The 18th century in London was not a pleasant place for any but the "ton". There were few of them but they hogged all the privileges and generally treated all else badly. St Cyr and Hero plumb these depths as they seek, initially, to solve the murder of a mother and daughter. Several subsequent slayings complicate things greatly before the mysteries are resolved in a very ugly fashion. ( )

C. S. Harris writes novels of historic drama. Her series with Sebastian St. Cyr provide a glimpse into England in the 1810’s. In this novel, 1815 invades with the story of Napoleon Bonaparte’s capture and his journey to his final destination. Of course, Sebastian’s life revolves around finding the criminal who murders and then poses his victims like cemetery statues. This newest crime wave throws Sir Henry Lovejoy into fits of despair. Lovejoy’s wife and daughter were killed and posed in the same manner fourteen years ago. In the end, Hero and Sebastian discover the criminals, but the public receives a false story about the murders. A captivating story about life and the hardships of the poor. A tragic rendering of the fate of poor children and their terrible working conditions. ( )

I preorder the next St Cyr book every year and can't wait for it to come out. I'm very invested in the overarching mystery of Sebastian's birth father, but I also love updates on his and Hero's lives. And, of course, each book has its own mystery for Sebastian to investigate.
A mother and daughter are found murdered and posed in Richmond Park. Henry Lovejoy, a commander at Bow Street and Sebastian's good friend, lost in own wife and daughter in the same manner fourteen years earlier. Is this a copycat, or did they hang the wrong man for that murder? There are multiple suspects, one of them being the illegitimate son of the Prince Regent, who is more concerned with the festivities concerning Napoleon's capture and the anniversary of the Hanover line. There are appearances by all my favorite characters, especially Hero, Sebastian's wife.
One of the best parts of these books is the history. Ms. Harris does an excellent job integrating social issues and history into these stories, and I find the details both enlightening and disheartening. Hero is investigating the lives of apprentices, especially chimney sweeps, and it's just horrifying. In her appendix she points out that both Edinburgh and Germany had done away with the practice of using young children as sweeps many years before England adopted the practice, so there was no need for the cruelty of forcing young children into hot, smoky, and dangerous pipes. Sorry, this part stuck with me, but all the history is fascinating, as is how Sebastian discovers the murderer. I never figure out the real murderer in these books, which is all I ask for in a murder mystery. Another great book by Ms. Harris, but I hope the next has some clues as to Sebastian's father. ( )

Exciting times are afoot in England and the world. Napoleon has met his final defeat and is being sent to St. Helena in disgrace and exile. I always, always, always love the books in this series because they seamlessly mix true historical facts with an engrossing mystery and engaging characters. The author’s notes are a wonderful history lesson themselves, and I always read them and admire the level of research this author does to present us with a realistic view of the times while also giving us a fictional mystery that keeps you guessing until the end.

On a beautiful July day, two brothers are escaping all of their sister’s wedding preparations by spending the afternoon at Richmond Park. They are having an uproarious time (did I mention they are tipsy?) until they hear two gunshots – one right after the other. They will never forget what they see as they crest the hill toward the area where the gunshots were fired. There, in an idyllic setting, are two bodies – lying foot-to-foot with their hands folded over their chests.

Magistrate Lovejoy immediately recognizes the area and the way the victims are posed because it brings back the most painful memories of his life – the murder of his wife and daughter fourteen years ago. That murder was solved though – wasn’t it? A man covered in his family’s blood was arrested and hanged – did they get it wrong? Is this a sick copycat murder? He doesn’t know, but he’ll definitely request Sebastian St. Cyr’s assistance.

The investigation takes us from high places to low. You’ll find spoiled, rich, aristocrats whose debauchery is well hidden – and you’ll also find good, honest, loving, and caring aristocrats who only want to help the world. Into the mix you’ll meet every manner of non-aristocrats as well – those who abuse, and those who nurture. The problem for Lovejoy and Sebastian is figuring out which is which – and who did what. It is a sad and poignant journey for Lovejoy and a shocking revelation for everyone when the murderer is revealed.

In this dark and compelling tale, you’ll find scenarios with Social injustice/parity, baby farms, insane asylums, cruel apprentice systems, child labor, and the plight of women who are property rather than people. Yes, there is all of that but it is in the background surrounding the excellently paced, well-written mysteries surrounding multiple murders. I recommend this book – and this entire series. Every book in the series has been an excellent read and I recommend you read all of the books in order. Yes, you can read this one as a standalone, but why would you want to when all of that background and character-building makes your enjoyment even more intense? Each new book in the series is a must-read for me, and I hope you’ll give it a try and become as addicted as I am. Happy Reading!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )