The Dark Enquiry (A Lady Julia Grey Novel - Book 5) (Lady Julia Grey series)

A big fan of Deanna Raybourne's delightful Julia Grey stories, I was nonetheless a bit disappointed at this one. Just didn't have the same humor and lively banter as the previous 3. Perhaps the couple worked better as star-crossed lovers than husband and wife? The thrill is gone, alas.

Book arrived in great shape and in a timely manner. I have yet to read the book, but can hardly wait for the semester to be over when I'll have time to delve into the reality of the book for a short time, while leaving mine.

It is difficult to describe how very poor this series has become after earlier fine volumes. Lady Julia Grey began was a highly intelligent woman, accomplished, dignified and spirited. In Dark Enquiry she has morphed into a ridiculous twit given to "snickering." I can only guess it is meant to be amusing, but it is out of character and grating.

I can't comment on the plot as a whole because I could not get past the second chapter. I usually donate used books to a church tag sale, but this one is so bad I don't want to foist it on anyone else. Into the garbage it goes.

The Dark Enquiry continues the adventures of sleuth Lady Julie Grey (now Brisbane). For fans of the lady's witty adventures (a la comfy/historical mystery style), The Dark Enquiry delivers everything they have come to expect and love from author Deanna Raybourn and her intelligent, spunky heroine. This time, Julia takes on more espionage, blackmail and an interesting new supernatural element that may surprise (and delight) some fans of the series.

In Dark Enquiry, Lady Julia and her husband Nicolas Brisbane have returned to London from their honeymoon (not mystery-free, of course) and are working on settling into a new life. As part of their new partnership, Julia begins to explore Brisbane's enquity business. It's not long until Julia finds herself sucked into yet another mystery. This time, she finds herself in the middle of strange supernatural phenomenon (well, so it seems) where séances are fashionable, but tend to weave a web of murder, espionage and blackmail.

Sounds like just another day in the life of Lady Julia Grey, doesn't it? Dark Enquiry is delivered in the witty, fun and history-laden hand of Raybourn, who still manages to keep the charm of Julia's life and somewhat unorthodox pastime of the period in this late installment -even now that the lady is married. While I've always been a "casual" fan of the Julia Grey novels, I though that Dark Enquiry was incredibly satisfying for anyone who dares pick it up -from hard core fans to newcomers. Though new readers may be a little confused due to the lack of much exposition. Still, newcomers can quickly adjust.

Now, while I did find it interesting that Dark Enquiry has more supernatural-ish elements than previous novels in the series (not to mention the popularity of paranormal romance novels these days), it seemed to work. Raybourn presenting it in a way that made sense for the period, the plot and world -though I'll admit I wasn't expecting such a thing in a Lady Julia Grey novel, but at least it keeps things interesting.

Deanna Raybourn's newest addition to her Lady Julia Grey series is a delight on every level. First, it has many elements of a great mystery - a seance, blackmail, gypsies, spies, and murder. It also has the delightful Lady Julia who's at it again, trying to insert herself into one of her husband's investigations. We all know she's not one to take "no" for an answer. This time Brisbane, a very successful enquiry agent, is helping her stodgy brother, Lord Bellmont, who's gotten himself into a bit of jam. Not only has Bellmont committed an indiscretion, he was foolish enough to write love letters to the lady. Now someone is blackmailing him and the implications could be much more far-reaching than just upsetting his wife. It turns out the lady in question might be working for a foreign government! If it becomes known that the mistress of an important member of Parliament was a spy, it could have major impact on the stability of the British government.
Various members of Lady Julia's family make appearances. Portia, Valerius, and her father, Lord March, have small roles, while Bellmont and Plum (who's still working for Brisbane) have larger ones. Raybourn also introduces a new character, Morgan Fielding, who promises to be an interesting addition to the cast.
I think the best thing about this series is Lady Julia and Brisbane's relationship. Getting married hasn't ruined their romance one bit. If anything, it's made it more interesting. You can definitely still feel the sparks shooting between them.
While Brisbane remains enigmatic, he is beginning to share more of his complex past with Julia even though he confesses his fear that eventually his revelations will cause her to leave him. He should know by now that his wife is not someone who scares easily. After all, she's faced down murderers, raced straight into danger, and stood up to his thunderous disapproval on more than one occasion.
Although Lady Julia continues to make inroads into convincing Brisbane of the value she brings to his investigations, he is still having difficulty getting past his fears for her safety. He knows he can't protect her all the time, and she's always been a bit of a magnet for danger. Let's just say that while their personal relationship is very fulfilling, their professional one remains a work in progress.
Unlike some series that have lost my interest after just a few books, this one just keeps getting better and better. Please keep writing, Deanna!

When we last left Nicholas and Julia Brisbane at the end of "Dark Road to Darjeeling", they had recently been married and were on their way back to London after a honeymoon and case in India. In "The Dark Enquiry", the couple is still attempting to get used to the idea of marriage and Julia's insistence at being at Brisbane's side through his work as a private detective.

Julia's brother, Plum, has joined Brisbane's business and has a dull assignment in the country, attempting to figure out who has stolen Lord Mortlake's emeralds. Rather than accompany her brother on a trip that is sure to be boring, she decides to figure out why her husband wants her out of the city. Dressed in costume as a man, she follows Nicholas to the Spirit Club, a mysterious place where seances are held. After a strange meeting with the medium, Madame Seraphine, Julia (and a surprised Nicholas) spy on her, and, in the course of the evening, witness her horrible death. Though the offical cause is listed as accidental poisoning, neither Julia nor Brisbane is convinced that it was a simple accident. There are very few clues: a button with a German emblem, some missing letters belonging to Julia's brother Bellmont, and some strange messages left to the guests at the seance.

Of course, as the two get deeper into the case, the more strange the mystery becomes. Julia and Nicholas's lives are threatened; obviously someone not only knows them very well but wants them dead. Combine that with the never-ending war about Julia's involvement in Brisbane's cases, and you have a mystery that is hard to put down.

It's been quite awhile since I read "Dark Road to Darjeeling", but I was struck while reading this by how different the character of Julia seemed compared to what I remembered of her. In the first four books of the series, Julia was a strong woman, but in the beginning of this one she seems to bumble about. There were a lot of comedic moments, but thus far the series hasn't been that funny. I felt that, rather than a character, she had turned into a charicature, and it was disappointing. She somewhat redeems herself toward the end of the novel, but I am hoping this was a one-off and won't be a recurring theme in the next book in the series. Overall, "The Dark Enquiry" is a great mystery, just a little sillier than I remember the series being.

Freshly arrived from a murder investigation in India, Lady Julia is back in a routine at the Brisbane residence in London. Routine meaning her new routine - getting used to everyday married life and honing her detective skills, which include the most shockingly unladylike interests such as working with gunpowder and mastering the use of firearms. Unfortunately - and a fact to which the neighbors, servants, and her family can attest - she is not having much success. Julia's brother Plum, who remains in the employ of Brisbane is nearly as concerned as her husband himself. In fact Brisbane may be regretting promising Julia equal partnership in his work as he continues to unsuccessfully quell his constant concern for her safety. To allay his fears Brisbane sends her to a quieter investigation in the country; however, his plan backfires when Julia discovers that her oldest brother, parliament member and staunch Tory Lord Bellmont has been secretly meeting with Brisbane. Most perplexing is that it's no secret the two men have never taken a liking to one another - so why now, and behind Julia's back? Concerned for both the safety of Brisbane and the public reputation of her brother, Julia unknowingly puts herself at the scene of a murder by following Brisbane to a séance at the popular Spirit Club. When she learns that the victim is connected to her brother, she finds that herself and Brisbane need each other more than ever on an investigation that may very personally affect Julia and the entire March family.

Dark Road to Darjeeling left Julia and Brisbane in such an interesting place personally and professionally, and happily The Dark Enquiry picks up right where they left off while returning to where the series began: in London. After offering her unsolicited help in the three murder investigations leading up to their marriage, Julia desperately wants to continue her partnership in Brisbane's detective work, pushing to be more intimately involved than ever. However Brisbane, after covering up and saving her from her more amateurish mistakes time and time again remains wary of full involvement in a profession which can be both dirty and unforgiving. As both sides are clearly and equally in the right, all you can hope for is that Julia and Brisbane reach a compromise, how ever far away, that satisfies both parties. The resolution of their understandable concerns was a luring conflict I was dying to see play out.

Besides the nuanced characterization I've come to expect, the sense of place in The Dark Enquiry is absorbing. Victorian London is a far cry from India but just as lushly and vividly drawn. Deanna Raybourn knows her setting as inside and out as her time period and it shows in how it envelopes you. I have serious love for the haunting scenes in Highgate cemetery and a lurid attraction to the gritty exchanges in the back alleys of London. As always the eccentric March family are a hoot and a dynamic character in and of themselves. I enjoyed becoming more acquainted with Bellmont and Plum and smiled during every passage with Julia's quirky father. While always leaving a little to the imagination, the Brisbane revelation was also very welcome. I'd happily accept a never completely solved mystery of a man for Brisbane to have a claim on my heart. Most of all I loved stepping into Julia's obstinate yet charming shoes. Doesn't every woman have the secret desire to moonlight as a spy and detective? It's incredibly thrilling and rewarding to see the direction her relationship with Brisbane takes during the unpredictable and surprising investigation. In what is becoming typical Raybourn fashion, the tantalizing last page has left me pining for more of Julia, Brisbane, and their next locale. If I could only have my fix preferably like, now.

Lady Julia Grey thinks she has settled well into married life with the dashing, enigmatic and brilliant Nicholas Brisbane. She blows out windows in his consulting roms experimenting with explosives while he tries to protect her by not revealing what cases he's working on. She insists on playing a greater role as helpmeet. He plans outings for her in the country to help her brother Plum, Brisbane's latest apprentice, find some missing jewels.

There's a lot of protecting and going behind each other's backs in displays of love and competitiveness. It's bound to come to a head.

When Julia's priggish eldest brother, Bellmont, consults Brisband in secret, the ensuing pursuits brought about by the case and the personalities of Julia and Brisbane lead, naturally, to complications. The newlyweds end up at a seance involving hidden passages and they witness a death. The case uncovers betrayals both personal and political. The government may be toppled by the goings on. The balance of power on the continent may shift.

To relate this tale and others in the series, Deanna Raybourn has created an arch, entertaining voice for her narrator, Lady Julia. She brings to mind Amelia Peabody, the creation of legendary Elizabeth Peters, who also married a dashing, enigmatic and brilliant man known by his last name. The continuing tales of both couples include an evergrowing circle of family and friends.

But this series is not a photoimage of the first. For one, there is no save-the-world younger character. Getting to know the various members of the Grey and Brisbane families, and introductions to new members of their circle -- especially two new footmen and the mysterious Sir Morgan Fielding -- promise new twists in their adventures. The new characters also have compelling backstories and old ones have new complications in their lives. And while the Peters series is a mystery one with a hint of romance, Raybourn's series is as much indebted to the tropes of romance as it is to crime fiction.

For in working to solve the case before them and dealing with the problems of working together caused by their feelings, Brisband and Lady Julia also are forced to come to deeper understandings of their own emotions and those of the other. Raybourn is particularly adept at thoroughly marrying character and plot in this regard to make her novels an entertaining mesh of the two genres.

That these characters can survive the events of the last few pages speaks to the strength of their author's care of creating them. That fans will want to continue reading more novels speaks to her fidelity to her characters. She amply rewards the trust that readers give her.

A spunky, irrepressible heroine and a Sherlock Holmes-ian hero make this Victorian mystery delightful.

Julia Grey Brisbane wants nothing more than to be a full partner in her husband's life and that means full partner in his private enquiry business. To achieve that goal she studies emerging technologies--like flash gun powder and photography--and takes risks that seem very foolish and unnecessary at times. Past experiences have proven that she is not invincible but have not dimmed her enthusiasm. I am uncertain if she doesn't realize the extent of the risks she takes or if she relies too heavily on her luck, position in society, and very talented husband to get her out of the scrapes she gets into. There are moments I wanted to shake some sense into her--a sentiment shared by her husband Nicholas Brisbane. Still, she's quite amusing at times.

Brisbane is what Sherlock Holmes might have been if he'd had a few more social skills and time for women. To quote Winston Churchill out of context, Brisband "is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma..." In a word: fascinating. I'd read this story just to find out more about him. I don't blame Julia a bit for falling in love with him or for doing everything in her power to weave herself into the fabric of his life. Even if some of the things she does make both the reader and Brisbane shake their heads.

The plot is filled with nice twists and turns, humorous and exciting in turn. Unfortunately, it lags a bit in between plot points. The story could have benefitted from condensing the time frame and eliminating downtime. Still, it was a fun read and the characters are compelling enough that if you haven't read the previous four Julia Grey Novels you'll want to. That said: The Dark Enquiry easily stands alone. I was five pages into it before I realized I'd read Ms. Raybourn's first installment. Now, I'll be getting the rest of them. Who knew reviewing books would be so expensive?

Originally posted at The Long and Short of It Romance Reviews

In this, the fifth book in the series, Lady Julia and Brisbane have returned from their honeymoon to their London home. Julia is determined to continue their partnership on a professional level as well as a domestic one. Brisbane is quite willing to have her in his office, tolerant of her scientific experiments, even those resulting in the odd explosion or two but when danger appears he is to determined to keep her safely away. Of course Julia is equally determined to stay by his side no matter what the circumstances which leads to a battle of wills between the pair. When Brisbane's latest case, one that he had gone to a great deal of trouble to keep Julia out of, is revealed to involve Julia's brother Bellmont she is even more adamant to be included. As the case progresses Brisbane and Julia discover that it is far from a simple case of blackmail but one involving international intrigue. In the course of their investigations Julia learns more of Brisbane's past and even some shocking revelations about his present activities.

This is a series of period cozies involving Lady Julia Grey, her large and eccentric family and the mysterious Brisbane and their adventures in the late Victorian age. The mysteries involved are sufficiently clever to keep the reader guessing, the action is exciting and often hilarious. The true attraction here though is really the on going back story of Julia, Brisbane and the ever growing cast of recurring characters. For maximum enjoyment this series should be read in order.

I have enjoyed the Lady Julia series from the beginning. I didn't like this book as much as I have the others.

I found myself getting irritated with Lady Julia in nearly every chapter. She is a stupid, impulsive woman who doesn't seem to learn from her mistakes. She is way too self absorbed to be a good detective.

I was also not pleased with her brooding, ill mannered brute of a husband either. He is nothing but a bully with money. Supposedly that is supposed to be sexy, but not to me. In the book Julia compared Brisbane to Heathcliff. Ugh, another mean spirited, unhappy person.

I'm not sure what changed in this book from the other books, but I think this will be the last for me in this series.

After a long and eventful honeymoon, Julia and Nicholas Brisbane have finally returned to London and their normal lives. As they formally set up household together, Julia continues in her endeavors to be part of Brisbane's life in every way, including in his private enquiry business. And when she finds out that one of his newest clients is her very own brother, she can't help but be determined to help however she can. But this investigation may be more than she bargained for, and as matters get more dangerous, the couple is forced to either unite their talents or risk their lives falling apart.

Deanna Raybourn's newest installment in the Lady Julia Grey series, "The Dark Enquiry," continues the ever-exciting saga of two beloved characters. As always, Raybourn's writing is exceptional, the mystery complex and unpredictable, the backdrop vibrant and real. The characters themselves are like well-loved friends, wholly three-dimensional and easy to love. Readers will gladly immerse themselves into Lady Julia's world, racing to solve the mystery as the stakes get more and more dire. Fans of the series will not be disappointed in the least; this novel is hard to put down.

Originally published for San Francisco/Sacramento Book Reviews.

Lady Julia Brisbane and her husband Nicholas Brisbane are at it again! Brisbane is working on a new case and it involves the oldest March sibling, Lord Bellmont. He's gotten himself into some trouble and has come to Brisbane to demand his help. Julia is unaware until she spots them together and Brisbane tries to pack her off to the country. She disguises herself as a man and follows him to the Spiritual Club where she watches the medium at the seance die. Blackmail, more murder, and espionage are added to the mix to make it a very suspenseful and enjoyable read.

It's the fifth book in the Lady Julia Grey series and it does not disappoint. You would think that the series would become slightly repetitive and stale, yet Ms. Raybourn has done a great job at keeping it fresh. There are some fantastic twists in this book. You never see them coming! Plus I feel there is more humor in this book. I found myself chuckling out loud at times. And the chemistry between Brisbane and Lady Julia is still quite explosive. Besides laughing, I also found my self getting slightly emotional. Plus by the way the book ended, there is surely a sixth Lady Julia book in the making. I am looking forward to finding out what new adventures and cases the two will face next!

The fifth novel in the Julia Gray series has Julia and new husband Brisbane, starting to keep house together in London. Predictably this is interrupted by unruly servants, clashes in taste and a few too many pets. All of these are small problems however, in the face of what Brisbane has set out for Julia to accomplish before she can become his partner in the inquiry business- a long list of forensic and investigative techniques. One of which has resulted in several explosions.

All Julia's plans for a careful preparation into the business are disposed of when she discovers Brisbane is doing work for her dreadful bore of a brother Bellmont. Not only has the oldest (and most righteous) sibling in her family had a marital indiscretion for which he is being blackmailed but the person blackmailing him may very be a foreign spy.

Filled with intrigue, spy's, spirit mediums "The Dark Inquiry" is every bit as good as the books that proceeded it. Brisbane and Julia are as funny as ever with their domineering personalities and clashing investigative approaches and their romance maintains its slightly embarrassing, very none prudish quality.

Five stars. I predict the next title will also have the dark in it.

When Julia suspects that her eldest brother, the pragmatic Lord Bellmont, may be keeping secrets--with her husband no less, she once again insinuates herself into matters that quickly turn deadly. Bribane obviously adores and respects his curious wife but his intense protectiveness escalates into tension between spouses, as these two go head to head regarding Julia's involvement within his line of work as a private inquiry agent. The reader gets an intimate glimpse into Julia and Bribane's struggle and growth as they attempt to compromise and all the while, the love between them was evident and sigh worthy.

The Dark Enquiry was highly entertaining. Séances, espionage, gypsy-camp-life, family secrets and a revealed revelation about Bribane, all combine for one great story.

This book is an excellent addition to the series. There was many great scenes between Julia and Brisbane and a few twists that took me by surprise. My only gripe is that at times through out the book I felt that the story was being told to me, which I found uncharacteristic of the author's usual descriptive writing. Those isolated episodes jarred me from the story a bit. I am looking forward to the locale in the next installment, which is revealed at the end of The Dark Enquiry. I won't give it away but I will say it piques my interest...you'll have to read it to find out. ;)

I absolutely adore the Julia Grey series and this latest installment was the best yet. Raybourn did an outstanding job. I loved the interaction between Bisbane and Julia in this book. I loved all the tender moments between them as they finally learned to compromise with one another and learn more about each other and what being married is like.
I love that we got to see Portia and baby Jane and how they are getting along after the tragedy in the last book and of course all of Julia's crazy family members.
It was so much fun seeing into the lives of the Gypsies and meeting more of Bisbane's family and learning more about his mysterious past.
The mystery aspect of this book was amazing, it kept me guessing until the end. All the twist and turns and things that I just did not see coming.
Another fabulous novel by Raybourn and wonderful addition to the Lady Julie Grey series.
This book deserved the 5 Star rating, heck I would give it a 10 if I could, I loved it that much.

This one, along with the initial book, are my least favorite thus far. Lady Julia and her habit of "nosiness" are at their most annoying in this installment. However with the final pages, the reader gains hope of some more mature behavior from her in the course of the next book...we can only hope.

The fifth book in the Lady Julia Grey series finds Julia and her husband Nicholas Brisbane back in London where he works as a private enquiry agent. After their previous adventures, all Brisbane wants is to protect Julia from the inherent dangers in his line of work, but she is determined to help him in his work. After she dresses as a young man and follows him on an investigation, he decides he has no choice but to let her help him and try to limit her exposure to danger. But alas, danger seems to stalk Julia at every turn. The Dark Enquiry refers to their investigation of the death of a French spiritualist, leading them to a dangerous spy who will risk all to help the Kaiser.

I enjoy this series a lot. The relationship between Julia and Brisbane is always passionate and volatile, but we never doubt their love for each other. Raybourn does a good job of evoking the Gilded Age. Recommended for fans of historical mystery and romance.

I have adored Julia & Brisbane since the very first book of this series. The last installment had me a little annoyed though. Julia had turned into a spoiled child, gone was the strong woman we had grown to love. In this latest book, Julia still has moments of acting like a spoiled child BUT it's worked into the story. It causes moments of heated tension between Julia & Brisbane and even Julia seems to notice her behavior at times. So it's much more tolerable this time around. The passion between the two is stronger in this book which was welcomed. As for the story, this was a classic whodunnit and had me guessing until almost the end. Brisbane's character is largely focused on & we learn more about him & his background. Plum is around a bit & Portia, Bellmont & their father make appearances. Some new characters are introduced that I think may make appearances in future books. Overall, a very satisfying installment & I can't wait to read the next!

The Dark Enquiry - Deanna Raybourn
4 stars

The story begins with an explosion. Hmm...... has Janet Evanovich invaded this Victorian mystery? It's only Lady Julia attempting to reproduce a flash powder as part of her campaign to become a full participant in her husband's detective agency.
The ridiculous nature of the first scene should be a signal that this fifth Lady Julia Grey book should not be taken seriously. Sit back, relax, it's meant to be fun. The mystery plot is full of holes and unbelievable coincidences as Julia stumbles into one dangerous situation after another. It doesn't matter. Brisbane continues to be gratifyingly attractive. Julia's family is eccentric and amusing. Another pet is added to the menagerie. The culprit is defeated in the end.
It isn't great literature or historically significant. It's just easy and fun.

. Back home in London, Julia is anxious to participate in Brisbane's private enquiry business. Soon she is more deeply involved than he would prefer. His life story evolves as they visit the Rom but Nicholas stays difficult toward her active involvement.

After taking the Dark Road to Darjeeling, Nicholas Brisbane and Lady Julia Grey marry in London. Whereas she wants to be his detecting partner, he wants her safe. However, he knows he must walk carefully or his brave wife will hang up a detective shingle of her own.

Julia's prim and proper sibling Lord Bellmont hires his new brother-in-law to help him with a mess that he demands a pledge of silence from Nicholas. Julia knows her sibling is in trouble and will not sit on the sidelines. The inquiry leads to Madame Seraphine at the Ghost Club and from there into the newspapers. As the newlyweds argue over Lady Julia's role, the Brisbane pair and their client are in trouble as someone begins to kill to keep a dark secret hidden.

The latest Lady Grey now Brisbane late Victorian mystery (see Silent in the Sanctuary, Silent on the Moor) is a fascinating tale that breaks gender lines for that time and place. The story line starts a bit slow as the heroine pontificates, but once her brother seeks assistance, the plot accelerates into a fast-paced action-packed historical thriller as the case turns deadly. Readers will enjoy the merging of detecting properly as the two sleuths in love work on their dysfunctional professional relationship which impacts their personal relationship.

Harriet Klausner

I love this series. Finished this book too quickly and wished it would've gone on longer! Realize that I got this one out of order. I have book 1, 2, 3, and 5. Guess I'll have to go back and find the one I'm missing.

Lady Julia and Brisbane are both great in this most recent mystery. I loved their interaction and the craziness that Lady Julia and her family members provide. The mystery itself was intriguing, but I wasn't crazy about the ending. I could see it as a possibility, but it came out of the blue at the 11th hour. i generally prefer to solve the mystery along with the detective. This is still incredibly fun and interesting and a great read that I would recommend.

I eagerly read the previous books of the Brisbane/Grey series and was delighted when they did get married instead of dragging the romance out for another few books. I enjoyed the novel before this one, as they solved a crime on their honeymoon. This one had its twists and turns and ultimately satisfying ending, but the marital discord scenes grew a bit tiresome after a while. The last half of the book, which focused more on the mystery, was better than the first half. From being a well-grounded character with good sense in the earlier books, Julia changes and acts a bit silly in the first part of this one. I get the feeling that she's being defiant because in some sense she feels it's expected of her, or perhaps she worries that her identity will be subsumed in her husband's now that they are married. I'm hoping she and Brisbane get on a more even keel in future books. Fewer marital spats and more mystery solving!