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C.S. Harris C.S. Harris C.S. Harris

Praise for the Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries


Who Cries for the Lost

Who Cries for the Lost

Book 18

"Harris does her usual superior job of combining a page-turning fair-play plot with plausible period detail. Both series fans and newcomers will be captivated." Starred Review
   —Publishers Weekly

"A highly engaging souffle of historic swashbuckling, intrigue among the nobility, and murder."
   —Kirkus Reviews

"St. Cyr fans will relish Harris' commitment to historical accuracy in both political and physical details, and the unexpected twist of an ending resonates with earlier books in the series, including When Blood Lies (2022). This is top-notch historical crime storytelling."
   —Susan Maguire, BookList


When Blood Lies

When Blood Lies

Book 17

"The detailed historical narrative blends seamlessly with a complex, fast-paced mystery."
   —Kirkus Reviews

"Harris makes the torment of her lead palpable even to newcomers and perfectly balances the personal aspects of the case with detection. This long-running series remains as fresh as ever."
   —Publishers Weekly

"Given the importance of this novel in the overall series arc of Sebastian's character, longtime readers of the series are going to find this gripping tale especially rewarding. However, Harris's skill as a writer of fast-paced, glued-to-the-page, twisty plots makes this a spellbinder for anyone."
   —Historical Novel Society


What the Devil Knows

What the Devil Knows

Book 16

"Harris makes good use of the available evidence concerning the historical crimes, crafting a clever and suspenseful plot. Fans of David Morrell's Murder as a Fine Art will be pleased." Starred Review
   —Publishers Weekly

"The sixteenth in Harris' historical-mystery series... may be the most complicated installment yet. As readers try to guess the identity of the killer, they will enjoy the ride through the many levels of Regency English society this case involves."
   —Booklist

"An intricate puzle, based on a series of real-life murders, that indicts social injustices that continue to this day."
   —Kirkus Reviews


Who Speaks for the Damned

Who Speaks for the Damned

Book 15

"A suspenseful tale of hypocrisy, greed, and cunning finally overcome by social conscience."
   —Kirkus Reviews

"Fast-paced and emotional, the latest St. Cyr novel . . . showcases Harris' ability to transport readers to the sights and smells or Regency London with a truly twisty, satisfying mystery."
   —Booklist

"Once again, Harris weds a twisty plot with convincing period detail. This long-running series shows no sign of losing steam."
   —Publishers Weekly


Who Slays the Wicked

Who Slays the Wicked

Book 14

"Fans of this long-running series will revel in the meticulous historical detail along with the twists and turns of a case that reveals the vast inequality in Regency England."
   —Kirkus Reviews

"Harris' latest, following Why Kill the Innocent (2018), once again captures the atmosphere of Regency London... the identity of the real killer is a satisfying surprise."
   —Booklist

"Harris does a nice job of introducing red herrings and devising a surprising solution that fits with the clues she's planted.... this installment is sure to satisfy fans."
   —Publishers Weekly

"The story is well-paced and intriguing, with strong characterization at all levels, and it builds to a suspenseful and satisfying finish. I'll want to read more of St. Cyr's adventures."
   —Historical Novels Review


Why Kill the Innocent

Why Kill the Innocent

Book 13

"The best St. Cyr yet."
   —Booklist, starred review

"The mystery highlights the circumscribed course of women's lives of the Regency era while exposing the rot that underlies the period's glitter. . . Highly recommended for lovers of historical thrillers."
   —Library Journal, starred review

"Harris does a fine job of exploring the striking inequality and political intrigue of the Regency period in a mystery packed with historical detail and myriad motives."
   —Kirkus

"Jason Bourne in Regency England"
   —Huffington Post

"With its masterful storytelling, intricate plotting and intriguing characters, Why Kill the Innocent is a truly gripping read . . ."
   —All about Romance

"Harris's fascinating 13th mystery . . . ably weaves real events into a satisfying mystery that's chock-full of engrossing historical tidbits."
   —Publishers Weekly


When Falcons Fall

Where the Dead Lie

Book 12

"Following When Falcons Fall (2016), this new series entry exceeds even the previous novels in psychological depth, as Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, discovers his own deep compassion for homeless children.... the compelling, grim account of child predators and the novel's relentless pacing, create a gripping read."
   —Booklist

"This latest installment in Harris's well-researched historical series features a charismatic lead who's unafraid of exposing the inner workings of a controlling authority when it turns against its own people."
   —Library Journal

"Harris (When Falcons Fall, 2016, etc.) is as determined as her lead couple to explore London's underbelly. Hold onto your carriage strap..."
   —Kirkus

"...the next awesome mystery by C.S. Harris... will keep you reading far into the night.... this is one that offers the perfect blend of history and suspense."
   —Suspense Magazine


When Falcons Fall

When Falcons Fall

Book 11

"Harris' talent for character development, polished prose, and accurate, Regency-era details makes this eleventh—or any of the previous 10—an easy starting point for newcomers to the Sebastian St. Cyr series. The first line is a fabulously evocative hook: "It was the fly that got to him." And idiomatic turns of phrase, like "cast up his accounts," transport readers into the period.... The presence of Sebastian's unconventional wife, Hero, and their jolly baby gives an additional twist to the already tangled plot. Seemingly unconnected people as disparate as Napoleon Bonaparte's brother, a so-called simpleminded whittler, and a woman who could be St. Cyr's twin, plus delightfully labyrinthine clues, muster into order under Harris' masterful command. Psychologically atmospheric like Imogen Robertson's Westerman and Crowther mysteries, with the skewering social wit of Anne Perry's Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novels, this is historical mystery at its best." Starred Review
   —Booklist

"The Regency mysteries by Harris captivate and enchant, perfectly combining romance, historical details and excitement. A ribbon of plot unfolds that will keep the reader up at night. The hard realities of the time, as well as the luxurious life of the few, are explored. As usual, there is a heart-pounding ending." Top Pick
   —RT Book Reviews

"Another complex, well-researched tale..."
   —Kirkus


Who Buries the Dead

Who Buries the Dead

Book 10

"With such well-developed characters, intriguing plot lines, graceful prose, and keen sense of time and place based on solid research, this is historical mystery at its best." Starred Review
   —Booklist (read the full review)

"Draws Sebastian St. Cyr and his wife, Hero, into greater danger than ever before. Unbearably exciting, filled with historical details, multiple suspects and, unexpectedly, Jane Austen, the reader will not be able to put this down." Top Pick
   —Romantic Times

"The solution, one of Harris's trickiest, will appeal both to fair-play fans and those interested in a vivid evocation of the period."
   —Publishers Weekly


Why Kings Confess

Why Kings Confess

Book 9

"The past casts a long shadow in Harris's best Regency whodunit yet...Harris melds mystery and history as seamlessly as she integrates developments in her lead's personal life into the plot." Starred Review
   —Publishers Weekly

"...history, characters, mystery, and atmosphere all draw the reader in and don't let go." 4 1/2 Stars; Top Pick
   —RT Reviews

"Harris brings the politics of the French and British to life, inviting the reader to analyze the real historical figures and to sympathize with both the Bourbons and Napoleon's supporters. In addition to the accurate history and the intriguing mystery, longtime fans of the series will be happy to see new developments in the personal lives of Sebastian and his friends. Why Kings Confess is historical mystery at its finest."
   —Jessica Howard, Shelf Awareness


What Darkness Brings

What Darkness Brings

Book 8

"Excellent...The combination of complex back-story, intricate plotting, surprising developments, and poignant evocations of the lives of the underprivileged makes this one of the best entries in Harris's superior historical series." Starred Review
   —Publishers Weekly

"Eighth in Harris' Sebastian St. Cyr series, this volume is perhaps the best yet, with its air of Regency intrigue and its abashed, somewhat bewildered hero.... Harris' acute characterizations and her facility for portraying the complexities of human emotion are similar to Imogen Robertson's in Anatomy of Murder(2012), while her view of social niceties hiding dark motives conjures Anne Perry."
   —Booklist

"Sebastian St. Cyr is everything you could want in a Regency-era nobleman-turned-death investigator: uncannily clever, unwaveringly reserved, and irresistibly sexy. The entire series is simply elegant."
   —New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner


When Maidens Mourn

When Maidens Mourn

Book 7

"Impeccable historical research underlies this seventh in the St. Cyr series (after Where Shadows Dance, 2011), an absorbing mystery that leaves intriguing questions—about the marriage and Hero's unborn child, as well as Sebastian's true parentage—to be answered in future entries."
   —Booklist

"Established fans will best appreciate the personal convolutions, but newcomers will have no trouble keeping up."
   —Publishers Weekly

"This elegant Regency mystery series continues with a seventh wonderful book. The soldier turned sleuth and lord is a fascinating character who sweeps the reader into the story. The English countryside descriptions, witty charm of the hero and emotional connection between Sebastian and his new wife—a strong, independent woman—are all superb." Top Pick, 4 1/2 stars
   —RT Reviews

"Regency England comes alive in Harris's seventh Sebastian St. Cyr novel."
   —Library Journal


When Maidens Mourn

Where Shadows Dance

Book 6

"Page-turning adventure, international intrigue, and unlikely romance... I like the way Harris is moving through the series, especially with the multifaceted Hero."
   —The New Orleans Times-Picayune

"I love this series. It has it all: romance, political intrigue, dark humor, and memorable characters."
   —The Historical Novels Review

"Once again, the good-looking young lord investigates a horrific murder—or perhaps more than one—in this new and riveting story from the talented Harris." 4 1/2\0x00 Stars
   —Romantic Times



What Remains of Heaven

What Remains of Heaven

Book 5

"Harris combines all the qualities of a solid Regency in the tradition of Georgette Heyer by pairing two strong characters trying to ignore their mutual attraction while solving a crime together...Anyone who likes Amanda Quick and/or is reading the reissued Heyer novels will love this series." Starred review
   —Library Journal

"The mystery includes a smattering of political and church intrigue among a welter of family ties so intricate that a scorecard might have helped."
   —Kirkus

"This atmospheric and disturbing story includes vivid descriptions and details of early-nineteenth-century London woven into a plot that includes numerous twists before the mysteries are finally solved."
   —Booklist

"Long-festering family secrets, treachery, and worse threatens Sebastian St. Cyr in Harris's addictive fifth Regency-era mystery starring the dashing soldier-turned sleuth . . . Harris weaves palpable period detail and romantic subplots with such ease . . . Her seductive antihero [is] at his swashbuckling best."
   —Publishers Weekly

"From dissolute and disillusioned to insightful and probing, Sebastian St. Cyr has evolved into a fascinating and effective detective . . . Harris's deft touch with atmosphere and history weaves a rich tapestry for this complex tale . . . This first-class historical mystery will put Harris in the stratosphere of some of the best historical writers." Top Pick 4 1/2 stars
   —Romantic Times

"Harris is a master of the genre, exploring politics and personal agendas, local unsavory characters benefiting from the tragedies of others, and the carefully wrought facades of noble families riddled with secrets."
   —Historical Novels Review


Where Serpents Sleep

Where Serpents Sleep

Book 4

"Outstanding...Harris does a nice job of weaving the many plot strands together while exploring the complex character of her protagonist." Starred review.
   —Publishers Weekly

"The vividly described sights and sounds of Regency London, the stormy relationship between the well-developed main characters, and a complex mystery add to this fourth in the St. Cyr series."
   —Booklist

"An intriguing mix of blood murder, incest, and brutality. The author, who has done her historical homework, makes [the] fascinating focus of her book . . . Hero Jarvis, a young woman whose uncompromising independence puts her far ahead of her time."
   —The Washington Times



Why Mermaids Sing

Why Mermaids Sing

Book 3

"A serial-killer thriller set two hundred years ago? . . . It works, thanks to Harris's pacing and fine eye for detail. A real plus: the murk and stench of the age only heighten the suspense."
   —Entertainment Weekly

"Harris captures the Regency era beautifully while providing the reader with a flawlessly constructed mystery. Highly recommended for all mystery collections." Starred review.
   —Library Journal

"While appending a serial killer plot line to a historical setting is nothing new, Harris imbues what could be an overdone and tired narrative device with refreshing novelty, making her third Regency-era whodunit (after 2006's When Gods Die) a triumph.... Neatly meshing the page-turning whodunit plot with major developments in St. Cyr's love life, Harris shows every indication of assuming the mantle of the late Bruce Alexander as a reliable producer of quality period mysteries."
   —Publishers Weekly

"Harris's deft layering of plot over historical references and character insights creates a page-turning, richly textured novel that offers a horrifying glimpse into the social mores of Regency England." 4 1/2 stars
   —Romantic Times


When Gods Die

When Gods Die

Book 2

"Harris knows her English history and has a firm grasp of how a mystery novel is supposed to play out. In this second Sebastian St. Cyr novel (What Angels Fear), she cleverly pulls the threads of her plot together, ending in a crescendo of suspense and surprise. Fans of historicals, especially those set in Regency-era England, will snap up this triumph." Starred Review
   —Library Journal

"Fans of quality historical suspense who mourn the end of the late Kate Ross's Julien Kestrel mysteries and the late Bruce Alexander's Sir John Fielding novels should find solace in the work of promising newcomer Harris, whose series (beginning with 2005's What Angels Fear) is set in Regency England. The author deftly combines political intrigue, cleverly concealed clues and vivid characters for a fast-moving story that will have readers eagerly anticipating future volumes in the series." Starred Review
   —Publishers Weekly

"Like Georgette Heyer, Harris delves deep into the mores of Regency England, but hers is a darker, more dangerous place. St. Cyr is a charismatic hero whose future exploits are eagerly awaited." Starred Review.
   —Kirkus Reviews


What Angels Fear

What Angels Fear

Book 1

"Appealing characters, authentic historical details, and sound plotting make this an amazing debut historical. Highly recommended for all collections." Starred Review.
   —Library Journal

"Harris's riveting debut delivers a powerful blend of political intrigue and suspense. Backed by a blurb from Stephanie Barron, this fresh, fast-paced historical is sure to be a hit."
   —Publishers Weekly

"A starchy but well-appointed debut most notable for its historic detail."
   —Kirkus Reviews

"Off to a quick start with the gruesome near-decapitation and rape of a lovely actress, this fast-paced pre-Regency mystery effectively pits the sophisticated, overly mannered elite against the grimier lower echelons of 1811 London society.... The combined elements of historical fiction, romance, and mystery in this fog-enshrouded London puzzler will appeal to fans of Anne Perry and Will Thomas. Expect to hear more from Harris' troubled but compelling antihero."
   —Booklist