Publish Date: October 2010
Format: Paperback 388pp
Synopsis (From the Publisher):
"After eight idyllic months in the Mediterranean, Lady Julia Grey and her detective husband are ready to put their investigative talents to work once more. At the urging of Julia's eccentric family, they hurry to India to aid an old friend, the newly widowed Jane Cavendish. Living on the Cavendish tea plantation with the remnants of her husband's family, Jane is consumed with the impending birth of her child—and with discovering the truth about her husband's death. Was he murdered for his estate? And if he was, could Jane and her unborn child be next?
Amid the lush foothills of the Himalayas, dark deeds are buried and malicious thoughts flourish. The Brisbanes uncover secrets and scandal, illicit affairs and twisted legacies. In this remote and exotic place, exploration is perilous and discovery, deadly. The danger is palpable and, if they are not careful, Julia and Nicholas will not live to celebrate their first anniversary."
My Review:
Towards the end of an extended honeymoon, Lady Julia and her husband Brisbaine have the unexpected displeasure of being tracked down by two of Julia's siblings. Persuaded by her sister Portia, Julia and Brisbaine embark upon a journey to the Himalayas in hopes of supporting the newly widowed and family friend, Jane Cavendish. Although Portia's described motive's might seem earnest, Julia soon derives the true purpose of their journey: to investigate the possible murder of Jane's husband and therefore possibly saving Jane from the same untimely end.
Julia, always having been one prone to seek out adventure and prove her detective potential to Brisbaine, sets out against Brisbaine's wishes in order to solve this mystery. Confident in her skills, Julia has no hesitation in pursuing the murderer, but just as she begins to piece together the mystery it all begins to unravel at an alarming rate. Julia must decipher the chaos that surrounds her quickly, for in a place where secrets are dark and the villains enchanting, she just might easily be the next victim.
I have always enjoyed the Julia Grey series, and this one is no exception! The story starts out at a moderate pace and gradually gains momentum as the story unfolds, allowing the reader enough time to process the clues and solve the mystery. Of course, as soon as you begin to unravel the mystery, the plot takes off at an unbelievable rate with the plot twisting and turning, much to the readers delight. I read the last half of this book in one sitting, and was shocked by some of the plot twist revelations. If you are looking for a Victorian Era mystery that will have you engaged and guessing the whole time, I highly recommend this book. I am definitely looking forward to Deanna Raybourn's next installment in this series!
FTC: I received this book from the publisher. As always, these are my own honest opinions.
