Scan barcode
cammmiam's review against another edition
3.0
Don't get me wrong: the change of scenery was refreshing. I just wanted so much more from this book.
Rather than branch off into another realm of conflict, I would have liked if Emma's story had focused primarily on her search for familial connections. That quest united she and Sebastian, for he too had come to Jamie Knox's hometown to receive information on his past. Sebastian's desire to learn more has been present for so many books and I really wanted to discover more than what we did. It has come to the point where I really just want a book focused upon that mystery.
Hero also needed to be given more involvement. This is the second consecutive book in which I feel she has been sidelined.
Rather than branch off into another realm of conflict, I would have liked if Emma's story had focused primarily on her search for familial connections. That quest united she and Sebastian, for he too had come to Jamie Knox's hometown to receive information on his past. Sebastian's desire to learn more has been present for so many books and I really wanted to discover more than what we did. It has come to the point where I really just want a book focused upon that mystery.
Hero also needed to be given more involvement. This is the second consecutive book in which I feel she has been sidelined.
snakeling's review against another edition
4.0
We're leaving London for the countryside, but it's no less violent for all the pretty scenery. The mystery was a little convoluted, and I'll admit being more interested by the mystery around Devlin's birth, but we met a few Bonapartes, and we learned about the effects of the Inclosures Act. Devlin and Hero continue to be a perfectly complementary couple: I do so love their relationship, based on mutual respect for each other's abilities.
bethanyread's review against another edition
5.0
I have read every one of these books. You can tell she has a history background. This is one of my favorite periods of history and her books ring true. this was an interesting one since they were traveling for a totally different reason and than got involved in a murder. As always, a great book
veronica87's review against another edition
4.0
What can I say about this series that I haven't already said? It's my absolute favorite historical mystery series and this book is certainly worthy of helping the series to maintain that status. After the rather sad events of the last book, Sebastian has arrived at an idyllic rural village in Shropshire with his wonderful wife, Hero, at his side. His motives for making the journey are deeply personal but no sooner has he arrived before the shadow of a mysterious death begins to pull at his attentions. The new village Squire, having heard of Sebastian's reputation for solving murders, enlists his aid in discovering why a young widow, rather recently arrived to town herself, is suddenly dead. The resulting investigation is a twisting, turning journey through dark and deeply held secrets stretching back through the years.
The time and setting are so vividly portrayed that I can practically feel myself wandering through the various sites along with Sebastian and Hero. The murder was intricately woven with enough red herrings that I certainly didn't figure out who the guilty party was until maybe a nano second before Sebastian revealed all. And the use of actual bits of history, in this case the actual presence of Napolean's younger brother in the English countryside, as a prisoner of war as well as the impact of the Enclosure Laws, is masterfully done. The fact that Sebastian was operating without his usual sources of aid, like Lovejoy and Gibson, may have frustrated him but I don't feel the story suffered for their absence. It was weird to have an entire book without Jarvis though. At any rate, I will be glad for the return to London for the next book.
But, really, Sebastian made out quite fine in the end because he has the wonderful Hero at his side. Watching their relationship grow and mature across several books has been a real highlight of this series and it only adds that extra something special to what is already an exceptional historical mystery series. If there had just been one or two extra scenes between the couple it would have elevated this book to a five star read for me. The fact that I'm only giving it four stars is less about the quality of the story and more about my level of greediness where Sebastian/Hero are concerned.
Once, he had faced danger with a recklessness born of a careless attitude toward living. But those days were in the past. And as he held her close, felt her heart pounding against his, heard the keening of her breath, he knew a deep and all-consuming thankfulness that he was here, now, alive and in this woman's arms.
The time and setting are so vividly portrayed that I can practically feel myself wandering through the various sites along with Sebastian and Hero. The murder was intricately woven with enough red herrings that I certainly didn't figure out who the guilty party was until maybe a nano second before Sebastian revealed all. And the use of actual bits of history, in this case the actual presence of Napolean's younger brother in the English countryside, as a prisoner of war as well as the impact of the Enclosure Laws, is masterfully done. The fact that Sebastian was operating without his usual sources of aid, like Lovejoy and Gibson, may have frustrated him but I don't feel the story suffered for their absence. It was weird to have an entire book without Jarvis though. At any rate, I will be glad for the return to London for the next book.
But, really, Sebastian made out quite fine in the end because he has the wonderful Hero at his side. Watching their relationship grow and mature across several books has been a real highlight of this series and it only adds that extra something special to what is already an exceptional historical mystery series. If there had just been one or two extra scenes between the couple it would have elevated this book to a five star read for me. The fact that I'm only giving it four stars is less about the quality of the story and more about my level of greediness where Sebastian/Hero are concerned.
Once, he had faced danger with a recklessness born of a careless attitude toward living. But those days were in the past. And as he held her close, felt her heart pounding against his, heard the keening of her breath, he knew a deep and all-consuming thankfulness that he was here, now, alive and in this woman's arms.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
RATING: 4 STARS
Sebastian and Hero are visiting in a peaceful English village...and if you watch Midsomer Murders, you know a grisly murder is afoot! Harris is great with descriptions so I felt like I could really see Shropshire village in my imagination. When I read this series, I don't like to think ahead and figure out the killer (if I could figure it). This is one series I just enjoy reading and see what the characters do and how they go about solving the crime. There is always so much going on in the story I don't even think about it.
Sebastian and Hero are visiting in a peaceful English village...and if you watch Midsomer Murders, you know a grisly murder is afoot! Harris is great with descriptions so I felt like I could really see Shropshire village in my imagination. When I read this series, I don't like to think ahead and figure out the killer (if I could figure it). This is one series I just enjoy reading and see what the characters do and how they go about solving the crime. There is always so much going on in the story I don't even think about it.
seriouslybookish's review against another edition
4.0
I liked that they were away from London in this book. The village setting was done well and it was far more interesting than I expected. I hope there will be more of it in the future.
My only complaint is that this book felt too long. Also I feel Sebastian should do more than just catch the killer. There are too many bastards who get away with their crimes such as the Reverend.
My only complaint is that this book felt too long. Also I feel Sebastian should do more than just catch the killer. There are too many bastards who get away with their crimes such as the Reverend.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
When Falcons Fall
4 Stars
Sebastian St. Cyr and his wife, Hero, have travelled to the Shropshire countryside on a personal quest. But when a young widow is found dead, the local magistrate turns to Sebastian for help. It soon becomes clear that the victim is not quite who she seemed and exposing the dark secrets of a small village can have deadly consequences.
There are numerous characters and motivations to keep track of in this installment and it can get confusing at times. Nevertheless, the investigation is interesting, the climax is exciting and the resolution is satisfying.
The depth and breadth of Harris's research and her skill at merging historical fact with the suspense of her fiction is impressive as always, and provides additional nuance to the story.
Sebastian and Hero's relationship is another highlight. They work so well together as a pair, and trust each other to investigate the avenues that open up in their own arenas. They have made amazing strides since their first case together.
In terms of the ongoing arc surrounding Sebastian's parentage, Harris does provide some closure in this book, but the mystery still remains unsolved. Hopefully, this issue will not drag on much longer as it is high time for a resolution.
All in all, another fabulous addition to the series. Sadly, there is a bit of a wait until the next book is published.
4 Stars
Sebastian St. Cyr and his wife, Hero, have travelled to the Shropshire countryside on a personal quest. But when a young widow is found dead, the local magistrate turns to Sebastian for help. It soon becomes clear that the victim is not quite who she seemed and exposing the dark secrets of a small village can have deadly consequences.
There are numerous characters and motivations to keep track of in this installment and it can get confusing at times. Nevertheless, the investigation is interesting, the climax is exciting and the resolution is satisfying.
The depth and breadth of Harris's research and her skill at merging historical fact with the suspense of her fiction is impressive as always, and provides additional nuance to the story.
Sebastian and Hero's relationship is another highlight. They work so well together as a pair, and trust each other to investigate the avenues that open up in their own arenas. They have made amazing strides since their first case together.
In terms of the ongoing arc surrounding Sebastian's parentage, Harris does provide some closure in this book, but the mystery still remains unsolved. Hopefully, this issue will not drag on much longer as it is high time for a resolution.
All in all, another fabulous addition to the series. Sadly, there is a bit of a wait until the next book is published.
fluffyturtle's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0