After an eventful honeymoon, Lady Julia Grey and her enigmatic husband Nicholas Brisbane return to London. Lady Julia has no interest in social life and she pokes and prods Brisbane to allow her into his private enquiry business. When Julia's older brother, the ultra- conservative Lord Bellmont, engages Brisbane to recover ill- advised love letters, Julia worms her way into the investigation. The clues lead them to Madame Seraphine, a spiritualist who resides in the Spirit Club. The Spirit Club consists of powerful men in society and politics. Seraphine unwisely uses their secrets, which leads to her murder.

As they ferret out the secrets, Julia and Brisbane tackle many challenges that test their evolving relationship. Brisbane introduces Julia to his Gypsy family that shows Julia another side to her complicated husband. They struggle trying to find answers that test their courage and could lead to their deaths.

THE DARK ENQUIRY is a thoroughly enjoyable Lady Julia Grey historical mystery. Ms. Raybourn weaves rich historical detail into the storyline with fascinating characters that draws readers into the mystery. She employs effective red herrings, making the identity of the killer a complete surprise.