Scan barcode
catmom22's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
5.0
dawn_marie's review
3.0
[b:What the Devil Knows|54614563|What the Devil Knows (Sebastian St. Cyr, #16)|C.S. Harris|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1600721002l/54614563._SY75_.jpg|85211556] is the latest volume of [a:C.S. Harris|22067|C.S. Harris|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1283051864p2/22067.jpg]' delightful Sebastian St. Cyr series . . . a series of cozy-ish type Regency Era murder mysteries.
Sixteen books in and this novel is pretty much what you expect: a well crafted murder mystery set in Regency Era London, interesting characters, and an easy going writing style sprinkled in with enough Regency Era terminology to evoke the feeling of the time without becoming burdensome to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it was quick paced with enough interesting twists to keep me entertained. What I especially like is Ms. Harris' use of real events (Ratcliffe Highway murders) and individuals as the centerpiece of her novel (she's done this in her previous works as well).
All in all, a lovely murder mystery told in a relaxed fashion.
Sixteen books in and this novel is pretty much what you expect: a well crafted murder mystery set in Regency Era London, interesting characters, and an easy going writing style sprinkled in with enough Regency Era terminology to evoke the feeling of the time without becoming burdensome to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it was quick paced with enough interesting twists to keep me entertained. What I especially like is Ms. Harris' use of real events (Ratcliffe Highway murders) and individuals as the centerpiece of her novel (she's done this in her previous works as well).
All in all, a lovely murder mystery told in a relaxed fashion.
hollypollypocket's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
haylnomann's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bponsford's review
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
mamap's review
3.0
Devlin is drawn into the brutal murders of 2 magistrates which reflect the Ratcliffe Highway brutal murders of a family 3 years previously. The truth is never what is on the surface, but what's behind.
Even if the world seems too corrupt - we don't stop fighting for what's right - or - do what's right.
p.156. "No, she couldn't save them all, ... And the truth was, they didn't all want to be saved."
Even if the world seems too corrupt - we don't stop fighting for what's right - or - do what's right.
p.156. "No, she couldn't save them all, ... And the truth was, they didn't all want to be saved."
constantreader471's review
4.0
4 stars for a page turner book set in Regency England. It opens in 1814 London, when Sebastian St Cyr, Viscount Devlin and son/heir of the Earl of Hendon, is called to the scene of a gruesome murder. An Est End magistrate, Sir Edwin Pym has been found with his throat cut and his head bashed in. This murder is reminiscent of the Ratcliffe murders 3 years before. Sir Henry Lovejoy, a Bow Street magistrate, frequently calls upon Devlin for assistance in solving murders. Devlin is a wealthy man through his father and assists Lovejoy without pay.
Devlin can ask questions where Lovejoy cannot, because of his position. Devlin begins investigating and slowly uncovers more murders connected to this and the Ratcliffe murders. There are powerful people who don't want the truth to come out. Devlin is attacked 3 different times, a recurring theme in this series. He escapes with only bruises and cuts. The book reads well. The plot unfolds briskly and the characters are believable.
Concerning titles, the English love of titles has produced some interesting responses in the US. In the 60s, there was a popular song "The Duke of Earl." Five years ago, when my grandson was 8, he told his mom, that he was "Sir Patrick, Duke of Awesomeness."
The author is very accurate in describing the clothing and speech of the time.
Two quotes:
Devlin's wife: "Hero Devlin sat in one of the upholstered chairs beside the drawing room fire. Dressed in a long-sleeved afternoon gown of soft midnight blue wool made high at the neck and embellished with champagne-colored rosettes, she had a serviceable notebook balanced on one knee while her young son played on the hearthrug nearby."
Description of a wealthy brewer: "In his midforties, Buxton-Collins was a mountain of a man with a head of curly fair hair, a strong nose and chin, and the cold, alert eyes of a raptor. Despite his size, he had a reputation as an avid sportsman and something of a dandy. He was dressed in yellow pantaloons, glossy black boots, a double-breasted navy blue coat, and an elaborately tied cravat with a jeweled quizzing glass hanging from a silk riband around his neck."
This is book 16 in the series, and I recommend that you read them in order. Book 1 in the series is [b:What Angels Fear|39149|What Angels Fear (Sebastian St. Cyr, #1)|C.S. Harris|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1463986741l/39149._SY75_.jpg|827263] My review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2269781535
Thanks to Berkley for sending me this eARC through Edelweiss.
Devlin can ask questions where Lovejoy cannot, because of his position. Devlin begins investigating and slowly uncovers more murders connected to this and the Ratcliffe murders. There are powerful people who don't want the truth to come out. Devlin is attacked 3 different times, a recurring theme in this series. He escapes with only bruises and cuts. The book reads well. The plot unfolds briskly and the characters are believable.
Concerning titles, the English love of titles has produced some interesting responses in the US. In the 60s, there was a popular song "The Duke of Earl." Five years ago, when my grandson was 8, he told his mom, that he was "Sir Patrick, Duke of Awesomeness."
The author is very accurate in describing the clothing and speech of the time.
Two quotes:
Devlin's wife: "Hero Devlin sat in one of the upholstered chairs beside the drawing room fire. Dressed in a long-sleeved afternoon gown of soft midnight blue wool made high at the neck and embellished with champagne-colored rosettes, she had a serviceable notebook balanced on one knee while her young son played on the hearthrug nearby."
Description of a wealthy brewer: "In his midforties, Buxton-Collins was a mountain of a man with a head of curly fair hair, a strong nose and chin, and the cold, alert eyes of a raptor. Despite his size, he had a reputation as an avid sportsman and something of a dandy. He was dressed in yellow pantaloons, glossy black boots, a double-breasted navy blue coat, and an elaborately tied cravat with a jeweled quizzing glass hanging from a silk riband around his neck."
This is book 16 in the series, and I recommend that you read them in order. Book 1 in the series is [b:What Angels Fear|39149|What Angels Fear (Sebastian St. Cyr, #1)|C.S. Harris|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1463986741l/39149._SY75_.jpg|827263] My review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2269781535
Thanks to Berkley for sending me this eARC through Edelweiss.
mariannehdonley's review
5.0
Another great mystery.
I always enjoy Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries. The one is a great addition to the series. Lots of twists and turns and a satisfying ending.
I always enjoy Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries. The one is a great addition to the series. Lots of twists and turns and a satisfying ending.