Well, it took an awful long time to set the stage...seven chapters or so before there was any hint of a mystery (other than Nicolas being at the scene of the death).  But Julia is delightful and I love love love Portia!  This looks to be a fun summer read.

On a mostly-unrelated note, I'm reading this on my kindle as part of the three-book bundle. This is the first time I have read a "bundle" on my Kindle and I hate how slowly the little percentage counter moves, since it seems to be counting the percentage of the three books rather than just the book I am reading.  I really dislike not knowing how far I am into a book and how much I have left to go. At least this one has relatively short chapters so the chapter number gives me some reference to go by.

(Edited because I was obviously enamored of the word "delightful" this morning!)

I think I'm on Chapter 7 and things are picking up. Like Christa, I'm really liking Portia a lot and hopefully, she helps Julia come out of her "mousiness"!

Christa - thanks for clearing that business up about the percentage of the book I've read. DUH! I thought that this was just a really, really long book! lol!

Yea...I'm into Chapter 10 or 11 and the counter is around 6%. Unless the later chapters are three times longer than the early chapters, I should be about 25% of the way through the book.

I think Raybourn's portrayal of a Upper class Victorian woman is right on.  They were coddled and compliant, I like seeing Julia's growth.  Portia is my fave and then Aquinas,

Reading on an ereader sure makes it difficult to page back if you need to refresh your memory.

I love Lady Julia. She has spunk in spite of her upbringing. I also like the fact that her father encourages her to be her own person and doesn't feel that he has to keep his thumb on her like so many characters of the time period. I like Portia as well and love the fact that she is pushing Julia to get on with her life. I have a feeling that brother Valerious is going to be trouble down the line and I can't quite figure what Simon's significance is. I'm a little over half way through and I have no idea who or why. However, I rarely try very hard to figure those things out. I like the surprise.

Jerelyn--Another character will be introduced in a later chapter, (I don't remember which one) that I think you will want to add to the cast the characters thread. I'm really struggling with that by the way.

Terri PM me who it is I was just realized that I missed a couple of people one in particular that is important. I have added the two others I think important.

I am listening to it this time around and I am finding it very enjoyable, though I have to keep going back because I get doing something and space off and 2 chapters go by.  It is interesting how the voices of the characters are changing my cast iist.  You know that you don't have to cast everyone if you don't want to.  I just always find it interesting to see how other people view the characters, 

I need a little help, please: Is Portia blonde or dark? And, isn't Lady Julia described as dark-headed?

Funny how I can't remember Raybourn's descriptions of the ladies ... but I have not trouble bringing Nicholas to mind! 

Thanks, all ... KP

Kelly I am having the same problem,  she describes Valerius as dark haired. I have always seen Julia and Portia as dark haired.

Isn't Valerius the younger brother who wants to be a doctor? (I'm sure it's quite obvious: I'm not rereading Silent in the Grave, just preparing to play the cast it game!) 

If I am remembering Valerius correctly, Jennifer (DD) found the perfect (PERFECT) actor for that role. And, we picked someone for Lord Bellmont as well. 

I have a good blonde in mind for Portia; but a better brunette ... so I'm leaning towards the brunette colors for the March children!

Kelly

I'm reading along and enjoying the book very much. I'm having trouble picturing actors for the characters. I can't wait to see who everyone comes up with.

Jerelyn--I see you added Fleur.  That's who I was  thinking of.

I took the plunge & posted my cast list! I'm excited to see what everyone thinks .... and, if "Casting Director" shall be my next career!    ... Kelly

I just finished Chapter 9 and have to say I had some chuckles over the back and forth between Julia and Brisbane. 

Okay, I have not abandoned this RAL!  I just returned from vacation a couple of days ago.  A vacation on which I didn't get to read nearly as much as I would've liked.  We were with friends who wanted to "go, go, go" and see absolutely everything and cram every minute of every day with sightseeing.  Uggh.  It was fine, but I really would've liked a bit more down time.  I like to actually relax on a vacation!  LOL!

In any event, I FINALLY finished London last night, which I really, really loved, but it was one long-ass read!  Whew!  I'm starting SITG this evening and hope to get some good reading time in this weekend at the lake whilst sunning myself on a floaty!