Book Review: ‘Who Speaks For The Damned’ Is The Next Thrilling Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery By C.S. Harris

I love these Sebastian St. Cry books and look forward to them every year. Author C.S. Harris never disappoints in these novels. Once again our beloved Sebastian is caught up in a murder mystery that could have implications for the royal family. His wife Hero is right by his side investigating a mysterious death in the Tea Gardens.

The year is 1814 and the was with Napoleon is finally over. A big celebration at the request of the Prince Regent is taking place in London with the royal families from other countries. But a murder has taken place that could overshadow everything.

Nicholas Hayes, who is the third son of the late Earl of Seaford, who was sent off to life in prison at Botany Bay, is found dead. Everyone assumed he was dead as his body was reported found years ago at the prison. He was in London with a young child Ji, who makes his way to Sebastian’s house to seek out his valet Julian. Seems Julian knew Nicholas years ago and knew he was back in town now. They find out about the death and Sebastian goes to investigate and notifies Bow Street. The child Ji takes off. Turns out Nicholas faked his death and was living in China for many years. No one knows why he would risk coming back to London.

Sebastian takes it upon himself to investigate the death and soon learns a lot about Nicholas and his sorted past. This also ticks off his father-in-law Lord Jarvis, who hates Sebastian, and wants this whole thing over and done with. Of course Sebastian keeps digging and Hero assists him. They both find their lives in danger in the course of the investigation. Then more deaths crop up of people that they suspected might have been the killer. It all leads up to a shocking reveal and secrets that someone wants kept hidden.

These books are so much fun to read. The characters of Sebastian and his wife Hero are awesome and one of the best written couples in novels. The setting of Victorian London is perfect and watching Sebastian spar with Jarvis is always a highlight.

You can pick up Who Speaks For The Damned in stores on Tuesday, April 7th from Berkley Publishing.