Member Reviews
Another solid entry in this series. Questions remain, and I hope they’re eventually answered and not left to languish in the reader’s mind. Lots of historical details here that in some ways relate to our current times, though in a way that reminds us that nothing is new under the sun. There’s something reassuring about that when contextualized by the author here. There has been less character development in this series over the course of the last few volumes. That’s to be expected, but I would like to see a bit more return. So much ground had been covered early on in the series. I guess by this point, it’s hard to really tackle new things. An excellent book about some really twisted things. I always love this series, because it’s like an old friend. It’s chilling and sometimes disturbing, but it’s never without hope.
Number 20 in the historical mystery series featuring Sebastian St. Cyr, Lord Devlin. Throughout the series, Harris has successfully embedded each volume in an historically accurate period — this one is no exception. It is set in London in August, 1816, the year that “had no summer.” Later historians promoted the cause as a large volcano explosion that blocked the sun causing weather abnormalities, floods, and massive crop failures leading inevitably to riots, strikes, apocalyptic fears, and the potential for revolution.
In this milieu, the body of a Lord is found in an abandoned chapel, hanging upside down with legs posed as depicted on a rare set of tarot cards (Le Pendu — the Fool). From here connections are made to French assassins, the Prince of Wales, friends made during the 1808-9 British retreat across Northern Spain (Battle of Corunna), and a particular (nasty) society called the Society for the Suppression of Vice.
I always like the characters in these books — representing multiple walks of life and varied ideas of morality. I particularly like the depiction of the members of the “ton” — a term for the fashionable members of upper class English society during the Regency period. As one might expect, those characters run the gamut from utterly selfish, corrupt, and “above the law” to considerate, moral, and obsessed with a fair justice. Always fun to guess which is which upon the first “meeting.”
This was another great historical mystery novel from C. S. Harris, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the plot of this book. The characters were written well and enjoyed the overall feel of this. I was glad I got to read this and had that element I enjoyed from Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery series. It left me wanting to read more from C. S. Harris and this world.
Readers of C. S. Harris will not be disappointed with this latest book in her Sebastian St Cyr mystery series. The year is 1816 and the story begins with the gruesome death of nobleman Lord Preston Farnsworth, known for his crusade against what he considered to be the root of evil in London society, namely, lower class immorality. In a race against time Sebastian must uncover who committed this and two other murders before his close friend Major Hugh Chandler is hanged for them. The mystery is set against the backdrop of the end of the Napoleonic War and the Year Without A Summer which caused crops to fail and economic chaos. The beauty of a C. S. Harris novel is that the reader with always find great characters, a compelling mystery, and a look at an intriguing piece of British history. The Author Notes at the end of the book are as much fun to read as the story itself. I highly recommend "Who Will Remember" by C. S Harris.
C.S. Harris can do no wrong in my book, and this lovely novel was everything that I have come to expect from her: exquisite historical accuracy, wonderful writing and characters (I adore Sebastian and his little Tiger), and most importantly, the ability to draw you in with an amazing plot that doesn't let up until the final sentence. Book Hangovers are real, and because C.S. Harris is so fantastic, I get one every time I read her books. This is probably a new favorite, as the mystery was very well done. I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!! I can't recommend this series highly enough.
The author’s meticulous attention to historical detail brings the chaotic streets of London to life, immersing you in the sights, sounds, and tensions of the time. The emotional depth woven into the narrative transforms a straightforward murder mystery into a profound reflection on the nature of good and evil. Sebastian St. Cyr stands out as a captivating character whose journey is as gripping as the mystery itself. With its intricate plot and atmospheric setting, this historical mystery is a must-read for fans of the genre. The tension builds to a breathtaking climax, and just when you think you’ve unraveled the mystery, the author throws in a twist that will leave you gasping. This hauntingly beautiful tale will linger with you long after the last page is turned, and I’m thoroughly enjoying this series!