Lots of characters and. names to keep up wih

If you are listening to this book an hour at a time, try to write down who the characters are as they are introduced. I had to re- listen to parts several times, when I fell asleep listening. I listen at night often, so falling asleep is not a criticism of the story, just a reality.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

Recommend this historical police procedural series. Not a stand-alone.

I preorder audiobooks for this series, because I enjoy listening to Davina Porter, one of my favorite narrators, and as always Ms. Porter is superb.

This entry in the Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries is excellent, but there are more characters than usual to keep track of. I worked to keep the many suspects straight in my mind—plus all the police functionaries and politicians. The domestic drama includes continuing angst about St. Cyr’s mother, half-brother, and others. His wife Hero’s dangerous father has his moments as the powerful shadow king, and as always, he’s protective of his only daughter and grandson.

Author C.S. Harris takes us to less salubrious areas of London, to meet many dodgy, disreputable people—who are wonderful red herrings. The storyline is labyrinthine, but at heart it’s a police procedural with numerous interrogations. The multiple murders are grisly, and victims range from an oldster to a baby. There are subtle clues and scene of crime “findings” that point toward the well-hidden culprit(s).

Recommend but suggest newbies not start here, because there’s not enough info about previously introduced characters, background, and ongoing story arcs.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Another excellent mystery!

In this St. Cyr book, the focus is more on the mystery than on the personal lives of the main characters, though some significant developments do occur for them that I suspect will contribute to events in future books. The mystery is based on true events that the author masterfully weaves with fiction to create an intriguing story.
I read a couple of reviews that called the book slow or boring, but I found it highly interesting and compelling. I agree that there are a high number of victims, suspects, and events to remember, but they are all a necessary part of the complex mystery that spans over three years. At one point, Sebastian makes a list of victims and dates to help him sort through events, which conveniently helps the reader do likewise.
The Author’s Note, in which she differentiates the factual events and characters from the fictional, is especially appreciated here. It is apparent that she has done a tremendous amount of research on the facts surrounding the Ratcliffe Highway murders and the people involved.
I truly enjoyed the mystery, though more involved than usual. (The complexity here is nothing compared to that in the Lord Peter Whimsy book The Five Red Herrings with the train timetables!). Ms. Porter is exceptional, as always, in her narration. She is one of the very best. I hope you enjoy reading and/or listening to this story.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Excellent Read

Truly fascinating! I love the historical accuracy and details. I was captivated from beginning to end. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. The characters are so well rounded with depth and believably. Bravo!!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

A Wonderful New Mystery in the series

Eagerly awaited, the new St. Cut does not disappoint! Historically well researched, beautifully written and narrated, one can I my imagine the amount of work that has gone into this book. Thank you!! A definite relisten.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

slow but good

For a highly anticipated St. Cyr book , in the excitement department it was a let down, for me that is. Sebastian does get into his usual brushes with death but the whole storyline came off a bit dull for me plus there were way too many characters to keep up with. The very, very surprise ending and Lord Jarvis and cousin Victoria were what made up for my lack of enthusiasm over this book. Harris redeemed herself with me for those two tidbits alone. Overall a good book, not a great one, but I still enjoyed it. The next St. Cyr adventure can't come soon enough.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Enlightening

Leave it to CS Harris to burst the rosey bubble of the era as it usually is portrayed in 'romance' novels. I appreciate that at the end she explained how she altered the identities and circumstances of these very real people, and fudged some of the history.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Really enjoy!

I have throughly enjoyed each and every book. Can’t wait for the next one and then the next and then the next……keep them coming!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Love this series!

A smart and engaging series. I always learn something about the period. in history. So well performed as always by Ms. Porter!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

We’ll miss you Davina!🥹🥲

Loved the book and adore the narration. Anxious to read the newest to hear more St James exploits and see if the new narrator can hold her own.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!