Silent in the Grave

The best way to describe this book would probably be as a historical mystery romp. I found myself comparing it to early Anne Perry novels (before they got all same-y), but maybe a better comparison would be one of Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody novels. Well researched in the historical details, but the characters have pretty modern sensibilities — I know that annoys a lot of people, but I love it.

The novel opens with the death of Lady Julia Grey's husband, presumably of natural causes, but quickly jumps to a year later when evidence comes to light that maybe it wasn't quite as natural as all that. With the help of Nicholas Brisbane, a “private inquiry agent”, she investigates the murder.

It's the first in a series and I'll definitely read more. There's a hint of paranormal-ish goings-on (not vampires or werewolves, more like Gypsy highjinks) in this one, so I'll be interested to see if she digs deeper into that aspect.

Quote that I read to everyone in close proximity: [First 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.