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Sebastian St. Cyr #7
When Maidens Mourn
Regency England, August 1812. Sebastian's plans to escape the heat of London for a honeymoon are shattered when the murdered body of Hero's good friend, Gabrielle Tennyson, is discovered drifting in a battered boat at the site of a long-vanished castle known as Camlet Moat. A beautiful young antiquarian, Miss Tennyson had recently provoked an uproar with her controversial identification of the island as the location of Camelot. Missing and presumed also dead are Gabrielle's two young cousins, nine-year-old George and three-year-old Alfred.
Still struggling to define the nature of their new marriage, Sebastian and Hero find themselves occasionally working at cross-purposes as their investigation leads from London's medieval Inns of Court to its seedy back alleys, and from grand country homes to rural enclaves where ancient Celtic beliefs still hold sway. As he probes deeper, Sebastian also discovers dark secrets at the heart of the Tennyson family, and an enigmatic young French lieutenant with a dangerous, mysterious secret of his own.
Racing to unmask a ruthless killer and unravel the puzzle of the missing children, Sebastian and Hero soon find both their lives and their growing love for each other at risk as their investigation leads to Hero's father, who is also Sebastian's long-time nemesis... and to a tall, dark stranger who may hold the key to Sebastian's own parentage.
Still struggling to define the nature of their new marriage, Sebastian and Hero find themselves occasionally working at cross-purposes as their investigation leads from London's medieval Inns of Court to its seedy back alleys, and from grand country homes to rural enclaves where ancient Celtic beliefs still hold sway. As he probes deeper, Sebastian also discovers dark secrets at the heart of the Tennyson family, and an enigmatic young French lieutenant with a dangerous, mysterious secret of his own.
Racing to unmask a ruthless killer and unravel the puzzle of the missing children, Sebastian and Hero soon find both their lives and their growing love for each other at risk as their investigation leads to Hero's father, who is also Sebastian's long-time nemesis... and to a tall, dark stranger who may hold the key to Sebastian's own parentage.
341 pages, Hardcover
First published March 6, 2012
About the author
C.S. Harris
23 books2,779 followersCandice Proctor, aka C.S. Harris and C.S. Graham, is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than a dozen novels including the Sebastian St. Cyr Regency mystery series written under the name C.S. Harris, the new C.S. Graham thriller series co-written with Steven Harris, and seven historical romances. She is also the author of a nonfiction historical study of the French Revolution. Her books are available worldwide and have been translated into over twenty different languages.
Candice graduated Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude with a degree in Classics before going on to earn an MA and Ph.D. in history. A former academic, she has taught at the University of Idaho and Midwestern State University in Texas. She also worked as an archaeologist on a variety of sites including a Hudson's Bay Company Fort in San Juan Island, a Cherokee village in Tennessee, a prehistoric kill site in Victoria, Australia, and a Roman cemetery and medieval manor house in Winchester, England. Most recently, she spent many years as a partner in an international business consulting firm.
The daughter of a career Air Force officer and university professor, Proctor loves to travel and has spent much of her life abroad. She has lived in Spain, Greece, England, France, Jordan, and Australia. She now makes her home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband, retired Army officer Steve Harris, her two daughters, and an ever-expanding number of cats.
Candice graduated Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude with a degree in Classics before going on to earn an MA and Ph.D. in history. A former academic, she has taught at the University of Idaho and Midwestern State University in Texas. She also worked as an archaeologist on a variety of sites including a Hudson's Bay Company Fort in San Juan Island, a Cherokee village in Tennessee, a prehistoric kill site in Victoria, Australia, and a Roman cemetery and medieval manor house in Winchester, England. Most recently, she spent many years as a partner in an international business consulting firm.
The daughter of a career Air Force officer and university professor, Proctor loves to travel and has spent much of her life abroad. She has lived in Spain, Greece, England, France, Jordan, and Australia. She now makes her home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband, retired Army officer Steve Harris, her two daughters, and an ever-expanding number of cats.
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January 22, 2020
4 stars for another well done historical fiction book in the Sebastian St. Cyr series. Sebastian and his wife Hero(married in the previous book) are about to go on a honeymoon when they are notified that Hero's friend Gabrielle Tennyson has been found murdered. Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, agrees to help solve the murder at the request of his friend Sir Henry Lovejoy, the Bow Street magistrate in charge of the investigation. Devlin has helped Lovejoy before and because he is an aristocrat and heir to the Earl of Hendon, he can ask questions of other aristocrats that Lovejoy can't in England of 1812..
There are some false leads, and Devlin is attacked several times(always miraculously surviving). But the murder is solved. Devlin's complicated relationship with his wife and her father are explored. Why they got married is explained in book 6. Devlin's loathing of Hero's father Lord Jarvis is also explained in previous books. To say more would be a spoiler for previous books.
Some quotes:
"No man in England was more powerful than Jarvis. His kinship with the King might be distant, but without Jarvis's ruthless brilliance and steady wisdom, the House of Hanover would have fallen long ago and the Hanovers knew it."
For the benefit of my GR friend Karla, I'm including a description of 1 of Hero's outfits:
"Today she wore an elegant carriage gown of emerald satin trimmed with rows of pintucks down the skirt and a spray of delicate yellow roses embroidered on each sleeve."
This was a library book.
There are some false leads, and Devlin is attacked several times(always miraculously surviving). But the murder is solved. Devlin's complicated relationship with his wife and her father are explored. Why they got married is explained in book 6. Devlin's loathing of Hero's father Lord Jarvis is also explained in previous books. To say more would be a spoiler for previous books.
Some quotes:
"No man in England was more powerful than Jarvis. His kinship with the King might be distant, but without Jarvis's ruthless brilliance and steady wisdom, the House of Hanover would have fallen long ago and the Hanovers knew it."
For the benefit of my GR friend Karla, I'm including a description of 1 of Hero's outfits:
"Today she wore an elegant carriage gown of emerald satin trimmed with rows of pintucks down the skirt and a spray of delicate yellow roses embroidered on each sleeve."
This was a library book.
April 12, 2023
5★
“Sebastian leaned against the stone jamb of the gateway. He had one hand in his pocket, where a small double-barreled pistol, primed and loaded, partially spoiled the line of his fashionable coat. A sheath in his boot concealed the dagger he was rarely without. He waited until the man had crossed to the cart,”
Sebastian seems doomed never to live a quiet life, never to take his bride on a honeymoon, never to lose his thirst for justice. In this instance, it’s the murder of a lovely young woman and the disappearance of her two little nephews. She had been conducting archaeological research at Camlet Moat, said to be the Camelot (and grave) of King Arthur.
Her possible debunking of the King Arthur legend certainly made her a target. It is August, 1812, and England is at war with France (again, still, always?) The people are poor and angry. The Prince of Wales is rich and nervous. He used to be popular. He misses:
“the golden years of his youth, when he'd been handsome and carefree and beloved by his people. These days, he needed a corset to contain his ever-increasing girth, the people who'd once cheered him now booed him openly in the streets, and shadowy radicals published seditious broadsheets bemoaning the lost days of Camelot and calling for King Arthur to return from the mists of Avalon and save Britain from the benighted rule of the House of Hanover.”
There are so many potential guilty parties that the action moves back and forth between the wealthy manor houses, the city, the slums, the docks, and Camlet Moat. Lord Jarvis (Hero’s father), who is the most trusted advisor of the Prince, will do anything to protect him, and he is not above sending someone to remove a troublesome young woman.
Gabrielle, however, is not just a nuisance, she was one of Hero’s close friends, and Hero is extremely upset, hence the postponed honeymoon and Sebastian’s involvement in yet another murder investigation.
To add to the mix, there are any number of French prisoners of war, gentlemen, who have been released from prison on their gentleman’s word of honour (yeah, right), promising they will stay within the permitted boundaries, not spy, not interfere, not try to go home. (The author’s note at the end tells us that didn’t work out as well as expected – no surprise there.)
Viscount St. Cyr, Sebastian to us, is an imposing figure when he’s dressed in his finery. When necessary, he takes advantage of this and can clear a pub just by striding in to speak to the bartender. Of course, this makes him an easily identifiable target, so he relies on his exceptional hearing and night vision to avoid attacks.
He doesn’t, however. Avoid attacks, I mean. He is bludgeoned, beaten, cut, slashed, and generally knocked silly. He can also tone it down and move almost anonymously through the back lanes, leaving his horses and carriage with young Tom.
The minor characters are described as well as the main characters and add to the richness of these stories. The atmosphere of early 19th century London is perfectly presented, and whenever I finish reading one of these, I picture them all carrying on their lives where I left them.
I love the series, It would be so easy for it to be a cheesy romance or a routine swashbuckling adventure, but Viscount St Cyr is definitely a cut above the others.
My reviews of earlier episodes:
1. What Angels Fear
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
2. When Gods Die
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
3. Why Mermaids Sing
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4. Where Serpents Sleep
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
5. What Remains of Heaven
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
6. Where Shadows Dance
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
“Sebastian leaned against the stone jamb of the gateway. He had one hand in his pocket, where a small double-barreled pistol, primed and loaded, partially spoiled the line of his fashionable coat. A sheath in his boot concealed the dagger he was rarely without. He waited until the man had crossed to the cart,”
Sebastian seems doomed never to live a quiet life, never to take his bride on a honeymoon, never to lose his thirst for justice. In this instance, it’s the murder of a lovely young woman and the disappearance of her two little nephews. She had been conducting archaeological research at Camlet Moat, said to be the Camelot (and grave) of King Arthur.
Her possible debunking of the King Arthur legend certainly made her a target. It is August, 1812, and England is at war with France (again, still, always?) The people are poor and angry. The Prince of Wales is rich and nervous. He used to be popular. He misses:
“the golden years of his youth, when he'd been handsome and carefree and beloved by his people. These days, he needed a corset to contain his ever-increasing girth, the people who'd once cheered him now booed him openly in the streets, and shadowy radicals published seditious broadsheets bemoaning the lost days of Camelot and calling for King Arthur to return from the mists of Avalon and save Britain from the benighted rule of the House of Hanover.”
There are so many potential guilty parties that the action moves back and forth between the wealthy manor houses, the city, the slums, the docks, and Camlet Moat. Lord Jarvis (Hero’s father), who is the most trusted advisor of the Prince, will do anything to protect him, and he is not above sending someone to remove a troublesome young woman.
Gabrielle, however, is not just a nuisance, she was one of Hero’s close friends, and Hero is extremely upset, hence the postponed honeymoon and Sebastian’s involvement in yet another murder investigation.
To add to the mix, there are any number of French prisoners of war, gentlemen, who have been released from prison on their gentleman’s word of honour (yeah, right), promising they will stay within the permitted boundaries, not spy, not interfere, not try to go home. (The author’s note at the end tells us that didn’t work out as well as expected – no surprise there.)
Viscount St. Cyr, Sebastian to us, is an imposing figure when he’s dressed in his finery. When necessary, he takes advantage of this and can clear a pub just by striding in to speak to the bartender. Of course, this makes him an easily identifiable target, so he relies on his exceptional hearing and night vision to avoid attacks.
He doesn’t, however. Avoid attacks, I mean. He is bludgeoned, beaten, cut, slashed, and generally knocked silly. He can also tone it down and move almost anonymously through the back lanes, leaving his horses and carriage with young Tom.
The minor characters are described as well as the main characters and add to the richness of these stories. The atmosphere of early 19th century London is perfectly presented, and whenever I finish reading one of these, I picture them all carrying on their lives where I left them.
I love the series, It would be so easy for it to be a cheesy romance or a routine swashbuckling adventure, but Viscount St Cyr is definitely a cut above the others.
My reviews of earlier episodes:
1. What Angels Fear
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
2. When Gods Die
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
3. Why Mermaids Sing
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4. Where Serpents Sleep
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
5. What Remains of Heaven
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
6. Where Shadows Dance
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 5, 2016
Book number seven and still the action gets better and better. Of course the biggest development is in the relationship between the main characters, Sebastian and Hero. The author is managing to write a delightful romance without letting it take over the plot of each book, and she is so good at writing that last little chapter which leaves the reader wanting more.
I think I enjoyed this book a teeny bit more than the last one because it was a bit less political and I was able to follow the mystery better. I even had a good guess as to who the villain was.
If you enjoy historical mysteries then you really should make time to read this series. It is quietly brilliant!
I think I enjoyed this book a teeny bit more than the last one because it was a bit less political and I was able to follow the mystery better. I even had a good guess as to who the villain was.
If you enjoy historical mysteries then you really should make time to read this series. It is quietly brilliant!
July 7, 2016
Sebastian and Hero are four days into their marriage when the honeymoon is interrupted by the murder of Gabrielle Tennyson, an antiquarian and good friend of Hero's. Both of them are drawn into the investigation, working together and sometimes at cross purposes.
This was a gnarly mystery with lots of players and suspects who might have benefited from Gabrielle's death. I loved the way Hero and Sebastian interacted with each other, even when they weren't being as forthcoming as they should have been as they were aware of each's subterfuge. Their relationship deepened throughout the investigation and it was lovely to witness. They're not completely there but are definitely on the right path. The villain turned out to be someone on my suspect list but pretty far down. The clues were there and I should have gotten it right.
I really enjoyed this story, the mystery and the burgeoning relationship between Sebastian and Hero. There were important developments affecting them and others in their sphere, including the powerful Jarvis. And, a new character was introduced that has the potential of setting Sebastian on his heels. I can't wait for the next book!
This was a gnarly mystery with lots of players and suspects who might have benefited from Gabrielle's death. I loved the way Hero and Sebastian interacted with each other, even when they weren't being as forthcoming as they should have been as they were aware of each's subterfuge. Their relationship deepened throughout the investigation and it was lovely to witness. They're not completely there but are definitely on the right path. The villain turned out to be someone on my suspect list but pretty far down. The clues were there and I should have gotten it right.
I really enjoyed this story, the mystery and the burgeoning relationship between Sebastian and Hero. There were important developments affecting them and others in their sphere, including the powerful Jarvis. And, a new character was introduced that has the potential of setting Sebastian on his heels. I can't wait for the next book!
February 2, 2020
4.5 these are all really 5 stars but I have to show the differential between different books in the series. I really enjoyed watching Hero and Sebastian's marriage develop.
April 7, 2018
This turned out to be one of the weakest installments in the series for me. It didn’t engage me as much as the other ones did. I may have to put more distance between the installments as I found many of the plot devices formulaic and recapping of the previous events and characters’ backstories annoying. Although, this is the first one where I guessed the culprit right away. Not sure how but I did and quite proud of it.
So, let’s start with what I liked:
1. The atmospheric setting of Regency England is compelling and vividly drawn. The author incorporates interesting and somewhat obscure facts and events and masterfully waves them into the story.
2. The main characters are sympathetic and compelling, with tough dilemmas. I liked that none of their problems are easily or simply solved.
And what I didn’t like:
1. The odd construction of the story. The entire plot moved along with one storyline but the way the resolution came about felt like I switched to a different book at the end.
2. The previous installment ended with a promise of an interesting romantic development between Hero and Sebastian. Well, in this one the romance is definitely taken a back seat. In fact, their relationship is so downplayed that they may as well be just two colleagues working on the project. Yes, there are some internal reflections on how they feel about each other but I expected so much more from the couple who just got married and whose decision to marry was far from easy one.
3. Kat. Her presence feels contrived. I don’t want to see or hear about her anymore. I want Sebastian to concentrate on his new relationship.
I’ll continue with the series for sure but not for a long while.
So, let’s start with what I liked:
1. The atmospheric setting of Regency England is compelling and vividly drawn. The author incorporates interesting and somewhat obscure facts and events and masterfully waves them into the story.
2. The main characters are sympathetic and compelling, with tough dilemmas. I liked that none of their problems are easily or simply solved.
And what I didn’t like:
1. The odd construction of the story. The entire plot moved along with one storyline but the way the resolution came about felt like I switched to a different book at the end.
2. The previous installment ended with a promise of an interesting romantic development between Hero and Sebastian. Well, in this one the romance is definitely taken a back seat. In fact, their relationship is so downplayed that they may as well be just two colleagues working on the project. Yes, there are some internal reflections on how they feel about each other but I expected so much more from the couple who just got married and whose decision to marry was far from easy one.
3. Kat. Her presence feels contrived. I don’t want to see or hear about her anymore. I want Sebastian to concentrate on his new relationship.
I’ll continue with the series for sure but not for a long while.
March 31, 2017
Sebastian and Hero are all set for a well deserved honeymoon on his family estate when they receive news that Hero's friend Genevieve Tennyson has been found murdered, drowned in Camlet Moat. Like Hero, Genevieve is a feminist and interested in archaeology. She had been excavating Camlet Moat as she suspected it was the legendary Camelot. Most disturbing is that her two young male cousins were with her at the Moat and are now missing, possibly dead.
Cancelling their honeymoon plans, Sebastian and Hero embark on an investigation of Genevieve's murder and a search for the two young boys. What they uncover is a complex web of revenge and deceit involving Genevieve's family, a French lieutenant and Hero's own father Jarvis meddling in Anglo-French relationships.
I always enjoy reading this series of books, not just for the dashing young Sebastian (and now his elegant partner Hero) but also for the ongoing mystery of his birth and heritage as well as the detailed and accurate depiction of the period and history of the times that Ms Harris researches so well.
Cancelling their honeymoon plans, Sebastian and Hero embark on an investigation of Genevieve's murder and a search for the two young boys. What they uncover is a complex web of revenge and deceit involving Genevieve's family, a French lieutenant and Hero's own father Jarvis meddling in Anglo-French relationships.
I always enjoy reading this series of books, not just for the dashing young Sebastian (and now his elegant partner Hero) but also for the ongoing mystery of his birth and heritage as well as the detailed and accurate depiction of the period and history of the times that Ms Harris researches so well.
June 14, 2021
5 STARS
Another winner. I'm going to keep this short because I've already started book 8 and I don't want to tally here too long. Loved the mystery in this one. The whole affair around the Tennyson family. And the author's note at the end explains all of the history behind the story. Fascinating stuff! I was going to include a photo of the actual Camlet Moat above, but it really is kind of murky now. Still want to see it? Yeah me too. So I'll include the photo below.
Sebastian and Hero are getting closer, and I'm loving every second of it! Suck it, Kat, there's a new girl in town!
Here it is... Camlet Moat
Bid me to weep, and I will weep
While I have eyes to see:
And having none, yet I will keep
A heart to weep for thee.
Bid me despair and I’ll despair,
Under that cypress tree:
Or bid me die, and I will dare
E’en Death, to die for thee.
Thou art my life, my love, my heart
The very eyes of me,
And hast command of every part,
To live and die for thee.
Another winner. I'm going to keep this short because I've already started book 8 and I don't want to tally here too long. Loved the mystery in this one. The whole affair around the Tennyson family. And the author's note at the end explains all of the history behind the story. Fascinating stuff! I was going to include a photo of the actual Camlet Moat above, but it really is kind of murky now. Still want to see it? Yeah me too. So I'll include the photo below.
Sebastian and Hero are getting closer, and I'm loving every second of it! Suck it, Kat, there's a new girl in town!
Here it is... Camlet Moat
December 9, 2019
There were a few times my internal monologue was just the sound of Jenna Marbles saying "aw hell yeah" on loop so that probably says a lot about why I liked this one as much as I did.
D r a m a.
Also, knowing what I know now, I wish I had started to tally Sebastian's kill count from the beginning. I wonder what he's at now.. because daaaaymn, boi.
D r a m a.
Also, knowing what I know now, I wish I had started to tally Sebastian's kill count from the beginning. I wonder what he's at now.. because daaaaymn, boi.
December 25, 2022
Sebastian and Hero are married and together, physically anyway. It remains to be seen if they can truly come together as a couple. By that I mean trust: not keeping secrets and putting each other first. These two will be an awesome team if they can trust each other, but as they barely know each other at this point, that it may take a while.
Sebastian and Hero's plans to escape the August heat of London are thwarted when the body of Hero's friend, Gabrielle Tennyson, is discovered at a site, Camlet Moat, believed to be the site of the legendary Camelot. Missing, and presumed to have been with her at the time of her death, are her two young cousins.
The newness of their relationship shows as they each investigate this murder, proving they have a lot of work to do. As Sebastian delves into the secrets of the Tennison family, he discovers things a murderer wants to keep secret. He is helped by a young French Lieutenant who is on parole. He was in love with Gabrielle and is just as determined as Sebastian to uncover her killer and find out what happened to her young cousins.
Sebastian and Hero find themselves at odds over Hero's loyalty to her father and Sebastian's own secret dealings with Kat and a stranger who could have information about Sebastian's father. But Sebastian and Hero come to realize that they are much stronger as a team than they are as individuals.
Sebastian and Hero's plans to escape the August heat of London are thwarted when the body of Hero's friend, Gabrielle Tennyson, is discovered at a site, Camlet Moat, believed to be the site of the legendary Camelot. Missing, and presumed to have been with her at the time of her death, are her two young cousins.
The newness of their relationship shows as they each investigate this murder, proving they have a lot of work to do. As Sebastian delves into the secrets of the Tennison family, he discovers things a murderer wants to keep secret. He is helped by a young French Lieutenant who is on parole. He was in love with Gabrielle and is just as determined as Sebastian to uncover her killer and find out what happened to her young cousins.
Sebastian and Hero find themselves at odds over Hero's loyalty to her father and Sebastian's own secret dealings with Kat and a stranger who could have information about Sebastian's father. But Sebastian and Hero come to realize that they are much stronger as a team than they are as individuals.
August 19, 2012
Mild spoilers ahead
I've now read six of the seven books in this series*, which is set in Regency London and features Peninsular War veteran Sebastian St Cyr, aka Viscount Devlin, and his wife, the feisty and feminist Hero Jarvis. Like lots of other crime fiction writers, Harris has a formula for these books and she pretty much sticks to it. Here's how it goes:
(a) Brief introduction;
(b) Murder is discovered;
(c) Sebastian (and Hero) become involved in investigation;
(d) Investigation proceeds, consisting of Sebastian and Hero taking themselves around London - mostly separately but occasionally together - interviewing suspects and/or witnesses;
(e) Sebastian and Hero exchange information and/or hide information from each other**;
(f) Sebastian and/or Hero get themselves beaten up and/or save themselves and/or each other and/or other people from being beaten up;
(g) Sebastian and/or Hero kill someone in self defence or in defence of someone else;
(h) Murder is solved and murderer brought to justice.
The above proceeds with the accompaniment of the requisite number of red herrings and a good sprinkling of historical information to set the narrative in place and time. This particular instalment involves Arthurian legend, French prisoners of war and the Tennyson family.
Formulaic writing does not make good literature and that is certainly true of this novel. However, it's not all that's wrong with the writing. I wrote in my review of the sixth novel in the series, Where Shadows Dance, that Harris brought out my inner pedant. The same applies in this instalment. For example, Harris uses language to set the novel in place and time, using some particular expressions to help re-create 1812 London. I don't have a problem with her doing that: the use of language is a central characteristic of the work of Georgette Heyer, who virtually created the Regency romance genre and to whom Harris clearly owes a debt. However, if a writer is going to use that technique, then it's best to avoid, for example, Americanisms. Somehow I doubt that a cook working in a genteel London household in 1812 made "oatmeal cookies".
There are other examples of sloppy use of language. "Disinterested", for example, is used more than once in the narrative. This word does not mean what Harris (or her editor) apparently think it means. In addition, Harris has a thing for the verb "to hunker down", which is used to excess. This expression also featured heavily in Where Shadows Dance. How hard would it be to find a synonym? I can think of about six without consulting a thesaurus.
There's nothing particularly unusual about formulaic writing in crime fiction and I'm not entirely sure why it bothers me in this series, or why I focus on linguistic quirks which might not concern me otherwise. But those aspects of the writing do annoy me, even if not quite enough to stop me reading the series altogether. I've been wondering why I persist with it and I don't really know the answer. Maybe it's just that since I practically grew up on Georgette Heyer romances, the Regency period appeals to me. In addition, Sebastian and Hero are quite interesting characters and Harris is good at historical research and at integrating history into her plots. For the time being I'm going to hang on to those positives and read the next book in the series when it appears. And then I'll probably complain about it.
This gets a low three stars - more like 2-1/2 stars - for the historical setting and the integration of the Tennyson family into the plot, for the appearance of a very appealing dog and for the fact that it's a quick and easy read.
*I didn't bother with #2 because I was underwhelmed by #1, but I then decided to give the series another chance and went straight to #3.
** For reasons to do with the difficult nature of their relationship and not worth going into here.
March 10, 2012
Oh, how I love Sebastian St. Cyr novels. The previous entry, "Where Shadows Dance" may be on my list of top 20 books ever. But, unfortunately, "When Maidens Mourn" won't make that list. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad novel, it's just not great either. The appeal of the St. Cyr series is threefold: gritty fascinating history, tangled dark mysteries, and subtle wrenching romance. So, let's take a look at each of those in this newest installment. History - once again, Harris creates a regency era that you can almost see and smell. This time we are also immersed in tales of Arthurian legend, the search for Camelot and the burgeoning hopes of the era's English subjects that a "savior" is on the way. However, while interesting, the novel fails to follow this storyline through to any sort of conclusion, and instead offers us a totally unrelated solution to the mystery while the Arthurian legends and regency era political twists simply drift away leaving us feeling vaguely frustrated and dissatisfied. As previously mentioned, the mystery portion of the story meanders along a couple of complex routes, one based on the Arthurian legends, and the other based on troubles within the regency, leading the reader to try to guess which one will pan out as the source of the murder. Then, suddenly in a few pages, the mystery is solved by a vehicle wholly unrelated to the existing two, and not anywhere near as interesting. It's almost as if the author didn't go into the plot with a notion of how it would wind up and then, stuck without a resolution in mind, resorted to something so much less than what this series is capable of. The romance of protagonist Sebastian St. Cyr and his new wife, Hero Jarvis St. Cyr was a beautiful and darkly promising end to the previous installment, "Where Shadows Dance." In this newest book, we are shown Sebastian and Hero, but we never really feel them. When one of them reflects internally on their relationship it doesn't ring true, and their reactions to one another are so downplayed that we can hardly tell if they really have any feelings for one another or not. In addition, the continual presence of Sebastian's former lover, Kat, is contrived and really just serves to spoil his burgeoning relationship with Hero. We don't want to hear about how he'll always love Kat, we want to feel how he is beginning to love Hero. Harris is a fine writer(s) who uses language and imagery in a lovely way, so it is hard to say that reading any Sebastian. St. Cyr novel is ever unpleasant. However, in terms of the series, this is definitely a disappointment. It feels like a placeholder and perhaps it is. I will hope that the next entry is back up to the high standards of Harris and the series.
August 4, 2014
Four and a half stars
Time doesn't elapse very quickly between books in this series. I think the eight months between books three and four have been the longest stretch of time so far. This time we're dealing with the shortest time interval as only four days have passed since the end of the last book, an ending that saw Sebastian and Hero facing a new, scary, and exciting future.
The murder victim this time is/was a good friend of Hero's so it's a given that she and Sebastian will investigate. Whether or not they do it together, however, is the question. The feelings between Sebastian and Hero are deepening and I am loving seeing them both slowly realize it. It's a sure bet that neither one would have ever admitted to seeing this coming. But even as deepening emotions start to weave themselves into an already established physical attraction, there is still a certain level of wariness between them. No one knows better than Hero about the animosity that exists between Sebastian and her father, Lord Jarvis. One gets the feeling that Jarvis is just waiting for the right opportunity to crush Sebastian once and for all and Hero finds herself caught between these two important men in her life. Jarvis casts a long shadow in this fledgling relationship and whether or not it can survive divided loyalties is something that neither Sebastian or Hero can easily answer.
"He wanted to tell her she was also a part of why he intended to be careful,that he'd realized how important she was to him even as he'd felt himself losing her without ever having actually made her his."
It seems obvious to me however, that Hero has brought a sense of peace and happiness to Sebastian's life - or at least his home life - that has been sorely missing. I love his habit of coming upon Hero unawares and just taking a few moments to watch her doing ordinary things, as if it amazes him. Just lovely. And the ending, again, leaves me excited to see what comes next.
The mystery itself pulls on various Arthurian legends as well as the usual issues of the (then) current political landscape. Once again, I think things get a bit murky in the middle but it all evens out in the end. And if I'm honest, it doesn't bother me because the main draw here for me is just seeing how the various characters interact with each other. It's the human drama that makes me invest. The rest is just nice window dressing. And since I am wholly invested in seeing the relationships between Sebastian and Hero, and Sebastian and Hendon, evolve...I am in for the long haul.
Time doesn't elapse very quickly between books in this series. I think the eight months between books three and four have been the longest stretch of time so far. This time we're dealing with the shortest time interval as only four days have passed since the end of the last book, an ending that saw Sebastian and Hero facing a new, scary, and exciting future.
The murder victim this time is/was a good friend of Hero's so it's a given that she and Sebastian will investigate. Whether or not they do it together, however, is the question. The feelings between Sebastian and Hero are deepening and I am loving seeing them both slowly realize it. It's a sure bet that neither one would have ever admitted to seeing this coming. But even as deepening emotions start to weave themselves into an already established physical attraction, there is still a certain level of wariness between them. No one knows better than Hero about the animosity that exists between Sebastian and her father, Lord Jarvis. One gets the feeling that Jarvis is just waiting for the right opportunity to crush Sebastian once and for all and Hero finds herself caught between these two important men in her life. Jarvis casts a long shadow in this fledgling relationship and whether or not it can survive divided loyalties is something that neither Sebastian or Hero can easily answer.
"He wanted to tell her she was also a part of why he intended to be careful,that he'd realized how important she was to him even as he'd felt himself losing her without ever having actually made her his."
It seems obvious to me however, that Hero has brought a sense of peace and happiness to Sebastian's life - or at least his home life - that has been sorely missing. I love his habit of coming upon Hero unawares and just taking a few moments to watch her doing ordinary things, as if it amazes him. Just lovely. And the ending, again, leaves me excited to see what comes next.
The mystery itself pulls on various Arthurian legends as well as the usual issues of the (then) current political landscape. Once again, I think things get a bit murky in the middle but it all evens out in the end. And if I'm honest, it doesn't bother me because the main draw here for me is just seeing how the various characters interact with each other. It's the human drama that makes me invest. The rest is just nice window dressing. And since I am wholly invested in seeing the relationships between Sebastian and Hero, and Sebastian and Hendon, evolve...I am in for the long haul.
March 19, 2012
So I enjoyed this book because Hero and Sebastian are together finally, and I hated that other chick character, so that's good. Also Lady of Shalott is one of my FAVORITE poems (Because of Anne of Green Gables, way meta here) so I loved the overall plot of this one, great murder mystery. Yes, there are some weird plot twists, and the arc of Hero/Sebastian felt a bit retarded, I wanted them to interact more rather than keep each other apart and restrained, but this is not a "vaginal Mystery" so much as a great mystery with a small romance arc, and with those criteria, this book succeeds immensely.
I, as always, love the setting and the characters, and the slightly melodramatic twists of character, and really am looking forward to the next step with Hero/Sebastian, because honestly Hero is one of my favorite lady literature characters! She reminds me a bit of a Gothic Hermione, actually haha.
I, as always, love the setting and the characters, and the slightly melodramatic twists of character, and really am looking forward to the next step with Hero/Sebastian, because honestly Hero is one of my favorite lady literature characters! She reminds me a bit of a Gothic Hermione, actually haha.
October 19, 2019
Another solid entry in the Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries. I've come to look so forward to reading about all of the characters, primary as well as secondary ones, and I am full of admiration for Harris's ability to juggle a big cast very successfully. These books are fast becoming my comfort reads.
The 7th book introduces a fascinating new character in Jamie Knox, a dangerous tavern owner who appears to be Sebastian's doppelganger!!! I really enjoyed Sebastian and Jamie's scenes together and very much hope Jamie will be around in future books as he oozes charm and intrigue all in his own right. Chien too is a promising new addition, but I am a sucker for dogs in stories.
I enjoy Arthurian legend and so the scholarly aspects of this mystery were a highlight of this book. The villain though and the resolution to the mystery came a bit out of the blue for me, which is unusual for Harris's tightly constructed mysteries, and it did detract a bit from my overall enjoyment. At this point in the books though, I'm very much in it for the characters and their developing story arcs. In this 7th book, Hero and Sebastian have been married mere days but are enjoying their passionate nights together, perhaps a little to their mutual surprise given that on the surface this was supposed to have been a marriage of convenience. But satisfying nights together do not completely overcome daytime tensions and lingering trust issues. There are a number of poignant moments in the book as both in their own way regret their distance and struggle to overcome their awkwardness together or how to bridge divides. Sebastian's ambivalence about Kat is a little annoying at this point, but I did appreciate that he is moving toward a healthier understanding of what it means to fall in love with a new person and let ghosts from the past go. This is the first time in the series too when Hero has acknowledged to herself that she is aware of Kat's history with Sebastian and when Kat and Hero meet and talk, their frankness was refreshing. Their encounter is one of the highlights of this book. Harris has never demonized the Other Woman, thankfully, and even though I am routing for Hero and Sebastian, I am also happy to do that without knocking Kat down in the process as so many romances would do.
The romance between Hero and Sebastian is getting there and the journey is so much fun. Looking forward to Book 8 soon!
October 2, 2018
Sebastian St. Cyr's honeymoon is interrupted by the murder of one of his new wife's friends which is obviously the WORST. Between angsting about the growing distance between them, he INVESTIGATES and talks about Arthur and poetry and speaks Romani and gets attacked like a bunch.
1. !!!!!!
2. AND SHE LOVES HIM TOOOOOO. SHE WON'T SAY IT IN SO MANY WORDS BECAUSE SHE'S AFRAID BUT SHE LOVES HIM TOOO I AM EXPIRED.
3. Not enough marriage, obviously. I am pleased but also fickle. I am going to need so much more of them building a life together and forging a partnership that can face down any odds including Hero's father and Sebastian's old flame and EVERYTHING.
4. Sebastian doesn't know how to deal with the encroaching estrangement he feels with Hero!! Hero doesn't know how to engage with her feelings!! The feelings I am having are REAL and they are A LOT.
5. The mystery was fine. Alfred Tennyson's aunt gets murdered while in the middle of excavating Camlet Moat which may be Camelot WHO KNOWS. Both Sebastian and Hero begin investigating and refuse to share because we can't have nice things. And it was another ping-pongy thing with a
6. Hero will let no man touch her husband!!! She'll shoot them dead!!!
1. !!!!!!
He smiled. "Actually, I'm counting on a girl—a daughter every bit as brilliant and strong and fiercely loyal to her sire as her mother." [... H]e nudged the horse closer so he could reach down and cup her cheek with his hand. He wanted to tell her she was also a part of why he intended to be careful, that he'd realized how important she was to him even as he'd felt himself losing her without ever having actually made her his. He wanted to tell her that he'd learned a man could come to love again without betraying his first love.READER I DIE.
2. AND SHE LOVES HIM TOOOOOO. SHE WON'T SAY IT IN SO MANY WORDS BECAUSE SHE'S AFRAID BUT SHE LOVES HIM TOOO I AM EXPIRED.
3. Not enough marriage, obviously. I am pleased but also fickle. I am going to need so much more of them building a life together and forging a partnership that can face down any odds including Hero's father and Sebastian's old flame and EVERYTHING.
4. Sebastian doesn't know how to deal with the encroaching estrangement he feels with Hero!! Hero doesn't know how to engage with her feelings!! The feelings I am having are REAL and they are A LOT.
5. The mystery was fine. Alfred Tennyson's aunt gets murdered while in the middle of excavating Camlet Moat which may be Camelot WHO KNOWS. Both Sebastian and Hero begin investigating and refuse to share because we can't have nice things. And it was another ping-pongy thing with a
6. Hero will let no man touch her husband!!! She'll shoot them dead!!!
December 14, 2022
Sebastian and Hero were married at the end of the last book and just as it appears they will have a real marriage with respect and passion, we realize they have a lot further to go before they will settle into a truly comfortable, happy life with one another...and there is still the presence of Kat and secrets being kept. Sebastian is dealing with the wife he really didn't want; this book is first and foremost another mystery who-done-it. The romantic parts of this series will always take second place to the solution of the mystery. A young woman, Gabrielle Tennyson, who was a scholar and friend of Hero's whose dead body is found in an area near London where she had been investigating in the hopes of determining whether not it was the true site of Camelot. She's a genteel background and although she and Hero weren't from the same level of society, they were drawn together because they are both forerunners of the emergence of women who wanted more freedom to do and be what they could be without all the restrictions and barriers set against them just because they happened to be born female. Hero does her own investigation as Sebastian is called upon once more by his old friend, Henry Lovejoy, to help solve the mystery of Gabrielle's death. The mystery is further complicated by the disappearance of Gabrielle's two young male cousins who were spending time with her. Meanwhile, Sebastian comes across a young man who could pass for his brother, a man who has the same color of eyes, can see in the dark and was a sharpshooter in the army. More secrets? This is a wonderful series and I love how it has a murder to solve along with more of Sebastian's past being revealed. I also like the way relationships are handled in the series between Sebastian and Hero and with their respective families. This series really needs to be read in order.
November 12, 2018
What I like in this series is how the author managed to incorporate real life characters, political situation and the ambiance of the period. But not only that: the hits given on Templars, archeological research of Camelot, King Arthur and druids!
It was really interesting and I love how she does it!
Here the story starts like a treasure hunter killed hero's friend, but, as the investigation procedes, we discover that many have interest to see her dead! And the end was unexpected: the least suspected character was the one who did it! WOW!
The book is full of well portrayed charactes. I love hoew they're described: I can imagine them as actors in a movie!
I was expecting something more about Sebastian's past, but nothing new was added. I was also curious to the relationship between Hero and Sebastian to become more than a tentative friendship (and nightly tumble!), but we are given just glimpses.
Still a very nice mystery! On to the next!
It was really interesting and I love how she does it!
Here the story starts like a treasure hunter killed hero's friend, but, as the investigation procedes, we discover that many have interest to see her dead! And the end was unexpected: the least suspected character was the one who did it! WOW!
The book is full of well portrayed charactes. I love hoew they're described: I can imagine them as actors in a movie!
I was expecting something more about Sebastian's past, but nothing new was added. I was also curious to the relationship between Hero and Sebastian to become more than a tentative friendship (and nightly tumble!), but we are given just glimpses.
Still a very nice mystery! On to the next!
December 5, 2020
Yes, I read 7 books straight thru in a day.
Yes, they are mysteries, but it’s the H/h ❤️ who make me grabby hands - on to the next 📚
Yes, they are mysteries, but it’s the H/h ❤️ who make me grabby hands - on to the next 📚
December 9, 2019
Although I enjoyed listening to this book, the mystery was a bust. The entire book is nothing but red herrings, so don’t even try to figure out who’s the killer. Just enjoy the history and (burgeoning) romance.
February 7, 2023
Reread/listened to audiobook Feb'2023
5 stars - Historical Mystery
This series is amazing, and Davina Porter's narration skills are phenomenal. It's amazing how many different voices and accents she performs.
Original rating/review November'2020:
4.5 stars - Historical Mystery
5 stars - Historical Mystery
This series is amazing, and Davina Porter's narration skills are phenomenal. It's amazing how many different voices and accents she performs.
Original rating/review November'2020:
4.5 stars - Historical Mystery
March 22, 2021
The cases keep coming. A dead woman found floating in a boat at a site that’s rumoured to be associated with King Arthur. Unrest with the population. Lord Jarvis as normal in things up to his aristocratic neck. Hero and Sebastian’s relationship is developing. Am loving every word of this series.
January 16, 2020
Audio: 5 STARS!!
Story: 4.5 STARS!!
Story: 4.5 STARS!!
June 10, 2017
I love a good historical mystery!! This series brings it! Put a kidnapping and a murder and it sells! The murder of one Hero's friends leads them into a mystery with roots in the Arthurian legend. Sebastian and Hero are interesting characters! I'm usually pretty good at solving a murder mystery early on into the book. But this one had me guessing way into in the book! There was a lot of potential suspects. I gave it 4.5 stars just because I love Hero's character and I would have liked to see more about Hero and Devlin! I love St. Cyr as well. I will be reading another book in this series soon!
March 3, 2016
Our story picks up a week into Devlin and Hero's uneasy marriage, when Devlin gets notice of a young noblewoman found dead in a boat not far from London. Come to find out it is a friend of Hero's. Once the investigation starts, it soon becomes apparent that many people wanted the young Miss dead. Was if for political gain a love not returned or to keep even deeper secrets. Hero and Devlin are soon enmeshed in trying to find out who killed her friend and what happened to her two nephews that she was with that day?
In the meantime she is keeping secrets of her own from Devlin. Is she trying to protect her powerful father because she thinks he might be behind the death of her friend? Or is she trying to protect Devlin from finding out what her dad had to do with any of it? Devlin himself is keeping secrets of his own. In all of this who is the mysterious man that has suddenly appeared in his world that looks so much like him that they could be brothers and how does Kat, a lover from his twisted past know him as well?
The mystery part of this story is top notch as always. The romance wasn't as prevalent as it has been, but I know Candace Proctor won't let me down, she will bring it back. We did have some answers when the book was over, but there were also even more questions of Devlin's past and will he ever be able to tell Hero the twisted tale of his past? This book could be read by itself, but it might not be as good as you don't have the build up of Devlin's character that you would if you started with book 1. An awesome series and I can't wait for the next in the series.
In the meantime she is keeping secrets of her own from Devlin. Is she trying to protect her powerful father because she thinks he might be behind the death of her friend? Or is she trying to protect Devlin from finding out what her dad had to do with any of it? Devlin himself is keeping secrets of his own. In all of this who is the mysterious man that has suddenly appeared in his world that looks so much like him that they could be brothers and how does Kat, a lover from his twisted past know him as well?
The mystery part of this story is top notch as always. The romance wasn't as prevalent as it has been, but I know Candace Proctor won't let me down, she will bring it back. We did have some answers when the book was over, but there were also even more questions of Devlin's past and will he ever be able to tell Hero the twisted tale of his past? This book could be read by itself, but it might not be as good as you don't have the build up of Devlin's character that you would if you started with book 1. An awesome series and I can't wait for the next in the series.
September 6, 2020
This has everything I enjoy about the series. Hero has a large part as does Sebastian in solving the mystery. The interaction between the main characters deepens as they each work with their sources. I am giving this a 4.5 star and rounding up as the mystery was not as strong as in previous books in the. Weaving events of the time makes it seem truly of the period. I look forward to next in the series which I have already purchase. This was a library hard back copy. All prior books have be audible. It is hard for me to pick which I enjoy more.
July 8, 2016
This book is part of the Sebastian St. Cyr mystery series. They are set in the Regency period in England and are very well researched. In this book, Sebastian solves the mystery of a women who was trying to find out the truth behind the Arthurian legend and was murdered near the site that could have been Camelot.
February 17, 2017
Wonderful as always.
March 4, 2018
"When it comes to murder, I'm not inclined to believe anyone."
The character development continues to astound me. I liked the Arthurian aspect of the mystery, but this one was less complex than previous one in the series. I just can't get enough of the world and love the introduction of new characters.
The character development continues to astound me. I liked the Arthurian aspect of the mystery, but this one was less complex than previous one in the series. I just can't get enough of the world and love the introduction of new characters.
January 27, 2013
This is my first Sebastian St. Cyr novel and I am kicking myself for not reading this series earlier. The author really gives the feel for the time period and seems very authentic. In fact, one of the clues involved the victim not wearing her spencer. I have no idea what a spencer is but I liked that it was a clue. St. Cyr has just married the powereful Lord Jarvis' daughter, Hero, and they are just getting used to being together. They are both involved in this case and Hero is a formidable ally. What else would you expect with a name like Hero?
The mystery involves King Arthur and the legend of him being the future king. It was quite interesting and the early archelogy is fascinating. It's a wonder that we have anything in our museums. Still it's nice to have strong, intelligent, independent women featured in the book. The motive for the killing really fits into the time period. In fact the whole book justs glows with the times. It is one of the better historical fictions I have read and I plan to go back and read the earlier ones.
The mystery involves King Arthur and the legend of him being the future king. It was quite interesting and the early archelogy is fascinating. It's a wonder that we have anything in our museums. Still it's nice to have strong, intelligent, independent women featured in the book. The motive for the killing really fits into the time period. In fact the whole book justs glows with the times. It is one of the better historical fictions I have read and I plan to go back and read the earlier ones.
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