“The entire series is simply elegant.”—Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author In this historical mystery from the national bestselling author of Who Slays the Wicked, the abduction and murder of a young boy takes Sebastian St. Cyr from the gritty streets of London to the glittering pleasure haunts of the aristocracy…London, 1813. One of the city’s many homeless children, Benji … the city’s many homeless children, Benji Thatcher was abducted and murdered—and his younger sister is still missing. Few in authority care about a street urchin’s fate, but Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, refuses to let this killer go unpunished.
Uncovering a disturbing pattern of missing children, Sebastian is drawn into a shadowy, sadistic world. As he follows a grim trail that leads from the writings of the debauched Marquis de Sade to the city’s most notorious brothels, he comes to a horrifying realization: Someone from society’s upper echelon is preying upon the city’s most vulnerable. And though dark, powerful forces are moving against him, Sebastian will risk his reputation and his life to keep more innocents from harm…
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This book is one of the mystery novels in this C. S. Harris series! Sebastian St. Cyr is one of the most wonderful characters I have encountered! Plot is critical in a mystery and Harris never disappoints! The romance is solid and believable. LOVE this series!!!
As disturbing is the plot was, it’s a book that should be read.
There is a wonderful mix of characters, both good and bad, drawn in great detail. The comparisons to today’s society make the point that many of society’s issues never change. That is what makes this book both realistic and worrisome.
Like London in the early 1800s, the destitute and vulnerable children suffer indignities because much of society doesn’t even see them. Others, see them as valueless, rather than needy. By not helping and educating them, and following the golden rule, we will become the outcasts. Like many other areas today, we are short-sighted. We live in an aging society and these are the people you will depend upon take care for you. You had better give them the tools they will need and respect they deserve as humans, or be willing to suffer the consequences.
Best of series so far!
Love the genre and the author does an excellent job of researching the past.
Loved it, one of my favorite series of books by this author. Very believable characters and great plots. Love learning about the continuing love story between Sebastian and Hero.
Great series that incorporates the social and political issues of turn 1800s with strong characters.
This series continues to present interesting stories, characters and period details. I anxiously await each new release.
I love this series and the Author keeps writing great storylines. This is another great addition to the series. The time period, during the Napoleonic wars is a great setting. Interesting how the morals and values of the 19th century are somewhat different and more stark then today.
Another winner in this series! These books are so familiar and comforting to me (the murders are decidedly NOT comforting, but the characters and writing style are) that with each new one, it’s like getting a visit from an old friend. As usual there are some open-ended issues to continue on with in future books (involving Hero’s mother and also an evil new in-law). Can’t wait for my next visit with an old friend!