Each time I read (or re-read) an installment of this series, I'm blown away by how carefully Harris researches the context of her novels. It's one of my favorite things about them -- getting a glimpse into London in the early 1810s. Not always (rarely, to be honest) are they pretty, but I like that the lives of ordinary people aren't swept under the rug in her stories, unlike most Regency-era fiction, where the focus is almost entirely on the idle rich and their amusements. Harris gives us a peek at the cost of those amusements, while at the same time delivering gripping mystery and compelling characters. You can't go wrong with a Sebastian St. Cyr book.

4 stars for another entertaining historical fiction mystery. This is book 14 in the series and the only one that I have not read. I have read them mostly in order, with the exception of a few advanced release review books that I received. This book has Devlin, aka Sebastian St. Cyr, investigating the murder of his niece's husband, Lord Ashworth. Devlin is independently wealthy because of his father, the Earl of Hendon. Devlin believes that Ashworth was responsible for the rape, torture and murder of several street children. Ashworth has many enemies. Possible suspects include Stephanie, his niece, who realized what a truly terrible man her husband was after she was married.
Devlin does solve the murder, but not before several more people are killed.
The author has done some research into the clothing and society conditions of the time. She describes in vivid detail hows wretched life is for the poor of England during the period. It is spring of 1814. Among other things, Hero, Devlin's wife, decides to chronicle what life is like for poor people. She interviews the poor, including those people who collect dog poop and sell it for fertilizer.
Two quotes: Devlin outfit: "He was wearing a buff-colored coat with a cascade of capes at the shoulders and had his high-crowned hat tipped at a rakish angle,..."
Devlin on evil; "I met an Egyptian holy man once who told me they believe evil has no existence in and of itself but is simply a lack of good-the same way darkness is a lack of light."
I read this library book in 3 days.

Ah, the murder we were all waiting for, and surprisingly, Devlin did not commit it! We learn more about his niece, Stephanie, and unfortunately what we learn isn't pretty (was it ever going to be?) I find that I'm less interested in the mysteries when they get mixed up in politics, generally, but I really enjoy watching Hero finding out about all the little jobs that only the most desperate would do, but that are necessary for the society to keep running.

It's been awhile since I've been able to visit with my favorite sleuthing Viscount so I loved being able to settle in with him for another Regency era murder investigation. This book ties in directly to the people and events from [b:Where the Dead Lie|30363074|Where the Dead Lie (Sebastian St. Cyr, #12)|C.S. Harris|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1476285587l/30363074._SY75_.jpg|50872858], book twelve in the series and one that dealt with some truly dark, human inflicted evils.

His society had failed these children both in life and in death. Did they rest easy now? he wondered. Did something of them linger somewhere still? Something beyond the bones swallowed by the earth? He wished he could believe it did. He wanted to believe.

But that comfort, like so much else,remained elusive"

One thing I've always liked about this series, one of numerous things, is that I never have to wait long for the murder to happen. There's none of this wading through half a book before a body drops dead. In this series, the murder...or in some cases the discovery of the body...always kicks off the first chapter. And when the dead body in this particular book is discovered and identified, the case gains an even more urgent status than usual for Sebastian, Viscount Devlin, because it's all in the family this time around. The murdered nobleman, and I use that term loosely, is none other than Viscount Ashworth, the sleaze who married Sebastian's own niece, Stephanie, two books (and seven months ago, story time) back.

No one is sad to see Viscount Ashworth go, certainly not any of us readers, but because suspicion will naturally fall on Stephanie, Sebastian is compelled to investigate - if for no other reason than to lay to rest his own doubts about her innocence. It was another twisty, turny investigation with plenty of suspects, varied motives, red herrings, and multiple dead bodies. Honestly, I had no clue as to the identity of the murderer until maybe a few pages before Sebastian revealed it.

Another aspect of this series that enjoy and that I find highly informative is the work that Hero, Sebastian's brilliant wife, does with the city's poor. It's not always directly relevant to the main plot of the story but it is always fascinating to learn about the types of jobs needed to keep the infrastructure of the time stable. This time we meet some rag and bone finders, pure finders, and night soil men.

The only thing that keeps this book from being a five star read for me is that there just wasn't as much Sebastian-Hero page time for me. Yes, I know that this is primarily a mystery series and I'm not arguing that that shouldn't be the main focus. Of course it should. But Sebastian's personal life has always been as much of a draw for me as the intricately plotted mystery narrative. His home life is what grounds him, what sustains him, what bouys him up when the darkness threatens to pull him under. So, yeah, I'd like to have a few more quiet and intimate moments with the St Cyrs...as a couple and as parents to their adorable young son, Simon. Nevertheless, this was still another wonderful installment to the series and I'll be back with the St Cyrs sooner rather than later.

Another excellent installment of the Sebastian St, Cyr Mysteries, although as the series progressed I would rather call them thrillers. The author doesn't sugarcoat the plight of the poor in that period or lack of justice for anyone without a hefty purse and title.

Sebastian's villainous nephew-in-law is dead. Whilst it should be a cause for celebration for Sebastian as the evil nobleman was suspected in abusing the street children alongside his equally villainous friend Sebastian could not find any proof. Unfortunately, the murder points to the murderer being a woman and it's up to Sebastian to find out who the killer is, especially since his own niece is implicated.

The book is great, C.S. Harris does a truly remarkable work researching about the period and the plot is immersive, describing the events of the period. Sebastian seems to grow as a character with every book, in some way becoming more cynical as he encounters more people who use their wealth and power to hurt others less powerful. Hero's character progresses from strength to strength as she interviews the poorest of the poor.

My only minor irritation is the way the book assumes that the reader is familiar with the previous book as certain plot advancements are possible only with the knowledge of the previous book.

RATING: 4.5 STARS

How did I not read this one two years ago, when it first came out?! This one started with a horrific brutal murder...of someone I was not too sad to see go and in that way. Ashworth, married to Sebastian's niece, only seemed to have been a loss to his father and friend. Sebastian suspected him of aiding those that abducted and murdered street children. When Lovejoy asks for his help, Sebastian is not opposed to helping, hoping it will clear his niece as a suspect. It was really hard to care about who killed Ashworth, but Sebastian and Hero are always fun to visit with. This series has definitely become one of those I feel like I am visiting with the characters. I love Simon, Sebastian and Hero's son, and seeing Hendon with him melts my heart. I am going straight into the next two books to catch up again!

The sheer amount of dedication the author puts into these books is quite astonishing. If you ever read these books don’t skip the Authors Note. It gives so much background and ties in the story in a way that just makes sense. I have learnt so much history by just reading this series. Kudos to the author for all her time and dedication