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The young wife of an aging marquis is found murdered in the arms of the Prince Regent. Around her neck lies a necklace said to have been worn by Druid priestesses-that is, until it was lost at sea with its last owner, Sebastian St. Cyr's mother. Now Sebastian is lured into a dangerous investigation of the marchioness's death-and his mother's uncertain fate. As he edges closer to the truth-and one murder follows another-he confronts a conspiracy that imperils those nearest him and threatens show more to bring down the monarchy. show lessTags
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There's a thing that happens to me because of my poly-reading ways. All my books all started right around the same day, and I couldn't seem to find the time and focus for any one.
Except this one. Don't get me wrong, we know IDGAF about DNF, so they are all fun and good reads. This, however, is absorbing. This isn't my typical genre (maybe that's why I was gravitating toward it)
But it's just plain engaging. I'm making an exception to my new rating standard, because though I'll never reread, it's just not a 3. Maybe I'll change that later, but for now I'm ok with it.
Except this one. Don't get me wrong, we know IDGAF about DNF, so they are all fun and good reads. This, however, is absorbing. This isn't my typical genre (maybe that's why I was gravitating toward it)
But it's just plain engaging. I'm making an exception to my new rating standard, because though I'll never reread, it's just not a 3. Maybe I'll change that later, but for now I'm ok with it.
Book 2 in the Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries series, Harris takes the reader once again on a intriguing mystery ride through the tumultuous political times of Regency England. Much to the dismay of Viscount Devlin's valet, Sebastian's search for answers involves numerous close calls with mysterious individuals and a rising damage count to Sebastian's wardrobe. Yes, I am being a bit cheeky, but I love this series. Harris's portrayal of the time period, her attention to detail and the continuing character development kept me riveted as the political intrigue mounts and we learn more about Sebastian's family, his mother's disappearance and the secrets that families keep. I am not a fan of the Sebastian/Kat romance angle. That just comes show more across as too contrived, probably included for readers who like a bit of romance in the historical mysteries they read. Thankfully, the romance is just a small part of the story and characters like Sebastian's young tiger Tom gets more coverage in the story.
Overall, another great mystery foray into Regency England and I am looking forward to listening to the next book in the series. show less
Overall, another great mystery foray into Regency England and I am looking forward to listening to the next book in the series. show less
Rating: 4* of five
The Publisher Says: Brighton, England, 1811. The beautiful wife of an aging Marquis is found dead in the arms of the Prince Regent. Draped around her neck lies an ancient necklace with mythic origins-and mysterious ties to Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin. Haunted by his past, Sebastian investigates both the Marchioness's death and his own possible connection to it-and discovers a complex pattern of lies and subterfuge. With the aid of his lover, Kat Boleyn, and a former street urchin now under his protection, Sebastian edges closer to the killer. And when one murder follows another, he confronts a conspiracy that threatens his own identity...and imperils the monarchy itself.
My Review: BOOK 2 OF HIGHLY ADDICTIVE show more SERIES
Don't tell me about it if you get hooked.
Second outing for author and sleuth. Some surprising twists in the pretty standard plot. More slightly annoying anachronisms, but they're completely forgotten because the author called George the Regent "Prinny."
I laughed until I stopped. What a name!
This book is a bit less romancey because the plot is driven by some fascinating political realities of the period. The biggest surprises are all personally relevant to sleuth Devlin; some will fester, some will free him. It's a very emotionally charged book, moreso than the first, and it's just about as surprising as an author can make it be without spoilering her next book.
I think it's possible to read the books out of order, since the author is so careful to provide backstory as needed, and without the dreaded infodump feeling to it. I'd say it's very much worth your eyeblinks. show less
The Publisher Says: Brighton, England, 1811. The beautiful wife of an aging Marquis is found dead in the arms of the Prince Regent. Draped around her neck lies an ancient necklace with mythic origins-and mysterious ties to Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin. Haunted by his past, Sebastian investigates both the Marchioness's death and his own possible connection to it-and discovers a complex pattern of lies and subterfuge. With the aid of his lover, Kat Boleyn, and a former street urchin now under his protection, Sebastian edges closer to the killer. And when one murder follows another, he confronts a conspiracy that threatens his own identity...and imperils the monarchy itself.
My Review: BOOK 2 OF HIGHLY ADDICTIVE show more SERIES
Don't tell me about it if you get hooked.
Second outing for author and sleuth. Some surprising twists in the pretty standard plot. More slightly annoying anachronisms, but they're completely forgotten because the author called George the Regent "Prinny."
I laughed until I stopped. What a name!
This book is a bit less romancey because the plot is driven by some fascinating political realities of the period. The biggest surprises are all personally relevant to sleuth Devlin; some will fester, some will free him. It's a very emotionally charged book, moreso than the first, and it's just about as surprising as an author can make it be without spoilering her next book.
I think it's possible to read the books out of order, since the author is so careful to provide backstory as needed, and without the dreaded infodump feeling to it. I'd say it's very much worth your eyeblinks. show less
A continuation of the Sebastian St Cyr mysteries, this one takes place in the Regent's quarters in Brighton during one of his outrageously expensive fetes. The people of London are starving, children without mothers beg in the street, and the Regent needs everyone to love him. So he throws this ball.
And as I'm finding with this mystery series, the murder happens right at the beginning of the book with the Prince Regent entering a private chamber for a private assignation with a Marchioness, only to find her dead and his own antique dirk protruding from her back.
Added to the mystery is the lack of blood in the chamber, the access to the Regent's collection of antique swords and knives, and how a medallion belonging to Sebastian's drowned show more mother was found around the dead woman's body. Woven into the thread of this tale are the suppositions about James II, whose descendants have as good a claim to the tottering throne as the Hanovers do. And the name of the dead Marchioness is Guinevere, her older sister named Morgana, and Gwen's childhood sweetheart whose family lost everything during the French Revolution.
Somehow, Harris manages to keep all these threads well-woven with just enough explanation to instruct but not condescend. I'll be interested to see how these novels continue. show less
And as I'm finding with this mystery series, the murder happens right at the beginning of the book with the Prince Regent entering a private chamber for a private assignation with a Marchioness, only to find her dead and his own antique dirk protruding from her back.
Added to the mystery is the lack of blood in the chamber, the access to the Regent's collection of antique swords and knives, and how a medallion belonging to Sebastian's drowned show more mother was found around the dead woman's body. Woven into the thread of this tale are the suppositions about James II, whose descendants have as good a claim to the tottering throne as the Hanovers do. And the name of the dead Marchioness is Guinevere, her older sister named Morgana, and Gwen's childhood sweetheart whose family lost everything during the French Revolution.
Somehow, Harris manages to keep all these threads well-woven with just enough explanation to instruct but not condescend. I'll be interested to see how these novels continue. show less
I have a confession to make: sometimes I’m in the mood to read thrilling historical murder mysteries with dashes of breathless romance and even more dashes of handsome, rugged heroes. This series, featuring Sebastian St. Cyr, definitely fits into my “guilty fun” reading. Everyone should have guilty fun reads once in a while, right? The first novel in the series, "What Angels Fear," was overly long and perhaps a bit too breathless, but I am well pleased with this second offering. This book is a shorter, tighter-edited read, with established characters who have gained in depth and back story: Sebastian, Kat, and little Tom (my favorite), as well as Sebastian’s father, his aunt, the short, tidy magistrate Lovejoy, and the show more sometimes-baddie, Lord Jarvis. All are given space to spread their wings, and since the next novel has been set up in this one, I’m sure I’ll be seeing them all again. Harris’ research is impeccable; you really feel that you are in the Royal Pavilion with the Prince Regent in 1811; her style is fast, constantly moving you forward with Sebastian as he solves the murder mysteries. And there are more than murders to solve; there are secrets galore with Kat and with Sebastian’s family. Who know what truths will out in the next novel? I suspect that I’ll be squeezing in another “guilty fun” read fairly soon . . . show less
Viscount Devlin is once again tapped to use his unique sleuthing abilities to discover who has murdered the Marchioness of Anglessey. Is it the Prince Regent, who is caught with her body nearly in her arms? Or is it one of the prince’s political enemies who seeks to discredit him and put another claimant on the throne? Or is it the lady’s husband, jealous because she took a younger lover? Or maybe it’s the lover, whom she cast aside?
Lots of suspects abound in this intriguing mystery set in 1800’s London. Amid a deepening conspiracy, Devlin seeks justice and determines to find the killer. The stakes rise as traitors in high places attempt to silence him. Detailed settings and a dashing hero will have you seeking the next book in show more this engaging series. show less
Lots of suspects abound in this intriguing mystery set in 1800’s London. Amid a deepening conspiracy, Devlin seeks justice and determines to find the killer. The stakes rise as traitors in high places attempt to silence him. Detailed settings and a dashing hero will have you seeking the next book in show more this engaging series. show less
When Gods Die
4 Stars
When the Prince Regent is discovered with the body of a dead marchioness in his arms, Sebastian St. Cyr is lured into the investigation as the young woman is wearing a unique necklace that was thought lost at sea with his mother. As the case progresses and the body count rises, Sebastian uncovers a deadly conspiracy that may just bring down the monarchy...
An excellent sequel.
Harris once again demonstrates her skill at merging fact and fiction. She manages to capture the pervading atmosphere of social discontent, anger and violence of the Regency period exceedingly well, and this adds an extra layer of tension to the story. The historical research is top-notch and the people and events mentioned in the book are show more fascinating. (Thank you Wikipedia for providing even more background and detail when necessary).
The plot of When Gods Die is slightly more complex than in the first book with two seemingly unconnected mysteries unfolding in parallel: Why was the marchioness killed - was it personal jealousy or political machinations? Is Sebastian’s mother still alive and how is she connected to the marchioness’s death? While answers are ultimately provided, they raise new questions and conflicts that will hopefully be the focus in future installments.
The romance is still the weakest aspect of the series. Kat and Sebastian have little to no chemistry and it is is difficult to care about a heroine who lies so consistently and so well.
All in all, this series is highly entertaining and I’m eager to see where Sebastian’s investigations take him next. show less
4 Stars
When the Prince Regent is discovered with the body of a dead marchioness in his arms, Sebastian St. Cyr is lured into the investigation as the young woman is wearing a unique necklace that was thought lost at sea with his mother. As the case progresses and the body count rises, Sebastian uncovers a deadly conspiracy that may just bring down the monarchy...
An excellent sequel.
Harris once again demonstrates her skill at merging fact and fiction. She manages to capture the pervading atmosphere of social discontent, anger and violence of the Regency period exceedingly well, and this adds an extra layer of tension to the story. The historical research is top-notch and the people and events mentioned in the book are show more fascinating. (Thank you Wikipedia for providing even more background and detail when necessary).
The plot of When Gods Die is slightly more complex than in the first book with two seemingly unconnected mysteries unfolding in parallel: Why was the marchioness killed - was it personal jealousy or political machinations? Is Sebastian’s mother still alive and how is she connected to the marchioness’s death? While answers are ultimately provided, they raise new questions and conflicts that will hopefully be the focus in future installments.
The romance is still the weakest aspect of the series. Kat and Sebastian have little to no chemistry and it is is difficult to care about a heroine who lies so consistently and so well.
All in all, this series is highly entertaining and I’m eager to see where Sebastian’s investigations take him next. show less
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- When Gods Die
- Original title
- When Gods Die
- Original publication date
- 2006-11-07
- People/Characters
- Sebastian Alistair St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin; George Augustus Frederick, Prince of Wales and Regent of Great Britain and Ireland; Guinevere Anglessey, Marchioness of Anglessey; Dr. Heberden; Oliver Godwin Ellsworth, Marquis of Anglessey; Lady Jersey (show all 88); Charles, Lord Jarvis; Alistair James St. Cyr, Earl of Hendon (Chancellor of the Exchequer); Amanda Wilcox (née St. Cyr. | at odds with both her brother and father); Spencer Perceval; Lord Portland, Earl of Portland (Home Secretary); Hero Jarvis (Lord Jarvis's daughter); Sophie Hendon, Countess of Hendon; Addiena Cadel; Dr. Carlyle; Paul Gibson (Irish former army surgeon | Sebastian's friend); Gerald, Earl of Athelstone; Mrs. Fitzherbert; Lady Hertford; Claire Portland, Countess of Portland; Tom; Bevan Ellsworth; Katherine “Kat” Boleyn; Elspeth; Mrs. Long; Sir James Aston; Lord McGowan; Henrietta, Dowager Duchess of Claiborne (Alistair's sister); The Setons; Emily; Morgana, Lady Quinlan; Lord Quinlan; Sir Henry Lovejoy (Chief Magistrate at Queen Square); Madeleine-Sophie Blanchard; Alain, Chevalier de Varden; Isolde Audley, Lady Audley; Katherine (Guinevere's mother); Caroline Lamb; Annabelle Jarvis, Lady Jarvis; Lord Audley; Chloe (dog); Sedlow; Tess Bishop; David Bishop; Sarah Bishop; Fabian Fitzfrederick; Colonel Trant; Léon "Leo" Pierrepont; Leila (horse); Richard St. Cyr; Cecil St. Cyr; Duc de Royan; Charlotte Anglessey; Martin Wilcox; Morey; Giles; Charles Ahearn; Sir Humphrey Carmichael; Nichols; Caleb Carter; Georgiana; Madame de Blois; Lady Addison Peebles; Lord Addison Peebles; Duke of Farmham; Duchess of Farmham; Huey (Tom's brother); William; George (Kat's groom); Aiden O'Connell; Lord Rathkeale; Andrew (Sebastian's footman); James (Sebastian's footman); Lord Cochran; Stephanie Wilcox; Lady Alice Benson; Lady Sefton; Lady Crue; Dowager Lady Jarvis; Agnes (Lord Jarvis's sister); King of Savoy; Mother Keyes; Amelia Brennan; Mrs. Brennan; Nathan Brennan; Hank; Rory; Bledlow
- Important places
- London, England, UK; Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK
- Important events
- Glorious Revolution of 1688; Jacobite Rising of 1745; Storming of the Bastille
- Dedication
- For Jon Stebbins, with thanks
- First words
- He knew she'd come to him.
- Quotations
- Some believed that the Prince was driven by an evil genius, but Sebastian thought the truth was probably less flattering. Prinny longed to be loved, but he wanted to be loved as he was, without the need to reform the odious... (show all) ways that made him hated. Given a choice between popularity and continuing his hedonistic, self-absorbed lifestyle, George the hedonist beat out George the prince every time. (p.196)
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)"I believe it's yours."
- Publisher's editor
- Edwards, Ellen
- Original language
- English
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 836
- Popularity
- 32,643
- Reviews
- 44
- Rating
- (3.93)
- Languages
- Czech, English
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 13
- ASINs
- 4
