Review: Dark Road to Darjeeling

Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This was an improvement on Silent on the Moor, not being so completely dark and frustrating. Julia and Brisbane still don't talk to each other nearly as much as they should, and a lot of the plot comes from their continued lack of trust. But at least they're together finally, and they do seem to be learning by the end of the book. This gives me hope for the future.

India provides a different setting, so that was interesting. I'm slightly ashamed to admit that although I should have found this change refreshing, I missed England and wished they would return to London again.

The mystery itself is ok. Still not the caliber of the beginning of the series, but I enjoyed it overall. I'm looking forward to reading The Dark Enquiry, which I believe does return to London, and hopefully more after that!



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Review: Silent on the Moor

Silent on the Moor by Deanna Raybourn

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I have to admit I was disappointed in this third installment of the Lady Julia Grey series. The setting is part of the problem. Although a gothic moor lends atmosphere, it's also quite depressing when the author doesn't allow lighter moments to break up the monotony. This does not happen, and honestly, I felt let down. There were real opportunities here that went unrealized, especially for the development of Julia and Brisbane's relationship.

Julia and Brisbane are thrown together in this remote place, but rather than using the time to deepen their relationship, it only heightens the sense of isolation and despair between them. The relationship that I had hoped would be maturing at this point remains at an impasse; they spend most of the time avoiding and hurting each other for no apparent reason, and Brisbane's excuses for turning his back on their love are just not believable.

I had hoped by this point in their relationship, they'd finally be learning to trust each other and working/growing together. Instead, I feel that the author was just dragging out the heartache unnecessarily. Then there's suddenly a happy ending out of nowhere. It just doesn't jive, although I am relieved that it happened. It gives me hope enough to read the next book.

There is also no relief or lightness from secondary characters. Yes, it is a murder scene, and there are those gothic family secrets. It's going to have its dark moments. But surely something happy could have happened? Someone could have restored the gardens or something! Anything! That would have been totally in line with the gothic theme. Instead Portia - whose role should have been to help with this - suffers her own tragedy. Seriously sad and depressing.

The mystery itself is also blah. It just doesn't have the sophistication of the previous ones and generally falls flat. Maybe it's because the other aspects I've already described make the entire story one-dimensional. This whole book was a missed opportunity. It was filler. I will continue to read the series because reviews suggest a return to higher quality in later books. I hope so.



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Review: Silent in the Sanctuary

Silent in the Sanctuary by Deanna Raybourn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



It would be difficult to follow up Silent in the Grave, and I had little hope that this second installment could live up to the first. Although I don't believe it was as good, it was still very enjoyable. The gothic setting, the characters, the gypsies, the mystery... it was still fresh. I was satisfied. This is another favorite.



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Review: Silent in the Grave

Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I've discovered a new favorite genre! I love the mix of historical fiction, mystery, and little bit of love story. The characters are full, intriguing, mysterious, and witty. The setting is fully realized, the atmosphere intoxicating. The mystery is twisting, convoluted, and absolutely satisfying. Fantastic!



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