In this mystery in the Sebastian St. Cyr series, the aristocratic investigator is drawn into a sordid world of greed, desperation, and the occult when the husband of his former lover is accused of murder. Regency England, September 1812: After a long night spent dealing with the tragic death of a former military comrade, a heart-sick Sebastian learns of a new calamity: Russell Yates, the dashing, … Russell Yates, the dashing, one-time privateer who married Kat Boleyn a year ago, has been found standing over the corpse of Benjamin Eisler, a wealthy gem dealer. Yates insists he is innocent, but he will surely hang unless Sebastian can unmask the real killer.
For the sake of Kat, the woman he once loved and lost, Sebastian plunges into a treacherous circle of intrigue. Although Eisler’s clients included the Prince Regent and the Emperor Napoleon, he was a despicable man with many enemies and a number of dangerous, well-kept secrets—including a passion for arcane texts and black magic. Central to the case is a magnificent blue diamond, believed to have once formed part of the French crown jewels, which disappeared on the night of Eisler’s death. As Sebastian traces the diamond’s ownership, he uncovers links that implicate an eccentric, powerful financier named Hope and stretch back into the darkest days of the French Revolution.
When the killer grows ever more desperate and vicious, Sebastian finds his new marriage to Hero tested by the shadows of his first love, especially when he begins to suspect that Kat is keeping secrets of her own. And as matters rise to a crisis, Sebastian must face a bitter truth—that he has been less than open with the fearless woman who is now his wife.
more
“For some men, war is an opportunity.” (quote from the book)
Intricate, absorbing and full of historical details with touches of the occult, this tale leaves a trail of dead bodies. It all started with a diamond merchant, Daniel Eisler, whose reputation precedes him. For he not only collects diamonds and priceless art, but secrets that he can use against his clients. He is despised by everyone. Finding the true killer is like finding a needle in a haystack.
“…most people had a tendency to fidget when they lied; they hesitated, or their voices rose in pitch, or their demeanor shifted in some subtle way. But there were those who could meet your gaze, smile, and lie with a careless grace born of a complete absence of either guilt or fear of detection.” (quote from the book)
Sebastian has no idea that Kat Boleyn’s husband, Russell Yates, has been arrested for Eisler’s murder until after he has finished searching for his own good friend and former soldier, Major Rhys Wilkinson, who was found dead by the Thames River. Where his investigation leads him, what secrets are painstakingly revealed by possible suspects or victims of Eisler, was so well done. Even Hero helps Sebastian, knowing his feelings for Kat Boleyn, and it is these scenes that held me in a vise grip. The chemistry between Hero and Sebastian is a simmering cauldron boiling over.
“Their marriage was as complicated as the reasons that had brought it about, and they were still working their way toward understanding and something else, something deep and powerful that both beckoned and scared the hell out of him.”
This is a story with a ‘six degrees of separation effect’ with many intricate connections that are slowly revealed as the the plot(s) unfold. It also brings Hero and Sebastian closer as secrets are revealed.
‘Secrets destroy trust. And without honesty and trust, love is just…a shifting mirage.” (quote from the book)
I highly recommend this well written, well researched, and fascinating Regency historical murder/mystery series!
I love this series but my opinion is that this was not one of the better stories. I found it quite confusing and part of that may be because it seemed like the ending was wrapped up very quickly. Regardless, I will definitely be reading more of them.
The mystery got a little convoluted with the ongoing mystery arcs being woven in with the central one. My head was spinning a little. I’m just going for the ride, though. If not, the Kat moments would be creating the type of reader anxiety that I don’t need right now. *deep breaths* Meanwhile, Sebastian and Hero’s progress brought some welcome sweetness and swoon. #TeamHero #JarvisSucks
A Victorian aristocrat solves murders with the help of his many contacts high and low. Good if somewhat dark reading.
It was my lucky day when I found this series!! I absolutely love the interactions between the two main characters; their intelligent, challenging and unpredictable relationship adds an extra level to their sizzling chemistry. Definitely a great read!!
I love every book in this series–it’s one of my favorites.
I enjoyed this book. Good entertainment.
Love the series – reminiscent of Anne Perry’s Victorian books.
This entire series is great!
I love a great historical mystery and C.S. Harris pulls you right into Regency England.
It had a very good plot with twist and turns that kept me guessing. It gave historical details throughout the story. It gave me a feeling of being taken back in time. A great read for people who love mysteries and history.
His books are always entertaining and original.
Next great book in the series. Sebastian ‘s father still unknown
Great gritty period mystery with interesting characters and relationships. Part of a series that I recommend reading from the beginning to fully understand the relationship dynamics between the characters although each book is complete and can be read on its own.
Great series and wonderful writing with five characters
Loved it — Sebastian is newly married to Hero, the daughter of his enemy.
If you like historical fiction and enjoy mysteries read this series. I can not wait for the next one and hope to read about Sebastian and his world for years to come.
Love love this series.