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jeannine's review against another edition
4.0
This book marks a slight change in the format of the books in this series…and it’s a positive one. There are many short scenes, often showing relationship development, throughout the book. I found myself looking forward to them!
Tom’s role is also changing, due to Giles telling Sebastian about the boy’s career ambitions. We also get some lovely moments where Sebastian reflects on the effect of the events of this book and the last on children.
I’m a little sad that I’m almost through with what has been released. This is such a wonderful series!
Tom’s role is also changing, due to Giles telling Sebastian about the boy’s career ambitions. We also get some lovely moments where Sebastian reflects on the effect of the events of this book and the last on children.
I’m a little sad that I’m almost through with what has been released. This is such a wonderful series!
jaclynder's review against another edition
4.0
C.S. Harris' Sebastian St. Cyr has been a favourite historical mystery series of mine for a long time. I am constantly recommending it to avid mystery fans for its gritty atmosphere and the fantastic characters that Harris has created.
With this being the fourteenth book in the series, I can honestly say that this is a series that does not get stale. The author always succeeds at pulling forth historical facts that I find endlessly interesting, especially since Harris captures both the lower and upper class lifestyle. In this particular installment, the mystery hits closer to home for Sebastian when his niece, Stephanie's husband is murdered. Sebastian isn't unhappy that Lord Ashworth is dead, but he certainly doesn't appreciate the suspicion that is thrown Stephanie's way. As per usual, the mystery unfolds carefully, speeding up to its eventual conclusion. But, what I have been noticing in the past few books is a strong nod to a larger story arc involving Sebastian's mother and his father-in-law, Lord Jarvis. I might be way off base, but I think Harris is building to something big here, although I'm not sure if they will be connected. I'm invested in finding out!
The only complaint that I had was that there was not enough of Hero in this one. I really love how Sebastian and Hero's relationship has evolved over the series, but I would really like there to be more time with these characters together. I also wonder if there is going to be some tension in their marriage what with my suspicions about Lord Jarvis.
At any rate, Harris' fourteen book was a fantastic addition to the series. Fans of historical mysteries will delight in this richly told mystery.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
With this being the fourteenth book in the series, I can honestly say that this is a series that does not get stale. The author always succeeds at pulling forth historical facts that I find endlessly interesting, especially since Harris captures both the lower and upper class lifestyle. In this particular installment, the mystery hits closer to home for Sebastian when his niece, Stephanie's husband is murdered. Sebastian isn't unhappy that Lord Ashworth is dead, but he certainly doesn't appreciate the suspicion that is thrown Stephanie's way. As per usual, the mystery unfolds carefully, speeding up to its eventual conclusion. But, what I have been noticing in the past few books is a strong nod to a larger story arc involving Sebastian's mother and his father-in-law, Lord Jarvis. I might be way off base, but I think Harris is building to something big here, although I'm not sure if they will be connected. I'm invested in finding out!
The only complaint that I had was that there was not enough of Hero in this one. I really love how Sebastian and Hero's relationship has evolved over the series, but I would really like there to be more time with these characters together. I also wonder if there is going to be some tension in their marriage what with my suspicions about Lord Jarvis.
At any rate, Harris' fourteen book was a fantastic addition to the series. Fans of historical mysteries will delight in this richly told mystery.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
jamread2021's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoy this series and the forthcoming plot alluded to in this story. Can't wait for the next one.
booksuperpower's review against another edition
4.0
Who Slays the Wicked by C. S. Harris is a 2019 Berkley publication.
Well, naturally, I didn’t shed any tears over Ashworth’s demise. Good riddance, if you ask me. But the evidence tends to point to Sebastian’s niece, a development that made me as nervous as it did Sebastian.
It then becomes of utmost importance to keep suspicion away from Stephanie, if at all possible, in hopes of finding another viable suspect- of which there are plenty. However, more political intrigue develops when the Russian Grand Duchess arrives in London several months ahead of schedule.
Meanwhile, Hero is doing research on the poorest people of London, which has her interviewing rag and bone pickers and night soil men. Also, Hero finally begins to connect the dots when it comes to her dear, clever and conniving cousin, when a few more interesting details emerge. I can't wait for this thread to develop further!!
As always, there is a lot going on in this latest chapter in the series. As desperately as Sebastian hopes his niece is not guilty, he remains mostly unbiased, occasionally over compensating, following the clues, making calm, yet worrying deductions. He also had to put up with the Russian connection, which quickly becomes more of a personal concern, as Sebastian's inquires are not exactly welcome.
It is hard to find fault in this book anywhere, especially the way Harris weaves the intricate details of this enthralling mystery. But, as a long- time reader of the series, I was a bit disappointed in the chemistry between Hero and Sebastian- and Hero’s reduced role. I, also, at this point in the series, really wouldn’t miss Kat all that much, if Sebastian left off visiting her for a while. Her role in this installment felt more like a contrivance or token appearance anyway.
That said, Hero’s research is eye-opening. As a history lover, I have read about the extremely distasteful occupations the poor acclimated themselves to and the lengths they would go just to survive, but Hero’s research humanizes the poverty- which is extreme, and hard to imagine. These segments may make a few readers feel a bit squeamish- and grateful for modern plumbing.
(Although it is worth noting that Rag & Bone men made a resurgence in the 2000’s due to the cost of scrap metal.)
Overall, this was another incredibly tense and deeply engrossing installment in one of my very favorite series!!
4 stars
Well, naturally, I didn’t shed any tears over Ashworth’s demise. Good riddance, if you ask me. But the evidence tends to point to Sebastian’s niece, a development that made me as nervous as it did Sebastian.
It then becomes of utmost importance to keep suspicion away from Stephanie, if at all possible, in hopes of finding another viable suspect- of which there are plenty. However, more political intrigue develops when the Russian Grand Duchess arrives in London several months ahead of schedule.
Meanwhile, Hero is doing research on the poorest people of London, which has her interviewing rag and bone pickers and night soil men. Also, Hero finally begins to connect the dots when it comes to her dear, clever and conniving cousin, when a few more interesting details emerge. I can't wait for this thread to develop further!!
As always, there is a lot going on in this latest chapter in the series. As desperately as Sebastian hopes his niece is not guilty, he remains mostly unbiased, occasionally over compensating, following the clues, making calm, yet worrying deductions. He also had to put up with the Russian connection, which quickly becomes more of a personal concern, as Sebastian's inquires are not exactly welcome.
It is hard to find fault in this book anywhere, especially the way Harris weaves the intricate details of this enthralling mystery. But, as a long- time reader of the series, I was a bit disappointed in the chemistry between Hero and Sebastian- and Hero’s reduced role. I, also, at this point in the series, really wouldn’t miss Kat all that much, if Sebastian left off visiting her for a while. Her role in this installment felt more like a contrivance or token appearance anyway.
That said, Hero’s research is eye-opening. As a history lover, I have read about the extremely distasteful occupations the poor acclimated themselves to and the lengths they would go just to survive, but Hero’s research humanizes the poverty- which is extreme, and hard to imagine. These segments may make a few readers feel a bit squeamish- and grateful for modern plumbing.
(Although it is worth noting that Rag & Bone men made a resurgence in the 2000’s due to the cost of scrap metal.)
Overall, this was another incredibly tense and deeply engrossing installment in one of my very favorite series!!
4 stars
depizan's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Sexual violence
jeanmrobertsauthor's review against another edition
4.0
I've read most of these books. The plots are interesting, and I enjoy the setting.
howjessicareads's review against another edition
5.0
😍😍 I love this series! Review coming for Shelf Awareness.