This weekend, I’ve read a historical crime fiction novel, Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn, and found it an unexpected pleasure. Historical fiction is a genre I usually shy away from, but I bought this cheap ages ago and picked it up from the TBR shelf on Friday night. Two chapters in and I was hooked.
Opening with the arresting line: “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.” , the novel follows Lady Julia Grey through 1886 London as she investigates her husband’s sudden death at a dinner party with the able and argumentative assistance of private investigator Nicholas Brisbane. It is peopled with a host of well drawn and interesting characters from all levels of Victorian society, has a suspenseful and credible plot, a spark of sexual tension between the two protagonists and stylish writing.
I really enjoyed this foray outside my reading comfort zone. So much so that I’m looking forward to stopping by the bookshop after work tomorrow for the sequel, Silent in the Sanctuary.
Quite appropriately, until then I’ll be reading Imagined London: a tour of the world’s greatest fictional city by Anna Quindlen.
10 Comments
31 March, 2008 at 4:31 am
I saw a Deanna Rayburn novel in the bookshop recently and wondered about buying it! Thank you for this encouragement. I love crime fiction in any case, and the historical sort can have that extra dimension.
31 March, 2008 at 9:19 pm
I’m looking forward to the Rayburn novel too – just haven’t got there yet
31 March, 2008 at 10:37 pm
You’ve reminded me that this has been on my library reservation list for months now. Next time I’m in I must ask then what’s happening. I really do want to read it.
2 April, 2008 at 5:06 am
Ha—love the opening line!
3 April, 2008 at 3:13 am
I love Deanna Raybourn’s books. They’ve become quite addictive. I just read the third in the series is due out in March of 2009—so far away!
8 April, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Just returning the call, Sarah, and really like what I find! I’ll be back to browse your book reviews and to discover more writers like this one. I haven’t read any crime fiction for a while, this looks like a good place to start.
12 April, 2008 at 3:24 am
I very much enjoy Anna Quindlen and her take on things, but I’ve not heard of this London book. Looking forward to your thoughts on it.
13 April, 2008 at 6:25 am
Oh what a fabulous opening line! How can I not read this book now??!?
30 April, 2008 at 10:30 am
Deanna Raybourn’s books are great! I was surprised but how much I liked them because I am not usually attracted to this genre of books. It’s too long to wait for the next one!
7 May, 2008 at 11:50 pm
I read this recently too, and thought it was marvellous. A really good fun, rip roaring read. I, too, am desperate to get my hands on #2!