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.