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dark_library_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
jezgerald's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
cutenanya's review against another edition
3.0
This is certainly one of those books that is hard to review. On the one hand, I have found characters I like in this book very much, on the other hand, the heroine is so annoying it drains 90% of my pleasure from this book.
To begin, I have been deceived by the cover, for a book with such an elegant cover, the plot lacks both the elegance and the beauty. I quite like the story at heart, especially the romance that induced so much hatred, bitterness, and even death. However, for a mystery, I think the plot is too simplistic and the hints not good enough for mystery fans to enjoy.
That doesn't trouble me as much as the personality of Lady Julia Grey though. To summarize her disposition in two words: Foolish and Arrogant. She is a lady who has masked her stupidity and daftness with innocence, who is impulsive, short-sighted, reckless, endangering both herself and the people surrounding her. She jumps to conclusion and attempts to justify her own wrongdoings all the time without regret or any inclination to modify her appalling behaviors. In short, she ruins the whole story and is a tragic example of how poor characterization could destroy an otherwise interesting story.
To begin, I have been deceived by the cover, for a book with such an elegant cover, the plot lacks both the elegance and the beauty. I quite like the story at heart, especially the romance that induced so much hatred, bitterness, and even death. However, for a mystery, I think the plot is too simplistic and the hints not good enough for mystery fans to enjoy.
That doesn't trouble me as much as the personality of Lady Julia Grey though. To summarize her disposition in two words: Foolish and Arrogant. She is a lady who has masked her stupidity and daftness with innocence, who is impulsive, short-sighted, reckless, endangering both herself and the people surrounding her. She jumps to conclusion and attempts to justify her own wrongdoings all the time without regret or any inclination to modify her appalling behaviors. In short, she ruins the whole story and is a tragic example of how poor characterization could destroy an otherwise interesting story.
sarahrheawerner's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it. Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn is an incredibly fun mashup between historical fiction and mystery.
Lady Julia Grey is recently widowed and GASP! is there the possibility that her husband could have been murdered???
This book has everything I love about the mystery genre, from lovable, genuine characters to smart and snappy plot twists, and in some ways pays a gentle homage to Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody series.
Lady Julia completes an enjoyable character arc that leaves us with a spunky, satisfying heroine who's quite progressive for her time. Plus, there's a dashing, mysterious, and very Heathcliff-ian hero named Brisbane, plenty of tea, a tiny dog named Mr. Pugglesworth, and a raven named Grim. I think you'll like it.
Lady Julia Grey is recently widowed and GASP! is there the possibility that her husband could have been murdered???
This book has everything I love about the mystery genre, from lovable, genuine characters to smart and snappy plot twists, and in some ways pays a gentle homage to Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody series.
Lady Julia completes an enjoyable character arc that leaves us with a spunky, satisfying heroine who's quite progressive for her time. Plus, there's a dashing, mysterious, and very Heathcliff-ian hero named Brisbane, plenty of tea, a tiny dog named Mr. Pugglesworth, and a raven named Grim. I think you'll like it.
mcayers316's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't love or hate this book. It was entertaining, and parts were amusing. Like many other reviewers have stated, I solved the mystery fairly early on, so that detracted some from the overall book. I enjoyed the Victorian setting, and I enjoyed the characters, especially Julia's character, as it progressed throughout the book.
tigger25k's review against another edition
4.0
An intriguing read. I really enjoy how Deanna Raybourn writes.
being_b's review against another edition
Stopped at 35%-- the heroine's combination of ignorance/naivete, arrogance, and total unawareness of her own privilege were just too offputting.
aliceboule's review against another edition
3.0
This book was fine. Nothing incredible but still entertaining. I am not sure if I will pick up the next book. Perhaps when I have nothing else to read.