In Deanna Raybourn's Silent in the Grave, Lady Julia is the epitome of the privileged, title class, living in her husband, Sir Edward's London mansion. When Edward, who has been suffering from the family affliction of a weak heart, collapses at one of their dinner parties and subsequently dies, Julia enters the traditional mourning period of Victorian society. Soon after the funeral, Nicholas Brisbane, a private inquiry agent who had been hired by Edward, arrives and informs Julia that he believes Edward was murdered. Edward was receiving poison pen letters, and when Julia realizes she might be suspected of causing his death, she engages Brisbane to find the murderer. Of course, she can't resist helping him with the investigation along the way.
If you don't enjoy any paranormal elements in your mysteries, this series may not be for you; although the supernatural is not central to solving the case. Rayburn writes the time period well, showing accuracy in her depiction of Victorian customs. Originally published in 2007, I give this first in the series 3.5 stars on this reread. I originally read in 2010 and gave it the same rating at that time.
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