The Dark Enquiry

By Deanna Raybourn

Partners now in marriage and in trade, Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane have finally returned from abroad to set up housekeeping in London. But merging their respective collections of gadgets, pets and servants leaves little room for the harried newlyweds themselves, let alone Brisbane's private enquiry business.

Among the more unlikely clients: Julia's very proper brother, Lord Bellmont, who swears Brisbane to secrecy about his case. Not about to be left out of anything concerning her belovedif eccentricfamily, spirited Julia soon picks up the trail of the investigation.

It leads to the exclusive Ghost Club, where the alluring Madame Séraphine holds evening séances and not a few powerful gentlemen in thrall. From this eerie enclave unfolds a lurid tangle of dark deeds, whose tendrils crush reputations and throttle trust.

Shocked to find their investigation spun into salacious newspaper headlines, bristling at the tension it causes between them, the Brisbanes find they must unite or fall. For Bellmont's sakeand morethey'll face myriad dangers born of dark secrets, the kind men kill to keep .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
• Release date: Jul 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781459207660

Deanna Raybourn

New York Times bestselling author Deanna Raybourn graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a double major in English and history and an emphasis on Shakespearean studies. She taught high school English for three years in San Antonio before leaving education to pursue a career as a novelist. Deanna makes her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband and daughter and is hard at work on her next novel.

Reviews for The Dark Enquiry

[murderbydeath · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I finished this on Sunday, but sort of forgot to follow up with a review; I've since read another book and I'm in the middle of one, neither of which are historical and the details from The Dark Enquiry have all gone a little fuzzy. I liked it; better than The Dark Road to Darjeeling, but it wasn't exactly what I'd hoped it would be. From the synopsis I rather figured the paranormal aspect would be more central to the plot and it wasn't central at all. Brisbane is still keeping secrets from Julia, but at least Julia has more or less stopped running around trying to solve mysteries behind his back; they reach a state of mutual respect for each other that was sorely lacking in the last book. The plot was weird and the murderer came out of nowhere - at no time was the reader given the information needed to identify the culprit, until the denouement scene with Julia. It made for an exciting ending though.

[drled_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Synopsis: Brisbane has finally admitted that Julia is helpful in his business and Plum has also joined as an investigator. Julia, however, is still working on her own and putting her foot into Brisbane's investigation. She finds herself involved in spiritualism, thinking that she was being on site to help Brisbane if he got into trouble. Her finds herself involved with spies from the US, Britain and Germany. Plum, thinking he is working on a separate case finds that he has become emotionally involved with a spy.Review: Finally, this book is a mystery with a nod to romance rather than vice versa.

[amongstories · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

From the start, the stories of Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane have held me captive. I have, over the course of several books watched the two characters grow and change as individuals and as a couple. Even before The Dark Enquiry the two had weathered so much together, so when the investigation in this book turned out to be tied close to the family, I was intrigued to see how everything would work out – for better, or worse.There is, in my opinion, a huge plus column backing up The Dark Enquiry. First, there is the fact that we get to learn more about Brisbane’s character, his past, and his heritage. Brisbane easily counts as one of my favorite characters of all time, and learning more about him and the rough life he’s lived always interests me, even if the character isn’t always so happy about his history coming to the forefront. Second, is the involvement of Lady Julia’s brother, Lord Bellmont. Up to this point Bellmont has been pegged as the uptight eldest brother. When it comes out- at least to Brisbane and Lady Julia – that even the super conservative and beyond proper politician he is can make mistakes, well I just plain loved the idea of him being brought down to the same level as the rest of us – the human level.There are many other pluses as well… Aquinas is back, which makes me very happy. His loyalty to and understanding of the family always adds a bit of… levelheadedness to the story. Plum’s continued participation in Brisbane’s inquiry business is also a source of enjoyment. There is more of Lord March (and his hermit!), Portia, and we see Fleur again! As always the relationship between Morag and Lady Julia is thoroughly entertaining.In addition to the wonderful characters and the always interesting investigations, The Dark Enquiry is another very emotional story. Again, from beginning to end The Dark Enquiry had me laughing or tearing up, or at parts staring at the screen in disbelief. In fact, towards the end my heart broke for Julia and Brisbane, so much so that it took me a few minutes to gather my bearings and read on. In fact, there seems to be a new pattern with Dark Road to Darjeeling and The Dark Enquiry - that being that these two stories have a much darker feel to them, as well as an intensity that the first three books didn’t have.The bottom line, The Dark Enquiry is another phenomenal story of the happenings in the lives of the Brisbane’s and their family. This series has been amazing from book one through book five and I will continue to be a loyal follower of the series.

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Dark Enquiry
4 Stars

Marriage to a private enquiry agent has become a frustrating enterprise for Lady Julia as her husband still strives to protect her from his professional life just as she longs to become a full partner in his endeavors. Julia gets her wish after following Brisbane to a clandestine meeting and witnessing what appears to be the murder of a psychic medium. As Julia and Brisbane investigate the strange death, they must learn to work together or lose everything, for the foe they face is willing to sacrifice anyone and anything for their ultimate goal.

While not quite my favorite installment in the series (that is reserved for Silent on the Moor), The Dark Enquiry is certainly one of the more intense and exciting additions and I am sad that it is also the final full length novel.

The highlight of the story is the development of Brisbane and Julia’s relationship as they finally begin working together both in and outside of the marriage bed. Brisbane comes to accept that he cannot protect Julia from every danger and that the best he can do is provide her with the necessary tools and information for her to deal with the darker and seedier side of his work. Likewise, Julia comes to realize not only the very real risks involved in being Brisbane’s partner, but also the extent of his love for her and the lengths he will got to in order to keep her safe.

They mystery is interesting with several compelling twists and turns and one particularly enigmatic character who could Raybourn could do well to give his own series if she were so inclined. The villain came as a surprise although, in hindsight, there are plenty of clues to the ultimate explanation.

The secondary characters are well written and add depth and nuance to the story. Julia is introduced to additional members of Brisbane’s gypsy family and there are also developments in the lives of her own siblings. Portia is settling into motherhood; Bellmont finds himself in a sticky situation, and Plum may finally have met his match.

All in all, a solid addition to the series although there are one or two developments that were disappointing such as Julia’s miscarriage and inability to conceive another child as well as Plum’s devastating love life. The next few installments are novellas, which I don’t usually read but I might give a try if only to catch up on the Brisbanes and the Marches.

[kmartin802_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Back in London, Julia and Brisbane get involved with spiritualists and spies when they try to recover evidence of her older brother Bellmont's affair with a spiritualist. At first, things seem rather simple. All they have to do is confront the spiritualist and convince her to return Bellmont's letters. Before they can confront her, someone kills her with aconite leaving the letters still missing. Julia visits the other people who were at the seance she attended and eliminates a couple of them and also meets the intriguing Sir Morgan Fielding who turns out to be an illegitimate cousin of hers. She immediately takes a liking to him which is often a clue in this series that he is up to no good. She soon learns some of his secrets and how they connect to her mysterious husband. We also get a chance to meet more of Brisbane's gypsy relatives when they take shelter in a gypsy camp run by his grandmother. This book is packed with action and danger for both Julia and Brisbane. Through the course of this story the reader can just see the relationship deepen between Julia and Brisbane as he finally lets loose of some of the secrets in his life now that he is confident that nothing is going to change Julia's love for him.I love the setting of this story and the touches of humor. Julia's eccentric family and her own eccentricities are often quite funny. I love her growing assortment of pets.

[waxflower-775731 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this Lady Julia Grey story, with the exception of one small plot point near the end that I objected to fiercely (but which it would be rude and explicitly spoilery to get into a rant about). Delightfully, unlike in the last few books, some of the more annoying tension between Julia and her husband has come to a head, in a good way, and I no longer live in fear that they are going to spend every single book in the series arguing about whether or not she is able and/or allowed to work with him. To be honest, I had grown so tired of that tension that I had decided I wasn't going to read any further into the series: now that I think it may have, please God, let up, I am actually willing to try the next one. On a different note, unlike in the last few books, I didn't actually work out "who dunnit" before Julia did, which is always nice.

Basically a thumbs-up from me, and I'm going to continue on with the series.

[mickyfine · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lady Julia and Brisbane have finally returned to London and settled into the patterns of married life. While Julia has won the concession from Brisbane that she can now assist on his cases, the definition of what her help might entail has not been set. When Julia discovers that one of Brisbane's cases involves a member of her family she refuses to keep her nose out and the couple find themselves immersed in a case that involves spiritualists and blackmail with a dash of international intrigue. As Julia comes into her own as an investigator, she discovers that hunting down mysteries is even more dangerous than she knew.Another thoroughly enjoyable entry in this series. What I enjoy most about these mysteries is that the characters continue to grow and develop over the course of each novel and the mystery plots are never predictable. As noted on previous entries, I highly recommend this series for those who like historical mysteries with a dash of romance.

[empressreece · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm still in love with this series and let's be truthful, Brisbane! If only he were real! : ) As I'm reading, I'm thinking where can I find a gypsy camp & why has time travel not been mastered yet??? I was destined to live in this Era - no doubt about it! You must read this series "from the 1st book" if you are a fan of this era too! Raybourn just magically captures the setting, the dictates on society and a woman's place in it during that time. Her characters are also delightful and fun! Anyways, its a Must Read!

[jamespurcell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good entry in this fine series. 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.

[jean_sexton-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

There's so much going on in this book that it is hard to review without spoilers. Spiritualism and murder are upfront issues as well as the most staid of the March family sowing wild oats. There were so many possible villains -- I did not expect the one that emerged. This one is a cracking good mystery.

[cygnet81 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I usually really like her books but I had trouble focusing on this one.

[jlapac-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I think this was probably the best of the books in terms of interactions between Brisbane and Lady Julia. I didn't like the start of it where she is experimenting somewhat haphazardly. As another reviewer said, Julia acted very flaky in this book. She also acts poorly because of her bet with Brisbane on the outcome of the case. I could not listen/read enough of Chapter 22, however. It was well written, poignant and showed the excellent interactions between Brisbane and Julia. I think [author:Deanna Raybourn|156327] should take the opportunity of the big revelation and Julia's near death to have Julia starting calling Brisbane Nicholas. I think having her call him by his last name is absurd.

[wagner5sarah35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lady Julia and her dashing husband find themselves involved in a matter of murder and espionage in this mystery novel. Julia's eclectic family and unique pets feature in this tale, and the antics between Julia and Brisbane make for fun reading. Together, they manage to crack the case, and a bit more about Brisbane's mysterious past is revealed. A fun read, definitely for fans of the series.

[kasthu_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I’m always nervous when I embark on reading another book in the Lady Julia Grey series. Will this one be as good as the last? Or, for that matter, the first? I think the appeal of the series lies in the interaction between Julia and Brisbane; I’m always worried that the spark between them won’t be there anymore.Julia and Brisbane are back in London from their honeymoon, trying to juggle married life and Brisbane’s career as a secret enquiry agent. One of his new clients is Julia’s older brother Belmont, an MP and pillar of the community who’s the last person you’d expect to ask Brisbane for help. Julia, of course, insinuates herself into the case, and her and Brisbane’s enquiries lead them to the Ghost Club and a medium called Madame Seraphine. Murder, arson, blackmail, and grave robbing—these are all present in the case, and it’s a good one.As usual, Lady Julia is engaging and funny, and her family is entertaining. It seems that several of her siblings or other family members have been involved in some of her cases (as in the case of Silent in the Sanctuary or Dark Road to Darjeeling). Belmont’s not one of the most interesting of Julia’s siblings, but it’s interesting to watch his case unfold. Character development is also strong, even in a series like this with characters I’ve come to know and love. As such, the series gets more and more interesting with each book. One of the strengths of the series is the relationship between Julia and Brisbane; when I read Dark Road to Darjeeling, I initially was worried that their marriage would mean an end to the romance; not so. It just keeps getting stronger and stronger. In all, this is a very strong addition to the Lady Julia Grey series. Can’t wait for more!

[ethel55_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Lady Julia and her husband have returned to England to settle in to their lives as husband and wife. Julia, of course, is headstrong as ever, and her intuitive nature isn't going to be sidelined by trips to the countryside, when she can stay and try to help Nicholas in his private enquiry business. The Victorian Age is well represented here and I thought the paranormal/seance theme was very fitting of a time when people may have slightly believed in what was foretold. This was my first Lady Julia story, but I didn't find myself too lost because the setting changed so much that characters were introduced very easily. I definitely will seek out their previous tales, I can only imagine what happened on their travels abroad!

[4fish_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I've been a fan of Raybourn's Lady Julia Grey mysteries since the first one appeared. However, I confess to skimming the last one, The Dark Road to Darjeeling, because it just didn't catch my interest. So I wasn't sure if I should pick up her latest, but I'm glad I did. Lady Julia and her husband, Nicholas Brisbane, are in top form in The Dark Enquiry, pursuing spiritualists, spies and blackmailers.

[coz_6_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Spymasters and family connections... a good read.

[justabookreader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

First, I have a confession. I did something I never do --- I read a book out of order in a series. OK, so not a big, earth shattering confession but I felt I needed to say that for readers of this series. I’ve heard fabulous things about the Lady Julia Grey novels and have been meaning to read one for a long time. So when I saw this one on NetGalley I requested it and proceeded to read with abandon. Yes, abandon people.I feel I should warn of spoilers since this is a series so here you have it but since I haven’t read any of the previous books, I can’t be sure that’s an accurate statement.Lady Julia Grey is now back in London navigating and negotiating her marriage to Brisbane. While the two are very much in love, it’s Julia’s insistence on being a true and full partner in Brisbane’s life, which includes his work as an investigator and private detective, that’s causing a small wrinkle in their otherwise happy marriage. He balks but she insists, and being Julia, she wins. Brisbane does everything to keep her out of his latest case, including building her a photography studio as a distraction, but Julia manages to not only get involved but also nearly get herself killed in the process.This book was so entertaining and if they’re all like this, I want to read them all now. Julia and Brisbane are a great couple and for as annoying as she can be, Julia’s delightful. Obviously, there’s much I missed in regard to the relationship but I didn’t feel lost which is a testament to Raybourn’s. She gives you enough to go on and lets you fill in the rest, which in a series I don’t mind and was perfectly at home with here.There’s one more thing I need to mention --- I didn’t care who the killer was. Remember, a mystery is at the heart of this story, and I don’t usually pick up mysteries because I mostly spend my time trying to figure out who did it without paying attention to characters or plot. Here, I didn’t even care who did it and I didn’t read ahead which is HUGE for me. A first actually. Maybe I finally found the right mix for me when it comes to a mystery; I need ghosts and really great characters. Also, the romance is good. I must say this because I’m pretty sure from reading this one installment that many readers are invested in this relationship too.I probably don’t have to say this but I will anyway --- I plan to go back and read the four previous books in this series. If this one was any indication of the goodness I will be experiencing, I will be a very happy reader. I downloaded an advanced review copy of this book from NetGalley.

[riverwillow · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brisbane and Julia have returned home from their honeymoon, settling with their extended family of retainers and their menagerie in a rented house in Brook Street. The book opens with Julia conducting an experiment with 'black powder' and a subsequent exchange with Brisbane sets the tone for the book '"Four explosions in a month's time are a bit excessive," I conceded. "Five," he corrected. "You forgot the house party at Lord Riverton's estate." "Oh, would you have called that an explosion? I should have called that a detonation..."' Once again Raybourn has produced an entertaining pastiche of the Sensation novel. Fantastic.

[allureofbooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Dark Enquiry by Deanna Raybourn is the fifth book in the truly spectacular Lady Julia series. Y'all, I can't even explain to you how much I love these books. Julia and Brisbane are definitely among my most beloved characters of all time. Both Gothic and mystical flairs give this series an atmosphere unlike any other. If you haven't checked these books out yet, what are you waiting for? Like I've mentioned in past reviews, the first book of the series begins like so: "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." Now, if you can read that line and resist from plunging straight into the book - you're stronger than I am. I read that opener...fell hook, line and sinker for these books and haven't looked back. Anyway....as to this book specifically (I'll try to avoid spoilers, but if you aren't familiar with the other books you might want to steer clear). Another truly awesome addition. Once again, none of the tension and spark is missing from the interactions within the Brisbane household. They are still constantly working to try and find a balance between Julia's safety and her happiness (by that, I mean her wanting to be Brisbane's work partner and him wanting to lock her up to keep her out of danger). This case actually falls a little too close to home for Julia - her stuffy brother Bellmont, who has in the past had no use for Brisbane, enlists him for help. They then end up in the middle of a mystery involving a dead medium. I couldn't think of a better plot for these characters if I tried - like I mentioned above, the series is already Gothic and mystical in tone due to the mysterious (and delicious) Brisbane...so adding in an actual mystic is just icing on the cake. So, when Julie ferrets out that Bellmont actually stooped to asking Brisbane for help - she remains hard on his heels, determined to help him whether he wants it or not. Turns out that the case ends up more personal than any of them realized - involving not only more of Julia's family history...but Brisbane's as well. Learning more about his murky background was ridiculously exciting, y'all. I just cannot get enough of this series. All the books are so dark and sophisticated - the dialogue and characterization very deep and masterfully written. I couldn't dig up a complaint if I tried. I seriously can't recommend reading this series enough. (Oh yeah - plus: can you beat the gorgeous covers? Love them.)

[bookaddictdiary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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 seances 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 Enguiry 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.