throttle and love them even more. I'm glad it had a happy ending with nothing to ruin it such as explicit scenes (thank you Deanna Raybourn for being awesome in that respect!).
My favourite part is at the end with the deaf Duke of Aberdour and Brisbane yelling at each other.
Looking forward to the next installment!
arielle17's review
4.0
These books keep me up, repeatedly, until all hours of the night. The four star rating is simply because I sometimes don't know exactly why I keep plodding on. I liked that this was less of a traditional murder mystery than the other two, and the resolution was infinitely satisfying.
ashkitty93's review
4.0
This installment felt rather light on the mystery aspect compared to the previous two, but I was okay with it because I love these characters so much. And it's obvious that Raybourn has a deep love for Wuthering Heights - the moor is as much a character as the people.
I find Julia to be a fascinating lead - she's intelligent and capable and yet also rather self-centered. She's not necessarily unpredictable but I relate to her and I like that I've been able to work out a few twists throughout the series; makes me feel just as capable as she is :)
And that ending was ALL the warm fuzzies <3 GIMME THE OTHER TWO BOOKS.
I find Julia to be a fascinating lead - she's intelligent and capable and yet also rather self-centered. She's not necessarily unpredictable but I relate to her and I like that I've been able to work out a few twists throughout the series; makes me feel just as capable as she is :)
And that ending was ALL the warm fuzzies <3 GIMME THE OTHER TWO BOOKS.
tstreet's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I like how Julia goes after Nicholas Brisbane in Yorkshire. I hated how Brisbane was so out of it. He was distracted and involved in so many things. I love the attraction between them and how even though Brisbane tries to deny it Julia is not giving up. I hate how she ends up having to solve this mystery by herself. The gypsy witch was interesting and I gues she did call a few things. I did like how they finally figured out their relationship and Brisbane finally got a brain. Not my absolute favorite one. 4 stars.
katergirl12's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
gaderianne's review
4.0
First thing first, I guess who did it - pretty easy to figure out.
Yet...this book revolved more around the romantic tensions between Julia and Brisbane and sorting out all of the mysteries of his past.
This book helped the series redeem itself for me after the 2nd book in the series. And while it wrapped up very nicely - I was pleased to find there is a 4th Lady Julia mystery. Can't wait to read it!!!
Yet...this book revolved more around the romantic tensions between Julia and Brisbane and sorting out all of the mysteries of his past.
This book helped the series redeem itself for me after the 2nd book in the series. And while it wrapped up very nicely - I was pleased to find there is a 4th Lady Julia mystery. Can't wait to read it!!!