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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
This is the first of the Sebastian St. Cyr mystery novels.
Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount of Devlin is accused of the brutal rape and murder of an actress, Rachel York, found dead in a church. He is fingered as the culprit because the name St. Cyr is in her appointment book and one of his dueling pistols is found at the scene. He knows he is innocent because he has never met the woman and can't imagine why she'd put a non-existent meeting in her book.
The Chief Magistrate, Sir Lovejoy is pressured to arrest Devlin and feels strangely as if there is more going on than what appears on the surface. And Lovejoy isn't so sure Devlin is the culprit. However, there is evidence and he sets off to arrest Devlin. During the arrest there is an attack and Devlin escapes.
The story centers on not only Devlin's own detection of the crime while he is in hiding (he is determined to clear his name and, after learning more about the death of the victim, determined to bring the killer to justice) but also on French spies for Napolean, the succession from Mad King George to the Prince Regent, and Devlin's own family background.
I finished this book in almost one sitting. It reminds me very much of books by two of my recent favorite authors, Deanna Raybourne and Tasha Alexander. It is set in the Regency rather than in Victorian England and the main character is male rather than female. But all the things that make those books a hit for me also works in this one. I like the historical place and setting and well as the bits of actual historical events that surround the fictional players. And the interplay of all the characters is very well done.
Devlin is an excellent main character. He is a bit James Bondian without the fantasy gadgets. He can change his appearance with make-up and clothing and has a good ear for languages and voices. He has an unnatural keenness of eye and hearing which allows him to see clearly in the dark and hear things well before they should be in normal hearing range. His need to see justice done, not only for his own sake, but for poor Rachel, speaks of a person who has a deep core of honor and integrity. The whole book pretty much hinges on him and he is largely the reason the book worked so well for me.
I also liked his side-kicks that help him in his case. He picks up a pick-pocket named Tom who knows the streets and is a whiz and gleaning gossip and information. There is also his old lover Kat Boleyn who has a lot of secrets of her own but because she still loves him is determined to help him clear his name. I also really like Dr. Gibson, Devlin's old friend from the the army who does a clandestine post-mortem on the body. I liked this nod to nascent forensic science.
Also very well done was the first look at Devlin's extremely dysfunctional family. This first book raises many question about the characters. Answers are hinted at but never fully. Why did Devlin cash out of the army? What was in his mother's affadavit? Why does his sister hate him so? What is going on with Kat and what is her real name?
I am glad this is a series with a total of four books written so far and it appears at least one more on the way. The writer really sucked me in and I want to learn more about these characters, especially Devlin.
I highly recommend.
Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount of Devlin is accused of the brutal rape and murder of an actress, Rachel York, found dead in a church. He is fingered as the culprit because the name St. Cyr is in her appointment book and one of his dueling pistols is found at the scene. He knows he is innocent because he has never met the woman and can't imagine why she'd put a non-existent meeting in her book.
The Chief Magistrate, Sir Lovejoy is pressured to arrest Devlin and feels strangely as if there is more going on than what appears on the surface. And Lovejoy isn't so sure Devlin is the culprit. However, there is evidence and he sets off to arrest Devlin. During the arrest there is an attack and Devlin escapes.
The story centers on not only Devlin's own detection of the crime while he is in hiding (he is determined to clear his name and, after learning more about the death of the victim, determined to bring the killer to justice) but also on French spies for Napolean, the succession from Mad King George to the Prince Regent, and Devlin's own family background.
I finished this book in almost one sitting. It reminds me very much of books by two of my recent favorite authors, Deanna Raybourne and Tasha Alexander. It is set in the Regency rather than in Victorian England and the main character is male rather than female. But all the things that make those books a hit for me also works in this one. I like the historical place and setting and well as the bits of actual historical events that surround the fictional players. And the interplay of all the characters is very well done.
Devlin is an excellent main character. He is a bit James Bondian without the fantasy gadgets. He can change his appearance with make-up and clothing and has a good ear for languages and voices. He has an unnatural keenness of eye and hearing which allows him to see clearly in the dark and hear things well before they should be in normal hearing range. His need to see justice done, not only for his own sake, but for poor Rachel, speaks of a person who has a deep core of honor and integrity. The whole book pretty much hinges on him and he is largely the reason the book worked so well for me.
I also liked his side-kicks that help him in his case. He picks up a pick-pocket named Tom who knows the streets and is a whiz and gleaning gossip and information. There is also his old lover Kat Boleyn who has a lot of secrets of her own but because she still loves him is determined to help him clear his name. I also really like Dr. Gibson, Devlin's old friend from the the army who does a clandestine post-mortem on the body. I liked this nod to nascent forensic science.
Also very well done was the first look at Devlin's extremely dysfunctional family. This first book raises many question about the characters. Answers are hinted at but never fully. Why did Devlin cash out of the army? What was in his mother's affadavit? Why does his sister hate him so? What is going on with Kat and what is her real name?
I am glad this is a series with a total of four books written so far and it appears at least one more on the way. The writer really sucked me in and I want to learn more about these characters, especially Devlin.
I highly recommend.
Fast-paced, good atmosphere, interesting characters that are recognizable Regency tropes but manage to be a little bit more. A bit gory and brutal in the details of the crime but that did lend an extra bit of importance and desperation to getting things solved.
I was thoroughly underwhelmed. No where near as good as Stephani Pintoff's historical mysteries. This took one part knockoff James Bond, one part promiscuous Darby and one part not quite brave enough to be bodice ripper, shook well and spewed.
Will not continue the series.
The one bright spot was the lad Tom, who stole the book in the scenes he was in. He earned one of the two stars all by himself.
Will not continue the series.
The one bright spot was the lad Tom, who stole the book in the scenes he was in. He earned one of the two stars all by himself.
This first book in a series was full of action. Enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading more.
It took a few chapters to get invested and relax into the author's style. This isn't deep reading but an entertaining historical crime romp through 19th century London is just the kind of reading for sitting beside the ocean.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Quick read, good pacing. Love the character Tom. Great historical details about the sights and smells and textures of London, 1811.