This series continues to deliver solidly well written characters and well-woven plots based on actual events. I thought this was slightly better than some of the recent entries, though I've read and enjoyed them all. (Taken as a whole, this is an incredible series but some of the books have annoyed rather than delighted me.)

Devlin and Hero continue to be awesome. Jarvis and his 2nd wife continue to be nefarious. Kat Boleyn continues to be less interesting than the other characters and surplus to requirements, but I guess the author has to use her occasionally. Gibson and Alexi are hit or miss in their side-plot but I think Alexi might be growing on me.

C.S. Harris sheds light on little known history, bringing it into her books in a way that will never be forgotten. Sebastian is brought into another mystery connecting to his military service. Everything you enjoy about the previous books is part of this story. The mystery is a tricky one. If I was listening I may have had to re-listen to some of the chapters but that is what make Ms. Harris a master writer. I am a character driven reader and enjoy spending time with Hero and Sebastian and their boys. I would immediately purchase a story with Hero and Sebastian even if there wasn't a mystery to solve. Final word on the newest release - If you've enjoyed the series, you will be happy with this installment.

I'm still as enthralled by this series as I was after reading book 1. This was probably one of my favorite books in the series.

This remains one of my favorite historical mysteries. This one I enjoyed more than the one proceeding it as it was less tied into actual historical events where we know the outcomes (Yes, Napoleon attacking again is the backdrop but it's not wound that tightly up into it.)

Major Miles Sedgewick has been found murdered and castrated and naturally Sebastian is involved with the case because a) Miles and he were in the same unit though he didn't like the guy b) His best friend who functions as the coroner in these, Paul Gibson is suspected of the killing because his lover Alexi Sauvage was tricked into a bigamist marriage by Miles and then dumped once she nursed him back to health.

The formula really does show in this one but yet it doesn't feel like too bad a thing
1. Hero will help and also help Harris shine a light on social justice issues
2. Sebastian will dress up as a poor man and get into a fight and/or get his family threatened
3. Hero's father will be lurking in the shadows and be in the way/or involved somehow but ultimately helps Sebastian somehow
4. Hendon will be disapproving of his son but also ultimately helpful
5. Sebastian's gossipy old aunt will have some clue
6. Ditto Kat Sebastian's ex-lover and actual daughter of Hendon
7. Lovejoy will be there to enable Sebastian (including dealing with any self defense killings) but ultimately not be that helpful in solving the case.

Every last part of the formula is in this but it doesn't feel too tired (Kat does. She has annoyed me for 18 books now). I am wondering if we're ever going to see the other shoe drop with Hero's cousin/step mom who does deliver a boy which might have implications for Hero down the line. Hero is also pregnant again but that isn't slowing her down.

As for Miles, he was interest even if you're vaguely glad someone sliced off his privates. He had a habit of seducing women including friends wives. If they were pregnant serving girls they got whipped out to die in the street. On the other hand he has a deep interest in folklore and witch craft which I enjoyed that subplot. It included the three weird sisters (named for the Shakespearean witches) and their tarot shop.

I also liked that Sebastian's injury from last book was not forgotten. It plagues him in this book and keeps him from signing up to go fight Napoleon (in spite of having two boys depending on him and a baby on the way, which I'm not sure how I feel about that).

I'm looking forward to what comes next for them.

4.5/5⭐️

Eighteenth in the Sebastian St. Cyr historical mystery series finds Sebastian (on the eve of Napoleon’s second wave of forces) drawn into the murder investigation of a major with a long list of enemies…his mistress, his wife, and their governess, a fellow officer and a list of Napoleon’s spies that he is transporting to the Regent. This one also adds in the intriguing side interests of old English folklore and the occult.
Lots going on in this one, turns and twists, and I enjoyed every moment.

Harris is a pro at her historical research and at continuing to develop her characters who have never become static or boring during this enduring series. Her books are always auto-buys for me.

The year is 1815 and the people of London anxiously await the new about Napoleon. Among those waiting is Sebastian who is frustrated being sidelined from recovering from an injury. But when a corpse surfaces, Sebastian finds himself investigating the murder that threatens one of his dearest friends. With no shortage of suspects, Sebastian delves deep into his friend’s life. Will he be able to solve the murder before the killer comes for him?

This was such a fun mystery. I’ve read several books set in this timeframe lately and am really enjoying. Its such an interesting time-period to me and this book did not disappoint. I really enjoyed learning about the British society and it’s shortcomings. This book is part of a series and I would be interested in reading more not only in this series but by this author. The characters are well developed, and the time is well researched.

Make sure to check this one out April 18th.

Thank you to the publisher Berkley Publishing, @berkleypub, and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

18 books in and this series is as strong as ever. It’s astonishing really that after so long the stories and the characters just keep getting better and better. Sebastian is one of the most interesting characters I have ever read and he and Hero are top tier when it comes to my favorite book couples ever. The stories are so rich with history and intrigue, with a supporting cast that I find fascinating. I especially can’t wait to get more from Alexi and Paul, Sebastian’s best friend. I’ve always enjoyed Paul in the series and I’m incredibly interested to see what his future holds, hopefully some pain free happiness!

I’ve read a lot of series in my life and not a lot of them can do what this one is doing: maintaining the same level of engaging storytelling that has been present since book one, and in fact, it’s only gotten better as the series has progressed with Sebastian’s various relationships all becoming richer and far more complex with time. And I think we can all agree that Jarvis needs to get what’s coming to him, but dang do I love to hate him.

I don’t often write reviews anymore, but this series, and this book, deserve all the praise. It continues to be a series that I highly recommend.